Community

Women at the Well-Springfield is sponsoring a one day conference called, “Praise the God of Justice Who Knows No Favorites”, which will focus on prayer, inspiration, music, sacred theater, and outreach. The conference will be held on October 23 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois.

This event will feature Joan Chittister, OSB, internationally known speaker and author, Marty Haugen, musician and composer, and a one act sacred theater performance of Agapé, The Stories and The Feast. Liturgy and music will be provided by the “Sisters of the Son” a contemporary Christian female vocal trio. Attendees will leave this event inspired and spiritually enlightened.

Registration is $75.00 per person and includes lunch. To register, please go to http//womenatthewell-springfield.com or call Madonna Jones at 217-741-0193 for more information. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the conference is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

In addition, we are asking attendees to help local food pantries by either bringing a bag of groceries or buying food tokens, available in $5, $10, or $25, which will be available at the conference.

Women at the Well are a group of women who meet on a monthly basis to share faith through prayer and fellowship. Out of their common prayer came a vision to celebrate the many gifts of today’s women with gifts similar to those experienced by the women of the Bible.

4-H Virtual Fair to enhance career skills of youth

University of Illinois Extension’s Illinois 4-H program and Illinois 4-H Foundation have teamed up with 12 corporate partners to host the first annual 4-H Virtual Fair on an interactive website from August 1 to 18. During the virtual fair, Illinois youth enrolled in 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Program activities will be able to choose from one or more of four exhibit classes to showcase their projects and connect with industry experts.

The 4-H virtual fair will be a unique learning opportunity for youth currently enrolled in a wide range of 4-H SET projects related to citizenship, service learning, consumer education, corn, dairy, personal finance, health, leadership, plants and soils, soybeans, swine, and veterinary science.

In preparation for the event, participants will conduct an experiment, develop an invention, produce a video, or create a map related to their project area. Beginning August 1, they can post results to an interactive website for others to see, and receive feedback from industry professionals. The adults will be available to answer questions and describe how science, engineering, and technology are used in a variety of careers.

4-H partner organizations include Busey Wealth Management, COUNTRY Financial, Farm Credit Services of Illinois, GROWMARK, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Farm Bureau, LG Seeds, Paul A. Funk Foundation, Ropp Jersey Cheese, Rural King, U.S. Bank, and Walmart.

A 4-H SET Innovation Award will be presented for each exhibit class August 18. Award winners will receive a scholarship of “4-H dollars” that can be used to participate in any local, state, or national 4-H event.

For more information, contact Lisa Bouillion Diaz at 217-333-0910 or lisabou@illinois.edu, or visit the virtual fair website at http://virtualfair.4-H.illinois.edu.

Cream of the Crop’ is 2010 IL State Fair theme

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Tom Jennings and Illinois State Fair Manager Amy Bliefnick announced the theme for the 2010 Illinois State Fair. This year’s theme, “Cream of the Crop,” pays tribute to Illinois’ agricultural heritage. The Illinois State Fair began 157 years ago to support the state’s farmers and remains a celebration of our state’s top industry to this day.

“This year’s fair will showcase Illinois’ agricultural roots while also recognizing Illinois farmers for being the cream of the crop, the best of the best,” Bliefnick said. “Illinois farmers are among the most efficient and productive in the United States. Illinois ranks second among all states in the production of both corn and soybeans, fourth in the production of pork and twenty-second in the production of beef.”

A new attraction to this years’ fair, “Farmer’s Little Helpers,” will teach kids about Illinois’ premier agriculture industry. “Farmer’s Little Helpers” is an interactive, children’s education exhibit near Gate 2. The mock farm consists of a series of miniature barns, a corn crib, harvest and seed gardens, a farmers’ market and a grocery store. Each building provides hands-on activities related to the agricultural process.

“I’m very excited about ‘Farmer’s Little Helpers’ and would like to thank all the sponsors for their support. Without them, none of this would be possible,” Bliefnick added.

The Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Association, County Market (Niemann Foods) and Grain Systems Inc. (GSI) are major sponsors of the exhibit.

“This exhibit allows a glimpse into the work of family farmers in Illinois. More than that, we hope that by visiting this exhibit children and adults will feel a direct connection to the farm, the farmers and their families, and to the food we grow here. It’s about building a positive, fun memory with each child that visits ‘Farmers’ Little Helpers,’” Donna Jeschke, a corn farmer from Mazon and past-chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, said.

