Founders Day Celebration at Green Pastures on Sept. 26
Green Pastures Christian Retreat Center is holding its Founders Day Celebration on Sept. 26 from 4-8 p.m. out at the center and campgrounds.
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun, fellowship and incredible live music! Admission is completely FREE, so gather the whole family and come support our youth and celebrate the ministry that Bud and Doris Groat started with faith and obedience to God. We can’t wait to see you there!
Stay overnight:
Want to extend the fun? Choose to camp for the night or the whole weekend! Bring your tents or campers or experience our new glamping spot and enjoy the great outdoors with us.
Live music:
Enjoy an intimate acoustic set by Matt Baird, lead singer of the Christian rock band Spoken.
Food for a cause:
We will have hot dogs, pork chops, chips and drinks for sale. We are happy to share that 100% of food proceeds go directly into GP’s summer camp fund!
Family activities:
Petting Zoo & Face Painting
Outdoor Family Lawn Games & Fishing
Crafts for the kids
Explore the beautiful grounds & walking trails
Founders Day Celebration will be held at Green Pastures, 1936 US Hwy 67, Meredosia, IL 62665. For more information, visit greenpasturesretreatcenter.org.
New exhibit opens at The Strawn Sept. 12
The Art Association of Jacksonville is pleased to present Watercolorist Donald Landry September 12-27 at The David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W College Ave. in Jacksonville. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 6-8 p.m., with a Gallery Talk by Landry at 6:30 p.m. The opening reception and gallery hours are free and open to the public.
Donald Landry is a watercolor artist based in Springfield, Illinois, whose uses expressive brushwork to capture our environment, blending realism with an impressionistic style to convey the quiet beauty of nature based on his observations. He’s been paintings for over forty-five years creating exciting, unique and original watercolors. Landry says “no two paintings are alike which is one reason why so many people collect his artwork where every watercolor painting tells a story, reflects a memory or touches a place in the heart.”
Landry is a dedicated professional working out of his home (Wild Wood Studio) painting passionate landscapes, seascapes and always looking to find the beauty in nature that surrounds us, often painting iconic places around Springfield, Illinois and Sangamon County. He creatively sees or views things differently from everyone else with strong compositions and his artistic interpretation. His work often focuses on capturing light, luminosity or atmospheric conditions found in nature to convey a mood or tranquil calmness where the viewer becomes involved and connected to mother nature’s many gifts.
Landry has studied with nationally known watercolor artists; Nita Engle, Irving Shapiro, Tom Lynch and Joseph
Fettingis to enhance his creative goals. He is a past member of the Chicago Art Coalition, Midwest Watercolor Society, Illinois Artisans Program and artwork for sale at the Illinois State Museum. He is a current member and past Vice President of the Sangamon Watercolor Society. He teaches private watercolor classes from his home and occasional watercolor workshops.
Landry’s watercolor work has been featured in Springfield Magazine, Illinois Times, State Journal Register, Old Capital Art Fair, SIU, Department Of Transportation, Hoogland Center for The Arts, Springfield Art Association, NPR Radio and several live TV shows; WCIS “Meet Your Neighbor” and PBS “Artscape” demonstrating his watercolor techniques. He has participated in national exhibits like the Midwest Watercolor Society in addition to numerous regional solo and group exhibitions.
Gallery hours September 13-27 are Sundays 1-3 pm and Tuesday-Saturday 4-6 pm.
MCS Community Services announces start of the Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available for income qualified households beginning October 1, 2026.
MCS Community Services, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Morgan, Cass, and Scott counties, is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.
The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2026 for older adults (60 years+), individuals with a disability, families with children age 5 years and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2026.
Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 13, 2027, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.
The program has expanded eligibility this year. Households that are customers of Ameren Illinois must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to receive a benefit from LIHEAP. The income guidelines are as follows:1- $3,990, 2- $5,410, 3- $6,830, 4- $8,250. Households that are customers of federal funded utilities/energy vendors must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income to receive a benefit from LIHEAP.
The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on either Federal Poverty Guidelines or State Median Income, and the number of persons living in the household. Call MCS Community Services or go to liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service. Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.
Applications will be taken at locations in Jacksonville, Beardstown, Virginia, and Winchester, by appointment only. Applications can also be taken over-the-phone, by appointment only, for home-bound applications, with documentation to be sent into MCS Community Services by using the office drop box, emailing, faxing, or regular mail delivery. Details will be given out during the initial phone call.
To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
- For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can still apply and MCS Community Services will advise accordingly.
- A copy of current gas, electric, and/or propane bills issued within the last 30 days.
- All household members over the age of 18 claiming zero income are required to provide proof of how they are surviving, such as: proof of job search, denial or appeal of disability claim, denial of unemployment, written proof of help from family/friends, application for or receipt of OHS services (360C Notice of Decision), proof of enrollment in school, etc.
- Cash assistance may be available for renters who can provide a copy of their lease/rental agreement showing their heating costs are included in the rent, the monthly rental amount, and the landlord contact.
- Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.
Additionally, a homeowner whose existing heating system is not operational or has been red-tagged as hazardous may apply for Furnace Assistance during their priority group period. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding permits.
Income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas and/or electric bill through the Low-Income Discount Rates. Visit powerbilldiscount.com to know more details.
Please call MCS Community Services at 217-243-9404, beginning October 1, 2026, for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.
