If you commit to something, do it. And, do it right. That’s Susan Helm’s mantra – both at work and while volunteering. Her family, professional colleagues and the many people with whom she volunteers see the results firsthand. Healthy body, healthy mind, healthy environment, healthy community. Helm’s career, extensive volunteer service and personal life demonstrate […]
Karen Ackerman Witter
Karen Ackerman Witter started freelance writing after a 35-year career in state government holding various senior leadership positions. Prior to retiring she was associate director of the Illinois State Museum for 14 years. She is the past president of the Kidzeum Board of Directors and is an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, Women for Women giving circle of the Community Foundation, NPR Illinois and other community organizations.
Posted inArts & Culture
A sampling of program offerings
In the months of March and April, no one will be able to say, “There’s nothing to do in Springfield.” The following programs and offerings are just a small sample of Big Read offerings to whet your appetite. Go to https://bit.ly/BigReadSangamonCounty for more details and registration information. Search events by date or by theme – […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Reverence for the office, respect for its power, awareness of the responsibility
A Promised Land is the first volume of Barack Obama’s presidential memoir. Although it’s 700 pages long, it is highly engaging and easy to read. The memoir is a fascinating reflection on significant events that dominated the news leading up to and during Obama’s first term. Obama takes readers on a deep dive into the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A community that reads together grows together
After a year of struggling through the pandemic, it couldn’t be a better time for a community-wide, uplifting initiative. Get ready for the Big Read. Lab Girl, a compelling memoir by scientist Hope Jahren, is the book selected for the Big Read Sangamon County. Reading, nature, science, art and discovery will all come alive through […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Three signature events
There are three online signature presentations, in addition to the many other offerings by community organizations. Registration is required. For more details and to register go to https://bit.ly/BigReadSangamonCounty —- March 2, 10-11 a.m. Kickoff Keynote by Kathryn Harris, “Reading Science, Reading Together” Hosted by the Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College. Kathryn […]
Posted inArts & Culture
How to get a free copy of Lab Girl
Over 1,000 copies of Lab Girl will be available for free and distributed through curbside events and local libraries. For up-to-date information, go to https://bit.ly/BigReadSangamonCounty Curbside pickup: • Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield • March 1, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., Union Baptist Church, 1405 E Monroe […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Relentless forward motion
Getting older, getting better. That is how Steve O’Connor, 57, of Petersburg approaches life and his passion for triathlon competitions. Triathlons vary in length, but all include swimming, biking and running, in that order. The Ironman is a grueling 2.4-mile swim followed by biking 112 miles and then running a marathon (26.2 miles). O’Connor has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A book of birds teaching words
Cinda Ackerman Klickna has seen a lot of bad grammar. She saw it as an English teacher. She sees it on social media. Hearing bad grammar is especially bothersome to Klickna – like fingernails on a chalkboard for those old enough to understand what that means. Klickna, of Rochester, writes for Illinois Times, wrote a […]
Posted inNews
Making Springfield attractive to wildlife
The osprey is a large black and white raptor that feeds on fish. From early spring through late summer, osprey are seen occasionally at Lake Springfield gliding through the air and plunging into the water to catch fish in their talons. Lincoln Memorial Garden director Joel Horwedel is hoping that a pair will decide to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
New $33 million YMCA opens Nov. 30
The new downtown YMCA opens Nov. 30 in the heart of the medical district. It will be an inviting place to work out, whether you exercise individually, participate in fitness classes or enjoy group sports. The new Y is not only a state-of-the-art fitness center, but a community asset serving youth, adults and community organizations. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Share your ideas about the future of Springfield
Do you have an idea – big or small – about the future of the capital city? The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln (CFLL) wants to hear from you. Over the next six weeks, from now until Thanksgiving, local citizens are invited to share their ideas about the future of the greater Springfield […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
A place for your parents
Becoming an empty-nester, retiring and caring for aging parents are life stages familiar to many. Springfield has numerous agencies that help seniors stay in their own home. Determining what’s best for your loved one can be daunting. Senior Services of Central Illinois (SSCI) is a good place to start. SSCI is a nonprofit organization that […]
