•April 15, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Thursday, April 9th, One Book, One Sullivan (OBOS) experienced a record turnout of 130 people from the community, the largest turnout in nineteen years, for their annual student-led book reading. This year’s title, “The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn,” by Sally J. Pla, drew both insightful and some rave reviews from those who read it. Rikki Ray, who began the OBOS program, shared that her students are especially passionate about OBOS, with three students sharing their experiences and perspectives.

Said SHS Emma Drake, a student participant of OBOS, “I signed up for OBOS at the suggestion of my elementary school librarian, Mrs. Fleming. I joined my 5th-grade year, and I have participated in OBOS since then. OBOS has helped me with so many life skills through middle school and high school. I’ve learned how to look at situations from new perspectives. I’ve also gained confidence in my leadership skills, trying to be the best role model I can, especially as a high schooler. I would encourage younger students to join and become involved. You always have strengths to add to a group, even if you don’t think you do. And if OBOS is not for you, get involved in something and find out what you are passionate about.”

•April 1, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Saturday, April 28th, at building 1225, the annual Easter Marketplace was packed to the rafters with consumers taking advantage of the shopping and socialization opportunity while enjoying the peppy pop music piped throughout. There was a clear sense of community as one walked throughout the market, watching friends and neighbors ask each other for advice on a purchase, chat together, and exchange hugs.

•March 18, 2026•

by DM Williamee

Where to shop for the person who has everything? On Friday, March 13th and 14th, the Prairieland Frontiersmen held their 37th annual Historic Arts and Crafts show at the Sullivan American Legion. The Legion Hall was packed wall to wall with traders and artisans representing the colonial, fur trade, and Civil War eras, with their multitude of hand-made goods and wares on offer. Many men and women dressed in historical attire, spanning the different eras represented. From beautiful maple-stocked muzzle-loading rifles, all manner of loading gear, rattlesnake vertebrae earrings, fur accessories of all types, books and manuals, and beaded necklaces to leatherworks tanned and tooled, period pieces of clothing and camaraderie, the craft show was a step into the past.

•March 4, 2026•

The Sullivan Blue Dolphins partnered with the Mid-Illinois Senior Services to collect items for the center. 

This is SBD’s first year helping this organization, titling it, ‘Swimmers Supporting Seniors’. This collection was structured very similarly to the annual ‘Swimmers Supporting Soldiers’ that the Dolphins do every summer. 

Mid Illinois Senior Services sent the SBD a list of items that were much-needed. The team collected numerous items such as puzzles, paper towels, bathroom tissue, cups, sweeteners, Lysol wipes, plastic cutlery, and flower arrangement items. 

The SBD believes in giving back to the community that has so ardently supported them. 

•February 11, 2026•

by DM Williamee

On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Mid-Illinois Senior Services hosted their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc.’ Their guest speaker was Jake Lehr, Senior Program Manager for the Central Illinois Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter. This highly engaging guest informed attendees about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, from early detection and warning signs, therapies, and other forms of support, to healthy brain habits. Lehr clarified that dementia is an umbrella term for loss of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, including the following: Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, others, such as Huntington’s, and mixed dementia, which may have more than one cause. Lehr shared that everyone experiences Alzheimer’s differently and that Illinois is the first state in the nation to enact legislation mandating both state-regulated and private insurance plans to cover FDA-approved treatments, medications, and necessary diagnostic testing for Alzheimer’s disease.