Workforce Development needs your feedback! Sponsored survey by State Representative Mike Marron – see survey here
Illinois Angel Investment Tax Credit – see news release here
Vermilion Advantage Job Board – For current, local job opportunities posted directly by employers, please see the Vermilion County Jobs Board at www.vermilionadvantage.com/job-board – Vermilion Advantage is Vermilion County, Illinois’ electronic resource for career and occupational opportunities, employer profiles, career information, K-16 education programs and partnerships in our area. Learn more about local training through Danville Area Community College and other local training resources. It’s all here. If you need help to be set up as a user on our Vermilion County Jobs Board page to post job openings, please contact Vermilion Advantage at 217-442-6201.
Honors & Achievements
OSF Vice President of Government Relations Chris Manson (right) met with the Danville Noon Rotary on Feb. 6 to share his amazing story of how he has been able to supply Ukraine with 28 fully stocked ambulances and a fire engine this past year—with the hope of shipping off another dozen or more by the end of March. His efforts to organize ambulance donations from across America and then to visit battle zones to oversee the deliveries have generated acclaim both in the U.S. and in the Ukraine. The public can see many of the photos that Rotarians saw by visiting the OSF Newsroom (newsroom.osfhealthcare.org) or the Twitter account @AmbulancesU Mr. Manson especially appreciated the financial support that Rotary International provided. On the left is Media Relations Coordinator Timothy Ditman.
Danville Area Community College has released a list of its honor students for the Fall 2022 Semester – see news release here
Healthcare
OSF Pediatrics offers care from infancy through the teenage years – see flyer here
Crosspoint Human Services Offers Mental Health & Psychiatric Services – see news release here
Rosecrance “On You Radar” Podcast – See “The Overlap Between Mental Illness and Substance Use” episode here
CRIS Healthy Aging Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Seminar – March 9 in Champaign – see flyer here
March 8 FREE NRFC Webinar: Dads and Mental Health Matter – register here
Education
Illinois Small Business Center at DACC – see upcoming classes & training events here
Danville Public School Foundation News – see February Issue here
District 118 Fine Arts – save the date for April 1 Jazz Festival and April 29 for the Fine Arts Festival!
March 1 Oakwood District Unit Office is holding an in-person workshop: Understanding ACEs and Exploring Resilience – see flyer here
DACC’s Community Education spring 2023 classes – see details here
DACC Corporate Education 2023 Training Opportunities – see flyer here
DACC Coordinated Engineering Program – see details here
Register today for our March 15 Navigate Change workshop – see details here
Discover DACC Information Nights; Two Sessions Scheduled in Hoopeston & Danville – see news release here
New Membership Alert
Welcome to Vermilion Advantage Lima Bean Glassworks & Gifts!
Drew Landis
Tell me about yourself:
Well first, I’m very humbled to be recognized! I’m perfectly content to do my thing behind the scenes forever, and to me it really doesn’t seem like I’m doing much compared to what so many others are already doing. It just goes to show how Vermilion County is full of great people and unsung heroes doing great things every day.
I’m Drew Landis, and within the past year myself and a few others have founded Vermilion County Trail Alliance. We’re a group of outdoor enthusiasts, recreationalists, and community development advocates who are trying to help shift the narrative about Danville and Vermilion County using one of our biggest underused assets: our incredible natural resources. By those I mean our hills, ravines, creeks, rivers, and lakes that I think a lot of us tend to take for granted. They are truly incredible!
Our goal is to help make Vermilion County a regional recreational destination by increasing access to our natural resources through the expansion of mixed use trail networks, primarily for hiking and biking, but other activities as well. But maybe even more important than that is how these types of trail networks increase local quality of life and create experiences that people desire, which makes our community more competitive when folks consider whether to stay or move to the area.
