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Community Calendar

Your Guide To Events In The WRMJ Listening Area

DATE	EVENT	DESCRIPTION
NOW	BankOrion Sherrard Family Fire Fund	A benefit account for the families and victims of the Sherrard house fire on March 27 has been set up through BankOrion. Donations may be made at any BankOrion location to the “Sherrard Family Fire Fund” account.
NOW	First Community Bank Fire Funds Benefit Sherrard Families	Accounts have been set up through 1st Community Bank for the families, who suffered tragic losses during a home fire on Wed., March 27th. Donations can be made in person to 1st Community Bank in Sherrard or Aledo or mailed to: 1st Community Bank, Box 455, Sherrard, IL 61281. Please indicate Viager Family Fund, Turner Family Fund or Harker Family Fund on your check and if making donations to more than one fund, please write a separate check for each account. Call 309-593-2117 with any questions.
NOW	Nathan Robertson Memorial Magnets Benefit American Cancer Society	"The Tumorators" Mercer County Relay for Life Team is selling magnets honoring Nathan Robertson, who passed away in October from cancer at the age of 15. The cost is just $1 and all proceeds go to The American Cancer Society. To order, contact Missy at 309-847-5150.
ONGOING	Mercer County Crime Stoppers Needs Your Help	Mercer County Crime Stoppers is currently seeking information regarding the death of Melissa White of Viola. If you have any information regarding this crime, please call Mercer County Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-582-2762 or locally at 309-582-3500. If your information leads to the arrest of the person or persons involved in this crime, a cash reward of up to one thousand dollars will be paid to you in a confidential manner in addition to the one thousand dollar reward being offered by the family. That's Mercer County Crime Stoppers: toll-free at 1-800-582-2762 or for local calls, 582-3500.
NOW	Mercer County 4-H Spin Clubs Announced	Mercer County 4-H has new Special Interest 4-H Clubs starting this spring. Each club will meet six times to explore a specific topic and are open to all youth ages 8 - 18. Youth can join as many clubs as they would like. Don't delay, register today! Goat Club, Sundays May 5, 26, June 2, 9, 23 and 30 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, Aledo. Open to all youth ages 8 and older - even if you don't have a goat - you can lease one for $1. Your leased goat will be waiting for you at each meeting or bring your own goat. Learn how to judge, select, feed, manage and show goats. Members will be ready to participate in the 4-H Goat Show at the Mercer County Fair on July 11. Limited to 15 youth - register today! Sports Fishing Club, Saturdays May 25, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6. The first meeting will take place at the Aledo Central Park, other meetings will be at various fishing locations. You'll learn fishing and water safety, angling skills such as casting, baiting hooks, uses of different bait and tackle, equipment care, tying of fishing knots and more! Some supplies are required including a rod and reel. More details will be given at time of registration. To participate in the 4-H SPIN Club program, there is an annual Program Fee of $20 for non 4-H members. This allows youth to participate in as many SPIN Clubs as they would like for that current year. Some SPIN clubs may require an additional fee for supplies. To register, call (309) 582-5106.
NOW	Veteran Photos Sought For Memorial Day Presentation	A slide-show featuring Veterans of all eras will be shown during the All-American Memorial Day Picnic at the Aledo Legion. Everyone is encouraged to submit photos of veterans of any era for a slide-show. Please include full name, rank, branch & dates of service. Contact Amy Hess, 309-582-2277, with any questions.
NOW - June 30	Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation Crops for College	Members of the Mercer County Farm Bureau have the opportunity to support the next generation of Mercer County by donating bushels of corn or soybeans to the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation. Farmers can donate bushels of corn and soybeans at Cargill, ADM, Big River Resources, and Gold Star FS from now until June 30, 2013. All funds donated will go to sponsor scholarships for dependents of Mercer County Farm Bureau members. Please help fund the future of the next generation by donating to the Mercer County Farm Bureau Foundation. For more information on the Foundation or the “Crops for College” program, call the Farm Bureau office at 309-582- 5116 or e-mail mcfbmanager@gmail.com.
