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Woman's Club lunch, Robert L. Gasaway, Edward Butkovich, Judy Hamrick, blood drive, Delavan Fall Festival, HOPE Mobile retirement, Germanfest, Friendship Manor, Lincoln Elks, Kelley Tierney, Lincoln festival giveaway, Community Action meeting, balloon fest mobile app

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[August 19, 2013]  Lincoln Woman's Club to host art fair luncheon

The Lincoln Woman's Club will host its annual art fair luncheon on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more than 30 years, the Woman's Club has hosted the fundraising luncheon in the club's historic building at 230 N. McLean St. during the Lincoln Art Fair.

This year the club will again serve pork barbecue, coleslaw, baked beans, chips and homemade pie. A new addition to the menu is Avanti sub sandwiches. Items may be purchased individually, but this year the club is also offering a full meal of a sandwich, two sides, homemade pie and a drink for $8.

Lincoln Woman's Club uses the funds to support its volunteer mission. The club has been an active part of the community since 1896.


Mount Pulaski to honor 2 outstanding citizens

MOUNT PULASKI -- The Mount Pulaski Township Park District is recognizing two individuals who have given their time, experience, selflessness and dedication in working with countless youth and for the betterment of the community of Mount Pulaski. The two honorees are Robert L. Gasaway and the late Edward Butkovich.

The baseball field at Veterans Park will be named Robert L. Gasaway Field, and the drive from Elkhart Road into the park will be named Ed Butkovich Drive. There will be a dedication ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 3 p.m. at the park.

Family, friends, players and city council members are encouraged to attend. Anyone who desires to speak on behalf of the two gentlemen being honored is encouraged to attend and provide comments.

A news release from the park district said of Gasaway and Butkovich: "As role models, their efforts have led to the shaping of lives and contributed to the success of their students who followed after them. Their accomplishments as teachers and coaches are admirable and have set a standard for emulation for all."


Hamrick named ALMH August Employee of the Month

Judy Hamrick of Williamsville has been named the August Employee of the Month at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. Hamrick works as a medical records scanning clerk. She has worked for Memorial Health System since 2000.

Hamrick takes pride in her work and the role that she plays at ALMH in providing great patient care.

"Transferring patient charts into the electronic system for our physicians and medical staff to view is vital to providing great patient care," said Hamrick. "It's a great feeling at the end of each day to know that you are part of caring for patients and meeting the needs of our community."

Hamrick was nominated by co-worker Tracy Curry, who works in radiology.

"Judy frequently takes the time to write notes to co-workers to show appreciation for the little things that ALMH staff do every day," Curry said. "That means a lot. It's people like Judy that play such an important role in making ALMH a great place to work."

Hamrick was born in Springfield and raised in Williamsville. She lives in Williamsville with her husband, Keith. She enjoys spending time with her husband photographing hummingbirds, landscape and treasures they find along the way.

ALMH, at 200 Stahlhut Drive, is a 25-bed critical-access hospital affiliated with Memorial Health System. The hospital employs over 315 in a variety of roles. For more information, visit www.almh.org.


ALMH to host blood drive

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For your convenience, call Alexis to sign up toll-free at 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 5158, or schedule an appointment online using sponsor code 60177 at www.bloodcenterimpact.org. Walk-ins are also welcome and truly appreciated.

Central Illinois Community Blood Center, a not-for-profit organization, is the provider of lifesaving blood for 14 hospitals throughout central Illinois, including ALMH in Lincoln and Memorial Medical Center and St. John's Hospital in Springfield. CICBC is a division of the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, which collects over 180,000 units of blood annually and serves 87 hospitals in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.

 


Delavan Fall Festival offers something for everyone

DELAVAN -- Something new has been added to the 2013 Delavan Fall Festival. There will be an adult men's softball tournament on Saturday, Aug. 31, beginning at 9 a.m. Actually, this was added to the 2012 schedule but was rained out, so the organizers are going to try it this year.

