Jennifer Gill is a champion for Springfield School District 186 – its students, staff, teachers, administrators and families, but her influence extends far beyond the district. She is a collaborator and deeply engaged in the community. Gill is retiring as District 186 superintendent on June 30 after 12 years of outstanding leadership. A product of […]
KAREN ACKERMAN WITTER
Posted inAnnouncements
First Citizen program accepting nominations
The First Citizen award program is accepting nominations through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 12. The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s Copley-owned newspaper. The award had been associated with […]
Posted inColumns
Creative Reuse Marketplace relocates to White Oaks Mall
Creative Reuse Marketplace has reopened in White Oaks Mall on the upper level next to Malibu Jack’s. CRM is much more than a retail store. It is a nonprofit organization that inspires creativity, provides a place to donate items for reuse, keeps materials out of the landfill and engages in educational programs with art as […]
Posted inArticles
Friday Night Live in downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield is the place to go on four Friday nights this summer to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and family fun at local businesses. Friday Night Live is a collaboration among downtown businesses and community supporters to bring people downtown and experience all those local businesses have to offer. It was born from a grassroots […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
June Agamah
June Agamah lives a life of purpose, inspired by her deep faith. Even when witnessing incredible adversity, she finds joy. She also radiates joy – through her warm smile, friendly disposition, caring attitude and the colorful clothes she wears. June’s mantra comes from Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, […]
Posted inArticles
Renovations continue at Illinois Capitol
A massive $300 million construction project is underway at the state Capitol. The entire north wing, including the Senate chamber, is being renovated. A beautiful new feature of the Senate chamber is an 18-foot square stained-glass ceiling with skylight, consisting of 105 individual panels and 6,566 pieces of glass. During construction the Senate met in […]
Posted inArticles
First Citizen program revamped under new nonprofit
After 61 years, the First Citizen award program is getting a reboot. Applications are now open through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 13. The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s […]
Posted inArticles
Providing solutions in times of transition
When seniors get together and socialize, grandchildren are often a topic of conversation. So is commiserating that “our kids don’t want our stuff.” It’s common that homes are filled with a lifetime of accumulated possessions. Deciding what to do with it all is an issue for many seniors. And, the next generation typically doesn’t want […]
Posted inArticles
Downtown fire sparks call for action
“A revitalized and resilient downtown” was the No. 1 initiative in The Next 10, A Community Visioning Plan for Greater Springfield released by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln in spring 2021. The report described downtown as “the heart of the community and region, the seat of state and local government, our cultural […]
Posted inArticles
Big plans for future of the State Fairgrounds
The Illinois State Fair has a rich history dating back to 1853 when the first fair was held in Springfield. Multiple cities hosted fairs before Springfield became the permanent home of the Illinois State Fair in 1894. For the first time in this long history, there is now a long-term master plan for the Illinois […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Jennifer Bettis
Jennifer Bettis grew up in Quincy, where volunteering and giving back were staples in her family’s life. After graduating from Quincy University with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Bettis moved to Springfield to attend graduate school at University of Illinois Springfield. She was part of the Graduate Public Service Internship program and earned a […]
Posted inArticles
Nonprofits collaborate to serve the community
“Nonprofit organizations are essential to our community, not only from the perspective of mission fulfillment, but also as a significant part of our local economy,” says John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. “The nonprofit sector is incredibly dynamic and fills vital roles for the betterment of educational […]