NOW - Early July	Sherrard/Winola Hall of Fame Nominees Sought	Nominations are being sought for the Sherrard/Winola Hall of Fame Banquet, which will be held in November (exact date & location tbd). Nominee's name and accomplishments since graduating high school should be submitted by early July to: Jodie Barton, 408 Highland Dr., Sherrard, IL 61281. Contact Allen Holdsworth, 309-754-8870, with any questions. They are accepting names of outstanding faculty or staff to also be honored during the banquet.
May 23	Viola Senior Citizens Potluck	Thurs., May 23, at noon, the Viola Senior Citizens will meet at the Viola Community Center for a Potluck.
May 23	Mercer County Quilters Guild	Mercer County Quilters Guild meets Thurs., May 23, 6:30 p.m. for a Potluck of finger foods. Table service will be provided by the officers. Please bring a favorite quilting tool or technique. There will be a binding demonstration and upcoming summer programs will be announced.
May 25	Keithsburg First Christian Car & Tractor Show	Keithsburg First Christian Church will host a Car & Tractor Show Sat., May 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is free. It's a day of fun, plus bargain treasures, food items and a quilt raffle. The church is located at 2005 Main St., Keithsburg.
May 25	BBQ Benefits Relay For Life	The Fans in the Stands Relay for Life Team will host this weekend's Outdoor BBQ at Mercer Market, Aledo. Enjoy a sandwich and help out your local Fans in the Stands Relay For Life Team Sat., May 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
May 26	Drury-Reynolds Memorial Day Service	The 112th Annual Drury-Reynolds Memorial Day Service will be held, rain or shine, at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, May 26th. Guest speaker is George McGreer, a Korean War Veteran. Any area Korean Veterans who would like to share their memories and experiences may contact Julie Wagner at 309-791-1306. A collection will be taken to benefit the Honor Flight. Refreshments will be provided. Please remember to bring a lawn chair. For more information, please call Diane Hessman at 537-3657, or Laurie Carpenter at 537-3231. Drury-Reynolds Cemetery is located in Drury Township of lower Rock Island County, approximately 4 miles from Muscatine, just off of the New Boston Blacktop.
May 26	Pope's River Church (Pope Creek) Worship Service	Seaton Center Presbyterian Church invites you to attend the Memorial Day Worship Service at Pope's River Church (aka Pope Creek Church) this Sunday, May 26th at 10AM.
May 27	Eliza Creek Cemetery Services	Memorial Day services at Eliza Creek Cemetery will be held at 1:30 p.m., Mon., May 27. The speaker is Robert Morrison.
May 27	Keithsburg First Christian Memorial Day Breakfast	Keithsburg First Christian Church Memorial Day Breakfast is Mon., May 27, 6:30 - 9 a.m. Menu includes sausage gravy with biscuits, pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs.
May 27	Peniel Cemetery Memorial Day Service	Peniel Cemetery Memorial Day Service is Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. Guest speaker is Rev. Norlita J. Kaul of College Avenue Presbyterian Church, Aledo, and there will be special music from students of Mrs. Susie Kenney from Mercer County Schools. Please bring flowers to place on the graves of veterans.
May 27	Aledo American Legion Memorial Day Parade	The Aledo American Legion Memorial Day Parade in downtown Aledo begins at appx. 10:30 a.m., Mon., May 27, at the old Northside Jr. High and will proceed down College Avenue, then to the Courthouse for 11th hour history and wreath laying ceremony. Amy Hess and Rev. Darren Dietmeier will speak.
May 27	All-American Picnic Honors Veterans	Aledo American Legion & Adonai Support Services will host an All-American Picnic on Monday, May 27, starting around 12 noon (following the Memorial Day Parade & wreath laying service). It will take place at the Legion, 2000 Hwy. 17, Aledo. Come honor our service men & women. Submission of photos of veterans of any era are encouraged for a slide-show. Contact Amy Hess, 309-582-2277, with any questions. There will also be a documentary depicting the armed forces throughout the generations, as well as a bounce-house, face painting and other activities for children, plus hamburgers, hot dogs, salads & desserts.
