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
DACC releases President’s List of Honor Students – see list here
Carle Health Certified as Great Place To Work for 6th Straight Years – see news release here
Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Response Training completed by 16 volunteers – see news release here
Watchfire Named AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Renewal Unit Provider – see news release here
Witzel Family McDonalds are please to announce their July Employees of the month. See press release here
New Members
Welcome to our New Members!
Education
Illinois Small Business Center at DACC – see upcoming classes & training events here
DACC Corporate Education Courses & Trainings: see flyer here
DACC offers Mix Masters Bartending Course – see flyer here
DACC Coordinated Engineering Program – see details here
DACC-Franklin University 3+1 Bachelor’s program just got more affordable – see press release here
Dr. Wade’s Connection, Coffee & Conversation at DACC: Male Depression, Substance Abuse, and Suicide: Understanding and Breaking Down Stigma – see flyer 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
Vermilion County Mental Health Board is offering Mental Health First Aid Training. For more information, see dates here
708 Mental Health Board with Gateway Family Services of Illinois and the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation bring Rising Tide back to Danville. See flyer here, see press release here with Keynote Speaker, Ben Zorbist – see flyer here
Nicole Lapenas
With school in full swing, I would like to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your time as a student. During this time of reflection, I am sure there are a couple of teachers/administrators that stand out amongst the others. For better or worse, educators have a huge influence on our lives. Statistics from Zippia show that the average teacher will impact more than 3,000 students throughout the course of their career. 83% of students say a teacher helped improve their confidence and self esteem and 75% of students say they see their teachers as mentors and role models.
Today we honor Nicole Lapenas, Oakwood Grade School Principal, for being a true role model and an incredible mentor to her staff and students. Nicole has spent 16 of her 20 years in education in the Oakwood School District. She explained when you do something you love it isn’t considered work. Nicole aspires to be a safe place for children. She wants to be the person they can trust, learn from, and look up to. She also wants to provide an environment where they are excited and encouraged to learn.
When Nicole began her career in teaching, she never wanted to leave the classroom. Being an administrator was not in the plans until she met her own mentor, Jean Neal. Jean’s compassion and empathy for the children, paired with her passion for her job was a true inspiration. Watching and learning from Jean made Nicole want to do more. She went back to school and received the credentials needed to move forward. She now has been an administrator for 10 years and loves it! She also loves the fact that she has been in education so long, that some of her students are now teachers too!
Outside of work Nicole can be found spending time with her 13-year-old daughter Madelyn. She and Madelyn live in Westville. They love the small-town vibe and all the amazing people. She explained that the great thing about both Westville and Oakwood is that everyone in the community takes care of each other. If there is a need, everyone is reaching out to get it taken care of. The genuine, caring, empathetic people that make up Vermilion County really warm her heart and makes her proud to call this place home. Nicole also enjoys playing pool (she competed in the Las Vegas World Pool Championship), karaoke, and going to concerts. Her favorite concert would have to be Eric Church and she cannot wait to see Pink in November!
During our interview, I quickly realized why Nicole was nominated. I was able to meet her at the school and what a great experience that was. Everyone I encountered was friendly, the halls were filled with happy students and caring teachers. Nicole was placed in the hallway providing guidance wherever she was needed. The inviting and uplifting atmosphere is a true testament to Nicole’s leadership. She makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet her. Her smile lights up the room and her kind words warm your soul. Thank you, Nicole Lapenas, for your amazing work. You are a great leader, role model and mentor. Thank you for being a true Vermilion County blessing.
By: Jodie Ingram
To nominate someone who inspires you, click below!
BIGG Tip of the Week: The Secret of the Most Innovative People in the World
Research on Nobel Prize winners showed one difference between them and their fellow scientists: Less than one percent of all scientists had a hobby, but almost ALL the Nobel Prize winners had one. Over half had a long-standing artistic hobby like music, sketching or writing. Hobbies help you develop creative skills you can use at work. It leads to BIGG Success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here.
