The Springfield community needs more paramedics and emergency medical technicians, and Lincoln Land Community College is ready to train them. Three years ago, LLCC received a federal grant to address the “urgent community need” for emergency services workers. The funds were intended to pay for the renovation of Logan Hall on the LLCC campus to […]
Newsletter – Parent
‘Tell me about yourself’ – How to answer this important question
If you’re heading to a job interview or attending a career fair, chances are you’ll hear this classic opening line: “So, tell me about yourself.” It may sound simple, but it’s one of the most important questions you’ll answer. In just 30–60 seconds, you have the chance to make a memorable first impression and connect […]
Best practices for requesting professional references
A professional reference can make or break a job opportunity. When employers request references, they’re asking for an endorsement of your skills and experience from a qualified source. When a reference provides a great referral, it confirms your strengths and abilities. But if a reference provides a less than stellar review, it can be detrimental […]
Your career catalyst
Landing the career opportunity you want often stems from the relationships you build. Prioritizing and nurturing your network isn’t just about the immediate job hunt; it’s about crafting a resilient and rewarding career path. Leveraging your professional network offers a significant edge in today’s competitive landscape. Here’s how it can revolutionize your job search: 1. […]
LLCC offering Essential Workplace Skills series
Lincoln Land Community College is offering its popular Essential Workplace Skills training series this fall at its LLCC-Medical District location at 130 W. Mason St. The series is designed for individuals seeking to upskill or boost their marketability – including job seekers, current employees and anyone wanting to sharpen critical soft skills. For a limited […]
Start a new school year with more independence
As parents, one of our most important goals is to teach our children to be independent, but teaching those skills can sometimes be difficult and fraught. It’s not always easy for kids to walk into their new roles and responsibilities with good cheer, and it’s definitely not easy for parents to let go. Our well-meaning […]
Springfield teen publishes first book
“My consciousness blended into my unconsciousness” begins the new young adult fiction page-turner, Amoeba, by Rayna Vincent, published on Amazon in May. It’s the first novel for the Springfield 14-year-old, but it probably won’t be her last. “A lot of people have asked me if there is going to be a sequel,” Vincent says of […]
STEAM learning opportunities for kids
Scouting America and Illinois State Museum team up for STEAM workshops The Abraham Lincoln Council of Scouting America is partnering with the Illinois State Museum to present a monthly series of STEM workshops with engaging hands-on experiences for boys and girls ages 5–11. Programs will be offered one Saturday each month in September, October and […]
‘Born leader’ will represent students on the D186 School Board
Are leaders born or made? For 17-year-old Jordan Robinson, the new student representative on the Springfield District 186 school board, leadership appears to be a combination of innate qualities and acquired skills. “Is Jordan a born leader? Yes,” said her mom, Jessica Pope-Robinson, with a smile. “We say she was like this from the get-go. […]
Family event calendar
AUGUST Illinois State Fair Aug. 7-17. Massive annual fair features every kind of food imaginable, the sounds of music and concertgoers’ cheers at the Grandstand shows, a midway, harness-racing events and tons of agricultural shows and more. The fun begins Aug. 7 with the Twilight Parade. See the fair’s website for complete schedule. Illinois State […]
Running fun for the whole family
Running is a great sport for kids that can benefit both their physical and mental development. And luckily, there are ample regional opportunities this spring and summer for kids to participate in running. Lace up your sneakers and check out these family-friendly runs and races. Healthy Kids Running Series Multiple locations Ongoing The Healthy Kids […]
Cooking skills for teens and tweens
Summer is an ideal time to get kids into the kitchen, especially teens and tweens. Learning to prepare food is an essential life skill and an excellent way to keep active minds busy while school is out. Research points to what we know intuitively as caregivers, that involving kids in meal preparation increases their enthusiasm […]
