Free Community Concert with Tasha Layton Scheduled for Sept. 22:
A free community concert will take place on Sunday, September 22, 2024 in downtown Jacksonville’s Central Park. Opening acts will start at 5 p.m., and will be followed by Tasha Layton’s performance that starts at 6:15 p.m.
The event is made possible by funding from area churches, Jacksonville Area Conference of Churches and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
If your church or business would like to be a sponsor, contact Todd Sweatman at 217-370-2008.
Tasha Layton Bio: Tasha Layton is a contemporary Christian musician who finds her identity and purpose in her personal relationship with Jesus. Layton’s musical career took off with her appearance on Season 9 of American Idol and during the four years she spent touring as a back-up vocalist for pop superstar Katy Perry.
In 2020, Layton was first named one of Billboard’s Top 5 female Christian artists of the year on the heels of her breakthrough single “Into The Sea (It’s Gonna Be OK).” Following “Into The Sea (It’s Gonna Be OK),” her consecutive hits “Look What You’ve Done” and “How Far” topped the charts at number one and are consistently testifying on radio stations across the country to the incredible transformation she’s experienced after moving God’s truth from her head to her heart. Her latest release, “Worship Through It” is currently a fan favorite as it continues climbing the charts.
Tasha has experienced the depths of suicidal thoughts, struggling with comparison and self-worth. But her God brought her through and set her course toward a life of joy, freedom, boldness, and eternal perspective. Today, she blesses people everywhere with her breathtaking talents and testimony.
From humble beginnings in small-town South Carolina, to far off places on almost every continent, Tasha has experienced God’s love every step of the way. In 2022, she launched her new online show, Boundless, with K-LOVE OnDemand. She published her first book in 2023, Look What You’ve Done: The Lies We Believe & The Truth That Sets Us Free.
Renovated Washington School playground celebrated with ribbon-cutting:
Area individuals who developed a grassroots organization to raise funds to update Washington Elementary playground equipment at the 90-year-old school celebrated their successful efforts at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, August 23.
Former Washington Elementary School Dean of Students Tony Williams began recruiting people to help him raise money for the effort two years ago when he realized the planned upgrades to Washington School did not include the playground area of the school grounds.
“Washington’s renovation is state-of-the-art, but I wanted the rest of the property to measure up to the amazing building. I enlisted some help from friends to brainstorm the idea and we worked directly with the Jacksonville School District administration on the project.”
CNB Bank & Trust partners with Washington Elementary School on student programming throughout the year. Market President Jodee Nell and Vice President Dan Henry were active members of the fundraising group, as well as Washington Elementary School alumnus Jared Maggart, who serves as Bob Freesen YMCA Property Manager, and Kristin Jamison, Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation President.
The group initially raised over $30,000 for the effort, which exceeded their original goal of $20,000. Because of their success, the Jacksonville School District Board of Directors matched each dollar raised allowing the group to increase the scope of the upgrades. The group then worked with Washington Elementary School Principal Mary Camerer and Washington teachers to develop a contemporary, safe and inclusive third space to benefit all Washington students.
Donors to the project who attended the ribbon cutting included Bound to Stay Bound Books Foundation representative Lori Smith; Bob Bonjean, whose mother was a long-time Washington educator, and Carolyn Bonjean; and former Washington teacher Linda Van Aken. The ceremony took place before many Washington students who expressed their appreciation for the renovated playground.
Final winners selected for 2024 Photo Contest:
State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) announced the winners of the third and final round of his photo contest for 2024. The top photographs were taken by Rebecca Kitson of Jerseyville and Lily Wilson of Winchester.
“It is not surprising to me that both of the winners have an agricultural subject matter because our top industry in the district and state is farming,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “Rebecca’s picture captures a single cow grazing through the light fog of a beautiful morning sunrise while Lily’s photo focuses in on the beginning of the lifecycle of ‘America’s Crop’ — a soybean sprout.”
Constituents of all ages in the 100th District were invited to participate in the photo contest to capture the beauty and diversity of this west-central Illinois district. They were encouraged to show off their skills and take a picture of a local landmark, wildlife, or an event in the 100th District and submit it to the Representative.
The winning photographs from this year will be framed and displayed at Rep. Davidsmeyer’s Capitol office in Springfield. He shows them off to his visitors to brag about the wonderful beauty that exists around the 100th District.
