Events Upcoming
New Members
Dabble and Mike Murphy featured on WSIU’s “InFocus''
Ashley Striplin, Co-owner of Dabble, and our very own Mike Murphy were recently featured on WSIU’s “InFocus” segment. To view the interviews, click the link below.https://www.wsiu.org/shows/infocus/episodes/infocus-building-a-business-in-illinois-ryfjl1
HSHS names System Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Kelley Kostich, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, has been named System Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive. She will join HSHS on March 31. In this role, Kostich will oversee system nursing practice, nursing standardization, clinical education and St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield. Kostich is an exceptional nursing executive with depth of
UIS Visual Arts Gallery partners with the Kidzeum to present “Bit by Bit: An Exhibition on Healing”
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is partnering with the Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., Springfield, to present “Bit by Bit,” an exhibition exploring the concept of healing through contemporary art. The exhibition will run from March 28 to May 11. Admission to the exhibition is included with Kidzeum entry. Curated by the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, the exhibition at the Kidzeum features professional artists working in fiber, handmade paper, animation,
LLCC students qualify for Illinois SkillsUSA Competition
SPRINGFIELD — Forty-seven Lincoln Land Community College students qualified for the 2025 Illinois SkillsUSA Competition after earning high scores at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held last month at LLCC and the Capital Area Career Center (CACC). The regional competition showcased the expertise of students competing in automotive and diesel technologies, welding and welding fabrication, culinary arts, and baking and pastry arts. SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to preparing students for
LLCC student Zorah Austin named 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College student Zorah Austin of Virden has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola AcademicTeam Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. She will be recognized during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service. “As our chapter’s vice president
UIS students to spend spring break cleaning up waterways in Memphis
SPRINGFIELD – A group of 10 University of Illinois Springfield students will spend their spring break helping to remove garbage and debris from waterways in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the Prairie Stars Service Trip.The students will depart UIS on Sunday, March 9, and volunteer Monday through Thursday before returning to Springfield. They will work at McKellar Lake, a tributary of the Mississippi River, with Living Lands & Waters, a nonprofit environmental organization founded in 1998. The organization
Fourteen students from around Illinois will participate in state-wide poetry recitation contest.
“Poetry is essential, as needful to us as water.” Angela Jackson Award-winning teenagers from around Illinois are set to compete in Springfield for a slot in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest in Washington, D.C., in early May. The state event is free, accessible, and open to the public. It is set to begin at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 17, 2024, in the LRS Theatre of the Hoogland Center for the Arts at 420 South Sixth Street in downtown Springfield. A special guest will be Angela
Berry celebrates 30 years at Hanson
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Darrel Berry, manager of Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s corporate communications department, recently celebrated 30 years of service at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. Berry joined the company in 1995. He provides services for and oversees the production of marketing materials, employee newsletters, Hanson’s blogs and social media, presentations, advertising, videos and websites for the company and clients. He also assists with public-involvement activities for projects and
Innovate Springfield to host workshop on building a successful solopreneur business
WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator, will host “THRIVE SOLO,” a practical workshop designed to help solo entrepreneurs, freelancers and business operators establish and grow successful businesses. The event is free and open to the public. WHEN: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 18 WHERE: Innovate Springfield, 15 S. Old State Capitol, Springfield DETAILS: The workshop will be led by Harry Elston, Ph.D., founder of Midwest Chemical Safety. With
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Kyle Edmiston
Kyle H. EdmistonFinancial AdvisorEdward Jones (217) 606-0696Kyle.Edmiston@edwardjones.com What products and services does your business offer? Edward Jones is a full-service brokerage firm that delivers a true individualized approach to advice and planning for your financial goals. What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? Whether you are looking for a trusted relationship to provide financial advice or a more thorough trusted advisor acting as a fiduciary to
