Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, proclamation and awareness event:
Advocacy Network for Children will host an awareness event in honor of April being National Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month. The ceremony is to honor child victims who have been abused, neglected, or have lost their life to abuse or neglect over the years and will take place at the Municipal City Building in Jacksonville on Thursday, April 11 at 1 p.m. Mayor Andy Ezard will read a proclamation and a representative from the Morgan County State’s Attorney’s office will speak. Local businesses, agencies and organizations in the county, as well as the general public, are invited to attend.
Since opening its doors nearly 35 years ago, Advocacy Network for Children has advocated for thousands of abused and neglected children in Adams, Brown, Cass, Hancock, McDonough, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler and Scott counties. Protecting and upholding the rights of children when wrongs have been committed against them is the heart of its mission.
Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Some staggering facts include: Approximately 5 children die every day because of child abuse; 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18; 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way and 68% are abused by a family member; and for every incident of child abuse or neglect that’s reported, an estimated two incidents go unreported. [As reported by Child Protect (www.childprotect.org)]
For more information, please call Jamie Peek (Children’s Advocacy Center Coordinator) at 217-617-5346 or email jpeek@advonet.org or Amber Range (CASA Coordinator) at 217-248-7197 or email arange@advonet.org.
Emergency Food & Shelter Funds Available For Morgan County:
Morgan County has been awarded Federal Funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.
Morgan County has been chosen to receive $14,373 through Phase 41 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America, The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide. The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country.
A Local Board made up of United Way, local government representatives and clergy will determine how the funds awarded to Morgan County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Morgan County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Jacksonville Area Food Center, Prairie Council on Aging, The Salvation Army, The Crisis Center Foundation, Community Child Care & Service Center, American Red Cross, Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen and New Directions Shelter participating.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Karen Walker at Prairieland United Way, 200 West Douglas, Jacksonville, IL 62650, email: karen.walker@prairielandunitedway.org or call 217-245-4557 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is April 15, 2024.
Xander Smith recognized as a 2024 State FFA Proficiency winner:
Xander Smith was selected as the State FFA Discovery Star Winner in Agriculture Placement. Xander is a member of the Franklin FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA. Illinois FFA recognizes four outstanding Discovery, middle school, FFA members in the state. Discovery FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. SAEs allow students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.
Xander was selected as the State Winner by a committee of agriculture teachers, industry friends, parents and volunteers knowledgeable in this work-based area, who reviewed their records online and then conducted interviews at Mt. Zion High School on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Xander is the son of Willie and Kara Smith from Franklin.
Xander has been involved in the following other agriculture education and FFA activities: Section 14 Conduct of Chapter CDE, Section 14 Land Use CDE, Section 14 Discovery Quiz Bowl, and JWCC Livestock Judging Invitational. Ms. Kaitlyn Kane and Mr. Brent Nelson are the agriculture teachers and FFA Advisors at Franklin High School.
Xander will receive plaques for his accomplishments and be celebrated for this great achievement at the 96th Illinois FFA State Convention, June 13-15, 2024. These plaques are made possible by gifts by individuals, businesses, corporations and organizations through the Illinois Foundation FFA.
Jacksonville Developmental Center exhibit opens Saturday, April 6 at Jacksonville Area Museum:
A new exhibit featuring the history of the Jacksonville Developmental Center will officially open to the public on Saturday, April 6 at the Jacksonville Area Museum in downtown Jacksonville.
The state-operated Jacksonville Developmental Center opened as the Illinois State Hospital and Asylum for the Insane in 1851 and for more than a century was one of the city’s largest employers. The facility was literally a small city with all of the buildings and services required to care for the thousands of people who received treatment there. It was renamed several times through the years, including as the Jacksonville State Hospital in 1910, before being finally named the Jacksonville Developmental Center in the 1980s. More than 400 people were employed there when the facility closed due to state budget cuts in 2012.
“The Jacksonville Developmental Center is one of those institutions that is synonymous with the history of our community,” said Jacksonville Area Museum Board Chairman Allan Worrell. “We hope visitors will come to learn, or re-learn, the story of this iconic facility.”
The exhibit includes illustrations, photographs and artifacts and follows the history of the Developmental Center from the time it was officially authorized in 1847 through the next century and a half. The exhibit gives an unvarnished look at the institution, including its treatment of residents through the decades. Companion oral histories available on the museum website podcast page, www.jacksonvilleareamuseum.org/podcasts, feature interviews with former Developmental Center employees who describe their experiences there.
A special preview of the Jacksonville Developmental Center exhibit for museum members only will be offered on Friday evening, April 5.
The Jacksonville Area Museum uses original artifacts, storytelling exhibits and the building itself, as well as items from the MacMurray College Foundation and Alumni Association collection, to show people of all ages and backgrounds why the Jacksonville community has been and continues to be one of a kind. The museum is located in the old Post Office building at 301 E. State Street, and its regular schedule is Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee but a donation of $5 is suggested to keep the museum operating.
The museum will begin construction this summer on a major expansion project that will greatly increase its exhibit space and offer an even more innovative and engaging visitor experience. The expansion is possible thanks to generous donations to the Jacksonville Area Museum Foundation, the museum’s private, 501-c-3 fundraising organization.
