Articles by Gary Schenkel
Schenkel Begins Communications Business
Gary Schenkel of Urbana, with 25 years of experience in written communications, including marketing/public relations, newspaper editing and grant writing, has launched his own business, Schenkel Communications.
Sharing the Treasure of Reading
“What can I do that’s something I enjoy and is something that will help other people?” Marilyn Scheiderer of Mechanicsburg asked herself several years ago. An avid reader and regular patron of the Champaign County Library, Marilyn chose to become a volunteer tutor with the Champaign County Literacy Council.
Literacy Tutor Training Jan. 22 and 29
Here's your opportunity to make a great difference in the lives of Champaign County adults who have difficulty reading. Enroll now for the next session of free training to become a tutor with the Champaign County Literacy Council.
Coming Attraction at the Library: Spiders and Snakes!
Special guests to the Champaign County Library will slither, hop and amble in on as many as eight legs, Monday, July 10, for a program hosted by the library’s summer reading program and Urbana Celebrates Reading.
Parents to Learn About Ohio Graduation Tests
Urbana High School will host a workshop to inform parents of freshmen and sophomores about the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT). The workshop, sponsored by Community Connections, will be held Monday, February 14 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Urbana Schools Levy Committee Seeks Support
A citizens committee that is supporting renewal of a 5.9-mill operations levy for Urbana City Schools invites community members to a meeting to provide ideas on promoting the ballot issue and to learn how they can assist with the campaign. The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. in conference rooms B and C of the Champaign County Community Center, 1512 S. U.S. 68, Urbana.
Urbana Celebrates Reading!
Society > Libraries and Museums
Urbana area residents of all ages and reading abilities are invited to participate in a new, free monthly program – Urbana Celebrates Reading! – to share and spread the joy of reading. The first celebration will be held Monday, April 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana.
Community Literacy Program Focuses on Newspapers
Society > Libraries and Museums
The second monthly program of Urbana Celebrates Reading will focus on the important roles that newspapers and reading play in our daily lives. The program will be held Monday, May 23, 5:30- 7 p.m. at the Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana.
Champaign County Library Hosts Medieval Fair
Society > Libraries and Museums
Urbana Celebrates Reading will join the Champaign County Library in the “Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds” Medieval Fair, the beginning of the library’s Summer Reading Club, on Saturday, June 4, 5-6:30 p.m. at the library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana.
Urbana Celebrates Reading Travels Back in Time
Society > Libraries and Museums
The Urbana Celebrates Reading program invites local adults and children to a journey back in time at the Champaign County Historical Society Museum, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, August 15.
Free Literacy Tutor Training Offered
Free training will be provided September 10 and 17 for persons interested in volunteering with the Champaign County Literacy Council to tutor adult learners who read below the sixth grade level.
Program Focuses on Christians’ Role in Schools
Public education and Christianity often seem at odds when you scan headlines in the newspaper. But is there anything that Christians can do to affect what happens in our public schools?
Reading Program Celebrates Johnny Appleseed
Society > Libraries and Museums
At the Urbana Celebrates Reading program for September, adults and children will be able to pick fact from fiction about the legendary life of Johnny Appleseed. The program – from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 19 – will be held at the site of the largest known collection of written materials and memorabilia about the early Ohio pioneer: the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana University’s Bailey Hall.
September 21 Spaghetti Dinner to Support Local Literacy Efforts
To support local efforts to improve literacy in the community and to celebrate National Literacy Month, the Champaign County Literacy Council (CCLC) is selling tickets for its Fund-Raising Spaghetti Dinner to be held Wednesday, September 21, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rock ‘N Robin Diner, 1010 Scioto St., Urbana.
C-TEC Seminar to Showcase Free Employment Services
At a free seminar for employers and job seekers, the Champaign Technology and Employment Center (C-TEC) and its partner agencies will showcase free employment-related services they provide year-round for both groups.
‘Fashions to a Tea’ to Celebrate Survivors
Nearly 500 women are expected to celebrate breast cancer survival and to promote early detection of the disease at the annual Fashions to a Tea breast cancer awareness event to be held Wednesday, October 12 at noon in the 4-H Building of the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana.