UIS recognized as a research university by the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield has been named to the newly established Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) category by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The designation, released Feb. 13, recognizes research activity at colleges and universities that have historically not been acknowledged for their research efforts.“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who are
Boston Named February Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
SPRINGFIELD – Kindra Boston, an LPN with Memorial Care on Koke Mill in Springfield, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for February. Boston is praised for her exceptional patient care, her leadership skills and for being a supportive teammate. Colleagues applaud her open communication style and her willingness to embrace continued learning and improvements in her field. Patients appreciate her care and compassion because she takes time to truly understand their needs and works
Tabb Named February Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
SPRINGFIELD – Jobi Tabb, a social worker with Advanced Care Management at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for February. Tabb treats every patient with respect. She sits with patients and asks them about their situation. She also anticipates needs and ensures those needs are met. She is known as the “go-to” colleague on the floor for advice and support. “Jobi is an outstanding human being in so many ways,” wrote her nominator. “In the short time she has
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return this spring
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Star Parties will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. on March 7 and April 4, weather permitting, at the UIS Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library. Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy and physics. During the events, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a variety of celestial objects, including the moon, the planets Jupiter and Mars, the Orion Nebula and star clusters. The events are free
LLCC to host Engineer in the Classroom for fifth graders March 1
SPRINGFIELD — “Outlandish machines” designed by area fifth graders will be on display as Lincoln Land Community College hosts the 18th annual Springfield Area Engineer in the Classroom, a Rube Goldberg Showcase, on Saturday, March 1. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. in the Student Union in the lower level of Menard Hall on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. There is no admission fee, and the public is invited to attend. This year’s competition involves
Alliance Community Bank Opens New Location in Springfield
Springfield, IL – Alliance Community Bank is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location at 4427 Yucan Drive, Springfield, IL 62711. This 3,000 sq. ft. full-service location is the bank’s sixth overall and its first in the City of Springfield. John Leinberger, President and CEO, explained that the expansion aligns with the bank’s strategic growth plan. “Springfield is a natural fit for our community-focused approach,” said Leinberger. “We look forward to working with local leaders to bring
LLCC Ag Club students shine at state Professional Agriculture Student contest
SPRINGFIELD — Seventeen Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture Club members recently competed at the Illinois Professional Agriculture Student (PAS) conference held in Normal. Fifteen members earned top rankings to advance to the national competition, which will be held in Sheridan, Wyo. March 18-21. LLCC’s Swine Specialist Team won first place overall. The team includes Jordan Shields, of Winfield, Mo., who also placed first individually; Bailey Shields, of Winfield, Mo., who placed second
Celebrate 125 Years with the Springfield Park District at Trivia Night!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tammy NaumovichDate: February 21, 2025 Phone: (217) 585-2941 ext 2301 SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT HOSTS 125TH ANNIVERSARY TRIVIA NIGHT! [Springfield, IL] – Join the Springfield Park District in celebrating 125 years of parks, people, and possibilities at our 125th Anniversary Trivia Night! This exciting event will challenge your general knowledge while bringing friends, family, and the community
CITP Offers Wireless Ultrasound Devices For MDs And Now Veterinarians
CITP Offers Wireless Ultrasound Devices For MDs And Now Veterinarians Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP), headquartered in Springfield, was founded to meet the increasing technology needs of Central Illinois businesses. CITP provides Managed IT Services, Technology Leadership (Interim to full-time CIOs, CTOs and CISOs), AI, Blockchain, Software Development and a multi-specialty services group. Besides IT Central Illinois Tech Partners offers medical technology. Our technical and training consultant Carl