May 30	Aledo Bandshell Welcomes Big River Brass Band	Big River Brass Band performs at 7 p.m., Thurs., May 30, in Aledo Central Park Bandshell.
May 30	Dancing with the Stars Participants To Be Annouced	The 2013 Dancing with the Stars Committee will announce this year's participants and draw for partners on Thurs., May 30th, at Aledo's Central Park Bandshell during intermission of the performance of "Big River Brass Band." Stop by and find out who will be performing at this event set for Sat., Sept. 28th, at Mercer County High School. T-shirts will also be available to purchase with proceeds going to the participants fundraising efforts.
May 2013	Free Blood Pressure Screenings	Western Illinois Home Health Care FREE monthly Blood Pressure Screenings: Thurs., May 30, 5 - 6 p.m. - Community Center, New Boston
June 1	Mercer County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Fundraiser	The Trailbusters will hold their 1st Annual Mercer County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Fundraiser starting at 11 a.m., Sat., June 1, at the Equestrian Park at Big River Forest Preserve, Keithsburg. A donation horse back ride will start at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon and auction by Dale Jones. (Auction items can be seen at soldatjones.com.) Join the Mercer County community in supporting your Sheriff's Search & Rescue Team. All proceeds go to the team. For more information, contact Cindy Holcomb, 309-236-2504.
June 1	Boy Scout Pack 406 Duck Race	Boy Scout Pack 406 Duck Race is Saturday, June 1. Watch for more details. For more information, please call 309-371-8745.
June 1, Register Now	Mercer Carnegie Public Library Summer Reading Program	Mercer Carnegie Public Library's Summer Reading Program will be Sat., June 1 - Mon., July 1. Participants of all ages are welcome and will read five books from different categories at their reading level during the program to be eligible for reading prizes. Events are free, open to the public and no registration is required to attend, but to be eligible for reading prizes, participants must register by June 1st at the library, 200 North College Avenue Aledo. Call 309-582-2032 with any questions. Events: Thurs., June 13, 10 a.m. - Furry Friends Petting Zoo Fri., June 21, 10 a.m. - Mad Mixture Science Program Fri., June 28, 10 a.m. - Fire Truck / Extinguisher Training Mon., July 1, 10 a.m. - Meet Rascal and the River Bandits Visit them online: mercercarnegielibrary.webs.com
June 1	Cruise Night	Knuckle Buster's Car Club and Royal Neighbors Chapter 20110 hope to see everyone come out for Cruise Night on Sat., June 1st, 6-8 p.m. in the parking lot at AutoZone, Aledo. Admission is $2 or a canned food item to benefit the Mercer County Food Pantry.
June 1	Cinema @ Central	Cinema @ Central offers a family-friendly night under the stars on Sat., June 1st, at dusk in Central Park, downtown Aledo. The featured movie is Cars 2. Refreshments will be available for purchase from Aledo Main Street. Bring your lawn chairs. This event is sponsored by Knuckle Busters Car Club and Royal Neighbors Chapter 20110.
June 6	Members Only Book Sale Preview Party	A Friends of Mercer Carnegie Library Members Only Preview Book Sale/Party will be held Thursday, June 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tax deductible annual membership dues are $12 and may be paid at the door during this event. Refreshments will be served. Call 582-2032 with any questions.
June 7-8	Aledo's 22nd Annual Rhubarb Fest	The 22nd Annual Rhubarb Festival is Sat. & Sun., June 7 & 8th, in downtown Aledo. Come enjoy this free family-friendly festival. For a complete list of events, visit: aledomainstreet.com or aledochamber.org
June 7-8	Rhubarb Fest Book Sale Benefits Mercer Carnegie Library	Mercer Carnegie Friends of the Library will host their annual Rhubarb Fest Book Sale on Friday, June 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call 582-2032 with any questions.