To reach Rep. Davidsmeyer to discuss concerns or legislative ideas, please contact his district office at 217-243-6221 or by email at RepCDDavidsmeyer@gmail.com. You may sign up for legislative updates at his website at CDDavidsmeyer.org.
Benton & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Associate:
Benton & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce Erick L. DeBolt has attained the position of Associate of the firm in recognition of his years of service, contributions to our client’s projects and commitment to the future of Benton & Associates, Inc.
Erick L. DeBolt has been employed with Benton & Associates for over 9 years and is a Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. Mr. DeBolt is a graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering as well as a B.S. in Physics from Illinois College at Jacksonville, Illinois. Mr. DeBolt serves as project engineer for water/wastewater treatment and distribution/collection systems. Erick is also a firm leader in environmental permitting, project funding and utility operations.
Mr. DeBolt resides in Concord with his wife, Wendy, and sons, Everett and Arthur.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville Independence Day parade will take place on Saturday, August 31:
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville invites the community to attend its rescheduled Independence Day Parade, which will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 31.
Parade chairwoman Joan McQuillan said, “We rescheduled this parade because of stormy weather on the Fourth of July. The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Building Community Magic.’ The Rotary Club is celebrating those who play a vital role in preserving, promoting and enhancing our rich cultural heritage while building community identity. Their contributions encourage us to be curious, challenge our thinking, ask questions, and inspire us to imagine our place in the world.”
Jacksonville Area Museum Manager McKenna Servis, and Rotarians Alberta Robinson and Steven Varble will serve as Parade Marshals. The Rotary Club of Jacksonville is proud to celebrate Servis, Robinson and Varble, and the impact of their service above self.
Because of construction on West State Street near the downtown square, the parade route is slightly different. The parade route will form up and originate at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The route will proceed on Grand Avenue (Morgan County Fairgrounds gate) headed east on West State Street and will end at the High School Apartments. Entries may disperse north or south onto Fayette Street.
On the morning of the parade, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 9:45 a.m. Registration entry point is on Westgate and Horsebarn Road at the Southwest Gate of the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Parade lineup numbers will be assigned the day of the parade. The order of the parade line up is determined by the order in which entrants check in with registration staff; the first checked in will be the first placed. Lineup will be along Grandstand Road on the fairgrounds. Floats and long vehicles must arrive by 9 a.m. One person with each entry is required to check in to receive a parade number and last minute information. For entries with multiple vehicles, all vehicles must check in together.
People and organizations who were registered for the July 4 parade just need to show up on August 31. Your information is in the parade ‘book’ and you are all set! New participants who want to join the parade on the 31st can access a registration form at our website (jacksonvillerotary.org) or by emailing Noel Beard, parade registration coordinator, at July4parade@jacksonvillerotary.org. The deadline for pre-registering is 5 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024. Anyone who doesn’t pre-register for the parade cannot be guaranteed a place in the parade, but may be offered an opportunity to form up at the end of the parade.
‘Let’s Sack Hunger’ food drive continues through September 4:
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehab is teaming up with the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center by hosting a “Let’s Sack Hunger” food drive through Sept. 4. The skilled nursing facility, at 1517 W. Walnut St. in Jacksonville, is asking the community to help by donating non-perishable food items in a collection spot in its lobby.
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing is honoring Sept. 6th’s National Food Bank Day by encouraging people to contribute food items such as canned goods, pasta or cereal to be distributed throughout the community. The campaign runs through Sept. 4, and items will be delivered to the food center on Friday, Sept. 6.
“Here at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing, we see an opportunity to make a positive impact in our community,” said Sawyer Zaerr, the facility’s CEO/administrator. “Hunger is an ongoing issue and by working together we can ensure that everyone has access to the food they need.”
National Food Bank Day is observed annually as a reminder that no one should go to bed hungry. It was established to raise awareness about the role food banks play in collecting, storing, and distributing food to those facing food insecurity.
In June, the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center said it distributed 2,585 pounds of food, which fed 969 people. An additional 182 families came in for bakery products. Visit the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center Facebook page for more information.