LLCC hosts Illinois Poet Laureate
SPRINGFIELD — The Lincoln Land Community College English and Humanities Department and Writing Center, in partnership with the Springfield Area Arts Council and Poetry Out Loud, will host Illinois’ Poet Laureate in residence, Angela Jackson, on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the LLCC Writing Center, lower level of the library, Sangamon Hall, 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield. As part of her visit, Jackson will facilitate a poetry writing workshop and speak about her life, her inspirations and her
Prairie Cardiovascular Welcomes Dr. Jeetendra “Jay” Patel to Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Prairie Cardiovascular is excited to welcome Dr. Jeetendra “Jay” Patel to their team in Springfield located at 619 E. Mason St., where he is scheduling patients. Dr. Patel is a distinguished interventional cardiologist with expertise in complex coronary and peripheral interventions. He previously served as an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of Interventional Cardiology at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen School of Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Patel
LLCC announces 2025 regional Academic Challenge winners
SPRINGFIELD — Approximately 173 students from 11 area high schools competed in the regional Academic Challenge on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Lincoln Land Community College. Students competed as individuals and as teams (of up to 14 students) testing in their choice of two subjects — biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics and physics. The tests are written by teams of college and university faculty and designed to present a challenge to high school
SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT INVITES FAMILIES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AT CABIN FEVER!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tammy NaumovichDate: February 19, 2025 Phone: (217) 585-2941 ext 2301 SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT INVITES FAMILIES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AT CABIN FEVER!(Springfield, IL) – The Springfield Park District is excited to announce Cabin Fever, a fun-filled event designed to get kids moving, playing, and staying active during the winter season. This highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday,
Kalaskie becomes full-time HR coordinator at Hanson
Sophie Kalaskie recently became a full-time human resources coordinator at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Kalaskie previously was a part-time consultant at Hanson. As a human resources coordinator working from Missouri, she will assist with Hanson’s internship program, university partnerships, learning management system and talent pipeline development. She received a bachelor’s degree in communications and rhetorical studies from Illinois College. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm
Springfield Area Arts Council and Illinois Department of Natural Resources Host Gatsby-Themed Literary Celebration at Dana-Thomas House
Springfield, IL – The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are thrilled to present An Evening with Gatsby, a literary celebration marking the centennial anniversary of The Great Gatsby. This unforgettable event will take place on Friday, April 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the historic Dana-Thomas House, a setting as grand and evocative as the Jazz Age itself. Attendees will be transported to the Roaring Twenties with live entertainment, engaging arts
Business workshop for solo operators
Free Colon Cancer Test Kits Available at Regional Drive-Thru Events
SPRINGFIELD – Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at several upcoming drive-thru events in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville, sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “March is Colorectal Awareness Month, and we encourage people to take advantage of this opportunity for a free screening,” said Tia Rapps, community cancer education
LINCOLN LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH A WITH SPECIAL PROGRAM
Springfield, IL—The City of Springfield’s Lincoln Library invites the community to a special Black History Month Program at Lincoln Library on Wednesday, February 28, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM in the Carnegie Room (326 S. 7th St). This event will honor historic milestones in Springfield’s leadership and highlight the landmark representation within the City of Springfield. The program will highlight significant achievements, including:The most Black Alderpeople ever serving simultaneously on the Springfield City
HSHS St. John’s Foundation welcomes 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Local, National Champions
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Two Springfield-area former patients of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital on Monday officially assumed their roles as 2025 local and national champions for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Jase Hendricks, 9, of Rochester, and Lyndie Jones, 11, of Chestnut, will serve as ambassadors for the 170 U.S. and Canadian member children’s hospitals for the next year by sharing their stories of recovery and resilience through the exceptional care and compassion of medical and professional
