15th Annual Winchester EMS Chili and Salsa cook off Jan 28

The 15^th Annual Winchester EMS Chili and Salsa cook off will be held January 28, 2012 from noon-8:00 p.m. at the new Winchester EMS building, 734 State Route 106 South, Winchester IL. DJ music, soda and beer. All proceeds to benefit the Winchester EMS. For more information please contact Randy Dolen 217-248-9338 or Lisa Moore 217-370-3030

McDonald's ?Give a Little Love? Feb 14

The “Give a Little Love” campaign will be taking place at area McDonald’s restaurants from Thursday, January 26 through Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois (RMHCCI) invites local residents to participate and “Give a Little Love” by donating $1 or more and your name will be written on a heart to be displayed at McDonald’s. 100% of the proceeds will stay in central Illinois and directly benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, IL.
RMHCCI
exists to provide a supportive home away from home for families with children
receiving medical care in Springfield, Illinois. Ronald McDonald House offers a good night's
sleep, hot meals, and everything needed to keep parents' lives as simple as possible while they
tend to the important task at hand: devoting all of their love and support to helping their child get
well. RMHCCI is a 501(c)3 charity and could not provide a home away from home to over 400
families each year without the wonderful support of the central Illinois community.
Please join us at area McDonald’s restaurants January 26—February 14 to give a lot of
love for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois! For more information, please

PREPARE FROM-SCRATCH MEALS AT HOME WITH DESTINATION DINNER TABLE Jan 18

PREPARE FROM-SCRATCH MEALS AT HOME WITH DESTINATION DINNER TABLE

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 4:30pm, the genH Coalition (generation Healthy!) will be honored with an official proclamation from Mayor J. Michael Houston and the city of Springfield, IL at Springfield Christian School located at 2850 Cider Mill Lane. genH will also announce its newest program, Destination Dinner Table, sponsored by Niemann Foods/County Market, St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Kohl’s Cares.

Knights of Columbus Council #3914 Friday Fish Fry

The Riverton Knights of Columbus, Council #3914, Riverton, Il wish to announce the following events open to the public:

Friday, February 3, 2012 - 1st Friday Fish Fry - 4:30-7:00 PM - Walleye, Whole Catfish, Baked Tilipia Dinners, Walleye Sandwich - All you can eat Walleye (eat in only). Dinners include choice of French Frys, Baked Potato or Potato Salad an Slaw.

Nelson?s Catering Military Wedding Catering Give-A-Way Jan 12-Feb 5

EVENT: Nelson’s Catering Military Wedding Catering Give-A-Way
SPONSORED BY: Nelson’s Catering of Central Illinois
LOCATION: www.NelsonsCatering.com
CATEGORY: Charity, Other
START DATE: 01/12/2012
END DATE: 02/05/2012

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Nelson’s Catering & Event Planning, one of Central Illinois’ premier event caterers, is offering current or former military service members a chance to win free wedding catering. Now through February 5, 2012, you are invited to visit www.NelsonsCatering.com to enter for a chance to win.
Ballots may also be completed by calling, emailing or visiting the Nelson’s Catering office at 3005 Great Northern Road in Springfield, or by visiting Nelson’s Catering at one of the following local bridal shows:
• Bloomington: January 15th – Behind Every Bride at Bloomington Marriott
• Quincy: January 28th – The Ambience Banquet Hall Bridal Show
• Springfield: January 29th – Everything Weddings Expo & Style Show at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center

On February 7, 2012, Nelson’s will select two winners to receive this $2,500 value. Recipients will be notified by phone and need not be present to win.

CONTACT INFO:
Ashley Belue
ashley@nelsonscatering.com
217-787-9443

SCS hosts Kindergarten Preview Night Feb. 9

SCS hosts Kindergarten Preview Night Feb. 9
Springfield Christian School (SCS) at 2850 Cider Mill Ln. is hosting a Kindergarten Preview Night on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for the 2012—2013 school year. Parents (and in-coming kindergarteners) interested in the school are encouraged to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Call the school office at 217-698-1933 ext. 3450 or visit www.springfieldchristianschool.org.
Offering K-8 instruction, SCS is committed to training the next generation of leaders through a Christ-centered curriculum, an excellent staff, and low class size. SCS strives to meet the needs of all learners and uses the latest educational technology to enhance teaching and engage students. SCS enjoys recognition status from the State of Illinois.

