Staying involved in the Bloomington/Normal area, and beyond.
Where do you fit... Beyond the Bricks?
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Welcome... to the latest issue of
Beyond the Bricks!
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Dear Christian Friends,
What are your favorite summertime activities? Walking? Gardening? Watching a baseball game? Sitting on the porch? What excites you about summer?
Here’s something I encourage you to add to your summer pursuits: helping and serving others. Reach out beyond yourself at least once this summer and give some of your time, energy, and/or financial resources to make a difference in someone’s life.
This issue of Beyond the Bricks contains opportunities for you to do just that. You’ll find places that need volunteers, others that are looking for donations, and even a Pridefest in downtown Bloomington for your enjoyment. Take some time today to read this email and see what appeals to you.
Our church highly values Jesus’ commandment that we love one another as Jesus already loves us. This summer, find ways that you can demonstrate your love for others in real, concrete ways. Summer is a great time to live out your love for others.
Your brother in Christ,
Jim Warren
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Attend the History Makers Gala at the MCMH, Live Streamed
Wednesday, June 16
6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
McLean County History Museum Dome
(Virtual)
Since 2012, the History Makers Gala has recognized senior citizens whose outstanding, lifelong contributions of time and talents have helped to make McLean County a better place to live. This year the History Makers Gala and the Annual Meeting of the McLean County Historical Society will take place on the evening of June 16 from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Festivities will be virtual with a live feed and include presentations to our History Makers under the dome at the Museum. The evening will include the tradition of having a short performance by Illinois Voices Theater to recognize our honorees and their contributions to our community. Memory books will also be given to each honoree. Mail your written memory to the Museum or contact us here. We look forward to coming together in-person again for the Gala in 2022.
Reservations will not have a cost this year, but will still require that you register with your name and contact information. Closer to the evening, those who have registered will receive an email with information regarding how to access the virtual event, along with a digital program booklet. Members will also receive information regarding a new slate of board members and officers and how to vote. Donations and sponsorships may be made during the registration process. You may also mail donations directly to the Museum at 200 N. Main Street, Bloomington, IL 61701.
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Support Faith in Action by Eating at Rob Dob's
Thursday, June 10
11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
801 North Hershey Rd., Bloomington
Faith in Action receives 10% of the proceeds from your delicious meal!
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Learn CPR
The Illinois Red Cross is offering free virtual classes to learn about Hands-Only CPR so that you and the members of your organization are prepared to increase the chances of someone surviving a cardiac emergency. David Lee, an Illinois Disaster AmeriCorps member, would like to offer this free program to the members and friends of First Christian Church.
More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each year. Learn how to deliver lifesaving CPR care without rescue breaths and be prepared. When you immediately provide Hands-Only CPR, you can increase the chance of survival.
Contact: David Lee
AmeriCorps | Illinois Disaster Corps Member
American Red Cross of Illinois
Cell: (309) 202-5725
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Support Back 2 School Alliance
Back 2 School Alliance (BTSA) is a group of volunteers and community partners dedicated to supporting students in need. Since 1999, we have been working hand in hand with Bloomington District 87, Normal Unit 5, and Illinois Prairie Community Foundation to bring kids and community together by putting backpacks and school supplies into the hands of the children who need them most.
BTSA's Goals (It’s about the kids):
- Helping them get off to a good start when school begins
- Putting the most basic tools in their hands to help them achieve success in their education
- Creating a positive experience as they start the school year
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Focus on Your Well-Being with the Assistance of Carle BroMenn
Tune in Monday, June 21, on Zoom
6:00 p.m.
No registration required
If more than a year of “pandemic living” has you stressed out, the Carle BroMenn Delegate Church Association is here for you. DCA leaders will focus our efforts this summer on the well-being of delegates, faith leaders, and their communities. In response to requests, the DCA will offer several opportunities to learn about how to boost our well-being and care for ourselves in times of stress – starting with the summer DCA meeting at 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 21.
You are invited to join us via Zoom to hear the crisis program manager for McLean County Center for Human Services share tips on coping with anxiety and stress. Speaker Meghan Moser has more than 17 years of experience in the behavioral health field.
“This is a time full of multiple different emotions, from hopefulness to heaviness,” Ms. Moser says. “It is very common to be experiencing many different emotions right now and as pre-pandemic routines are resumed, anxiety is bound to increase.”
Empathy for others and compassion for ourselves are keys to resilience, she adds. Ms. Moser’s presentation is just the beginning of our summer focus on well-being. You also are invited to attend Mental Health First Aid on June 29 or Youth Mental Health First Aid on July 20 or one of the Mental Health First Aid classes focused on farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers being offered this summer.
Registration isn’t required for the DCA’s June 21 virtual event, but those who respond by June 11 that they will attend will be entered to win one of four free registrations to the Mental Health First Aid class. Another drawing for four registrations for Youth Mental Health First Aid will take place during the meeting. Finally, we intend to host four more opportunities for learning and conversation in July and August. Topics may range from restorative practices to self-care.