June 7-8	Aledo UM Women's Rhubarb Fest Luncheon	Aledo United Methodist Church Women will serve a delicious “sit-down” homemade luncheon in the air-conditioned dining room,301 N. College Ave., Aledo, during Rhubarb Fest on Friday, June 7th & Saturday June 8th, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Menu: Chicken salad on croissant bun, ham & cheese sandwich on wheat hoagie bun, potato salad or chips, fresh fruit, and homemade pies. Cost: $7.50/ child’s meal is $3. Call 582-2169 for take-out meals or delivery to Aledo homes & businesses. Order forms can be found on the church website: www.myaledoumc.com. Orders may also be emailed to the office at myaledoumc.com.
June 8, Bids Accepted NOW	MC Athletic Boosters Dunk Tank	Silent Auction Bids are being accepted now for First Dunk at the Mercer County Athletic Boosters Rhubarb Fest Dunk Tank on Sat., June 8. Call Jason Snyder, 309-737-1049, to place a bid. Every half hour between 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., a new volunteer victim will enter the tank: 10:00 - Brian Adams 10:30 - Rusty Ruggles 11:00 - Dustin Murray 11:30 - Nick Basala 12:00 - Jen Murphy 12:30 - Mick Louck 1:00 - Heather Douglas 1:30 - Nat Zunkel 2:00 - Mark Archer 2:30 - Cassidy Staker 3:00 - Jessie Harrison 3:30 - Laura Swanson 4:00 - Chris Whitenack 4:30 - Steve Speaker
June 8	Masonic Lodge Fish Fry	The Aledo Masonic Lodge Fish Fry will be held on Sat., June 8th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Rhubarb Fest in the new Fire Station just East of Central Park.
June 14	Preemption UM Church Ice Cream Social	The Preemption United Methodist Church Ice Cream Social is Friday, June 14, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The menu includes Methodist burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, baked beans, homemade pies & cakes, along with homemade ice cream and toppings.
June 14	Variety Show	Midwest Banking Center will host a Variety Show and pork chop sandwich meal at 6 p.m., Fri., June 14, at Aledo Central Park.
June 15	Andalusia Lion's Annual Chicken Fry	The Andalusia Lion's Annual Chicken Fry is Sat., June 15th. They'll serve 11-8, Saturday only.
June 20, RSVP by 6/13	Genesis Medical Center, Aledo, Auxiliary Annual Meeting	The Genesis Medical Center, Aledo, Auxiliary Annual Meeting is Thurs., June 20, at Liberty Station Steakhouse, downtown Aledo. All reservations need to be in by Thurs., June 13, by contacting the gift shop, 582-3703, or Vivian Kopp, 582-5464.
June 22	Mitchell Warwick Golf Outing Benefits Mercer County Athletics	The Mitchell Warwick Golf Outing, Auction & Ribeye Dinner is Sat., June 22. Tee Time is 8 a.m. at Hawthorn Ridge, Aledo. Dinner & live auction follow at the Mercer County VFW. Registration is limited to 72 foursomes and special events include 18 pin prizes, skins, hole in one prizes and raffles. If unable to attend, why not sponsor a hole? Contact Nat Zunkel for more information. Proceeds benefit Mercer County High School Athletics.
June 24	Aledo Kiwanis Division Golf Outing	Aledo Kiwanis Division Golf Outing is Monday, June 24th. This 4-person preferred ball/superball event kicks off with 1 p.m. shotgun start at Hawthorn Ridge Golf Course, 621 State Hwy 94, Aledo (south of Aledo). Social hour & buffet starts at 6 p.m. at Oakview Country Club, 1601 SW 3rd Ave., Aledo (west of MCHS football field). Awards/Prizes (team, hole & door) and maybe Karaoke will follow dinner. Cost: $60 per golfer (dinner included) or $15 for dinner only.
