Photo by Ellen Ferrera
New Awnings
The Mid-Illinois Senior Services and its subsidiary Thrifty Boutique are both sporting new awnings to help spruce up the square. A bright navy blue one with white trim replaces the tattered and torn awning at the Boutique. The Senior Center rocks its first ever awning in a classy brown stripe.
Photo by Mike Brothers
New Home for
Habitat
Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity presented Paige and Chance Schoonover with the keys to 604 Hope Lane on Friday, June 9. Above Habitat Family Support Cheryl Thomas, Paige and Chance and Director of the Care A Vanners for Habitat Bob Gillespie. Gillespie thanked all subcontractors and volunteers for building the home in 29 days, 23 hours and 40 minutes, just under the 30 day build schedule. Approximately 50 volunteers, family, friends and Moultrie County Habitat board members were on hand for the dedication with Deacon John O’Brien blessing the home.
Photo furnished
SES Visits Nature Center
First graders from Sullivan Elementary School took a trip to Ballard Nature Center in Altamont. Presenters from the nature center taught them all about birds and insects while discussing this year’s theme, “things with wings”. Students participated in a nature hike where they found plenty of “things with wings” native to Illinois natural habitats. Students also played hands-on games where they guessed the animal or insect based on certain characteristics. Finally, they got to explore and play inside Ballard’s wonderful Discovery Education Center.
Photo furnished
Sullivan Farmers Market
Those looking for fresh garden produce and a variety of speciality crafted items may find them on the square in Sullivan this summer. Every Friday through September 5 local growers and crafters display their goods from 3 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. This year the market is accepting EBT cards. It is being sponsored by the Sullivan Chamber of Commerce and Sullivan Area ARTS.
Photo furnished
Fun in the Sun
Kids from Lovington gathered at Tom Conn Park every day from 11:00 to 2:00 for the village Recreation Summer fun program. Children spent the week enjoying a variety of activities to help kick off the summer in a big way.
Photo by Ellen Ferrera
Monument to a Horse
This conical pile of stones sits just inside the main entrance to Mason Point. Robert Miller donated the 264 acres to the Masons for the original Masonic Home. He made his fortune out in the real Wild West, and his horse carried him to California and back during the Gold Rush of the 1840s. It is probably the only American horse that made the round trip, and this is the horse’s burial site. It may also be the only monument to a horse in Moultrie County.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Food Pantry Donation
Following the Memorial Day Weekend Block Party in Sullivan, 5 West Coffee and Wine Lounge and Toy Bar donated $400 to the Food Pantry from the door proceeds of the event. Pictured are Cathrine and JR Craig, owners of 5 West, and Kristy Dawson, director of the Moultrie County Food Pantry. “We created this event to encourage more residents and tourists to visit the downtown area. But it’s also important to us to give back to the community. We’re happy to share our success,” Cathrine said of the donation.
Photo by Mike Brothers
Members of Sullivan American Legion Post 68 Honor Guard gather in front of the Moultrie County Courthouse along with Legion Auxiliary and Boy Scouts preparing for parade march to Greenhill Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 29.
Photo furnished
SES Gold Slip Students
Sullivan Elementary School recognizes students who go above and beyond expectations by giving them “Gold Slips.” The SES Gold Slip winners from April and May are (from left to right): Cali Szabo and Emmersyn Jianonni (not pictured) helped a kindergarten student clean up his spilled tray in the cafeteria. Carigan Cole observed two students working together and noticed that one of the students was getting frustrated. Cole asked whether she could help the frustrated student because she felt she could encourage him and teach him the concept.
Cannin Hall finished early during art class. He started washing out paint brushes when students finished painting. When Mrs. Auten checked the sink he was using, it was spotless. Hall showed respect to Mr. Crowe and the school by making sure he left no mess. Aceon Fryman helped the cafeteria staff clean up the kitchen after lunch. Nevaeh Wilson and Alyssa Ray took it upon themselves to clean up a paint mess that was in the hallway. They are both very helpful throughout the year and take pride in their school.
Photo furnished
Prairie Winds Performs Free Concert
Prairie Winds is holding a free concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan.
“A Tropical Cruise Show” is the present theme for the group of 19 singers and keyboardists whose ministry includes performing shows for area nursing homes and senior residences.
During the Tropical Cruise the audience takes a musical trip aboard the Prairie Winds Cruise line featuring songs from the Hawaiian Islands.
A “floor show” of love songs includes “Beyond the Sea” and “Stranger in Paradise”, a special comedy duo and a musical tribute to “South Pacific” for the finale.
Prairie Winds group is completing 32 years of “Sharing God’s Love Through Music”.
The public is invited to come and enjoy an hour of music, comedy and lots of fun. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
First United Methodist Church Friendship Hall is located at 216 W. Jefferson St. in Sullivan.