Prairie Cardiovascular Adds Clinicians to Well-established Roster of Providers Serving Springfield Area
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) – Prairie Cardiovascular is excited to welcome five new providers to its renowned cardiac group. These providers will join over 100 board-certified physicians and advanced practice clinicians, contributing to the Midwest's largest heart and vascular services provider in caring for patients throughout Illinois and beyond. The following providers will be joining Prairie in Springfield in the coming weeks: Kimberley Armour, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C, General CardiologySalem Badr, MD, FACC,
POETRY OUT LOUD: NATIONAL RECITATION CONTEST
SPRINGFIELD AREA ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCESCENTRAL ILLINOIS REGIONAL WINNERS From “History” by Camille Rankine: Each finger weak with the memory: lost teeth, regret. Our ghosts walk the shoulders of the road at night. I get the feeling you’ve been lying to me. These words, among those recited by Ashyla Richards of Springfield Southeast High School, earned her first place in the Central Illinois Poetry Out Loud Contest held at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Thursday afternoon, February 13,
Myers joins Hanson’s headquarters as senior project manager
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Jeff Myers, P.E., new senior project manager, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. He will work to advance Hanson’s Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and local government transportation engineering endeavors and serve as a project manager for transportation engineering projects. Myers worked for the IDOT for more than 30 years, most recently as the Region 4 engineer. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern
LLCC Hosts Campus Visit Day on March 3
SPRINGFIELD — Prospective students interested in starting or restarting college or training for a new career are invited to visit Lincoln Land Community College for a campus visit day on Monday, March 3, 4-7 p.m. The free event will be held at LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd. “I invite you to join us at our Campus Visit Day to find out why LLCC is a smart choice for affordable, high-quality education. Explore our many programs of study and personalized services that help students succeed,”
UIS to offer high school students hands-on learning through 2025 Academic Summer Camps
SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois Springfield Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) is offering high school students four opportunities to experience campus life and learn new skills through its 2025 Academic Summer Camps. The camps provide hands-on learning in public policy, environmental science, reading strategies and artificial intelligence.“These camps are designed to spark curiosity and empower students to explore topics that interest them while giving them a glimpse of what it’s like to
“Soul & Soil: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley” selected for screening at Farm to Film Fest
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience documentary, “Soil & Soul: Farming in the Sangamon River Valley,” has been selected for screening at the Farm to Film Fest, held April 12-13 in Washington, Iowa.The documentary, which premiered at UIS on Nov. 7, tells the stories of 10 individuals who have spent their lives farming throughout the Sangamon River Valley, an area encompassing approximately 1,500 square miles in central Illinois.“Soil & Soul” was produced by Rich Saal,
CEFCU announces Paul Donahoe is the Vice President of Information Security, and Brandon Carlson has been promoted to Vice President of Business Services.
Donahoe, a CEFCU employee for 14 years, has assumed the role of Vice President of Information Security. He was most recently the Vice President of Business Services. His role oversees CEFCU’s information asset protection, in compliance with CEFCU’s policies and guidelines, as well as compliance with contracts and federal/state regulations; along with overseeing CEFCU’s overall information security strategy and programs. Donahoe holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), both
Charley Crockett Is Coming to the UIS Performing Arts Center - May 3rd
Charley Crockett is bringing his Charley Crockett Lonesome Drifter tour to the UIS Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 3rd! Tickets are on sale now for FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center, with the public on-sale beginning Friday, February 14, at 10 AM at UISpac.com. Tickets are $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $45 and $35 and available at UISpac.com. ABOUT CHARLEY CROCKETT:Some people politely wait for their turn, ask for permission, and take a shot at their dreams when the opportunity allows. Charley