Church Accountability Feb 11

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, Summit Tax & Accounting, LLC in Decatur, IL will host their Church Accountability by the Book seminar at The Illinois Baptist State Association office, which is located at 3085 Stevenson Drive, Springfield, IL.

This one-day seminar (9:00am to 12:30pm) was designed specifically for clergy, treasurers, church board members and anyone else responsible for financial decision affecting the church and clergy benefits.

Contact information: Linda K. Wolfe, Summit Tax & Accounting. 217-877-6766. Linda.wolfe@summittaxaccounting.com

Valentine's Day Dinner Dance

r SHG Booster Club Mardi Gras Event Feb 11

Tickets on Sale for SHG Booster Club Mardi Gras Event

Get your tickets for the Sacred Heart-Griffin Black & Gold Mardi Gras, Saturday, February 11 at the NEWLY RENOVATED West Campus! Doors open at 7 p.m. and cost is $25 per person. Check out LIVE MICE RACES, DJ, photo booth, cash bar, silent/live auction and an AWESOME Cajun cuisine menu.

Menu: chicken & andolle sausage jambalaya, New Orleans muffellata on locally baked French bread with olive spread, capacolla ham and provolone, blackened chickened legs, traditional New Orleans beef poorboy, thinly sliced beef in dark spicy gravy served with all the fixins, creole salad and party potatoes!

It's going to be a fun event and everyone is invited. Please call 787-9732 to reserve your tickets! Hosted by the SHG Booster Club.

ValenDine February 11

The Decatur Park District Presents
ValenDine February 11, 2012
5 - 10 p.m.
Enjoy a romantic evening of dinner and dancing with your special Valentine! The event held at the Hickory Point Banquet Facility (727 Weaver Rd., Forsyth, Il.) will feature music by the Sande Hackel Orchestra. The event includes: cocktails from 5 - 6 p.m., dinner from 6 - 7 p.m., and dancing from 7 - 10 p.m. The price for the evening is dinner and dancing $50 per couple. For dancing only the price is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Registration deadline is February 8. Call 422-5911 to book your reservation.

Busch Stadium Boutique Bridal Event Feb 12

The Chosen Ones In Concert Feb 12

The Chosen Ones
In Concert Feb 12 at 6pm

Edinburg First Baptist Church
416 N Ricks Street
Edinburg, IL 62531

The Public in Invited
Free Will Offereing

For more info contact- Rev. Dennis Hamilton 217-525-1978
www.thechosenones.org

1st Annual Dessert Gala & Live Auction Feb 12

HENSON ROBINSON ZOO SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

HENSON ROBINSON ZOO SEEKS VOLUNTEERS TO ESTABLISH FROG WATCH USA CHAPTER

The Henson Robinson Zoo is seeking volunteers to serve as knowledgeable and responsible wetland and amphibian stewards through the zoo’s Frog Watch USA chapter. FrogWatch USA, which is owned and managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), is a long term frog and toad monitoring program. The collected data is essential in describing local species diversity, range, seasonal timing and shifts in species diversity.
Volunteers will help conserve our nation’s amphibians by monitoring local wetland sites to identify local frog and toad species by their breeding calls. Frogs and toads play an important role, serving as both predator and prey in wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of environmental health.
The Henson Robinson Zoo has initiated the first Frog Watch USA chapter in Illinois and is offering two training sessions for individuals interested in participating in the program. The first session will be held February 9th and 16th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and the second session will be held February 19th and 26th from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Each session will provide volunteers with the knowledge necessary to participate in this vital research program.
Interested parties should contact the Henson Robinson Zoo at (217)753-6217 for more information or to indicate intent to attend a training session.

2012 Home Expo Feb 24

Springfield Area Home Builders Association’s 2012 Home Expo to accommodate over 250 vendor booths

On February 24th, 2012, the Prairie Capital Convention Center will welcome the Springfield Area Home Builders Association’s (SAHBA) 2012 Home Expo. The 2012 Home Expo is the place to check out the latest technologies and innovations in the Building and Remodeling Community! Local residents will be able to visit over 250 booths featuring local businesses, and their products and services. In fact, overwhelming response in 2011 has warranted the addition of more vendor booths in 2012!
This event not only benefits local businesses and offers residents a great resource to learn about home building and remodeling, but it also contributes to charities in our community. Attendees who drop off canned goods to St. Martin de Porres or bring them to the Home Expo will receive $1 off admission. Plus, the Animal Protective League and Habitat for Humanity will be at the Expo. Be sure to come out and show your support and learn more about the exciting innovations in home improvement in 2012.
The Home Expo runs Friday, February 24th 4 PM – 8 PM; Saturday, February 25th 9 AM – 7 PM and Sunday, February 26th 10 AM – 3 PM. Log onto www.BuilderEvents.com for more information or call (217) 698-4941.

