News Progress

Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Mason Point Choir seated from left: Norma Standerfer, Jackie Grace; back row: Leanna Stickles, Jean Dulik, Marc Hall, Weldon and Judy Brown, Eva Ethington and Evelyn Lane.

•April 26, 2017•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

In their Easter bonnets with all the frills upon them, the nine-member Mason Point choir strolled through the audience in the Knights building singing “Easter Parade”, and for the next hour entertained with a program of oldies but goodies for the Mason Point Easter party April 21.

The 13 vocal selections included Over the Rainbow, Sunny Side of the Street, a duet of 16 Tons by Marc Hall and Weldon Brown, It Had to Be You, Side By Side and ending with Take Me Out to the Ballgame with the audience rooting for the Cardinals or Cubbies. Cookies, snacks and fruit punch were served.

Jean Dulik organized the choir and made all the Easter hats for the group. Other members are Eva Ethington, Norma Standerfer, Evelyn Lane, Judy and Weldon Brown, Marc Hall, Jackie Grace and Leanna Stickles. Read More

Photo by Mike Brothers
Mike Rollins remembers his scouting days and a trip that made him a seasoned traveler. He is seated on the left in his Scout photo from the 1960s.

•April 26, 2017•

By Woody Hills
for the News Progress

When Sullivan Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Mike Rollins presented Boy Scout Troop 39 a donation from the St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage fundraiser, it brought back one great scouting memory.

Rollins spent years on the road as a truck driver before retiring to Sullivan, but one road trip while he was a Boy Scout in the mid-sixties made him appreciate traveling as he still keeps a camper and truck at ready in his drive.

“During the sixties our Boy Scout troop was fortunate enough to have some parents connected to the Air National Guard in Springfield,” Rollins said of the beginning of the great Boy Scout Road Trip.

He explained that through those connections the scouts learned that prior arrangements would let them stay at military facilities free of charge on a planned trip west. Read More