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Week of March 31, 2008 Editor: Ruth Comer
PHOTO CONTEST – CAPTURE LUCAS COUNTY! Tourism Lucas County is seeking entries for the Redbud Photo Contest, to be held in conjunction with the annual Redbud Festival on April 19th. Photos will be displayed for public viewing, with winners announced and prizes awarded during Redbud Festival events that day. Photos may be entered in one of three categories: People (photos of individuals or groups taken in Lucas County), Places (photos of sites, structures or scenery located in Lucas County) and Events (photos of activities taking place in Lucas County). The public will have the opportunity to vote on a People’s Choice award winner. Photo entries will be accepted at the Chamber office now through April 17th. Photos must be 5x7 size or larger and mounted or framed so they can be displayed. All photos entered may be used by Tourism Lucas County in its promotional efforts. If you have questions, call the Chamber office at 641-774-4059. *** SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE NEARS: Don’t forget the application deadlines for college scholarships administered by the CCDC Foundation. Completed application packets for the Lyle and Donna Nickelson Fine Arts Scholarship, the Ken and Atha Crist/Rotary Memorial Scholarship, the Glen L. Mitchell Scholarship and the Mary Sandy Scholarship are due in the Chamber office no later than 5 p.m. on April 25th, with the awards announced at the senior awards assembly in May. Applications for the new Dorothy Disney Miller scholarship are due May 16th, with the winner announced June 2nd. *** REDBUD FESTIVAL IS APRIL 19TH: Don’t miss our great Redbud Festival tradition – the Pet and Bike Parade. It starts Saturday at 9 a.m. on the Chariton square. Kids ages 12 and under can bring their pets and/or decorate their bikes and enter the parade. Several prizes will be awarded. Contact the Chamber office to pre-register, or check in on the morning of the parade. Also, remember that Saturday afternoon there will be free fishing, hotdogs and prizes for kids at Red Haw State Park. Bring the whole family! *** CLEAN-UP DAY IS MAY 7TH: While you’re putting dates on your calendar, add this one – Wednesday May 7th is Chariton’s annual Clean-Up Day. We’ll be sending an informational flier with the next Out & About newsletter, but for now, know that most of the particulars will be the same as in previous years. Volunteers from the community will be joining high school students to pick up litter and remove yard debris (not large branches or limbs – watch for a separate notice from the city regarding clean-up of those items). We will also have a trash drop-off site at the former Armory building, and an appliance pickup service for elderly or disabled residents. Thanks to the cooperation of the city, Baird Sanitation and the South Central Iowa Solid Waste Agency, we will be able to maintain charges at the same rates charged by the landfill – and you’ll save time and money on gas! *** COMMUNITY RESOURCES FAIR: Does your business, agency or organization provide services to assist people living below the poverty line? Do you know of an individual or family in the county who could benefit from such services? Do you want to find out more about what your community is doing to provide economic opportunity for all? On Thursday, June 19th, Chariton Listens, a Horizons program, will be sponsoring a Community Resources Fair from 2-8 p.m. at Carpenter’s Hall. There will be educational sessions, booths and displays designed to help residents – particularly those from low-income households – learn more about programs and services available to them in the community. There will be free food, free on-site childcare, door prizes, giveaways and more. Plan to attend, and bring a friend or neighbor. *** HURRY! ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT!: Don’t miss “A Little More Night Music,” the Chariton Valley Players’ second annual Musical Variety Show. It will be held Friday April 11th at Carpenter’s Hall. Doors open at 5:30, with a buffet dinner served beginning at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m. More than 20 musical acts have signed up to participate. Tickets are just $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and are available at the Chamber office. *** REPAIR SERVICES? We’ve received calls in recent weeks from local residents seeking television and vacuum cleaner repair services. Our policy is to refer inquiries of this nature to Chamber member businesses first; if there are no Chamber members providing services, we will then refer the callers to others in the community who might be able to help them. However, we aren’t aware of anyone in the community providing television or vacuum cleaner repair. If you know of someone willing to do this type of work, contact us at the Chamber office and we’ll add the name(s) to our service directory. *** CONGRATULATIONS! To Dave and Connie Hendricks and the Connecticut Yankee Pedaller, on their recent building remodeling project. The Chamber Ambassadors helped the store celebrate with a ribbon cutting on April 4th. If you haven’t checked out the huge selection of bikes, exercise equipment and Lyrix wireless services, make it a point to stop by Connecticut Yankee Pedaller and see what Dave has done with the old Ritz Theatre building. And if your Chamber member business is moving into a new facility, adding on or remodeling an existing facility, or changing ownership, we’d be happy to come and help you celebrate as well. Just give Evelyn a call at the Chamber office. *** CUSTOM REST BEDDING UPDATE: Dozens of residents have called to find out how they can apply to work at Custom Rest Bedding, a California company that plans to open a manufacturing/distribution facility in the former Lucas Products building in Lucas. Once economic development funds are released by the Iowa Department of Economic Development (which should happen this month), owners Steve and Scott Carwile can travel to Lucas County to sign leases on the building and meet with officials to begin the hiring process. The company plans to hire 20 people during the initial year of operation, with up to 40 employees being hired over a three-year period. The average starting wage will be $13.25 per hour. *** TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Last month’s question was: Which U.S. president was the most prolific author, with 37 published books to his credit? Answer: Theodore Roosevelt. Here’s another one for you trivia fans: What item did Babe Ruth wear underneath his baseball cap to keep his head cool on hot days? (Answer next time)
Week of February 25, 2008 Editor: Ruth Comer
