The First Citizen Award committee has selected Joan Bortolon as the 62nd recipient of the Springfield area’s prestigious First Citizen Award. As board president of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Bortolon has played an instrumental role in honoring local veterans by providing them with memorable, no-cost trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
Synod: A different field of vision
For most earthlings, the Oct. 27 closing of the Roman Catholic Church’s synod on synodality will have been a tinier blip on the radar than the outcome of the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Whatever your feelings about that election – and I have plenty, as you might – I suspect that over time the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
United Way works to spread holiday cheer across central Illinois
As the holiday season approaches, United Way of Central Illinois is gearing up to spread joy, compassion and support throughout our community. This time of year brings unique opportunities to connect with others and give back, and United Way has organized several impactful initiatives for the season. Whether it’s bringing cheer to seniors, supporting local […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Mayor’s Awards for the Arts recipients announced
The Springfield Area Arts Council and the city of Springfield have announced the winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, recognizing exceptional talent and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Menard counties. This year’s honorees were celebrated at an awards ceremony held Nov. 2 at the Inn at 835. The event brought […]
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A time to see
I heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; Job 42:5 If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too: If you […]
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Vilifying immigrants, the oldest trick in the book, is a racist one
At this writing, we don’t know what the outcome of this election will be. It has been painful to endure as it centered on the vilification of immigrants and refugees. It is not new. Germans arriving in the 1700s were thought to be barbaric. Called “Huns,” they were considered suspicious if they practiced the traditions […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Embracing community and change
My name is Celinda Doolin, and I’ve worked as a real estate broker with Keller Williams Capital Realty for the past seven years. I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives – buying or selling their homes. For me, real estate isn’t just a job; it’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Making America great again …
For several months, this political mantra has been chanted by thousands, printed on placards, billboards, caps and clothing; promoted by organizations, political groups, religious bodies and individuals. Reviewing the social, economic, environmental, governmental, international and moral fluctuations, and what happened within the U.S. over the past 10 years alone has given rise from some, and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
You shall rejoice in your festival
The Jewish lunar month of Tishri, which falls in September and October on the civil calendar, is the busiest time of the Jewish year, filled with holidays and observances both solemn and joyous. Within the past two weeks we have celebrated Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), the start […]
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In-demand and rewarding careers in health care
Would you like a career where you could help people while earning a sweet income with full benefits? How about the ability to find a job in your field no matter how your life changes or where you choose to move? Do you enjoy a flexible schedule, being part of a team, learning the latest […]
Posted inArts & Culture
How to be a better news consumer during this election season
Have you heard anyone say recently “I can’t wait for this election to be over?” Have you said it? The feeling is understandable. The nonstop, mean-spirited social media posts, advertisements and political commentary can be exhausting. Aside from the vitriol, there are at least two reasons for the exhaustion. First, it is increasingly challenging to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Hope in the face of the coming storm
On Sept. 30, American Baha’is received a letter from our National Assembly, the elected body which oversees the affairs of the Baha’i Faith in this country. The letter addresses current conditions in our country and, indeed, the whole world. Much of the letter addresses what is expected of the American Baha’i Community at this time, […]