June 25	Rules Of The Road Refresher Course	The Mercer County Senior Center, 137 West Main Street, Aledo will hold a free “Rules of the Road” refresher course on Tuesday, June 25th from 1 to 3 p.m. This course is open to all ages and materials will be provided.
July 27	Eliza Lion's Tractor Caravan	Saturday, July 27, weather permitting, a caravan of tractors will leave the Community Center in Eliza at 8 am. They will take a cross country, scenic trip to the bridge crossing the Mississippi at Muscatine. 50 to 100 tractors will be met by the Muscatine police department and escorted to the Ag Center on Lucas Street for a lunch break and interviews before heading back to Eliza via a different cross country route. The 45 miles usually takes 7-8 hours to complete. This annual event, sponsored by the Eliza Lion's Club, is in it's 8th year, and is open to anyone on any tractor that can maintain the 12MPH speed, has the proper insurance and is fitted with the slow moving signage required by law. Contact Dick Nash, 309-537-3536 or 563-260-5905 with any questions.

Summer Hours	Essley-Noble Museum	Essley-Noble Museum, 1406 SE 2nd Ave., Aledo, will observe Summer Hours April 1st through October 31st, Wed., Sat., Sun., 1 - 5 p.m. For more information, call 309-582-2280 or email: mcmuseum@frontier.com.
Every Thursday	Veterans Service Officer Available	The Veterans Service Officer will be in the Veterans and General Assistance Office every Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. to help with your veterans/military needs or questions. No appointments are necessary, first come-first served. The office is located in the Courthouse on the 2nd floor, west end. Call 582-2714 for more information.
1st Friday each month	Sit & Sew	The Sit and Sew group will meet the first Friday of each month. Any questions, call 582-0828.
3rd Friday (Oct. 19 - April)	Matherville Eagles Friday Fish Fry	The Matherville Eagles Club will host a monthly Fish Fry on the 3rd Friday of each month through April. From 4:30-7 p.m., come enjoy whole catfish or fillets, coleslaw, baked potatoes and roll. Eat-in or carry out.
Every Sunday	Hamlet-Perryton Presbyterian Church Study of Revelations	Hamlet-Perryton Presbyterian Church will begin a series of Bible studies on the book of Revelations. Everyone is invited to attend and receive the blessing that is promised to those who study this book. Study will be at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday, beginning Feb. 10 but anyone is welcome to join in at any point during the series. For more information, call Pastor Harry Losey at 582-7519.
Every Friday	American Legion Bingo	Aledo American Legion Bingo is every Friday with doors opening at 5 p.m., and bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. Food and drink will be available. You might win some cash and you'll help the American Legion aid local charities. The Aledo American Legion Post 121 is located 1 mile east of Aledo at 2000 Route 17 in the old Frew School Building. License number B1317.
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month	Trinity Presbyterian Church "Bible Bunch"	Area children ages kindergarten through 4th grade are invited to attend "Bible Bunch," the free after-school ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Bible Bunch is held the first and third Thursday of each month from 3:15 to 5 p.m.during the school year, and Trinity offers after-school pickup to those who are attending. For more information, call 582-5324.
Every Wednesday	Preemption UM Church "Wonderful Wednesdays"	The Preemption United Methodist Church invites you to "Wonderful Wednesdays" at 6 p.m. This is a free meal site for those having financial difficulties or needing companionship & fellowship, or for busy parents who need an easy night with their kids. It's also free for kids who may need some tutoring at 5:30 before supper. Everyone is invited. Children 6th grade and under must be accompanied by an adult. For questions or more information, call 309-754-8720.
Every Wednesday	Aledo UMC Wednesday Community Meal	Every Wednesday evening, the United Methodist Church in Aledo will host a free meal, open to anyone in the community. The church is located at 301 N. College Avenue and the meal is served between 5:15 - 6 p.m. For more information, call 582-2169.
1st Wednesday	Senior Center Bingo	Mercer County Senior Center will be playing Bingo with Aledo Health & Rehab the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center, 137 W. Main St., Aledo. Call 582-5492 with any questions.
