Around The Town

Save the date for Concord Fish Fry:
The Village of Concord is hosting the 6th annual Concord Fish Fry on Saturday, August 17 at the Concord park.

The day will start with a parade that will begin at 9:30 a.m. Parade entries will line up on Railroad Street. Food service will begin at 11 a.m. and will continue through dinner until 8 p.m. Your choice of catfish or buffalo will be served with homemade potato chips, coleslaw, drink and dessert for only $10 a plate.

The event will feature food and craft vendors, a dunk tank, a kids area, I Dood It, and entertainment by Two by Two (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and The Elderly Brothers (6-8 p.m.).

Be sure to check out The Concord Fish Fry on Facebook for more information and updates. 


Peddlers holds ribbon cutting, to hold grand reopening:
The Peddlers Antiques & Home Decor Shoppes held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its Grand Reopening with new owners, Mark and LeAnn Bergschneider. The Grand Reopening will be held on August 9-10, providing giveaways with purchase and specials, plus the Lazy Laker Food Truck will have food and drinks. Hours will be extended on August 9 until 7 p.m. for the celebration. 

The Peddlers has 80 vendors that fill their spaces with antiques, vintage, collectibles, home decor, Kathy’s Kitchen, greeting cards, sports cards, candles and gift items. With new stock being added daily, our merchandise if ever-changing. 

The Peddlers is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and is located at 1847 South Main, Jacksonville.


JHS Class of 1984 Reunion scheduled:
The JHS Class of 1984 Reunion will be held Sept. 21, 2024, at Sophias Event Center, 1852 S. Main Street, South Jacksonville from 6-10 p.m., with buffet from 6-8 p.m.

Events for homecoming Sept. 20-21, 2024, include: 1) Homecoming parade Friday, Sept. 20. The lineup at 3 p.m. and parade at 4 p.m. at Duncan Park. (Those that want to participate with a float email or message your thoughts – see contact info below.); 2) Homecoming football game at 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 20; and 3) Class of 1984, 40th class reunion 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21. The cost is $20 per person which includes dinner, desserts, cash bar and DJ Pam Miller.

Please submit the form and payment digitally through PayPal by August 15. Submit the form to our class email: jhsclass1984jacksonville.il@gmail.com (Please use friend option when paying.)

Classmate name__________________________________ Military service (yes or no) if yes Branch_____________________ Guest name______________________________________ Military service (yes or no) if yes Branch_____________________

The Facebook Group: Jacksonville IL high class of 1984. Contact: jhsclass1984jacksonville.il@gmail.com.

Committee members are: Jennifer Taylor-Brown, Tina Bartmann, Mary Babcock, Julie Coleman, Margie Bryant, Rob Powers, Jesse Fanning and Brett Dawson.


Bruett joins the Bob Freesen YMCA as Executive Director:
The Bob Freesen YMCA Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Joyce Bruett as the new Executive

Director. Bruett will officially begin her role on September 2, 2024.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joyce as our new Executive Director,” said Heather Leonard, YMCA Board Chairman. “Her extensive experience and skill set are perfectly aligned with our vision for the Bob Freesen YMCA. Joyce’s leadership will help us expand our outreach and strengthen our connection with the Jacksonville community and surrounding areas.”

Bruett brings a wealth of experience to the Bob Freesen YMCA, most recently serving as the Associate Executive Director of the Danville Family YMCA. Her YMCA journey began at the age of six, and she has since dedicated her career to fostering positive experiences for others. At the Danville Family YMCA, Bruett managed a significant staff and membership base, overseeing various aspects including marketing, special events and budgeting.

“I have always seen the YMCA as a second home, and I am passionate about creating environments where others can experience the same positive impact,” said Bruett. “I am looking forward to contributing to the Bob Freesen YMCA and the Jacksonville community.”

Bruett’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English with minors in Business Administration and Sociology from the University of Mount Union, as well as a Master of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University, specializing in middle school education. Her diverse career includes roles in education and swim coaching, underscoring her deep commitment to community service and youth development.

“We are eager for Joyce to meet the community and get started at her new Y home,” Leonard added. “We encourage everyone to welcome her with open arms and join us in making her feel at home in Jacksonville.”

The Bob Freesen YMCA will host a special meet and greet on Friday, September 6 from 4-6 p.m. with light refreshments. All are welcome to attend.

For more information about the Bob Freesen YMCA, visit jacksonvilleymca.org.

Share This

About the author