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2025 Year in Review in Photos
Devyn Fry’s favorite pictures in the fourth quarter of 2025
[January 14, 2026]
October 1st
I am very passionate about the
reform of society's widespread views on those struggling with
addiction. This walk held by the Logan and Mason Recovery Oriented
Systems of Care groups is one of many ways that those who struggle
with addictive substances, their loved ones and those who were lost
can have a voice and spread awareness for those still fighting.
October 6th
This quilt is another one of Marsha
Hurley's masterpieces donated in love and support of breast cancer
awareness and the 2025 Pink Pumpkin Auction Fundraiser Auction. I
have the pleasure of enjoying a couple of Marsha's works in my own
home, including one she made in honor of her mother's fight with
breast cancer. So many works of art are truly priceless and full of
love.
October 10th
I was the one in the office who got
the opportunity to speak to Mrs. Purdue about her long, committed
relationship. The lovely milestone that Mr. and Mrs. Purdue
celebrated is something many couples dream to achieve. I asked her
what the secret was to making it this far, and she did not hesitate
to answer: "Communication."
CAPTION READ: Rod and Wendy Purdue, the children of Stephen and
Diana Purdue of Lincoln, IL, are excited to announce their parents’
50th Wedding Anniversary. Diana and Stephen were married on October
10, 1975, in Lincoln, IL. They were blessed with five children,
seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Stephen retired
from the service in 2001. Diana was a stay-at-home mother.
Congratulations on 50 years!
October 21st
Gail's Pumpkin Patch was less than
four miles from my childhood home and was a place I frequented with
my parents. I was excited as I grew up and still got to go to
somewhere so special to me. When I heard that my fiancé and I could
bring our two pugs, I was ecstatic. This lovely community event
garnered popularity quickly and made so many people smile and so
many pups happy! And in case you were wondering, my pugs were
dressed as Spider-Man and a jack-o-lantern.
October 28th
Michael Simonson and his daughter
Anastin are a fantastic duo. It made me so happy to see a daughter
helping her father run a small business that held so much history in
Lincoln. Not only were the doors open wide, but with so much
community interaction they are moving faster than ever. It warms my
heart to see them on the floor together.
November 1st
Justin Ott is a small business
owner who I have come to love and appreciate greatly. He works hard
to support his customers and holds a place for everyone to explore
their love of TCGs. His hard work of building a community has opened
the opportunity for him to expand into a bigger location. I could
not be happier for him and all those who were a part of this
transition to the new, improved Epicenter Games and More.
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November 17th
This communication board in the
Adams Early Childhood Center playground is a great tool to enhance
the play experience of the children at recess. One of the primary
ways children learn about the world and communication is through
play. Having a resource for them to better express themselves and
their needs to their peers will provide a more equal-opportunity
space for children to build relationships and communication skills.
November 18th
The Lincoln Community Garden, event
organizer Molly McCain and Kickapoo Creek Park created a way for the
public to dispose of their Halloween pumpkins that would support the
local ecosystem. I'm very passionate about our environment and the
many creatures that it has to offer. This event made me smile; it
was so healthy for community relationships and connections with
nature.
December 2nd
Who else holds fond memories of all
the snow creations they got to build with family members, friends or
kids from their neighborhood? I think that no matter the age, there
is always a place for creativity. I think the best experiences are
built with the ones we love, so why not make a unique, unforgettable
memory whenever you can?
CAPTION READ: Cari Wilmert and her son Cameron found some joy in
all the snow that has fallen in Lincoln recently. Here they are
posing with their creation "Snowbraham Lincoln"
December 8th
I was quite the horse-girl growing
up, and these holiday helpers left me grinning ear to ear. I missed
the chance to see them this year, but one day I will see these
twinkle-toes in person. I am totally jealous and happy for everyone
that got to visit these gentle giants.
December 22nd
Oh, Maverick! A sweetheart doing
what he does best. Maverick is a beautiful, black labrador retriever
that brings smiles wherever his papa (Gene Hickey) sees fit. This
day they went to the VFW with Santa Claus to bring joy to all the
families and friends in attendance. Maverick makes his rounds to
local nursing/specialized care facilities as well as various
community hubs, like Lincoln Daily News! I delight in giving him the
belly rubs he desires whenever he trots through the door.
[Devyn Fry]
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