Calendar

Free Calendar items are for Non-Profit Organizations when not raising funds. When submitting information please keep it as minimal as possible - Who, What, Where, When and a contact number. That way more items may be listed each week. Send calendar information to email link at the heading of this page.

Every Tuesday

Every Tuesday Tri-County Opportunities is at Trinity Lutheran Church, Milledgeville, Il.

Trinity Lutheran Milledgeville is handicap accessible at the NE door under the canopy and is located on the corner of Highway 40 and Stover Ave. Trinity Lutheran (ELCA) is a partner with First Lutheran, (W. Jordan), Sterling in the Faith on Forty parish. Trinity worship worship is at 10:15, Sunday School at 9 am; First Lutheran Worship is at 8:30. Trinity Lutheran also received and delivers Golden Meals to Seniors in the area. Call: 815-225-7410.

February 2

Food pantry

The Helping Hands Food Pantry located in the Milledgeville United Methodist Church, at the corner of Holcomb Ave and 4th St., near downtown Milledgeville is open from 9-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month. The Chadwick Milledgeville Ministerial Association sponsors the pantry. For more information, call the Milledgeville United Methodist Church at 815-225-7511 or call 815-684-5283.

Living With Mega Livestock Farms

Farmers Who Live Near Industrial Facilities to Speak at HOMES Informational Meeting. HOMES is sponsoring a free informational meeting Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 6:30 pm     (snow date February 3, 2010, 6:30pm) at the Lena Community Center, 497 Lions Dr, Lena, Illinois The public is welcome. Refreshments will be served. In case of heavy snow, call 815-745-9013 to check on the status of the meeting.

February 2 and 9

Snapshot-One Day in the Life of the Lanark Library

Feb 10 from 3:30 to 5. Half hour sessions by UI education Robin Fisch on Preserving your Family Story. Refreshments, activities and displays all featured.

February 3

Blood Drive at Eastland

The Eastland High School Student Council is hosting a Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 3rd in the high school cafeteria. Staff from the Rock River Valley Blood Center will draw blood between 1:30 and 6:30. If you are at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health, you should be eligible to donate blood. The Rock River Valley Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and related services to OSF Saint Anthony, Rockford Memorial, SwedishAmerican, Beloit Memorial, Freeport Health Network, and several other area hospitals. The Rock River Valley Blood Center needs to collect 965 units each week to meet area patient needs. By hosting a Blood Drive, the Eastland High School Student Council is helping to save lives in our community. Join us in sharing the Gift of Life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Nancy Kniss at 493-6341. You can contact the Rock River Valley Blood Center at 815-965-8751, toll free at 866-889-9073 or on the web at www.rrvbc.org.

Carroll Co. Fairboard Meeting

The Carroll Co. Fairboard meets the 1st Wednesday night of the month at 7:00 p.m. from October thru April at the Milledgeville City Hall. From May thru September they meet at the fairgrounds. The public is welcome to attend. Volunteer help is always needed. For more information contact Kris Lauritzen at 815-493-2498.

HRRV creates a support group

Hospice of the Rock River Valley invites individuals to attend. They will meet from 10-11:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of every month. Any parent who has lost a child of any age is invited to come share, laugh, communicate and heal. They will meet at the Hospice of the Rock River Valley office.

HRRV serves Lee, Whiteside, Bureau, Carroll, and Ogle counties. For more information call: 800-646-9242 or view www.hospicerockriver.org.

Journey Through Grief

Support could be a means of begiJourney Through Grief Adult Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Warren Community Building, Main Street, Warren, IL. For more information call 815-947-3260.

February 3, 9, 19

Play Smart Cart and Win!

Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation’s No. 1 killer. With February as American Heart Month, the CGH Health Foundation and CGH Community Services invite you to play “Smart Cart” and win! To play, simply visit the participating grocery store of the week during the following times. As you enter the store, you will be given a “grocery list” of heart-healthy food items and will be asked to locate each of the items. Write them on your shopping list (no purchases necessary), and bring the completed list to the front of the store to be entered into a drawing for a gift basket valued at $200 (which includes a $150 gift card from the participating store!) Information on heart health and free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available. Play “Smart Cart” at: County Market, Sterling - Wednesday, February 3 from 3 to 6 p.m.; Kroger, Sterling - Tuesday, February 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon; Save-A-Lot, Rock Falls - Friday, February 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please call (815) 625-0400, ext. 5716.

February 4

RRV-IEA Meets

The Rock River Valley IEA-Retired will host its February meeting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010. The meeting will be held at the Timber Creek Country Club located at 729 Timber Creek Road in Dixon, IL. A full breakfast will be served. Payments should be made to RRV--IEA Retired and sent to the IEA Office at 3307 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081. Spouses and guests are welcome. The program will be provided by IEA Retired State Chair Jack Tucker. To RSVP (by Jan. 19) and for more information please contact Nancy Habben at (800) 763-9756 or (815) 626-3884 E-mail: nancy.habben@ieanea.org

Annual Dinner Meeting

There still is time to get your reservations in for the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner and Meeting on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at Cross Creek Golf Course, 15523 Henry Road, Morrison, IL, beginning at 6:00 pm (cocktails/social) and 6:30 pm (dinner and dessert buffets). Key Note Speaker Dr. Norman Walzer, who will be speaking on economic trends in the area and strategies/opportunities that might be worth pursuing. Reservation form is due by January 29, 2010.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Chamber Office at (815) 772-3757. www.morrisonchamber.com

Hug somebody–with a shawl

The Lanark United Methodist Church Shawl Ministry invites anyone to come knit with us. We witness to God’s love by knitting, blessing, and giving shawls to those in need of friendship, celebration, healing, and comfort. Knit 3, Purl 3 – come share God’s work with us, at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays, at Lanark United Methodist Church. Questions? Call Marcia Merchant, 815-493-6324.

February 6 & 27

Aglow International

Aglow International is hosting a Women’s Mini Conference on Saturday, February 6th and February 27th. It will be held at 9:00 am until 11:30 am. at the Land of Oz, 855 S. Mill St. Mount Carroll, IL (parking in the rear) Please come early for donuts and coffee! See the DVD of the International Conference held in Louisville, KY. Don’t miss the Blessings! Please bring a guest. For more information call Cindy Mader 815-244-6550.

February 7

Sermon Series Begins

At Bethel United Methodist Church, Pastor Steve Aram will begin a sermon series on February 7 entitled, “Is there anything left to believe in?” to help those present to find spiritual foundations for life in our complex and confusing world.  The series will go through the main points of the Apostles’ Creed looking at ways that the ancient Christian faith gives a framework for modern life.  Bethel United Methodist Church worships each Sunday at 9 and 11 AM, with Sunday school for all ages at 10:00 AM.  It is located at 217 S. Hickory Street in Shannon.

February 8

Camera club meets

The Muddy River Camera Club meets at 7 p.m. at the restored Lyons Railroad Depot on 25th Avenue North just north off the Route 136 bridge in North Clinton, IA. Come check us out and visit our web site at www.muddyrivercc.com.

Washington Township Meeting

Washington Township Trustees hold regular meetings for FY April 2009 to March 2010 on the 2nd Monday of each month at the Township Building, Savanna Army Depot, at 7 p.m. For more information, contact WT Clerk Carol Bundy.

Palisades Art League Meets

The Palisades Art League’s monthly meetings are the second Monday of every month (except for Jan.) from 7 to 9 pm at the Masonic Hall in Savanna.  April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 & our Christmas Party on Dec. 14.

For more information contact Judy Gentile, 1 815 273-1143 or DJG@mchsi.com

2010 Alfalfa Workshop

Farmers and agriculture dealers in northern Illinois should mark their calendar for the “2010 Alfalfa Workshop – Positioning for Success” on February 8th. The program is from 9:25 am to 12 Noon and will be delivered via teleconference at participating University of Illinois Extension offices. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Alfalfa growers, dealers and consultants will hear about current production and tips for successful stand establishment strategies that impact the profitability of growing alfalfa. Also addressed will be Harvesting Biomass Crops - Equipment & practices for switchgrass, miscanthus, and corn stalks. The program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. For more information and to register, contact the Whiteside County Extension office; phone 815-772-4075.

