It’s well-documented that participation in the arts has a positive impact on the cognitive development and well-being of children and young people. Local organizations and volunteers are partnering with District 186 and surrounding schools to showcase the creative talents of our youth. Art for the Ages, at the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History […]
Cap City
Posted inOpinion
Cookbooks are more than recipes
Food is inextricably linked to one’s heritage and culture. Cookbooks are much more than recipes. They reveal life, culture and foodways of the times. Kathryn Harris – local historian, librarian and Springfield’s 2020 First Citizen – has an impressive collection of African American cookbooks. They are now in the “Follow the Recipe” exhibit at the […]
Posted inOpinion
COVID fatigue in cap city
COVID vaccines are readily available; however, a significant percentage of people refuse to get vaccinated. Many of us enjoyed holidays with family; a year ago we hunkered down anxiously awaiting the vaccine. Now COVID cases are surging. On Jan. 5 Sangamon County reported 3,732 new positive cases over seven days, the highest number during the […]
Posted inOpinion
For hope in 2022, read this book
“Where there’s life, there’s hope,” my husband’s Swedish grandmother used to say. Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall provides greater insights to hope in her 2021 book coauthored with Douglas Abrams, The Book of Hope, A Survival Guide for Trying Times. It’s a stimulating read for a new year. With so many challenges facing the world today, […]
Posted inOpinion
Rotary Clubs work with Salvation Army to help the homeless
‘Tis the season to count one’s blessings and help others who are less fortunate. Four local Rotary Clubs are collaborating to help the homeless by providing new coats, socks, sleeping bags, underwear and personal care items. They are partnering with the Salvation Army and hosting an event at the warming shelter at 211 N. First […]
Posted inOpinion
Holiday photo op at Lincoln Memorial Garden
For a perfect holiday family photo spot and a break from the hustle and bustle of the season, head out to Lincoln Memorial Garden. Through Christmas, there are two festive backdrops available for you to take your own special holiday photos. One area next to the nature center features a hay wagon, decorated tree, garland, […]
Posted inOpinion
Meet the new Chamber CEO
Mike Murphy is the new CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, effective Dec. 1. He resigned his elected position of state representative to take on this role. Murphy says he is excited about his new position and looks forward to working with local government to help local businesses prosper. Murphy was born in […]
Posted inOpinion
Recycle those burned-out Christmas lights
Twinkling lights brightening cities and neighborhoods are one of the joys of the holiday season. It’s that time of year to drag out the boxes of holiday decorations from the attic or basement, untangle the strings of Christmas lights, plug them into the wall and hope they still work. Inevitably, some don’t…or worse yet, only […]
Posted inOpinion
The Outlet socks it to them
Michael Phelon, founder of The Outlet in Springfield, believes in helping others. The Outlet serves fatherless boys and young men through mentoring and helps them make responsible life decisions and realize their dreams. Phelon is also teaching them to make helping others a part of their lives. For the past seven years the boys have […]
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Dolly donates guitar to benefit books for kids
Dolly Parton is known for her singing, songwriting and generosity. Thanks to a local connection, she donated a signed guitar to the United Way of Central Illinois to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Sangamon and Menard counties. Online bidding closes Nov. 30. United Way of Central Illinois partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library […]
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Trees, art and museums add quality to life
It’s easy to be overwhelmed with controversial issues dominating the news. There are many positive things happening in the capital city. Here’s a sampling. • Leland Grove is partnering with Trees Forever to inventory all the trees on the public rights-of-way. Knowing what trees already exist helps communities plan for maintenance and future plantings. Leland […]
Posted inOpinion
High schoolers go global
Global issues affect people in Sangamon County, but there is not enough awareness, says Barbara Lestikow of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois (WACCI). This organization hosts nationally recognized experts to help educate local residents about U.S. foreign policy, global economic and environmental issues and international politics. Lestikow, a retired educator, is the driving […]