Four teams have already signed up and Bret Bahn, who chairs the tournament, is working to possibly make this an annual event. Games will be played at Lake Park Field. If you have an interest in participating in this new event, you may contact Bahn at 309-613-3005.

Car show

In conjunction with the fall festival, there will be an annual car show on Monday, Sept. 2, at Lake Park in Delavan. Registration will be from 8 a.m. to noon, and the show will run from noon to 3:30 p.m.

At approximately 3 p.m. various prizes and recognition awards will be presented. All awards are presented based on participant voting. Jeff McGee of JD's DJ Services will provide music for the day.

Roland Rich Ford, Moore's Appliances, and Mr. and Mrs. Ted Runyon are sponsors of the car show this year.

For further information, contact Jeff McGee at 309-244-7178 or visit www.delavanfallfestival.com.

Two dinners planned

A chicken dinner will be served at the festival on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. The chicken dinner is being served and sponsored by the United Methodist Women.

A walleye dinner will be served on Sunday, Sept. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. The walleye dinner is being served and sponsored by the Common Ground.

Each of these meals will be served with two sides.

For those not wanting the full meal, the regular food stand line will be open with the usual menu available.

If you are interested in helping serve one or both of these dinners, contact Janet Zimmer at 309-244-8892.

Fireworks

An elaborate display of fireworks will once again be presented at the Delavan Fall Festival. The festival has contracted with Central States Fireworks, and the fireworks will be in Lake Park at dusk on Sunday, Sept. 1.

At the request of festival-goers, the festival board decided to make the change of day to Sunday for 2011 festival. It was so well received that the 2013 fireworks display will remain on Sunday night.

After missing 2012, the fireworks will return this year. So grab your blanket or lawn chair and join the excitement of the colorful display.

10K race and fun run

The 38th annual 10K road race will take place on Monday, Sept. 2. Same-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and will close at 7:30 a.m. Race time is 8 a.m.

The course is a 6.2-mile rolling, out-and-back route guaranteed to provide a challenge to all. Split times will be available at the turnaround, and a water station will be at miles 2 and 4. Lake Running Club will provide the race clock and award tallies. This race is part of the Grand Prix Race Series.

Awards will go to the overall male and female winners, and medallions will be awarded to the top three finishers in each group and the top three Delavan finishers. The runner categories are male and female ages 0-33, male and female ages 34-39, male and female ages 40-45, male and female ages 46-56, and male and female ages 57 and over.

The registration fee includes a shirt if the registration form is received or postmarked by Aug. 25. After that date, the fee remains the same, but entrants will not receive a shirt. Registration forms are available on the fall festival website, www.delavanfallfestival.com, or can be picked up at the city clerk's office or Ayer Public Library.

The 1-mile fun run is free with no need to preregister.

For additional race information, contact Walt Dare at 309-840-2073 or email waltdare@sbcglobal.net.

No medallion hunt

The Delavan Fall Festival board regrets to inform the community that the annual medallion hunt will not be a part of the festivities this year. This is directly due to the lack of volunteers and available resources.

Volunteers

Putting on a festival does not have to require a great commitment from a few, but rather a small commitment from a large group. However, in recent years the group of volunteers has been dwindling and increasing the impact on those who remain.

Volunteers for the festival can do as little as helping with an hour of kids' games to as much as organizing the large groups of folks who run the food stand. Perhaps someone just wants to take on a job prepping sandwiches or marking the lines for the vendor booths. The organizers are not asking for folks to take on a second job, but rather dedicate a couple of hours each year to help put on a festival that brings kids, friends, family and more to the town they call home.

The community has relied on volunteers for many years across many organizations, but with many disappearing, even the festival itself may be on the brink. Remember those who have volunteered for you and help give back to your community by contacting any of the following fall festival board members: Bev Larson, 840-3439; Janet Zimmer, 244-8892; Nancy Behrends, 244-7529; Doris Higdon, 244-8894; or Aaron and Erica Weyhrich, 840-0838.

For more information on the activities planned for the weekend of the festival, visit http://www.delavanfallfestival.com/.


