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
thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components produces their 100 millionth camshaft in Danville – see news release here
DACC Names Employees of the Year – see news release here
2023 DACC Graduates – see list here; see commencement here
The Danville NAACP’s “Pandemic Health Navigators” program has received six nominations for Community Health Worker awards from the Illinois Department of Public Health – see news release here
Carle Health Certified as Great Place To Work for 6th Straight Years – see news release here
Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees – see news release here
Greater Illiana Sports Hall of Fame Announces Student Athletes of the Year – see news release here
A Legacy of Generosity; Charlotte Anne Russell Charitable Trust – see news release here
The Illinois Banking Association (IBA) has announced that Tom Chamberlain has been elected as the Chair of the IBA’s Board of Directors for 2023-2024.
DACC Coordinated Engineering Program – see details here
Child Care Resource Services would like to encourage people to learn about the Grants and Scholarships that are available for Early Childhood and Education -see Higher Education Navigator Flyer here; see Early Childhood DACC flyer here; see ECACE Scholarship flyer here
Learn about DACC’s Leadership Inspired for Tomorrow training here
Danville Public School Foundation News – see June issue here
Healthcare
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness is working with public health agencies across Illinois to get people the health care they need. To do that, we need a better idea of why people might not seek out healthcare or medical treatment in your area. We are looking to hear directly from you. We can assist in many ways, especially by attending an outreach event that you may host as a community or any outreach event that you know of in your community. We are looking to make partnerships and collaborations; we are striving to educate the community on the importance of the vaccine and receive feedback from the community.
We help those that are insured and uninsured. Our team comes prepared to any event in the community, with flyers, promo bags, and giveaways, and more importantly, fully equipped to make appointments on the spot for any healthcare needs. We also are able to bring our COVID mobile unit and set up a table at your event to provide COVID VACCINES for those in need and willing to receive the Vaccine.
OSF Healthcare reopening Danville birthing center in September – see news release here
OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart to Open New Wound Clinic – see news release here
OSF Healthcare Healthy Workplace Event – see flyer here
Vermilion County Mental Health Board is offering Mental Health First Aid Training. For more information, see dates here
New Members
Welcome
C.O.R.E. Re-Entry
Darren Alexander
“Don’t look to the sky for fireworks when you can watch them light up in the eyes of all the people passing by.” Tyler Kent
Darren is a straight shooter, who is passionate about speaking his truth. He is known for many things in his community, but above all, he is known for his heart. His hard-working spirit and his love for others shine through with every generous move he makes.
Darren and his wonderful wife Neva have been married for 25 years and reside in Georgetown. They have a daughter, Macey, and 2 grandchildren. Darren and Neva own and operate Alexander Concession and Catering. Through their business, they have been able to donate food and resources to local organizations, events, and help feed community members who are in need. Darren stated, “It’s a great feeling to know that you are making someone’s day brighter. I believe everything happens for a reason, and we were put here to help as much as we can.”
Darren and Neva both come from humble beginnings and have worked hard to achieve “The American Dream”. They began their business venture by doing concessions at various demolition derby’s throughout the area. As their concession business continued to grow, they decided to move to the next level by purchasing a food truck. Little did they know this purchase would leave them on the brink of bankruptcy. Fairs and events were already booked for the year, which meant there was little to no revenue coming in. Darren and Neva were not giving up, they desperately scoured the internet and made numerous phone calls trying to book business. Finally, through their internet searches, they found Patty. Patty oversaw the food vendors for Charlotte Motor Speedway. One thing led to another and before they knew it, they were packing up their clothes, finding a crew to travel, and setting up their food truck for the Nascar Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina. For years they would spend 4 months out of every year working on the east coast. Through their hard work and determination, they were able to build their business, expand into catering, and add 4 ice cream trailers to their services. Today, they have a very successful business, they love what they do, and they are always looking for ways to give back.
One of the most recent ways they were able to give back was this past 4th of July weekend. Georgetown, like many other towns, was devastated by the storm. Families went days without power, homes and properties were damaged, fireworks were cancelled, and people were struggling. Darren and Neva, along with their crew, immediately sprang into action. Within 12 hours they purchased fireworks, made up some food, and hosted an event welcoming everyone to their property to enjoy fireworks and a free hot meal. The event was just what the people needed; kids were laughing, adults were smiling, and for a moment everyone came together and that is what it’s all about. “Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces made it worth every penny. “
Thank you, Darren and Neva, for not only lighting up the skies, but for lighting up people’s lives during a time of darkness. Your big hearts and generous souls do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Thank you for all that you do!
By Jodie Ingram
To nominate someone who inspires you, click below!
BIGG Tip of the Week: Stuck on a Difficult Problem? Try this:
Dust! File! Make coffee! But whatever you do, don’t think! Participants in a study were presented with a creative challenge. One group tackled a mentally-demanding task first while the other group performed an undemanding activity. The latter group scored significantly better on the creative challenge. Mindless tasks can be springboards for creative thinking and lead to BIGG Success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here.
Doug Ireland – Prudential Advisors
New income may call for some changes to your monthly budget and your long-term financial goals. Changing jobs is a great time to ask yourself “Now what?” Contact me at 217-516-7778 or doug.ireland@prudential.com for a complimentary consultation.
