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New Members
Retired President of Ace Sign Co. Dennis Bringuet Receives DSI’s Wally Henderson Lifetime Achievement
DSI Recognizes the People, Places and Pivots of 2020 in its First-Ever Virtual DinnerCUDWNTN -- For the first time in 28 years, Downtown Springfield Inc. held its annual dinner and awards ceremony in a virtual format on Thursday, January 21. Tickets for the event -- the biggest fundraiser of the year to support downtown revitalization -- included takeout at one of six downtown restaurants, the option to add on a cocktail kit, and access to the program. At least 250 people watched tonight's program.DSI’s
SMTD Board of Trustees to Meet Monday, January 25
The regular monthly SMTD Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021. Please click here to view the agenda. Note: due to COVID-19, public meetings in Illinois have been allowed to take place virtually since early last year. This month’s meeting will again be virtual via Zoom for board members and staff and via Facebook LIVE for the general public. Public comment IS still taken via comments on Facebook LIVE.
Memorial Health System Offers Infusion Treatment to Help Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms
SPRINGFIELD – Tim Yarnik, his wife and daughter were on their way to an outing in St. Louis and planned to visit his dad, who lives in Staunton, on the way there.His dad, Art, who’s 87 years old and lives alone, wasn’t acting himself, and his forehead felt warm. They urged him to be tested for COVID-19. Two days later, he tested positive for the virus. His fever was 103 degrees. “We were frightened for him,” Yarnik said.Tim Yarnik reached out to a friend, who told him about a new therapy that helped
Scholarships Available To High School Seniors
City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) and other Illinois Municipal Utilities Association (IMUA) member utilities, in partnership, are offering a scholarship program to eligible high school seniors for four $1,000 awards. Eligible students are asked to submit an application and an essay of 500 words or less addressing their choice of one of four utility-related questions. Applicants must be high school seniors whose parents or legal guardians are residential customers of CWLP or another IMUA-member utility.
SMTD To Re-Open Offices Monday, Resume Collecting Fares March 15th
Front Door Boarding Will Resume and Face Coverings Will Still Be RequiredSpringfield, IL – The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) announced today that their offices at 928 S. 9th Street in Springfield will re-open next Monday, and SMTD will resume collecting fares Monday, March 15th. SMTD’s office will be open to the public beginning Monday, January 25th, from 8:30am to Noon and from 1:00pm to 4:30pm. Traditional passes will be for sale again, and passengers wishing to renew benefit access passes must
New Year, New Online Experiences Offered by the ALPLM
Springfield, IL - The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum(ALPLM) is now offering opportunities to enhance your online event with the Tales from the Vault and History Lesson experiences. These 30-minute experiences include a historian or librarian engaging with your group around your chosen topic from our preselected list. Each experience concludes with a question-and-answer session. The Tales from the Vault presentations offer the opportunity to see a few artifacts from our extensive collection
Andy Lunt, MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply, Inc., Earns Chamber Ambassador of the 4th Quarter!
Ambassador of the Quarter In the fourth quarter of 2020, Andy Lunt, MASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply, earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Andy made direct contact with all assigned member contacts, attended three Ambassador Committee Meetings, and attended one ribbon cutting. Andy will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber member business. Earning honorable mention for the 4th Quarter were:Sara Linn, AmeriCall CommunicationsAmanda Lavin, U.S. Bank.Paul Smay, Coldwell Banker
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LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION WILL RE-OPEN ALL LOBBIES EFFECTIVE THURSDAY, JANUARY 21ST
Decatur, Illinois, January 20th, 2021 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced today that all LLCU Branch Lobbies throughout central Illinois, with the exception of the Centralia, IL branch, will re-open lobbies beginning Thursday, January 21st. On November 30th, in response to the Governor’s order to move all regions in to Tier 3 mitigations, LLCU lobbies closed to the public. On Thursday, January 21st, 2021, all LLCU lobbies (with public lobbies) will re-open to members and the public for service
The Next 10 Launches EXTRA, an Interactive Speaker Series to Inspire Emerging Ideas
The Next 10 Launches EXTRA, an Interactive Speaker Series to Inspire Emerging IdeasCommunity Foundation invites locals, national experts to shape ideas for the Greater Springfield region SPRINGFIELD, IL – On the heels of a successful seven-week campaign to engage Springfield-area residents in a conversation about the community’s future, the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is launching EXTRA, an online speaker series focused on further developing ideas that emerged from The Next 10. The Next
Town and Country Bank Welcomes Cass Wolfenberger as President and CEO of Bank’s Mortgage Subsidiary
SPRINGFIELD, IL ꟷ Town and Country Bank is proud to announce that Cass Wolfenberger has been named the President and CEO of the Bank’s mortgage subsidiary, Town and Country Banc Mortgage Services, Inc. (TCBMSI). Wolfenberger’s responsibilities in his new role include developing, implementing, and achieving the strategic sales, production, and annual operations of TCBMSI. Along with these duties, Wolfenberger will further establish corporate procedures for the mortgage company and recruit, train, motivate,
