REMEMBERING CAROLYN OXTOBY
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we bid farewell to a remarkable individual who played an integral role in shaping the downtown community. Carolyn Oxtoby was not just a leader, she was a passionate advocate for downtown Springfield, recognizing its significance and the rich history it holds.
Carolyn understood the importance of downtown as the heart and soul of our city. She knew that it was more than just a physical location; it was a symbol of our heritage and a testament to the progress we have made over the years. Her unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing downtown’s charm will forever be remembered.
One of Carolyn’s greatest aspirations was to foster a thriving downtown community, where people would not only work, but also choose to call home. She recognized the positive impact that a growing population of downtown residents would have on local businesses and the overall vitality of the area. Her vision and determination were instrumental in driving this goal forward.
Beyond her professional achievements, Carolyn will be remembered as a true friend to all. Her warm personality, genuine kindness and ability to bring people together were truly remarkable. She had a unique gift for building bridges and forging connections, making her an invaluable asset to both the downtown community and the wider city.
Carolyn’s absence has been deeply felt for quite some time, and her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts. We are grateful for the time we had with her, for the memories we shared and for the positive impact she made on our lives.
As we say our final goodbyes, let us remember Carolyn as a passionate leader, a tireless advocate and a dear friend. Her legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for greatness and to cherish the importance of downtown Springfield.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your unwavering dedication and for the indelible mark you have left on our community. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Michael Higgins
Springfield
A BIPARTISAN IDEA
On Jan. 1, Illinois’ Paid Leave for All Workers Act went into effect (“New year, new laws,” Jan. 4). It requires employers to provide one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked to their employees, at a minimum. Ahead of the law, my company decided to provide the benefit starting in July 2023. As an employer of fewer than 10 people, I wanted to make sure that I was ready for the law.
I have always taken pride in providing better-than-average wages and benefits, compared to our industry peers. However, paid leave was not one of them. We were concerned that paid leave would be expensive, would be difficult to implement and would put us in a tough spot for scheduling employees. Our experience has actually been the opposite. Our employees appreciate the ability to cover emergencies, illnesses and other absences and not see a reduction in their paychecks. Absences are actually down, perhaps resulting from employees desiring to “save” the paid leave.
When I was in college, I spent six months working in Canada. I learned that paid leave was guaranteed to all workers there. No job was considered too low for this essential benefit. I also learned that their unemployment insurance program also covered parental leave for a newborn or adopted child, as well as short-term disability, such as being unable to work due to having a broken bone or needing a surgery. Offering those benefits voluntarily, as a small employer, would be prohibitive. But to pool the “risk” amongst all employers would make it possible for a new mother to bond with her infant, regardless of where she worked, without burdening small employers unduly.
It would be nice if pro-choice and pro-life people came together on a piece of legislation that was indeed pro-family. Maybe Illinois can make that happen.
Steven Simpson-Black
Springfield
MAKE IT EASIER
The perquisites to becoming a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor in Illinois are many (“Trying to hire more drug counselors,” Jan. 11). It is costly and time-consuming. The financial rewards are meager, thereby discouraging many from entering the field and remaining in it.
The high bars to entry are a constant theme in Illinois licensing and should be examined.
Ted Harvatin
This article appears in Healthy, wealthy and wise 2024.
Let’s also remember Mrs. Oxtoby’s contribution to alternative education in Springfield. She founded City Day School where I went, which was much more with it than the normal public schools. Hail to you, Mrs. Oxtoby!