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The event begins with a reception at
6:30 p.m. at the North Greens Golf Course in Atlanta, followed by a
discussion with the artist at 7 p.m.
Childs has produced and directed
television for more than 25 years, working on such shows as "As the
World Turns" for CBS, "Another World" for NBC and "The City," and
"Loving," "One Life to Live," "All My Children" and segments of
"Spin City" for ABC. He also has directed shows for Turner
Broadcasting, Lifetime and Sony's Nick at Nite.
He has won two Emmy Awards for his
television directing and countless nominations for both producing
and directing in television.
Childs founded the New York
off-Broadway theater company Primary Stages in 1984 and since then
has produced over 100 new plays, many of them world premieres. He is
a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, with a bachelor's degree
in acting and a master's in directing. He has acted and directed all
over the United States and Great Britain and has taught and lectured
on the subjects of television and theater at leading theater schools
throughout the country. He also has made three trips to Russia as a
guest of the Federation of Russian Theatre Workers.
 Electronics recycling Saturday
at Habitat
Habitat for Humanity of
Logan County will have its monthly electronics recycling collection on
Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse, 915 Woodlawn Road, from 9
a.m. to noon. The collection is free of charge to the public.
The
following items will be accepted:
-
Entertainment equipment, including
TVs, radios, stereo and game systems, game controls, VCR and DVD
players, and cameras.
-
Computer equipment, including
laptop and desktop personal computers, hard drives, monitors,
keyboards, printers, scanners, cords and cables, and CD-ROM,
DVD, Zip and tape drives.
-
Small business equipment,
including phones, copiers, typewriters, fax machines and
calculators.
-
Small
household and countertop appliances will also be accepted, as
well as aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel items.
Electronics are not to be left at
the site and are not collected outside of the hours of the
collection.
The electronics recycling program that
began in March 2012 collected over 156,757 pounds of electronic
equipment through the end of the year, with more than 80,000 pounds
of the total being TVs and computer monitors.
Additional information on the
electronics recycling is available through Habitat for Humanity of
Logan County by contacting the office at 217-732-6412 or visiting
www.habitatlogan.org.
HSLC chili and soup luncheon
planned for Feb. 16 The Humane Society of Logan
County will host its annual chili and vegetable soup luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 16,
from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Friendship Manor, 925 Primm Road.
Proceeds from the event benefit the organization's programs.
Tickets are $7 for chili or vegetable soup, homemade dessert, and
beverage. A hot dog meal will be available for $3. Carryouts will be
available.
The public is invited to come and support the work of the
organization and learn about the exciting happenings at the shelter
that aids abused, neglected and abandoned animals of Logan County.
Lincoln
College and Pekin High jazz groups to present joint concert Feb. 23
Feb. 23 will see the
inception of an idea Professor Scott Woger of Lincoln College has had for a
long time.
Woger, director of jazz studies at
Lincoln College, has created a four-year bachelor's degree program
in jazz studies at the college. One of the initiatives of the
program is to partner the Lincoln College Jazz Ensemble with area
high school jazz bands. In the first concert of this series, the
college jazz ensemble will take the stage with the high school jazz
band from Pekin on Feb. 23 in the Meyer Theater in the Johnston
Center for Performing Arts on the LC campus. Pekin High School has
had a renowned jazz program for many years. Each jazz ensemble will
perform a set of four to five tunes.
Woger wants this concert to lead to
more visits to the Lincoln College campus by central Illinois high
school jazz bands. Eventually, he hopes to have a jazz festival on
campus.
Woger is excited about the
prospects of the newly created bachelor's degree program, one of two
now offered by Lincoln College. In the past, when only a two-year
degree was possible, he lost his most promising musicians to schools
offering four-year jazz degree programs. Now, the students can
remain at Lincoln College for their entire bachelor's degree. And as
Woger pointed out, "a bachelor's degree is absolutely necessary to
find employment, and the demand for musicians is a growing field."
One exciting prospect of this program is some terrific jazz concerts
for the public.
The first concert begins at 7 p.m. on
Feb. 23 in the Johnston Center and is free and open to the public.
Woger may be reached on the Lincoln
College campus at 217-732-3155, ext. 281, or by email to
swoger@lincolncollege.edu.
Logan
County Art Association presents 'It's All About Love!'
"It's All About Love," a
new exhibit presented by the Logan County Art Association, opens Thursday,
Feb. 14, with a 5-8 p.m. reception at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S.