Tell me about your family:
My lovely wife Hannah is a Certified Professional Midwife serving families in East Central Illinois. She is one of many, over a 40 year period, who ultimately helped get the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act passed in Illinois in late 2021. She is also finishing up her Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the U of I, where her focus is maternal nutrition and its direct and generational impacts
We have four kids, ages 15, 13, 11, and 8. Thankfully they seem to have mostly taken after their mother, and so are pretty awesome. My mom and sister both live in Danville, as do many of my in-laws, and I’ve got extended family throughout Vermilion County.
Have you always lived in Vermilion County?
Except for an 8 year stint in Bloomington-Normal during and after college, Vermilion County has always been home. We’ve lived in Danville for the past 15 years.
Did you go to school here?
Jamaica High School Class of 1998, DACC Associate’s 2000
If not, where?
ISU class of 2002, Communication
What made you either stay here, or move here?
Ultimately a job with the family company, at the time International Greenhouse Company (later Greenhouse Megastore), brought us back. We had just had our first child and owned a struggling coffee shop on the outskirts of Normal. My brothers-in-law offered me a job selling and marketing greenhouses, so we sold the coffee shop and moved back in Sep. 2008 right as the housing crisis hit.
What jobs have you had, and have currently?
I worked my way up to Director of Marketing at Greenhouse Megastore, helping grow it to one of the leading online retailers of greenhouses and garden supplies. I left this position in June 2022 to spend more time at home with my kids before they all fly the nest, and to support my wife in her midwifery career. Now, I spend a lot of time putting these marketing skills to work with VCTA and for my wife’s practice.
Beyond that, I’m involved in the ownership and strategy teams behind Mad Goat and Royal Donut. I’m not involved much in daily operations, but we very much are involved in plotting out long-term goals and strategy. One of those goals, especially with Mad Goat, was building and maintaining a community space where folks could gather and exchange ideas, and I think we’ve done a really good job at that. It really dovetails with the work we’re doing with VCTA. I think trails and parks and outdoor spaces are just another variation on the “community space” we want to cultivate with our businesses.
What boards do you serve on?
Right now I’m really only serving on the VCTA board as President and director. We’re in the start-up period and that takes a lot of focus and persistence. It takes up a significant portion of my time and is unpaid, but it’s satisfying and I think the results will very soon speak for themselves.
What volunteer opportunities do you participate in?
I’m the clerk at the Peer Court Auction every year, and I often participate in volunteer opportunities with Kickapoo Mountain Bike Club.
Do you have any unique stories about your experience in Vermilion County?
So many people think “oh it’s Illinois it’s just flat.” And, yeah, we don’t have mountains and that’s basically true, except for around our rivers. Like, I can’t stress to everyone enough how totally unique our landscape is from anything within at least a couple hundred miles. Even Turkey Run, which everyone knows has incredible bedrock shelves and interesting geologic history, pales to the vastness of our river network. The three forks of the Vermilion River all lie at the bottom of steep valleys, over a hundred feet deep and up to a mile wide in places, and run nearly the length of the whole county. And a huge portion of this is public land! There is incredible natural beauty absolutely everywhere. I could take you places in Vermilion County that you just would not believe are right here in our backyard, often just a little stroll into the woods. Just a few days ago I found huge rock faces jutting out from the side of a hill along the river. I saw an eagle, up close, sitting on a sandbar snacking on a drowned baby deer. You just can’t get those types of experiences in many places, and I would love for everyone to have the opportunity.
What do you love about where you live?
So much! Obviously my passion for the outdoors is met by Vermilion County, but we have a deep, rich history too. It’s another thing I wish folks appreciated more. Danville got so big, so quick, and as a result we have incredible early history. Abe Lincoln was made here! Uncle Joe Cannon was on the first cover of Times magazine. Dick van Dyke is certifiable royalty. I understand our fortunes have waned over the years, but I just don’t understand how that doesn’t fill you with pride.
I also deeply love the generosity of this community. We’re not the richest folks around, but I think you’d have trouble finding a more generous bunch.
What do you do for fun?
Mostly spend time walking or riding my bike in the woods.
Anything else you’d like to add?
