Dear Editor,
I was shopping in the Thrifty Boutique on Dec. 20 and a very nice woman approached me. She handed me a $50 bill and said she was “Christmasing”.
I was shocked at her kindness. I have been going through some tough times and this was very welcome.
I said “Thank you, Merry Christmas” as she disappeared.
I would publicly like to thank my “Christmas Angel”!
Sincerely,
Anonymously grateful!
Photo submitted
Leslie Taggart (left) and Haley McQueen (right), accompanied by their seven children and two cousins, delivered toys to the SBL Pediatric Clinic on Monday. The two families also delivered toys for kids in the Women and Children’s Center and the Emergency Department during the holidays.
•January 1, 2020•
Two Sarah Bush Lincoln employees and their families are going the extra mile to bring joy to children receiving care during the holidays.
Physical Therapist Haley McQueen, DPT, and Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Leslie Taggart, APRN, and their children, delivered 160 toys on Monday for girls and boys who are hospitalized in SBL’s Women and Children’s Center or receiving care in the Emergency Department or Pediatric Clinic after hosting an impromptu toy drive.
McQueen and Taggart both serve as home distributors for Matilda Jane Clothing in their free time and they are amazed by the overwhelming response they received when they invited friends and community members to sponsor a Matilda Jane doll at a reduced price to bring joy to a girl in the hospital at Christmas time. In return, McQueen and Taggart agreed to match each doll sponsorship with a toy truck or tractor purchase to provide cheer to a boy receiving care. Read More
•January 1, 2020•
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications through Jan. 21, 2020 for the state’s Park and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) Grant Program. The program will provide grants to eligible local governments for acquisition, development, construction, rehabilitation or other capital improvements to park and recreation facilities in Illinois.
IDNR is anticipating that a total of $25 million in grants will be available through funding provided by the Rebuild Illinois Act. The maximum grant award is $2.5 million. Read More
25 Years Ago This Week
The Sullivan boys’ basketball team captured third place in the Clinton Tournament with a 77-71 victory over Addison Driscoll. The Redskins went 3-1 in the tournament losing along the way to eventual champion Clinton 71-63.
The Lovington Public Library Trustees honored Janette Nash Saturday, Jan. 7. Nash has served as librarian since 1984 and has been credited with building the library to its present impressive status following a devastating fire in February 1985. The fire completely destroyed the building and contents of the former library as well as the Masonic Hall, a variety store and a store front which was being remodeled to serve as the Kiwanis Hall.
“It’s fun to win again - it’s been a long time,” said Bethany coach Doug McCausland after the Fillies beat Shelbyville and Mt. Pulaski to win the consolation championship in the Filly Gold Tournament last week. Read More
•January 1, 2020•
Dan and Jeanne Cunningham of Mattoon recently donated $15,000 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation to benefit “Mobile Miracles,” a campaign to fund the purchase of a new dental bus. The bus will travel across the region providing preventive and restorative care and oral hygiene education to underserved children up to age 18. Read More
•January 1, 2020•
By Jim Nowlan
NP Guest Columnist
In this season of joy, I am reminded, as we all are, fleetingly, that not all share our joy.
Several years ago, for example, the circus came to my rural town. A friend and I decided to ensure that all kids could have the very few bucks needed for tickets and some cotton candy. Fifteen single-parent families were quickly identified by a local church group as needing such help.
My first delivery was to a run-down small frame home. The young mother came to the screen door. The living room behind her was a mess; a stereotypical, louche boyfriend (I assume) was lounging on the sofa, watching TV; two kids were fussing in the background. What struck me was how grateful the mother, a bit disheveled, was for the tickets (at $6 each) and the 10 bucks for treats. What a miserable life, I thought. Read More
25 Years Ago This Week
Pam Conley of Findlay won the $1000 overall prize in the Festival of lights Starflake Trail contest for homes. Conley’s home is west of the Findlay Bridge over Lake Shelbyville. Ella Davis won Zone 1 (Findlay - Sullivan) and Jeff and Judy Getz winners in Zone 7 (Shelbyville-Findlay area).
Faced with a bad building condition report Bethany school supt. Marilyn Bayley pointed out the reorganization committee will face a school consolidation decision sooner than later.
Lovington’s Josh Born and Chad Watkins scored 15 points apiece as Lovington beat Atwood-Hammond 65-54. Jim Minor added 12 points and Kevin McGregor nine points for the Panthers. Read More
Photo furnished
Award of Distinction
Members of the Okaw Valley Community Unit School District 302 traveled to the Illinois Association of School Boards annual conference in Chicago where the OV Agricultural Complex received an Award of Distinction. Designed by BLDD Architects, Inc. Decatur, the jury comments noted the complex recognizes a glaring need that is drastically overlooked and respects the community it serves. Great example of career tech space.
A very special thank you and Merry Christmas to the Sullivan AmBucs who built and installed a ramp at our home on a very cold day!
This will enable my husband to be home for Christmas. The ramp will also help us remain in our home in the future.
It was a cold job by AmBucs volunteers that was deeply appreciated!
Sincerely,
Terry and Ruth Bobbit
Dalton City
25 Years Ago This Week
There will be at least three new faces around the Sullivan City Council table after the April 4 election since commissioners Ron White, Rick Dunscomb and Bob Hess are not seeking re-election.
Incumbent Mayor Leon Lane and incumbent commissioner Bob Patient were among those filing Monday. Ken Meadows and Richard Glazebrook are seeking the public health and safety post vacated by Hess.
Wallace Booker and Wayne Lindley are seeking accounts and finance held by White, and George Frazier and Jon England wlll vie for Dunscomb’s post on public property.
Moultrie County Supervisor of Assessments Judy Harnack announced 1,277 county seniors received notice of the new senior citizen property tax assessment freeze. Seniors 65 and over are entitled up to a $2000 exemption. Read More