Special Events

SCIL's 23rd Annual Meeting was held October 16th, 2008, at The Inn at 835, 835 S. Second Street, Springfield, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Springfield Center for Independent Living (SCIL) held its 23rd Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 16th at the Inn at 835 in Springfield from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The program featured an awards ceremony, an hors d’oeuvre buffet, and featured speaker, Chris Britt, Editorial Cartoonist with The State Journal Register.

Each year, SCIL honors individuals who have made valuable contributions to SCIL and people with disabilities in the community. Awards presented this year included: The Paulette Coplen Volunteer of the Year Award to Shane Pastrovich; The Jack Genskow Personal Assistant of the Year Award to Amber Stark; The Tom and Dolores Krause Award to Board Members Frank Kircher and Howard Jack; and The Employer Recognition of the Year Award to Central Illinois Community Blood Bank. A presentation of the “There’s No Place Like Home” plaque was made with the reading of the names of the eight individuals who chose to leave nursing homes to live independently in their own homes during this past year. Retiring Board President Ingeborg Lundh announced the appointment of SCIL’s incoming Board President Kathie Corrigan, and awards were presented to retiring Board Members Howard Jack and Fern Pinkley. Kathie Corrigan announced the newly elected 2008 – 2009 Board Members: Sonali Bohle, Delores Crawford, Ted Lewis, Johnny Lott, Emil Mazzini, Linda Roberts, and Joy Thompson.

The Paulette Coplen Volunteer of the Year Award went to Shane Pastrovich

Chris Britt, Editorial Cartoonist for the State Journal Register was the featured speaker for the evening. Mr. Britt is well-known in central Illinois for his thought- provoking editorial cartoons. In addition to his entertaining presentation, Chris donated several pieces of his artwork to include in a small silent auction held during the event. Chris Britt's picture below:

SCIL is a not-for-profit service and advocacy agency that promotes the independent living philosophy. Its mission is to increase opportunities for all people with disabilities through advocacy, service, and public education. SCIL serves Christian, Logan, Menard, Montgomery, and Sangamon counties in Illinois. SCIL services are free.