Karen Witter

Springfield

Connecting people, organizations, and ideas to achieve greater results. Natural and cultural resources and the arts enrich people's lives and communities.

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Articles

Protests continue in Springfield

1 month ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

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50501 protest held outside Capitol

1 month ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

protest the actions of the Trump administration. A 50501 protest took place in front of the Capitol on Saturday, May 3. The grassroots movement has been organizing gatherings in all 50 states to Slideshow An initial protest in Springfield was held Feb. 5, one of dozens of protests that took place across the nation that day. A second Springfield protest took place Feb.
Feds cut funding for cultural institutions

1 month ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

The Trump administration is dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a tiny federal agency and primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries. Grants help libraries and museums in every state achieve high standards of excellence and serve their communities – through educational programming, exhibits, collections, professional development and library services.
Recognizing the spirit of Abraham Lincoln

1 month ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

The Lincoln Presidential Foundation presented Sam Waterston with its 18th annual Lincoln Leadership Prize at a ceremony in Chicago on April 21. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, received the Foundation's Wayne Whalen "Charity for All" Award, which is inspired by Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. The Lincoln Leadership Prize is awarded to individuals for a lifetime of exceptional service in the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln.
June Agamah

1 month ago | springfieldbusinessjournal.com | Karen Witter

June Agamah lives a life of purpose, inspired by her deep faith. Even when witnessing incredible adversity, she finds joy. She also radiates joy – through her warm smile, friendly disposition, caring attitude and the colorful clothes she wears. June's mantra comes from Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Illinois Native Plant Society enhances the environment and communit

1 month ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

A diversity of native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants will be for sale along with multiple milkweed species and a selection of plants for pollinators and wildlife at the Illinois Native Plant Society's popular annual native plant sale, planned for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Reisch Pavilion at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Many popular species sell out quickly, so plan to arrive early for the best selection. It's not uncommon for 100 people to be waiting for the sale to open.
Lincoln Presidential Foundation to auction some of its Lincoln artifacts

2 months ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

The Lincoln Presidential Foundation plans to auction a portion of the Taper Collection – including manuscripts, photographs, books, personal effects and sculptural items connected to Abraham Lincoln and Mary Lincoln – to retire the outstanding loan balance from the Foundation’s purchase of the collection. The Foundation’s board of directors has authorized selling 144 items from its 1,540-item collection of Lincolniana.
Camp Compass kids receive handmade quilts and blankets

2 months ago | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

Compass for Kids is well-known in the Springfield community for the many ways it serves children and families through after-school and summer programs that provide academic and social-emotional support. Their goal is to empower Springfield children and families underserved by the community. Club Compass is an after-school program for students at five elementary schools in District 186.
International Women's Day: Unite & Resist in Springfield

Mar 8, 2025 | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

International Women’s Day has been celebrated since March 8, 1913. Hundreds of people showed up at the Illinois State Capitol on Saturday for International Women's Day - Unite & Resist in Springfield to speak out for women’s rights and protest actions by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Speakers included Martin Woulfe (Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation), Shatriya Smith (Garvey Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center), State Sen.
Trees enhance communities

Feb 27, 2025 | illinoistimes.com | Karen Witter

Trees not only provide beauty and shade, they help clean particulate matter from the air and make communities healthier. They provide cost-savings in stormwater management and create a healthier ecosystem. They sequester carbon dioxide, increase property values, stabilize soils, reduce erosion and moderate heat islands. Springfield is a designated Tree City USA, a program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and other partners.