Events Upcoming
New Members
Know the Risks of Travel During the Pandemic
(Central and Southern Illinois) If you're longing to leave your home this holiday season and take a trip somewhere, it's important to remember that COVID-19 is still here. So there's a lot to think about before you make any travel plans.“Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday, not only for the food, but also spending time with family and friends,” said James Bock, MD, HSHS Medical Group Chief Physician Executive. “However, this year we find ourselves in a unique position of having to decide if it’s worth seeing
Memorial Behavioral Health Launches Mental Health Crisis Clinic
SPRINGFIELD – With the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise in central Illinois, it’s essential to reduce the pressure on local hospital emergency departments while still helping people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, a local behavioral health administrator said. That’s why Memorial Behavioral Health has launched a mental health crisis clinic to help people who are dealing with mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, but don’t know where to turn. The clinic is open to the public
How to Count Your Blessings Together Online This Year
SPRINGFIELD – You can still enjoy turkey and all the fixings while protecting your friends and loved ones from the COVID-19 surge by moving your extended gatherings online this year.“We recognize how much people anticipate and enjoy coming together at Thanksgiving,” said Gina Carnduff, system director of infection prevention for Memorial Health System. “Unfortunately, gathering together this year has to be approached with an unrelenting focus on safety. That means limiting contact to only those in your
APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 1 FOR CWLP BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 1 FOR CWLP BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMLow Income Residential Customers Can Get Help From Project RELIEF City Water, Light and Power customers who need help paying their bill could qualify for assistance from the utility’s Project RELIEF program. The first step in applying for assistance from Project RELIEF is to call the CWLP Project RELIEF Office at 789-2414 on or after Wednesday, December 1st. Customers meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be scheduled for a
Hospitals to Restrict Visitors as COVID-19 Spreads Locally
SPRINGFIELD – Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville, Taylorville Memorial Hospital and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln will further restrict visitors effective Monday, Nov. 23, in order to protect patients and ensure healthcare professionals can continue to safely offer all services. The decision was made as part of Memorial Health System’s ongoing efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect patients and healthcare professionals. Most inpatients, with some limited exceptions,
Illinois Pork and Commodity Groups Donate 4,200 pounds of Pork to Central Illinois Foodbank
As part of Pork Power: Partnering to Fight Hunger in Illinois campaign, the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, presented Central Illinois Foodbank with 4,200 pounds of ground pork this month. Since its inception in 2008, Pork Power has generated over 916,000 pounds of pork - enough for over 3 million meals - for families throughout Illinois. Farmers and partnering commodity groups give a combination of whole hogs for processing and monetary donations all year
KB Environmental Sciences Joins Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) is excited to announce the addition of KB Environmental Sciences (KBE) of St. Petersburg, Florida to our growing team. The St. Petersburg office is CMT’s third location in the Sunshine State. Ten former KBE employees will be joining CMT as a result of the acquisition. Since 2004, KBE has been providing environmental services for infrastructure projects including airports, roadway, land development, seaports and railroads. The firm is recognized nationally for its authority
.png)
Land of Lincoln Credit Union Announces Lobby Closures
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced today that all LLCU offices throughout central Illinois will close lobbies to the public and begin operating as DRIVE-UP ONLY facilities beginning Monday, November 30th until further notice. “It has been a challenge to find a balance between providing readily-available services, while keeping the health and safety of our staff and members paramount,” stated Robert Ares, LLCU President & CEO. “With this current spike in COVID cases we’re experiencing locally,
HSHS Medical Group: Don’t Get Burned Out on Diabetes Care
When you have diabetes, you're on the job managing the disease seven days a week. And diabetes requires a lot of vigorous management so you can stay healthy and avoid serious complications. It's easy to feel stressed about the care required by the disease. And unless you address the stress, you may be at risk for full-blown diabetes burnout—a point at which you might become too frustrated and downhearted to take good care of yourself. If you feel on the verge of diabetes burnout, here are some steps to
Bushur celebrates 20 years at Hanson Professional Services
Jeff Bushur, environmental assessment discipline manager, recently celebrated 20 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Bushur joined Hanson in 2000. He is a technical specialist and discipline lead for the preparation of environmental assessments and other National Environmental Policy Act documents for highway feasibility and location studies. Additionally, he conducts water quality analyses, habitat assessments, wetlands delineations, environmental permitting and mitigation design,
SMTD Resuming Some Restrictions Due to Pandemic
Today, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) announced they will be returning to some COVID-19-related restrictions first imposed last Spring. The changes take effect Friday, November 20th. NEW: SMTD’s lobby will be closed until further notice. No fare is being charged, so pass sales and renewals can be done at a later time. Any employment applications can be completed online at SMTD.org. NEW: Urbanized Area routes to Chatham, Riverton, Rochester, and Sherman remain suspended until Spring or Summer.
