TLP Magic Owl

Carroll County Haiti Mission Project members Terrie Miller and Bill Timm of Mt. Carroll with Timber Lake Playhouses’ Magic Owl. On display is a Shelter Box tent at Mt. Carroll Mayfest, May 28-30. Miller, who is the incoming Mt. Carroll Rotary President, arranged for the display to come to Mt. Carroll. Timm served on a University of Miami Medical team sent to Haiti after the hurricane, and had a chance to utilize three Shelter Box tents set up outside a hospital treating the injured. Many Rotary clubs around the world support Shelter Box as does the Mt. Carroll Rotary on a yearly basis. The equipped tents cost $1000 and are shipped in large quantities to disaster areas around the world. For more information, visit www.shelterboxusa.org (Courtesy of Lou Schau)

Mt. Carroll Rotary Club

Mt. Carroll Rotary volunteer members in action at Mt. Carroll Mayfest, held Memorial Day weekend. Ann Crouse (left) working at the Rotary Beverage Tent, and Wayne Brooks (rt.), the Official Mayor of Mayfest.

(Courtesy of Lou Schau)

Accelerated Reader

Eastland Elementary School second grade classes recently held their Accelerated Reader Awards Program. Kristy Pierce, Head Coach of the two-time State Volleyball Champion Eastland Cougars, talked to students about the importance of setting goals and reading.

She made a special presentation to Erin Henze for her outstanding performance in Accelerated Reader. Erin read 2,168,178 words this year earning 464 Accelerated Reading points by reading 627 books. Erin received a state volleyball T-shirt autographed by Coach Pierce and the varsity volleyball team.

Erin is a second grade student in Mrs. Chris Urish’s class. She is the daughter of Karl and Colleen Henze of Shannon. (Courtesy of EES)

MCH Auxiliary Spring Tea

The MCH Auxiliary Members enjoy their time socializing with one another at the Auxiliary Spring Tea, held May 13th at the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison. The Auxiliary Spring Tea is an annual meeting where members gather together to socialize, share information, and enjoy refreshments. The tea is also a way to recruit new members for the auxiliary. Approximately fifty women enjoyed the event that included an inspirational, as well as humorous, book reading entitled “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris”, by guest speaker Marge Kontos. The auxiliary members enjoyed delicious food and refreshments prepared by the MCH Dietary Department. To learn more about the MCH Auxiliary please call 815-772-4436. “A $5 annual membership fee and a little time can go a long way,” said Vi Parkinson, President of the MCH Auxiliary. “We are always looking for new members who would like to help our efforts.”

Eastland Elementary Presidential Fitness Winners

Congratulations to these second graders at Eastland Elementary, this year’s National Award winners in the Presidential Physical Fitness Tests. Front Row, L to R: Theo Woessner, Alexandra Popowski, Tyler Metz, Angelica Acosta, Stephen Reifsteck, & Erin Henze. Back Row: Meredith Janssen, Ian Kromer, Emma Norton, Braeden Heeren, Shelby Beyers, Lydia Coatney, Jayden Day, Lane Christians, Angel Zimmermann, & Matthew Stenli. (Courtesy of DiAnn Adolph)

Manzullo Speaks at Tea Party Metting

Congressman Don Manzullo (at left, R-Egan) accepted an invitation to speak at the RockfordTeaParty Meeting on Tuesday night, June 1, at the downtown Rockford Library Auditorium. “The meeting was run like a town hall meeting, where he spoke for 5-10 minutes,” said David Hale, RTP president. “We spent the rest of the time discussing our government with Congressman Manzullo. We didn’t just want to ask questions. We wanted to pose solutions to him to see how far he is willing to take the Tea Party’s flag.” Hale said it went well. “Manzullo was crisp, folksy and informative. At the end of the meeting, we gave him an A grade for our fall voter speakout.” (Photo courtesy of David Hale)

 

Pilgrims Welcome New Daughter

Robert and Anne Pilgrim of Chadwick announce the birth of daughter Elaina Maree who was born on May 26th at the Monroe Clinic in Monroe, Wisconsin. Elaina is welcomed home by sisters Natalie Erin and Olivia Pilgrim. Grandparents are Jane Lowe of Chadwick and Ross Lowe also of Chadwick, Terry Pilgrim of Milledgeville and Louise Knutsen of Sterling. Great grandparents are Shirley and Jim, Slothower of Milledgeville, Ruth Lowe of Elgin, Louise and Merrill Baeza of Sterling and Ardetta Pilgrim of Rock Falls.