Healthy Communities partners say goodbye to bus

While all the big excitement was going on at the Logan County Fair, a quiet little retirement party took place Aug. 1 across the road at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

The guest of honor was quite large, big as a bus. OK, actually it was a bus. It was the HOPE Mobile.

The name stands for "healthcare, oral health, prevention and education."

Dolan Dalpoas, president and CEO of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, welcomed all those who packed the reception room. It was a diverse group, and as he looked around he identified health care professionals, vehicle maintenance and mechanical workers, housekeepers, administrators, volunteer coordinators, and others. They were all people who made contact with one another in one way or another through the mobile health service.

It was a bittersweet moment for those who had worked together with the unit for many years. Many lives crossed paths in the bus operations, and some had forged strong relationships, including with those they served in the outlying communities.

Dalpoas said the use of the bus began because there were people who wanted to do good work. Health care needs were identified for which there would be benefits in going into the rural parts of the county, and a grant of $400,000 got things started.

A later health needs assessment identified that youth weren't getting dental care. Dalpoas said that in 2006, "we retooled and the Healthcare, Oral Prevention Education Mobile began."

"So, while it's done a lot of really great work, it's really the people that made it what it was."

Then, looking around the room, he recognized some of those who kept the bus on the road, from the vehicle maintenance crew to nurse practitioners to dental hygienists and volunteer support staff.

Special guest Kristi Lessen was present and offered a few words. Lessen is the former executive director of the Healthy Communities Partnership, having left just a year ago.

Lessen oversaw the bus transition in 2006 from the "Corn Bus," offering general health care services, to the HOPE Mobile with dental services.

Last year, Lessen left the Healthy Communities Partnership to take a position as outreach coordinator with Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois School of Medicine in Springfield.

Lessen says she loves her current job, and as she spoke about her time here with the bus and the rural partnership, it was with fondness that she credited a number of the people and her experiences here for preparing her for the position she has now.

Angela Stoltzenburg currently serves as the executive director of the Healthy Communities Partnership.

A little history on the bus

The mobile unit got its start under a subcommittee of the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce. Responsibility for the operation shifted to the Healthy Communities Partnership when it organized in 1998. Over time it has been supported primarily by grants from the Illinois Department of Public Health, SIU School of Medicine, Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation, Logan County Board, Eaton Corp. and others, along with generous donations from our community.

When the mobile service began, it had been identified that basic health care services, such as wound care and blood pressure checks for people who otherwise might not see a doctor, especially seniors who might not drive, could prevent more serious health problems.

Later, an assessment conducted by the Logan County Department of Public Health identified dental care as the top need in the population. It was determined to begin by offering basic oral health screenings and procedures for youth by way of the mobile unit.

Mark Hilliard, health department administrator, also set to work on a plan to open a dental clinic in the health department. Through diligent effort and repeated applications for grant funds, that dream came true just over two years ago.

Today, the dental clinic with three operatories, its own dentist and hygienist is meeting the dental needs of Logan County's previously underserved population.

A new public transportation program was initiated a year ago, which expanded transportation opportunities for seniors.

Various administrators agreed, while measuring the high costs of the bus operation and the limited number of patients who could be seen in a set time against the new opportunities, that it was now time to retire the bus.

The mobile health unit served the population well, meeting important health issues during its 15 years on the back roads of Logan County.

It was with good memories and the satisfaction of a job well done that past affiliates said "goodbye" to the HOPE Mobile.

[LDN]

Past related articles


Oasis and St. John's team up for October Germanfest event

Lincoln's Oasis Senior Center and St. John United Church of Christ are working together on the 14th annual Germanfest. Authentic German food will be served on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln.

The Alley Kats Band will furnish music during the serving time, including polka music for dancing or listening -- outside, weather permitting.

Brats, red cabbage, sauerkraut, German potato salad, apple strudel, German chocolate cake or angel food cake will be served with apple cider, tea or coffee. A hot dog meal with chips, dessert and drink will also be available. The church youth will offer the same menu in a drive-thru line, available alongside the former ALMH east parking lot at the alley.