FISH FRY TO BENEFIT ALLEN JANSSEN Feb 24

FISH FRY
TO BENEFIT ALLEN JANSSEN
Friday February 24, 2012
5p.m. - 8p.m.
Fish and more for only $10.00 a plate
AMVETS BUILDING, GREENVIEW
Monetary donations can be made for
Allen’s benefit to Marine Bank of Springfield
or National Bank of Petersburg
For further information contact
Paula Rebbe 968-7270 or Cindy Waibel 652-0879

Family Service Center Trivia Night Feb 25

Family Service Center Trivia Night Feb 25 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2200 S Meadowbrook Rd, Springfield IL

Event starts at 7pm doors open at 6:15pm
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and best decorated table- theme famous families

Players invited to bring own snacks- popcorn, snacks and baked goods

admission $10 per person with 10 people at each table

For more info call 528-8406

SH-BOOM Concert & Dance In Virden Feb 25

02-25-2012 SH-BOOM Concert & Dance In Virden

The Virden Lions Club is bringing SH-BOOM, a 9 piece Nostalgic Rock ‘n Roll band, back after last year’s enthusiastic response. SH-BOOM will be performing hits of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s Saturday, February 25 at the North Mac High School Old Gym in Virden at 231 West Fortune from 7-10 p.m.. Refreshments of nachos , soft drinks, popcorn, and homemade cookies will be available and dancing encouraged. Advance tickets for bleachers are $15. A limited number of floor level chair seats are $20. each and may be purchased by calling 217-965-5888 or 217-971-3429, or at Dave O’Dell’s Country Financial office on the north side of the Virden square. Tickets will also be available at the door. To reserve a table for ten (10) call 217-741-3765.

SAHBA Home Expo Feb 26

EVENT: SAHBA Home Expo
SPONSORED BY: Springfield Area Home Builders Association
LOCATION: Prairie Capital Convention Center
CATEGORIES: Charity, Community, Home & Garden, Non-Profit, Business Expo, Trade Show
START DATE: 02/24/2012
END DATE: 02/26/2012

J. Parsons Prom Fashions Jan- Feb

We would like to welcome everyone to join us at J. Parsons during January and February to see the latest prom fashions and support our local schools. We are asking local students to model prom fashion on our runway. Every week classmates will be walking the runway wearing J. Parsons prom dresses and 15% of the sales that evening from 7pm-9pm will go to the featured models school. This Monday January 30^th, from 7pm-8pm we are featuring Lutheran High School. We hope everyone will come and enjoy the show, while supporting their local schools!

Train Fair March 11

Springfield Model Railroad Club's Train Fair March 11, 2012
at the Orr Building on the IL State Fairgrounds

Buy- Sell- Trade Trains

$5 admission

www.springfieldtrainfair.com

Lenten Fish Fry Schedule

The Riverton KC Council 3914 wish to announce our Lenten Fish Fry Schedule

Dates: Feb. 24, Mar. 2, 16 and 30.

Each fry is from 4:30 -7 Walleye Sandwiches, Walleye, whole catfish and tilipia dinners. Dinners include coleslaw, choice of fries, baked potato or potato salad. Carryouts available, no extra charge for carryout.

The March 30 fish fry is the Riverton Food Pantry fish fry. We ask our patrons to bring an in-date food item for the Riverton Food Pantry and we donate $1.00 for every meal sold to the Riverton food pantry.

The March 30 fish fry is also the last fish fry until September 7.

Thank you for your allowing us to post this information on your public service announcements.

Any questions - Andy Becker 629-9641 or 414-6755

Benefit for Greg White March 3

Benefit for Greg White

A Pancake and Sausage Breakfast benefit is being held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 for Greg White at the Rochester United Methodist Church from 6:30am-11:30am. Greg is a 14-year old student at Rochester who is very active in the community and will be undergoing long-term medical treatment. A free will donation will be accepted at the door and 100% of donations will go directly to Greg and his family for his medical expenses. Donations are also being accepted at www.RochesterMethodist.org. Rochester United Methodist church is located at 555 S. Walnut Street, Rochester, Illinois.

