Liter Baptist Chili Dinner March 16:
The Liter Baptist Church Chili Dinner is coming up on Saturday, March 16. The dinner runs from 4-7 p.m. at the church, located at 2264 Chestnut Street in Literberry.
There will be a free will offering for the dinner and all are welcome. Carry-out is also available.
Dinner includes a bowl of chili, ham sandwiches, cake or pie, and a drink. Everything is homemade by licensed handlers in licensed kitchens. The committee notes that not only is everything homemade, but it is all quality — the chili comes in a 20-ounce bowl, the ham sandwiches are made from Pepperidge Farms slider buns and shaved ham from Jones Meat & Locker, and the desserts include a variety of homemade options. “We’re not cutting any corners — we never have,” adds church member Marcy Morris.
The Liter Baptist Church Chili Dinner is one of the major fundraisers for the church and has been taking place over 25 years. This year’s dinner marks the return of the fundraiser since its pause due to COVID.
Beaux Arts Ball Flower Girls and Pages announced:
The Art Association of Jacksonville’s 67th Annual Beaux Arts Ball, Summer in Santorini, is being planned for Saturday, April 27. Eight children will participate in this year’s premier fundraiser for The Art Assocation as flower girls and pages.
This year’s kindergarten-aged participants include Elizabeth Laura Burdette, daughter of Kyle and Mollie (Grojean) Burdette, Libertyville; Teddy Davidsmeyer, daughter of Michael Davidsmeyer and Kelsey Davidsmeyer, Jacksonville; Autumn Olivia Dunseth, daughter of Michael and Kristin Dunseth, Jacksonville; Robert Therron Hadden, son of Dr. and Mrs. Kyle Hadden, Jacksonville; Eliot Fanning Nelson, son of Francis and Audra Nelson, Jacksonville; Hank Price, son of Jake and Andrea Price, Jacksonville; Adeline Grace Smith, daughter of Dennis and Marguerite Smith, Springfield; Kaliah James White, daughter of Jerika and Jimmy White, Franklin.
Patron and general tickets will be available online at strawnartgallery.org and at Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel prior to the Beaux Arts Ball on Saturday, April 27, where the coronation will begin at 7 p.m. Immediately following the coronation at Rammelkamp Chapel, will be entertainment by Trio de Groove and hors d’oeuvres at Jacksonville Country Club. Patron tickets are $50 and include admission to the reception, coronation and dance, while general tickets are $10 and include the coronation and champagne reception. An interpreter will be available upon request at the coronation for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired as well as handicap seating. Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
Follow “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
Curbside Care available monthly at Pregnancy Resource Center:
Curbside Care at Pregnancy Resource Center is convenient and beneficial to families in need.
Taking place the fourth Tuesday each month from 2-4 p.m., Curbside Care offers up free essentials for baby, women and men. There is anything from soaps, lotions and deodorant to baby wipes and diapers — and more! Pregnancy Resource Center Director Jessica Darr adds, “Sometimes, we also have special items for families.”
Pregnancy Resource Center is located in Suite A at 1440 West Walnut in Jacksonville. For the Curbside Care, all one needs do is pull up out front in the designated parking spots. A staff member or volunteer will come out to your vehicle with a clipboard to gather information about one’s needs. Then, they bring anything out to the vehicle. It’s as easy as that.
Pregnancy Resource Center offers other free and confidential services such as pregnancy testing, material assistance, parenting education and much more.
Contact Jacksonville’s Pregnancy Resource Center at 217-245-9340 or find out more at pregnancyresourcecenter.org.
The next Curbside Care is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 from 2-4 p.m.
**Photo/Kyla Hurt
Caption: Pregnancy Resource Center staff and volunteers (L-R) Shane Darr, Wanda Thompson, Leslie Colwell and Jessica Darr stand outside by the Curbside Care signage at the center’s Curbside Care in February. The next Curbside Care is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26 from 2-4 p.m. at Pregnancy Resource Center, 1440 W. Walnut.
Gwenn Eyer presented with ALP 2024 Distinguished Award:
The Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP), a collaborative community solving the challenges of independent lodging property owners in a changing travel landscape, presented its 2024 Distinguished Service Award to Gwenn Eyer, owner/ innkeeper of Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville, Illinois, during the association’s annual membership meeting on March 4, 2022, in Orlando.