To access the meeting on your smart phone or laptop, open the Zoom application and click “Join Meeting.” A pop-up box will ask you to enter your meeting ID (see below). You will also need to enter the password provided below.
Meeting ID: 869 0710 3159
Passcode: 079223
If you prefer to call-in to the meeting with your phone, please dial 312-626-6799.
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Attend Pridefest on North Main Street in Bloomington
Saturday, June 26
4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
The Bistro is sponsoring its third Pridefest on Saturday, June 26, on the 200 and 300 blocks of North Main Street (Bistro block and block immediately south) in downtown Bloomington.
In addition to the usual music, drag, vendors, and food, we are developing the 200 block in part as a "family fun area" complete with information booths, the Children's Discovery Museum, the McLean County Museum of History, and other fun organizations that will provide diversity-focused activities for members of our community who want to bring their families with them.
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Tell Friends about Local Full-Service Affordable Medical Care
Third Monday Each Month
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Woodhill Towers
The Mobile Health Clinic will be available 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Woodhill Towers, on the corner of Wood and Main Streets in Bloomington. The clinic provides:
- Chronic condition management and education
- Treatment of acute illness
- Physicals, wellness care, and assessments
- School and sports physicals and immunizations
- Lab testing
- Referrals and applications for social services
United Way, OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, McLean County Health Department, and Chestnut Health Systems will also be available to provide nutrition and health information, diabetes prevention, FQHC information, and assistance signing up for Medicaid. Visit Carle.org/mobilehealth for more information.
Please share this information with others who need affordable medical care.
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Reduce Your Waste with Sugar Grove Nature Center
First Tuesday and First Saturday through December
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Various Locations
We are excited to announce our recycling initiative! There are so many ways that you can decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. If your community offers recycling, we sure hope that you take advantage of curbside pickup or drop-off bin locations. Here are some great ways to recycle even more!
2021 collection drives will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the 1st Tuesday and 1st Saturday of every month through December 2021. We will also have collection drives during each of our special events throughout the year.
Items can ONLY be accepted during our scheduled collection dates and times and should be pre-sorted for a smooth experience. For a full packet of information regarding which recyclables we will accept, please email angela@sugargrovenaturecenter.org.
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Find Comfort, or Help Someone to Find Comfort, at a Carle Grief Support Group
Second and Fourth Mondays of Each Month at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom
Do you know someone who is struggling with grief or loss? The chaplains of Carle BroMenn, Carle Eureka, and Carle Cancer Institute are offering a grief support group at 5:00 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of each month via Zoom.
For a Zoom Link or more information, call 312-626-6799.
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Learn More about Being an Anti-Racist
Subscribe to a daily blog that gives guidance on how to be an anti-racist:
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Support the Sunnyside Community Garden and Food Forest
A Message from the Sunnyside Community Garden:
We are trying to expand economic opportunities to youth in our neighborhood. And, we have had a great start to our season, meaning we will have more produce than we can give away right now. So, we are teaming up with a youth in our neighborhood to offer you fresh produce and them an economic opportunity.
Every week this young person and our farm manager will choose some items that are fresh from the garden and create a weekly “produce bundle.” The youth will put their share of the money in a new savings account and the garden will use its share for a new infrastructure project.
This week we have five bags available. The suggested donation is $10. The garden gets the first $5 and anything over that goes to our local youth. If you want a bundle just leave us a private message (click here).
Pick up is Saturday from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. at The Hub at 502 S. Morris Avenue in Bloomington. We do not anticipate this opportunity being available all season. So grab a bag while you can. This week's bundle items: asparagus, kale, collards, head lettuce, and green garlic.
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Support INtegRIty Counseling by Volunteering at the Front Desk
Looking to become a volunteer? INtegRIty Counseling is in need of Front Desk Volunteers, including Spanish speaking volunteers, to answer phones and help coordinate scheduling.
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Volunteer at or Donate to the WBRP
(West Bloomington Revitalization Project)
WBRP
724 W. Washington Street
Bloomington, IL 61701
Focus on the Tool Library: The Tool Library is open for walk-in customers! Tool Library hours are Tuesday & Thursday 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday & Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Because the library is a small space, and to protect our customers and volunteers, we can only allow one person to browse at a time. Make an appointment with the button below or by calling the WBRP at 309-829-1200. You can also just stop by the building during our open hours. You can check the inventory in advance at westbloomington.org/tool-library.
The WBRP has many goals:
Driven by the voice of residents, the WBRP leads impactful, collaborative efforts of neighbors and local stakeholders, honoring historical and cultural roots, building on pride and strengths of neighborhoods, and empowering residents to be leaders and achieve a vision for a better community.
Maybe you can help! Find out more by clicking the button below. And the WBRP is hiring, so check out their website for details.
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Around the Community
Click on any organization to access its website and learn about support/volunteer opportunities
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401 West Jefferson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
Bloomington's Oldest Continuing Congregation
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