Parking for the church is on the corner of Maple and Eighth streets.

Games for children of all ages will be sponsored on the lawn alongside the parking lot. There will also be a 50-50 raffle and bake sale during the 11-3 hours.

Tickets for the German meal are $8.50 and the hot dog meal is $4. Free delivery in town will be available with orders of six or more prepaid tickets. Tickets are available from the church and Oasis members or by calling Marilyn Armbrust at 732-4261. Tickets will also be available at the Oasis booth at the balloon festival and at the door the day of Germanfest.

Profits will be evenly split between the Oasis for their programs and St. John UCC for their mission projects.

Missions served have been Austin Bahn fundraiser, Back Bay Mission, Boy Scout Troop 106, Church World Service Disaster Relief Fund, Community Action Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity of Logan County, the Hope from the Rubble UCC Church World Service project after Sept. 11, 2001, Conference Hurricane Relief Fund, CROP, Mom and Me Camp, Reinhold Niebuhr Memorial Plaque, Salvation Army, SHARE, sister church St. John UCC of Chicago, St. John UCC Youth Veterans Celebration and Recognition Dance, and the teddy bear project of ALMH.

Germanfest co-chairs this year are Wayne Mara, 737-6639, and Tonita Reifsteck, 732-9796, for St. John UCC, and Georgina Binzen, 732-6132, and Dennis Schrader, 871-4155, for the Oasis.


Friendship Manor residents are friends in deed

Every baby born at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital leaves with a handmade baby blanket, thanks to the residents of Friendship Manor. Friendship Manor residents have been donating their time and talents to the hospital for this project for close to two years. The volunteers have made approximately 450 blankets.

The blankets are made with fabrics donated by local individuals. Some quilts are sold and the revenue is used to purchase more materials.

"We at Friendship Manor always look forward to quilting the baby blankets for all the newborns," said Ruth Miller, a Friendship Manor resident.

Creating blankets for ALMH babies has become a popular hobby for many Friendship Manor residents. In fact, a special room has been set aside that allows residents to work on the blankets anytime, day or night. The room is organized in assembly-line fashion, ready and waiting with batting, fabric and sewing supplies. While baby designs are the most popular, the volunteers also make holiday-themed blankets and some adult "throws."

Any interested individuals who may want to donate clean fabric or baby-themed fabric or batting to the project should contact Jerry Berglin at Friendship Manor. Berglin can be reached at 217-732-9647.

ALMH, at 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, is a 25-bed critical-access hospital affiliated with Memorial Health System. The hospital employs 315 in a variety of roles. For more information, visit www.almh.org.


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Local Elks expand community involvement with drug awareness programs

Saturday, the Lincoln Elks Lodge hosted a district meeting of the Elks. The Elks Drug Awareness trailer was brought to Lincoln and set up in the parking lot.

The object was to encourage all the Elks lodges in the district to take advantage of the mobile unit that will help them provide a community service in their hometowns.

Matt Stropes and Terry Howell of the Illinois Elks were on hand to talk about the trailer. Stropes and Howell are with the Elks Lodge in Pekin, which is where the trailer is stored between uses.

The trailer is one of five in operation statewide. It is available to all the Elks lodges, free of charge. In order to use the trailer, local lodges have to provide local volunteers to man it, and they need to pick it up and return it to its home in Pekin.

Stropes and Howell walked through what is in the trailer. The trailer opens up, and an array of pamphlets and literature are available for handout to kids and adults. Stropes pointed out that in the literature are guides for parents, such as the 10 ways to tell if a child may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

There is also a walk-through portion where kids and adults can see three-dimensional displays of the damage done to internal organs as a result of such abuses.

Howell explained that for the kids, a wide variety of products are available, from coloring books to posters, rulers, bookmarks, comic books and more.

He said individual lodges choose what they want to have in the trailer and order it in advance. They can then stock the trailer with their items, and when the event they are attending is done, they can keep the leftovers to use at other times, or he said some groups leave the leftovers in the trailer for the next lodge to use.