E-Reader drawing highlights Rochester Library book sale March 2-4

E-Reader drawing highlights Rochester Library book sale March 2-4

A drawing for an e-reader (Nook Touch valued at $99) will highlight the 2012 Friends of Rochester Public Library (FRPL) Friday through Sunday, March 2, 3, and 4 in the Community Room of the Rochester Village Hall, #1 Community Drive. Anyone who has joined or renewed their Friends membership during 2012 is eligible (one chance per family). Those interested in joining can visit the library website (www.rochesterlibrary.org) and downloading a membership form or join during the book sale (cash or check only accepted). The drawing will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 4 directly after the sale.
Thousands of used, high-quality hardback, paperback and rare books as well as CDs, audiotapes and DVDs will be for sale at bargain prices are available at the sale. Fiction, non-fiction, adult, children’s, hardcovers, paperbacks, and classics as well as movies and audiobooks are included.
Members of the FRPL have exclusive access to the sale from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 2 before the sale opens to the general public from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, March 3 and 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 4. From 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, book sale attendees can buy everything that can fit into a standard paper grocery bag for $2.00 and from 3 to 4 p.m. Sunday all remaining book sale items are free.
Donations for the sale are accepted during library hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Tuesday, February 28. Please do not donate used textbooks, encyclopedias, Reader’s Digest Condensed Books, magazines, VHS or cassette tapes, or vinyl records.
For more information contact the Rochester Public Library at #1 Community Drive, Rochester or call 217-498-8454 or check the library website at www.rochesterlibrary.org

Trivia Night February 17

Trivia Night February 17, 2012, benefiting Youth Service Bureau, Sponsored by Document Management Incorporated, Warren-Boynton State Bank & Rudin Printing. Will be held at Knights of Columbus, 2200 Meadowbrook Road, Springfield, IL. There will be door prizes, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Prizes for competition will include 1^st $250, 2^nd $150 and 3^rd $100. Food will be available for purchase. Cost is $10 per person, tables of 8-10 participants. To register contact Jeanette McDermith at 217-529-8300 ext. 203.

REGISTRATION FOR NEW PRESCHOOL NIGHT CLASSES Jan 23- March 19

PARK DISTRICT ANNOUNCES REGISTRATION

FOR NEW PRESCHOOL NIGHT CLASSES

The Springfield Park District announces registration for two new night classes that are being offered this winter. A Season of Cooking ~ Students will participate in hands-on cooking experiments by using the seasons as the theme. The children will also make fun art projects each class. The class is scheduled to begin on Mondays, January 23 – March 19 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. The second class is Art in the Park ~ Children in the class will take objects found in the park and make them into works of art. The class is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 24 – March 6 from 5:30 – 6:30PM. The fee for each class is $55 for residents and $65 for non residents. The classes will be held at Washington Park Pavilion. There is a class limit of 12 in each class. These classes are for 3 – 5 year olds. Child only class. Call Debbie at 753-6224 to register for the class.

HENSON ROBINSON ZOO TO BEGIN NEW HOURS & NEW RATES

The Henson Robinson Zoo will begin winter hours and new admission rates Sunday, January 1st. Hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday hours will resume Monday, March 5th. Admission rates will be $5.00 per adult, $3.25 per child and $3.50 per senior.

SHG Announces Spring Musical March 22-25

SHG Announces Spring Musical

Sacred Heart-Griffin High School announced that Grease will be this year’s spring musical. There will be five performances this year that will take place Thursday, March 22 – Sunday, March 25, 2012 in Sacred Heart-Griffin’s newly renovated Dominican Hall Auditorium.

The announcement was made Wednesday, November 16 at the 6^th annual Dessert & Dazzle event at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Karen Danner will be the executive producer; Bill Bauser, Jr. will be the director and vocal director; Gina DeCroix-Russell, choreographer; Karen Ferguson, rehearsal accompanist/assistant conductor; Mary E. Meyers, conductor; T. David Parker, set designer; Jan Walters, costume designer; and Jim Bauser, master set builder.

Ticket information will be available on the SHG website, www.shg.org after the first of the year.

SHG will again hold a children's event. The "Sock Hop" will be held on Sunday, March 25. Children will have a light lunch, meet-n-greet with cast members, backstage tour, and get to learn some 50's dance moves with the cast. Tickets to the “Sock Hop” event also include admittance to the Sunday matinee. More details will be available after the first of the year.

Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling the SHG Advancement Office at (217) 787-9732. Further information about the Grease production and the cast and crew is available by calling (217) 787-1595.