Disbursing Relief Supplies to Guatemala after Hurricane Eta hits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Pawnee, IL Nov. 17, 2020 - Midwest Mission is asking for prayers as we prepare a shipment to leave November 19 at 9AM for those affected by Hurricane Eta in Guatemala with our partner, Food for the Poor. This shipment will contain over $300,000 worth of relief supplies consisting of the items below: - Mattresses - Air Mattresses - Work Gloves - Latex Gloves - Vinyl Tarps - Blankets/Sheets/Quilts - Children and Adult Diapers - Used Clothing
NORTH-BOUND NINTH LANES TO CLOSE FOR WATER LEAK REPAIRS
November 18, 2020 Beginning Monday, November 23, two north-bound lanes of North 9th Street will be closed between E. Division and E. Reservoir Streets to accommodate repairs to a leaking water main in the 1100 block. Motorists should plan to take an alternative route and should slow down and be aware of construction and repair crews and equipment in and near roadways. This work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Senior Services of Central Illinois Holly Jolly Raffle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Senior Services of Central IllinoisHolly Jolly Raffle Win up to $500 12 Chances to win! Bonus: On the 12th day, a two-night stay and round of golf for 2 is included with the cash prize. Courtesy of the Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort, Marina & Spa Purchase tickets In Person or Online at www.centralilseniors.orgStarting October 15 through November 30 $20 per ticket Only 1500 tickets will be sold. Daily drawings December 7-18 Winners will be posted to Facebook
How Much Do You Know About the Flu?
(Jacksonville, Illinois) With flu season underway, it's a good time to learn about influenza and how to protect against it. “The flu shot is a simple, quick way to help avoid getting the flu and spreading it to your loved ones,” says Megan Hopps, APRN, family nurse practitioner at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care in Jacksonville. “Flu season will continue for a few more months. It isn’t too late to get your flu shot.” Check out these questions and answers about the flu to make sure you are
Missouri-APA names Marshfield’s Community Growth Plan “Outstanding Plan”
The Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-Missouri) recently announced that the City of Marshfield is the recipient of its 2020 Outstanding Plan award. The Marshfield Community Growth Plan includes a comprehensive scope that focuses on meeting demand for residential growth, leveraging the region’s rising economic opportunities, and balancing essential infrastructure improvements with quality of life amenities. CMT was commissioned to lead the planning effort, the first full update the
LLCC awarded $1.2 million to continue Open Door Workforce Equity Initiative
Lincoln Land Community College has been awarded $1.2 million by the Illinois Community College Board to continue the college’s Open Door Workforce Equity Initiative for another year. The Open Door Workforce Equity Initiative will allow approximately 150 low income students to enroll free of charge in short-term training programs leading to immediate employment, including truck driver training, automotive technology, welding and various health care programs such as basic nurse assistant (CNA), clinical
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM
Immediate Release November 13, 2020CITY OF SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAMApplications open on Monday, November 16 Springfield, Illinois - In response to the economic hardships experienced by Springfield small businesses due to COVID-19, the City of Springfield is launching an online application for their Small Business Assistance Grant program. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, November 16 at 8:30 a.m. and will close on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The
SMTD Reducing Night Service Again Due to Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 13, 2020 SMTD Reducing Night Service Again Due to Pandemic Daytime Schedules Remain Unchanged Springfield, IL – Today, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) announced they will be reducing night service hours beginning Monday, November 16th, due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases in Sangamon County. Night service will begin at regular time, but the 7pm trip will be the last trip. Service will end at 8pm. “In recent weeks, we’ve seen a steady decrease in the number
SAA Collective Gallery Opens in a New Location with the Member’s Showcase and Holiday Pop Shop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Springfield, IL, November 12, 2020 – The SAA will offer a preview of the new SAA Collective gallery in its new location in the Broadwell Pharmacy building at 105 North 5th Street in time for the first Downtown Springfield Holiday Walk on Saturday, November 14th. The SAA Collective gallery represents 76 artists from across central Illinois. Their media include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, jewelry, ceramics, glass, woodworking, and mixed media. The opening of the new
Diabetes and Illness: What to Do if You get Sick
For Immediate Release November 12, 2020 (Decatur, Effingham, O’Fallon, Springfield, Illinois) Severe illness from COVID-19 is more likely in people who have certain underlying medical conditions. One of these is type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's possible that people with type 1 or gestational diabetes are at higher risk too. And the danger goes both ways. “Being sick with COVID-19 or the flu may also make it harder for people with diabetes to
Hanson’s program 3rd on list of best engineering internships