NEST COLLECTION – BRING ITEMS THIS WEEK! We’re still collecting items for The Nest program through the end of this week. If you’d like to contribute to this Lucas County program for expectant moms and young children, drop off your items here at the Chamber office. The program can use new, unopened packages of diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, infant and toddler clothing and other items. *** PHOTO CONTEST – CAPTURE LUCAS COUNTY! Tourism Lucas County is seeking entries for the Redbud Photo Contest, to be held in conjunction with the annual Redbud Festival on April 19th. Photos will be displayed for public viewing, with winners announced and prizes awarded during Redbud Festival events that day. Photos may be entered in one of three categories: People (photos of individuals or groups taken in Lucas County), Places (photos of sites, structures or scenery located in Lucas County) and Events (photos of activities taking place in Lucas County). The public will have the opportunity to vote on a People’s Choice award winner. Photo entries will be accepted at the Chamber office now through April 14th. Photos must be 5x7 size or larger and mounted or framed so they can be displayed. All photos entered may be used by Tourism Lucas County in its promotional efforts. If you have questions, call the Chamber office at 641-774-4059. *** CAN THIS TREE BE SAVED? Find out at a free public program presented by Dr. Jeff Iles, Iowa State University horticulturist. Dr. Iles will discuss the tree damage resulting from the December ice storm and tell residents how to determine whether or not a damaged tree can be salvaged. If time allows, he also will answer questions about selecting replacement trees. The program will be held Thursday March 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Pin Oak Marsh south of Chariton. For more information, contact Lucas County ISU Extension at 774-2016. *** NEW SCHOLARSHIPS: Applications are now available for several college scholarships awarded by the Chamber Foundation, including two scholarships being offered for the first time this year. The Dorothy Disney Miller Scholarship fund was established in 2007 with a bequest from the estate of the late Dorothy Miller of Chariton. Graduating seniors from Chariton and Russell high schools and past graduates currently enrolled full-time in college may apply for the $3,000 scholarship (renewable for up to four years). Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated the ability to succeed in college and have been overlooked by other scholarship awards. The Lyle and Donna Nickelson Fine Arts Scholarship fund has been established by a contribution from Donna Nickelson in memory of her late husband. This $500 scholarship award will go to a graduating senior of Chariton or Russell high school who participated in the arts during high school. The other scholarships awarded by the Chamber Foundation are the Crist/Rotary Memorial Community Service Scholarship, the Glen L. Mitchell Scholarship and the Mary Sandy Scholarship. Applications for all scholarships are available at Chariton and Russell high schools and in the Chamber office. Completed application packets for the Nickelson, Crist, Mitchell and Sandy scholarships are due in the Chamber office no later than 5 p.m. on April 25th, with the awards announced at the senior awards assembly in May. Applications for the Miller scholarship are due May 16th, with the winner announced June 2nd. *** UPCOMING EVENTS March 1 is the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the Chariton Senior Center. Pancakes will be served from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. – come for breakfast AND lunch! March 6 is a luncheon fundraiser at Carpenter’s Hall to benefit Parents and Children First Lucas County Child Abuse Council. The menu features beef & noodles, a salad bar and desserts, with special foods available for those with diabetes. You can bid on some lovely baskets that will be on display in area businesses prior to the luncheon. Tickets are $6 in advance (available at the Chamber office) or $7 at the door. Proceeds will be used to match grant funding and pay for local community activities. March 8 is a murder mystery dinner theatre performance to benefit the 2008 Relay For Life. It will be held at Carpenter’s Hall, with the social beginning at 6:30 p.m. Members of the Chariton Valley Players will lend their talents to “Stayin’ Alive,” a murder mystery set in a 1970s-era disco that audience members will help solve. Tickets are $25 and include dinner, the performance and a dance afterwards. A cash bar is also available. Call the Chamber office at 774-4059 to get tickets. *** BUSINESS FUNDING APPROVED: Lucas County Development Corporation received word last week that the Iowa Department of Economic Development has approved an application from Lucas County on behalf of Custom Rest Bedding, Inc. of California for a $150,000 forgivable loan under the Economic Development Set Aside (EDSA) program. These funds will be used by Custom Rest Bedding to establish a manufacturing/distribution facility in the former Dekko building in Lucas. Custom Rest Bedding manufactures mattresses, bedding and other “sleep system” components of natural and organic materials. The facility expects to hire 40 employees over three years, with an average starting wage of $13.25 an hour. The moving and set-up process will begin this spring, with hiring expected later in the year. *** TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Which U.S. president was the most prolific author, with 37 published books to his credit? (Answer next time)
Week of February 4, 2008 Editor: Ruth Comer
WELCOME NEW MEMBER! Lockridge Lumber & Hardware is our newest Chamber member. If you haven’t already done so, check out what they have to offer at 503 S. 16th in Chariton. And remember, you can spend your Chamber gift certificates there! Thanks to owners Dale and Jill Housh for supporting our community by joining the Chamber.
STILL COLLECTING FOR NEST: With the other activities we’ve had going , our plans to collect items for The Nest program were put on hold. We’re extending the deadline for donations to February 29th. The Nest is a Lucas County program that assists expectant mothers and parents of children age 3 and younger. Participants earn points for attending classes and taking steps to better their lives and the lives of their children, and they can spend those accumulated points on essential items such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, infant and toddler clothing and other things they need. Your contribution of these items can make a world of difference to young parents and their children. The Nest can use any new infant or toddler item (in its original, unopened packaging), with the following being most in demand: all sizes of diapers, baby wipes, baby wash and shampoo, baby socks, toddler socks and underwear for children up to age three. Cash and gift cards also help The Nest keep the pantry stocked with the types of formula its clients need. Last year, Chamber members donated several dozen diapers, several packages of wipes, children’s socks, receiving blankets and other items to The Nest. Let’s see if we can come up with a nice Valentine’s gift for The Nest this year. Drop off your items at the Chamber office any time during our office hours (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.). *** CHILI BOWL SHOOTOUT RESULTS: Thanks to all who supported the Chamber’s third annual Chili Bowl Shootout fundraiser through your sponsorships, donations of food and auction items, and attendance at the event. The Chili Bowl took in a little over $4,000 in revenue, and once all expenses are accounted for, should net somewhere around $2,500 for the Chamber’s general fund. In case you missed it, the basketball tournament was won by the Chariton High School Coaches (repeat winners) in a hotly contested final game against a team sponsored by Edward Jones. Joe Milledge was the Chili Champion, with Mary Dawson chosen by fans as the winner of the Salsa Challenge, a new feature of the event. A tremendous THANK YOU goes to Karen Wilker, who once again chaired the event and handled many of the organizational tasks. She was assisted by Ruth Ruddell with the silent auction and Linda Baynes and Betty Pepping on the food committee. Pat Hartz chaired