COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT JULY 2019
Moms Who Care
This month we visit Moms Who Care, a local volunteer NFP organization located at Beverly Manor, one of 12 MOMS in the area, that assist students in need.
The vision for Moms Who Care started ten years ago when a mom noticed the need in the community. This idea has grown to benefitting 12 schools. There are so many students that are now able to dress like their peers and have access to hygiene products, fun hair accessories, books and anything else they may need.
Moms Who Care averages about 130 students a month. Students can visit the MOMS room for hygiene products, clothes, shoes, underwear, snacks and other necessities that have been donated by the community.
The students do not realize how much their smiles, hugs, and “thank-you’s” mean to volunteers at Moms who Care. The students fill their hearts more than they will ever know. It has become a safe place where they are comfortable sharing their feelings and some of their personal situations.
The students give back in many ways, such as holding a Gingerbread Contest a couple of years ago where they gave the proceeds to MOMS. Additionally, this year’s 8th grade graduating class collected money to donate to the organization. Another special gift was receiving a BIG thank you card with all their signatures and short, thoughtful messages.
Volunteers have been told their selection is “Better than Wal Mart.” Parents of the students have mentioned how much they love MOM days with how it relieves some of their financial burdens and are excited to see what their kids bring home. Volunteers express how they hope this outreach will touch students in a way to remember them and “pay it forward” when they become adults.
It takes a village and Moms Who Care is blessed to be part of that village along with all of those who support us! They accept new or gently used clothes, shoes, and newly packaged underwear and socks for 4th through 8th grade. Community donations enable MOMS to purchase needs such as shoes, coats, undergarments, etc., that are not usually available. If you would like to donate or would like more information, please visit their website at https://www.momswhocare.net or contact them at 309-339-0725.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Treasures Sale
Crossroads United Methodist Women will hold a Basement to Attic Sale on Wednesday, August 7th and Thursday, August 8th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington.
Items for sale will include books, toys, household items, and much more. The proceeds will go to local, national, and global missions.
Washington Arts Festival
The Washington Arts Festival will be held the weekend of Saturday, August 17th from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 18th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Washington Park near Grange Shelter.
Enjoy fine art exhibitors, craft beer and wine, live music, food, and children’s activities! Invite your friends to come out for one or both days, enjoy the festivities and see what unique, handmade pieces the artists have created!
Family Fun Fest
Bring the whole family out to the annual Family Fun Fest on Saturday, Aug 10th from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the new home of Connect Church at 1750 Washington Rd. This free event will feature inflatables, live animals, talent workshops, mobile gaming bus, tumblers, face painting, games, food, prizes and much more! Everyone is invited to join in on the fun as we say goodbye to summer!
Kayak Fun Challenge
Test your kayaking skills by maneuvering through a series of fun water obstacles at the Kayak Fun Challenge on beautiful Eureka Lake on Saturday, August 24th . Staggered start with timed race. There will be a 1-mile race for novice and experienced kayakers. Safety instructions will be provided to novice kayakers.
There will also be great music, food, land based activities for kids and adults, vendor booths, and more! Registration deadline is Friday, August 16th. For more details, visit https://www.washingtonparkdistrict.com/news-events/kayak-obstacle-course or call Gloria Phelps at 309-532-6683.
Proceeds benefitting Heartline & Heart House of Eureka.
Step Back in Time
The Washington Historical Society invites you to step back in time and glimpse a bit of local history. The Dement-Zinser House at105 Zinser Pl., is open from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. every Saturday through October. For group tours or other times, please call 444-4793.
Run for the House
Bethany Community Church invites you to join them as they Run for the House on Saturday, August 17th. The race will take place on a 1.5-mile cross country style loop around the property of Bethany Community Church at 27577 Dutch Lane in Washington.
The event will include a timed 10K and 5K run, an untimed 1.5-mile walk and a kids’ obstacle course. The walk begins at 8 a.m., the Kids event at 8:30 a.m., and the 10K/5K runs at 8:45 a.m. Jogging strollers are welcome, but for safety reasons, pets are not allowed on the course.
Participants can register online at www.bethanycommunitychurch.org/runforthehouse or contact Jason Padiak at jspadiak@gmail.com with registration questions. Register by July 27th to receive early bird pricing. All 5K, 10K and walk participants will receive a race shirt.
The Run for the House event will benefit the local My Sister’s House, a transitional home that provides a safe and transformational atmosphere for single women and their children. For more information about this ministry, visit: http://mysistershse.org or to donate directly.
WCHS Important Dates
July 26th - August 1st
Online Registration - Primary parent/guardian completes on Skyward Family Access
Before August 2nd and 5th
Registration for students new to the district. Appointment needed - Call 444-5571
August 6th & 8th
Schedule changes for returning students
August 7th
Registration for freshmen and students new to the district (in-person registration required)
Physicals due for freshmen and students new to the district
August 9th
Freshman Kick-Off Orientation
August 13th
First day of school
August 15th and 16th
Sign up for clubs
Library Activities
August 8th at 6:30 p.m. - WDL Book Club.
Discuss a book selected on a monthly basis. Contact Erin at 309-444-2241 for more details.
August 23rd at 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Teen Zombie Night
Bring your Nerf guns to the library and play Humans vs. Zombies! Then, stay and watch a zombie movie and eat pizza! Must sign up and have a signed permission slip to attend! For teens in grades 6-12.
August 28th, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Knowing the DNA Hand You’re Dealt
Genealogist Carol Genung presents this introduction to DNA testing and genetic genealogy. Learn what DNA is, the differences in the testing companies, and the beginning steps of what to do with your results.
National Night Out
The Washington Police Department invites you and your family to Washington’s first National Night Out Against Crime event held at Oak Ridge Park from 5 p.m - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6th. There will be live music by Courtez Banks and Friends and Aileeah Colan, games, face painting, bouncy inflatables, food vendors, crime prevention booths, and more!! Community members will have the opportunity to interact with Washington police officers, firefighters, and other crime prevention and safety folks.
ENTERTAINMENT & TECHNOLOGY
BH90210
Wednesday, August 7th at 9 p.m on FOX
Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling, the original stars of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” return to FOX, in an all-new event series that takes the concept of a series reboot to a whole new meta-level. When the cast gets back together, it will come with a big twist: the seven former teen idols will be playing heightened versions of themselves in the brand-new serialized drama that is inspired by their real lives and relationships with each other.
WE Day Special
Friday, August 9th at 7 p.m. on ABC
The WE Day special airs on ABC, Friday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. CT. Join host Neil Patrick Harris for an unforgettable WE Day Special featuring chart-topping performers and iconic celebrities.
Tune in to the WE Day Special to find hope, optimism and ideas that will inspire you to get doing and create big, lasting change. Featuring energetic performances combined with moving speeches, comedic interludes and documentary-style features highlighting incredible individuals who are making a difference, the WE Day special motivates viewers with tangible ways they too can have a positive impact at home and beyond.
Back-To-School Resource
Help your kids get off to a a great start in the new school year! Visit Scholatic’s site at https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/back-to-school.html to find useful articles, book lists, worksheets, and other helpful tools.
FREE HBO & Cinemax Weekend!
MTCO digiMAX customers: Settle in for another HBO and Cinemax FREE Preview weekend starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, August 16th through midnight on Monday, August 19th.
Tune in to family-friendly programming on HBO Family, and check out newer movie releases, including: The Mule, Aquaman, Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star is Born, and more!