Doug Ireland – Prudential Advisors
Sometimes the best way to see how far you’ve come is to look back at where you’ve been. Contact me at 217-516-7778 or doug.ireland@prudential.com to review where you have been and begin discussions of where you would like to go.
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency announces the start of the Energy Assistance Program – see press release here
Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program is offering a Staffing Grant for non-residential customers facing staffing challenges – see grant here
Vermilion River Fall Festival Sponsorship Opportunity – see flyer here
Vermilion County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO will host 2023 Labor Day Parade – see press release here and registration packet here
Survivor Resource Center is hiring a Sexual Assault Counselor – see more information here
Be a voice from Vermilion County community to discuss Early Childhood service needs – see flyer here
Vermilion Count Museum announces the winners of the 40th Midwest Heritage Quilt show – see new release here
Salvation Army has a new Officership see the 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
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
The Danville Noon Rotary – see meeting schedule and speakers here
CDI Head Start serving Vermilion, Iroquois, and Ford Counties is looking for donations of new or gently used clothing for the upcoming program year. If you would like to donate any clothing items for children from aged 6 weeks to 5 years, donations can be dropped at the administrative office at 1001 E. Voorhees and all clothing will be distributed between the centers. When dropping off donations, we ask that donors fill out a form for our records in order to keep track of items received.
Join us at the Citizens Police Academy for a unique look at your Police Department. Find more information 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.
August 26 Danville Boat Club presents End of Summer Party – see flyer here
August 26 Elmwood Neighborhood Group presents NACA Achieve the Dream Workshop – see flyer here
August 26 Humane Society Coexistence Art Show – see flyer here
September 1 First Friday in Downtown Danville: The Artisan Table and Market – Enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by good music, delicious food, and great people! See flyer here
September 2 Humane Society Toss for Tails – see flyer here
September 9 2023 River to Rail Ride to support Kickapoo Rail Trail – see flyer here and sponsorship information here
September 15 CASA Annual Golf Outing – see flyer here
September 15 United Day for United Way – see flyer here
September 16 STEP Recovery “End the Stigma” Event – see flyer here
November 11 STEP Recovery Sleepout for the Homeless – see flyer here
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
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery:
Bar Hours: Friday 3:00-9:00PM, Saturday Noon-9:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM–4:00PM
Check out this 15 acre farm, brewery and food truck in Vermilion County
August 25-27 Celebrate Big Thorn turning 7!! New beers will be released and The Truck will be serving up the Taco Takeover menu! 23 beers will be on tap at the Tree Bar
Boxcar Books & Vinyl:
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!
Thursday lunch is open to the public from 11:00AM-2:00PM
August 26 Jimmy Buffet End of Summer Party – Doors open at 3:00PM, Boat Scavenger Hunt at 4:00PM, Bags Tournament at 5:00PM
September 28 Annual Meeting Potluck
October 1 Annual Golf Outing at Turtle Run Golf Course – Tee off at noon
Fischer Theatre:
August 24 7:00PM-9:39PM Elvis
August 25 7:00PM-9:39PM Elvis
August 25 2:00PM-4:39PM Elvis
August 25 7:30PM Memphis Jones & Logan Kirby Band. Logan Kirby Band will be playing homage to the King of Rock and Roll! Opening the show all the way from Tennessee, the Memphis Jones Trio. A special performance by Speed Painter, John Janksy will kick things off
Friday Night Grill Night: 5:30-7:30 Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, chicken strips, pork fritters and chicken sandwiches. All sandwiches come with 2 sides: fries, coleslaw, onion rings, or beans for $10
7:00PM-9:00PM Captain’s 3 Band will be playing in the Hall
August 25 11:30AM-1:00PM Lunchbox Concert Series Music by Tom Grassman
August 25 5:00PM-9:00PM Concert Series Music by Memphis Jones
August 27 11:00AM-2:00PM Memphis Morning Salvation Show
VFW Post 728: (8 Pine Street, Danville)
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.
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
150th Anniversary Sesquicentennial August 19th through September 4th
Events happening every day for the 150th Anniversary Celebration! Check out the Village of Westville’s Facebook page for a schedule of events!