Prairieland United Way raises $471,388:
The 2023 Prairieland United Way Campaign, “What’s Raised Here, Stays Here,” has concluded and surpassed its goal of raising $467,000. “As the campaign ends, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made an investment in our community. Together with supporters like you, we can lead, create and invest in programs and partnerships that address the challenges that affect too many of our neighbors in our four-county service area,” said United Way Executive Director Karen Walker.
The 2023 Campaign Chairs, Kristen Reed and Kristin Jamison added, “It has been an absolute honor to serve as co-chairs of this year’s Prairieland United Way campaign. We are in awe of the support of individuals, businesses and schools throughout the region committed to providing the foundation for a successful life – financial stability, education, basic needs, and health. The success of this year’s campaign means the quality of life for the residents in all our communities will be strengthened.”
Money raised in the United Way Campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network. This allocation process will begin in a few weeks, with volunteers from the community, to review and evaluate the funding applications submitted by nonprofit agencies to determine the level of funding to be provided.
Free climate change presentation on March 21:
The West Central Illinois Council on World Affairs cordially invites the public to a free presentation titled “Climate Change in West-Central IL; Global Causes and Local Solutions.” This timely event features weather expert Dr. Trent Ford, a well-known Illinois State Climatologist. The program will be held on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. on the campus of Illinois College in Kirby, Room 006.
There is no charge for attending the program and people of all ages are encouraged to participate.
The West Central Illinois Council of World Affairs has been providing programs and information to the Jacksonville community regularly since its organization in 1982. The Council is an Illinois not-for-profit tax-exempt corporation. Additional programs scheduled in 2024 include an International Murder-Mystery Dinner Theater to be held at Hamilton’s in Jacksonville on June 21.
Dear The Source:
For over 20 years, Jacksonville-area residents have been a part of the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child, which helps millions of children in need through gift-filled shoeboxes. Elena Nicholson, who received a shoebox gift when she was eight years old, is coming to Jacksonville on Saturday, March 9 to share how this gift, just like those packed in Jacksonville, changed her life.
Elena Nicholson was 8 years old when she and her sister were moved from an abusive poverty-stricken home into an orphanage in the former Soviet Union. At a time when she was feeling unloved, she was handed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. It was the first gift she had ever received. With the gift, Elena received a booklet, which seemed like an unbelievable fairytale. It said the Creator of the universe loved her. She began to pray, hopeful for a family for her and her sister, a prayer that was answered in 2004 by a loving family in the United States.
Celebration Event for Operation Christmas Child
10-11:30 a.m.
Saturday, March 9
First Christian Church
2106 S. Main, Jacksonville
2023 Pathway Festival of Trees results are in:
Final figures are in and the 2023 edition of the Pathway Services Festival of Trees raised nearly $10,000 for the individuals supported by the organization, according to Ryan Dowd, executive director.
Proceeds totaling $9,700 go directly to the Pathway Partners fund. The fund provides for the unmet needs of the individuals supported, such as prescription eyewear, furniture and clothing. The fund is also used for travel and fun opportunities, such as sporting events, concerts and even a trip to Dollywood to make an individual’s dream come true.
Over 250 persons attended the two-day event on Nov. 18 and 19 at Pathway. Information on the 2024 Festival of Trees will be released this summer.
Since 1964, Pathway Services Unlimited, Inc., has provided quality opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and other physical and mental challenges.
Rally for healthy soil, clean water Thursday, March 7 at the Capitol:
The Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) will host The Art and Science of Soil Health Advocacy in Action Day, featuring the Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) initiative, in the Capitol Rotunda March 7. The day will feature presentations from STAR producers, educators, conservation planners, and state and elected officials to celebrate the value of conservation and local Soil & Water Conservation Districts’ efforts for advocating for healthier soil, which makes waterways cleaner.
Thursday’s Advocacy in Action Day will feature speakers from noon-1 p.m. Tom Beyers, farmer and AISWCD board president, will outline a call to action, and Becky Taylor of Ford County and Sarah Earles of Livingston County will speak on behalf of Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) employees. Julie Hewett, executive director of the Illinois Nutrient Research and Education Council, will talk about nutrient management.