“The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to be involved with the new ‘Farmer’s Little Helpers’ exhibit at the Illinois State Fair. We feel this is a great opportunity to show visitors the connection between soybeans grown by Illinois farmers, livestock raised throughout our state and the food people eat,” Illinois Soybean Association Secretary Doug Winter, a farmer from Mill Shoals, added.

Other sponsors include the American Egg Board, Brandt Consolidated, Corn Products International, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association, Midwest Dairy Association and USDA Farm Service Agency. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 16 and Local 742 are donating valuable expertise toward the construction of new buildings for the exhibit.

The 2010 Illinois State Fair will be held Aug. 13-22.

Capitol Commentary from Sen. Bill Brady
by State Sen.Bill Brady, 44th District

NEW LAW ALLOWS GOVERNOR AND LT. GOVERNOR TO RUN AS TEAM

An election bill, signed July 12, requires the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor to run as a team in the general primary election.

House Bill 5820 (P.A. 96-1018) was introduced following controversy surrounding the 2010 Democrat primary election win of a largely unknown candidate, Scott Lee Cohen.

Cohen later bowed out of the race following media revelations that raised serious concerns about his qualifications and character.

CORRUPT POLITICIANS WOULD FOREIT FUNDS

Also signed July 12, Senate Bill 2551 (P.A. 96-1019) will force corrupt politicians convicted of strong-arming state contractors for campaign kickbacks to forfeit all political funds under their control.

The new law creates a public corruption profit forfeiture provision that would require automatic forfeiture of all political contributions held by a political committee or organization controlled by someone convicted of certain criminal violations.

These violations include intimidation by a public official, including threatening to take, cause or withhold action as a public official against anyone or anything; bribery involving a public officer or public employee; and providing, soliciting, or accepting kickbacks in connection with public contracting.

PROTECTING HOMEOWNERS FROM FRAUD

Also last week, two laws to protect homeowners from home repair fraud were signed by the Governor.

Senate Bill 3645 (P.A. 96-1026) increases the penalty for home repair fraud when committed by someone working on a project intended to assist a disabled person.

Senate Bill 2540 (P.A. 96-1023) allows homeowners who suffer actual damages during a home repair or remodel to pursue legal action for consumer fraud and deceptive business practices.

News from State Rep. Dan Brady

88^th Legislative District

Davis Mansion hosts 150th anniversaries of Lincoln campaign & Civil War July 31 & Aug. 1

The 150th anniversaries of the 1860 Presidential campaign and the Civil War will be commemorated during a special event Saturday and Sunday, July 31 and August 1, on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington. The event is free and open to the public.

A large tent on the Mansion grounds will be the site for some of the weekend’s main events. Saturday, July 31 will begin at 10:30 a.m. with “Path to the Presidency,” a humorous recollection by the 16th President by Lincoln presenter George Buss, leading into an Officers’ Tea and Vignette Demonstration by the Tea Ladies. At 1 p.m., bring the kids over for “Mr. Lincoln Presents!,” a children’s program presented by Max Daniels as Abraham Lincoln. The afternoon will also include a period fashion show and a Ladies’ Tea before concluding with a Military Ball led by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, Civil War Dancers, and Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln. Guests can arrive at the Ball in style by participating in free carriage rides from the Mansion gate to the tent.

The Mansion grounds will also host some fun and interesting events, such as a reenactment of a military encampment, medical unit and sutlers, as well as appearances by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band and President and Mrs. Lincoln. Period craft demonstrations and children’s activities will also highlight the weekend. Food will be available, and Mansion tours will be offered.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday, August 1 at 10 a.m. with a church service under the tent. It will be led by Pastor Jerry with the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band providing the music.

After Abraham Lincoln’s surprise nomination for President at the May 1860 Republican Convention in Chicago, thanks in large part to the efforts of his friends such as David Davis, the campaign swung into high gear through the summer and fall, culminating in Lincoln’s election on November 6, 1860. Soon thereafter several southern states seceded from the Union, and Lincoln had hardly been inaugurated when hostilities broke out at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, thus beginning the Civil War.

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was built for Judge David Davis and his wife, Sarah. Davis had been appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by his grateful friend, Abraham Lincoln, and had this lavish Victorian mansion built in 1872. The Mansion is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours, and is located at 1000 E. Monroe in Bloomington

Ecology Action Center to hold Rain Barrel Workshops August 7

The Ecology Action Center has openings available in its current schedule of the popular hands-on workshops where individuals build their own water saving rainwater collection and storage container. Rain Barrels are an ancient technology undergoing a great resurgence as they not only help conserve water but also reduce storm water runoff contamination thereby protecting clean water. The workshops are a very cost-effective alternative to buying a ready-to-use rain barrel.