Reading Program Focuses on Nutrition, Fitness
Society > Libraries and Museums
The next Urbana Celebrates Reading program, on Thursday, October 20, will focus on reading and how it helps people enjoy a better life through good nutrition and exercise.
Reading Program Travels the World
Children and adults will get to travel the world through crafts at the next Urbana Celebrates Reading program, November 14, 5:30-7 p.m. in the Champaign County Community Center Auditorium.
Urbana Celebrates Reading to Celebrate Christmas
The Urbana Celebrates Reading program is inviting adults and children to celebrate the holiday season at the Champaign County Library’s Christmas Storytime, Monday, December 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Urbana Celebrates Reading Explores 4-H
Guests at the next Urbana Celebrates Reading program, to be held Thursday, January 12, will explore a wide variety of exciting opportunities for learning through 4-H. The program, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., will be in the Champaign County Community Center Auditorium, 1512 S. U.S. 68, Urbana.
Free Literacy Tutor Training Offered
Free training is being offered for those interested in volunteering with the Champaign County Literacy Council to tutor adult learners in reading. Two 12-hour certification workshops have been scheduled.
Reading Program Highlights Heart Health
In observance of National Heart Month, the Urbana Celebrates Reading community literacy program is offering children and adults an educational and entertaining program about heart healthy habits. The program will be held Monday, February 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the meeting room of Champaign Residential Services, Inc., 1150 Scioto St., Urbana.
Reading Program to Feature Community Garden
Plans for a new community garden in Urbana will be presented to guests at the next Urbana Celebrates Reading Program, Monday, March 16, at the Champaign County Library.
Reading Program Focuses on Bike Trail
As the weather turns warmer, the Urbana Celebrates Reading program turns its attention to the Simon Kenton Trail bike path. At the Monday, April 17 program, Nancy Lokai-Baldwin, founder and president of Simon Kenton Pathfinders, will update guests on the multiuse trail.
Urbana Celebrates Reading Applauds Sports
Student athletes from Urbana University will share their love of reading—and love for sports—with local adults and children who attend the March offering of the Urbana Celebrates Reading community literacy program.
Free Literacy Tutor Training Offered
Champaign County residents can receive free training to help adults with low reading ability improve their skills and gain greater self sufficiency.
Urbana Celebrates Reading Goes to the Y
The Urbana Celebrates Reading community literacy program invites children and adults to its May program at the Champaign Family YMCA.
Library, Urbana Celebrates Reading to Launch Summer Program
Urbana Celebrates Reading will join the Champaign County Library for the kick-off of the library’s summer reading program, Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales, Saturday, June 3, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Reading Program to Explore Cedar Bog
Take a short hike into the last ice age with the Urbana Celebrates Reading program on Monday, August 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
What's the Hoopla?
Sensational parade to hit Urbana's streets September 9
Reading Program Focuses on Study Skills
With school back in session, the Urbana Celebrates Reading program will provide children and their parents some helpful advice for a successful year.
Parade Entry Deadline Sept. 1
Plans for the Hoopla Parade—set for Saturday, September 9 in Urbana—are building to a crescendo, organizers report.
Reading Program Explores Book Writing
Just what goes into creating a book? Authors know best, and guests at the next Urbana Celebrates Reading program will get to talk with one, and an illustrator, too.
Urbana Celebrates Reading to Host Craft Night
Children and adults are invited to try out a variety of crafts at the November session of the Urbana Celebrates Reading community literacy program. The program will be held Monday, November 13, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Champaign County Library.
CIC Unveils New Direction For Economic Development
Champaign County will be recognized as a "can-do" community. The county’s pervasive, positive attitude will attract new business and entrepreneurs and encourage existing enterprises to expand. As a result, the county will be widely known for offering high quality employment, education, living, shopping and recreation opportunities.
Activate Champaign Team Adds New Members
Health > Fitness and Weight Loss
Activate Champaign County (ACC), a newly launched campaign to help local residents improve their health through increased activity and better eating habits, has bulked up.
