Flag-raising ceremony highlights importance of organ donation
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital will host a flag-raising ceremony Thursday, April 30, to highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation.
The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the flagpole near the hospital’s main entrance.
According to the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, which serves Illinois and northwest Indiana, nearly 5,000 Illinois residents are waiting for an organ transplant.
“April is National Donate Life Month,” said Carrie Carls, chief nursing officer at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. “We hold the flag-raising ceremony each year to honor organ and tissue donors for giving the gift of life to others.”
The ceremony will include remarks from officials with Memorial Health, Saving Sight and Gift of Hope. The public is invited to attend, and staff will be available in the hospital lobby to register new donors.
Similar ceremonies are planned at four other Memorial Health hospitals in central Illinois.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital names March Colleague of the Month
Kenzie Donovan of Food and Nutrition at Ground Central Café has been named Jacksonville Memorial Hospital’s Colleague of the Month for March.
Donovan is recognized by customers, colleagues and visitors for creating a welcoming atmosphere at the café.
“Kenzie is truly the heart of Ground Central Café,” her nominator said. “She not only prepares drinks with care and efficiency but creates a warm, welcoming environment for everyone. She remembers the names and orders of regulars and often starts their order before they even ask.”
Her nominator added that Donovan’s kindness, positivity and attention to detail make a meaningful impact on staff, patients and visitors.
Donovan has worked at the hospital since 2023.
The Colleague of the Month award recognizes employees who demonstrate excellence and embody Memorial Health’s mission, vision and values.
Businesses to gather for Alzheimer’s event and Chamber After Hours
Local businesses and community members are invited to attend the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kickoff and Chamber After Hours event from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, at The Hangout Bar & Grill, 901 W. Superior Ave. in Jacksonville.
The event is hosted by the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in partnership with the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The free event requires no RSVP and will feature networking, a complimentary first drink and optional carnival-style games.
“Bringing people together is how we build momentum,” said Todd Lamison, senior development manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “This is a fun, easy way for local businesses and community leaders to connect and be part of a unified effort.”
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s raises awareness and funds for care, support and research. Locally, it also helps strengthen relationships among businesses, civic groups and residents.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local supporters and learn how to stay involved.
Sunrise Rotary Club announces geranium sale
The Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club will hold its annual Mother’s Day Geranium Sale through April 21.
Red geraniums in 4-inch pots are available for $6 each. Orders may be placed through any club member. Delivery is scheduled on or after May 9.
Proceeds from the sale support the club’s community programs and service projects.
The fundraiser began in 2010 as an outreach effort by former member Dr. Don Snider. After his death in 2013, the club adopted the sale as an official fundraiser.
“The annual geranium sale has become a fun, neighborly springtime event,” said fundraising coordinator Pat Pennell.
For more information, call Pennell at 217-243-6895.
Rotary Club Bass Tournament results announced
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville held its 26th annual bass tournament April 4 at Lake Jacksonville.
Twenty-nine boats competed in the season’s first buddy tournament. Keith Curless of Plymouth and Daniel Curless of Jacksonville won with a total weight of 27.89 pounds. Their catch also included the Big Bass at 6.51 pounds.
Rotary President Kelly Pool thanked sponsors, volunteers and participants, noting that proceeds will support community needs in Jacksonville and South Jacksonville.
Results:
IC photo program scheduled
A presentation of historic photos of Illinois College buildings and student life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the Jacksonville Public Library.
Pat Kennedy and Greg Olson will lead the program, which is free and open to the public. The library is located at 201 W. College Ave.
Formal presentation of seniors a highlight of annual Ball
Four young men and women are preparing to participate in the 2026 Beaux Arts Ball, “Liberty In Bloom,” on Saturday, April 25, as senior maids and gentlemen.
The 69th annual fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville is a derivative of the traditional debutante ball at which young men and ladies are formally presented to society.
As is tradition, each senior maid will perform a full bow to the floor after being presented by their father.
This year’s senior maids and gentlemen include:
Sophie Louise Cole
Parents: Beaux and Carrie Cole, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Gerald and Charlotte Denight, Jacksonville; Dan and Dee Cole, Jacksonville; Tim and Kathy Yocum, Toledo
School: Arizona State University Prep-Global Academy
Emma Grace Guidish
Parents: Nick and Allison Guidish, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Reg and Cynthia
Benton, Jacksonville; Linda Guidish and the late Mike Guidish, Jacksonville
School: Jacksonville High School
Lauryn Helene Maher
Parents: Justin and Robyn Maher, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Pam and Dick Samples, Jacksonville; the late Sherri Gregory, the late Dennis Maher; Great-Grandmother, Nancy Peter, Dothan, Alabama
School: Jacksonville High School
Charles Emerson Smith
Parents: Stuart and Wendy Smith, Winchester
Grandparents: Richard and Lea Bergschneider, Franklin; Philip and Bobbi Jo Smith, Winchester
School: Winchester High School
Owen Marshall Geirnaeirt, in absentia
Parents: Terry Geirnaeirt, Jacksonville and the late Jenny Stremlau Geirnaeirt, Jacksonville
Grandparents: Sandra Fisher and the late Bob Fisher, Jacksonville; Janice Geirnaeirt and the late Gary Geirnaeirt, Milledgeville, Illinois
School: Routt Catholic High School
Patron and general tickets will be available at strawnartgallery.org and at Rammelkamp Chapel prior to the Beaux Arts Ball on Saturday, April 25, where the coronation will begin at 7 p.m. Following the coronation, there will be entertainment and hors d’oeuvres at Hamilton’s.
Patron tickets are $50 and include admission to the reception, coronation and dance. General tickets are $10 and include the coronation and champagne reception. An interpreter for the Deaf will be available upon request at the coronation, as well as accessible seating. Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
