Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News
Newspaper covering Franklin County, Illinois
Buried beneath the election chatter this week was a wonky labor ruling in a Springfield appellate court. But the issue at hand could wind up being more costly than almost anything else Illinoisans hear discussed on debate stages.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Illinois News Network.
By Rick Warren
”[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT).
But because God is always good and never bad, God will never reject you, even when you sin against him and disobey and hurt him. You can come back! He will receive you, not reject you, when you humbly confess to him.
The Bible says, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close . . . My enemies are waiting for me . . . Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:10-11, 13 NLT). You may have messed up and made a huge mistake. God is the God of second chances. Why? Because he is a good and gracious Father.
Now, because God is always good and gracious, when we pray, we can be always bold and confident. We don’t have to come slinking in to God with our tail between our legs. We can just come and say, “God, you know I blew it—that’s who I am. But you are a good Father—that’s who you are. And it’s who you are that matters.”
“[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT).
A Prayer to Love When It’s Inconvenient
By Karen Ehman
“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Philippians 4:5 (NLT)
Recently as I waited in line at a coffee house, a frail, elderly woman stood in front of me ordering a meal. She seemed distressed as she fumbled for her change, paid the worker, and then gathered up her bag of food and her drink. As she headed for the door, her large purse began swinging off of her shoulder, nearly knocking her, and all of her lunch, to the floor.
“Oh … how am I going to do this? Oh my … oh dear … I can’t …” she mumbled to herself, trying to shift her weight and her cargo, while pushing open the door at the same time. Though I’d just finally reached the front of the line, God used today’s key verse to tap me on the heart and shift my momentary schedule.
“Here, let me get that for you,” I uttered as I held the door open and steadied her drink. “Would you like me to carry your food to your car?” She stopped in her tracks, her bright blue eyes looking up at me with gratefulness. “Oh dear … you must have a grandmother living that you’re so kind to an old woman.”
“No ma’am, I don’t,” I answered. “I just love Jesus and He wants me to help you.”
Her face softened. She shook her head and decidedly declared: “Of course! You people have always been so helpful to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” You people. I’m pretty sure she meant, “You Christians.”
It reminded me of the age-old truth: More is caught than taught. And it demonstrated to me that people are watching. What do they see? Do they see us being considerate in all we do? Sadly, I have been told the following:
· By a waitress: “Christians are the worst tippers, especially after a Sunday supper out. Sometimes they leave no money at all.”
· By a sweet, misguided teenager from a tumultuous home, looking for love with her heart and announcing it with her body: “I tried going to church once. There was a sign on the front door that said, ‘All are welcome, but please dress appropriately.’ I didn’t know what appropriately meant, but I knew it wasn’t me. So I turned around and left.”
I know followers of Jesus — and I count myself in particular — don’t always portray to others the considerate and loving ways of Christ, as urged in today’s key verse. But we can do better. We need to remember that people are watching our behavior. If all they see are uncaring or condemning Christians, why, oh why, would they want to become one?
Father, forgive me for the times I choose condemnation over love, rudeness over kindness, or desire to do nothing rather than do the right thing. Please prompt my heart and interrupt my momentary schedule so my actions may reflect who You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Predictably, the establishment is blaming President Trump and his supporters for a climate of rage and hate.
Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.
While a couple of state budget analysis groups differ on how much more Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker could spend if he’s elected, they agree Pritzker will cost taxpayers more.
Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has opened a death investigation after hunters found human skeletal remains in the woods north of Carbondale.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
Children in Southern Illinois need not worry — despite heavy rains predicted for Halloween, the candy will still flow, but in some cities and towns, a day earlier.
Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.
INA, Ill. – Hundreds of Rend Lake College students and donors met for the first time last week for an evening of celebration during the 29th Annual RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Benton Civic Center.
During the event, guest speakers Joe Gliosci, Megan Rounds, Suzanna LeFebvre, and Phillip Smith shared their experiences giving or receiving scholarships. RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron and Board Chairperson Robert Bornheimer were also on hand to share in the evening’s festivities.
Zibby-Damron welcomed the audience to the event and, after introductions, thanked every person in attendance for their specific role – either as donors and alums or as students pursuing a college degree.