Burkholders Welcome New Daughter

Weston and Laura Burkholder of Lanark are parents of a new daughter, Avery Marie, born on May 27th at the Monroe Clinic in Monroe, Wisconsin. Avery is welcomed home by brother Ian, 16 months. Grandparents are Roger and Sherry Burkholder of Lanark and Randy and Jeri Beverley also of Lanark.

Garnharts Welcome New Daughter

Pamela and Joe Garnhart of Lanark are parents of a new daughter Payton Elizabeth born on June 1st at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. Payton joins a brother Kaden. Grandparents are Larry Garnhart of Lanark and Eileen and Gary Spaulding of Chadwick.

Child Safety Seat Event

The Lanark Police Department will be having a child safety seat event. Did you know that 80% of all car seats are improperly installed in vehicles? Car Seat Check Up Event on Saturday, June 12th at the Eastland High School parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm. This event is free of charge.

Celebrate World Blood Donor Day By Giving Blood

June 14, 2010 is World Blood Donor Day - a time to celebrate those who donate blood to help save lives without expecting anything in return. It is also a day to raise awareness of the need for a safe and stable supply of blood products for patients in need of a transfusion.

The Lanark Methodist Church will be holding an upcoming blood donation opportunity on Friday, June 18th from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. To make an appointment please contact Yvonne Nelson at 1-815-493-2957.

For more information about World Blood Donor Day, visit wbdd.org How to Donate Blood: Simply call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states). Weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Savanna Family Fun Night

The Savanna Lions Club and a group of former Savanna Army Depot employees are joining forces to bring a day of family fun to Savanna on June 12. A parade to honor the 10-year anniversary of the closing of the depot and the Lions Club Family Fun Night highlight a full day of events. The Savanna Lions Club Military Parade will honor all veterans who have served, including those involved in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Afghanistan & Iraq. The parade will line up between noon and 1 p.m. behind Pizza Hut and will step off at 1 p.m. and run from Pizza Hut to the Fire Station down Main Street. Veterans will load on vehicles at True Value.

There will be a vehicle show following the parade in the Pamida parking lot. Transportation will be provided for those unable to walk the parade route. The Savanna Army Depot’s final commander, Col. Joe Tirone, now the commander at Blue Grass Army Depot in Kentucky, will serve as the grand marshal for the parade.

A golf tournament, the Bunker Buster, with 8 inch cups is being planned at Palisades Golf Course with a three person best ball teeing off at 9 a.m. To make reservations call 815-273-2141.

Historic military items will be on display at the Savanna Historical Society’s museum, 406 Main Street, and a 10 year reunion for former Savanna Army Depot employees will be held at the Savanna Moose Club beginning at 5 p.m.

The days events will culminate with the Savanna Lions Club Family Fun Night at Old Mill Park, featuring food and games and an outdoor movie on a big screen. The fun at Old Mill Park begins at 6 p.m. and includes free movie, free popcorn, refreshments, games and prizes.. There will also be entertainment by The Oregon Juggling Club and live music by Jim Kanas. People are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

“We invite everyone to come to a great night of entertainment,” said Lions Club member Bruce Stout. For more information on the parade, call Ron Johnston at 815-273-2870.

Lena Community Park District News

Join the Lena Community Park District for the 2nd Biannual Catfish Tournament. The tournament will be held on June 12 from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the biggest catfish, the total weight of five catfish and the biggest carp. Door prizes will be announced at 2 p.m.

This event begins at McNeil’s Damascus Landing in Cedarville. The cost is only $20 per boat, so get your waivers signed and get to fishing! Call the park office at (815) 369-5351 with any questions.

The Lena Community Park District is pleased to offer you Music in the Park with Tricia Vandenburgh. Come and enjoy Christian music in a variety of styles, including country, gospel, rock, and praise and worship. Join us on Sunday, June 13th at 6 p.m. in the Mini Golf parking lot for a night of music and food. Enjoy brats, chips and pop while listening to Tricia Vandenburgh. Lawn chairs are not provided so make sure you bring one! For more information please call the park office at (815) 369-5351.