Dementia Friends training for faith communities on Sept. 21
The Jacksonville Area Conference of Churches is sponsoring a training event for faith communities, churches and faith leaders on how to engage and support those with dementia within their congregations.
The training will be held on September 21, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Jacksonville.
The seminar will offer concrete skills and actions for addressing the challenges of members with dementia within their organizations. The training will teach attendees:
How to engage and support those living with dementia
How to implement dementia-friendly efforts within places of worship
How to incorporate the use of Connection Kits, available from the Jacksonville Public Library, or those living with dementia
Cost is free to attend. Registration is not required. Certificates will be awarded to those completing the training.
Trinity Episcopal Church will host the event in their community room at 359 West State St. in Jacksonville, Illinois.
The event is provided by Illinois Extension from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Dementia Friends Illinois. The Conference of Churches is proud to partner with both organizations to bring this training to our community.
Questions? Call the Morgan County Extension Office at 217-243-7424.
JMH enhances breast imaging services with new mammography unit
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH) has enhanced its breast imaging services with the installation of a new mammography unit, which will provide advanced breast health technology and high-quality care for local patients.
“Investing in updated technology is one of the many ways Jacksonville Memorial Hospital continues to provide high-quality care for our patients,” said Trevor Huffman, JMH president and CEO. “This upgrade reflects our ongoing commitment to offering advanced screening tools while keeping services local and accessible for our community.”
The upgraded unit will introduce Genius™ AI Detection technology, designed to assist radiologists in interpreting breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) images. It builds on the mammography technology currently used at JMH.
In addition to the new mammography unit, JMH will continue to provide comprehensive breast health services, including:
- 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis)
- Stereotactic breast biopsies
- Needle localization procedures
In addition, the hospital’s longstanding collaboration with the Mia Ware Foundation helps remove financial barriers to breast cancer screening. Through the foundation, eligible patients who are uninsured or have high-deductible health plans may receive assistance covering the cost of a screening mammogram.
Patients interested in utilizing this support should notify scheduling staff when arranging their appointment.
“Early detection remains one of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer,” said Kyla Whitehead, JMH manager of Medical Imaging. “We are proud to continue working with the Mia Ware Foundation to help ensure women in our community have access to potentially life-saving screening services.”
For more information about breast imaging services at JMH or to schedule a mammogram, call 447-784-3585 or visit memorial.health.
Jessica Ruble named August Colleague of the Month at JMH
Jessica Ruble, a patient care tech at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, has been named August Colleague of the Month.
Ruble was nominated by a family member who shared about the night a loved one died. At the time, the patient’s brother was admitted to the hospital and hoped to be taken to the Emergency Department to see his sister one final time. Ruble stepped forward, arrived with a wheelchair and personally ensured he could make the trip.
After bringing him to the Emergency Department, Ruble encouraged him to take all the time he needed. Her actions gave a family member the opportunity to pay his respects and share a final goodbye during an emotional time.
“Jessica went above and beyond for my family that night, and it was greatly appreciated,” wrote the nominator, who also praised Ruble’s kind and respectful approach to patient care.
The Colleague of the Month award recognizes Memorial Health team members who exemplify the organization’s mission, vision and values through exceptional service, compassion and commitment to patients, families and colleagues.
Kim’s Place Cafe to be featured on America’s Best Restaurants
Kim’s Place Cafe, a beloved locally owned restaurant in Jacksonville, Illinois, will soon be featured on America’s Best Restaurants (ABR) as part of the national ABR Roadshow.
America’s Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company dedicated to bringing attention to locally owned, independent restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to Kim’s Place Cafe on September 15 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The visit will highlight some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, along with an extensive on-camera interview with owners Brad and Kim Fellhauer about the restaurant’s history, food and special place in the Jacksonville community.
The press is invited to attend the filming.
The finished episode will be shared extensively across America’s Best Restaurants’ social media channels and the restaurant’s social media platforms. The premiere date will be announced on Kim’s Place Cafe’s Facebook page and featured on the America’s Best Restaurants website.
Kim’s Place Cafe is the brainchild of Brad and Kim Fellhauer, who opened the restaurant on August 18, 2021. The café carries on the legacy of the location, which was previously known as Norma’s and operated for nearly a decade under the guidance of Norma Koyne.
Since opening, the Fellhauers have transformed Kim’s Place Cafe into a community favorite known for home-cooked meals made from scratch, friendly service and authentic comfort food.
Among the restaurant’s standout menu items is its Horseshoe, featuring a homemade cheese sauce that puts a spin on the classic. Guests also enjoy open-faced sandwiches and breakfast favorites, including tenderloin with homemade sausage gravy.
Beyond its food, Kim’s Place Cafe has become an important part of the Jacksonville community. The restaurant supports local charities and hosts an annual free meal for veterans, demonstrating the Fellhauers’ commitment to giving back to the community they serve.
“We are beyond honored to be featured by America’s Best Restaurants,” said Brad Fellhauer. “Our goal has always been to provide quality ‘made from scratch’ food for Jacksonville.”
Restaurants featured on the ABR Roadshow are selected based on customer reviews, menu items, social media presence and involvement in their communities. Restaurants are discovered through customer nominations, internal vetting or by applying to be featured.
About Kim’s Place Cafe: Kim’s Place Cafe is located at 211 E. Court St., Jacksonville, Illinois 62650. Owned by Brad and Kim Fellhauer, the café specializes in made-from-scratch comfort food and is committed to serving both its customers and the Jacksonville community.
For more information, visit kimsplacecafe.com.