February 9

Lanark Strategic Plan Meeting

Phase Two of the Lanark Strategic Planning has been rescheduled for Tuesday February 9, 6:00 at the Heritage Center. The public is invited. For more information, contact John Huggins, PCED, President, Lanark Chamber of Commerce at jhuggins@bheic.com or call (815)541-0557.

February 10

Deadline - Pretzels on Parade

Freeport Downtown Development Foundation is hosting “Pretzels On Parade”, an event to showcase and celebrate local artists. February 10, 2010 is the deadline for participants to register. Event will run from February 10th through April 29th when there will be an auction on the pieces. Registration is FREE! For further information, please contact Mark at 815.616.5540.

Cancer support group

The Cancer Support Group of Northwest Illinois will hold their next meeting at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Elizabeth in the Fellowship Hall. For more information contact the Hospice office at 815-947-3260 or Carolyn at 815-858-2224.

Savanna Lions Club meetings

Joins us on the 2nd Wed. of the month (Jan. 9) for our monthly Lions Club meetings at Antl Hall, Savanna. For more information contact: Brian Reusch at 815-273-7757.

February 12

Scholarship Deadline at Eastland

Attention all seniors from Eastland High School – scholarship applications for Eastland’s community scholarships are now available in the School Counselor’s Office. All seniors are encouraged to complete the forms. The deadline for completed applications is February 12, 2010. Late applications will not be accepted so don’t miss this deadline!

Uncertainties in the NI Wheat Crop

Farmers and agriculture dealers in northern Illinois should mark their calendar for the “2010 Winter Wheat Workshop – Dealing with Uncertainties” on February 12. The program is from 9:30 am to 12 Noon and will be delivered via teleconference at participating University of Illinois Extension offices. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Preregistration is required by calling 815-772-4075 or online at www.extension.uiuc.edu/whiteside before February11. For more information and to register, contact the Whiteside County Extension office; phone 815-772-4075.

Country, folk, open mic night

Open Mic Night - 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Center, Downtown Lanark. Second Friday of every month. Public is invited - No charge. Donations are accepted. For info, call Kenny Sweitzer (815) 275-0854.

February 13

Loving Well Retreat

Join Chadwick Evangelical Free Church for the Loving Well retreat with Beth Moore. We all deal with people who are a joy to love and those who are difficult to love. Come join us for a fun-filled weekend as we learn how to love well. Through video we will hear from best-selling author and teacher Beth Moore, enjoy fun fellowship with other women, laugh our heads off, shed a few tears, eat, stay up late, make new friends, and enjoy old friends. Fri., Feb 1 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Sat., Feb 13, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Chadwick Community Building (Legion Hall) To register call Monica at 815-499-9141 or email jamner@wildblue.net

February 14

Valentine’s Day Booster Breakfast

Please join us for a special Valentine’s Day Booster Breakfast. It will be held Sunday, February 14, 2010, from 8:30am – 1:00 pm, at the American Legion Building on Route 40, Chadwick, IL. See you there.

February 16

River Cities Quilters Guild

Meetings are on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. of every month at the Fulton Presbyterian Church, 331 N. 9th, Fulton. Any questions call Susan May 815-589-2221.

Chadwick Senior citizens

Meet on the third Tuesday at 12 noon of every month at the Community Building in Chadwick.

February 17

Carroll County CEDS Meets

The Carroll County CEDS Committee will meet on the third Wednesday of the month in 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Carroll County Courthouse Conference Room, 301 N. Main St. Mt. Carroll, IL.

February 18

Hug somebody–with a shawl

The Lanark United Methodist Church Shawl Ministry invites anyone to come knit with us. We witness to God’s love by knitting, blessing, and giving shawls to those in need of friendship, celebration, healing, and comfort. Knit 3, Purl 3 – come share God’s work with us, at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays, at Lanark United Methodist Church. Questions? Call Marcia Merchant, 815-493-6324.