Workshops are scheduled for Saturday, August 7 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. The EAC is offering these workshops at a cost of $28.00 for members of the Ecology Action Center or $38.00 for non-members. The rain barrel design now includes an overflow fitting and hose to prevent a full rain barrel from sending water towards your foundation.

Workshop space is limited and pre-registration is required; registration forms are available for download at www.ecologyactioncenter.org or by stopping by the Ecology Action Center at 202 West College in Normal during regular business hours. Confirmation of registration and workshop location details and will be provided after payment and registration form are received. More information on the workshops is available by calling 309-454-3169.

Neighbors Association of Normal meeting August 7

from Dawn Wilson, President

Neighbors Association of Normal

The Neighbors Association of Normal will meet for its Quarterly Meeting on Saturday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Normal Township Hall, 304 E Mulberry St., Normal.

We will have speakers Dr. Brent Paterson, Associate Vice President for Finance & Planning and Deb Smitley, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs to discuss ISU’s Master Plan. We will also hear from Geoff Fruin, Town of Normal reference Uptown updates and the Multi-Modal Center. Officer Amanda Street from the Normal Police Department will give us a Crime Update.

Please let me know by email (DawnL7@aol.com) or by phone (451-1230) if you have items for the agenda or other concerns for NAN

Conklin’s comedy back in the habit

Conklin’s Barn II Dinner Theatre is happy to announce the opening of the zany comedy “Lie, Cheat and Genuflect” on July 29 and playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday brunches for a limited seven-week engagement through September 12.

“Lie, Cheat and Genuflect” is written by that crazy duo William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore, authors of such hit comedies as “Love, Sex and the IRS” and “What the Rabbi Saw,” which have both had very successful runs at the Barn in the past. “Lie, Cheat and Genuflect” is another entry into the wild imaginations of these two writers who revel in old-style wordplay and slapstick in the tradition of the Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy and the Three Stooges. The show concerns the Buckle brothers, Tom and Billy, black sheep of the Buckle family, who are sneaking into the dilapidated family mansion prior to the reading of their grandfather’s will. They have a scheme to get their hands on a piece of the inheritance that will surely be denied them after their father was banished from the belt-buckle-inventing family for the unforgivable crime of opening a suspender store. The outrageous characters include a soused maid who is slowly draining the wine cellar, a shady lawyer, two helpless damsels and a vicious gangster and his vivacious moll. When Tom comes up with a plan that forces Billy into a nun’s habit to impersonate a missing cousin, the hilarity gets turned on full blast from start to finish.

Heading up the company as Billy and Tom are Dan Challacombe and John Johnson, with Mary Simon as maid Virginia, Pat Gaik as lawyer Robert Fryburger, Miranda Axsom and April Wyant as the girls, and Chad Kirvan and Diann Thompson as “Pizza Face” Petrillo and his gal-pal Miss Macintosh.

The production is directed by Mary Simon. Set design is by Tom Weber, technical direction is by April Wyant, and publicity is by Pat Gaik. Conklin’s Barn II is known for its delicious buffet which, on evening performances, includes four main entrees featuring the Barn’s renowned prime rib and fried chicken, with salad, homemade soup and cheese spread, and a choice of four taste-tempting, homemade desserts. Prices for dinner and show are $31.00 on Thursday evenings, $33.00 on Friday evening and Sunday brunch, and $35.00 on Saturday evening, including tax. No advance payment is required. Conklin’s is also BYOB for wine, beer or cocktails. Glasses, ice and ice buckets are provided at no extra charge. For reservations, call the box office at 309-965-2545. For more information, visit the Barn on the internet at www.barn2.com

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Upcoming events at the Normal Public Library

Adult Dept: 309-452-1757

Childrens’ Dept: 309-454-4668

www.normal-library.org

Manga/Anime Club

Tuesdays, Aug. 3 & 17 • 4:30 to 6

NPL Community Room

Held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month, Manga/Anima Club is for any teens interested in Japanese comics and animation. For more information, please call 309-452-1757.

Games Aren’t Just for Kids!

Friday, August 6 • 1:30 to 2:30

NPL Community Room

We welcome ages 25 to 110 on the first Friday of every month! Try out a game, chat, snack, and meet a new friend! Feel free to bring a favorite game or play one of the many provided. For more information, please call 309-452-1757.