McLean St.
Featured artists are Georgie Borchardt,
Lee Hahn, Wilbert Hill, Jason Hoffman, Bonnie Mayo, Moses Pinkerton,
Kerry Rolewicz, Christopher A. Tice and Randy Washam.
Beautiful, unique cuff bracelets
created using antique spoon handles made by Tice will be for sale
during the opening event, and Washam will take "sweetheart
portraits" for only $20. All proceeds go to the Logan County Art
Association.
There is no admission charge,
although donations are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.
Everyone is welcome, so plan to
bring the family and enjoy the opening reception. The show runs
through March 15, so if you can't join the Valentine's Day opening,
the artists hope you can come another time during the show.
For further details about either the reception or
exhibit, contact Georgie Borchardt at 217-819-6801 or
logancountyaa@gmail.com.
Republican city primary notices
Lincoln Daily News received
the following election notices from Sally J. Litterly, Logan County clerk:
(Copy)
CONSOLIDATED REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN THAT ON FEBRUARY 26, 2013, IN THE CITY OF LINCOLN, STATE OF
ILLINOIS, A CONSOLIDATED REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE HELD
FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
MAYOR OF THE CITY
OF LINCOLN
THE COLOR OF
BALLOTS TO BE USED BY THE RESPECTIVE PRECINCTS AT THE GENERAL
PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE
WHITE
THE POLLING PLACE
FOR SAID GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE OPEN CONTINUOUSLY FROM 6:00 A.M.
TO 7:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013.
/s/ Sally J.
Litterly, Logan County Clerk
THE FOLLOWING IS THE CONSOLIDATED POLLING PLACE FOR ALL PRECINCTS IN
THE CITY OF LINCOLN, ILLINOIS:
EAST LINCOLN 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6 AND WEST LINCOLN 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
LINCOLN CHRISTIAN
CHURCH YOUTH CENTER, DELAVAN & HAMILTON STREETS, LINCOLN, IL.
All voters
registered in the City of Lincoln, Illinois will vote at one polling
place for this Consolidated Republican Primary Election only.
___
(Copy)
N O T I C E
VOTER REGISTRATION AND GRACE PERIOD REGISTRATION AND VOTING
FOR REPUBLICAN CONSOLIDATED PRIMARY ELECTION
FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN
ON FEBRUARY 26, 2013
The last day to
register to vote or to update voter registration information prior
to the February 26, 2013 Republican Consolidated Primary Election
for the City of Lincoln is January 29, 2013. Voter registration is
being conducted at the Logan County Clerk’s Office at the Logan
County Courthouse, 601 Broadway Street, Lincoln, IL Monday through
Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointed Logan County Deputy
Registrars may also register voters through that date. Beyond that
date, a voter must register and vote by Grace Period Registration in
the Office of the County Clerk.
Pursuant to Article 4 of the Illinois Election Code, Grace Period
Voter Registration will be offered from Wednesday, January 30, 2013
through Friday, February 22, 2013 in the Office of the County Clerk.
Grace Period Registration allows a resident to register to vote and
or change their name or address beyond the close of registration.
Individuals registered during grace period voting may only vote at
the time of their registration in the Office of the County Clerk and
are not eligible to cast a ballot at their polling place on Election
Day. The Office of the County Clerk is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more
information, please call our Elections Department at (217) 732-4148.
/s/ Sally J.
Litterly
Logan County Clerk
Mount
Pulaski Rotary guest speaker Feb. 11: Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford
MOUNT PULASKI -- Mount Pulaski's
Rotary Club is sponsoring a speaking engagement by Illinois State
Treasurer Dan Rutherford at Buff's Restaurant, on the west side of
the square, at noon on Monday, Feb. 11. Rutherford will discuss the plight
of Illinois finances. A question-and-answer period will follow his
presentation. Also, Rutherford will be accompanied
by his I-Cash team, who will illustrate how to access the Illinois
Treasury account for private assets that have gone unclaimed.
Rutherford says 1 in 8 Illinois residents have an asset that can be
claimed through I-Cash. The state treasurer's office has collected
more than $1.6 billion in unclaimed property that belongs to
millions of Illinois residents. This unclaimed property includes
everything from forgotten bank accounts to entire estates that have
never reached their rightful owners. The I-Cash team will stay
afterward to assist any and all who wish to have them go online with
their portable laptop computers and check for unclaimed assets.
