•October 25, 2023•

Every day the news is filled with negative stories of what teenage youth are doing. Yet, every day we also have thousands of young people who are doing great and positive things. The Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recognize that teens can play an essential role in improving the lives of families, schools, and communities. Given our vast network of established chapters in schools, FCCLA provides a tremendous vehicle for young people to take on projects and activities in all areas of life. From youth violence to financial fitness and healthy lifestyles, FCCLA members are tackling issues that not only affect the world today but their future also. Read More

•October 25, 2023•

Lake Land College is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday, Nov. 14 with an event for apprentices and business partners. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Foundation and Alumni Center on the Lake Land College campus, 5001 Lake Land Blvd., Mattoon. Read More

•October 25, 2023•

Individuals have to juggle many different responsibilities on a daily basis. Those with full- or part-time jobs, children, spouses or partners, or aging family members that require assistance, will often find they are pulled in different directions. In many cases, work takes priority over family time because people rely on their jobs for the income that funds their lifestyles. Rather than jeopardizing that income, certain individuals will make time concessions that favor employment over personal relationships and family time.

Recent data indicates that many people are trapped in unhealthy work-life balances and can’t find the time to unwind and enjoy themselves. The e-commerce company Groupon asked 2,000 Americans about stress at work and 60 percent indicated that pressures and responsibilities of the workplace and home life do not have boundaries. Learning to balance work and life better may come from following these tips. Read More

•October 25, 2023•

“What a sight!” I exclaimed as I gazed across the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

A higher-up in the Chicago Bears organization might have stood on the site of the former Arlington Park racetrack and exclaimed, “What a site! I’ve never seen anything like this.”

We’d both be right.

Of course we would, because “sight” and “site” are homophones, so you’d hear no difference. But for the purposes of a written word column, we simply have different perspectives on what we’re looking at. Read More

•October 18, 2023•

By Cheri Burcham

Family Life Educator

A very important topic but one that no one really likes to talk about is assigning a power of attorney. I would like to share this great article by Kathy Sweedler that addresses why this topic is so important and how to proceed with it. Kathy says: On a good day, I wonder if my family hears what I say or if all they hear is “blah, blah, blah!” However, when I talk about what I want to happen if I’m in an accident, hospitalized, or die, I’m SURE some of my family completely block my words. That’s why I think it’s so important that I write down how I want my health and my property handled if I can’t talk for myself.

Luckily, we have legal documents that we can use to communicate our wishes. Writing down what’s important to us helps:

· communicate exactly what we want, and

· reminds people of our wishes in stressful times. Read More