February 24

CEDS Meeting Changed

The Carroll County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, CEDS, committee has rescheduled its meeting from Feb. 17 to 6 p.m. Feb. 24 in the conference room of the Carroll County Courthouse at Mt. Carroll. Questions? Call Tom at 815-493-2560.

February 28

One Month Left to Enter ‘Off the Roll’ Contest

If you are inspired by the use of everyday objects as art, then Scotch Brand wants to see your creativity come off the roll and into the art space. The Scotch Off the Roll Tape Sculpture Contest, sponsored by 3M, is inviting creative minds to submit photos of their unique tape sculpture -- constructed from Scotch Packaging Tape -- for the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize. Submissions will be judged by a panel of noted artists and can be voted on by visiting www.OfftheRollContest.com no later than February 28, 2010. The contest is open to people who are 16 years of age and older except where restricted by law. For a complete set of contest rules visit www.OfftheRollContest.com. For video tutorials on how to construct a tape sculpture, visit www.OfftheRollContest.com.

March 2

Illinois Forage Institute

The Illinois Forage Institute will be held on Tuesday, March 2 at Kankakee Community College, Kankakee Illinois beginning at 9:30 am and concluding at 4:00 pm. The program will be held at Kankakee Community College which is located south of Kankakee just off of Interstate 57, Exit 308-Route 45/52 N, then east on River Road. Pre-registration is requested by February 24, 2010. Registration covers a noon meal and forage presentation handout material. Program registration can be made by contacting Illinois Forage & Grassland Council, P.O. Box 233, Greenville, IL 62246. The program agenda can be accessed at http://www.illinoisforage.org/. The Forage Institute is sponsored by the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council and supported by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and University of Illinois Extension.

March 6

Chadwick Boosters Dinner

Mark you calendar for the annual Ham Dinner, sponsored by the Chadwick Boosters. Dinner will be served from 4:30 – 7:00 PM at the American Legion Building, Route 40, Chadwick, IL. Take out will also be available. See you there.

March 11-12

Biomass Conversion Workshop

The Biomass Conversion to Heat & Electricity Workshop: Molding Today’s Technology for Tomorrow’s Bioenergy Feedstock Supply Chain will benchmark the existing solid biomass for fuel technologies and supply chain components. Participants will also identify the bottlenecks, challenges and opportunities for research and systems commercialization. The workshop will be held March 11-12, 2010, at Heartland Community College, in Normal, Illinois. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Register via the website: http://go.illinois.edu/biomassworkshop or phone: (309) 268-8160. For more information and an updated agenda, visit: bioenergy.illinois.edu/news/biomass.html or contact Natalie Bosecker, CABER, natalieb@illinois.edu, 217-244-9273.

March 21

Everly Hillbillies Oldies Show

Turning Point is proud to bring back the midwest’s best Everly Brothers’/Oldies’ revival band, THE EVERLY HILLBILLIES, (fka “The Abbeys”) as they return to Carroll County following their successful oldies show at Timber Lake Playhouse in September, for a night of the best 50s/60s tunes in an all ages show at The Diehl Auditorium! http://everlyhillbillies.com Sun, March 21, 2010 at 12:00 PM

The Naaman Diehl Auditorium, Mount Carroll, IL, 811 S. Clay St.

(at the intersection of Routes 78 & 64) in Mt. Carroll. RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW & SAVE $5 ON EACH AT: https://turning-point-promotions.ticketleap.com/

or http://www.everlyhillbillies.com or Call: 1-800-404-1148. Tickets will also be available soon at DABLUZ BOUTIQUE, http://dabluz.com (at the Historic Hotel Glenview) 106 E. Market St. in Mt. Carroll. This event is generously sponsored by our friends at the beautiful BLUFF CABINS in Savanna, IL, http://bluffcabins.com

world wide web prairie advocate