Attendees will be asked to run their
own tab for lunch or may simply order a beverage, dessert, etc. A
RSVP is requested so that enough tables and chairs may be set up.
Mount
Pulaski Rotary Club contacts:
-
Phil Bertoni, publicity chair:
217-341-8967 cell or 792-5442 residence
-
Doug
Johnson, treasurer-secretary,
Johnson's TrueValue Hardware Store,
217-792-5911
Lincoln
Writer's Club will meet Feb. 12
Lincoln Writer's Club will
meet Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the student center
at Lincoln College. Suggested writing topics: a 150-word
"Life-Story"; a silly story about yourself; preserving food from
your garden.
All are welcome.
For more information, call 732-2723.
Historic
Logan County courthouses to observe Abraham Lincoln's birthday Feb. 9
Postville Courthouse and
Mount Pulaski Courthouse volunteers have planned grand celebrations
Saturday, Feb. 9,
for Abraham Lincoln's birthday. The events include refreshments, speakers
and tours.
Mr. Lincoln was a lawyer on the
Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit, including court sessions at Postville
and Mount Pulaski, before becoming president of the United States.
The original Postville Courthouse was purchased by Henry Ford in
1929 and moved to Dearborn, Mich. The courthouse that stands on the
Fifth Street site today is a replica that was built in 1953 as part
of the city's centennial celebration. The Mount Pulaski Courthouse,
the county seat from 1848 to 1855, is an original courthouse
building where Mr. Lincoln practiced law.
Mount Pulaski's celebration on Feb.
9 will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The featured speaker will be Brian
"Fox" Ellis, a local favorite, who will portray William Herndon
during an 11 a.m. presentation. Herndon and Lincoln were law
partners. The free public program will be in the second-floor
courtroom where Lincoln, Judge David Davis, Stephen A. Douglas,
Leonard Swett, Herndon and other lawyers of the mid-1800s 8th
Judicial Circuit practiced law. From 1 to 3:30 p.m. there will be
activities in a children's area with craft supplies for making
cards, bookmarks and pictures, along with an Abraham Lincoln
scavenger hunt. Complimentary Mary Todd Lincoln cake will be
provided throughout the day.
The celebration at Postville
Courthouse will be from noon to 5 p.m. The annual celebration will
include tours, refreshments, Abraham Lincoln interpreter Gary
Simpkins and presentations by the Civil War Ladies. Dorothy Salinger
and friends will present a program on clothing of that era at 1 p.m.
and 3 p.m.
The Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau
of Logan County encourages visiting both sites as they celebrate one
of the most important people in our heritage, Abraham Lincoln. For
more information, call 217-732-8687.
Historical
society seeks submissions for new 'Neighborhoods' book
A new book entitled "Neighborhoods,
Lincoln, IL" is being published by the Logan County Genealogical &
Historical Society and the Lincoln Woman's Club, with Lincoln city
and rural residents being asked to submit photos and resumes about
their homes or homes of ancestors.
Diane Cherry Osborn, a seasoned writer
from the Lincoln area, will compile the book, which is to include
maps, vignettes on people instrumental in the city's development,
and features on homes of architectural, historical and social
significance. Also included in the book will be homes no longer in
existence.
Socially
significant homes would be those that have been occupied by
well-known people, several generations of a family or by a family
for a significant number of years. Also included would be homes
considered "landmark" homes because of their location. This might
include the first houses built on a street or in a subdivision, on a
corner, or one that just captures attention.
Photos and information may be sent
to Diane Osborn, 411 College Ave., Lincoln, IL, 62656; or emailed to
diane.osborn@comcast.net.
By phone, she may be contacted at 217-605-0011. Items may also be
brought to the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society office
at 114 N. Chicago St.
Submitted information of interest
could include the subdivision or addition where the home is located
(this can be found on the tax bill or abstract), such as the
Original Town of Lincoln or Knapp, Bird, & Tinsley; age of home;
builder of home; previous occupants and years of occupancy, if
known; number of generations of family at this residence or
location; number of rooms; and other significant details about the
home.
Information for the book, including
photos of homes no longer in existence, will also be accepted from
the public.
Photos should be clear and of
5-by-7 size, except for especially significant homes, for which
8-by-10 photos will be accepted. Black-and-white photos are
preferred.
Osborn says: "Do not let your home
be left out of this historical work. It is anticipated to become a
cherished collector's item in future years."
