September Song event to be held again:
Centenary UMC will once again hold September Song on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 4-6pm in the Centenary Pavilion south of the church. Our musical guests will, by popular demand, be Two by Two, a gospel quartet that performs extensively in central Illinois. Please bring a lawn chair.
Homemade pie slices, burgers and hotdogs as well as soda and water will be available for purchase. There is no admission charge for the concert. All are welcome.
County CASA new volunteers sworn in:
Morgan County CASA, a program of Advocacy Network for Children, recently swore in two new CASA volunteers. The new CASA volunteers were sworn in on Thursday, August 29, by Judge Jeffery Tobin at the Morgan County Courthouse.
CASA volunteers are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused or neglected children in the court system. The newly sworn in volunteer received 30 hours of virtual and on-line training which included courtroom procedures, working with social service agencies and the special needs of abused and neglected children. The newly trained volunteer will represent abused and neglected children in the Morgan County court system.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, please call Amber Range at 217-248-7197. You can also visit the agency’s website at www.advonet.org.
CNB Bank & Trust’s Jacksonville and Chapin branches donate $1,000 each to local
organizations as part of Summer of Giving campaign:
CNB Bank & Trust is excited to announce that its Jacksonville and Chapin branches have each made $1,000 donations to local organizations as part of the bank’s Summer of Giving campaign. The Jacksonville branch donated to Prairieland United Way, while the Chapin branch supported the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Prairieland United Way focuses on improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community, providing funding to critical programs that support education, financial stability, and health. CNB’s donation will help Prairieland United Way continue their work in providing essential resources to local residents in need.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and economic growth in the region, showcasing local attractions and events to visitors. The Chapin branch’s donation will support the bureau’s efforts to boost the area’s visibility and encourage local economic development.
“We’re proud to support organizations like Prairieland United Way and the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, both of which play vital roles in strengthening our community,” said Jodee Nell, Market President at CNB Bank & Trust in Jacksonville. Vice President and Commercial/Ag Officer, Dan Henry, at CNB Bank & Trust in Chapin, echoed this sentiment, adding, “These donations reflect CNB’s commitment to investing in the well-being and growth of our local communities.”
Introducing The Farms of Illinois — A Unique One-Stop Shop for Sustainable, Local Foods with Home Delivery:
A new way to access high-quality, locally sourced food has found its way to Central Illinois. With the launch of The Farms of Illinois, Central Illinois customers now have access to a one-stop shop for exceptional, sustainable produce, meats, and dairy products delivered directly to their doorsteps.
The Farms of Illinois is a new locally-led farming alliance that has made a unique commitment to health, sustainability, and high-quality production over conventional mass-farming methods. These local farms are working together to offer chemical-free produce, grass-fed meats, and pasture-raised poultry. All products are free from hormones and antibiotics, ensuring customers receive some of the healthiest food available in the region.
Current farms in the alliance include Bland Family Farm, Twin Willow Farms, Mueller Family Farm, Abundant Pastures, Oak Tree Organics, Heirloom Haus, Buckhorn Dairy, Itty Bitty Microgreens and Lemay Mushroom Operation. All participating farms share a passion for sustainability and care about building trust with the customer.
“We’re excited to bring the best of Central Illinois agriculture directly to our community’s tables,” said Clint Bland, CEO of The Farms of Illinois. “There is nothing quite like The Farms of Illinois in our state. Our focus on sustainability, local farming, and convenience makes us a go-to source for anyone who cares about what they eat and how it’s produced.”
Convenience You Can Trust
The Farms of Illinois allows customers to enjoy farm-fresh food without ever leaving their homes. By ordering online by Sunday at 10 p.m., customers can access a range of fresh produce, eggs, and meats, which are then delivered to their doorstep on Tuesday. For orders under $100, The Farms of Illinois charges a small delivery fee of $10; all orders over $100 are delivered for free.
Supporting Local Farms and Communities
The Farms of Illinois is dedicated to supporting local Central Illinois communities. In addition to serving homes, the alliance provides nutritious, local food to schools, helping local children thrive academically and physically.
The Farms of Illinois also supports smaller farms that may lack capacity to make their own deliveries. By joining forces, these farms can reach new customers and benefit from additional revenue streams, all while providing Central Illinois residents with a wide variety of high-quality, locally sourced foods.
Committed to Sustainability and Quality
The Farms of Illinois follows regenerative farming practices that strengthen soil health, minimize pesticide use, and prioritize animal welfare. The alliance’s chemical-free produce, pasture-raised chickens, and grass-fed meats are all produced with the environment in mind, creating a sustainable food system that benefits both the land and the people who depend on it.
“Illinois is capable of producing much more than just soybeans and corn,” said Clint Bland. “Our diverse offerings prove that high-quality, sustainable food can thrive here, and we’re proud to showcase the amazing products our farms grow.”
How It Works
Customers can visit The Farms of Illinois’ online store to browse their wide selection of fresh, local foods. After placing an order, customers simply add delivery information, and farm-fresh food will be delivered to their doorstep the following Tuesday. It’s a simple, stress-free way to ensure your family has access to the highest quality food in Central Illinois.
For more information, or to place your first order, visit www.thefarmsil.com.
Drawing tutorial with Corinne Roberts announced — Fall Landscapes via Zoom:
The Jacksonville Public Library will hold a drawing tutorial with Corinne Roberts on September 26, starting at 6 p.m.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT.
Please join us in welcoming comic and children’s book illustrator Corinne Roberts as she offers a zoom presentation on how to draw Fall landscapes! Using basic shapes, line techniques and shading, learn to develop realistic or imaginary fall landscapes. No prior drawing experience needed. ALL AGES WELCOME! Materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own if you like.
Registration is limited, so please call Ali Jones at 217-243-5435 ext. 235 or email ajones@jaxpl.org to register. Let’s draw together!
Central Park Market announces the Autumn Warehouse Market & VIP Giveaway:
Central Park Market presents the Autumn Warehouse Market. This highly anticipated event is being held at the historical Warehouse 200 space at 200 East Douglas in Jacksonville. It will include over 60 juried, local arts and crafts vendors as well as bakers and growers. There will also be several food and beverage trucks on site. Make plans to join us for a weekend of shopping, dining and fun on Friday, October 25 from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Julie Rowe, the owner of 37 South Boutique & Makery, and, Jessica Lynn, owner of The Peachy Nest, both in Jacksonville, IL, are proud to coordinate this elevated small-town event which showcases small businesses in the west central area. This is an extension of Central Park Market, which is an open-air market that has taken place during warm weather months in the streets of downtown Jacksonville for the past three years.
Spanning across two days, the Autumn Warehouse Market ensures ample time for shoppers to explore a multitude of vendors. Moreover, there is a wealth of locally owned brick and mortar businesses in the hamlet’s downtown area that will add an extra layer of enjoyment to the entire experience.
Local businesses including The Little Stove Hotel, Proud Richard’s restaurant and Don’s Place Tavern are going the extra mile, joining in on creating an enticing VIP Giveaway package for those who wish to savor an overnight stay and fully immerse themselves in the charm of this quaint town. Details for the giveaway can be found on the Facebook page for Central Park Market.
“Exploring the Autumn Warehouse Market will be like embarking on a treasure hunt for hidden gems! There are so many uniquely crafted and curated finds to discover at both the market as well as in our humble little town!” – Julie Rowe