Cancer Survivor Dinner

The Relay For Life of Carroll County Cancer Survivor Celebration and Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, at 4 p.m., at the Milledgeville Brethren Church. Invitations have been sent, but if you are a cancer survivor living in Carroll County and did not receive an invitation, or if you know of someone that was missed, please contact Bev Lundquist at 1106 E. Benton, St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053, or call 814-244-9684. Reservation deadline was June 7 - so call today!

You’ve Gotta Come to Chadwick Days!

One of the best little family festivals in the area is set for this weekend in the Northwest Illinois Village of Chadwick. Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12-13, the village folk will host Chadwick Days.

A new feature this year will be “Friday Night Kids Night” at the Northwestern Illinois Model Railroaders Club adjacent to the railroad tracks in downtown Chadwick, where all activities will take place unless noted. Kids are urged to bring their parents from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday night and have a chance to operate a model train! On Saturday and Sunday, the group will host an Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See the running N scale trains upstairs, and HO scale trains in the lower level, for a mere $1 donation per person.

Join the Friends of the Chadwick Library at their semi-annual book and bake sale, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring good food and good books at a great price. You can also sign up your children for the Library’s Summer Reading Program that started Monday, June 7 and runs thru July 16. The theme is “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere, Read.”

Chadwick Boosters will sponsor Children’s Games on Fun Day, Saturday, in the Village Park from 1:30 to 3 p.m., for ages 2 to 10. The Boosters are also hosting a Cookie Walk that afternoon.

Got Ice Cream? Visit the First Lutheran Church’s Ice Cream Social on Sunday, from 10:30 to 1:30, in conjunction with Chadwick Days Worship in the Park. The Social will be held on the north side of the Village Hall. Life is short - eat dessert first! Homemade pies, brownies, ice cream and beverages will be served for a donation. All proceeds will benefit the church’s building improvement fund. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

Other events Saturday include an Antique Tractor Show on Main St. from 10 to noon; Kid’s pedal Tractor Pull, with sign up at 10:45 in front of Uncle Hoser’s; Boy Scout Troop 55 Dunk Tank from noon to 3; Kid’s 5-13 years Water Fights at 3 p.m., with sign up at 1 p.m.; E-Free Church mission trip fundraiser, serving ice cream cones and sundaes in the evening; and Entertainment by Morrison Grand Squares square dancing at noon, and Shelley’s Dance Studio at 1 p.m.; Uncle Hoser’s butterfly pork chop sandwiches start at 11 a.m., and pizza from noon to 9 p.m.; and Daisy’s Corner will have more kid’s games and specials on sale all weekend.

Sunday’s activities start with Worship in the Park at 9:30 a.m., featuring the special music of Marty Miller, a contemporary Christian artist from Michigan; Proper Retirement of the American Flag Ceremony at 10:30; Lions Club Pork Chop Lunch at the Fire Station from 11 to 1; Car Show on Main St. from noon to 3; Boy Scout Dunk Tank from 1 to 3; and the Chadwick Firemen’s Water Fights at 1:00, with practice at noon.

(See the Chadwick Days ad in this week’s Prairie Advocate News, and on-line at www.pacc-news.com)

Coming to a Studio Near You

The Carroll County Artisans (CCA) co-operative, represented by the Artists’ Cooperative of Savanna, nfp (ACS), announces a Studio Tour to be held Sat. June 12, 2010 from noon to 6 pm. The Studio Tour involves studios across the county, and is a chance to travel the back roads and to see art being made.

What is a studio tour?

It is not a sale, although guests are welcome to buy art and crafts available. It is not a lesson or class, although there is much to see and ask about. On that day, local artists and crafters will be in their studios, creating their art, and invite you to visit and watch while they do it.

What can you see?

Artist activities at four destinations include:

In Savanna, at 321 Gallery, 321 N. Main:

- Watercolorist Mary Falls and oil painter Heather Houzenga on the first floor,

- Soap-maker Missy Cliverton in the basement;

In downtown Mt. Carroll:

- Denim recycling and beading with Laura Miller at dabluz boutique,

- Textured drawing at Plein Air Studio,

- Stained glass with Mary Kiernan at New Morning Glass,

- Book photo-shoot with Ann Dougherty at the new Learn Great Foods Kitchen in the Kraft Building (1-3 pm);

At Timber Lake Playhouse, south of Mt. Carroll at Black Oak and Timber Lake Roads:

- Scene painting and a backstage tour during final rehearsals for Steel Magnolias at Timber Lake Playhouse (2-4 pm). Go to the Box office for directions to the tour.