Only a limited number of copies
will be printed.
Following publication of this book,
it is anticipated that "Neighborhoods" books on homes in other areas
of Logan County will be developed.
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Atlanta Public Library: Exciting times, growth in services
ATLANTA -- Cruising through
Atlanta, Ill., on Old Route 66, you will come to an unusual eight-sided
building at the corner of SW Arch (Route 66) and SE Race streets. This
architectural gem is the Atlanta Public Library, a historic building that
was constructed in 1908 and is now listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Only one other example like this exists, the public library
in El Paso, Ill. Walk inside the building and you find
the usual shelves of books, magazines and newspapers common to
libraries. But dig a little deeper, and a person will find a growing
list of exciting programs that are available to the community --
programs designed to encompass activities for preschoolers to senior
citizens.
Cathy Maciariello was recently
appointed director of community programs for the library in Atlanta
and has been ramping up the program menu from a modest beginning in
2011 to a wide variety of offerings today, some of them unique to
the library district, such as the Behind the Scenes programs.
One of the success stories is the
children's programming, which began with an outdoor summer reading
program on the library lawn. Other offerings during the year are a
homework and reading lab, kids' crafts, a summer creative writing
class, and preschool reading gatherings.
One measure of success is the
number of area children participating, from an initial 12-15 to a
count of almost 30 kids at a recent event.
The dramatic increase in
participating children has created a happy problem for the library.
Currently, one section of the octagonal building is dedicated to
children's reading material and events. The small area is now at the
maximum capacity, and more space is rapidly becoming a necessity.
Toward that end, plans are being
made to convert the basement of the library into a new area for
children's books and activities. The basement has at least double
the space of the current area. After the relocation of the
children's area to the basement, the upstairs space will be
converted into an adult fiction area and reading room.
Initial plans are being developed
to upgrade the infrastructure of the basement with a new ceiling,
lighting, heating and a dehumidifier before the children's books and
activities are relocated there.
As with all remodeling, the new
children's area will require funding to proceed with these ambitious
plans. Toward that end, the Atlanta Library will have a fundraiser
on Saturday, Feb. 16, called "Bowling for Books."
Bowling for Books will take place
at the Red Wing Bowl, just across the railroad tracks from the
library. Twenty-four teams of four bowlers each will compete for
prizes, with bowling times at 3:30, 6:30 and 9 p.m. In addition to
bowling, a Chinese auction will take place for items donated by area
businesses.
The prime sponsor for Bowling for
Books is Mattingly Automotive, with additional help from Kitty Cat
Crafts. So far, response has been very positive, with many teams
already signed up.
The library hopes to raise at least
$4,000 to begin the basement renovation process.
"The momentum of community
involvement in the library is increasing," says Maciariello. "The
fundraiser is providing an exciting way for members of the Atlanta
community to participate in their library's improvement."
Sign-up forms for Bowling for Books
are available at the library and on the library website.
Maciariello sees the library as a
magnet for area residents to come together and participate in
fascinating events, as well as use the traditional library services.
In addition to the Feb. 16
fundraiser, another important date for the library is rapidly
approaching. Randy Brooks, president of the Atlanta Public Library
District, announced that a referendum will appear on the April
ballot, requesting an increase in the library district's assessment.
The assessment has not been changed
in decades.
"We can't do 2013 work at the
library with 1950s money," said Brooks.
He stressed that when the
assessment was last changed, all the library had to offer was books.
Now, in the digital age, libraries are called upon to offer many
more services. In addition to checking out physical books, library
patrons are requesting access to digital reading material that they
can download to their iPads, Kindles and Nooks.
Money from an increased assessment
will go directly into updating the services and programs the library
can offer its patrons, as well as maintaining and updating the
library's physical structure, a historic building that needs lots of
care.
Brooks said: "I can't stress enough
how important a modern library is to a thriving community like
Atlanta, especially with the increase in tourists coming to town for
the Route 66 experience. A modern library enriches the community."
Brooks and Maciariello are excited
about the future of their town and the Atlanta Public Library, and
their enthusiasm is shared by members of the Atlanta community.
For a complete list of the Atlanta
Public Library programs and special events such as Bowling for
Books, go to the library website or call the library.
[By CURT FOX]
Atlanta Public Library contact
information
Logan Co. Animal Rescue hosting fundraiser lunch
Logan County Animal Rescue
will host a fundraiser lunch on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Friendship Manor.
