Community News
Demuzio to Deliver Memorial Day Address
Former State Sen. Deanna Demuzio will deliver the address for Memorial Day observances sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4547 on Monday, May 20, in Gillespie.
Members of the VFW and VFW Auxiliary, along with local officials and local Scout troops, will march from the Post Home on Spruce Street to the war memorial at Gillespie City Hall at 9:30 a.m. VFW Commander Bill Bomkamp and Auxiliary President Maxine Bomkamp will lay a wreath at the monument.
The group will then march to the Gillespie City Cemetery where Commander Bomkamp will give a welcome to those attending. Art Roemer, minister of the Gillespie First Christian Church, will give the opening prayer, and Auxiliary President Bomkamp will give a welcome.
Gillespie Mayor John Hicks will offer a welcome and brief comments, followed by Demuzio‘s Memorial Day address. Roemer will offer a closing prayer. The Gillespie Municipal Band will play the Star Spangled Banner, after which the VFW will fire a salute. The observance will close with the sounding of Taps.
Following ceremonies at the City Cemetery, the group will proceed to Holy Cross Cemetery where a wreath will be placed at the Veterans Monument and a second salute will be fired.
-Written and Contributed by David Ambrose
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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