See the Carroll County Artisans website for directions and more info, www.carrollcountyartisans.com.

There is Still Room on the Carroll County Artisans Map

More than 50 artisans are listed on the Carroll County Artisans Map, and more can be added now. The map was printed and distributed last fall, and funds are available for reprinting. This map shows artists and crafters, performance arts, culinary arts, and lodging. Laminated copies of the map are posted in store windows throughout the county, and print copies have been distributed at welcome kiosks and wineries outside the county.

The cost is $20 for new listings on the artisan map, which will pay for re-design. The due date to be listed on the new map is Friday, June 25. At any time, county artisans are invited to join the Carroll County Artisans through the ACS; membership includes listing on the CCA website and future print materials. But call now to be included on the map! Call John Huggins of Lanark (815-541-0557) or email John at jhuggins@bheic.com.

Re-printing of the Carroll County Artisans map is sponsored by a Rural Affairs Grant, funded through the Artists’ Cooperative of Savanna. For those who would like more information, the Carroll County Artisans cooperative has informal planning sessions every month. Contact Heather Houzenga at 321 Gallery if you would like to come eat and talk. All are welcome.

Caregivers – Taking Care of You

The Family Caregivers Bill of Rights starts out with this important right – I have the right…To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my relative.

How do you as a Caregiver take care of yourself? One of the first steps could be attending a one-day workshop sponsored by the Jo Daviess Office of the Stephenson County Senior Center and Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois on Caregivers – Taking Care of You. This workshop will cover topics on basics such as reducing stress, improving self confidence, communication skills, keeping your life in balance, decision making and locating helpful resources.

This informative one day workshop will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at Highland West in Elizabeth, IL. From 12:30 to 3:30 pm. A light lunch will be available to all who attend this free event. Pre-registration is required. For more information please contact Linda Nobis in the Galena Office of the Senior Center at 815-777-1316 or Joann Robinson at Volunteer Hospice of Northwest Illinois at 815-947-3260.

ARC Blood Drive in Milledgeville

The need is constant. The gratification is instant.

The American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive in the Main Room of the Milledgeville First Brethren Church on Thursday, June 17, from 1 to 6 p.m. The church is located at 521 N. Main Ave.

All presenting donors will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of two pairs of Chicago White Sox tickets. For an appointment, please call Dick Deets at 815-225-7652, or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Shannon’s 150th In 2010

That’s right, Shannon is 150 years old this year, and summer festivities for its Sesquicentennial Celebration will begin on July 2, with an Independence Day Weekend super fireworks show and pork chop sandwich supper.

On Sunday afternoon, July 18, the Village will celebrate with a Birthday Party in the Village Park. Activities will culminate on Labor Day weekend with the traditional Shannon Homecoming festivities.

Sesquicentennial memorabilia will be sold at all events, including crocks, mugs, ornaments, afghans, t-shirts, and caps. Orders will be taken at all events for a Shannon book being compiled. with memories, pictures and history. The book will be a hard cover book and will be available for Christmas. Anyone with interesting photos or information should contact Carolyn Deininger at 815-864-2534, or Jane Schoeny at 815-864-2643.

Shannon’s Community Matters Sesquicentennial Committee will be sponsoring a Talent Show on Sunday, Sept. 5, as part of the Labor Day Homecoming celebration. All ideas and talents will be considered. Plan to join the fun! Watch for further information in The Prairie Advocate.

For More information, please call Jane Schoeny at 815-864-2643, or Bonnie Foust at 815-864-2577.

Savanna Army Depot Reunion

The Savanna Historical Society is supporting the Savanna Army depot Reunion this weekend, June 12, by inviting the SAD Gathering to set up WWII displays on the first floor of the SHS Museum for everyone to view and enjoy.

The SHS Museum will also host an Open House of the Model Railroad Display of the Burlington & Milwaukee RR as it appeared circa 1950, and Gene Wright’s Gallery of Civil War Soldiers.

A Food Booth serving pork chop and chicken sandwiches, as well as a “yard sale” of gently used items will be offered.

The SHS Museum will be open Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13, from 1 am to 4 pm. You will be pleased to see the progress of the renovation of this huge, 3-story building.

Also, mark your calendar for June 26-27 for our garden Walk and Tours of all 3 floors, from 10 to 4, featuring a yard sale and food.