The midday meal will consist of chicken and noodles, mashed
potatoes, green beans, lettuce salad, roll, a drink, and dessert.
Serving will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 2 p.m.
The Logan
County Animal Rescue is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that
works to preserve the life of animals in need. Animals are taken in
on a temporary basis. They may be reclaimed by their owners, or they
may have to be taken to a no-kill shelter, hopefully to be adopted.
To purchase tickets in advance for the Feb. 9 fundraiser, or to
learn more about Logan County Animal Rescue, call 217-735-2015.
For more information, visit
www.logancountyanimalrescue.com.
Area
Red Cross seeking hero nominations for 8th annual Heroes Breakfast
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Capital Area
Chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking hero nominations from the
public for the eighth annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast fundraiser on April
19 at the Crowne Plaza. Presented by the Bank of Springfield, this inspiring
event honors a group of everyday local heroes for performing an
extraordinary act or giving a lifetime of service to the community. Proceeds benefit local disaster relief
by the Red Cross.
The Red Cross is seeking nominations for nine hero categories
that will be honored at this year's breakfast:
,
sponsored by St. John's Children's Hospital: A person under 18
who has acted in a heroic fashion during a time of crisis or
committed themselves to better their community/the people in it.
Education ,
sponsored by Horace Mann: A K-12 or college teacher who has made
an extraordinary difference in the life of a child or group of
children.
Military hero ,
sponsored by Hanson Professional Services: A local member of the
U.S. armed forces who has shown dedication to serving our
country or made the ultimate sacrifice in defending it.
Public safety hero ,
sponsored by the American Red Cross: A person in an emergency
service field, such as police, fire department or EMT, who has
gone above and beyond the call of duty to save or protect
another.
Senior hero ,
sponsored by Concordia Village: A person over the age of 62 who
has acted in a heroic fashion during a time of crisis or
committed themselves to better their community or the people in
it.
Community hero ,
sponsored by Greene Dodge: Someone who has shown heroism in some
unexpected or unusual way during a time of crisis in their
community or has shown sacrificial commitment to meeting the
needs and challenges of their community.
Workplace hero,
sponsored by Express Employment Professionals: Someone who has
acted in a heroic fashion during a time of crisis in their
workplace or has shown strong commitment to helping others
within or through their place of work.
Health care hero ,
sponsored by Springfield Clinic: A member of the medical or
health care profession who has displayed extraordinary and
sacrificial commitment to saving or improving lives or treating
illnesses.
Civic hero , sponsored by Bunn: A
person in a paid public service field, such as government,
nonprofit or social services, who has gone above and beyond to
help or protect someone or worked toward positively affecting
their community.
Nominees must either live or work in Sangamon, Christian, Logan,
Menard, Macoupin, Montgomery, Sangamon or Shelby County. Local
heroic acts must have taken place within the last 18 months to be
eligible, unless the nomination is for a lifetime of service. An
individual or group of individuals may be nominated and can be
entered into multiple hero categories.
People in the community can fill out and submit the online hero
nomination form by visiting
www.il-redcross.org.
Nominations are due by Friday, Feb. 22.
Celebrating
Abraham Lincoln's birthday in Mount Pulaski
Brian 'Fox' Ellis to portray William
Herndon, Lincoln's law partner
MOUNT PULASKI -- On Saturday, Feb. 9,
at 11 a.m., William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln's law partner, will be
portrayed in Mount Pulaski by acclaimed storyteller, author and educator
Brian "Fox" Ellis, from Peoria. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a unique
look at Abraham Lincoln through the eyes of his law partner. Everyone is invited to attend this
remarkable portrayal in the Mount Pulaski Courthouse courtroom,
where Abraham Lincoln, Judge David Davis, Stephen A. Douglas,
Leonard Swett, William Herndon and other lawyers who traveled by
horse and buggy in the mid-1800s Illinois 8th Judicial Circuit heard
cases in the Logan County seat of Mount Pulaski (1848-1855), an
Illinois Historic Site since 1936.
Complimentary servings of Mary Todd
Lincoln's cake will be provided throughout the day, 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.
In the afternoon from 1 to 3:30,
there will be multiple activities for children. Craft supplies will
be available for making cards, bookmarks and pictures for Lincoln's
Birthday or Valentine's Day. There will also be an Abraham Lincoln
scavenger hunt.