Memorial Health System Eases Visitor Restrictions at its Five Hospitals
SPRINGFIELD – As the number of COVID-19 inpatients decreases and the state lifts mitigation efforts in central Illinois, Memorial Health System is easing some visitor restrictions at its five hospitals on Jan. 20.Those hospitals – Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville and Taylorville Memorial Hospital – will allow one visitor at a time for adult inpatients between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.The hospitals
Amelia and Oliver Again Springfield’s Top Baby Names for 2020
SPRINGFIELD – Amelia and Oliver held onto to their titles as the most popular boys’ and girls’ names in Springfield for 2020. They were the top favorites for 2019 as well.Oliver and Levi were tied for top boys’ names in 2019. This year, Levi didn’t even break into the top 10, coming in at 13th.“We love meeting all of the moms who come to St. John’s for their child’s birth,” said Jessica Gonko, nurse manager of the women and infants center at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “This past year was very different for
HSHS Medical Group Opens New Medicare Clinic
(Springfield, Illinois) HSHS Medical Group has opened a new clinic in Springfield exclusively for Medicare patients and those age 60 and older. HSHS Medical Group Medicare Clinic is the first of its kind in the area and provides comprehensive health care featuring longer appointment times, chronic disease care and medication management as well as onsite lab and x-ray. “Our new Medicare Clinic is dedicated to providing patient-first care to our Medicare population and those aging into Medicare,” said
ZG Worldwide's Hayley Payne and Lothar Soliwon Coauthor Book
Book Press Release For Immediate Release: January 19, 2021 Springfield, Illinois USA Contact: Hayley Payne 217 717 7064 hpayn2@uis.edu Looking Beyond the Business: Strategies for Finding and Hiring the Right Business Consultant or Coach Looking Beyond the Business: Strategies for Finding and Hiring the Right Business Consultant or Coach, written by Hayley Payne and Lothar Soliwon, is now available for purchase. This book provides you with specific strategies for finding, hiring, and benefiting
$25,000 Awarded Locally To Support Racial Healing
United Way of Central Illinois was awarded $25,000 to provide grants to local organizations through the Healing Illinois project for Sangamon and Menard Counties. United Way of Central Illinois announced today the local organizations who will be receiving those grants. In total, $25,000 was awarded to the following organizations: Downtown Springfield Inc. - $5,000 Springfield (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. - $5,000 Springfield Branch NAACP - $5,000 Southern Illinois University
“Discover LLCC” events for prospective students
“Discover LLCC” events for prospective studentsInformation on college and career training SPRINGFIELD — Prospective students are invited to virtual events in February, March and April to learn more about the many transfer and career program options and how to get started at Lincoln Land Community College. The events will culminate with a Campus Cruise on April 21. Virtual information sessions on transfer programs will be held Friday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Tuesday, March 23, 3 and 6 p.m.;
UIS Visual Arts Gallery to present “Duet,” a mixed-media exhibit from Chicago-based artists Shir Ende and Max Guy
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Duet,” a mixed-media exhibit by Chicago-based artists Shir Ende and Max Guy. “Duet” will open on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and will run through Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. There will be no public reception for this exhibition. The Visual Arts Gallery will host a remote artist talk with Shir Ende and Max Guy as a program for “Duet.” This remote event will take place via Zoom on at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at
Joshua Hughes, Candlewood Suites / Comfort Suites, Ambassador Spotlight
Ambassador Committee Member SpotlightJoshua HughesCandlewood Suites / Comfort Suites What products and services does your business offer?Candlewood SuitesMeeting room space up to 25 peopleExtended stay hotel with full kitchenettes (full size fridge, microwave, dishwasher)Free on-site laundryComfort SuitesMeeting room space up to 30 peopleFree Hot breakfastIndoor Pool What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? We are a family owned business that puts taking care of our guests our
CWLP STILL ACCEPTING REBATE APPLICATIONS
CWLP is still accepting applications for its Small Business Rate Relief Rebate for Springfield small businesses. This program is designated for CWLP’s small business electric customers located in Springfield corporate limits including independent restaurants and bars and Veterans associations operating commercial kitchens. One-time rebates in the form of a CWLP bill credit for August and September 2020 billings for corresponding electric charges up to $3,000 will be awarded to qualifying small business
UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host a webinar on the COVID-19 vaccine and immunity
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Hub, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free public webinar titled “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Journey to Immunity” at Noon Friday, Jan. 15 via Zoom.Public health and health care panelists will join together to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and answer important questions around the safety and efficacy of each vaccine, allocation and distribution. Additionally, panelists will discuss COVID-19’s
