Friends & Family

Just for Kix kids do well in dance competitions

Springfield Mini Kix took second place at the Just For Kix Eastview Competition on March 1. Front, from left: Madison Wester, Brianna Pidde, Kaylee Simon, Violet Hovland and Mallory Drake. Middle row: Madison Welch, Emma Pingeon, Jaeli Richert, Jordyn Plaster, Astrid Ramirez, Courtlyn Runck,...

Sophia Hillesheim Kral celebrates 100 years

Sophia Hillesheim Kral marks 100 years

Sophia Hillesheim Kral’s entire family gathered last weekend and celebrated her 100th birthday. They gathered in Springfield because this is the community where she grew up,” explained Sophia’s daughter, Renee Wendinger, “and I always think of that saying, ‘it takes a village’ when it comes to Mom...

Cheryl Diede is happy to be a volunteer

Cheryl Diede is a valuable volunteer at St. John’s Circle of Care. She plays keyboard for chapel services every Tuesday, at special services at other times, and for some Sunday services as well. She also goes to The Maples where she provides piano accompaniment for sing-alongs.

Springfield Floral has set Grand Opening for Friday and Saturday, March 28 & 28. Char Frank, new owner, is pictured, at left, with employees, Laurie Ourade and Julie Hayden.

Springfield Floral Grand opening set

Springfield Floral, under new ownership, will hold Grand Opening Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, to celebrate spring as well as to offer a special opportunity for the public to stop in to meet and get acquainted with new owner, Char Frank, and staff. Frank purchased the floral shop from Barb...

Brianna Portner was joined by nearly 30 close friends and family for the Third Annual National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Awareness Walk at the Mall of America. The event attracted hundreds of participants and raised over $50,000 for the cause. Brianna is pictured at the right of the two children in the center, front row.

Local woman leads Project HEAL

Brianna (Utz) Portner recently had the opportunity to co-coordinate the 2015 National Eating Disorders (NEDA) Awareness Walk at the Mall of America. The event on February 22 attracted hundreds of participants and raised more than $50,000 for the cause. “This is not a typical walk. It is an event...

Preschool programs are filled with investigation, exploration, and discovery, where active and enthusiastic children can refine and expand their skills and knowledge. Amber Kretsch is pictured with Tiger Cubs preschoolers as they play and learn.

Early childhood education, A good investment

Preschool education plays an essential role in early childhood development, both socially and academically, and it prepares children for kindergarten. Springfield School District offers Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) through its Community Education program, Pre-School Classes for children...

Bake that Birthday cake yourself

Birthday cakes have been a requisite part of birthday parties since at least Roman times, when the emperors offered cake all around on their birthdays. But it takes just two to make a birthday party—two people and a cake! A birthday cake, dedicated and sung over, is a big deal. It may be the magic...

Agnes Kosel fits the pattern of astounding centenarians

Agnes Kosel fits the pattern of astounding centenarians to note101st birthday on January 18

The Cookie Angel

Lorna Thorston — some people call her the Cookie Lady and others call her the Cookie Angel. That’s because Mrs. Thorston bakes cookies — lots of cookies — and distributes them freely. “They just disappear,” Lorna said during a recent interview. “When someone comes by, I give them a bag of cookies,...

African violet is an armful!

African violet is an armful! Peggy Bredvold holds an African violet plant that resembles a big bouquet. Bredvold received the plant from Greta Jensen several months ago and says it’s been blooming ever since. African violets are grown almost entirely as houseplants. A full-sized plant typically...