VCTA has recently been awarded a grant from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) for a professionally designed trail system on a property very near and dear to me, west Harrison Park. IMBA is one of the top trail advocacy groups in the country, and their projects are known to be big tourist attractions with transformative potential for rural communities. We’ve been busy for the past year, but the project really kicks off this spring. There is so much opportunity no matter what your specific interest might be, so anyone interested in the Harrison project specifically, or VCTA and its work more generally, can check out vctrail.org or our Facebook page to follow along.
To nominate someone who inspires you, click below!
BIGG Tip of the Week: How a Wrong Turn Led to BIGG Success
On her commute home, Luma Mufleh took a wrong turn. She saw a group of kids playing scratch soccer. She soon returned with a soccer ball. She learned these kids were children of refugees. They struggled to fit in. They couldn’t read or write. So Luma started Fugees Academy – short for refugees. Now, she’s started a movement to educate refugee children. Keep your eyes open to find your opportunity. Even a wrong turn can lead to BIGG success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here.
Leadership Tomorrow is seeking sponsors for The Amazing Race – see flyer here
City of Danville CDBG-CV Small Business Assistance Grant Program – see news release here
Illinois Housing Development Association’s Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) is a court-based rental assistance program for people who are facing eviction and are in court proceeding – see program information here
ECICAA Announces the Start of the Energy Assistance Program
Be a voice from Vermilion County community to discuss Early Childhood service needs – see flyer here
AMBUCS is accepting nomination for its 90th annual First Citizen Award – deadline for nominations is March 10 – see news release here
The City of Danville would like to announce a complete roadway closure of Lafayette Street west of Gilbert Street. The closure is scheduled to start on Thursday, February 23 and will be completed by 4:00PM Friday, February 24.
The City of Danville, along with other agencies such as Vermilion Advantage, is creating a plan to revitalize neighborhoods nearby Carle’s Medical Campus, which is currently being constructed at W. Madison St. and N. Logan Ave. Accordingly, we are seeking to assess the housing and commercial conditions of its surrounding area and understand the needs and desires of our residents.
The survey will take about 5-10 minutes, and the results will be only used for the purpose of the neighborhood plan.
Your opinions will help us to create a better city. If you have any questions, please contact Jun Sohn at jsohn@cityofdanvile.org or 217-431-2873.
Will you help inform our decisions by taking this brief survey?
February 22 Please Join Birth to Five Illinois Region 54 for a Parent Focus Group – see flyer here
February 23 Christie Clinic Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – see flyer here
February 23 Love INC of Vermilion County 2023 Annual Fundraising Banquet – see flyer here
February 23 Scouts BSA Troop 399 Invites you to the American Legion Post 210 for a FREE event – see news release here
February 28 OSF Sacred Heart Blood Drive – see flyer here
March 3 Danville’s Got Talent – see news release here; see flyer here
March 4 Project Success Casino Night Fundraiser – see flyer here
March 7 Please Join Birth to Five Illinois Region 54 for a Parent Focus Group – see flyer here
March 11 Vermilion County Master Gardeners Hold Annual Spring Festival – see news release here
March 11 Danville Symphony Orchestra resumes Maestro Jeremy Swerling’s farewell season as he and the orchestra welcome virtuoso American violinist Luke Hsu to the Fischer Theatre – see news release here
March 13 Danville Mayoral Forum to be held at Danville Area Community College – see news release here
March 18 The Grant Township United Community Barstool Golf; Locations include Hubbard Trail Country Club, The Pump, 112 Wine and Coffee Shoppe, and The Legion – see flyer here
March 18 The 6th Annual Sportsman’s Banquet Returns – see news release here
March 19 Vermilion County Conservation District’s Maple Syrup Fest – see details here
April 10 Save the Date for DACC Easter Egg Hunt!