Urbana Celebrates Reading to Celebrate Christmas
The Urbana Celebrates Reading program invites adults and children to celebrate the holiday season at the Champaign County Library’s Christmas Storytime, Monday, December 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Urbana UMC Presents Live Nativity; Supports Darfur Project
Society > Religion and Spirituality
As a Christmas gift to the community, members of the Urbana United Methodist Church will present a live nativity scene and Christmas music in front of the church, at 238 N. Main St., from 6 to 9 p.m. December 22, 23 and 24.
Local Health Initiative on the Starting Line
Health > Fitness and Weight Loss
Activate Champaign County team says goal is a life-long marathon—not a sprint
Urbana Celebrates Reading is Ready to Scrabble
The Urbana Celebrates Reading community literacy program invites children and adults to an entertaining evening of Scrabble, played team style.
Get Ready to SCRABBLE!
You can help the Champaign County Literacy Council put a spell on illiteracy: Enter the council’s first Spellebration for Literacy, a fund-raising SCRABBLE® tournament to be held Saturday, March 17 at the Champaign County Community Center auditorium. Registration will begin at 12:15 p.m. and competition will be from 1 to 4 p.m.
Italian Restaurant Opens Downtown
Business > Restaurants and Bars
A new restaurant that specializes in authentic Italian cooking offers patrons a savory, casual dining experience, while supporting the continued growth of downtown Urbana.
Douglas Renovation to Begin
Developers Given Green Light to Restore Historic Inn
Activate Champaign Plans Community Walk
Health > Fitness and Weight Loss
Activate Champaign County is planning a community walk and wellness festival to be held April 14 in conjunction with the national YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Local organizations and businesses that promote fitness and healthy eating are invited to reserve booth space for the event, to be held at the Champaign County Community Center, 1512 S. U.S. 68, Urbana, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Get in Step, Champaign County!
Health > Fitness and Weight Loss
Walk, wellness festival planned Saturday, April 14
Plant More and Share Harvest with the Hungry
Plant a garden, put in an extra row or a few more plants, and donate the extra harvest to a local shelter or food bank. That’s the advice of Activate Champaign County, which is promoting Plant A Row for the Hungry, a national campaign sponsored by the Garden Writers Association Foundation.
Art Auction to Benefit Bike Trail and Depot
The Simon Kenton Trail and Urbana Station Depot have inspired several local painters, illustrators and photographers—artistically and philanthropically.
Summer's a Time for Fun and Learning
At the next Urbana Celebrates Reading program, Cindi Kite, guidance counselor for Urbana City Schools, will provide parents ideas on how to include learning in their children’s summertime schedules.
Library to Host Harry Potter Night
Anticipating the release of the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series, the Champaign County Library and Urbana Celebrates Reading will host Harry Potter Night Friday, July 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Simon Kenton Pathfinders Release New Trail Map and Guide
The Simon Kenton Pathfinders organization has published a new bike trail map and community guide, Discover Urbana and Champaign County via the Simon Kenton Trail.
It's the Hoopla Parade, All Over Again
Remember last year’s 207th Annual Hoopla Parade?
Share Your Garden's Bounty with the Caring Kitchen
If your garden is producing more tomatoes, zucchini or other vegetables than you know what to do with, don’t forget Plant A Row for the Hungry.
Reading Program Focuses on Healthful Lunches
As children head back to school, the Urbana Celebrates Reading program will focus on the role of healthy eating as a contributor to a good education.
Judge Wilson to Lead Hoopla Parade
Judge Roger B. Wilson will preside over all the hoopla – that is, the Second 207th Annual Hoopla Parade, which will proceed through Urbana on Saturday, September 8, starting at 1 p.m.
