Family, humor, and gratitude key to quality of life at any age

•April 2, 2025•

by DM Williamee

"Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Walt Disney.

Only 0.027 percent of the US population will live an entire century, making the three centenarian ladies at Sullivan’s Heritage Woods a standout in any community. Bright, cheerful, and friendly, these ladies shared some insights into what quality of life means to them.

Lorraine Livesay, 100, referred to as the “baby of the bunch”, shared that the happiest times of her life were her 40s and 50s. She was still working, was in good health, and enjoyed the company of her children and grandchildren. Some of her happiest memories as a child and teen were visiting friends and families on their local area farms (she was a town girl), where she would see the animals and help out however she could. These days, the things that make her the happiest are good jokes and happy people. Lorraine is also a sports fan who particularly loves basketball and baseball (never having been a fan of football). “Go Cubs! Like they say, maybe next year…” she chuckled.

Local group works to help launch local community members’ business aspirations

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

On March 4th, the Lovington Working Women’s Collective (LWWC) held its quarterly Open House in Lovington, with guest speaker Nathalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Foundation, who spoke about how her foundation provides resources to improve the quality of life for residents of the communities served. Natalie, “believes in philanthropy’s unique ability to deliver “innovation capital” while leveraging partnerships.” The soup and freshly baked sourdough bread were provided by Hanna Heady with “Hanna’s Sourdough & Signs” and enjoyed by all in attendance.

•March 5, 2025•

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2025 camping season for state parks, recreation areas, and historic sites throughout Illinois.

Campground hosting is the perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping other people. Hosts are often the first face to greet state park visitors. They check on arrivals and departures, write camping permits, acquaint campers with park facilities and regulations, answer questions about local and statewide attractions, help visitors plan outings, and more.

•February 19, 2025•

SHS freshman River Polley, his parents Brenda and Jason Polley, and retired SHS English teacher Becky Lawson recently learned that their entry won first place in the “essay with photograph” division of the 2024 Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder/Sense of the Wild Contest.

An email from Ling Tan, an associate with the Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance, included a judge’s statement about their entry, “The Calling of the Rivers.”

•February 5, 2025•

Saturday, December 14th the Dolphins hosted the Bloomington Normal and Funky Fish Swim Team for the Christmas Jingle Invitational.

The following swimmers are the high point winners from the Christmas Jingle Invitational.  8u girls: Emme Kirkley 1st Stella Perrott & Natalie Rahn 3rd 8u boys: Owen Pogue 3rd 9-10 girls: Kinsley Eads 1st & Millie Hendry 3rd 9-10 boys: Jack VanUytven 1st & Bryce Badman 3rd 11-12: girls Avery Hess 1st & Micheala Blinkensderder 2nd 11-12: boys Jace VanUytven 1st & Mack Pogue 3rd 13-14: girls Addy Hendry 1st 13-14: boys Charles Guyot 1st Open age girls: Emily Crosier 1st, Emerson Risley 2nd, Cadence Schmohe 3rd Open age boys: Nathan Rafferty 1st, Grant Martin 2nd, Henry Woolery 3rd