On a local level, Floyd and Chris Schmidt of the Lincoln lodge were on hand, talking about what the local Elks do and what they hope to do in the future.

They explained that currently the Elks contribute financially to the local D.A.R.E. program and participate in the annual Christmas parade, handing out coloring books and fliers.

The Schmidts said that the Lincoln Elks are interested in expanding what they do and will be looking to partner more with organizations such as D.A.R.E. They also talked about using the trailer in the future at local festivals, health fairs and other healthy activities.

A fun feature of the trailer is Elroy the Elk. Elroy is a larger-than-life mascot for the Elks. Chris Schmidt was happy to don the large elk head and show him off. Howell said that Elroy is popular with the kids, helps draw them into the trailer and opens the door for communicating with them about drugs and alcohol.

In addition, the trailer is equipped with a show-and-tell-type game kids can play. It involves a basketball hoop and a pair of special goggles. Kids put on the goggles, which are designed to blur the vision and simulate what the world looks like when they are under the influence. They are then asked to shoot hoops. The men explained that with the goggles on, it is pretty difficult for the kids to make the shot and even keep their balance while trying.

While the activity is fun, it is also a teaching activity that helps kids understand what they are doing to themselves when they abuse drugs or alcohol.

In the Elks organization there are levels, the highest being the federal or national level, and then the state level, districts and local lodges. The trailer belongs to the Illinois Elks Association and is funded by grants from the federal organization.

Nationwide, the Elks Lodge works with veterans and carries a motto that as long as there is a veteran, he will not be forgotten. Stropes said that when they began the project they labeled it: As long as there is a veteran in the hospital, he will not be forgotten. However, over the years, they have come to realize that the needs of veterans on a daily basis are great, so they do what they can to address all the needs of local vets.

In its youth programs, in addition to the drug awareness trailer, the Elks organization offers scholarships and assistance programs for special-needs children.

Stropes explained that there are special scholarships for students studying in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech.

Also, the Elks work with the organization's Children's Care Corp. to provide special equipment for disabled children.

Howell explained that the corporation might notify them that they have a child in a wheelchair and the family can't afford to install a chair lift in their van. He said the Elks can help get that done for the family.

Strope also remembered it wasn't too long ago that the Children's Care Corp. notified them that there was a child who needed a special computer because he was vision-impaired. He said the Elks helped to provide that computer to the child.

The Schmidts said the local Elks will meet this week, and they hope to discuss the lodge's expansion of community involvement and the use of the drug awareness trailer. With the support of the lodge as a whole, they hope the community will soon be introduced to the trailer, and of course Elroy the Elk will be there too.

[By NILA SMITH]


Delavan Fall Festival will 'Thank a Farmer'

DELAVAN -- "Thank a Farmer" will be the theme for this year's Delavan Fall Festival, scheduled for Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Festival board members have chosen this theme in recognition of the strong and supportive agricultural community of Delavan.

With the many trials and adversities a farmer deals with and goes through, just to put food on our tables, the board felt it is time farmers are recognized. Currently, the wet weather as well as the extremely dry conditions of last summer come to mind as some of the obstacles in the farming industry.

Grand marshals named

With the theme "Thank a Farmer," the board of directors has named "Every Delavan Farmer" as grand marshals for the 2013 Delavan Fall Festival.

This honor is bestowed upon a member or members of the community each year in recognition of their dedication of time and talent for the good of the community. The remarks below were taken directly from some of the letters received by the board and are the basis for the selection.

  • Some of these family farms have been in the family for many generations. My father has lived in that farmhouse for 91 years.

  • Nearly every family in the community has been involved with farming in one way or another.

  • A huge influence by the Future Farmers of America created a love for the many different fields of agriculture and his involvement in the farming community.

These farmers and agricultural leaders will be recognized and honored at the Delavan Fall Festival during the Labor Day weekend and will be seen riding in the festival parade on Sept. 2. They will also be seen around the park throughout the weekend, participating in various activities and continuing to serve the Delavan community. So, when you see a farmer, remember to "Thank a Farmer."