Ride to Support Bike Trail Maintenance
The Simon Kenton Pathfinders will hold their major fund-raiser, the eighth annual SKP Bike Ride, on Sunday, September 9. Pre-registration, which includes a T-shirt, is due Friday, August 31, but participants may register on the day of the ride (T-shirt not included) at the Urbana Station Depot. Here are the details:
Local Food Producers Invited to Marketing Meeting
Business > Agriculture and Livestock
Local food producers are invited to a planning and informational meeting regarding a scheduled November visit to Champaign County by a nationally recognized leader in the promotion and marketing of locally grown foods.
Reading Program Will 'Move and Groove'
Research shows that music education positively affects students’ academic performance. The next Urbana Celebrates Reading program, “Movin’ and Groovin’ into Learning,” will highlight that relationship.
Get the Facts About the Urbana School Levy
Voters who live in the Urbana City Schools District are invited to informational discussions regarding the school district’s operating levy that will be on the November 6 ballot.
Vote 'Yes' for Urbana Schools
Urbana Voters: On November 6 you will be asked to vote on a new operating tax levy. We want to make certain that all voters understand that this tax issue will pay only for the operation of our current schools – not construction of new schools.
Reading Program Offers Storytime
The Urbana Celebrates Reading program will present "Family Storytime," Monday, October 15, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Champaign County Library.
Youth Leaders Making a Difference for Salvation Army
A battalion of local youth leaders plans to make a difference for people served by the Salvation Army in Champaign County.
Hair Co. Stylists Learn Latest Trends
A team of stylists from Hair Co. The Salon and Spa, an Aveda Concept Salon in downtown Urbana, has brought the newest trends in haircuts, hair color and makeup to town. The stylists recently spent a day in Cincinnati, learning from internationally celebrated Aveda guest artists.
Youth to Benefit Salvation Army with October 27 Concert
Kids and Teens > Entertainment
Champaign County youth leaders are making final preparations for ArmyFEST, an October 27 concert that will feature five popular alternative, rock and punk bands from the area—and raise money for the Salvation Army.
Eat Local: Speaker, Initiative to Promote Local Foods
Business > Agriculture and Livestock
An alliance of local food producers and community leaders believes Champaign County will reap valuable advice during a November 7 visit by a leading advocate for strengthening the economic future of small towns while preserving their rural character.
Speaker to Promote Locally Grown Food
Business > Agriculture and Livestock
Howard Sacks, a professor and part-time farmer, will visit Urbana on November 7 to share how the Rural Life Center of Kenyon College has helped nourish rural Knox County’s economy by promoting locally grown food—and how the same can be done in Champaign and other rural counties.
C-TEC Helping Dislocated Workers
With recent plant closings and job layoffs in the area, the Champaign Technology and Employment Center (C-TEC) has been geared up to help dislocated workers get back to work.
Job and Family Services Staff 'Walk a Mile'
They may not have walked an entire mile. Yet, seven staff members of the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (CCDJFS) recently walked far enough in their clients’ shoes to better understand the challenges of people who lack reliable transportation.
Caring Kitchen Reaps 4,000 Pounds of Gardeners' Bounty
Not just a ton of tomatoes and other fresh garden delights -- but two tons ... 4,000 pounds! That's how bountifully local gardeners and farmers responded to a call by Activate Champaign County (ACC) to donate extra produce to Caring Kitchen through the Plant A Row for the Hungry campaign.
Rothschild Sale to Benefit Youth at YMCA
November 27-December 3, members of the Champaign Family YMCA will be able to use their Y cards for more than a good workout. On those dates, they’ll also be able to use their cards to earn discounts on products at Robert Rothschild Farm Market, east of Urbana.
Literacy Council Plans SCRABBLE Fund-Raiser
You can help the Champaign County Literacy Council spell out a solution for adults who want to learn to read: Enter the council’s second annual Spellebration for Literacy, a fund-raising SCRABBLE® tournament for teams and individuals. It will be held Thursday, March 13 at the Champaign County Community Center auditorium. Registration will begin at 6:15 p.m. and competition will be from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.
Cafe Paradiso Now Serving Breakfast
Business > Restaurants and Bars
Urbana's downtown Italian restaurant, Cafe Paradiso, began serving breakfast February 18.