Jacksonville School District ‘Educator of the Year” award recipient announced:
The recipient of the Jacksonville School District 117 Educator of the Year Award made in honor of Bill Russell was named on Monday, August 12, 2024, at District 117’s opening celebration. Selection for this award is a collaborative effort between Jacksonville School District 117, the Jacksonville Education Association (JEA), and the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation (JPSF). The award which includes a plaque and a $500 check from the JPSF has been made since 1988 and recognizes a district employee who has made an extraordinary impact on students, faculty, and the community, who has demonstrated innovative approaches and initiative, and who has defined the ideal.
This year’s very worthy recipient was Joe O’Neil. O’Neil is a JHS special education teacher and department chair who has served District #117 for 28 years. Among the nominations received from his peers, the following was written, “Joe applies an empathetic and patient approach while guiding countless students, as well as their parents or guardians, through their educational journey, fostering a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. This commitment to inclusivity has created a positive and nurturing learning atmosphere in which students can thrive both inside and outside of the classroom, and has permitted a connection with our community of students and their families. Beyond teaching duties, Joe has demonstrated outstanding leadership within the education community working as a department chair, mentoring colleagues, and serving as a role model for all, exhibiting a willingness to share expertise, and helping to guide others in refining their teaching practices.”
Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Introduces Morgan County Marvels —Showcasing Local Excellence:
The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to announce the launch of our new program, Morgan County Marvels. This initiative is designed to shine a spotlight on the remarkable products and/or achievements that are created or grown right here in Morgan County.
Morgan County Marvels aims to highlight the unique contributions of our local makers, whether it’s a local product they have made right here in Morgan County or the rehabilitation of a building that has become a visitor hotspot. Our community is full of talented individuals and businesses whose work deserves recognition, and this program is our way of celebrating their achievements.
“We are excited to showcase the incredible talent and hard work that exists within Morgan County,” said Brittany Henry, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “From locally-made products to beautifully restored buildings, Morgan County Marvels will put a spotlight on the best our community has to offer.”
We invite local makers, businesses and the community to nominate one’s products or achievements to be featured as part of the Morgan County Marvels. Whether it’s the creation of an artisanal good, something locally made/produced or a transformed building into a must-visit- location, we want to hear your story and share it with the world.
Howto Nominate
Nominations for Morgan County Marvels are now open. To nominate, please visit our website at jacksonvilleil.org and click on the “About The CVB” following the “Morgan County Marvels” tab to download and fill out the nomination form. Submissions should include a brief description of the product or achievement, along with any relevant photos or supporting information.
BenefitsofBeingaMorganCountyMarvel
Selected Morgan County Marvels will receive:
- Recognition on our website and social media channels
- Reel footage
- A feature in a newsletter blast
- Opportunities for media coverage
- An item of recognition from the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
This program is part of our ongoing commitment to promote and support local businesses and attractions. By showcasing the best of Morgan County, we aim to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.
Join us in celebrating the ingenuity and hard work of our community. Nominate a Morgan County Marvel today! Deadline for submissions is September 30, 2024.
For more information about Morgan County Marvels, please contact Brittany Henry at 217-243- 5678 or email visitors@jacksonvilleil.org. Also, visit https://jacksonvilleil.org/about/morgan-county-marvels/.
River Country Quilt Show presents check to Mia Ware Foundation:
The River Country Quilt Show (RCQS) presents a check to the Mia Ware Foundation in memory of Julia Anderson, previous Treasurer for the RCQS committee. Julia lost her battle with breast cancer earlier this year.
September artist featured at The David Strawn Art Gallery:
The Art Association of Jacksonville is pleased to present acrylic on canvas paintings by Don Ross, September 7-29 at The David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W College Ave. in Jacksonville.
An opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 6-8 p.m., with “Gallery Talk” by the artist at 6:30 p.m. The David Strawn Art Gallery is open to the public and admission is always free.
Don Ross a lifelong resident of Havana, Illinois and he is well known as the artist that walks throughout the community showing his latest creations for all to enjoy.
Donald has been painting since 1984 and has a diverse range of subject matter and styles. He paints using acrylic paints on stretched canvas, which he stretches himself and on canvas over board. Don also creates many of the frames he uses on his work.
He has shown his work in Havana and surrounding communities such as Springfield and Peoria. You can also find his work throughout central Illinois and its surrounding states.
Donald expressed that he views his art as a form of self-discovery and a coming of terms with his own existence. He also commented that it is a good feeling at the end of the day to look at something he created that didn’t exist before.
Gallery hours for September 8-29 are: Sundays from 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday from 4-6 p.m.