Website updated

The website for the Delavan Fall Festival has been "under construction," as they say in Web lingo. Entry forms are being updated and other items are being added daily. For all the latest news regarding this year's festival, keep watching www.delavanfallfestival.com.

Donations and sponsorships now being accepted

Donations and sponsorships are now being accepted to support the festival. The annual event operates on a budget of approximately $30,000. Donations from many individuals, businesses and organizations are what make the festival possible.

If you want your donation earmarked for a particular event, you may designate it in the memo part of your check. If no designation is given, money will go toward the general operations fund for the festival.

The fall festival is successful each year because of the continued support of businesses and individuals in the community.

Donations and sponsorships may be mailed to: Delavan Fall Festival, P.O. Box 473, Delavan, IL 61734.

Booth space available

Applications are now available for vendor booth spaces, craft sales, game activities, food booths and flea market items. All groups, organizations and individuals are welcome. The festival board encourages new exhibitors to get involved, and there is still plenty of room to do so.

Exhibitors may set up on Friday afternoon or evening, Aug. 30, and tear down on Monday evening, Sept. 2.

If interested, contact Doris Higdon at 309-244-8894. For further information, you may also write to Delavan Fall Festival, P.O. Box 473, Delavan, IL 61734; or email dorisah@mtco.com.


Kelley Tierney wins Husband Calling Contest at Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD -- Winning has become a habit for the champions of this year's Illinois State Fair Husband and Hog Calling contests.

Kelley Tierney of Cornland took home first prize in the Husband Calling Contest on Sunday afternoon. The victory was her eighth in 10 tries but her first since 2009.

Kyle Barton of West Des Moines, Iowa, won the Hog Calling Contest. He is a three-time champion, having won previously in 2010 and 2011.

Both enjoy the spirit of competition and already are planning to return next year to defend their titles.

"I just love everything about the fair," Tierney said. "It was a fluke that I did it the first time, but I love it, and I enjoy coming up with new ideas every year."

"I like to see someone's first-time hog calling and how much fun they have," Barton added. "It's priceless."

A new sponsor this year sweetened the prize money that they will receive. DuPont Pioneer, a global developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, pledged $100 to each winner. This is in addition to the $100 they will receive from Hog Inc., a pork processor in Greenfield, and the $250 they won in state fair premiums.

While Tierney plans to apply her prize money toward a trip to the Kentucky Derby, Barton was not so sure how he will spend his winnings.

"Maybe I'll buy a corn dog," he said with a laugh.

The two calling contests are longtime fair traditions and generate both national and, occasionally, international publicity. A capacity crowd gathered at the Lincoln Stage to watch this year's competitions.

Monday was Senior Citizens/Scouts Day

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and fair visitors 60 and older were admitted to the fairgrounds for free on Monday. Special events, including inductions into the Illinois Senior Hall of Fame, took place in the Senior Citizens Center.

Later in the day, there was a concert by Native Run on the Happy Hollow stage; New Odyssey performed with the Illinois National Guard 144th Army Band at the Grandstand; and the Illinois Tractor Pulling Association presented truck and tractor pulls.

NASCAR driver to promote E-85 at Illinois State Fair

Legendary NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace will make a pit stop at the Illinois State Fair on Tuesday, Agriculture Day, to promote ethanol fuel.

Wallace will visit from 11 a.m. until noon at the Commodities Pavilion, where he will address the lunchtime crowd and greet racing fans.

Visit mobile website at ISFmobile.info

ISFmobile.info is your personal guide to everything that's happening at the state fair. You can see contest results, find your favorite vendor, see where your favorite band is playing and much more.

Illinois Building/Senior Center open daily

The Illinois Building/Senior Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features interactive, informative displays and quality entertainment geared toward seniors. Various tests and screenings are available, such as hearing tests and blood pressure checks. Screenings include pulmonary functioning, bone density, mental health, facial skin cancer, body composition, height and weight, and blood sugar. The Prairie Heart Center and the Illinois Department on Aging are sponsoring these screenings.

