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12/24/2024

The 21st century

By Jay Jamison
The Source Newspaper

I was annoyed. I was sitting in a seat on Amtrak's Texas Eagle, looking out the window and observing that the vehicle traffic on the parallel highway was passing us by. I noticed that the highway speed limit signs indicated that the traffic was not to exceed 70 miles per hour. And yet they were speeding past my train. It's not as if we were grinding up a mountain switchback. This was Texas, we were running at track speed and the cars were overtaking us.

This is the 21st century. If these were flying cars, à la George Jetson, I would understand. But these cars passing my supposedly high-speed passenger train were operating under the same laws of physics for ground transportation. Gravity, drag, wind resistance and others were supposed to be in favor of a mode of transportation like a modern passenger train. Granted, speed limit signs in the Lone Star State are seen as mere suggestions by the natives, so my calculations may be somewhat inexact. But I've experienced the same thing on passenger trains from Springfield to Chicago: cars passing us on I-55.

Fifty-six years ago, I first saw the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey.” It remains one of the most iconic films about space travel, and it has held up well through the decades. In 1968, the year the film was released, the Vietnam War was raging, and a very heated presidential election and massed protests were the stories on the evening news (sound familiar?). We had a rotary dial phone on the wall in the kitchen, and another one in my father's study upstairs. Our television was a black and white Magnavox.

I became familiar with the notion of computers with the movie introduction of the HAL 9000 series, a red electronic eye and the eerie flat emotionless voice of a thinking machine. In 1968, the year 2001 seemed impossibly far away in the future for an impressionable 13-year-old. Yet there was that feeling that the future was going to be somewhat like the movie. Spacecraft bearing logos of familiar airlines would fly above the atmosphere, and dock with giant multi-wheel rotating space stations. Moon landings on exotic lunar stations would be routine.

I thought about all of that as I looked out the window at traffic speeding past my train last week. Where are the flying cars, the astronauts broadcasting to us from Mars? I doubt the accommodations and seating arrangements on my train were very much more advanced than they had been in 1968. The year 2001 has come and gone, and it still takes about six hours or more to fly from Chicago's O'Hare Airport to London's Heathrow, just like in 1968. Stanley Kubrick's movie depicting the future of space travel hasn't come close to becoming a reality 23 years past the movie title's date.

It's true that there have been many amazing technical accomplishments since 1968. Smart phones, laptop computers, heart transplants, artificial knee joints and hips, even artificial intelligence, are among the great strides in technical accomplishment. However, since the last manned lunar landings, space travel seems to have hit a snag. There is a crew of astronauts circling the earth, stuck aboard the International Space Station, because we don't have a workable space craft available to get them home.

Just a few thoughts from a former teenager, sitting on a train, watching the cars go by.

Program aims to enrich the areaMake My Move: Attracting talent, building community, revitalizing JacksonvilleBy Lance Pe...
12/23/2024

Program aims to enrich the area
Make My Move: Attracting talent, building community, revitalizing Jacksonville

By Lance Perkins
The Source Newspaper

The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation’s (JREDC) Make My Move program is transforming Jacksonville into a beacon for talent and innovation.

This initiative, a key component of the JREDC’s Talent Attraction Campaign, aims to draw skilled professionals from across the United States to strengthen the regional workforce and enrich the community.

By leveraging Jacksonville’s strategic location within several hundred miles of major urban centers like Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City and St. Louis, the program highlights the city’s accessibility and appeal for both living and working.

Participants selected for the Make My Move program possess diverse technical and non-technical expertise, making them valuable assets to area employers. They also bring a shared enthusiasm for community involvement, an essential component of the program’s vision. By engaging in civic life, volunteering, and supporting local initiatives, these individuals will contribute professionally and emerge as leaders within the community.

A thoughtfully designed relocation package supports these new residents. Offering both cash and non-cash components, the package fosters their seamless integration into Jacksonville’s social and professional networks. From the moment they arrive, participants are encouraged to connect with the city’s dynamic culture and vibrant neighborhoods, ensuring they become deeply rooted in their new home.

Kai Schnitker, JREDC Chairman, and president and CEO of First National Bank of Arenzville, praised the program as part of Jacksonville’s revitalization efforts, “The Make My Move program supports a bold, forward-thinking approach to building the region’s future. By attracting talented professionals from around the country, we’re not only strengthening our economy but also cultivating a thriving community for generations to come.”