Visit www.jacksonvilleareamuseum.org or connect with the Jacksonville Area Museum on Facebook for more information or to find out how to become a museum member or volunteer.
Revitalized online presence unifies branding, attracts talent and empowers local businesses:
The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, www.jredc.org, developed in collaboration with Golden Shovel Agency. This revamped platform embodies JREDC’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development within Morgan and Scott Counties by providing a comprehensive, user-friendly resource for site selectors, potential new residents and local entrepreneurs.
The redesigned website stands out for its fresh and dynamic appeal, combined with an extensive repository of information crucial for anyone considering moving to, living in or doing business in the Jacksonville region. “It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and providing a wealth of resources at your fingertips,” said Kristin Jamison, president at JREDC. The site’s intuitive design and specific features enhance the user experience, making it easier for visitors to navigate the wealth of available resources.
One of the primary objectives of the redesign was to align with the rebranding efforts initiated nearly two years ago alongside community partners, including the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and Jacksonville Main Street. This collaboration aimed to promote the Jacksonville region with a unified voice. “Implementing our new brand standards into JREDC’s redesigned website was critical in harmonizing our messaging and branding across all platforms,” Jamison added.
Looking ahead, the JREDC is preparing to launch a talent attraction strategy featuring new “work and live” videos, digital advertising and a listing on MakeMyMove.com. The redesigned website will play a pivotal role in this initiative, with a dedicated page that will go live alongside the marketing assets, teasing this significant effort to attract talent to the region.
The collaboration with Golden Shovel has been instrumental in enhancing JREDC’s digital footprint. “Our partnership with Golden Shovel has allowed us to maintain a vibrant and current online presence, crucial for attracting site selectors, entrepreneurs and potential new residents,” Jamison remarked. The agency’s support, particularly through monthly content strategy meetings, has ensured that the website remains a cutting-edge tool for economic development.
JREDC extends its gratitude to its Board of Directors and Investors for their unwavering support, acknowledging that such initiatives are made possible through collective effort and leadership. “Thanks to their vision, we can continue to showcase Jacksonville as an ideal place for living and conducting business,” Jamison concluded.
You can view the newly designed website at http://www.jredc.org/.
Amy Evans incoming principal at Our Saviour:
We are pleased to announce Mrs. Amy Evans has accepted the position of principal at Our Saviour Catholic School. Evans is replacing Mrs. Stevie VanDeVelde, who is retiring at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 school year.
Evans is currently a second grade teacher at Our Saviour Catholic School. She brings a wealth of educational experience with her, having been with Our Saviour Catholic School for 13 years, and having prior educational experience in public settings within primary classrooms, junior high and high school settings, and special education settings. Evans and her husband, Sean, have been strong supporters of Our Saviour Catholic School and Parish, having sent their three children through Our Saviour Catholic School. Not only does she have experience as an educator, but it also extends to her parent experiences.
Amy Evans will begin in an official capacity on July 1 to prepare for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. To assist Evans while she is obtaining her Type 75 Certificate, VanDeVelde will continue to work part-time as the school’s principal consultant.
Jacksonville Lions Club to celebrate 100 years:
The Jacksonville Lions Club will be celebrating its 100th anniversary on April 4, 2024. The Lions mobile hearing and retinal screening unit will be conducting FREE Hearing and Retinal Screenings from 2–6 p.m. near the Community Building in Community Park to kick off the celebration. The Lions are then hosting a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Community Building.
The mobile screening unit is sponsored by the Jacksonville Lions Club and the Lions of Illinois Foundation. Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic disabilities in the United States. About 15.5% of adults in the United States age 20 and older have some level of hearing loss. Retinal disorders such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy dramatically impact the quality of life for affected individuals. Since early detection of such disorders is critical, everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this free retinal screening. No appointments are needed for screenings.
During the reception you can learn about the history of the Lions in Jacksonville. The Club was chartered when 30 men from the area formed a club in 1924. There will be pictures and articles on display chronicling the club’s history and highlighting the many ongoing service projects of the Club.
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Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary ‘food raiser’ event: The Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club will be collecting non-perishable food items at Jacksonville HyVee on Saturday, April 6 from 8 a.m. until noon.
“We’re calling the event a Food Raiser,” said Cindy Boehlke, the club’s president. Instead of raising money for a cause, the club is raising stocks of non-perishable food items to help replenish the stock at the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center. “Just purchase some extra cans of vegetables, or boxes of oatmeal or pasta when you do your grocery shopping, and on the way to your car, drop those items off at our table in front of HyVee between 8 a.m. and noon.”
The Jacksonville Area Community Food Center was asked if there are any items in particular, that they need and they acknowledged that just about any non-perishable food item will do. Lists of food items will be provided to shoppers as they enter the supermarket.
“Club members became aware through news reports that the Food Center needed help, so we decided to make them the recipient of this year’s Food Raiser”, said Jay Jamison, who is coordinating the project.
In past years the club received upwards of 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food items in the four hours of the food raiser.
The club also extends thanks to the management and staff of Jacksonville HyVee for participating in this special service project opportunity.