Danville Public Library – see upcoming events here
Danville Public Library will be closing Wednesday, February 8 at 1:00 for water main repairs. They will reopen Thursday February 9 at 9:00AM
Scouts Troop 399 is excited to invite you to their virtual STEM night. Thursday, February 23rd, 2023, at 6:00 pm at the American Legion Post 210, located at 201 Prospect Place in Danville, IL there will be a FREE event for youth ages 10 or older. This event is to share about STEM career opportunities, education, and scouting!
Our partners include DACC, Danville Metal, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 149, Sygma Network, Thyssenkrupp, and Watchfire.
Friday Dinner served 5:00PM-7:00PM with options of beer battered fish, shrimp, and a variety of sandwiches
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery:
Bar Hours: Friday 3:00-9:00PM, Saturday Noon-9:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM–4:00PM
Enjoy our delicious craft beer, great food, and one-of-a-kind Greenhouse Bar setting. This is a heated, outdoor venue, so dress in layers! No reservations are required.
March 10-11 THE BELGIANS ARE COMING! Join us for exclusive, Belgian-style, Big Thorn beer releases, as well as some special, guest Belgian drafts. We’ll also be featuring a Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery cheese and fruit platter on Friday and Saturday for the event (please see pre-order reservation details on our website)! Look forward to tasting some of the finest, award-winning goat cheese in the nation, made right next door in Champaign County.
Boxcar Books & Vinyl:
We have a club for that! The Donut Club grades 5-8, The Coffee Club grades 8-12 and the Adult Book Club.
Check out our Rail Mail Book Subscription Boxes. Choose your genre and the number of months you’d like to subscribe and we will ship you a new release book and bookish gifts each month!
Danville Country Club: ( 2718 Denmark Rd, Danville)
March 1 DCC Grand Reopening Night
March 4 Casino Night Benefiting Project Success
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day at DCC
March 18 Watch the NCAA Tournament at DCC
More Information will be posted about these dates soon!
Danville Farmer’s Market: (First Presbyterian Church 100 N. Franklin, Danville)
March 4
April 1
Hours are 10:00AM-2:00PM
Fischer Theatre:
March 3 Danville’s Got Talent – see news release here; see flyer here
March 11 Danville Symphony Orchestra resumes Maestro Jeremy Swerling’s farewell season as he and the orchestra welcome virtuoso American violinist Luke Hsu to the Fischer Theatre – see news release here
March 31 “That’s What She Said” Celebrating the power of Women’s Voices – see Details here
This Friday night cook will be as follows: cheeseburgers/hamburgers, chicken strips, pork fritters, grilled chicken sandwich, and hot dogs.
Price is $10.
Service time is 5:30 til 7:30.
Wayne Acton and Friends will be playing in the hall from 7 til 9.
Sleepy Creek Vineyards:
Mondays: Yoga & Wine with Linda every Monday; Doors open at 5:30PM Class begins at 6:00PM, Cost is $10
Tuesdays: Yoga & Wine with Mandy every Tuesday; Doors open at 5:30PM Class begins at 6:00PM, Cost is $10
February 22: 12:00PM-7:00PM For a limited time, Wine Down ALL DAY Wednesday. $5 any glass of wine, small slushy, or small sangria. Take a mid-week break to relax and unwind!
February 24: 6:30PM-8:30Pm Live Music Series with The Painkillers
February 26: 3:00PM-5:00PM Live Music Series with the Hood Family
Sundays: Winey Mary Bar Every Sunday Noon-6:00PM
Sleepy Creek Hours: Sunday-Tuesday Noon-6:00PM; Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday Noon-7:00PM & Friday Noon-9:00PM. Please visit our Facebook page at Sleepy Creek Vineyards or online at www.sleepycreekvineyards.com for updates
Turtle Run:
Wednesdays: Queen of Hearts Drawing – see info here & see the winning pot each week on Facebook.
Westville American Legion Post 51:
Wednesdays: Queen of Hearts Drawing at 7:00PM. Tickets $1.00.
Thursdays: Tacos/Nachos with Bob Schifo from 5:30-7:30PM