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the people, places and things that make this community interesting.

sponsored by CHRIS COYNE, agent - State Farm Insurance

Poppy Days, Relay For Life, historic homes, Anne Sydney, donations for Oklahoma victims, Amy Row, 5K and downtown events June 8, Integrity Data grants, pistol course, Community Action meeting, blood drives, LCHS exhibit at Lincoln Art Institute, Hartem Alumni Banquet, Route 66 weekend June 7-9

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[May 25, 2013]  American Legion observes Poppy Days

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion and Sons of the American Legion will be distributing poppies this weekend.

They will be at the Lincoln IGA and Kroger on Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

They will also be in the downtown area at the corner of Broadway and McLean streets on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Freewill donations in any amount will be accepted, with proceeds to go to disabled veterans.


Relay For Life of Logan Co. approaches $1M goal

This is the 16th year of Relay For Life in Logan County, and 2013 will be a million-dollar milestone for the county as well. This year's participants will honor heroes past, present and future while on the Lincoln College campus track from 6 p.m. June 14 until 6 a.m. June 15. Cancer has created many heroes that participants will be remembering -- past survivors, present survivors and, until we find that cure, future survivors. Caregivers and those who give funds are also heroes.

By supporting Relay For Life of Logan County, volunteers are helping to save more lives faster -- another group of heroes. All Logan County residents are invited to join this year's Relay For Life in fighting for every birthday threatened by cancer.

It is not too late to join a team or start your own team: call Carolyn Motley, 732-8032. Co-chairs Amy Weidhuner, Tabatha Weidhuner and Nicole Lee invite anyone to join one of the 28 teams and help bring a cure to reality.

Currently the teams are Faith, Hope & Love, Walking Wonders, Jigglers, Walking for Robin, Railers Fighting Back, Purpose Driven People, St. Peter Lutheran, Brooklyn's Big Top, Northwest Wildcat Walkers, Lincoln Jaycees, Dellow Sisters, Dana's Team, St. John UCC Remembers, Friends Walking for a Cure, Lose for Others, Team Baptist, Bosom Buddies, Love*Live*Give, Team Walgreen, Angels All Around, Cadences Cancer Fighters, CEFCU, Ethel's Angels, Family Medical Center of Lincoln, Northern Lites, The Boomerangs and The Purple Dynamites.

Luminaria will again line the track at Lincoln College in honor of or in memory of the heroes being remembered. Team members have luminaria order forms, and Bill Post, 732-7564, will have the forms available before and during the event.

Invitations to the Survivor Dinner and details of the Relay For Life will be mailed to all survivors in early June.

New survivors are encouraged to register with Tonita Reifsteck, 732-9796 or 217-855-1645, so a survivor shirt and pin can be secured for them. Any survivor whose information or address has changed in the past year should also contact her.


Historic homes: Lincoln/Postville, Sears Roebuck and the Marbold Farmstead

The Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society presented two programs Monday evening, one concerning research into historic homes in Lincoln and the other about the long history of the Marbold Farmstead in Greenview.

Diane Osborn is currently researching a book about architecturally significant homes in Lincoln that also have had historic and social impacts on the community. She began this project last October and had hoped to complete it by the end of this year. However, she has found so much material in just the original Postville area of Lincoln that she said "the book will get done when it gets done."

Her research has started in Postville and will spread into the other areas of Lincoln, just as the city originally expanded. She noted that Postville ceased to exist as an independent town on Feb. 16, 1865.

Osborn is following on-street research with visits to City Hall, Lincoln Public Library, the Logan County Highway Department, and interviews with contractors and builders to find the historic homes.

"I have spent so much time in some neighborhoods, it is surprising the police have not stopped me," she said.

Some of the fascinating homes she has found so far are cabins that were moved to Lincoln to serve as homes, and she also found old Lincoln schools that were converted to homes.

Osborn has been surprised by the large number of Sears houses in Lincoln. In many cases, the currently owners have no idea of the unique history of their houses, all of which were offered in the Sears Roebuck catalog in the early 20th century.

One man even moved a remnant of the Illiopolis ammunition factory to Lincoln for his home.

Osborn has chosen the title "Neighborhoods, Lincoln, IL" for her book. It will be jointly published by the Lincoln Woman's Club and the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society. She is asking Lincoln residents to contact her if they feel their home qualifies as historically significant and should be included in the book. Her email address is diane.osborn@comcast.net. She may also be contacted by phone as 217-605-0011.