Free Diabetes Screenings Scheduled
Free blood sugar screenings have been scheduled for March 16, 17 and 19 to help Champaign County adults determine whether they are at risk of diabetes. Those found at risk may qualify for a free education, fitness and nutrition program to help control the disease.
New Program Targets Diabetes
The Champaign Family YMCA is one of 27 Ohio YMCA branches selected to participate in Activate Ohio, a campaign to help Ohioans reduce the health risks of diabetes, one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in the state and nation.
C-TEC Job Fair to Feature Local Employment Opportunities
More than 20 employers with open positions are ready to talk with job seekers at the third annual Reaching for the Stars Job Fair, Wednesday, May 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Champaign County Community Center auditorium. The event is sponsored by the Champaign Technology and Employment Center (C-TEC) and the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (CCDJFS).
Healthy Kids Day to Promote Active Lifestyle
Offering a wide variety of fun activities and a community walk, more than 25 organizations and businesses will join Activate Champaign County to encourage families to boost their activity level at the second annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 12 in Urbana.
Food Drive Saturday at Urbana Grocery Stores
On Saturday, April 19, shoppers at Urbana grocery stores will have an opportunity to help those less fortunate by adding extra items to their shopping lists and donating them as they leave the stores.
This Spring, Plant an Extra Row
Activate Champaign County (ACC) again is encouraging gardeners to plant an extra row of vegetables in their gardens this spring and give the extra produce to the Caring Kitchen.
Farmers' Market Opens Saturday
Saturday, May 3, shoppers will get their first taste of the Champaign County Farmers’ Market at its new location, a city lot on the corner of E. Market and Locust streets by the Urbana Fire Department.
Program Helps Veterans Transition to Civilian Workforce
Veterans and their spouses are invited to tap into information at a May 13-15 workshop about career, education, health and support services that are available especially to them.
Farmers' Market Open Saturday
Make sure to stop by the Champaign County Farmers' Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 10, at the corner of E. Market and Locust Streets by the Urbana Fire Department.
Check Out the Farmers' Market Saturday
The Champaign County Farmers' Market, at the corner of E. Market and Locust Streets in Urbana, will feature the following Saturday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
See You at the Farmers' Market!
Come to the Champaign County Farmers' Market Saturday, May 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for a great selection of locally grown and made food products -- and more.
Champaign County: Get Ready to 'Take a Walk'
Health > Fitness and Weight Loss
For the second year in a row, Champaign County businesses, churches, organizations, and families are being invited by Activate Champaign County to put on their walking shoes and join in “Take a Walk Tuesday.”
Buy Local, Eat Fresh!
Shop at the Champaign County Farmers' Market for a tasty selection of locally grown and produced foods. The market will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 9 at the corner of E. Market and Locust streets by the Urbana Municipal Building.
Last Farmers' Market of the Season October 25
The Champaign County Farmers' Market ends its first season in its new location Saturday, October 25. The market will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of E. Market and Locust streets, east of the Urbana Municipal Building. The vendors thank their loyal customers and welcome suggestions for next season.
Hire a Vet Month
Veteran Services Available at Champaign Technology and Employment Center
Sign Up Now for the 9th Annual Simion Kenton Bike Ride
Health > Fitness and Weight Loss
Advance registrations are being accepted for the Simon Kenton Pathfinders’ 9th annual fund-raiser bike ride. The ride, which will support maintenance of the Simon Kenton Trail, will be held Sunday, September 7, with registration from 8 to 10 a.m. at The Depot Coffee House, 644 Miami St., Urbana.
Urbana Celebrates Reading Hosts Back-to-School Program
Preparing for the new school year, the Urbana Celebrates Reading program will host a back-to-school presentation by Nancy Franklin, a counselor for Urbana City Schools, Monday, August 11, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Champaign County Library.
Employers Invited to Regional Job Fair
The five-county WorkPlus Regional One-Stop System is registering employers for the fifth annual WorkPlus Regional Job Fair to be held Friday, September 26 at the Champaign County Fairgrounds in Urbana.