This initiative aligns perfectly with the city’s redevelopment efforts. These new residents will not only contribute to Jacksonville’s economic success but also bring fresh perspectives and resources to the city’s revitalization projects. From supporting local businesses to participating in urban renewal efforts, their involvement will drive progress and innovation.

Numerous community leaders have contributed to ensuring the program was fully prepared for implementation. By embracing talent-based growth as a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s redevelopment, the Make My Move program is an excellent example of how collaboration and community commitment can foster sustainable success.

Jacksonville’s location, affordability and rich Midwestern culture make it an ideal choice for professionals and families looking to thrive. Its proximity to major cities allows residents to enjoy a small-town lifestyle without sacrificing access to urban amenities, career opportunities, and cultural experiences.

This year, five exceptional recipients were chosen for the Make My Move program. In the next sections, we’ll introduce these individuals, explore their professional backgrounds, and learn about their plans for contributing to Jacksonville’s bright future. Their stories underscore the transformative impact of this initiative and highlight how Jacksonville is becoming a hub for innovation, collaboration, and community spirit.

CADE LIEHR

Cade Liehr is a talented mechanical engineer who earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, specializing in Manufacturing Processes through his completion of coursework in Control Systems, Thermodynamics, and Design for Manufacturing. His diverse industry experience spans manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and heavy equipment, with a focus on improving processes, ensuring safety, and enhancing efficiency.

Liehr recently began working for Reynolds Consumer Products as a Process Engineer, where he focuses on enhancing production line efficiency and safety while collaborating with operators to implement innovative solutions. His earlier professional experiences include internships at Cummins Inc. and Caterpillar Inc., where he honed his skills in process development, system optimization, and safety protocol implementation. These roles equipped him with the versatility and technical expertise needed to excel in dynamic industrial environments.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Liehr has held leadership roles as treasurer of Triangle Fraternity and captain of his high school baseball team. He also enjoys mentoring young athletes as a youth soccer coach.

Now settled in Jacksonville, Liehr values its close-knit community and rural charm while appreciating its proximity to urban amenities. He looks forward to making a positive impact locally, both professionally and as an active community member.

ELENA CHRYSOSTOMOU, PH.D.

Dr. Elena Chrysostomou is a distinguished molecular and cellular biologist and neuroscientist with a decade of expertise in inner ear development and hearing research. She earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Neuroscience from University College London, where her groundbreaking research on Notch signaling dynamics illuminated the pathway during inner ear development.

Her career includes prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, focusing on the roles of Notch signaling in supporting cell development and maintenance. Chrysostomou further advanced hearing research as a research scientist at the Salk Institute and a Staff Research Associate at UC San Diego, exploring drug treatments for age-related and noise-induced hearing loss.

Chrysostomou’s contributions to auditory science are widely recognized. She has authored numerous publications in high-impact journals and delivered presentations at international conferences. Known for her leadership and mentorship, she excels in collaborative projects and fostering the next generation of scientists.

Now joining Turner Scientific as a Study Director and Senior Scientist, Chrysostomou brings her expertise to preclinical auditory research and drug development. Drawn to Jacksonville for its small-town charm and vibrant community, she looks forward to continuing her impactful scientific work while embracing the welcoming atmosphere of her new home.

EMMA REUSCHEL, PH.D.

Dr. Emma Reuschel is a distinguished immunologist specializing in vaccine development and immunotherapy, with a career devoted to advancing public health. She holds a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Illinois College. Her expertise in immunological assays and data analysis has significantly contributed to the development of vaccines for infectious diseases, as well as cancer immunotherapies.

Currently a Senior Scientist in Immunology and Biomarkers at Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Reuschel analyzes clinical trial data, manages projects with external collaborators, and supports regulatory submissions. Her dedication to excellence has earned her recognition through numerous high-impact publications and invitations to present at prestigious scientific conferences. Additionally, she is a committed mentor, fostering the growth of aspiring scientists and researchers.

Originally from West Central Illinois, Reuschel is excited to return to her roots after 17 years in Philadelphia. She looks forward to reconnecting with her family, which includes her parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews.

Reuschel cherishes the opportunity to attend the celebrations, soccer games, and other events she has missed while living away. Having fond memories of her time at Illinois College, she is eager to contribute to the vibrant and growing Jacksonville community, inspired by recent developments like The Vault’s axe throwing and escape room. Reuschel is thrilled to witness and support the region’s continued growth and innovation while bringing her scientific expertise back home.

