Bits and pieces

Bits & Pieces – Trying to catch Santa at work

Christmas is such a joyous time of the year for most families. For those who have lost a loved one, it’s a tough time. The memories are painful, but they also bring a lot of joy.

Christmas, when I was growing up, was always the best. At one time my dad worked four jobs just so he could provide for his family. Both parents always told us that they didn’t get anything from Santa, or very little, growing up so they wanted to make sure their kids had a decent Christmas. And they truly succeeded at it.

Trivia Too

Trivia Too – “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

During the “Big War,” World War II, there were a lot of nostalgic songs about home, family, and sweethearts, songs that really impressed the millions of young men who were away from home.

One of the best of that era was the 1943 carol, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” written by poet James K. Gammon from Brooklyn, along with musician Walter Kent. Kent also wrote the popular “White Cliffs of Dover.”

Virginia O’Hanlon and Frank Church with the New York Sun editorial. (Archival photo.)

Looking Back – Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

This is a story about faith, love, beauty and romance. Though this story is well over a hundred years old, I believe you will find it as enjoyable today as those who first read it in the closing years of the 19th century.

I hope you will share this story with others. It serves as a beacon of hope in these troubling times. 

In 1897, little Virginia O’Hanlon wrote the following letter to the New York Sun:

Last weekend for ChristkindMarkt

This is the final weekend for the Beardstown ChristkindMarkt on the square. Chalet vendors will be there December 22nd and 23rd from 4:00 to 7:00 on Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday.

Beardstown CONNECT (hot chocolate, Gluewein, mugs), Mama Cakes Bakery Noodles, Kim Earnst (sweets), Cagle Crafts (wood engraved items), Confections3, Spring Creek Freshie Company, Tahiti Sweetie (Dutch pancakes), Theos Treats (dog treats), St. John’s Lutheran Church (soups & sweets), Roashambo Designs, and Kirby Drennan Pottery.

Lincoln Land Community College Springfield Campus

LLCC Foundation announces 2023-2024 scholarship recipients  

The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation has announced the recipients of over 370 scholarships totaling more than $880,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The LLCC Foundation awards scholarships every year thanks to the support and generosity of individuals, community businesses and organizations.

CASSCOMM helps Nonprofit organizations for the holidays

Every year CASSCOMM helps out all of the Nonprofit organizations we can, especially during the holidays. Plus this is a great way to help those in need. If you are a nonprofit that needs assistance in the future please reach out to us at 1-800-252-1799. We were able to meet with Chere K Garner and Tom Prather this week to make a donation. 

Memorial Health Hospitals takes measures to help prevent spread of illnesses by making temporary visitor restrictions.

Memorial Health is implementing temporary visitor restrictions at its five hospitals to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommended temporary visitor restrictions due to a statewide increase in respiratory illness including COVID-19, influenza and RSV. The restrictions apply to inpatient units at all five Memorial Health hospitals: Decatur Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Springfield Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital. The restrictions will not apply to outpatient Memorial Care locations, including urgent or primary care and laboratory or imaging appointments.

Calendar-Winter

Community Calendar

Public Safety, Environment & Housing Committee has moved its meeting to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27 due to the Christmas Holiday. They will meet at the Courthouse in Virginia.

Bread of Love

Bread of Love – December 25 -29

Monday - Holiday. Tuesday - Sloppy Joe on bun, pickled beets, melon, milk. Wednesday - Tuna & noodles, peas, bread, applesauce, milk. Thursday -

elf in tree

Bits & Pieces – The story of Elf on the Shelf

It won’t be long and it will be Christmas. Children have been counting days for a long time. This is the time of the year when they are so excited that their energy runs overtime. Parents and teachers don’t need calendars. Kids bouncing off walls is a huge signal that Christmas is close, and as each day draws closer, they seem to get worse. It’s a stressful time of the year for kids and worse for their parents and teachers. But in the end, it’s all worth it just to see the smiles and giggles.