West Carroll Hosts 10th Annual Middle School Band Camp

The West Carroll Music Department will be hosting the 10th Annual Carroll County Middle School Band Camp from July 12 to 16, from 8:30 to 12 noon, at West Carroll Middle School in Mt. Carroll, IL.

The band camp is a day camp open to all area middle school band students entering 6th through 8th grades for the 2010-2011 school year. Students who participate will receive small group lesson instruction from certified music instructors, a full band experience, and an elective musical class to be chosen from rhythm band, chamber music, jazz band, and guitar. The camp will conclude with a free final concert at 11 am on July 16 at WCMS.

The band camp was started in 2001 by Lisa Eaton and hosted by Eastland Middle School in Shannon, IL. Eastland hosted the camp for the first seven years, while West Carroll has hosted the camp since 2008, with Mark Bressler as its coordinator. The camp has been attended by nearly 800 students from ten different counties and two states. Students from the Chicago suburbs, Davenport, IA, cedar falls, IA, Dixon, Rock Falls, Freeport, dakota, and many more area schools have made the trip to participate. Several of the alumni have gone on to play in various colleges on scholarship, and community bands.

The camp also offers non-paid junior counselor positions to high school and college students who are interested in the music education field. College students may earn observation hours toward their degree programs.

The cost is $50 for the entire week. Contact Mark Bressler at 815-631-3948, or e-mail mark_bressler@yahoo.com to receive a camp brochure.

Skateboard Park Opening a Great Success

All of these businesses, individuals, companies, committees and clubs, without whose help this project would not have been possible, pulled together and each in his own way contibuted to make this Savanna Skateboard Park a tremendous success for both Savanna and surrounding communities.

The following businesses donated a skateboard, helmet, or safety equipment:

Savanna Fire Dept., Reliable Engineering, Curb Appeal, River Cities Heating and Air, Greens Tap, Java Hut & Tanning, Senator Mike Jacobs, Mt.Carroll Cafe, RIA Federal Credit Union, Milo & Beaver’s BP, Super 8 Hotel, Poopy’s, Kountry Kettle, Dustys, Bomb Fire Pizza, McKee Lumber & Son, Ace Hardware, L & M Motel, Mannys Pizza, Arnolds Bike Shop, Mills Realty, Savanna Times Journal, Miller Excavating, Law Jones Funeral Home, Casey’s Thomson, L.J. Eaton Survey, H & R Block, Fat Jacks BBQ, BP Graphix, Sassy Stems, White Glove Cleaning, Spencer Family- Chuck, Lisa, Brandon, and The Prairie Advocate News.

Contributors to the Skateboard Park’s Success:

Senator Mike Jacobs, Savanna Public Works Dept., Kurt Dreger, Ron Miller - Miller Exlavating, Savanna City Council, Brian Prowant, Jack Fosdick, Tony Green, Bill Grummitt, Allen St. George, Lois Hunsaker, Floyd England, Paul Hartman, Larry Barker, Lars Colgan, Chip Colgan, Tom Kocal - The Prairie Advocate News, Kris Calhoun, Matt Jones, Rosina Crotts, Quality Concrete, Savanna Times Journal, Erickson Paving, Tiffany Mendoza, Germainator Club, Anthony Mendoza, Troup 48 Boys Scotts, Isabella Mendoza, Terry Behn - Behn Concrete, Parker Smith, Arnolds Bike Shop, MaryEllen Dreger, Ace Hardware, John Dreger, Bomb Fire Pizza, Chad Zink, Wherry Farms, Jacob Gibbs, Elkay Mfg., Jesse Fosdick, Scott Sullivan , Carol Manning, Kohls Volunteers - Clinton Iowa, Charlie Shephard, LueAnn Dreger, Home Depot - Clinton Iowa, Cameron Dreger, Shaun Picolotti, Dorie Steffis - Grant Writer, Mike - Krystal Ball DJ/Karaoke, KWQC Channel 6 News, and Jessie McWilliams.