the chili and salsa judging committee. *** COMMUNITY EVENTS: Do you have these events on your calendar? February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and Chariton has you covered. Shop locally for that special someone in your life, and don’t forget a treat for the kids, too! And check out the annual Homemade Candy Sale at Lucas County Health Center – a variety of goodies made by volunteers, with proceeds to benefit the health center’s scholarship fund. The sale starts at 8 a.m. and continues until all the candy is gone. Call Linda Baynes at 774-3226 for more information. February 23 is LCHC’s Red Dress Extravaganza at Carpenter’s Hall. The event includes a social hour, a guest speaker, an elegant dinner and style show, and a dance to follow. Tickets are just $25 per person. Call 774-3219 by February 15th to reserve your place. Hurry – last year, tickets went fast! February 25 is the kickoff for the 2008 Lucas County Relay For Life, an overnight walk-a-thon to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s research and treatment programs. This year’s Relay is August 1-2 – find out more about it by attending a free Kickoff event on February 25th from 5-7 p.m. at Ludlow’s restaurant. Complimentary appetizers, cash bar and a chance to find out what’s going on in connection with this year’s Relay. March 1 is the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the Chariton Senior Center. Pancakes will be served from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. – come for breakfast AND lunch! March 6 is a luncheon fundraiser at Carpenter’s Hall to benefit Parents and Children First Lucas County Child Abuse Council. The menu features beef & noodles, a salad bar and desserts, with special foods available for those with diabetes. You can bid on some lovely baskets that will be on display in area businesses prior to the luncheon. Tickets are $6 in advance (available at the Chamber office) or $7 at the door. Proceeds will be used to match grant funding and pay for local community activities. ***
GREAT READING! If you enjoyed the Johnson Machine Works 100th Anniversary Celebration this past summer (and who didn’t?), here’s a book you’ll want to make sure you add to your library: Iron Sharpening Iron: A History of Johnson Machine Works 1907-2007. Written by author Mary Allen, with a foreword by current company president Jeff Johnson, it tells the story of a family, a business and the impact both have had in our community and around the world. The hardcover book includes numerous photos, a timeline and a listing of long-term JMW employees. Copies are just $10 and are available for sale at the Chamber office.
Week of December 17, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
VERY HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS! There’s a wonderful sense of friendliness, warmth and camaraderie that comes with living in a small town, and at no time is this more in evidence than during the holiday season. Walking around the square, in the grocery store checkout line, at the movie theatre or the bank or a community function … wherever you go, you’re greeted with a smile, inquiries about your holiday plans and warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The weather in recent weeks hasn’t given us much to be jolly about. Snow and ice have pummeled us mercilessly, and many in the community went several days without electrical power in their homes. For those struggling to make ends meet, the unexpected costs associated with replacing an electrical box or buying gallons of gasoline for a generator or having tree limbs removed from a driveway will mean doing without other material things they want and need at this time of year. Local merchants, too, have suffered in terms of increased operating expenses and lost business opportunities. Given the magnitude of the disaster, you might expect to hear more grumbling or complaining or woe-is-me stories, but there’s been remarkably little of that. What you hear instead, amazingly, is a whole lot of gratitude. Gratitude for local emergency response personnel, who had an emergency shelter operating within hours of the storm’s onset … For volunteer firefighters, who went door-to-door in the cold and darkness, making sure residents were safe … For city crews, county crews and utility company employees who labored around the clock getting streets cleared and power restored as quickly as possible … For all the delivery drivers and mail carriers and store clerks and health care workers who showed up without fail to provide needed services for others … For friends and relatives and neighbors and even strangers who opened their warm homes and helped cut up fallen tree limbs and drag them to the curb. For all these, and more, I’m grateful this holiday season to call Chariton my home. Blessings of the seasons to all of you, and may the good feelings last all year long.
***
CHILI BOWL SHOOTOUT: It’s coming up early this year! Saturday January 5th is the Chamber’s 3rd annual Chili Bowl Shootout at Chariton High School. This is one of our major fundraisers for the year, and we’re hoping we can count on all our friends and members for support. Four basketball teams have signed up to compete, but we still need cooks for our Chili Challenge. Also this year, we’ve added a new competition – a Salsa Challenge, which will be decided by a “people’s choice” vote. There will be plenty of food, basketball, an auction of one-of-a-kind products and services, and an appearance by Chariton’s Junior Drill Team. You won’t want to miss it – an entire afternoon and evening of fun, for the low admission price of $7. If you’d like to enter a chili or salsa in the competition, call the Chamber office at 774-4059 and we’ll put you on the list! ***
OUR BUSY SEASON We’ve had so much going on around here the past month, you may have missed some of the news. Here’s a recap:
Holiday Open House and Lighted Float Parade The Business/Professional and Community Betterment divisions of the Chamber sponsored another successful Holiday Open House and Lighted Float Parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Many thanks to all who participated and assisted with the event, particularly parade organizer Dick Threlkeld and his helpers, Jack Hardie and Bernie Aulwes; members of the Norman and Connie Moon family, who serve as parade judges; Leo Orwig and Alliant Energy, for outfitting our Memorial Tree of Lights; Tim McGee, who set up the sound system for our Tree of Lights ceremony; Mike Beaty, who donated his wagon and driving services for the Miss Merry Christmas and Little St. Nick candidates; and many more of our wonderful volunteers. This year’s Christmas Royalty were Vada Abrahamson, daughter of Angie Allen and Joe Abrahamson, and Zeb DeZwarte, son of Arlan and Sue DeZwarte. Winning parade entries were sponsored by C&C Cycle and K Dance. Winners of the live window contest were: 1st – Lucas County Historical Society (Family Shoe window); 2nd – Parents and Children First and the Nest program (WIC window); 3rd – Lindy’s Closet.
Home For the Holidays Tourism Lucas County sponsored a successful Home For the Holidays event on December 2nd. Many thanks to our hosts JoAnne Fletcher, Jim and Melissa Burbridge and Stratford Homes, and to the numerous elves who helped decorate each of the homes on display. Thanks also to Thelma Saxton and Carpenter’s Hall; the Chariton High School FBLA organization; pianists Becca Hendricks, Karen Cross and Mike Deatz; and the Chariton Chamber Ambassadors who helped as greeters.