LANCE PERKINS, MBA

Lance Perkins is an accomplished marketing strategist with over two decades of experience driving organizational growth, market expansion, and brand innovation across diverse industries. As a dynamic leader with a proven ability to craft and implement marketing initiatives, Perkins has consistently delivered measurable results in roles ranging from global corporate leadership to entrepreneurial consulting.

Perkins’ career highlights include leading strategic marketing teams at renowned healthcare organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, CR Bard and Zimmer Biomet. He has overseen groundbreaking initiatives, including rebranding corporate identities, launching innovative medical devices, and streamlining processes to drive efficiency and profitability. His expertise extends to business intelligence, strategy, communications and talent development, which he has applied across roles with increasing responsibility.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Perkins is deeply passionate about historic preservation. Drawn to Jacksonville’s rich history and tranquil lifestyle, he is eager to restore a historic home, integrating his love for both architecture and design.

Perkins holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Florida and a BBA in Marketing from St. Bonaventure University. A former expatriate in the Netherlands, he brings a global perspective to his work and is conversant in Spanish and Dutch. His enthusiasm for Jacksonville reflects his commitment to creating a balanced lifestyle while embracing the area’s unique character.

NATHAN REED

Nathan Reed is an accomplished engineer with over a decade of experience in research and development, high-volume manufacturing, and process optimization. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Colorado State University and an earlier degree in Automotive and Diesel Technology from Universal Technical Institute. Renowned for his innovative problem-solving skills and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, Reed has consistently delivered significant efficiency improvements throughout his career.

Reed recently relocated from Utah to Jacksonville, where he serves as a Senior R&D Engineer at Reynolds Consumer Products. In this role, he focuses on developing and implementing new technologies to optimize the manufacturing processes at the Food Storage Bag plant, contributing to the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Accompanied by his wife, Katie, and their 2.5-year-old son, Wilder, Nathan Reed chose Jacksonville for its slower pace of life, family-friendly atmosphere, and historical charm. The move reflects his desire to raise his family in a close-knit community while continuing to pursue his professional passions. Reed is excited to contribute his expertise to the region’s industrial growth and looks forward to building strong connections within the Jacksonville community.

Fire department cookies: A sold-out successSpecial to The Source NewspaperPhotos by Edgar PadillaThe 19th annual South J...
12/23/2024

Fire department cookies: A sold-out success

Special to The Source Newspaper
Photos by Edgar Padilla

The 19th annual South Jacksonville Fire Department Community Benefit Christmas Cookie Walk was held on Saturday, Dec. 14. The cookie walk started at 7 a.m., and as with most years past, was sold out before the morning ended.

The proceeds from this event benefit the South Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department, C.B.

The non-holidayBy Patsy KellyMost of us look forward to the holidays. There are, however, in our midst, right next to us...
12/22/2024

The non-holiday

By Patsy Kelly

Most of us look forward to the holidays. There are, however, in our midst, right next to us probably, persons who do not share in the joy. There are no “Happy Holidays” greetings on their lips. In fact, many do their very best to avoid such greetings because they ring hollow. The greetings are a reminder to those of us who grieve of our not being in the swing of things, being the “outsiders.” The holidays are something to endure, to avoid even.

My last article emphasized our growing awareness of the grieving in our own circles. I suggested some ways to be more understanding toward those of us who feel out of step with the gladsome tidings the holidays intend to bring. Being unable to celebrate with those who invite us does not mean we are:
• Anti-social,
• Unfaithful,
• Selfish, or
• Sourpusses.

We have entered a part of life in which all the memories of past holidays trigger our pain and sense of loss because our loved one(s) are not here now.

Grievers, this is a time to be gentle with ourselves. If we are out of touch with all the good news of the holidays, so be it. Don’t force it. This is the time to be true to ourselves. We do no one any favors if we fake it. Go ahead, have a non-holiday. Have hotdogs on the celebrated day, or grandma’s casserole. Read the Jabberwocky rather than the old scripts. Take a walk and breathe crisp, cold air, reminding ourselves we are still alive.

Volunteer at the soup kitchen. Deliver some gifts to the warming center or take a meal. Sit down with the homeless there and share their stories. Find someone who is alone and invite them for our non-holiday holiday.

