United Way has never been simply an organization I volunteer with; it has been a part of my life. First through my Dad, then through my own service and now through the opportunity to lead. For me, United Way is more than a commitment; it is a purpose. Over the years, I have seen firsthand […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Reflections on a semiquincentennial
The recent observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence last month brought back to mind my wife’s and my trip earlier this year to Philadelphia to celebrate the bar mitzvah of our very dear friends’ grandson. The hotel where we stayed is only one block away from Independence Hall, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Cathy Schwartz named inaugural recipient of Good Golly Miss Molly Kindness Award
The Mid-Illinois Communications Association has named Cathy Schwartz of Springfield as the inaugural recipient of the Good Golly Miss Molly Kindness Award, which honors individuals in central Illinois who demonstrate exceptional kindness and a commitment to uplifting others within the community. The award was established in memory of communications professional and former MICA president Molly […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
UIS students find purpose while building a home in Guatemala
Earlier this summer, I stood on the side of a hill in Guatemala watching a University of Illinois Springfield student mix concrete by hand for the first time in her life. Getting there meant meeting on campus at 2 a.m., driving to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and traveling for more than 12 hours, but […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“American Pickers” looking for new locations
The American Pickers are returning to Illinois and Iowa and plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout our area in September. “American Pickers” is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business as they […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Police and community come together for National Night Out
The Springfield Police Department will join neighborhoods and community partners across Springfield on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for National Night Out, an annual nationwide event designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. National Night Out provides an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors, connect with local police officers and first […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Immigrants benefit Illinois STEM fields and healthcare industry every day
At a time when public conversations about immigration have become increasingly polarized, it’s worth pausing to remember the many ways immigrants and refugees strengthen Illinois every day. Instead of vilifying our immigrant neighbors, let’s remember that our local communities greatly benefit from immigrant professionals in many of our markets and industries, particularly healthcare systems in […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Compassion
The prophet Hosea describes God as one who “bends down … to feed, to lift up and to hold.” Strength and flexibility are both necessary in the act of bending. How grateful we are to have a God who is willing to bend on our behalf and who invites us to bend on behalf of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A Holocaust survivor tells her story
Our community at the Chabad Jewish Center of Springfield recently gathered for an evening that will not soon be forgotten. Walking into the room, one could immediately feel that something meaningful was about to unfold. Every seat was filled, and more chairs had to be added. There was a quiet sense of anticipation, a recognition […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The Manifest Destiny of America
These past few weeks our nation has observed and celebrated its 250th anniversary! Numerous expressions of celebration have been held. Numerous events have been held. People celebrated various aspects of this nation’s history. Interestingly, certain of our current nation’s leaders have, and still are, advocating for the elimination of certain factual components of America’s history. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The legacy hanging inside this downtown boutique that isn’t for sale
At first glance, the Itty Bitty Fashion Trunk looks like exactly what you’d expect from a charming downtown boutique. But if you look a little closer, you’ll realize the most valuable thing inside isn’t hanging on a rack or nestled in the storefront. It’s the legacy of a sister whose dream still greets customers every […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Springfield DAR commemorates Declaration of Independence
Springfield members of the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered near the carillon in Washington Park at 5 p.m. on July 8 read out loud the Declaration of Independence, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of this founding document. Four days after the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on […]