$2,000 Holiday Giveaway The $2,000 Holiday Giveaway sponsored by the Business/Professional Division was a huge success. This year, instead of completing a punch card and bringing it to the Chamber office, shoppers could register at each participating business. And boy, did they register – we had several hundred entries each week in the drawings for a total of $2,000 in Chamber gift certificates. The $250 winners were: Week 1 – Leo Orwig (Ben Franklin) and Janette Paige (True Value Hardware); Week 2 – Jessica Thorne (Casey’s on Court) and Don Holmes (Ideal Ready Mix); Week 3 – Barb Schramm (Casey’s on 7th) and Helen Walkup (Copy Plus). The grand prize winner of $500, drawn from all the entries received in the three-week period, was Terry Jackson, who registered at Midwest Heritage Bank. A huge thank-you to all the sponsors of this year’s Giveaway: Ben Franklin & Betty’s Quilt Shop, Blass Accounting, Blong Chiropractic, Casey’s on 7th, Casey’s on Court, Chariton Floral, Chariton Newspapers, Chariton True Value Hardware, Chariton Vision Center, Circle of Friends, Connecticut Yankee Pedaller, Copy Plus/Radio Shack, Curves, Demichelis Law Firm P.C., Dollar General, Doug’s Auto, Eastridge Animal Center, Edward Jones, Ellis Greenhouse, Family Shoe Store, Great Western Bank, Hammer Medical Supply, Hy-Vee Food Store, Hy-Vee Distribution, Ideal Ready Mix, In Motion Dance, Interiors and More, Iowa Realty, Johnson Machine Works, K Dance, K Threlkeld Insurance, Lindy’s Closet, Lucas County Farm Bureau, Lucas County Health Center, Midwest Heritage Bank, Pamida, Inc., Piper’s Market, Southern Iowa Oil-Conoco Station, South Central Mutual Insurance Association, State Farm Insurance, Subway, The Sampler and The Gold Boutique.
Holiday Lighting Contest Judging for this year’s Holiday Lighting Contest, sponsored by Community Betterment, was postponed due to the ice storm. Judging took place this week, and the winners are: 1st place commercial – Wolfe Eye Clinic; 1st place residential – Craig Scott residence; 2nd place residential – Nick Cattell residence; Children’s Choice award – Hawkins & Schilling residence; Darrell Besco Memorial Award – Tim Beebe residence. All the winners receive Chamber gift certificates. ***
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Remember, you can spend those Chamber gift certificates at any Chamber member business, including our newest business members: Vision II Theatres, Diamond in the Rough, Massage and Music LLC and Snap Fitness. ***
HELP THE NEST: Again this year, the Chamber is sponsoring a collection of items for The Nest, a Lucas County program that assists expectant mothers and parents of children age 3 and younger. Participants earn points for attending classes and taking steps to better their lives and the lives of their children, and they can spend those accumulated points on essential items such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, infant and toddler clothing and other things they need. When you’re shopping during this holiday season, think about picking up an extra item that can make a world of difference to a young parent. Bring your items to the Chamber office, and we’ll present them to The Nest at the end of January. The Nest can use any new infant or toddler item (in its original, unopened packaging), with the following being most in demand: all sizes of diapers, baby wipes, baby wash and shampoo, baby socks, toddler socks and underwear for children up to age three. Cash and gift cards also help The Nest keep the pantry stocked with the types of formula its clients need. ***
COMMUNITY CALENDAR: We already have several items on our 2008 Community Calendar, but we’re always looking for more! If you have community events to add to the calendar, please call Evelyn Hull at the Chamber office at 774-4059 and she’ll put them on the list. We distribute many copies of this calendar every week – make sure your event is on there! *****
Week of September 17, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
This summer has been a hectic one, but I’m excited to get back on track with regular Friday newsletters. Here’s the first of what I promise will be more regular correspondence with all of you! ***
SESQUICENTENNIAL THANKS. On behalf of the Chariton 150 steering committee, I want to thank all of you who attended, participated, provided items for or were otherwise involved with Chariton’s Sesquicentennial Celebration on September 8-9. We’re working our way through a long, long, LONG list of thank-you letters to be written, which tells you that it was a true community effort. The committee is finishing up its work by preparing a time capsule to be donated to the Lucas County Historical Museum (to be opened during Chariton’s Bicentennial Celebration in 2057 – we all agreed that others can serve on THAT committee). In addition, we will have approximately $2,000 left over after all the expenses are paid, and we’re kicking around ideas for what to do with this money so that it will benefit the city and memorialize our Sesquicentennial. If you have ideas, give me a call! ***
NEXT WEEK: I know you’re all busy, and I hate to ask you to do one more thing. BUT … there are some important community meetings/events being held next week, and we could really use your participation and your ideas.
***
COMING EVENTS October
October 6 LCHC “Healthy Hearts” 5k run/walk Fall Festival, Lucas
October 13-14 Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch Annual Pumpkin Festival
October 16 Chariton Listens – Horizons Community Action Forum
October 20 Lavitsef Kids’ Carnival
November
November 3 Lucas County Arts Council Fall Festival Two Grannies Craft Show
November 14 LCHC Volunteer Services Soup & Bread Taste Fair
November 23 Holiday Open House & Lighted Float Parade
December
December 2 Tourism Lucas County’s “Home For the Holidays”
If you have community events to add to the calendar, please call Evelyn Hull at the Chamber office at 774-4059 and she’ll put them on the list. We distribute many copies of this calendar every week – make sure your event is on there!
**********************
Week of August 20, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
We've
had so many things going on around here lately, I haven't made the
time to do an Out & About newsletter. Which is really
backwards, now that I think about it -- because when we have lots
going on, that's exactly the time I SHOULD do a newsletter!
So
I've made time today and am taking this opportunity to let you all
know about several activities coming up in the next couple weeks
that will be of interest to you:
1.) Free summer concert featuring the Diamond Trio from the
Soda Pop Saloon -- Thursday August 23, 7 p.m.
And
end-of-summer "thank you" to the community and to Norm Paulsen and
his daughter, Cindy, of the Soda Pop Saloon, who have entertained at
all our Lunch on the Square events. Bring your lawn chairs and come
hear Norm, Cindy and friends entertain with country and
easy-listening favorites. We'll have popcorn, lemonade and cookies
available in exchange for a donation.