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
Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program is offering a Staffing Grant for non-residential customers facing staffing challenges – see grant here
The Danville Noon Rotary – see meeting schedule and speakers here
Vermilion River Fall Festival Sponsorship Opportunity – see flyer here
Love INC is hosting a shoe drive fundraiser. Learn more here
Be a voice from Vermilion County community to discuss Early Childhood service needs – see flyer here
Vermilion County Conservation District 2023 Camp Programs – see flyer here; see program registration here
Vermilion County Conservation District Programs and Events – see here
Vermilion Count Museum announces the winners of the 40th Midwest Heritage Quilt show – see new release here
SAVE THE DATE Vermilion Regional Airport is pleased to announce the return of the very popular “Cheeseburger Night” – see news release here
Need Help Finding & Affording Quality Child Care? Child Care Resource Service is here to help – see flyer here; see who we are and what we do here; see higher educational navigator flyer here
Reach 1 Coach 1 Basketball Skills – see details here
The State is resuming redetermination for Medicaid patients – see flyer here
Eastern Illinois Foodbank has volunteer opportunities! Learn more here
Monyok Leadership Introduces The Lab: The Lab is an exclusive monthly leadership innovation experience for organizations serious about inspiring and innovating with their leaders.
Apply to bring The Lab to your team today! The Lab
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency VOCA Newsletter – see July Newsletter here
Rosecrance: On Your Radar – Building a Healthier Society – learn more and download the podcast here
Upcoming Member Events
Golden Nugget Casino Opens – check out their current hours here
Danville Farmers Market is now EVERY SATURDAY from 8:00AM-Noon at Crossroads Church in Danville. Now accepting LINK cards in trade for tokens with free triple match vouchers for fruit and vegetables.
Warm weather brings endless dining options at 112 Wine and Coffee Shoppe! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or sweet snacks on the patio, in the game room, or in our beautiful dining room! You can also use the Joe app to place carry out or curbside orders. Our full menu is available all day long! Make some fun summer memories with your people at 112
American Legion Post 210:
July 20 Tacos/Salads 5:00PM-8:00PM & Band-The “Wise Guys”
AMBUCS: (Turtle Run Golf & Banquet Center, 332 E. Liberty Lane, Danville)
Friday Night Concert Series
7:00PM-10:00PM
The American Pie Band (Classic Rock)
Join us for this FREE summer music concert on the Turtle Run Stage! Food and drinks available on site. Hang out in your lawn chair on the grass or under the large shaded patio area. Rain or shine, always free!
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery:
Bar Hours: Friday 3:00-9:00PM, Saturday Noon-9:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM–4:00PM
July 12 & July 13 Airness @ Big Thorn
Admission to Airness (directed and performed by KottrGrimm Theatrical Storytellers. Tickets include Two beverages (Two 16 ounce Big Thorn beers or Two Fools Hard Ciders),Unlimited non-alcoholic beverage choices: Bottled Water, Bottled Teas, and Sodas. A meal from The Truck with your choice of protein: Sliced Roasted Chicken, Seared Salmon Fillet, House-Made Black Beans, Protein is served on a bed of cilantro-lime jasmine rice with pickled onion, lime crema, and cilantro, Toasted naan bread slices, Fresh fruit salad of pineapple and berries
Gratuity and tax is included in ticket price ($65)
The performance will take place under the pavilion at Big Thorn Farm & Brewery. The bar and food truck will open at 5 pm, and the performance will begin at 6:30 pm. There will be an intermission around 7:15, and the show will resume at 7:45. The show will finish around 8:30, and the bar will remain open until 9 pm.
Boxcar Books & Vinyl:
July 12 at 5:00PM join us for refreshments and presentation by author Kathleen Geraghty
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!
Hoopeston Public Library: (110 N. Fourth St., Hoopeston)
July 13 2:00PM – WCIA-TV, Meteorologist Jacob Dickey
Open to all residents of all ages
Jacob Dickey will share about his job and the wild, wacky weather of Central Illinois
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
Fridays: Wieners & Wine Friday 5:00PM-8:00PM; Music by the Dream Catchers 6:30P-8:30PM
Saturday, July 15 6:30PM-10:30PM Howl2Go Dueling Piano Summer Show. Please visit our Facebook page at Sleepy Creek Vineyards or online at www.sleepycreekvineyards.com for more information
Sunday 2:30PM-5:00PM
Sleepy Creek Hours: Sunday-Tuesday Noon-6:00PM; Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday Noon-7:00PM & Friday Noon-9:00PM.
Fridays: fish fillet dinners and Bill’s seafood chowder will be served from 5:00PM-8:00PM/ Dine in and carry-outs available
Sundays: Family bingo every Sunday promptly at 2:00PM. Children are welcome, but be 18 years of age to play. A Sunday lunch special and a variety of sandwiches and snack foods are available.
Village of Tilton: (Thomas Park, West 5th St., Tilton)
Summer of Music
July 15 6:00PM-9:00PM
Music by Rock Posse
The Village Grill will be open for food and drinks (cash only at this time)
Westville American Legion Post 51:
Wednesdays: Queen of Hearts Drawing at 7:00PM. Tickets $1.00.
Thursday Night Dinners with Bob Schifo – see menu here