“To our scholarship donors, thank you for believing in the importance of education, for believing in Rend Lake College, and for believing in our students. Know that we are committed to doing everything we can to be good stewards of your gift,” said Zibby-Damron to the donors in the room. To the group of alumni donors, she added, “thank you for staying connected to Rend Lake College and for giving back to the place where you began your journey. Rend Lake College is very proud of you.”
To the students, she continued, “As you go home tonight and you go back to class, I want to ask two things of you. Number one, do your best. The people who are here tonight are interested in you and they know the value of education and they want to help you. It’s now your responsibility to be accountable for this gift. Simply do your best, show up, and don’t give up. Two, I want you to look for ways to pay it forward. Get involved in your community, help others, and as you start your career, I hope that you too will consider how you can give back to Rend Lake College. You are our future scholarship donors.”
Bornheimer echoed with words of appreciation to the students.
“As donors, we’ll tell you this is one of our favorite evenings of the year, because this is where our contributions come to life. We get to see the person who benefits from it, and getting to know you, what your plans are, that inspires us to keep giving. Thank you all for attending and giving us some time to get to know you a little bit,” he said.
First on stage for the guest speakers was Joe Gliosci, Illinois Region President of Legence Bank. As a surprise announcement, Gliosci said Legence Bank will sponsor two new scholarships for $1,000 each to be awarded during the 2019-20 academic year.
Joe Gliosci, Legence Bank Illinois Region President, addressed the audience at the 29th Annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner last week. It was during his speech that he announced the creation of the Legence Bank Merit Scholarship and Legence Bank Burt H. Rowe Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
“We are excited and extremely thankful to be able to offer two scholarships to students who reflect how we approach our business every day,” said Gliosci. “We seek bright, curious, engaging students who make a difference in our communities. Our core values guide our Legence Bank team to help our customers and communities grow stronger, and these are the same values we look for in the scholarship recipients. They have professionalism, a strong work ethic, are a team player and community-minded, honesty with integrity, innovative, loyal, and my favorite, positive and enthusiastic attitude. We approach work with the spirit of generosity and look for students who approach education with the same manner. I have a feeling next year, we won’t have any problem finding two students to award this scholarship to.”
In response to the announcement, Zibby-Damron added, “Thank you. This is very exciting. This new scholarship creates two new opportunities for RLC students for next year. Thank you very much Joe and Legence Bank for your support.”
Legence Bank Illinois Region President Joe Gliosci, SECOND FROM LEFT, presents a $5,000 check donation to the RLC Foundation for two new student scholarships for the 2019-20 academic year. He is pictured with, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, LEFT; RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron, SECOND FROM RIGHT; and RLC Foundation Board Chairman Robert Bornheimer, RIGHT.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)
Next at the podium was RLC AmeriCorps Director Megan Rounds who shared her experiences as both a scholarship donor and recipient.
“Coming from a family of coal miners and farmers, I understand that education is not always something our parents or grandparents may have pursued. I was raised with the words, ‘when you go to college’ not ‘if you go.’ While most of my family may not have had a college education themselves, they did want that opportunity for me,” said Rounds.
She continued, “When it was time to leave high school, every penny made a difference for our family. I was blessed to receive an art scholarship for photography at Rend Lake College as well as financial support to attend SIU from my grandparents. When I received that scholarship, it was the community who were there to help support me, as well as my family.”
Rounds, alongside her husband Zach, made the decision to give back nearly two years ago. This year, the couple decided the increase their donation to the RLC Foundation.
“You’re here because you value education, the people within our communities, and we have joined together to provide them with support for their education. Zach and I decided to give a scholarship because we wanted to build upon the support already given to us by our community,” said Rounds. “We are hopeful we can make a difference each year, even if it is only one student. We know every penny counts, just as it did for my family. And we are so thankful we have the ability to do that now. We give in the hope that it will inspire others to help when and where it matters. Congratulations to all the students here. We are very proud of you.”
The program closed with two scholarship recipients giving words of thanks and sharing their experiences in college. First up was Suzanna LeFebvre of Mt. Vernon, who, after becoming homeless without a high school degree, found herself succeeding at RLC thanks, in part, to donors who made her dream a reality. She is currently a sophomore music major who aspires to become a music therapist.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I always dreamt about going to college and becoming an adult with a big career and lots of money; however, that dream started to fade when I was 18 and found myself without a home and a high school education,” said LeFebvre. “With no money and no job and no diploma to get a job, how was I going to be anyone?”