2.) Lunch on the Square -- Friday August 24, 11:30 to 1 p.m.
This is the Chamber's last Lunch on the Square event of 2007 (the
CHS Alumni Association is hosting a lunch on Homecoming Friday,
September 28 -- put that one on your calendar, too!). Hy-Vee and
Midwest Heritage Bank are your sponsors, with a menu including
grilled chicken breast sandwiches, bacon potato salad, fresh fruit,
cookies and beverage. Norm and Cindy will be back on Friday to
provide music. Cost is $5 -- hope to see you there!
3.) Johnson Machine Works 100th Anniversary Celebration --
Saturday August 25
You
won't want to miss this party -- people will be talking about it for
years to come. All activities are being held in the area of the JMW
plant on Hy-Vee Road. Along with the tours and food and concert, I'm
especially looking forward to hearing keynote speaker Dick Hoyt, a
personal hero of mine. Billed as "the world's strongest dad," he
competes in triathlons with his son, Rick. Here is a link to the
Sports Illustrated article written by Rick Reilly (one of my
favorite writers) that helped make Team Hoyt famous around the world
for their courage and determination.
4.) "Rebuild the Future" school building committee meeting
-- Tuesday August 28, 7 p.m., Community Center
The
Rebuild the Future committee wants your input as it prepares for
a bond issue referendum to enlarge and update the high school. Come
view the latest plans and discuss how the district can best respond
to the needs of students, taxpayers and the community. This is a
critical issue for the future of our community, and the more voices
heard from, the better!
5.) Chariton Listens: A Visioning Meeting -- Wednesday
August 29, 6-8:30 p.m., Carpenter's Hall
This Visioning Meeting is the next step in Horizons, a program that
unites Chariton residents to tackle the problem of poverty in our
community. Help determine what Chariton should look like in the
future, and how we will turn this vision into reality for all our
citizens. A free meal will be served to all who attend. Call the
Chamber at 774-4059 if you can be there.
6.) Chariton 150 Sesquicentennial Celebration -- September
8-9.
You'll be receiving more information, but I wanted to make sure you
have this on your calendars! It's going to be two days of fun, and
almost all events are free! Right now, we're still looking for
parade entries -- call the Chamber office if your family, business,
organization or team would like to be part of the parade.
Thanks
again for all you do for Chariton. Hope to see you at many of these
events!
******
Week of June 25, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
This issue is subtitled “Don’t Forget!” – as in “Don’t forget to …”
… GET YOUR CHANCE AT A DREAM KITCHEN! Just a little over one week left to buy your chance to win a custom dream kitchen, courtesy of Dream Home Custom Cabinetry. Only 300 chances will be sold! Get yours today for just $20 at the Chamber office. The drawing will be at 6:15 p.m. on the July 4th stage (you don’t have to be present to win). ***
… JOIN US FOR LUNCH ON THE SQUARE! This Friday, June 29th, sponsored by Iowa Telecom. Pork rib sandwiches, homemade baked beans, macaroni salad, cookie, beverage – just $5. Enjoy the music of Diamond Trio from the Soda Pop Saloon. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the east side of the square – see you there! ***
… SEND IN YOUR ANNUAL MEETING RESERVATIONS ! “Through the Years” is the theme of the Chamber’s annual meeting, to be held July 19 at Carpenter’s Hall. We’ll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the reorganization of the Chamber and the city’s 150th anniversary, electing a new director, ratifying bylaw changes and recognizing Chariton’s 2007 citizen of the year. The buffet dinner is being catered by Cater 2 U. You won’t want to miss it! ***
… NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR! Deadline for nominations is July 1. Send your nomination in today! ***
Week of June 11, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
In this issue:
DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKET YET? We’ve sold nearly 100 of the 300 tickets available for the Chamber’s Dream Kitchen Giveaway, courtesy of Dream Home Custom Cabinetry. Here’s your 1-in-300 chance to win a custom oak kitchen valued at more than $6,000! Tickets are $20 each and available from the Chamber office. Call us at 774-4059 and we’ll reserve yours today. The public drawing will be held at 6:15 p.m. on July 4th, so all tickets must be sold by that date. Help us make this an outstanding fundraiser for the Chamber – let’s get all 300 tickets sold! ***
DR. KEN STONE TO PRESENT WORKSHOP IN OTTUMWA: “Taking Advantage of a Budding Visitor-Based Economy” is the theme of a workshop to be presented next Tuesday in Ottumwa by Dr. Ken Stone, former ISU professor and one of the country’s leading experts on rural retail development. Dr. Stone’s workshop will be held at the new Bridgeview Center in Ottumwa from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 19th. Cost is just $40 for this session, which is being co-sponsored by the Historic Hills Tourism Region, Chariton Valley Planning & Development, the Iowa DOT and the Iowa Department of Economic Development. Several Chariton residents are planning to attend; if you’d like to join us, give me a call at the Chamber office. ***
ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR 150TH CELEBRATION: If you haven’t already done so, make sure to mark September 8-9 on your calendar. You won’t want to miss all the fun of Chariton’s sesquicentennial celebration that weekend. Among the activities featured will be exhibits at the Lucas County Museum, a parade, craft demonstrations, live windows, food, contests, a flea market, a band concert, a Reader’s Theatre, square dancing, a community worship service, a historical walking tour of the square and the Historic Preservation Committee’s annual Cemetery Tour. Most things are free, and everything is open to the public. If you’d like to be involved with the planning, the next committee meeting is Tuesday June 12 at 4 p.m. at the Chamber office.
*** STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR FUN DAY: The Chamber’s annual Fun Day golf outing is June 28th, and we still have room for more teams. We’re also finalizing our hole sponsors and accepting donations for door prizes. Call the Chamber office today at 774-4059 to get in on the fun. ***
JOIN US FOR NEXT LUNCH ON THE SQUARE: Iowa Telecom is sponsoring the next Community Lunch Break on the Courthouse Lawn on Friday June 29 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. For just $5, enjoy a delicious lunch of pork rib sandwich, baked beans, macaroni salad, cookie and beverage. Entertainment also will be provided. See you there! ***
ANNUAL MEETING IS JULY 19TH : “Through the Years” is the theme of the Chamber’s annual meeting, to be held July 19 at Carpenter’s Hall. We’ll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the reorganization of the Chamber and the city’s 150th anniversary, among other items of business. Watch your mail for your invitation! ***
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS: Also at the Chamber annual meeting, we’ll be announcing the 2007 Citizen of the Year. Deadline for nominations is July 1. Check out the Chariton newspaper for details, and get those nominations in! ***
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Chariton’s Community Band will not be presenting a concert series this summer, due to previous commitments on the part of band leaders and several band members. We are planning to fill out our concert series this summer with performances by other musical groups. If you know a group that would be interested in performing, give me a call at the Chamber at 774-4059. ***
UPCOMING EVENTS: June 15 Farm Bureau Appreciation Day June 16 John Dale Clark Memorial Ride Chariton Classic June 17 Tractor Ride USA stops in Chariton June 21 Lucas County Museum Peanut Day June 28 Chamber Fun Day June 29 Lunch on the Square
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Week of May 25, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
LUNCH ON THE SQUARE: Thanks to all who attended the season’s first Community Lunch Break on the Courthouse Lawn today. We had a terrific turnout and sold 300 ribeye dinners in just a little over an hour! Extra special thanks go to the Lucas County Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau of Lucas County, Agriland FS out of Winterset and Alliant Energy for sponsoring the Lunch Break, to the folks at Frontier Trading Post and the Soda Pop Saloon for the terrific music, and to Nels Christensen and the city crew and US Bank for their technical assistance. And even though I tried to take the credit, I have to give a nod to Mother Nature for the perfect spring weather. The next Community Lunch Break will be June 29th. Iowa Telecom is sponsoring the event, and Ann Hamilton has some special surprises in store. Mark you calendars and plan to join us! ***
A DREAM DEAL: Tired of those worn-out kitchen cabinets? Ready for a new, modern look that reflects the way you live? Here’s your opportunity to win the kitchen of your dreams! Thanks to Brian Brown and Charlie Hale of Dream Home Custom Cabinetry, the Chamber is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a dream kitchen valued at more than $6,000. Dream Home will work with the winner to design a kitchen layout, remove the existing cabinets and build and install new oak cabinets and countertops. Raffle tickets are $20 each, and only 300 will be sold – get yours today! The drawing will be held July 4 at 6 p.m. on the square. For more information, see the attached flyer, or give us a call at 774-4059.
*** CHARITON 150 MEETING IS TUESDAY: The Chariton 150 committee continues to make plans for Chariton’s sesquicentennial celebration September 8th. “Old-Fashioned Saturday On the Square” will feature a parade, craft demonstrations, games, food, live window displays, a theatre presentation, square dancing and more. If you’d like to help or just learn more about what’s being planned, come to the next Chariton 150 meeting on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the Chamber office. ***
NEW BUSINESS ON THE SQUARE: Snap Fitness, a 24-hour fitness center, is opening in the storefront on the east side of the square formerly occupied by Hammer Medical. Snap Fitness regional manager Bill Trotter says the company has set a target date of August 1st for the opening. Snap Fitness is a Minnesota-based company operating 300 centers in 45 states, with plans to open another 300 centers in the next year. Trotter’s group manages Snap Fitness centers in Johnston, Clive and Osceola. The Chariton center will be very similar to the Osceola center, with cardio workout equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, etc.) and circuit training equipment by Cybex, as well as free weights. Members can access the building 24 hours a day through the use of a membership card. Memberships will be $39.95 per month for an individual and $56.95 per month for a family (up to four people living in the same house). There is a $59 sign-up fee, but no contract required. ***
COOKING FOR A CURE : The Relay For Life committee is sponsoring an event in advance of the August 3-4 Relay to help meet its goal of raising $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. “Cooking For a Cure,” a benefit dinner and silent auction, will be held June 24 at Carpenter’s Hall. Table “hosts” will serve their guests a meal prepared by Thelma Saxton of Cater 2 U, and will also be responsible for decorating their tables and providing the dessert and beverages. Throughout dinner, guests will have an opportunity to bid on several prize packages. For more information on becoming a table host or attending the dinner, contact Jeri Reeve a jreeve@iowatelecom.net
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UPCOMING EVENTS: June 1 In Motion Dance Recital June 2 Community-Wide Garage Sales June 3 Kids Fishing Day at Pin Oak Marsh June 15 Farm Bureau Appreciation Day June 16 John Dale Clark Memorial Ride Chariton Classic June 17 Tractor Ride USA stops in Chariton June 21 Lucas County Museum Peanut Day June 28 Chamber Fun Day June 29 Lunch on the Square
Week of April 23, 2007
Editor: Ruth Comer
FREE “SMART START” BUSINESS WORKSHOP: If you operate a small business, or are thinking about starting one, you won’t want to miss the upcoming “Smart Start” Workshop, conducted by Brian Ziegler of the Small Business Development Center at Indian Hills Community College. The workshop will be held Wednesday May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lucas County Extension Office in Chariton. The two-hour program will cover topics such as evaluating the feasibility of a new business, developing a business plan, and locating sources of financing. The workshop is sponsored by the Chariton Horizons project, Lucas County Development Corporation, the IHCC Small Business Development Center and Iowa State University Extension – Lucas County. Cost of the program is normally $18; however, we’re able to offer this program at no charge due to support from Horizons and local sponsors. Please pre-register by May 7 by calling the Chamber office at 774-4059 or Lucas County Extension at 774-4059. For more information, contact Joe Sellers at 641-203-1270. ***
MINIMUM WAGE – DID YOU KNOW?: The federal hourly minimum wage increased April 1 to $6.20 per hour; effective January 1, 2008 the rate will increase again to $7.25. The minimum wage applies to most hourly wage earners, with a few exceptions
For questions about the application of the minimum wage law, call the Iowa Division of Labor at 1-800-JOB-IOWA.
