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2025 Year in Review
Stephanie Hall’s Top three(ish) favorite assignments
[January 14, 2026]
There are a variety of LDN
assignments that I enjoy covering because the event is fun or
unexpected or the information collected is valuable to the public.
The best assignments are when fun and value work together to create
a meaningful story. It feels gratifying to be able to amplify
stories and opportunities that can be life-changing to readers and
to myself. This year one of my favorite experiences combined all of
the above: interviewing certified health coach and nutritionist
Marci D’Andrea for the annual Lincoln Daily News Health and Wellness
online magazine. Marci has a wealth of knowledge, training, and
experience and a true passion to improve the lives and wellness of
everyone she comes into contact with. Her small business, Living
Hope Wellness Coaching, makes her education and expertise available
to anyone wanting to improve health and well-being. We spent three
and a half hours talking about all the things that people can do to
support better physical health, better mental health, and longevity.
I was able to write two articles packed with solid information about
steps anyone can take to improve their own health and well-being.
What is Health Coaching?
An interview with Health and Wellness Coach Marci D’Andrea, MS, LDN,
CNS
Simple strategies for optimal health: Advice from a health coach
My second favorite assignment of 2025 is a tie between events from
two local entities that I value greatly: Lincoln Public Library and
Lincoln Community Theatre. Both of them do incredible work to
improve the lives of Lincoln residents, bringing educational,
cultural, and entertainment opportunities to our small town at very
little cost to citizens.
In 2024, Lincoln Public Library
held its first 1902 Club, a gala fundraiser with behind-the-scenes
tours of the library, archival items on display, music, and hors
d'oeuvres. Named for the year the Carnegie building was built, the
event sold out and was so successful that another gala was held in
October of 2025. The second 1902 Club event featured more delicious
food and drink and a candlelight concert with stunning music from a
central Illinois string quartet. The people, the atmosphere, the
refreshments, and the entertainment created a unique and classy
experience in support of this Lincoln gem. Funds from the gala will
support restoration of the original tile roof of the Carnegie
building. I look forward to many more iterations of the 1902 Club
from our local library!
Lincoln Public Library hosts its second 1902 Club fundraiser
The 1902 Club Fundraiser Part 1 – Slideshow
The 1902 Club Fundraiser Part 2 – Slideshow
String Quartet
performs "Here Comes the Sun" at Lincoln Public Library's 1902 Club
Fundraiser – Video
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The other second
place spot belongs to Lincoln Community Theatre, which has
brought quality, family-friendly entertainment and theater arts
opportunities to the Lincoln area since 1972. This year’s
production of “Guys and Dolls” in July (following the youth
workshop musical “Musicville” in June) was a fantastic affair of
music, comedy, choreography, lights, and costumes. This classic
musical was brought to life on stage at the Lincoln Community
High School Auditorium with a stellar cast, live orchestra,
vibrant costumes, and show-stopping production numbers. This
volunteer-run organization continues to provide a safe space for
students to experience the theater arts and for adults to pursue
their love for performance in quality productions that the whole
community can enjoy. The 2026 summer season promises more great
theater with plans to produce Neil Simon’s play “Rumors” and
Stephen Sondheim's musical “Into the Woods.”
Lincoln Community Theatre Presents a Colorful, Crowd-Pleasing
Production of Classic Musical “Guys and Dolls”
Lincoln Community Theatre Presents Guys & Dolls – slideshow
My final choice for favorite assignment was a highlight of my
year: the Balloons Over 66 media flight. My first ride in a hot
air balloon was even better than I anticipated, made even more
special by the fact that I had long desired a balloon flight but
I was not sure I would have the opportunity for it. I was a tiny
bit nervous, but mostly excited as I climbed into the basket on
the Thursday night before the Balloons Over 66 weekend. Just a
few meters off the ground, I was utterly amazed at how
immediately quiet and peaceful it was in the air. The weather
and visibility were near perfect, the air was calm, and the
basket was steady. We flew directly over Lincoln and the views
of the city and surrounding countryside were impeccable. Seeing
familiar places from the air felt like seeing them anew. It was
a spectacular experience that I am very grateful for.
Ballons Over 66 media night balloons in flight part three -
slideshow
Balloons Over 66 media night balloons in flight part four -
slideshow
[Stephanie Hall]
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