When it comes to dating, there is good and bad news for those age 50 and over. There are more potential mates to choose from. The U.S. Census reports that approximately 60 percent of them are single – never married, divorced or widowed. Though all may not currently be on the market, having more in […]
Jolonda Young
Posted inSpecial Issues
Helping grandchildren pay for college
Today’s students pay a hefty price for a college education. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that between 1968 and 2019, tuition rates at four-year public institutions in the U.S. grew from $324 in 1968 to $10,232 in 2019 – an increase of 3,009 percent. With college expenses rising about 8 percent each […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Fun at fall festivals
As the hot, hazy days of summer are replaced by crisp breezes and bursts of color, area residents can enjoy all that fall has to offer at area festivals. August “Women Who Made History” is the theme of the 14th Annual Prairie Chautauqua, held Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 at Jacksonville’s Community Park. Reenactments and […]
Posted inNews
Why Illinois needs work-release
Thirty-two-year-old Robert Baird was excited to begin the new year with a notification from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) granting him permission to transfer from the Pittsfield Work Camp to the Decatur Adult Transition Center, commonly referred to as work-release. For Baird, the transfer was an opportunity to get his life on the right […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Help and hope for autism
When Teresa Paul’s son, Sean, was born, she dreamed of the day when he would graduate from college, get married and have children of his own. Like many new moms, she was excited to take her baby home, and she looked forward to watching Sean grow and reach developmental milestones, such as sitting up alone, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A life of loving and giving, gone too soon
When Rosetta Bowen first laid eyes on her daughter, Helynda Thompson, 23 years ago, two words came to mind – angel face. From that moment on, Bowen looked forward to waking up each day to her beautiful daughter and her “trillion-dollar smile.” But on July 21, fate took that smile away. The day began like […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘He pushed people to do the right thing.’
It’s almost impossible to talk about the Springfield National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) without mentioning Robert Goza. He was a life member of the national organization and an active member of the local chapter for more than 50 years. Perhaps his work and dedication to the NAACP is the result of […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Fun at central Illinois fall festivals
As the hot summer days are slowly replaced by brisk winds and bursts of colorful leaves, the Springfield area has a wide array of festivals that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful season of autumn. Art Rees Carillon’s annual Art Spectacular showcases up to 50 juried fine arts and crafts artists, musicians, food vendors, […]
Posted inNews
HIV: Too many positives
African Americans have reason to be concerned about the AIDS virus. While black Americans currently make up 14 percent of the nation’s population, they represent 65 percent of the newly reported AIDS cases. It is the leading cause of death for African-American women between the ages of 25 and 34, and the second leading cause […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘He made sure everyone who ate at the restaurant was satisfied.’
For years Albert Boyd floated from table to table laughing and joking as he greeted diners at Boyd’s Family Style Restaurant. After the first visit, customers quickly learned that Boyd’s warmth and humor were just as pleasing and satisfying as the smothered pork chops, fried chicken, collard greens and other soul food dishes served at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
‘Flying away with the angels’
On Thanksgiving evening 2010, Rita and Ryan Lytle cradled their son at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. They read his favorite books and sang his favorite song – “Frere Jacques” – as his life slipped away. Born on Halloween 2006, Joshua, whose journey began in Springfield, was plagued with multiple health issues, including heart and brain […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Fun at fall festivals
As the days become shorter, the temperature cools, and leaves turn vibrant colors of yellow, orange and brown. The Springfield area is not short on its variety of fall festivals sure to keep you and your family entertained this autumn. SpringfieldSome come for the mouthwatering barbecue. Others come for good old down home blues. Whatever […]