*** CHARITON 150 PLANNING UNDERWAY: Old-Fashioned Saturday on the Square is the theme of Chariton’s Sesquicentennial celebration, scheduled for Saturday September 8. The Chariton 150 steering committee is planning a number of events, including a parade, craft demonstrations, live windows, food, a reader’s theatre, square dancing and more. Events will start mid-day and continue until dark. If you’d like to be part of the planning, contact the Chamber at 774-4059 and we’ll put you on the contact list. The next meeting of the Chariton 150 committee is Tuesday May 8 at 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber office. ***
CLEAN-UP DAY IS MAY 2ND: Chariton’s annual Clean-Up Day is May 2nd. High school seniors, Rotary Club members and other volunteers will be collecting yard waste placed at residential curbs and picking up trash from roadsides and vacant lots throughout the city. Residents may bring household trash and white goods (i.e. old appliances) to the former National Guard Armory building from 8 a.m. to noon that day. Cost is $10 per pickup or trailer load, with a $15 disposal fee for each appliance. Residents who are elderly or disabled may call the Chamber office to arrange for pickup of white goods for the same $15 fee. ***
EVENT WRAP-UPS: The Chili Bowl Cookoff on March 24 was another successful fundraiser for the Chamber, netting a little over $3,000 to help cover the costs of events and activities throughout the year. Thanks go to Karen Wilker for taking the lead on this project, and to all the volunteers, contributors, players and fans who made it possible. Our chili cookoff winner was Tom Hunkele, and the team from Chariton High School took home the championship basketball trophy. We did end up with a few lost-and-found items – most notably, a pair of red-and-white Air Jordan basketball shoes. If they’re yours, or you know who might be missing a pair, contact the Chamber. The Redbud Festival on April 21 drew 34 entries for the Bike and Pet Parade. Thanks to K Dance and In-Motion Dance Studio for putting together the morning’s bandstand entertainment, and to Nels Christensen for driving the Fletcher Train. The Kids’ Fishing Day at Red Haw on Saturday afternoon attracted more than 70 youngsters, plus many parents, grandparents and friends. ***
RELAY FOR LIFE – AUGUST 3RD : Jeri Reeve is chairing the planning committee for Chariton’s 2007 Relay For Life, an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. More than 4,000 communities throughout the country hold Relays each year, with the funds raised going toward cancer research and services for cancer patients and their families in our community. Dr. Greg Cohen is the honorary chair of this year’s Relay, to be held August 3-4 on the Chariton square. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday night and concludes at 9 a.m. Saturday morning, with teams walking throughout the night to raise money and awareness. There will be food, entertainment and special ceremonies to honor those who have died and those who have survived battles with cancer. There are very few people whose lives have not been touched in some way by cancer. Everyone can help honor the memory of those who have died and celebrate the lives of cancer survivors … become a corporate supporter, serve on a committee, form a team, join a team, sponsor a walker. If you would like to become more involved with this very worthwhile cause, contact Jeri Reeve at jreeve@iowatelecom.net. ***
SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS FRIDAY: Deadline for applying for three scholarships sponsored by the Chamber Foundation – the Ken & Atha Crist/Rotary Memorial scholarship, the Mary Sandy scholarship and the Glen L. Mitchell scholarship – is this Friday, April 27 at 5 p.m. Applications are due in the Chamber office by that time. ***
UPCOMING EVENTS: April 28 Chariton Junior/Senior Prom May 2 Chariton Community-Wide Clean-Up Day May 4-6 Free camping weekend, all Iowa state parks May 4-5 K Dance Recital May 5 Methodist Church Roast Beef Dinner May 8 High School Band Concert, Johnson Auditorium May 8 Chariton 150 meeting, 4:30 p.m., Chamber office May 13 Chariton High School Baccalaureate May 13 Cinder Path Drive Through
February 27, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY – FREE! Several of you have been participating in the Horizons project, an effort to identify community resources that can be used to combat poverty in Chariton. As part of this program, Chariton will be offering residents a leadership training program called Leadership Plenty.
Leadership Plenty is a free program designed to teach skills that will help participants become more confident, more effective leaders in their communities. It is open to residents of Chariton who want to become more active in the community and build relationships with other community leaders. The program meets weekly beginning in early April and includes 30-40 hours of classroom instruction. You don’t have to participate in a Horizons study circle in order to sign up for Leadership Plenty.
The Leadership Plenty curriculum is similar to that of the Leadership Program offered periodically through the Chamber. This is a great opportunity for businesses to provide leadership training to key employees, or for community volunteers to develop key leadership skills. If you were to obtain this training on your own, it could cost you up to $1,000 – but through our participation in the Horizons program, it’s FREE to participants.
We are currently taking names of people who would like to participate in Leadership Plenty. Call Ruth Comer at the Chamber office, 774-4059, to sign up. Hurry – the class is open to the first 20 participants to register! ***
WELL WISHES: Karin Zern’s last day at the Chamber is tomorrow, February 28th. You’re invited to stop by for cake from 9-11 a.m. and wish Karin well as she prepares to welcome a new member to the Zern family in April.
*** SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE BEING FORMED: Our two Sesquicentennial exploratory meetings generated a great deal of discussion and information sharing. As a result, the Chamber is going to coordinate a steering committee to help plan a Sesquicentennial celebration event for late summer/early fall.
The first steering committee meeting will be Tuesday March 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber office. Our core group will be the participants in the exploratory meetings, but anyone is welcome to join and help. If you can’t attend the March 13 meeting but would like to be part of the Chariton 150 committee, give us a call at the Chamber: 774-4059. ***
REMEMBER TO VOTE! March 13 is also the date to vote on the school bond referendum for Chariton. Polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at the Chariton City Hall, Lucas Community Center and Williamson Community Center. If you’re not registered to vote, you can do so in the Lucas County Auditor’s office in the Courthouse until March 2nd. You can call the Auditor’s office at 774-4512 until 5 p.m. March 9th to request an absentee ballot. Be part of the process – VOTE! ***
CHILI BOWL IS COMING – ARE YOU READY? Thanks to Casey’s and Iowa Telecom for joining the list of Chili Bowl sponsors. We still need teams, cooks and other participants. Watch the newspaper and this space for more information!
RELAY FOR LIFE: Did you know that each year, approximately 65 Lucas County residents are diagnosed with cancer? That’s why a group of community volunteers is bringing back Relay For Life, a 12-hour walk-a-thon to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The money raised stays here in Lucas County to provide services to local cancer patients.