The Association of Lodging Professionals (ALP), is a non-profit organization and the essential resource for current and aspiring independent lodging professionals and vendors who provide products and services for the industry. Its mission is to champion current and aspiring professionals within the independent lodging community and to help them become highly successful by providing essential education, advocacy, networking, and professional development.
Sarah Gazi, ALP Executive Director, presented the 2024 Distinguished Service Award. She said, “The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a dedicated individual who fulfills the ‘spirit’ of ALP. This individual received multiple compelling nominations, which made this year’s recipient a ‘no-brainer.’”
Gazi went on to explain that Gwenn Eyer chairs the national B&B’s for Vets program, where she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion for the program. One of the nominations stated, “Gwenn has always stood out to me because of her passion in which she goes about engaging and leading others. She has listened to each of us on the committee when we needed her support to accomplish the committee’s goals. When you work with people in a volunteer capacity, you also get to know them personally. I admire Gwenn for navigating the challenges in her life while still committing her time to a very important ALP endeavor. It is an honor to be able to serve with her.”
ALP shared the annual meeting via Facebook Live so that Gwenn could observe from the chemo center. She was notified in advance and submitted a video acceptance speech. She thanked ALP for honoring her with the Distinguished Service Award and went on to describe the B&B’s for Vets program and the work being done by the committee, encouraging more innkeepers to become involved. After showing Gwenn’s video, Ms. Gazi closed by saying, “Of course, in true Gwenn style, she took the opportunity to send me a video, and instead of talking about herself, she talked about the program, and that’s just who she is, and it’s why she received this award.”
Gwenn and her husband Glenn own Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville, IL. Blessings is a premier all-suite property where guests may experience welcoming, casually elegant lodging in a vintage mansion. Hospitality is their hallmark, and their award-winning service standards and gourmet breakfasts set them apart from other short-term lodging. For more information, go to https://BlessingsOnState.com or call 217-245-1013.
Kiwanis announces recipient of .5K race; accepting registrations:
Jacksonville area residents ready for a short walk or run for charity next month can register for an exciting event that will benefit The Esprit de Corps Academy.
The Jacksonville Kiwanis Club’s annual .5K Walk, Skip, Run or Roll for charity will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at Don’s Place in Downtown Jacksonville. Participants only have to travel a short .5K route – approximately 1/3 of a mile – to Bahan’s Tavern to complete the race.
The charity event has raised nearly $65,000 over the past decade under the direction of Jacksonville residents Bruce and Dessa Surratt. While the duo has turned over the reins to a committee of Kiwanis organizers, they will remain involved and supportive of the event.
The .5K committee is accepting registrations from race participants, as well as sponsorships from businesses or individuals. The cost to participate is $25 or $30 after March 22. Participants will receive a long-sleeved collector shirt specific to the charity. Contact Lindsay Ryan (618-944-0806) or Krystal Bradley (217-370-8898) for more information.
Applications can be picked up at Bahan’s Tavern, Don’s Place, the YMCA and WLDS/WEAI or filled out online at www.jotform.com/cmfb1/kiwanis and Venmo @Kiwanis62650.
The mission of Kiwanis is to serve the children of the world. The Esprit de Corps Academy intends to use the benefits from the charity event to continue to provide support for children through scholarships to attend the academy for free. The Esprit de Corps Academy will also be acquiring and refurbishing donated instruments and maintaining a stipend for instructors.
The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce held Agri-Industry Banquet:
The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce held the 45th Annual Agri-Industry Banquet on March 7, 2024. This dinner is a celebration of agriculture and the businesses that support this vital industry. The Chamber recognizes the importance of a strong rural economy at this banquet each year.
IL FFA President Thaddeus Bergschneider was the featured speaker at the Banquet. The Agri-Industry Hall of Fame award was also presented. The Hall of Fame was created in 1995 to honor those men and women who have given a lifetime of service to the agricultural industry through personal and professional efforts. This year, Lisa Hadden and Chris Wilcox were inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame. Both are noted for giving their time and talents to ensure our youth continue to learn and thrive in the business of agriculture.
Lisa Hadden was involved in farming growing up and has continued that tradition by ensuring that farming is a passion for her family.
She has been serving as the Ag in the Classroom Coordinator for the past 5 years. She has worked as a member of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau for over 25 years with projects such as Trivia Night Bake Sale, the first petting zoo at the Morgan County Fair and an Ag Night event in Virginia to mention a few.