Regional Job Fair to Showcase Wide Range of Employment Opportunities
A regional job fair, which will bring together employers from several counties, will offer job seekers a wealth of employment opportunities to explore, at a time when many have been affected by business closings and downsizings.
Festival at Maple Lane Offers Bountiful Entertainment
A three-day fall harvest celebration hosted by Maple Lane Trees and Garden Terrace, east of Urbana, will showcase locally and Ohio grown talent, including entertainers and artisans who have garnered a national following.
Urbana Celebrates Reading Program to Focus on Dogs
Champaign County Dog Warden Mandy Randall will speak at the October 20 Urbana Celebrates Reading program, to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Champaign County Library.
Free Literacy Tutor Training Offered
Free training is available for individuals interested in tutoring adults in reading as a volunteer with the Champaign County Literacy Council. Tutors meet one-on-one with adults who want to improve their reading skills.
Soroptimist Club Offers Women's Opportunity Award
Women who serve as their family’s primary wage earner and need financial assistance to return to school are eligible to apply for the Women’s Opportunity Award, a project of Soroptimist International of Urbana.
GED Student Leaving the Past Behind
For 39 years John Ireland had a good job in the shipping department of Urbana’s paper mill. But last year the mill—originally Howard Bond, then Fox River Paper Co. and finally Neenah Paper, Inc.—closed, leaving him without work.
C-TEC Ready to Help Job Seekers in Challenging Economy
As Champaign County’s unemployment rate has reached its highest level since 1993 (averaging 7.38 percent from June through October), the Champaign Technology and Employment Center (C-TEC) is prepared to help people find new jobs and careers.
Christmas Storytime at Library
The Champaign County Library and Urbana Celebrates Reading will present a Family Christmas Storytime Monday, December 22 at the library.
Adult Literacy Tutors Needed; Free Training Available
Free training is available for individuals interested in tutoring adults in reading as a volunteer with the Champaign County Literacy Council. Tutors meet one-on-one with adults who want to improve their reading skills.
Sheriff's Office Dog to Visit Reading Program
Guests at the next Urbana Celebrates Reading program, Monday, January 12, will get to meet Bailey, the bloodhound who serves the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office.
New Computer Center Now Open in Urbana
TekServ to host open house January 28
Dulcimer Club at Reading Program Feb. 17
The Champaign County Dulcimer Club will be the featured guest of the February 17 Urbana Celebrates Reading program, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Champaign County Community Center auditorium.
Job & Family Services Adapts to Meet Rising Need
Now with two fewer caseworkers, the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services has revised its caseload system to help ensure as timely service as possible for the growing number of people applying for food stamps, cash assistance, disability, Medicaid and other benefits.
RSVP Now for Free Chamber Business Success Seminar
Local businesses that want to connect with success and thrive in the current economy still have time to register for the first in a series of Champaign Connections business seminars to be offered Wednesday, February 18 by the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.
SCRABBLE Tournament to Support Adult Literacy Program
Businesses, organizations and family and friends are invited to join in fun, friendly competition in the Champaign County Literacy Council’s third annual Spellebration for Literacy, a SCRABBLE® tournament to raise funds for the council’s adult literacy program.
Healthy Kids Day Moves to University
Businesses and organizations that encourage active, healthful living with their products and services are being invited to exhibit at the third annual Healthy Kids Day, planned locally by Activate Champaign County.
Be Part of Shaping the Champaign County Brand
Business owners, civic leaders, organizations and citizens from across Champaign County are encouraged to attend a meeting Tuesday, April 28 to learn about a new branding initiative that is being developed to market Champaign County.
Farmers’ Market Ready for a Growing Year
Business > Agriculture and Livestock
After a successful first year in its new downtown Urbana location, the Champaign County Farmers’ Market is planning for another season of growth.
Farmers' Market Continues to Grow
For your best shopping selection, arrive as early as you can for the Champaign County Farmers' Market on Saturday, May 23. The market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the Urbana Municipal Building, at the corner of Market and Locust streets, every Saturday through October.