The second program Monday evening was presented by Barbara Van Dyke-Brown from Greenview. She was assisted by Charlotte Wohler. They are representatives of the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association, whose mission is to preserve and restore the Marbold house that sits along Illinois Route 29 on the south side of Greenview. Anyone traveling through Greenview can see the very large and imposing house sitting along the highway, on the east side of the road.

The Marbold home was built in 1850 by John H. Marbold, whose family immigrated to the United States from Germany in the early 19th century. A member of the Marbold family lived in the house until 1929, when the banking crisis of the Great Depression forced the sale of the residence.

The Historic Marbold Farmstead Association started in 2004 with the intent to preserve and restore the house and create a living history farm. The association was able to buy the house and 10 acres in 2011 and has come close to paying off the mortgage. The group has raised funds through grants and a series of events on the Marbold grounds. The house is currently listed on the 2012 register of the "Ten Most Endangered Historic Places" in Illinois.

The Historic Marbold Farmstead Association has second Sunday events each month throughout the summer to raise money for their endeavors. They are also sponsoring an antique show at the site on June 22.

For more information on this summer's fundraising or to take a tour of the house and site, call 217-968-5805. The association website is www.historic-marbold-farmstead.org, which contains a wealth of information on the house and efforts to preserve and restore it.

The Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at their office at 114 N. Chicago St. The phone number is 217-732-3200.

[By CURT FOX]


Anne Sydney named Nurse of the Year at ALMH

With more than three decades of caring for the sick and injured at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Anne Sydney was named the 2013 Nurse of the Year.

Sydney, of Lincoln, began her career at ALMH in July 1977 and has always worked in the emergency department.

She holds an R.N. from Decatur Memorial Hospital and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She also holds a variety of certifications: Emergency Communication Registered Nurse, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Trauma Nurse Specialist.

"I love taking care of people. Making them feel better and maybe even helping them heal really brings me joy," Sydney said.

Sydney was chosen for the honor by her peers who voted on six candidates for the Nurse of the Year honor, including Nathan Buss, Amy Lawrence, Roger McCoy, Steffanie Richardson and Chelsey Seitz.

Jeanne Dennis, director of nursing, presented the award to Sydney at a recent tea to celebrate National Nurses Week.

"Anne exemplifies the criteria of the Nurse of the Year. She is a team player, she has a positive attitude in the workplace, and she is a very talented part of our nursing team. We are grateful to Anne and nurses like her who provide exceptional care and unwavering commitment to our patients," said Dennis.

Her nominators praised Anne for her genuine concern for patients and co-workers.

"She is always there to help. Her great attitude makes the ER a fun place to work," said her nominators.

ALMH is a 25-bed community hospital serving the people of Logan and eastern Mason counties. For more information, visit www.almh.org.


Salvation Army offers secure way to help victims in Oklahoma

When disaster strikes, such as the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma, it is human nature to want to help in any way we can. While few can go personally, many can help financially.

In this day and age, though, hundreds of scammers and criminals are out there hoping to lay claim to money they have no right to.

Tony Shuff of the Logan County Salvation Army said this week that for those who do want to help, they can send their donations directly to the Lincoln Salvation Army, and he guarantees they will be sent directly to the Moore, Okla., area to assist with the needs of those who have suffered such great losses.

Shuff said for those who want to donate, they should make checks payable to Salvation Army. In the memo line of the check, write: "Moore, OK / Disaster."

Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 52, Lincoln, IL 62656.

"All monies are sent directly to the disaster site for needed supplies, assistance and emergency disaster relief. 100%," a message from Shuff said. "Thanks for praying, caring, and sharing. Let's all continue ..."Doing The Most Good!"


Amy Row retires from ALMH

Amy Row of Lincoln retired from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital this month, the very same place she began her 42-year-long career in nursing and the same place her father worked for over 30 years. In 2012, Row was named ALMH Nurse of the Year.

A graduate of Lincoln Community High School, Row spent a lot of time at the hospital as a candy striper, in medical records and as an aide. She earned her nursing degree from Decatur Memorial Hospital through the Millikin University School of Nursing. Row has worked in a variety of roles as a surgical nurse, including the open heart surgery unit at St. John's and now as a pre-surgical planning nurse. In fact, she worked with the first general surgeon at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Dr. John Nolan.

Looking back on her career as a nurse, Row says that she has always been drawn to surgery. She remembers her first surgery observation as a nursing student with the others in her class.