This year’s event is tentatively planned for a Friday night/Saturday morning in August. The planning committee is being assembled now, and several committee chairs and members are needed. I’m helping to honor the memory of two friends who died recently of cancer, and a third who is a breast cancer survivor. If you have some time and would like to volunteer for this very worthwhile cause, contact Jeri Reeve at jreeve@iowatelecom.net. You can help ahead of time, volunteer at the event itself, or sign on as a sponsor. ***
UPCOMING EVENTS: March 3 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Sr. Center, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 6 High School Band, fundraiser and concert, 5:30 p.m.
Friday February 2, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
WELCOME NEW MEMBER! The Chamber welcomes Brewer Computer Services as a new business member. Call Joe Brewer for all your computer needs – 774-4326, or email him at jbrewer@brewercomputerservices.com ***
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS: Sure, it’s cold out, but that’s no excuse to stay home! If you get a chance, get out and support these upcoming community events: Saturday February 3: 4th of July Auction, Eagles Club Saturday February 10: LCHC Healthy University “Red Dress Extravaganza” Sunday February 11: Celebrate performance, Johnson Auditorium Sunday February 25: Rotary Soup Supper to benefit Carpenter’s Hall
*** SESQUICENTENNIAL MEETINGS: The city of Chariton marks its 150th anniversary of incorporation this year. How should we celebrate this milestone?
Come share your ideas and hear what others have to say. The Chamber is sponsoring two open forum meetings to discuss Sesquicentennial plans. The first is this Tuesday February 6 at 7 p.m., and the second is Thursday February 8 at 4 p.m., both at the Chamber office. All are welcome. ***
CONGRATULATIONS! At its Annual Meeting last week, the Historic Hills tourism organization recognized three Lucas County residents for their contributions to regional tourism efforts. Gert Patterson and Harlan Ranshaw received awards for their work to find sites for Historic Hills welcome signs in Lucas County, and Fred Wilker was honored for his assistance with the redbud planting project. Just a few of the wonderful volunteers who are helping Lucas County attract more and more visitors each year! ***
Friday January 19, 2007 Editor: Ruth Comer
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Already lots going on in 2007. In this issue: ***
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! The Chamber welcomes Kum ‘n’ Go as a new business member and Mike and Jody McNaughton as individual members. Also, we’ve awarded an honorary Chamber membership for 2007 to Lucas County’s first baby of the new year, Kylee Bolding, and her parents, Mark and Kari, of Chariton. ***
NOTARY SERVICE AVAILABLE: If you need the services of a notary, Karin Zern of the Chamber office can help you out, free of charge. Karin is generally here 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Give her a call or stop by. It’s another service your Chamber provides for members. *** THAT’S A LOT OF BUSINESS: During the holiday season, the Chamber distributed more than $5,000 worth of Chamber Gift Certificates. This $5,000 will be spent exclusively at area businesses that belong to the Chamber. Thank you all for your support of our Chamber Gift Certificate program this year. ***
EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS: You may have read an article in the newspaper or heard someone talking about the Horizons program and Study Circles. What is this program, and what does it mean for Chariton?
Horizons is a program sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation in cooperation with ISU Extension. It’s being offered in Iowa and other states, in communities of 500 to 5,000 population. Through Horizons, members of the community come together to discuss poverty, its causes and approaches we can take to create a brighter economic future for all our residents.
The Horizons program begins with a series of “study circles” – small discussion groups led by trained facilitators. Through these study circle sessions, group members share various points of view and help arrive at solutions to the problem of poverty in our community. At the end of the study circles process, our community will submit a proposal to the Northwest Area Foundation for $10,000 to fund a project to combat poverty.
In order to make this happen, we need more than 100 members of the community to participate in the study circles program, which we’re calling Chariton Listens. It’s free, takes relatively little time, and gives you an opportunity to make your voice heard and be part of something that will have lasting impact in the community.
If you’re interested in learning more, please come to a meeting Monday night from 5-7:30 p.m. at Carpenter’s Hall. Dinner will be provided free of charge, and you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for one of several Chariton Listens groups now being formed. For more information, give me a call at the Chamber office at 774-4059. ***
SOME LIKE IT HOT: The next big Chamber event is the 2nd annual Chili Bowl Shoot-Out, scheduled for Saturday March 24 at Chariton High School. This is a major fundraiser for the Chamber, and we’ll need lots of volunteer help to make it successful. If you can help with any or all of the events below, contact Karen Wilker at 774-3219. We need assistance in the following areas:
Sponsors There are three levels of financial sponsorship – Mild ($50), Spicy Hot ($100) and Three-Alarm ($250). Your benefits increase with each sponsorship level. The sooner you sign on, the more recognition and promotional benefit your business or organization will receive. Hy-Vee Distribution, Lucas County Health Center and McCroskey Chevrolet have already committed to be Three-Alarm sponsors – thank you, Hy-Vee, LCHC and McCroskey! Still lots of sponsorships available!
Cooks Break out your recipe book and gather your secret herbs and spices. Throw them in a pot, simmer, and you could win the coveted Chili Trophy! A panel of judges will select the winner, and then all the entries will be served from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. during the all-you-can-eat chili feed prior to the basketball tournament. You need to make approximately two gallons of your favorite chili and deliver it to the high school, hot and ready to serve, by 3 p.m. on the 24th. (Vegetarian chili, anyone? Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it!) To enter, call the Chamber at 774-4059. All child cook-off entrants get a free ticket to the basketball tournament.
Teams We have space for 10 teams in the Chili Bowl Shoot-Out co-ed basketball tournament. It’s five-on-five, full-court play with shortened halves, a continuous clock and minimal referee involvement (although the refs do have license to be creative). Teams play a minimum of two games; after the two games, a point system will be used to determine which teams advance in the tournament. All teams must have at least one male and at least one female player on the floor at all times. There is a $100 entry fee per team (up to 10 members), which includes Chili Bowl t-shirts and half-price tickets to the chili feed for all players. Call Karen or the Chamber to sign up. We already have teams from Hy-Vee, Edward Jones, Lucas County Health Center and McCroskey Chevrolet signed up. Register today, spots will go fast!
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