Free shows daily at Happy Hollow

  • Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo

  • Marvelous Mutts

    • Weekdays: 12:40, 2:40 and 4:40 p.m.

    • Weekends: 1:20, 3:20 and 5 p.m.

  • Aussie Kingdom

    • Weekdays: 11:30 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m.

    • Weekends: 12:40, 2:40 and 4:40 p.m.

  • Bengal Tiger Encounter

    • Weekdays: 1:20 and 3:20 p.m.

    • Weekends: 11:30 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m.


City announces annual Art & Balloon Festival giveaway

The city of Lincoln will once again conduct a giveaway in conjunction with the annual Art & Balloon Festival.

The announcement was made by Lincoln Mayor Keith Snyder and 4th Ward Alderman Jeff Hoinacki, the city council's coordinator for the festival.

As a Prime Sponsor of the festival, the city of Lincoln receives several benefits and complimentary items. As it has done for the past four years, the city will share some of those benefits with the citizens and taxpayers of Lincoln -- those who underwrite the cost of city's sponsorship and every other activity of city government.

Five prize packages will be awarded. Each prize package will include:

  • Two wristbands for weekend admission to the Logan County Airport.

  • Two 2013 Art & Balloon Festival collector pins.

  • Coupons for two Art & Balloon Festival T-shirts.

Local citizens can register for the giveaway at one of three locations: the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St.; the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce office, 1555 Fifth St.; or the city clerk's office at City Hall, 700 Broadway. Everyone may enter as often as they like, but only one prize package will be awarded per household.

Winners must be residents of Lincoln. The contest is not open to city of Lincoln employees, elected officials, appointed officials or their immediate households.

The winners' names will be pulled from the entries in a random drawing at City Hall on Aug. 21. Winners will be notified immediately thereafter and can pick up their prize packages at City Hall on Aug. 22 or 23.


Community Action board meeting notice

The next regularly scheduled corporate board meeting of the Community Action Partnership is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at Community Action's corporate offices, 1800 Fifth St. in Lincoln.

For transportation to the meeting, contact the resource specialist at your county office:

  • DeWitt County:
    Anita Russell, 217-935-2455

  • Logan County:
    Cyndi Campbell, 217-732-2159

  • Mason/Fulton County:
    Anna Richardson, 309-543-6988

  • Piatt County:
    Wendy Dotson, 217-762-2421


Chamber launches mobile app for Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Integrity Data, has created a new mobile app for the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival to help festival-goers have all the event information in the palm of their hands anytime, night or day. This free mobile app is designed to help festival guests maximize their experience and time at the event.

"We are hoping that the mobile app will help enhance the experience for guests to the festival," said Andi Hake, executive director of the chamber of commerce. "Finding a way to better communicate with our guests has been an ongoing challenge for years. It is our hope that many people will download the new app and find answers to all of their questions and help prepare them for the weekend's festivities.

"We couldn't have accomplished this project without the help from Integrity Data. Patrick Doolin made the process of getting all the data in this app and all the many decisions that go along with creating something like this seem less daunting than I had originally expected," said Hake.

When the app is downloaded, the viewer can look at the festival's schedule of events at both the Logan County Airport and downtown Lincoln. Viewers can see which artists, crafters, wineries, breweries and barbecue competitors will be present. The app also has a section dedicated to the hot air balloon pilots, even featuring pictures of the hot air balloons and a biography of each pilot. In addition, the new app gives information on the live entertainment that will perform downtown and at the airport.

Guests can set their own schedules in the mobile app to help them plan for the weekend's events, get notifications about balloon flight and glow times, and receive any other pertinent information that may be released during the weekend.

Out-of-town guests at the event can find information about the community, directions, hotels and restaurants to help them navigate through Lincoln. And if that is not enough information, the complete festival program can be viewed under the documents section.

The mobile app is now available for download and is available for both iPhone and Android. All other phones can view a mobile website that will give them the same information.

For more details on the mobile app or any other questions regarding the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival, contact the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce at 217-735-2385 events@lincolnillinois.com.

To download the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival mobile app, click here.


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