There are no rules for grieving. There are no ‘shoulds’ or ‘should nots’ for the holidays. Have a bonfire out there in the cold and roast marshmallows. Start something for the neighbors to gossip about. Turn the music up loud, and sing at the top of your voice. Or shout. Or sob.

The year will come around again. Maybe the holidays won’t be as difficult next time. Maybe there will be someone who understands and you’ll share roasted marshmallows together. Maybe you’ll decide to have a new tradition altogether. Or maybe you’ll be struck with the same grief and torment as before. But if so, you’ll remember this year. You’ll remember you survived. You’ll remember the stars still shone brightly, the hotdogs still tasted okay. You’ll remember grief is a part of life and because of loving there is grieving. And it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. To learn about the Jacksonville Grief Group, send your email to: [email protected].

Old-fashion way to see the squareCarriage rides available through December 22Special to The Source NewspaperHorse-drawn ...
12/21/2024

Old-fashion way to see the square
Carriage rides available through December 22

Special to The Source Newspaper

Horse-drawn carriage rides have been available in downtown Jacksonville this holiday season.

The Robinson family will continue to offer the rides this December on the following dates and times:
Saturday, Dec. 21 • 4-8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 22 • 1-4 p.m.

Reservations are not required and up to six people are allowed per ride. The cost is $5 per person, with a $25 minimum, for the ride around Central Park. Cash and Venmo are accepted.

Enjoy this special experience while visiting downtown for holiday shopping and dining.

A Whisper of ChristmasAn elf explains why small gifts full of love carry the true spirit of Santaby Robert L. CroweThe S...
12/21/2024

A Whisper of Christmas
An elf explains why small gifts full of love carry the true spirit of Santa

by Robert L. Crowe
The Source Newspaper

It was Christmas Eve just after my eighth birthday that I saw my first and only elf. I was wearing the new coat they gave me at the Youth Center Christmas Eve party. As I walked past a large house decorated with tiny white lights there was a deep snow bank in front of me.

Then I heard the tiny voice. I scooted closer and saw a small bearded face beneath the pointed red hat with silver bell.

He looked at me and said, “Oh! You’re not supposed to see me.”

“Oh,” I managed to say.

“I’m supposed to disappear but I can’t because I’m too cold. Ohhh! I fell off that big tree inside there. I hit so hard that I fell right out of the house.”

I nodded just as if I understood what he meant.

He continued, “I’m supposed to have everything prepared for when the Great Claus comes. My name is Whisper. I’m an elf from the North Pole and I need you to help me. What’s your name?”

“Bobby,” I replied. “But they call me Bobby Lee which is my middle name because my uncle is also …”

“Yes, yes,” he interrupted. “I don’t have time for your family history. I may be freezing!”

“I ... I ... don’t know anything about helping elves,” said I.

“Look, Buddy Lee ...”

“It’s … Bobby Lee,” I corrected.

“Look, Bobby Lee,” snapped Whisper, “You help an elf the same way you help anyone else. Is there someplace you can move me so I can defrost? I live at the North Pole but I’ve never been this frozen.”

“Hey!” I said. “You can go home with me. Mom’s working and won’t be home ‘till late.”

Whisper sighed. “It’s worth a chance. I’ll only need a few minutes out of this wind.”

“No problem,” I said. “Follow me.” We soon made it inside the small house where I lived.

He looked around. “It’s kinda chilly in here. Do you have a blanket or something?”

“Oh! Wait right here!” I pushed past the hanging piece of cloth that separated where I slept. I pulled the cardboard box from underneath the cot and got a heavy sock and a safety pin from a shirt. I went to the stuffed chair and pinned the sock to the back cushion. “There. Crawl in!”

Whisper dropped into the sock and slowly started to smile. “That is much better.”

I smiled back. “You know, if I’d picked a sock that was worn through, you could’a had a holeinone.”

His smile faded as he stared at me.

“Holeinone.” I chuckled. “See. It’s a term they use in golf and ...”

“I know it is,” he interrupted.

I didn’t push the conversation because I just supposed that elves didn’t have a well-developed sense of humor.

Whisper said, “I have to go back and finish the job before the Great Claus arrives.”

“Gosh. Wouldn’t he understand if ...”

“Understand?” he replied. “The Claus always talks about ‘Management by Results.’ I’ve got to get the job done and I don’t know how I’ll ever reach those tree limbs.”

My face beamed. “Wait right here!” I went to the drawer and got the sharp knife and a roll of string. I went to our small decorated tree and started cutting off some branches.

