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 friends,
On an almost daily basis, we are bombarded by the needs of the world and the community around us: wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, the homeless, children who are hungry, friends who are grieving, and the list could go on. This can lead us to wonder, what in the world can we do? How can we respond?
If that is a question you have wondered about, I would suggest that you pick one situation and respond to it in some way. Maybe you know someone who is grieving. You can respond by sending them a card or taking them something to eat. Maybe there are several organizations that you know are worthy but you know you can't contribute financially to them all. If that is the case, pick out one and contribute what you can. Maybe you would like to volunteer, but don't know what you have to offer. If so, then call a couple of places or check out their websites to see what they are needing that maybe you have the ability to do. Then give the closest match an hour or two.
The point is that there is something we can do. It may involve a small step, but it can make a difference. In this issue of "Beyond the Bricks," there are several opportunities listed. Maybe one of these opportunities can be a starting point. Or maybe they will trigger thoughts of other possibilities.
There is no doubt that we are surrounded by need, but we are also surrounded by opportunities. We can make a difference--if we take that first step.
God bless,
Hank
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Support the Central Illinois Down Syndrome Organization
Buddy Walk
Saturday, September 18
Beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Eastview Christian Church
1500 North Airport Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61704
Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support—come and join the 17th annual CIDSO Buddy Walk!
The fun begins at 9:00 a.m. with on-site registration, t-shirts, entertainment, a raffle, pictures, free food, and spirit team awards. At 10:30 a.m. the team raising the most donations will lead off the walk.
The Buddy Walk highlights inclusiveness for all people and is a national event.
The Henneberg Family from FCC's youngest child, Declan, was born with Down syndrome. They invite you to be involved:
"If you would like to attend the buddy walk you are welcome to come! Otherwise we would greatly appreciate donations to our team, Declan’s Dinos! This is the link to donate. You do not have to participate in the walk but it will have you register your information for donations. Be sure to select spirit team Declan’s Dinos!!
"Every spirit team receives donations for their buddy and all the money goes to cidso to provide amazing resources for their community.
"Thank you for considering donating, attending, or just keeping Declan in your prayers for a happy and healthy future."
For more information or to sign up, click below. Please note donations are due by 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, September 18.
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Attend Nature Trails Day at Sugar Grove Nature Center
Saturday, September 18
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
532 N. 725 East Road, McLean.
For the first time since June 2019, Nature Trails Day is back. The event is free and presented by the Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists, part of the University of Illinois Extension. Those who go through its training and education program volunteer in a variety of ways, providing education and service to their communities. Look for the volunteers in orange shirts if you have questions.
There will be “lots to do for both kids and adults,” said Master Naturalist Terrie Howard, co-chair of this year’s Trails Day. Guided hikes recommended for those ages 16 and up will leave at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from the corn crib/barn. During the approximately hour long hike, participants will learn about native plants and the state’s prairie history. You will also learn a bit about using the iNaturalist app to identify wildflowers and other living things.
A special kids' adventure trail will be set up with several activity stations where children can create “fairy houses,” make animal tracks, go on a “100-inch hike,” craft toy binoculars, and make a bat headband.
Children who show a completed map of the trail stations will get a prize.
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Donate VHS Tapes, DVDs, CDs and Audio Books to Nursing Homes with the Help of Merry Maids
Merry Maids of Bloomington/Normal
1702 W. College Ave. Ste. A-3
Normal, IL 61761
309-661-1726
Clean, usable, manufacturer-produced items are repurposed for nursing home residents and kept out of the waste stream. Drop your items by Merry Maids and know that you are not only helping de-clutter your home, but also entertaining worthy recipients. Be sure to include your name, address, and email address with your donation.
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Become a Faith in Action of Bloomington-Normal Volunteer
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS
Faith in Action of Bloomington Normal is seeking Volunteers to assist seniors who may need a ride, or help shopping, or even a friendly call. Experience the benefits of Volunteering and join Faith in Action.
Group Orientations are held at the ARC 2nd Floor Conference Room.
Email Stacey at Stacey@bnfia.org or call the FIA Office (309) 827-7780 to register for the next orientation.
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Attend the Pregnancy Resource Center Annual Fundraising Life Banquet
Thursday, September 30
6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Doubletree Hotel
10 Brickyard Drive
Bloomington, IL 61701
A note from the Pregnancy Resource Center:
We are so grateful for all your previous support of the Pregnancy Resource Center. Your faithfulness and generosity has had a tremendous impact on the lives of our clients. You enable us to continue our mission!
We are excited about our upcoming Annual Fundraising Life Banquet. We know that there are many health concerns. We will be doing all we can to keep everyone safe.
This year our guest speaker will be Michael Jr. He tours the country using comedy to inspire audiences to activate their purpose and live a life fulfilled. His impactful delivery and versatility has landed him on many high profile venues including Tedx Talks. He has also been the keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies. He challenges people to know their "WHY?"
You won’t want to miss this inspirational evening!
This event is vital to the success of our ministry. There is no cost to attend this banquet fundraiser but advanced reservations are required. Space is limited and is filling quickly. The general admissions deadline is Monday, September 27.
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Enjoy the Hilarious Comedy of GMA Hall of Fame Inductee and Instrumentalist of the Year, Tim Lovelace
"Humor with a Purpose"
Sunday, October 3
6:00 p.m.
Moundford Free Methodist Church
1803 E. Mound Road
Decatur, IL
An offering will be taken. Find out more at www.timlovelace.com or 217-433-1014.
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Volunteer at the West Bloomington Revitalization Project's Bed Blitz
Saturday, October 9
Various Times (click link below to sign up)
YouthBuild
360 Wylie Drive, #305
Normal, IL 61761
The WBRP Bed Blitz gives local youth a twin-size bed frame, a brand new mattress, sheets, pillows, a blanket or quilt, laundry detergent, books, a hygiene kit, and a teddy bear. This entire kit is given away for free thanks to the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors like Sherman’s. At our last bed blitz in 2019, over 120 beds were given away.
WBRP welcomes monetary donations, as well as in-kind donations of sheets, blankets, pillows, and laundry detergent. You can sponsor a whole bed set for a child in our community with a donation of $150. Please check our Amazon Wish List for what we are in need of and remember to use Amazon Smile when ordering so that West Bloomington Revitalization Project can receive 0.5% of your eligible purchases back to our organization.
If you’re interested in donating or volunteering, click the More Info button below.
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Attend the INtegRIty Counseling Fundraiser at Gill Street
Tuesday, October 26
11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Gill Street Sports Bar
3002 Gill Street
Bloomington, IL 61704
Support INtegRIty Counseling on Tuesday, October 26th by dining in or carrying out anytime between 11AM and 9PM. INtegRIty Counseling is a non-profit counseling center serving the uninsured and under-insured with mental health services for youth and adults. We use volunteers and paid staff to offer our services!
Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant is hosting an all-day fundraiser for us. You can participate in this fundraiser via:
Please visit Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant and they will take your order from their storefront for take-out. When purchasing your meal, mention your group’s name to receive 20% of your meal’s price donated back to INtegRIty Counseling.
We have used both GroupRaise and Gill Street for previous fundraisers and they have worked out well for us. However, to ensure that the fundraiser will happen, we will need to have at least 20 people RSVP through the link below. You can still eat there and support us if you don't RSVP but doing so helps show the restaurant that we have supporters who will dine with them.
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Recycle with the 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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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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Tell Friends about Local Full-Service Affordable Medical Care
Third Monday Each Month (Coming up September 20)
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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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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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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