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COVID-19 Updates: Department wants to lift the spirits of Illinois veterans

The State Journal-Register - 5/28/2020

May 28--The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) has launched "Operation Rising Spirit," a campaign challenging service organizations, volunteers, families and friends and local community members to raise the spirits of military veterans and staff members who care for them every day at state veterans' homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy.

The IDVA also provides housing and supportive services for homeless veterans at the Prince Home also in Manteno.

Illinois veterans' homes were directed to restrict visitation in March as part of the staunch measures implemented to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Uplifting messages and displays of support from the community will help boost the morale of veterans and staff during this unprecedented time," said IDVA Director Linda Chapa LaVia. "Cards, emails, signs outside the homes, and video messages are encouraged, but I also challenge everybody to think creatively about what they can do to support veterans and staff."

Cards, emails, and video messages can be sent directly to the homes and socially distant on-site activities can be coordinated with:

* Illinois Veterans' Home at Anna, 792 N. Main St., Anna, IL 62906; c/o: Anthony Barnett; Anthony.Barnett2@illinois.gov

* Illinois Veterans' Home at LaSalle, 1015 O'Conor Ave., LaSalle, IL 61301; c/o: Susan Scully; Susan.Scully@illinois.gov

* Illinois Veterans' Home at Manteno, 1 Veterans Dr., Manteno, IL 60950; c/o: Dave Pedersen; David.W.Pedersen@illinois.gov

* Illinois Veterans' Home at Quincy, 1707 N. 12th St., Quncy, IL 62301; c/o: Sara Colgrove; Sara.Colgrove@illlinois.gov

* Prince Home at Manteno; 1 Veterans Dr., Manteno, IL 60950; c/o: Wali Lewis; Wali.Lewis2@illinois.gov

New marriage license procedure

Couples who are applying for marriage licenses in Sangamon County will have to do so online through the County Clerk's website https://www.sangamoncountyclerk.com while the "stay at home" order is in effect.

There is a link in the Sangamon County Clerk News box labeled "On-line Marriage Application." Click on the link and fill out the marriage license application. Once completed, the applicant will be directed to a secure payment site where the marriage license fee is paid.

A County Clerk employee will contact the couple to set-up a time for a video conference. The Clerk's office is using the app "GoToMeeting" for their marriage license appointments.

"As we adapt our lifestyles to this unique time, the County Clerk's office has modernized and streamlined our marriage licensing process for the convenience of couples", said County Clerk Don Gray. "We hope to provide a smooth and efficient process for couples at this exciting time in their lives".

For specific questions, please call the Sangamon County Clerk's office at 753-6705 or email vitalrecords@co.sangamon.il.us.

District 186 virtual graduation

District 186 virtual graduation ceremonies will be broadcast Saturday on Fox Illinois.

Lawrence Education Center's graduation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by Lanphier High School at 11:00 a.m., Southeast High School at 2 p.m. and Springfield High School at 5 p.m.

The broadcast will follow a traditional format with student speeches and performances, administrator addresses and the roll call of graduate names accompanied by a photo.

The broadcasts will be streamed on https://newschannel20.com/, https://foxillinois.com/ and on the stations' Facebook pages.

Star parties go virtual

The University of Illinois Springfield's popular summer star parties are going virtual.

The Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8-9 p.m. Saturday.

John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding Venus, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the late spring and early summer evening sky. Martin will answer astronomy questions submitted live.

The link for the Zoom event will be posted at https://www.uis.edu/astronomy/summer-star-parties and @UISObservatory on Twitter.

Other star parties dates are June 27, July 25 and Aug. 11 (a special Perseid Meteor Shower viewing party) at Lincoln Memorial Garden.

For more information on summer star parties, contact John Martin at jmart5@uis.edu.

Head West to donate proceedings

Head West Subs will be donating 15 percent of its proceeds from takeout orders to the Central Illinois Foodbank on Tuesday.

Head West has five Springfield locations and other locations in Southern View, Rochester, Jacksonville and Decatur

"Takeout Tuesday" is being organized statewide by the initiative GroupRaise.

Mt. Pulaski road closing

Part of Cooke Street in Mt. Pulaski will be closed Friday and Saturday to help restaurants on the downtown square that are set to re-open Friday.

Under Phase 3 of Gov. JB Pritzker's plan, restaurants and bar will be allowed to provide food and beverage with outdoor dining.

Cook will be closed between Lafayette and Washington streets from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday.

A number of restaurants, including Pizza Man, The Lucky Lager and The Old Brickyard will be opening and serving under Phase 3. Any alcoholic beverages must kept within the Cooke Street barricades.

Patrons are asked to continue to follow the common guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who are feeling ill or who are at a higher risk should stay home.

Jacksonville event canceled

Jacksonville's Fourth of July Blast at Nichols Park has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers were contacting vendors Wednesday about the cancellation.

There is no word yet on the City of Jacksonville's parade and fireworks display.

Contact Steven Spearie: 622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/stevenspearie.

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