"Five of us were all standing up against the wall in the operating room. I was standing in the middle. We were told not to touch anything or even move and just observe. As the surgeon made his first incision, I'll never forget it, the two students on my right side just slid right down the wall and passed out, and the next thing you know, the two students on my left side slid down the wall and passed out. The surgeon looked at me as the last one standing and said, 'I think you have found your place.' And he was right. Surgery has always been my niche," said Row.

During her career, Row also spent time as the school nurse at Lincoln Community High School from 1985 to 1995 and enjoyed her time there as well.

"I really did enjoy working with the kids, too," said Row.

Her husband, Danny, is a sales associate at Lincoln Chrysler Dodge & Jeep in Lincoln. They enjoy travel and look forward to several trips already planned for this summer and fall.

There was a cake and punch reception in the Graue Room at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital on Friday to celebrate Row's commitment to the field of nursing, ALMH and her patients.

ALMH is a 25-bed critical-access hospital at 200 Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, Illinois. For more information about the hospital, visit www.almh.org.


Main Street invites everyone to the 'Cruise into Main Street 5K & Health Expo'

The Main Street Lincoln organization is inviting everyone to make their way downtown to the courthouse square for a day of good, healthy fun on Saturday, June 8. The event is dubbed as the "Cruise into Main Street 5K and Health Expo," and there will be a lot of interesting and fun activities going on the entire day. So whether you choose to participate in the 5K or not, it may still be worth your time to come check it out.

According to Main Street board member and 5K committee chair Tracy Welch, the day will begin with the 5K, but there will also be other activities, such as vendors for a community health fair, and hours and hours of live entertainment on the square.

Welch said some may think the event got its name from the downtown car cruise-ins, but in fact this event is about an entirely different kind of cruise.

And there will be two big giveaways: a week at the Biggest Loser Resort in Chicago and an ocean cruise.

Anyone age 18 and older who registers to participate in the 5K will be eligible to win the cruise, listed as a $500 value.

Anyone age 14 and older in attendance at the event will be eligible to win a week's stay at the resort. Welch said the week at the resort is a buy-one, get-one-free promotion for a new resort in Chicago. For those who are fans of the television show "Biggest Loser," you will know that there is a Biggest Loser Resort on the West Coast. The company that owns it is expanding to Chicago, and the week's stay is a $2,500 value, or 50 percent off the cost of a stay for two.

When asked how the committee managed to get the resort stay, he said, "You'll be surprised what can happen when you send an email." Welch said he and his wife, Annette, are big fans of "The Biggest Loser" television show. On the show, the contestants participate at the Biggest Loser Resort in California. Welch said he'd learned that another resort was going to open in Chicago, so he sent an email and asked them to donate to the Lincoln event. They responded that they were not able to give away a free trip, but they would give a buy-one, get-one-free.

In addition to the prizes and the run, there will also be vendors on hand to discuss their products and your health. Welch said he is still trying to work out the details right now on who will be there, but he is optimistic that there will be several when the big day arrives.

The downtown portion of the city will be blocked off for the daylong party that will take place during and after the race. Welch said the Railsplitter Auto Club has been invited to come for a special cruise-in, and there will be live music the entire day.

Among those on the stage will be Erin Eskra Vargo and Mike Vargo. Some will remember Erin as part of a sister duo who have performed at events in Lincoln in the past. Welch said both sisters were not available, but Erin said she would come with husband Mike, who is also a professional musician. The Vargos now live in Nashville and are developing their careers in the music profession.

Julia Kay Rhodes is another powerful songstress who will grace the downtown stage. From the Chicago area, Rhodes has been on several nationally televised shows, such as "Nashville Spotlight," "Seven on Ridge" with Michael Essany, "Today's Talent Network" and "American Kids Nationals."

Others who are scheduled to entertain are musicians Joe Borbely and Greg Gemberling, and of course in Lincoln, you can't have a party without a little bluegrass. The Blue Grass Pickers who entertained at last year's Railsplitter Festival will be on hand to offer some of their best stylings.

In addition to all this, there will be a special guest in attendance. Joe Briseno will address the audience. Briseno is a 5K runner who recently found himself in Boston during that very tragic event.

Main Street is also encouraging local retailers to have special sales that day and to set up sidewalk sales to draw attendees toward their stores.

Welch also said that of all the things visitors will find on the downtown square, food vendors are the one thing they won't find.

For the runners there will be food at the Oasis Senior Center, but he hopes that everyone who attends will take the time to visit the local restaurants on the downtown square. There are several eateries on the square and just off the square, including Guzzardo's, Hallie's, Mama's Arcade, Sorrento's and Vintage Fare.