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s internship program ranked third on a list of best internships for engineering in the U.S., according to Vault, an employment research and career advice company. The list was among Vault’s new category of best internships by role. Hanson also stayed within the top 50 on Vault’s list of 100 best internships for a second year, ranking 41st; placed eighth, up one slot compared to last year, on the list of best technology and engineering internship
UIS Visual Arts Gallery to hold its online Silent Auction and Benefit starting Monday, Nov. 16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: Nov. 10, 2020 SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery Silent Auction and Benefit is moving online for 2020. The Silent Auction and Benefit, featuring original works of art donated by local and regional artists, will launch on Monday, Nov. 16 and will remain active until final bidding at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3.Artwork up for auction can be viewed and bids can be placed online at 32auctions.com/uisvisualartsgallery.Proceeds from the
Memorial Health System Launches COVID-19 Dashboard to Increase Public Awareness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 10, 2020 SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System announced today that it will begin sharing daily updates via its website and social media on the number of people being treated for COVID-19 at its five hospitals and trends in how many people are testing positive for the virus. “We are sharing this data with the public to help them understand the severity of the situation, as COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly, and to encourage them to take action to help protect our
LLCC student newspaper wins best website award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 6, 2020SPRINGFIELD – The Lamp student newspaper at Lincoln Land Community College won the John H. Ryan Best of Show award for best student website at the recent Illinois Community College Journalism Association (ICCJA) fall conference. Richard Bailey of Springfield is the current editor of the Lamp. Tim McKenzie of Springfield, professor of journalism and humanities and vice president of ICCJA, serves as advisor. Also
Delta Dental of Illinois announces smart new plans for small businesses
For Immediate Release NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Nov. 9, 2020) – Delta Dental of Illinois is launching a new suite of dental benefit solutions for businesses with two to 150 employees. The new plans — Base, Ascent and Pinnacle — include features and options not commonly available to smaller businesses. With the launch of these plans, Delta Dental of Illinois is eliminating waiting periods for all small groups.New features for the small group dental plans include more options for annual maximums, occlusal (night)
LLCC Respiratory Care program recognized
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 9, 2020 LLCC Respiratory Care program recognizedShortage of respiratory therapists as COVID-19 pandemic continues SPRINGFIELD – The Lincoln Land Community College Respiratory Care Program was recently recognized for meeting and exceeding the thresholds of success established by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). The organization reviewed LLCC’s program to determine ongoing compliance with
Arts Council Announces Annual Community Grants for Non-profit Organizations
The Springfield Area Arts Council announces the opening of its fiscal year 2021 COMMUNITY ARTS ACCESS re-granting program. Non-profit organizations in Sangamon and Menard counties are invited to apply for funding. Guidelines and application materials will be available on the Arts Council website on November 9th and may be requested from Sheila Walk at 217-753-3519 or programs@springfieldartsco.org. The application deadline is November 30th. Community Arts Access grants are given in conjunction with
6x6 Art Raffle begins this week at SAA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Springfield, IL, November 3, 2020 – Buy a ticket and take a chance to win an original work of art by a Springfield area artist. The sixth annual 6 x 6 x 6 Art Raffle drawing will take place on Thursday, November 12th. Starting November 5th at 9 AM, the 125+ works, that all measure 6 by 6 inches (6 by 6 by 6 for 3D works), will be on view in person in the M. G. Nelson Family Gallery on the Springfield Art Association campus and at www.6x6Raffle.givesmart.com. These works are by
CWLP’S BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM KICKS OFF DECEMBER 1st
November 2, 2020 CWLP’S BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM KICKS OFF DECEMBER 1stCustomer Donations Fund the Program $20,000+/year As temperatures have cooled down and the heating season is underway, City Water, Light and Power customers who need help paying their bill could qualify for assistance from the utility’s Project RELIEF program. In its 36th year, the Project RELIEF program continues to provide financial assistance to customers in need. Project RELIEF donations are collected primarily from CWLP
Dr. John Roberts, retired LLCC professor of history, honored with “emeritus” title
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 2, 2020 SPRINGFIELD – The LLCC Board of Trustees recently approved conferring the honorary title of “emeritus” upon LLCC’s longest serving faculty member. Dr. John Roberts of Springfield, retired professor of history, was recommended for the honor by the Faculty Development and Recognition Committee of the LLCC Faculty Senate. “Dr. Roberts was greatly admired and holds a special place in the hearts of his former
Local Hospitals in Springfield and Decatur to Restrict Visitors as COVID-19 Spreads Locally
