Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place – and I did not know it.” – Genesis 28:16 The fall of 2001, I found myself driving alone from St. Louis to Chicago to be with my mother who was to undergo lung surgery. I was feeling a mixture […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Deliver us from evil …
One of the most sobering requests cited by Jesus in what has been called the “Lord’s Prayer,” is a sobering request of God, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” In no uncertain terms, Jesus instructs those who were following him to include in their prayer requests to God, “Lead us not […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
A better way forward for youth experiencing homelessness
“Every little thing I did, I felt like I was in their way, even breathing.” This statement, shared during a focus group by a young person in our community without stable housing who relied on relatives and acquaintances for a place to stay, highlights the emotional toll youth face as they try to meet their […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“DOGtors on Call” at Memorial Hospital
Springfield Memorial Hospital has expanded its animal-assisted therapy program with four newly certified therapy dogs, thanks to a $4,500 grant from the Springfield Memorial Foundation. The program, called “DOGtors on Call,” pairs hospital staff members who volunteer their time and their dogs to interact with patients. “We were delighted to help fund the DOGtors on […]
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The mail carrier, the grocery clerk and the barista
No, the next line isn’t “walk into a bar!” although creating such a joke might be an interesting challenge. What, then, is the relationship between these three? They each represent the kinds of relationships sociologists call “weak ties.” That is, the kind of casual relationships that don’t generally lead to strong emotional bonds, although they […]
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The way begins with me
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