Welch also explained that for the serious runners, the committee has made arrangements for "chips" for their shoes. These chips accurately measure the time of the run. Welch said this is important because serious runners are always working to improve their time, and this record helps them see their progress.

The committee is also offering some special incentives for school groups to participate. With the help of wife Annette, Welch said they have sent out special registration forms to the area schools. Kids are encouraged to register for the 5K, and if they do so on the special form for their school, the school will receive $5 for each entry.

And finally, Welch said they are hoping for some serious public participation at the end of the run. As a runner himself, Welch said it is really encouraging to see a crowd of people cheering the runners at the end of the race.

The organization also has plans for several future events, some of them familiar from the past, some new and some restructured.

The Art of Wine this year at the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival is going to be revamped and will be the Art of Wine and Brew. Welch said they will have more details on that later, as well as on a new event in October that is right now being called "Lincoln in Lincoln -- 1858." Trick or Treat with the Mayor is scheduled for Oct. 26 this year.

And there is going to be an annual Christmas parade. Welch said that Main Street director Bill Hoagland is hoping to breathe a little new life into the parade, and we should all look forward to hearing more about that later. Also, there will still be Saturdays with Santa in December.

___

(Article continues in the right-hand column with the 5K route.)

 

[to top of second column]

5K route

The city has agreed to allow for North Kickapoo to be closed to traffic when the runners get there. Welch said he would love to see both sides of the street from Lincoln Avenue to Broadway lined with spectators cheering on their favorite runners, or all the runners in general.

The race will begin near the intersection of Kickapoo and Pulaski streets and head south on Kickapoo. At Frorer Avenue runners will turn left. At Bryant Avenue they will turn right and take the curve onto Comet. From Comet they will proceed to Home Avenue and take a left. Shortly afterward will be their first checkpoint.

Runners will then proceed northward on Home to Wyatt and take another right turn onto Wyatt. They will pass the Odd Fellows home, where the Y and Christian Child Care are located, and run onto South Ladue, where they will turn left. They will take South Ladue all the way to Pekin Street and turn left onto Pekin. They will then proceed onto North Elliott Street, where they will find their second checkpoint. They will then take North Elliott northward to Tremont Street, where they will turn left. They will stay on Tremont to South Sherman and then make another right turn.

When they reach Lincoln Avenue, they will turn left again and proceed to North Kickapoo Street. They will turn left on Kickapoo and proceed southward toward the downtown square. The third checkpoint will be at the southwest corner of Latham Park. From there everyone will run or walk the home stretch to the finish line, just beyond the Kickapoo and Broadway intersection.

This is the first year that the Main Street organization has done a 5K, and Welch said their only real goal here is to raise the traffic level in the downtown area. The purpose of the Main Street organization is to bring shoppers to the city's historic downtown area, to help keep the downtown a living and vital part of the community.

___

Main Street now has a separate website for its Lincoln events. You can access the website to read more about the 5K, as well as other events as they progress. You can visit that website at http://www.mainstreetlincolnevents.com/.

[By NILA SMITH]


Integrity Data announces Community Giving grant recipients

Integrity Data in Lincoln has awarded a total of $7,500 in grant funds to not-for-profit organizations in the area. The funds, awarded from an Integrity Data employee giving fund, were distributed on Thursday at a dessert reception honoring recipients.

"It is wonderful to work for a company who initiates giving within the community," said Lindy Belley, marketing coordinator at Integrity Data. "We hope that through this program, others will become aware of what amazing opportunities are available through not-for-profit organizations in and around Lincoln. We have been blessed as employees, as an organization, and enjoy coming together once a year to recognize such worthy causes within Logan County."

Integrity Data received a total of 16 applications from qualified, tax-exempt organizations serving the residents of Logan County. Applications were then evaluated and voted on by Integrity Data's employees.

This year's grant recipients are:

  • Food for Thought, First Presbyterian Church, will provide food for children who are eligible for the government's free and reduced lunch program or those who may go hungry on weekends throughout the school year.

  • Lincoln Community High School will use the funds to purchase an interactive whiteboard (Promethean board). It will be installed prior to the start of the 2013-2014 school year. Pre- and post-test data will be used by the administration and staff to measure increased learning by special education students.

  • Lincoln Christian Church Children's Ministry will use the funds to purchase two laptop computers to maintain a safe, secure and up-to-date computerized check-in system.

  • Carroll Catholic School will use the funds to purchase educational software.

