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LASALLE - Boys baseball signup
LaSalle Boys Baseball 2012 sign-up will be from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22; and 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, at the LaSalle Parks & Recreation Building in Lasalle. The league is open to boys who will be 7 years old through 16 years old by May 1, 2012. Cost is $65 for one child, $55 for a second player in the family and $30 for each additional player. All players, new and returning, must sign up. Please bring a copy of your birth certificate with you at the time of registration if you are a new player. Visit www.eteamz.com/LASALLENATLL for more information.
STREATOR - Annual farm fair
The Streator FFA chapter is having its annual farm fair this week. The fair is open from 5 until 8 p.m. now through Thursday.
MENDOTA - Library to celebrate Woodie Guthrie
Graves-Hume Library will present "This Land is Your Land: Woody Guthrie and the Great American Folksong" at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. The presentation is made possible by Illinois Humanities Council Road Scholar Bucky Halker. This year marked the centennial of the birth of Buthrie, the greatest folksong writer the nation has produced. The program combines the performance of Bucky Halker and his commentary as he reviews the life and sogns of Woody Guthrie. Sign-up is necessary.
PRINCETON - Quilt collector to speak
The Bureau County Genealogical Society meeting for Thursday, Feb. 23, will feature a special program on collectible quilts. The presenter will be Carrie Szumski or rural Princeton. She has a collection of 75 or more quilts. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the library. The public is invited to attend. Call 879-3133 for more information.
OTTAWA - OHS to present winter concert
The Ottawa High School Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will present their annual winter band concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Ottawa High School Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.
PERU - Ladies night for Cops 4 Cancer
The Peru Eagles Club will host Ladies Night for Cops 4 Cancer from 6 until 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24. Enjoy fun, food, beer, soda and prizes. Tickets are $15. All proceeds to benefit Cops 4 Cancer. Tickets may be purchased at the Peru Eagles, 223-0282.
STREATOR - Pork chop dinner
Streator High School Girls Basketball pork chop dinner will be held from 5 until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, in the Streator High School Commons. The dinner will be prior to the start of the Ottawa/Streator boys basketball game. A single pork chop is $8 and a two-chop dinner is $10. Tickets are available for any girls basketball player, at any boys varsity game.
LASALLE - Benefit planned
A benefit to raise money to offset medical costs for Dominick Jackson will be held starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in LaSalle. Tickets are $10 each and include music, dancing, door prizes, raffles, food and more. Dominick is 6-months-old and has neuroblastoma cancer. Call 883-4559 or 579-1996 for more inforamtion.
SERENA - Fire department dinner and dance
The Serena Fire Department will hold its dinner and dance at Pitstick Pavilion in Ottawa on Saturday, Feb. 25. Dinner will be from 6 until 7 p.m. and the dance will be from 8 until 11 p.m. and feature the band, Road Angel. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Tickets may be purchased at the Serena Fire Department on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, 18, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Or call 496-2629.
MENDOTA - Safe sitter course
Mendota Community Hospital will offer a safe sitter course from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, in the hospital's Conference Room C (Education Center). Cost is $35. Participants should bring a sack lunch, but beverages and snacks will be provided. The course includes helpful tips and hands-on demonstrations, training to handle emergency situations, information on child development and age appropriate activities and a workbook, supplies and tote bag. Open to girls and boys after 11 to 13. Call 539-1411 for more information.
MENDOTA - Safe sitter course
Mendota Community Hospital's safe sitter course will be from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, in Conference Room C. The class is open to boy and girls ages 11 to 13 years. Cost is $35 per child. Registration and pre-payment due by February 22. Call 539-1411 for information or to register. Bring a sack lunch. Beverages and snacks provided.
STREATOR - Pipe Dreams 2012
The annual Pipe Dreams Organ Festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26, in Streator. The event features organists from six of Streator's most beautiful churches, presenting a concert of their finest selections from a variety of composers. The public is invited to attend as many concerts as desired. The event is free of charge and open to all. A free will offering may be given to support local charities. Performances Saturday are 2 p.m., St. Mihcael the Archangel; 3 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran; and 4 p.m. Park United Presbyterian. Performances Sunday are 2 p.m., St. Paul's Lutheran; 3 p.m. First United Methodist; and 4 p.m., Christ Episcopal.
MENDOTA - Church to screen "Courageous"
Mendota Evangelical Free Church will show the movie "Courageous" at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. The screening is free of charge and the public is invited to attend. "Courageous" is from the creators of "Fireproof." Mention WGLC and receive free pop and popcorn.
LAMOILLE - Pancake and sausage breakfast
The LaMoille Lions Club will be serving an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. Proceeds will benefit the Clarion 4-H Club. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, ham, eggs, toast, orange juice, milk and coffee. Adults are $5; children 6 to 10 are $3 and children 5 and under are free.
MENDOTA - Family movie night
Graves-Hume Library will hold a family movie night on Monday, Feb. 27, from 6 until 8 p.m. Bring the whole family and enjoy the movie Dolphin Tale. Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Please sign up for the movie so the library knows how much popcorn to make. Call 538-5142 to register.