Mondays and Thursdays each week	Model Rail Club Meets	The Western Illinois Model Railroad Club is looking for new members. They meet each Monday at 7 p.m. and each Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. above the old Dollar General Store on Main Street. For more information, call 582-2709.
2nd Wednesday of each month	Caregiver Support Group	Caregiver Support Group meets the Second Wednesday of each month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Mercer County Senior Center, 137 West Main Street, Aledo. Support Group facilitator is Susan Kivista, LMSW. For additional information and resources, contact Susan at 309-736-6798, ext. 6798, or toll-free at 800-798-0988. You may also contact the Senior Center at 309-582-7221 or toll free at 888-825-1050.
2nd Tuesday of each month	Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting	The Aledo Area Chamber of Commerce holds their regular meetings at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Call the Aledo Chamber of Commerce office at 582-5373 for the location of the next meeting.
Thursdays	Lifetree Café	Lifetree Café will be open from 7 to 8 p.m. each Thursday evening in the fireside room at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 606 S.E. 3rd St., Aledo. Lifetree Café is an hour of stories and conversation to feed your soul, with a different topic and video each week. Lifetree Café is free and open to all. For more information call Karen at 309-236-2911.
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month	Electronics and Latex Paint Recycling	Do you have electronics or latex paint that you want to get rid of safely? You may stop by Aledo City Hall on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month between 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. to let them know what you have to recycle. They will then have someone meet you at the PD Garage to turn in your recyclables. Spray paints are not accepted. For more information on recycling potentially hazardous materials, contact Aledo City Hall at 582-7241.
3rd Thursday of each month	Alzheimer's Support Group	Aledo Rehabilitation & Health Care in Aledo will host monthly Alzheimer's Support Group Meetings on the 3rd Thursday at 2 p.m. in the facility conference room. Contact Wendy King, 309-582-5376, with any questions.
Now Available	Mercer Carnegie Library Offers eBooks	Mercer Carnegie Library is now offering downloadable eBooks and Audiobooks. Get best-selling and classic titles anytime, anywhere. This new service is free for patrons with a valid library card. For complete details, visit the library at 200 North College Avenue, Aledo; call 582-2032; Email: mercer.cargnegie@mchsi.com
Now	Food Pantries Available to Area Residents	Churches of Mercer County Food Pantry, 1200 N. College Ave., Aledo Contact: Sharon Lingafelter 309-582-7449 Servicing Mercer County, Tues. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. & Fri. 8 a.m. - 12 (noon) New Windsor United Presbyterian Church, 412 Walnut St., New Windsor Contact: Cindy Adams 309-667-2493 Servicing New Windsor (PALS Ministry area), 2nd Fri. each month, 12:30 - 2 p.m. Reynolds United Methodist Church Contact: Rev. Mark Slaatte 309-428-4449 Servicing the Reynolds area Sherrard Village Hall Contact: Cookie Dean 309-230-6440 or Dianne Graham 309-314-3888 Servicing Sherrard, Cable, Preemption, Swedona & Boden, Tues. 2-4 p.m. Viola UM Church, 1407 18th Ave., Viola Contact: Tammy Noyd 309-596-2140 Servicing Mercer County, Tues. 9-10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 1:30 - 3 p.m. River Bend Food Bank, 309 12th St., Moline Contact: 309-764-7434 Office: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Warehouse: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Now	Smart Choice Food Program	St. Albans Church, Davenport, Smart Choice Food Program provides a basket of food, a Smart Box, that can be ordered monthly and picked up at St. Albans. Smart Boxes contain between $55 - $80 of food for a cost of $36. There are no income restrictions for participation in this program. Orders are accepted Monday - Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you cannot come to St. Albans during normal office hours, call 563-386-4087. For more information email robinsade@q.com with a subject line of Smart Choice. Alternate order placement may be done on line at: www.smartchoicefoods and scheduled for pick-up at St. Albans or through New Life Church in Moline.