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
Carle Health Certified as Great Place To Work for 6th Straight Years – see news release here
Watchfire Named AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Renewal Unit Provider – see news release here
Danville Noon Rotary awards 2023 Vocational Service Award to Thomas Chamberlain – see press release here
Education
Danville Public School Foundation Newsletter – see here
Illinois Small Business Center at DACC – see upcoming classes & training events here
DACC Corporate Education Courses & Trainings: 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
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
Thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components has donated $3,000 to DACC Welding Program – see press release here
Healthcare
Rosecrance: On Your Radar – Building a Healthier Society – learn more and download the podcast here
OSF HealthCare Sacred Heart Medical Center hosts classes for New & Expectant Mothers – find more information here
Two Roads Wellness Clinic offers Primary Care and Convenient Care – find more information here and here
Cassie Rhodes
What started as a dream has become reality for Cassie Rhodes.
Growing up in Grape Creek, she never wanted to stay in Danville or in Vermilion County. Even after she attended the Christian school here and after making many connections in Danville, she still wanted to leave. So, she lived in Indianapolis for twenty years before eventually deciding the best thing to do was move back home. She and her two daughters moved back to the area, and she knew then that Danville was the right place for her. She met her husband, Eric Rhodes, and together they conquered their fears and dreams. Cassie’s entire family still being in the area was a huge benefit to coming back because she knew she would have a strong support system. With three younger siblings she would never be without her family again.
Cassie never thought she would come back to Danville and love it this much. However, Danville is such a beautiful community, and she felt right at home again. With it being centrally located, she can still go visit bigger cities, but she also enjoys the outdoor activities that Vermilion County and the surrounding areas have to offer. This summer she spent so much time at different state parks and lakes, enjoying their family camper. She has also been able to open and grow The Slotted Spoon because the community has been so supportive and uplifting.
Before opening The Slotted Spoon in 2018, Cassie was just making homemade freezer meals to make some extra money, and found she really enjoyed it. Three weeks into that endeavor she began a full-time position working for the city. After a year with the city, she realized what she really wanted to be doing was running a restaurant. In December of 2018, Cassie along with her younger sister and cousin, opened The Slotted Spoon as a take-and-bake only food service. Cassie says, “It seemed that everyone enjoyed coming and getting a good, easy meal they could make at home. It brought everyone back together at the dinner table during the difficult time of the pandemic.” In June of 2021, they were able to purchase their current location on Gilbert Street and in February of 2022 they opened the doors. Later that year in September they finished renovations and opened the café area with dining services. Walking into the Slotted Spoon, you feel welcomed and invited.
As the owner of The Slotted Spoon, Cassie is always busy, but she makes it a point to still spend time with family and loved ones. Because she cares about the community that has helped make her dream of owning a restaurant come true, she donates to schools, churches, and even to local families in need.
Cassie is proud that, “We are bringing families back to the dinner table.” Everything Cassie makes is 100% homemade. At The Slotted Spoon they even slice their own meats and cheeses; nothing is pulled out of the freezer to cook unless you get a take-and-bake meal, but even those are prepared with fresh ingredients. Cassie does not sell anything at the restaurant that she wouldn’t serve at home. The Slotted Spoon is family friendly, and Cassie Rhodes makes everyone that walks through the door feel like family.
If you haven’t been, go experience The Slotted Spoon! If you see Cassie there, let her know how much she is appreciated in the community. Thank you, Cassie Rhodes, for opening your business, your heart, and your kitchen to this community! Welcome home.
By Erin Gregory
To nominate someone who inspires you, click below!
Vermilion Advantage announces new CEO/President Mike Marron – see press release here
Vermilion Advantage is excited to announce the next round of Back to Business Grants for New Businesses – find more information here
Vermilion Advantage and Step Up announce the Resource Round-Up and we need your help! Find out more here!
BIGG Tip of the Week: How a Marshmallow Can Help You Reach Your Goals Researchers gave 4-year olds a marshmallow and said: “I’m running an errand. When I get back – if you haven’t eaten your marshmallow, I’ll give you another one.” Some ate it immediately. Others resisted and got the reward. Years later, follow up revealed the resistors were more successful. Their secret? Set a goal. Treat yourself only when you achieve it for your BIGG success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here
Doug Ireland – Prudential Advisors With the end of the year approaching, it’s a great time to review your year-end strategies from IRA contributions to required minimum distributions to gifting. Contact me at 217-516-7778 or doug.ireland@prudential.com for a complimentary consultation.
Vermilion County has received an approved SBA Disaster Declaration in connection with the storms we experienced from June 29-July 2. Find our more information here and here
Check out the official newsletter of DLO Musical Theatrehere
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency VOCA Newsletter – see the November newsletter here
Check out the 2023-2024 DLO Musical Theatre Advertising information here
Monyok Leadership holds open enrollment for Leadership Out Loud – find out more here
VFW Post 728 accepted a check from Applebees, a supporter of the U.S. Military Veterans, to assist with their discretionary needs. Pictured are Kevin Freeland, Applebee’s and Randy VanVickle, Commander of Post 728
Upcoming Member Events
December 6 Kaleidoscope LGBTQ+ Teen Support Group – see flyer here
December 8 Sweet with Santa presented by Illume Counseling & Wellness Center – see flyer here
December 8-9 Annual Holiday Bazaar at Harrison Park Clubhouse – see flyer here
December 9 Roxy’s House 3rd Annual Magical Candyland Christmas – see flyer here, volunteer decorating times here and sponsorship opportunities here
December 9 Meet Santa – Bring your children or pets – see flyer here
December 9 Danville Barbershop Chorus presents Share the Spirit Christmas concert benefitting The Dwelling Place and featuring the DHS Madrigal Singers – see flyer here
December 15-16 Glo Bingo with Survivor Resource Center – see flyer here
December 19 Robinson Chiropractic Open House to welcome Dr. Adam – see flyer here
American Legion Post 210, Danville:
December 17 11:00AM-12:30PM Santa comes to the American Legion Post 210
December 21 5:00PM-9:00PM Trivia Night and food! Join us in your Ugly Sweater and for the White Elephant gift exchange
December 31 6:00PM-1:00AM New Year’s Eve Party with Danville Blues Coalition. $20/person includes good, champagne, party favors and music!
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery:
Bar Hours: Friday 3:00-9:00PM, Saturday Noon-9:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM–4:00PM
Heated Greenhouse Bar seating and food from The Truck. Families are always welcome and well-behaved dogs are welcome on leashes.
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!
Tuesday-Friday 10:00AM-5:00PM and Saturday 10:00AM-4:00PM
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
Sunday: Enjoy the Winey Mary Bar and wine slushies
Vermilion County Museum Society:
December 10 1:30PM-4:00PM
Holiday Open House – join us for crafts, snacks and games for children along with face painting by Searah’s Shack. Santa will be available for photos
Vermilion River Beer Company
December 10 11:00AM-1:00PM Second Sunday Salvation with Chad Hays & Company
VFW Post 728: (8 Pine Street, Danville)
December 9 1:00PM-4:00PM Children Christmas Party with Santa Games, story time, goody bags and more!
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.