Reading Program to Visit Cedar Bog
The Urbana Celebrates Reading program will visit Cedar Bog Nature Preserve for its next monthly program, Monday, May 18.
Summer Reading Club Kick-off June 6
As its last program, the Urbana Celebrates Reading program will help the Champaign County Library launch its 2009 Summer Reading Club, Saturday, June 6, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the library, 1060 Scioto St., Urbana.
Stimulus Funds Provide Summer Job Opportunities
Summer employment and training opportunities for youth and young adults, ages 16-24, have become available in Champaign County through federal stimulus funding received by the Champaign County Department of Job and Family Services (CCDJFS). Thirty to 35 positions may be available.
Bike Night Roll & Ride Back by Popular Demand
The Champaign Family YMCA's annual Bike Night Roll and Ride will be Sunday, July 12 at 4 p.m. It will start and end at the YMCA.
Crossroads Bike Tour to Benefit Simon Kenton Trail Extension
Recreation > Camping, Parks and Outdoors
After a seven-year break, the Crossroads Bike Tour will return to West Liberty on Saturday, August 1, to raise money for the northern extension of the Simon Kenton Trail bike path from Urbana to West Liberty and Bellefontaine.
Free Orientation for GED/Post-Secondary Prep Classes
Adult students who want to earn their GED or sharpen their academic skills before pursuing further education or career training are invited to attend one of two free orientations to be held Monday, August 10 at the Champaign Technology and Employment Center (C-TEC).
Bike Tour to Raise Money for Trail Extension
Recreation > Camping, Parks and Outdoors
The 10th annual Simon Kenton Pathfinders fund-raising bike ride, slated for Sunday, September 13, will honor the memory of a Pathfinders supporter and avid bicyclist, Ruth I. Bentley.
Tickets on Sale for Barn Quilt Tour
This year’s Barn Quilt Tour of Champaign County, on September 19 and 20, offers a full weekend of activities all covered by a single admission ticket—a farmers’ market, an extensive display of antique quilts, an exhibit of antique farm machinery, tours of historic barns, artisan demonstrations, a national traveling exhibit on Ben Franklin—and more.
Booth Space Available at Fish & Shrimp Fest
Non-profit organizations still have time to reserve booth space at the Eighth Annual Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival to be held Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at Freshwater Farms of Ohio, just north of Urbana, at 2624 N. U.S. Highway 68.
Ohio Fish & Shrimp Festival September 19 & 20
A vast departure from typical Midwest fall harvest celebrations, the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival to be held September 19 and 20 at Freshwater Farms of Ohio, north of Urbana, will feature locally grown food—just not the kind grown in the ground.
Youth Fishing Clinic at Festival Offers Free Rod and Reel
Fifty children and teens who attend a free fishing clinic Sunday, September 20 at the Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival will go home with a free rod and reel and basic fishing know-how. The clinic, at Freshwater Farms of Ohio, just north of Urbana, is being offered compliments of the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s Passport to Fishing program.
Chamber Workshop to Help Local Businesses Harness Social Media
The world is abuzz and atwitter about social media. More than a fad, it offers businesses new channels to promote and sell products and services, locally and beyond, and build customer loyalty.
Seminar to Help Local Businesses Ring in Successful Holiday Season
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will help local retailers and restaurateurs ring in the holidays—and increased sales and customers—with a free seminar featuring practical tips presented by three sales and marketing experts.
Downtown Urbana to Host Hometown Harvest October 24
Downtown Urbana will host a full day of activities Saturday, October 24 during Hometown Harvest, sponsored by the Monument Square District.
Taste of Champaign to Support Caring Kitchen
A Taste of Champaign County is an event that promises to be filling and fulfilling—a feast for the eyes, palate and soul.
Chamber Launches 2010 Drive; Membership Up 25% in 2009
A growing number of local businesses are discovering the value of membership in the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Fifty-three new members joined in 2009, a 25 percent increase over 2008.
Literacy Tutors Needed; Free Training Provided
The Champaign County Literacy Council needs additional volunteer tutors to help adult students improve their reading and math skills, and is offering free tutor training.
