The Mest House to Host Open House Christmas Sale

Home of the Rivertown Theatre Project of Illinois

The public is invited to stop by the Mest House, located behind the library in Savanna, Illinois, for an Open House and fundraising sale. Featured for sale will be new and gently used items suitable for gift giving as well as homemade candies and cookies.Many Christmas decorations will also be available for purchase.

The fundraiser and open house, which helps support the Rivertown Theatre Project and expansion planned for 2009, will be held on Saturday, December 20 between 10 am and 2 pm.

The Rivertown Theatre Project (RTP) is a not for profit organization established in 2004 for the purpose of writing and performing plays depicting the history of Savanna. Performances occurred in 2005.In the summer of 2006 volunteers from the U of I Extension office, Sinnissippi Centers Inc., Illinois Coalition for Community Service and local volunteers worked with a group of young people teaching some basic drawing techniques, sewing, puppet making and readers theatre.The summer ended with a 3-part performance held in Savanna before a crowd of nearly 100 spectators.

In 2007 Mest House members partnered with The Thunder Studies Tutoring, Mentoring and Arts program held at the Intermediate school in Thomson.

Recently the Mest House has undergone personnel changes and an expansion in planned programming.In addition to Readers Theatre, mentoring, sewing, arts and crafts will also be offered to youth, seniors and families in Carroll County in an alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) free environment.

For the past year or so the Mest House and Thunder Studies members have focused on fundraising and recruitment of volunteers.Two local businesses have donated items regularly to the Mest House and monies have been generated from monthly "Estate Items Sales". Homemade candies were made and sold and tomato plants were raised and sold as well to help raise money to keep the organizations going.

If you'd like to make a donation, volunteer or would like more information please visit us on the 20th or contact Dawne Elliott at dawneelliott@sinnissippi.com or MaryJane Bixler aticcsmjbs@aol.com.

world wide web prairie advocate