Springfield Area Arts Council Announces 2021 Community Arts Access Grant Recipients
The Springfield Area Arts Council is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 COMMUNITY ARTS ACCESS grants in Sangamon and Menard counties. Community Arts Access grants are given in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the City of Springfield. The grants provide the opportunity for local arts agencies like the Springfield Area Arts Council to distribute state funds in their own service areas according to local needs. The program is designed to give the community more access to the
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Land of Lincoln Credit Union Assisting Small Business Owners with the Reopened SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loans
Decatur, Illinois, January 11th, 2021– Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) is offering small business owners assistance as they navigate through the qualifications and application process for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. LLCU is an SBA Express Lender and have dedication commercial loan officers ready to assist . This round of PPP loans presented several changes to avoid fraudulent activity and larger corporations from consuming large portions of the
United Way of Illinois Launches ‘21 Week Equity Challenge’
United Way of Illinois Launches ‘21 Week Equity Challenge’The statewide association invites all Illinois’ residents to take the learning challenge Springfield, IL. – United Way of Central Illinois is partnering with United Way’s across Illinois for the United Way of Illinois ‘21 Week Equity Challenge.’ Following a year of unrest and strife, this free, online learning program will provide lessons and resources for Illinoisians to learn about racial issues and systemic inequalities, together. “Our
Springfield Airport Authority Welcomes the Return of American Airlines to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – American Airlines has resumed its scheduled daily flights at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI). The return follows a pandemic related hiatus, which impacted the SPI to Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) route between October and early January. American Airlines resumed regular service between SPI and Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) on Jan. 5, 2021, marking a highpoint in the airport’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. “We welcome American’s resumption of service to Springfield. We are excited and
Springfield author donates book sales to Central Illinois Foodbank and Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County
"The Sergeant's Daughter" (She Writes Press) is a coming of age memoir of courage, bravery, and perseverance. In the book, local author Teressa Shelton boldly recounts her life growing up with her two sisters, a verbally and physically abusive father, and her mom who struggled to run interference in the face of punishment Teressa, and her sisters experienced growing up. Teressa endured her extreme childhood with grace and strength. She found comfort in music and books. She found consolation in friends,
SUBWAY to Give Away 6,000 Box Lunches on January 23, 2021
Springfield, IL, January 2021—The local Owners of Subway restaurants would like to give back to our community! We feel so fortunate to have so many loyal Subway fans in the Springfield area and we know how hard this past year has been. If you are in need, we welcome you to stop by your local Subway restaurant on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 9AM for a FREE BOX LUNCH. We plan to give away over 6,000 boxed lunches to anyone in need across Central Illinois. For ease of pick-up, we will serve Box
Vandeventer Named Memorial Medical Center Colleague of the Year
SPRINGFIELD – Brandi Vandeventer of Springfield, a certified respiratory therapist, is the Memorial Medical Center Colleague of the Year. Vandeventer’s supervisor, Kris Reichert, said that Vandeventer personifies Memorial Health System values in her compassionate work with respiratory patients. Vandeventer also assisted in forming early protocols for treating the hospital’s first COVID-19 patients, keeping safety a top priority. “She shared her expertise from the [respiratory therapy] perspective to help us
LLCC-Medical District has new name, growing opportunities
SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College has changed the name of a training facility to better reflect its connection to the college, location and mission. LLCC’s facility at 130 W. Mason, located in the Mid-Illinois Medical District and blocks away from two major hospitals, will now be known as LLCC-Medical District. The facility opened in 1999 as the Capital City Center, a state-of-the art training facility to meet the growing technology training needs of local employers. The Center’s career
Applications Now Open for Grants to Support Local Nonprofits Serving Elderly, Women and Children
Applications Now Open for Grants to Support Local Nonprofits Serving Elderly, Women and ChildrenDeadline for submissions is February 5, 2021 SPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is currently accepting applications for two separate grant cycles: King’s Daughters Organization FundThe King’s Daughters Organization (KDO) Fund provides financial support to programs and services that enhance the quality of life and address the unmet needs of older residents (55 years of age and older)
EMERGENCY FUNDING ADDED TO CWLP PROJECT RELIEF FOR RESIDENTS, SMALL BUSINESS REBATES STILL AVAILABL