Also invited are Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello and elected officials including Rep. Jason Bunting, who sponsored legislation to create new signs for SWCDs; Sen. Ram Villivalam, who sponsored SB1701; and Rep. Charlie Meier, who sponsored Soil Health Week.
Several farmers will promote conservation, including STAR co-founder Steve Stierwalt, STAR National Board Member Jeff O’Conner, Conservation Agronomist Frank Rademacher of The Nature Conservancy, and Dick Lyons who helped create Soil Health Week. Todd Gleason from the University of Illinois Extension will officiate.
There will also be 40 Conservation Planners in attendance from across the state. Their Capacity Building Initiative program was created through the IDOA and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. As part of the Agroecology + Innovation Matters initiative, these Conservation Planners work with farmers to enhance soil health, reduce nutrient loss, maintain clean waters, and bolster the advancement of best conservation practices. Morgan Cauble, a Conservation Planner based in Vandalia, will speak on behalf of the group. The initiative’s leader and AISWCD Executive Director Dr. Michael Woods will close by looking to the future of soil health initiatives in Illinois.
Starting Monday the public can join in AISWCD’s Art and Science of Soil Health display in the Capitol Rotunda. Visitors will be invited to leave their brush strokes with soil-based paints on a large map of Illinois illustrating our diversity of agriculture, watersheds, and conservation, daily 8:30am-4pm through Friday, March 8.
Advocacy in Action Day details are on the AISWCD website. Full details on all Soil Health Week March 4-10 events around the state are on the Illinois Stewardship Alliance’s website.
Star sighting in Jacksonville:
“You never know who you will run into on a Monday afternoon IC baseball game! It was my pleasure meeting country music star, Bailey Zimmerman! He was in town watching his nephew play against the Blueboys. I know the IC students walking down the hill enjoyed meeting him as well!! Welcome to Jacksonville, Bailey!”
-Andy Ezard, Mayor
Little League Baseball coming to Jacksonville:
The largest organized youth sports organization in the world will have an impact on young baseball players in the Jacksonville area beginning this spring.
Baseball players 10 to 12 years old in the Jacksonville #117 School District are invited to participate in the newly formed Jacksonville Little League. These registered Little League teams from Jacksonville will compete against other teams throughout Little League District 17 during the regular season with the potential to play in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in the postseason.
Player assessments will be held on Tuesday, April 2, at 5:30 p.m. at Future Champions Sports Complex, Field 6. Baseball athletes who are between the ages of 10 and 12 on or before August 31, 2024, are encouraged to participate in the assessment. The number of athletes registered will determine the number of teams organized. The fee is $100 per athlete, which includes the cost of a team jersey and hat. Fundraising options will be offered to offset the registration cost, and sponsorships are welcomed.
“A number of people who played Little League as kids have been interested in helping establish a local Little League,” explained volunteer Randy Plunk. “We want our kids to have the same opportunities in baseball we had while growing up. In addition, we think the opportunity to play teams from surrounding Little Leagues will strengthen the culture of baseball in Jacksonville.”
Home games will be played in Jacksonville at Future Champions beginning in late April. Game nights will be announced after the number of teams have been determined.
Pre-registration for the April 2 assessment is encouraged. For more details, visit www.jacksonvillell.com or Jacksonville Little League on Facebook.
Deadline Approaching — Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program provides grants to area organizations:
The Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program (JYEP) provides grants to organizations that bring activities to school age youth, within the Dist 117 boundaries. JYEP aims to build access to life and job skills, mental health, spiritual, emotional, social, and educational development through afterschool and summer sports, arts, cultural, and leisure activities.
Organizations that will provide afterschool or summer programs for students are encouraged to submit a proposal to Lori Hartz at JYEP24@gmail.com, by March 15, 2024 at 5:00 pm to receive application materials. Grants will be awarded in April 2024 and are expected to range up to $5,000 annually, and may be renewable.
Structured programs should focus on the priorities listed above. Priority will be given to organizations who partner financially in the project through cast and/or in-kind contributions.