The previous day, Feb. 8, two other
historic individuals associated with Abraham Lincoln will be
portrayed by Ellis at the Mount Pulaski schools. For students of the
Mount Pulaski Grade School and Zion Lutheran School, Mr. Ellis will
portray Austin Gulihur, one of Lincoln's boyhood friends.
Fourth-graders will begin the morning program with a presentation of
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. In the afternoon, for the Mount
Pulaski High School, Ellis will portray American poet Walt Whitman,
who was a contemporary of Lincoln and wrote poems in praise of him
soon after the president's assassination.
The funding for these events has come
from the Tomlinson Trust, the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County and the Mount Pulaski Courthouse Foundation. Mary Todd
Lincoln's cake will be donated by Hilltop Catering of Mount Pulaski.
Absentee
and early voting for Lincoln Republican primary
Lincoln Daily News received the following notice from Sally J.
Litterly, Logan County clerk: (Copy)
PUBLIC NOTICE
ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTING
FOR THE LINCOLN CITY CONSOLIDATED REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ELECTION
FEBRUARY 26, 2013
Do you want to
avoid lines on Election Day? Registered voters who desire to cast a
ballot at the Office of the County Clerk rather than their polling
place, may now vote in person in the Office of the County Clerk. The
office is located on the 2nd floor of the Logan County
Courthouse, 601 Broadway St., Lincoln, Illinois. In person absentee
voting continues through February 25, 2013.
Registered voters
may also make application by mail to vote absentee. Students and out
of county workers can conveniently obtain an Application to Vote
Absentee by contacting the Office of the County Clerk, or access the
form on the Clerk's website at
http://www.co.logan.il.us/county_clerk/.
Mail applications will be received by the County Clerk until
February 21, 2013. No ballots may be sent by mail after that date as
provided by law. No excuse is needed to vote by absentee by mail or
in person.
Early Voting
(similar to Absentee) will also be conducted in the Office of the
County Clerk February 11 through February 23, 2013. Early voting
allows registered voters to cast their ballot prior to Election Day
by voting at the pre-designated site of the Office of the Logan
County Clerk. Early voters must be registered and present a valid
picture ID showing their current voter registration address.
Office hours are
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Any questions
concerning voting may be directed to the Office of the County Clerk
Elections Department at (217)732-4148.
Polar
Plungers across Illinois will be freezin' for a reason Feb. 22-March 17
NORMAL -- It's not every day that people are
willing to "go jump in a lake" -- particularly in the winter -- let alone do
so with thousands of other people, including members of the law enforcement
community. But that's exactly what will happen on various weekends in
February and March as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar
Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois presented by GEICO. Any adventurous soul is invited to
join law enforcement officers, as well as media and business and
civic leaders from their community, by donning bathing suits,
costumes or any clothing of choice (just no wetsuits!) to jump in a
lake. Each plunger must collect a minimum of $75 in donations that
will be used to support Special Olympics programs in Illinois.
The event has grown from one location in 1999 to 20 locations
across the state this year. The Polar Plunge series will kick off
with a Super Plunge -- where participants raise a minimum of $2,500
and plunge into Lake Michigan once every hour for 24 hours -- on
Feb. 22-23 at Northwestern University's North Beach in Evanston.
The Logan County plunge will take place on Sunday, March 17, at 2
p.m. at Lincoln Lakes. Please note this is a change in both day of the
week and time. Anyone wishing to know more about the local plunge
can click on the "Polar
Plunge" button on the Top Stories page of LDN or contact Joanie
Keyes of Special Olympics Illinois at 217-428-9255.
Individuals and teams can register for the plunge on the Special
Olympics Illinois website at
http://www.plungeillinois.com/ or by contacting Keyes at the
number above.
Plungers are encouraged to form teams to spread the fun. Each
team member must raise the minimum of $75 in donations, and all team
members' individual fundraising totals will be merged to form a
combined team total. Teams are placed into divisions based on size
and are awarded prizes for the most money raised.
All plungers will receive gifts, compete for prizes, and enjoy
food and camaraderie with other chilly participants. The more money
a plunger raises, the more chances he or she will have to win a
four-night trip for two adults to Cancun, Mexico, with
accommodations at Riu Peninsula, courtesy of Apple Vacations. For
every $500 a plunger raises, he or she will get an entry into the
drawing for this grand prize.
The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest
year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects
have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the
athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Each year, more than 3,000
officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the "Flame
of Hope" through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to
the State Summer Games in Normal in June.
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