City Water, Light and Power is set to help more residential customers who need help paying their bill this winter season. The utility’s Project RELIEF program was allocated additional emergency funding to assist customers with overdue bills because of COVID-19 and more families in hardship. With this new funding, many more residents in need can get help, plus customers that received Project RELIEF assistance last year, whom normally would be excluded, would be eligible to again apply this year. The first
Memorial Health System to Complete First Round of COVID-19 Vaccinations Within Weeks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 30, 2020 SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System has received several thousand doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines this week and expects to complete the process of first vaccination dosage to its colleagues within the next two to three weeks.The hospital system has received 6,235 doses of vaccine since Dec. 16, the day it administered the first vaccinations, said Chuck Callahan, president of the MHS hospital group and president and CEO of Memorial Medical Center. About 80 percent
Care for your emotional health this year
(Springfield, Illinois) We're coming off a bad year. There's no question that 2020 left a lot to be desired. That's why it's important in this new year to make a resolution to care for your emotional health as well as your physical health.“Being emotionally healthy is vital for your overall health,” said Diana Widicus, MD, FAAFP, HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine physician. “Not only do you feel good about yourself, but you have good relationships, you’re aware of your emotions and have the capability to
Memorial Drive-Thru Lab and COVID-19 Testing Site Expanded to Indoor Drive-Thru Structure
SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System has expanded its drive-thru lab and respiratory testing site on South Sixth Street in Springfield to include indoor lanes. Patients can now drive into a structure, so they are protected from the winter weather. The new drive-thru lanes replace the tents that had been at the location. The structure creates a more convenient and safe experience for patients, who do not have to leave their vehicles, and for healthcare employees. The expanded drive-thru lab and testing
Central Illinois Foodbank Receives Generous Year-End Gift from Anonymous Donor
Springfield, Illinois (December 28, 2020) – A $500,000 contribution from an anonymous donor has been awarded to Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield. The gift will be used to address the growing need for food assistance throughout the Foodbank’s 21-county service area as a result of the economic impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on employment. Pam Molitoris, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Foodbank, said, “The Foodbank is so honored to be the recipient of this incredibly generous gift
SMTD Names Schoeffel Next Managing Director Effective January 1, 2021
Springfield, IL – The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) Board of Trustees named Deputy Managing Director Steve Schoeffel the next Managing Director at its monthly meeting last week. The appointment takes effect January 1, 2021. Schoeffel, 49, takes over after the retirement of Frank Squires, who has managed the district since 2012 after serving on the Board of Trustees for fourteen years – five of which were as Chairman. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Brian Brewer, said the board chose Schoeffel
LLCC Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year
LLCC Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic yearDeadline to apply is March 1 SPRINGFIELD — The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year. Students considering or planning to attend LLCC beginning in fall 2021 are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021. LLCC Foundation scholarships are available for first-time and continuing students who will be enrolled full or part time
The Importance of EP!C Host Homes
“EP!C’s Host Homes Program has given me the chance to have a family again and also be a part of my community,” David, a participant in EP!C’s Host Home Program shares. “My provider is helping me become more independent and work on goals I want to achieve. Because of EP!C I have an awesome place to live and get to be a part of the Bulldogs Basketball team. They make me a better man and I cannot thank EP!C enough for everything.” To watch David's story, check out his video here. Why is the Host Homes model
ALPLM announces 2021 Illinois Gallery Special Exhibit
The State of Sound: A World of Music from Illinois, will be a 2021 special exhibit in the Museum’s Illinois Gallery. Written by the award-winning author, documentary-producer, and former Chicago Sun-Times columnist and critic, Dave Hoekstra, and produced by the ALPLM, the exhibit will open in the spring of 2021. From Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick to Earth, Wind and Fire, and Chance the Rapper, the land of Lincoln has produced some of the most highly celebrated music in rock history.
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EP!C Host Homes are Expanding in Springfield! What is a Host Home and What is the Benefit?
For 35 years, EP!C has been a leader in providing natural living options for people with disabilities through our Host Homes program. We have given the gift of independence to the people we serve by finding a home designed to encourage independence in a home setting and offering unique person-centered opportunities for people with disabilities. In a Host Home, we match an individual with a contracted provider in the community of their choice. Providers are people that are passionate about making a