“Hey. What are you doing?” asked Whisper. “Isn’t that your Christmas tree?”

“Oh, it’s not a real Christmas tree. I went into the woods with a knife and cut these branches down.”

Whisper watched me as I tied my best knots. He asked in a very quiet voice. “Why are you doing this?”

“Why, to help you,” I answered.

“But I’m going back to that big house. Why would you help?”

I kept on tying. “Oh, Mom taught me to help anyone who needs it.” His strong eyes stared at me as I worked. I finally said, “I do have a question. Since you know Santa, er … the Great Claus … maybe you can answer something for me.”

“Shoot,” he said.

“Why does the Great Claus give real nice presents to rich folks and not so good to everyone else? You’d think he’d do it the other way … kinda even things out.”

The pause was so long I went back to my knots figuring that I’d asked something I shouldn’t.

Pretty soon he spoke. “That’s a good one. It’s complicated … but it has to do with why some people live in big houses ...” He looked about the room. “And some don’t.” He paused. “You see ... the Great Claus delivers … but he doesn’t choose the gifts. The Great Claus is responsible for distributing love.”

I stopped and je**ed my head toward him. “What do you mean?”

Whisper placed his arms outside the sock. “It’s not the size of the house … or the tree … or the gifts. In some very big houses, there are big gifts exchanged ... without love. And Claus doesn’t do those. In other ... places, I’d guess you’d call them ... there are very small gifts with a lot of love.” He spoke slowly. “The spirit of Santa Claus only arrives with the exchange of love.”

“I don’t think I understand.”

“A lot of people don’t,” he replied. “But you will. Someday. Now, I have to go!”

“Wait,” I said. “It’s my last knot and this is for you!”

Whisper cocked his head to the side. “What is that?”

I propped it up against the lowest tree branch.

He crawled out of the sock. “It’s a ladder!” he exclaimed. “A ladder for me! So I don’t have to jump for the branches. What a great idea!”

I smiled my biggest smile. “It’s a gift. Merry Christmas!”

“How can I repay you?” he asked.

“Oh, I don’t want to be paid.”

Whisper turned to me. “But you shall be paid. If you go through life helping those who need it, I promise you a lifetime of happiness.”

I stepped back. “You mean I’ll never be sad again?”

“No, I’m not talking about one moment in time. I’m talking about the total of your life. If you find ways to help anyone who needs it, then the Great Claus and I promise you a lifetime of happiness. And one more thing. Two more things.” He picked up his new ladder. “Next Christmas. Put up a ladder … and my sock!”

In the blink of an eye, he was gone and I never saw him again.

Even though I am very old now, I look forward to every Christmas and the coming of the Great Claus. And Whisper always remembers. Every year I pin a sock to a chair so he can warm himself and he leaves small gifts inside. Each year I lean a small ladder against the lowest tree branch and every year, without fail, there is one special ornament hanging there. Just for me.

Inside account: Ginny FanningMorgan County commissioner retires, leaving a legacy of community service By David Blanchet...
12/21/2024

Inside account: Ginny Fanning
Morgan County commissioner retires, leaving a legacy of community service

By David Blanchette
The Source Newspaper

Ginny Fanning’s last day on the job December 2 as a Morgan County Commissioner helped to remind her what life will be like in retirement.

“When people have asked me what I’ll do when I’m retired I have always said, when there’s snow on the ground I’m not going to have to go out and shovel my driveway, I’m just going to stay in and have another cup of coffee,” Fanning said. “And wouldn’t you know, what did the Lord provide? Snow! I had to drive through it on my last day at work.”

That last day ended 10 years of service for Fanning as the first female commissioner on the Morgan County Board. It was the latest chapter in Fanning’s lifetime of professional and volunteer service that has touched many aspects of the Jacksonville community. That service ethic was instilled from a young age when Fanning was a child growing up in the Sangamon County community of Divernon.

“My folks were extremely involved in the community, always helping and doing,” Fanning said. “I hope I have followed in their footsteps and have seen and taken advantage of opportunities to serve, because that’s exactly how I was raised.”

Fanning’s introduction to Jacksonville began when she enrolled as a student at Illinois College, and she has never left the area. Fanning initially taught first grade at Arenzville Grade School, followed by some time off to raise her children, and then helped to run a home-based business before accepting a position as the Newspapers in Education Coordinator at the Jacksonville Journal-Courier.