UTICA - Fish fry
The Utica Fire Protection District will hold a fish fry from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the fire house. Cost is $7 and includes fish, fries, salad and French bread. Dine in or carry out available. Call 667-4113 to order.
MENDOTA - CPR class
Mendota Community Hospital's Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Healthcare Provider Course will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, in Conference Room C. Cost is $35 per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by Friday, Feb. 24. Enrollment is limited. Call 539-1411 weekdays to register. The class is for individuals who provide health care to patients both in and out of the hospital setting.
LAMOILLE - Kindergarten registration
The LaMoille School District 303 will hold kindergarten registration for the 2012-13 school year on Friday, March 2, at the Allen Jr. High office. Registration will be held from 8 until 11 a.m. and from 1 until 3 p.m. Children who will be 5-years-old on or before Sept. 1, will be eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall. For more information, call 638-2233.
DIXON - Fundraiser to benefit Granny Rose
There will be a fundraiser for The Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon on March 3, at The Dixon Elks Lodge in Dixon. Granny Rose is a no-kill, non-for-profit 501c3 charity that relies on volunteers and donations. The event is third annual Top Dog Bean Bag Tournament and Texas Hold'em. The bean bag tourney starts at 11 a.m. and the poker at 4 p.m. Other events include a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, live music from "Falling Rock," kids events, adult beverages and much more. Call 440-4096 for more information.
MENDOTA - Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings
Mendota Community Hospital's Community Health Services Department will host a free blood pressure and blood sugar screening from 9 until 10 a.m. on Monday, March 5, at Mendota Hi-Rise. No appointment is required. Blood sugar can be fasting or post prandial. Results will be available immediately. Call 539-7461, ext. 5391 weekdays for more information.
SERENA - Farm toy show
The Serena FFA Alumni will sponsor a farm toy show and craft fair from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, at Serena High School. There will also be a $5 all-you-can eat pancake and sausage breakfast, raffle, kiddie tractor pull, pie sale and porkchop lunch. Admission is $2 and kids 10 and under are free.
OTTAWA - March Thaw III
The LaSalle County Stockman's Association will offer a free March Thaw III on Wednesday, March 7, at Pitstick Pavilion. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the presentation is at 7 p.m. The dinner is provided in part by LaSalle County Stockman's Association and Livestock Represenatives. Reservations are encouraged by Feb. 27, but not required. Call 488-1372 for more information.
SPRING VALLEY - Celebrate Recovery class
The House of Praise in Spring Valley will offer a Celebrate Recovery class at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7. This class is for anyone ready to start a new life, for men and women, the addicted and their families, the guilty, sad or compulsive, and anyone in need of recovery. The class is a Christ centered and Bible based 12-step recovery program with the 8 Beatitudes Principles. To register for the free class, call 915-6160 or 915-5102 or e-mail Houseofpraise1@hotmail.com
MENDOTA - Trivia night
First State Bank's Relay for Life Team will host a trivia night at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at Mendota Moose Lodge. Teams up to 8 player. Cost is $10 per person. There will be a cash bar, 50/50 drawing, raffles and mini games between rounds. Prizes will be awared to the top teams. To register, call 538-2265, ext. 147. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
STREATOR - Spaghetti dinner
The Streator High School Band Spaghetti Dinner will be from 4:30 until 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at the High School Commons. The SHS Jazz Band will play at 6 p.m. Tickets are $6 per person and children 5 and under free. Carryouts are available. For tickets call Jana: 815-674-4274 or Dave: 815-674-6061
MENDOTA - Free health screenings
There will be a free Love Your Skin health screening from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at 1315 Meriden Street. The screenings will be conducted by Dr. Timothy Minus and Dr. Michael Vercimak. Call 539-1789 for an appointment. Walk ins are welcome.
EAST PEORIA - Benefit for Joseph Mills
A benefit for Joseph Mills will be held from noon until 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, at the East Peoria Boat Club & Recreation. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children under 12. The benefit starts at noon with a silent auction going until 5 p.m. Registration for a bags tournament will start at noon and the tournament will begin at 1 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Prizes will be awarded. Food will be provided at the event, along with juice and water. All soda and alcohol will be available at the bar. Call 297-3487 or 878-5891 for more information.
OTTAWA - IVSO to present The Planets
The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra will present The Planets by Gustav Holst, plus featured solo performances by winners of the 2012 Young Performers Competition, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 11 in the Ottawa High School Auditorium. Tickets $12 for adults, $5 for students (kindergarten through college with ID). Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at ivso.org.
PERU - Cotton Patch Gospel
The greatest story ever told, Cotton Patch Gospel, with music and lyrics by Harry Chapin and based on the book by Tom key and Russel Treyz, will be presented as a one-man musical by Phillip Kaufman at Zion United Church of Christ at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. Tickets are $10 and there will be a free-will offering. Tickets are on sale at the door or church office. All the proceeds will go to help in the fight against hunger and will donated to Illinois Valley Food Pantry, WHYHunger and Mennonite Central Committee. Call 223-2671 or 223-1858.