  • Lincoln Public Library will use the funds to purchase a laptop computer and mobile projector. The items will allow the library to prepare demonstrations centered on new programs provided for public access, such as an online public access card catalog and a downloadable e-books and audiobooks service.

  • Christian Child Care will use the funds to purchase new communicators for each classroom, a new computer for the center's records and a portable unit for trainings.

For information concerning Integrity Data's Community Giving Program, email grants@integrity-data.com or call 217-732-3737. Past recipients are listed on the company's website at www.integrity-data.com/grants.aspx.

___

Integrity Data is a software development company based in Lincoln. Since 1996, Integrity Data has built software solutions for customers across the globe, allowing them to extend the capabilities of their business software systems and increase their return on investment.

Integrity Data was founded with the following core values:

  • Integrity and honesty in all relationships.

  • Passion for customers, partners and technology.

  • Willingness to take on big challenges and see them through.

  • Commitment to excellence, results and quality to customers, partners and employees.


Local gun club to host pistol course

Big Oak Hunting Paradise, outside of Lincoln, and Pistol Prep Academy will host an NRA Basic Pistol Course on June 1 and June 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The course will be taught by Annette Chapman, a local NRA-certified instructor, and will cover the basics of safe gun handling and shooting.

The course will emphasize the safe and proper handling and use of pistols. Participants will learn about firearm safety, parts and operation, shooting fundamentals, care and cleaning, storage options, selection, and more.

Some comments from previous students:

  • "I'm a Vietnam Veteran who would like to think I know a thing or two about shooting but I signed up to take this class with my wife and I'm glad I did. I learned a lot."

  • "Instructor made it a fun and engaging class and kept my attention."

  • "I was apprehensive at first but the instructor made me feel at ease."

  • "I'm now comfortable handing the guns my husband has in my house."

  • "Annette was Fantastic! I will highly recommend her course to anyone interested."

For details on the course, call Annette at 309-830-7182 or email info@pistolprepacademy.

You may also find and "like" Pistol Prep Academy on Facebook and check out the website at www.pistolprepacademy.com.


Community Action board meeting notice

The next corporate board meeting of the Community Action Partnership is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the 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


Upcoming blood drives in Logan County

To help ensure an adequate blood supply for the region, the Central Illinois Community blood center is offering opportunities to donate blood in Logan County later this month.

Thursday, May 23

  • Elkhart -- Elkhart Christian Church, 113 S. Gillett; 3-6 p.m.

  • Atlanta -- St. Mary's Catholic Church, 805 Pearl St.; noon-6 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

  • Lincoln -- Hampton Inn, 1019 N. Heitmann Drive; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

For your convenience, call Alexis toll-free 1-866-GIVE-BLD (1-866-448-3253), ext. 5158, to sign up, or schedule an appointment online 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 Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital 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.


Logan County Arts presents 'Functional and Fine Art: Lincoln Community High School Textiles, Woods, Metals and Fine Art'

An exhibit of works by Lincoln Community High School students in textiles, woods, metals and fine art will be on view at the Lincoln Art Institute in downtown Lincoln from May 9 through May 26. The show opens Thursday, May 9, at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

This event will feature various works by current students attending Lincoln Community High School and includes works that are both functional and creative in a variety of media.

Refreshments will be served at the opening, in addition to a bake sale with the proceeds going to support Logan County Arts, which serves artists and the community throughout Logan County.

The Lincoln Art Institute hosts Logan County Arts with the goal of expanding awareness of arts with a focus on Logan County.

___

Lincoln Art Institute
Address: 112 S. McLean, Lincoln, IL 62656
Contact: Toby Prange, curator,
contact@logancountyarts.org
Phone: 217-651-8355
Website: www.logancountyarts.org
Hours: Saturdays 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
or by appointment


Hartsburg-Emden High School Alumni Banquet will be June 8

HARTSBURG-EMDEN -- The 86th annual Hartsburg-Emden High School Alumni Banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Lincoln.

Invitations to the banquet will be sent out the first week of May. Anyone who did not receive an invitation but would like to attend the banquet may send a request via email to Ron Spencer at coach_spencer@hotmail.com, or you may reach him on his cellphone at 309-838-0360.

Anniversary classes being honored this year are 1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 and the senior Class of 2013.

The winner of the "Wall of Fame" award will be selected and announced at the banquet. This year's award will be represented in the category of "Athletics/Sports."

Please mail nomination letters to Ron Spencer, 8923 Blooming Grove Road, Bloomington, IL 61705.