“I thoroughly enjoyed that, I was able to get back into the classroom and encourage teachers to use the newspaper as part of their curriculum,” Fanning said. “We had an amazing amount of participation from the schools.”

Then in 2001, Fanning was named the executive director of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, a position she held until being elected to the Morgan County Board. That post introduced Fanning to this writer’s late mother, Marilyn Blanchette, who was the long-time executive assistant at the Chamber.

“I’ll never forget when I started in December, Marilyn came in and said she and her husband Paul always took a month off to go to Mexico in February,” Fanning said. “Shortly thereafter I woke up in the middle of the night and suddenly thought, ‘Marilyn’s going to be gone for a whole month! What am I going to do without her?’”

Fanning’s 13-year tenure at the Chamber saw the start of many new initiatives including the Joe Jacksonville business promotion, the Young Professionals Network and the Chamber Checks local spending promotion.

“The Chamber gave me a really wonderful opportunity to work with people throughout the community and get to know so many local organizations,” Fanning said. “I also got to know Dick Rawlings and worked with him a lot through the Corridor 67 program, and we became good friends.”

When Rawlings, a Morgan County Commissioner, passed away in 2014, Fanning applied through the Morgan County Republican Party to be Rawlings’ replacement. She received the appointment in August and then had to run in November of the same year to fill the remaining four years of Rawlings’ six-year term. Fanning won that election and was re-elected in 2018 to a full six-year term.

One of Fanning’s highlights as a county commissioner was her involvement in the Morgan County Animal Shelter. The county had received a bequest from the Philip Howard estate that was earmarked specifically for a new facility, and Fanning led the board’s efforts to plan and construct a new animal shelter.

Working with constituents and developers on the county’s new wind power ordinance was another key accomplishment during Fanning’s tenure in office. She was also proud to be involved in making sure the county’s share of $6.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding went toward badly needed infrastructure improvements, such as jail security upgrades and window replacement and HVAC work at the county courthouse.

“We’ve had wonderful county departments to work with through the years and we made it through COVID due to the hard work of our health department,” Fanning said. “I have truly had a close and productive working relationship with my fellow commissioners.”

The 71-year-old Fanning decided not to seek re-election this year because another six-year term would have meant, “I’d be 77 and people would be saying ‘What’s that old woman doing up there,’” Fanning said. “But I was truly honored to have been the first woman commissioner in Morgan County.”

Fanning has an extensive list of community service involvement. She is past chair of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, past president of Jacksonville Main Street, and continues to serve on the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau board. Fanning was president of the Jacksonville Rotary Club when the group celebrated its 100th anniversary.

“I look back at all the wonderful people that I have been able to work with, whose paths have crossed mine, and I certainly feel enriched,” Fanning said. “I hope I can continue to serve, I’m going to follow whatever the Lord has planned and see where I land.”

Fanning’s daughter Audra Nelson is a first grade teacher at South Jacksonville Elementary School, and Ginny assists in Audra’s classroom on Monday afternoons and, “Every now and then I’ll spot my two grandsons in the hallway,” she said. “I’m fortunate that my daughter and her family live here in town so I get to spend time with my grandsons. And my son Wade is a CPA in Chicago but he’s able to spend time in Jacksonville and stay with us.”

Fanning reminisced about her multiple-decade professional and volunteer career and was pleased with how her life came together.

“I am grateful for all the support I have received from my family and friends no matter what I am doing,” Fanning said. “As you get old like me I reflect a lot more, and recognize all of the blessings I have received.”

Captions
Photos/Steve Warmowski and Submitted to The Source
(Left) Ginny Fanning sits in the office of the Morgan County Commissioners in 2014, the day she was sworn into office. (Above) Fanning shares a laugh with, from left, her son-in-law, Francis Nelson; daughter, Audra Nelson; and son, Wade Fanning.
Photos/Steve Warmowski, Khara Koffel and Submitted to The Source
(Clockwise from top left) Ginny Fanning enters the courtroom to applause, where she is to be sworn in in this 2014 file photo. Fanning enters the commissioners office at the Morgan County Courthouse. Fanning and Nancy Bradbury (back) laugh as Keith Bradbury jokingly genuflects to the new commissioner. Fanning, second from left, poses with county and city leaders in the Council Chambers at Jacksonville City Hall. Fanning poses with a group near a monument honoring Jacksonville police officers at Jacksonville City Hall.

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