Lisa has served as a 4-H leader for over twenty years. She meets with area youth regularly to give advice on their projects and to help them grow as individuals.
She has served for 15 years with the Morgan-Scott 4-H Foundation and assists with fair responsibilities. She was just awarded the 4-H Alumni Award.
As a member of the Ag Division of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, she assists with Banquet and tour planning and implementation and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Lisa’s community activities include serving as a certified Court Appointed Special Advocate and church attendee.
The nomination says, “Lisa puts her heart and soul into her Ag in the Classroom responsibilities going above and beyond to make sure each group of 4th graders has the chance to learn about agriculture first-hand. She spends countless hours lesson prepping and visiting classrooms including preparing the family farm to host the Spring Ag in the Classroom tour every year.”
Her daughter said to me “Our family eats, sleeps, and breathes agriculture, which isn’t easy, but Mom makes it all work out!”
Lisa lives in rural Jacksonville and is married to Gary. They have four children, Lauren, Cody, Luke and Meghan.
Chris Wilcox has been farming for over fifty years in eastern Morgan County. For the past 48 years, he has been a member of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau, serving as President from 1993-96 and has served as Foundation Director since 1996. Chris is an active leader in the Farm Bureau. His hard work and contributions have led to the success of many events as well as the continuation of the scholarship program. He is a 1991 Ag Leader of Tomorrow graduate.
Chris served on the Morgan County Soil and Water Board for 16 years working directly with landowners and staff to coordinate efforts to develop locally driven solutions to natural resource concerns. He helped promote the value of natural resources in his community and assisted with implementation of farm conservation projects and more.
Chris is a past leader of the Blue Denim 4-H Club. He is the current Chairman of the Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative and serves on many committees at Waverly First United Methodist Church.
He is most proud that his grandson is currently farming with him and hopes to continue the family farm.
The nomination says,” Chris is an active member of the organizations for which he serves as well as his local community. He contributes greatly to the success of many events. We are lucky to have him as a leader.”
Chris is married to Gail and they have 2 daughters, Erica and Kendra. Erica has three boys, Brock, Jamison and Jaxon; Kendra has daughter Hazel.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville – Bass Tournament is April 7:
Registration is now open for the first bass tournament of the season on Lake Jacksonville, taking place on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The tournament is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jacksonville. It is the 24th annual event, and proceeds from the tournament will benefit Jacksonville-area charities.
Tournament Co-chair Pete Carteaux said, “This has been a very popular tournament that draws fishing enthusiasts from several states. Lake Jacksonville is known for good bass fishing, and we offer substantial prizes, ranging from $900 for first place to $100 for eighth place.”
Carteaux said the entry fee is $160.00 per team with a 45-boat limit. A Big Bass Pot is optional, for $20 per boat. A daily or seasonal boat permit is required, as is proof of $25,000 in liability insurance. Boat permits will be available at the Lake Jacksonville Concession Office on the day of the tournament.
Registration and a pre-tournament meeting will be held at Lake Jacksonville at 6:00 a.m. A drawing for order of take-off will be held at this meeting.
Registration forms may be downloaded at the Club’s website: http://jacksonvillerotary.org/bass-tournament/. Any questions may be directed to Tournament Co-chair Joe Horabik at jhorbs15@yahoo.com.
Rotary unites people from all continents, cultures and occupations. Rotarians are leaders in their fields and communities. Rotarians’ diverse perspectives help them to identify and solve problems in communities throughout the world. For more information about the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, its service initiatives and how to become a member, visit jacksonvillerotary.org/.
Thank you letter on behalf of Caren Waltrip-Sexton:
On behalf of Caren Waltrip-Sexton and her family and caregivers, we would like to Thank all of the Community and everyone in it that helped to contribute to, or attended her “Celebration of Life” that she referred to as her “Gathering.” This event was held at The Prairie Land Heritage Museum Grounds on Sunday, February 4 of this year. Your gifts, cards, food, phone calls, and well wishes went so far to make her day absolutely Perfect! Which is just another reason why she loves her community so much! So many photos were taken and put in an album for her to cherish. If you took photos that you would like to share with her, please send them to 217-473-3619. I will have them printed to add to her album from her “Gathering.” Thank you so very much for your Love, Compassion and Understanding!