Teen Writer’s Workshop

Monday, August 9 • 3:00 to 4:30

NPL Board Room

Calling all teen writers and artists! Bring your best ideas to our teen writer’s workshops on the second Monday of each month. For more information, please call 309-452-1757.

Teen Game Day

Wednesday, Aug. 11 • 4:00 to 6:00

NPL Community Room

Are you a Dance Dance Revolution Fiend? Can you rock out with Rockband? Come out to the library on the second Wednesday of each month for gaming! For more information, please call 309-452-1757

Teen Advisory Council

Thursdays, Aug. 12 & 26 • 4 to 5:30

NPL Board Room

If you want a say in teen programs at the NPL, this is the place to be. We meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month for games, books, and discussion of NPL Teen Services. For more information, please call 309-452-1757.

Movie Matinee: West Side Story

Thursday, August 19 • 1:30

NPL Community Room

Join us on the third Thursday of each month for movies and snacks! In this month’s movie a love affair is faited for tragedy when a member of a street gang falls for the rival leader’s sister (Natalie Wood). 152 min.

Free Skin Cancer Screening July 31

The Community Cancer Center is sponsoring a free skin cancer screening to be held on Saturday, July 31, 2010 from 9:00-11:00 am at the center located at 407 E. Vernon Ave. in Normal. This screening will provide an opportunity for people to have a “spot check” of an area on the skin they have a concern about. This is not a full body screening nor is it intended for people who see a dermatologist on a regular basis for skin cancer. Dr. Peter Abadeer, a local internist, will be the screening physician. Please call 309-451-8500 to schedule an appointment time for spaces are limited.

Local fire departments to battle on the field Aug. 1 to support MDA

Each and every day, Bloomington and Normal Firefighters help people in emergencies. But on August 1st, they’ll be trading in their smoke-stained helmets and soot-covered gloves for batting helmets and softball gloves and it is all to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The Normal Fire Department will go head to head against the Bloomington Fire Department in “The Battle of the Bravest” softball game on Sunday, August 1st, 2010 at Noon at the Corn Crib Stadium in Normal. In addition to bragging rights, the winner of the softball game will lead the 7th Inning Stretch during the CornBelters game later that evening.

Following the “Battle of the Bravest” softball game, the Normal CornBelters will take the field at 5:00pm to take on the River City Rascals. Gates open for that game at 4pm, but if you come to see the softball game, you get to stay for the CornBelters game, too!

Box seats to see both games are available for only $11.00, with $3.00 of each ticket going to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Both Bloomington and Normal Fire Departments are proud to work together to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and look forward to a great day of family fun at the ballpark to support the cause.

Mulberry School announces first full time director in 40 year history

Mulberry School announced that it is continuing its growth with the addition of Linda Henderson as the school’s full-time director – the first ever to hold the position in the school’s forty-year history.

Henderson brings a rich background of experience in academic and non-profit environments alike. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Many Illinois families will be familiar with the “Ag in the Classroom” curriculum developed under her guidance. Along with the many professional and volunteer roles she has held in child safety and domestic violence prevention, she was selected as a YWCA Women of Distinction nominee in 1997 and is a graduate of Leadership McLean County.

President of the Parent Board of Directors, Angela Bailey, shared her confidence in Henderson’s future relationship with the school and its community when she said, “As a parent-cooperative, Mulberry is focused on building upon the strengths in our community. We know Linda’s strengths will make her a great partner with the parents and the faculty.”

Faculty member Sue Kelley made her support for the selection clear, stating, “I am excited to have a full-time Director that can be actively engaged in the classrooms, with the faculty, and the entire Mulberry community. This is another great step in securing the future of Mulberry School.”

Henderson will be responsible for curriculum, teacher development, community engagement, and long- term school development. The new Director will report to the Mulberry School Parent Board of Directors and will maintain a 12-month schedule.

Mulberry School is an independent, private, non-profit school that provides children with the opportunity to learn in an environment that values curiosity and natural development. The school operates with the guiding principle to nurture the innate love of learning in children. The school’s philosophy is evident through a foundational statement found often throughout their website: “We teach children how to learn, not what to learn.” Serving the Bloomington-Normal community since 1971, Mulberry School is a cooperative institution where parents have the opportunity to participate in nearly every aspect of the school. This creates a supportive, hands-on, positive community of educators, parents, and students working together to create a high performing learning environment. Mulberry School moved to the historic Illinois Soldiers & Sailors Children School complex

in 1998 and averages nearly 70 students.

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