She continued, “After two years of hard work and getting good grades, I applied to the State Board of Education to receive my diploma. When I graduated, I received two scholarships that have helped me immensely. This year, I was even more blessed to receive scholarships again. The scholarships I have received have helped me – someone who once thought they were a nobody – to go to college to pursue a dream I once thought was impossible to reach.”
Last to take the podium was sophomore Phillip Smith of Christopher who shared the hardships of going back to school while also working and taking care of his family. Smith will graduate in May with an Associate Degree in Nursing.
“I went back to college after a less-than-stellar performance in high school. I went back, not as a teenager fresh out of high school, but as a husband and father several years after the fact. I’d often given a considerable thought about going back to school to join the medical community, but the financial ability often played a role in preventing that from occurring,” said Smith.
He continued, “Were it not for the generous donations of each and every one of you here tonight, myself and many other students might well be stalled in our efforts of laying the foundations of our own success. It is a great relief to have one less burden to bear so that our focus can be placed solely on our grades in the classroom and beyond. This summer, I will proudly be able to call myself a registered nurse. This is an achievement I can take a great deal of pride in, not only because of the hard work and long hours required to attain it, but also because, just a few years ago, it was nothing more than a dream. Your commitment to helping me achieve that is a gift I cannot possibly thank you enough for. That being said, I’ll give it a try. Thank you everyone, for every opportunity you’ve given to every recipient here, for your generosity and selflessness. You have done so much more than you know.”
During the 2018-19 academic year, the RLC Foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships to Rend Lake College students. Incoming and current students can complete the 2019-20 RLC Foundation Scholarship application online at www.rlc.edu/foundation.
Those who would like to learn more about supporting RLC students with a scholarship, contact the RLCF at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1214, or send an e-mail foundation@rlc.edu. Legence Bank sponsored the event.
INA, Ill. — Tickets are on sale for The Nutcracker at the Rend Lake College Theatre. Veteran Director Tracey Webb will present the fall play on stage Nov. 8-11 with showtimes set for 7 p.m. Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 8-10 and a 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased by calling the RLC Box Office at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467. Patrons may also purchase at the door, if available. More information about the play and performers is forthcoming.
INA, Ill. – Next month, local musicians will take the Rend Lake College stage for the annual Fall Concert. The free event, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, will feature performances by the college’s Concert Band and Jazz Band, Concert Choir and Women’s Chamber Choir.
Director Sara Alstat, Music Professor, said there will also be special guests playing alongside the Concert Band for an unforgettable performance.
The Concert Band members performed “Gershwin Prelude Suite” by George Gershwin and arranged by Elena Roussanova during their premiere piece at the 2017 Fall Concert to a packed house. This year, they will be joined by the Concert Choir, Jazz Band, and Women’s Chamber Choir. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
The Concert Band will perform Gustav Holst’s “Mars, from The Planets” arranged by William Owens; “Dreamsong” written by Richard Saucedo and featuring a piano solo; “A Saint-sational Trio” arranged by Michael Story with a trumpet trio; and Roland Barrett’s “Children of a Different Sun.”
The Jazz Band will feature John Lewis’ “Django” arranged by Mike Tomaro with a piano solo; and the popular “Uptown Funk” with words and music by Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence, Jeff Bhasker, Devon Gallaspy, and Nicholaus Williams, and arranged by Paul Murtha.
The Concert Choir will perform five pieces: “Homeward Bound” with words and music by Marta Keen; “I Will Arise and Go” by Shawn Kirchner; “Agnus Dei” by Sherri Porterfield; African-American spiritual “Soon I Will Be Done” arranged by Kirby Shaw; and “Old Joe Clark” arranged by Greg Gilpin.
Finally, the Women’s Chamber Choir will feature “Bring Me Little Water, Sylvie” arranged by Robert Jones; and “The Tree (in December)” with music by John Purifoy.
To learn more about the Fall Concert, or to become involved in the RLC Concert Band and Concert Choir, contact Sara Alstat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1817 or alstats@rlc.edu. More information about RLC’s Music program can be found at www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/381-music.