Due to the rising costs of the banquet, the alumni association will accept donations to help out with the cost of the event and to continue funding the Alumni Scholarship. Donations are payable to the Hartem Alumni Association and may be sent to Greg Phillips, 208 Market St., Emden, IL 62635.

Officers of the alumni association for 2013 are Chris Boerma, president; Ron Spencer, vice president; Loretta Hellman, secretary; Greg Phillips, treasurer; and Kay Mullins and Verna Lessen, corresponding secretaries.


Route 66 will anchor weekend of activities in Logan County

Route 66 will be the centerpiece for a diverse series of activities taking place in Logan County on the weekend of June 7-9, Friday-Sunday.

Events will range from garage sales, auto racing and an electric car show to art exhibits and the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame Banquet.

Festivities will begin with the annual Route 66 Garage Sale, which will take place from 7 a.m. until dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Lincoln.

This year, vendors can rent indoor or outdoor space at the VFW, 915 Fifth St., or flea market space at The Mill, 738 S. Washington St. For reservations at the VFW, or general information about the garage sales, call Andrea Dykman at 217-735-0294. The Logan County Tourism Bureau at 217-732-8687 is taking reservations for spaces at The Mill.

For the first time, Logan County Outreach, a community betterment organization, and Lincoln Printers will host the Route 66 Garage Sale.

Private garage sales will also take place throughout the community. Those planners are urged to use traditional news and social media outlets to advertise their sales.

On Friday night, race fans can watch the POWRi competition at Lincoln Speedway on the Logan County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 3 p.m., with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

The Mill 2nd Saturday Flea Market on June 8 is the premiere event for a series of flea markets there on the second Saturday of each month through October. The flea market will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Lincoln Art Institute gallery at 112 S. McLean St. in downtown Lincoln will be open on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Main Street Lincoln will sponsor a PLUS 5K run and health fair in downtown Lincoln on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, an Electric Vehicle Cruise-In will take place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. along the original Mother Road in historic downtown Atlanta. The free public cruise-in is sponsored by the Atlanta Betterment Fund.

After it was commissioned in 1926, Route 66 was responsible for a huge increase in automobile traffic that led to the need for businesses to serve the traveling public. Among these new businesses were service stations.

Now, Route 66 is poised to help create the next big transportation infrastructure -- charging stations for electric vehicles. Atlanta is interested in helping other Route 66 communities discover how to better serve the traveling public that will be searching for an electric plug-in instead of a gas pump.

The June 8 Electric Vehicle Cruise-in, Illinois' first, will display some cool EV cars and offer a chance to learn more about how the Mother Road is working to give birth to a new travel infrastructure.

All electric and hybrid cars are invited to participate in the cruise-in. The event will also feature vintage music, great food, a 50-50 drawing and hourly drawings.

Atlanta offers two Level 2 Eaton charging stations, available by advance reservation at no fee. There are also 16 Level 1 charging stations available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the cruise-in, or to make reservations to use the Level 2 charger, contact Bill Thomas of the Atlanta Betterment Fund at 217-648-5077 or wthomas@teleologic.net.

Atlanta will also exhibit the results of its first Rt. 66 Reinterpreted Art Project from May 1 through Aug. 13.

Modeled on Chicago's "Cows on Parade" exhibit, the Rt. 66 Reinterpreted Art Project presented artists the opportunity to create their own take on one of the 20th century's most iconic and recognizable symbols, the U.S. Route 66 highway shield.

Artists were provided a blank 2-by-2-foot wooden cutout of the Route 66 highway shield, painted white, which then became their personal canvas. Each shield was required to incorporate the text "U.S. 66," but otherwise the design was left to each artist's imagination.

The Atlanta Betterment Fund, sponsor of the project, selected 10 shields as finalists. Visitors can vote on their favorites, and those with the most votes will be named winners of the contest. At the conclusion of the project, the five winning shields, along with the names of the artists who created them, will be displayed on a permanent basis in the Atlanta Rt. 66 Park. For more information, contact Bill Thomas at the telephone number or email address above.

The annual Route 66 Association of Illinois Motor Tour will pass through Logan County on Saturday, June 8. Many of the participants will stay overnight Saturday before continuing the tour on Sunday.

The Route 66 Association Hall of Fame Banquet will take place Saturday evening at Lincoln College. Advance reservations are required for the banquet. For more information about either the banquet or the motor tour, visit the Route 66 Association of Illinois at il66assoc.org.


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