MENDOTA - Free blood sugar screening
Mendota Community Hospital will hold a free blood sugar screening from 8 until 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, in the Community Health Services Department. No appointment is required. May be fasting or post prandial. Results available immediately. Call 539-7461, ext. 5319 weekdays for more information.
MENDOTA - Professive euchre tourney
Team JBF - Relay for Life will host a progressive euchre tourney on Sunday, March 18, at the Elks Lodge; and Sunday, April 15, at the Moose Lodge. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the tourney starts at 11 a.m. Cost is $15 to play, with $10 paid out to the top 3 winners. $5 goes to the American Cancer Society. Plus, there will be a $3 loner pot, paid out to the top winner. Progressive winner will win a gift card package at the end of the 3 months. Food will be provided all three days. Call 910-5572 or e-mail meg32il@yahoo.com for more information.
SUBLETTE - Farm toy and antique tractor show
The 30th annual Sublette Farm Toy and Antique Tractor Show will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, in Sublette. There will be a firemen's pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. until noon. There will also be a semi tractor show, operating train layout, a toy show in seven buildings, over 200 antique tractors, baseball cards, craft show, bake sale, silent auction and lunch stands by the Sub-Let Indians and Maytown Comets 4-H Clubs.
OTTAWA - Biannual quilt show
The Illinois Valley Quilters Guild will host its biannual quilt show "Something Old - Something New: A Cascade of Quilts from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 24 and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, at the Knights of Columbus in Ottawa. Admission is $5. the show will feature a display of quilts on loan from the National Quilt Museum. Call 252-4017 for more information.
LASALLE - Spaghetti dinner planned
Lighted Way will host its annual spaghetti dinner at Uptown Grill from 4:30 until 8 p.m. on Monday, March 26. The dinner includes spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, Italian bread, cake and coffee. Tickets may be obtained from Lighted Way by calling the Lighet Way at 224-1345 or puchased at the door that night. The donation for the dinner will be $8. Carry outs will be available. All proceeds will go to benefit the students of Lighted Way, a school for students with developmental disabilities.
DAVENPORT, IA - 2012 QCA Walk for Epilepsy
The 2012 QCA Walk for Epilepsy will be held March 31, at Northpark Mall in Davenport. Registration is from 9 until 10 a.m. The walk is from 10 until 11 a.m. and at 11 a.m., there will be stage presentations/recognition. For more information or to register a team, visit 309-373-0377 or e-mail dumphrey@efncil.org. The walk is sponsored by Epilepsy Foundation North/Central Illinois Iowa & Nebraska.
LASALLE - Food pantry Eastr distribution
The Illinois Valley Food Pantry will hold its Easter distribution from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. Volunteers are needed to pack for 630 families. Food items include ham, instant potatoes, canned pork and beans, corn muffin mix, canned fruit, cake mix and frosting and Jell-o. Donations can be brought to the pantry Monday, Tuesday, Thurday and Friday from 9 a.m. until noon and on Wednesday from 11 a.m until 6 p.m.
LASALLE - IVSO to present Mozart and Sibelius
The Illinois valley Symphony will present Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 with JeongSoo Kim, piano and Symphony No. 2 by Sibelius, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, in the LaSalle-Peru High School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students (kindergarten through college with ID). Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at ivso.org.
LASALLE - Remembering Westclox
In light of recent events, staf at the Peru Public Library, LaSalle Public Library, Oglesby Public Library and Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library in Spring Valley would like to offer the public an opportunity to help capture the essence of Westclox. Through the experience of those who knew the legendary building, company and personnel best, the libraries have partnered together to ask the Illinois Valley community to share a memory or story about a time, event or person connected to Westclox through writing down their memories. Forms may be found at each library, or via their website. Once the form is completed, it may be returned to a staff member at any of the libraries. These memories and stories will be displayed in the library and will be later kept as a part of their local history collection.
MENDOTA - Volunteers needed
The American Cancer Society Replay for Life of Upper Illinois Valley is seeking volunteers to serve during the July 14 and 15 event in some specific ways. Volunteers age 18 or older with a valid driver's license are needed to take a shift driving golf carts during the evening of the event to assist transporting participants who wish, or who need, transportation to and from various activities or sites of the event, such as their campsite, the entertainment areas, or food court, as well as for cancer survivors with special mobility needs during the Survivors' Laps. Also, volunteers are needed to set up on July 14 and clean up on July 15. If interested, call 538-6525 or e-mail rfluiv@yahoo.com.
HENNEPIN - History book to be published
The Putnam County Historical Society will sponsor the writing and publishing of a history book on Putnam County. The primary content of the book will be family histories. Each Putnam County family is asked to write a historical sketch not to exceed 500 words. A photograph may also be submitted. The book will also include a general county history. At least two representatives from each community are needed to help compile the history. For more information, call 326-3810 or 446-5010.
STREATOR - Registration open for Little Defenders Preschool
Registration is now underway for Little Defenders Preschool at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School. Full- and half-day programs are available for 3- and 4-year-olds. Cxall 672-3847 for more information.