Winners of the drawings:

From Savanna: Anthony Mendoza, Andrew Lee, Devin Lamar, Dylan Osbourne, Casey Moore, Ryan Holmbo, Jake Miller, Cameron Dreger, Ally Grummitt, Taylor Hazen, Michael Blais, Jacob Dunk, Chris Miller, Emily Cartalino, Bryan Hansen, Andrew Castro, Billy Grummitt, Carmen Rucobo, Ethan Mangler, Justin Spencer, Grant Mangler, Erik Rucobo, Katie McNeal, Nathan Brehm, Ryan Barker, Owen Johnson, Logan Barker, Chad Zink, Brandon Holmbo, Matt Haring, Brandon Anderson, Micheal Siegwarth, Josi Anderson, Brooklyn Crete, Haley Winston, Tanner Holmbo, Matthew Speers, Tiffany Froutzia, Lyndsi Lufkin, Amber Phillips, Krystal Cruzik, Bobbie Donglas, Justin Murphy, and Nathan Dunk.

From Mt. Carroll: Leslie Neis, Joe Ralcouski, Chloe Neis, Adam Ralcouski, Dominick Neis, Abby Ralcouski, Brandy Ralcouski, and Josh Houston.

From Clinton, IA: Alex Hagen, Maddux Chapman, Konnie Burmester, and Matthew Rowson.

Other winners: Elliott Jacobs, East Moline, IL, Shy Empin, Sabula, IA, Cody Gillen, Loran, IL, Ryan Deram, Wadsworth, IL, Colton Allen, Elizabeth, IL, and Anders Jensen, Dubuque, IA.

Is Your Community ‘Ready’?

On Wednesday, June 30th, the Blackhawk Hills RC&D will be hosting a Site Selection Workshop for County, Community and Economic Development Professionals titled “Site Selection: What Are They Really Looking For and Is Your Community Development-Ready?” The workshop is being offered as an opportunity to hear first hand what site selectors actually look for when locating sites for development purposes, how big of a role incentives actually play in the process, and what communities need to have ready to attract development. The workshop will be held at the Hickory Grove Conference Center inside the Comfort Inn located in Rochelle, IL from 8:30am until 11:30am.

The audience will hear from well-qualified speakers from the region, including Eric Voyles from the Rockford Area Economic Development Council. Eric currently leads the region’s business attraction outreach efforts. He also serves as the liaison between the Rockford region and the national real estate community, global site selectors and private companies considering first time investment in the Rockford region.

Voyles has over 15 years of experience in economic development with expertise in foreign investment attraction from China, business park planning and development, government partnership and ally development, and airport and rail-related logistics. He is also experienced in labor market assessment, strategic planning, existing business development, and entrepreneurship and incubator development.

Workshop participants will be required to register with the Blackhawk Hills RC&D office prior to the event. The workshop fee is $10 and will include a buffet breakfast. Seats will be limited and are filling up fast, so please contact Theresa Wittenauer with the RC&D office at 815-625-3854 ext. 2 or by email at info@blackhawkhills.com to make your reservation today.

Last Chance to Register for 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament!

The Polo Town & Country Days Committee is hosting a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for boys and girls grades 5th – 8th grade, on Saturday, June 19th, starting at 9am. The cost to play is $40 per team, and each team should have 4 team members. All players will receive a t-shirt.

The deadline has been extended, and no late registrations will be accepted. So, sign up now for your chance to play! The event will take place by the Festival Tent and Crossroads Community Church parking lot. Call Jennifer Grobe at (815) 677-1188 to get signed up.

For more information, a schedule of events, and registration forms visit the T & C website at www.polodays.org .

Lanark Building ‘Volunteer Pool’

The City of Lanark and its wide variety of not-for-profit organizations need your help to continue to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Lanark area. Thus, a “volunteer pool” database of local citizens willing to donate time or money is being created by EHS graduate and Salutatorian Francesca Huggins. Francesca will be doing this community service project over the summer as an AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate before heading off to college at the University of Louisville.

A survey is being sent out to the citizens of Lanark with the water bill. Please take the time to fill it out and send it back or drop it off. This Volunteer Pool project is being sponsored by the City of Lanark and the Lanark Chamber of Commerce.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteering:

• strengthens the community and makes it more resilient to economic downturns or natural disasters and helps a community recover more rapidly

• improves the lives of your neighbors

• brings fulfillment to your life

• unifies the community

• helps you learn more about the community in which you live

• allows you to make connections you might not have the opportunity to make otherwise

• helps you develop marketable job skills

• enhances your self esteem

• communicates to others that you are ambitious, dedicated, enthusiastic, and that you care about your community

• allows you to explore personal and career interests

• gives you a purpose

• helps you to earn great recommendations for future employments and college applications

• bridges barriers between people and teaches us that we are more alike than we are different