2025 SIU Day with the White Sox is July 26. Register now!
Saturday, July 26 | Pre-game at Cork & Kerry at The Park Join the SIU Alumni Association and fellow Salukis for the 2025 SIU Day with the White Sox, a Chicagoland summertime tradition. This year, we'll be hosting a pre-game gathering of alumni at Cork and Kerry at the Park prior to the first pitch. Times are still TBD, but you can register now! Seating for the game is in Box 153. If you require accessible tickets, please contact Cathie Mieldezis, director of constituent relations,
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LLCU Employees and Organization Donated $20,000 to Ten Designated 2024 Charities of the Year in each LLCU Branch Market
Decatur, Illinois, February 11th, 2025 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced Tuesday that the final tally of donations LLCU’s designated Charity of the Year organizations in each market has been determined and disbursed. Several years ago, LLCU launched the “Charity of the Year” program which encourages employees to donate to a designated charity in each market with an LLCU branch. LLCU employees can donate either through payroll distribution, branch fundraising efforts, or a combination of
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LESLIE SGRO HONORED WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS MIKE CASSIDY COMMISSIONER COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
[Springfield, IL] – The Springfield Park District is proud to announce that Leslie Sgro, President of the Springfield Park District, has been named the recipient of the esteemed Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award. This award recognizes outstanding park commissioners whose dedication and volunteer service reflect the vision and values of the late Mike Cassidy, a long-time Freeport Park District commissioner known for his commitment to community betterment and public service. Leslie
Urgent: Blood Donations Needed Due to Weather-Related Cancellations
Severe weather has caused the cancellation of multiple drives and an estimated loss of more than 250 blood donations, including significant impacts at our Donor Centers. These lost donations create a challenge for ensuring a stable blood supply for your local hospitals and the patients they serve. We’ve issued a news release outlining the situation, which you can find here: Weather Alert: Snow and Ice Leading to Canceled Blood Drives & Lost Donations. We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Taylor Stevens
Taylor StevensRegional Community LiaisonSYNERGY HomeCare(217) 303-8555taylorstevens@synergyhomecare.comWhat products and services does your business offer?At SYNERGY HomeCare, we understand that people are happiest and healthiest where they are most comfortable–in their homes. From companionship to around-the-clock care, we offer a range of in-home care services so your elder loved one can confidently age in place in the familiarity and comfort of their own home. In addition to seniors, we proudly provide
RISE Springfield to Offer Leadership Conference for Young Professionals
Springfield, IL – The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals’ program, RISE Springfield, will hold their first annual RISE Springfield Leadership Conference presented by INB at the Memorial Learning Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. This will be a full-day event designed for young professionals eager to enhance their leadership and professional skills. Event speakers will cover a wide range of professional development topics including effective communication skills, team building
ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN PERFORMED BY GARY MULLEN & THE WORKS TO PERFORM IN SPRINGFIELD ON MARCH 20TH
Tickets on sale Friday, November 22nd at 10 AM Tickets go on-sale to the public on Friday, November 22nd at 10 am. Ticket prices are $69.50, $49.50, $39.50 and $29.50 and can be purchased at UISpac.com or by phone (217) 206-6160. Pre-sale tickets will be available to members of FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center beginning Wednesday, November 20th, (to become a FRIEND or read about our Membership levels, visit UISpac.com/FRIENDS) all remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday,
Damon Priddy State Farm recognized as both Best Agency & Best Agent in Springfield!
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - November 2024 The Damon Priddy State Farm Team, a leader in providing quality insurance & financial service solutions, is proud to announce it's recent awards for Best Insurance Agency and Best Insurance Agent in Springfield by the Community Choice Awards. These prestigious honors reflect the agency's dedication to clients, community engagement and exceptional service. This is the third consecutive year that the agency has taken home both awards! The awards were presented at the
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Damon Priddy State Farm Team Rebrands ''What is Service''
This week the agency has taken part in multiple events and recognized their service team for National Customer Service Week! Nearly four years into the launch of the Damon Priddy State Farm Agency, our team is "rebranding" the customer service team and the way we "do service". "I came from a background in hospitality, managing multiple hotels and major brands along the way. Taking care of people is engrained in who I am. That hospitality training and care for detail doesn't go away. Launching the agency in
Orion Marty with Damon Priddy State Farm recognized with Wow Award!
Join us in celebrating the latest Central Illinois Customer Service Association “WOW” Award Winner, Orion Marty, Senior Account Manager with Damon Priddy State Farm!The “WOW” Award, sponsored by 92.7 WMAY, is an opportunity to recognize those unsung heroes that lift our spirits and inspire us through their simple or extraordinary acts of kindness or superior customer service.?By recognizing those who make a difference in our lives, we are challenged to think about how we can do the same for others. It’s