It was truly a Magnificent Day!
Caren Waltrip-Sexton
Janell Darter
Sue Ann Mullen
Volunteers ensure success of the Beaux Arts Ball:
Many individuals have been working for months to make The Art Association of Jacksonville’s 67th Annual Beaux Arts Ball a success. This year’s Ball, entitled Summer in Santorini, is being planned for Saturday, April 27.
The 2024 officers of The Art Association of Jacksonville are Dru Fernandes, President, and Jessica Richardson, Vice President and Ways and Means chairman. Kelly M. Gross serves as Gallery Director.
Carrie Cole, Sarah Cors and Katie Soer are serving as the General Co-Chairs for this year’s premiere fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville.
Other committee chairs and members include:
Acquisitions: Co-Chairmen Sandy Bordenkircher, Charlotte Denight, and Toni Long
Bow and Curtsy Consultants: Co-Chairmen Kristen Davidsmeyer and Stephanie Davidsmeyer Alexander
Dance Arrangements: Co-Chairmen Jenissa Ezard and Jeni Rajaguru
Committee: Kaylee Ezard and Ella Rajaguru
Directors of Ceremonies: Kristin Jamison and Sarah VanAken
Committee: Kristen Reed
Finance: Gayla Hornbeek
Flowers: Co-Chairmen JoAnn Chumley and Jennifer Kafer
Freshman Participants: Co-Charimen Heather English and Lori Oldenettel
General Tickets: Ginny Fanning and Audra Nelson
Committee: Marcy Burrus and Jane Hadden
Historian: Cammie Symons
King’s and Queen’s Consultant: Liz May
Lighting: Co-Chairmen Luke Scroggins-Zellers and Cody Zellers
Master of Ceremonies: Tim Chipman
Participants: Co-Chairmen Cynthia Benton and Allison Guidish
Committee: Natalie Garver and Joann Turner
Participant Parties: Co-Chairmen Tiffany Bordenkircher, Gina Eckhouse, and Vanessa Eckhouse
Past Royalty: Co-Chairmen Cathy Gibson
Patrons: Co-Chairmen Elizabeth Becker and Adah Mitchell
Committee: Joy French Becker, Kay Black, Donna Cody, Cathy Hackett, Katherine Hackett, Jan McEvers, Linda Meyer, Sharon Roegge Rice, Jan Schumm, and Dottie Scobbie
Photography: El Crow Photography – Cory Garner
Pictures: Co-Chairmen Lauren Dwyer and Kristen Reed
Program: Jessica Richardson
Publicity: Chairman Brittany Henry
Committee: Tracy Slater
Raffle: Co-Chairmen Amy Jackson
Committee: Koert and Audrey Brown, Ed Jackson, Molly Jackson, Forest and Helen Keaton, Jenna Tucker and Kaylob Tang, Brad and Teri Wilson, and Allen and Rasha Yow
Reception: Co-Chairmen Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Freeman, and Mr. And Mrs. Bryan Richardson
Committee: Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hornbeek, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Price, and Mr. and Mrs. David Zink
Reserved Seats: Co-Chairmen Casey Collins and Linda Floreth Standley
Scriptwriter: Jill Alexander
Senior Maids and Gentlemen: Co-Chairmen Jennifer Hicks and Megan McGuire
Set Design: Carol Hungerford and Erica Melcher
Stage Construction: Judy Tighe
Committee: Kirk and Dru Fernandes and Doug Pagel
Stage Dismantling: Dr. Kyle and Bethany Hadden
Committee: Carrie Cole, Sarah Cors, and Katie Soer
Tickets: Elizabeth Becker
Committee: Kristan Becker Hoffman, Kaitlyn Bentley, Audra Nelson, and Kristen Reed
Patron and general tickets will be available online at strawnartgallery.org and at Illinois College Rammelkamp Chapel prior to the Beaux Arts Ball on Saturday, April 27, where the coronation will begin at 7 p.m. Immediately following the coronation at Rammelkamp Chapel, will be entertainment by Trio de Groove and hors d’oeuvres at Jacksonville Country Club. Patron tickets are $50 and include admission to the reception, coronation and dance, while general tickets are $10 and include the coronation and champagne reception. An interpreter will be available upon request at the coronation for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired as well as handicap seating. Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
Follow “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