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase throughout central Illinois, Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital will suspend visitors for inpatients effective Saturday, Oct. 31, in order to protect patients and ensure healthcare professionals can continue to safely offer all services. Macon County currently has the fifth-highest rate of COVID-19 in the state, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Visitors for inpatients will also be suspended at HSHS St. John’s
COVID-19 Letter from Memorial
October 30, 2020 As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in the United States, Memorial Health System is taking proactive measures to help slow the spread of the virus. We are implementing policies based on the best public health preventive principles. We are using current COVID-19 information regarding social distancing from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as state and local health officials. As part of Restore Illinois, our
DSI/BOS/SCVB Showcase New BacVac at Downtown Clean-Up
Downtown Springfield Inc (DSI) has been organizing volunteer clean-ups of the downtown neighborhood for many years, and now there’s a new ally in the fight against litter -- thanks to a partnership with Bank of Springfield, the Springfield Hotel and Lodging Association, and Visit Springfield. Bank of Springfield is the sponsor of the new backpack vacuum, or “Bac Vac,” purchased locally at Northtown Vacuum, which DSI volunteers can use during their three (or more) neighborhood clean-ups annually through
HSHS Medical Group on Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms, Risks
As we approach Diabetes Awareness Month, experts at Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at HSHS Medical Group encourage the community to evaluate their risk of type 2 diabetes. One of the most important facts to know about type 2 diabetes—a disease of high blood sugar—is this: You could have it and not know it. “Symptoms of type 2 diabetes often develop slowly and can be subtle,” says Rama Poola, MD, FACE, FACP, endocrinologist with Joslin Diabetes Center Affiliate at HSHS Medical Group. “Many people with the
Current and prospective UIS students can continue to work toward goals over the holidays with accelerated courses
The University of Illinois Springfield will offer 19 accelerated online and blended courses over the holiday break for prospective and current students. Most classes will begin Monday, Dec. 14, and will conclude mid-January. “We know this is not going to be a traditional holiday season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students are going to have extra time over the break and this is a great chance to continue their education and potentially earn a degree in a shorter period of time,” said UIS Interim
Springfield Ballet Company Announces “Through Clara’s Eyes”
Generations of central Illinois families celebrate the holiday season with a memorable trip to the Springfield Ballet Company's annual production of The Nutcracker. In a typical year, the Springfield Ballet Company would be diligently working behind the scenes planning and rehearsing for this year's The Nutcracker. The Springfield Ballet Company Dancers and Trainees are rehearsing in the studio, but this is not a typical year. With much excitement, the Springfield Ballet Company announces a new event for
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
Memorial’s Festival of Trees Going Virtual This Holiday Season
To ensure the public’s health and safety, Memorial’s Festival of Trees is going virtual. This year’s festival will be held Nov. 21-29. The community will be able to view more than 100 decorated trees and wreaths online at no cost, with the usual $5 admission fee to the Orr Building, where past festivals have been held, waived. And this season’s previously announced theme, “Bling in the Season,” has been changed to “A Season of Hope.” The theme, “Bling in the Season,” will be reserved for the 2021
Register now for UIS’ Fall 2020 Lunch & Learn Series
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold six virtual Lunch & Learn Series events this fall. The “Timely Talks on Timeless Topics in Celebration of UIS’ 50th Anniversary” series is presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society. WHEN: Noon-1 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 21, Nov. 6 and 18, and Dec. 3 and 15 WHERE: All programs will be held via ZoomDETAILS:Thursday, Oct. 8 – Pandemics and Epidemics: Past and PresentPresenter: Dr. Donald Graham,
Illinois Symphony Orchestra Launches Second Series Sunday at Six Recital Series Via YouTube Live
Be inspired by the talented musicians of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra as they launch the fall Sunday at Six Recital Series that you can enjoy and experience from the comfort of your own home through the ISO’s YouTube Channel or Facebook Live. The series begins Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 6:00 PM and will run through Sunday, December 20, 2020. Each recital will be followed by Coda Conversations with Music Director Ken Lam and the evening’s featured musician(s). Sunday at Six Recital Series
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.
.jpg)
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
DSI’S Momentum on Main Street Launching New Weekly Online Shopping Experience
Virtual “Cash Mobs” Give People an Opportunity to “Visit” a Store and Shop Via ComputerDowntown Springfield Inc. and its Momentum on Main Street committee are launching a series of online shopping experiences, or Virtual “Cash Mobs,” where local shoppers can visit downtown retail shops and purchase featured items simply by joining us on Facebook Live. The Virtual Cash Mobs will take place on DSI’s Facebook page @DowntownSpringfieldInc every Thursday at noon, starting August 20th, hosted by DSI staff and
