'Community Matters' in Shannon

Summer Shindig, Shannon High School window display, area businesses on display . . . What do all of these things have in common? They are projects of the Community Matters group of Shannon.

What started with the intent of getting the people of Shannon together to visit has blossomed into so much more. The vision of Community Matters is "To foster growth in the Shannon community while meeting the needs of individuals and businesses". The group is a division of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce.

One of the most recent events that Community Matters worked on was the Spring Fling, featuring Karl Henze and previews of the Spring Play from the Eastland High School Theater. Similar to the Summer Shindig, it was a chance for residents to enjoy an evening together with special entertainment.

The group is also conducting a town survey between April 20th and May 4th. They will be going door to door to visit with the residents of Shannon to obtain information that would be helpful to the community. Residents will have the option of completing the survey on the spot or they can turn it in to a drop box at Shannon Bowling Lanes or First State Bank of Shannon before the May 4th deadline. Surveyors consist of Jerry (Bubba) Cermak, Bonnie Foust, Amanda Klinefelter, Troy and Donna Lessman, Joe Payette, Jane Schoeny, Lori Schoeny, and Laurie Woessner.

Some of the events that are still in the works are Shannon's 150th Anniversary in 2010, Village Beautification, Community Events and Festivals.

Members have also been in contact with the Small Business Development Center, Tri-County Economic Development Alliance, IL Entrepreneurship Network, and Blackhawk Hills Entrepreneurs & Inventors in regards to community and business development.

Although there is no meeting in April, Community Matters will be meeting the second Monday of every month at Eastland Middle School (Hickory St. entrance) at 7:00. The next meeting will be May 11th at 7:00. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend.

world wide web prairie advocate