april newsletter

The Express Track The Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for area business and member interests, while providing quality resources, services and leadership to its current and future members.

GALESBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

April 2015- Vol 2015, Issue 4

April Community Events

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Mon. 13 Apr, 2015

Galesburg Community Chorus begins rehearsals for Spring 2015 concert (Mon. 13 Apr, 2015 7:00 pm)

The Galesburg Community Chorus will hold the first rehearsal of the second half of its 2014-15 season at 7 p.m. Jan. 12. Rehearsals are every Monday from 7-9 p.m. in Jay Rehearsal Hall, Ford Center for Fine Arts, Knox College. The chorus is a non-auditioned group, and all are welcome to join. Dues for singers are $10 per semester (free for students), and there is a $5 music fee each semester. The final concert of the season is a May 2 performance of the Requiem Mass by Giuseppe Verdi with the combined forces of the Community Chorus, the Knox College Choir, and the Monmouth College Chorale, and a guest performance on Nov. 16 by the world-renowned Anima Children’s Choir. The Galesburg Community Chorus, directed by Tim Pahel, is the oldest community music organization in the Galesburg area. It was founded in 1945 at Knox College, and the chorus retains its affiliation with the college, which provides rehearsal facilities.

Tue. 14 Apr, 2015

Book Discussion of "The Maltese Falcon" (Tue. 14 Apr, 2015 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)

Have any questions or thoughts about The Maltese Falcon? Join us for a discussion of this year’s Big Read title, The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, at the library. A free copy of the book can be picked up at the library as long as supplies last. Part of The Big Read 2015.

Free Movie (Tue. 14 Apr, 2015 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

Free Movie at the Galesburg Public Library!!! Come to the library for a free showing of the mystery/comedy movie Murder by Death, (Sony Pictures, 94 minutes) featuring a parady of detective San Spade

Wed. 15 Apr, 2015

Discovery Depot: Special Night for Special Kids (Wed. 15 Apr, 2015 12:30 pm)

This night is just for special needs kids and their families. Children will get to participate in a Shaving Cream Earth Art craft to celebrate the upcoming event of Earth Day! Thank you for the Vitale Family Foundation for funding this program! Cost:$3

Thu. 16 Apr, 2015

Rootabaga Jammers Concert (Thu. 16 Apr, 2015 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

Rootabaga Jammers Concert!!! The Rootabaga Jammers will present a FREE concert for your listening and dancing pleasure. Come be entertained by this great band while they play sounds from the Big Band era. Free refreshments will also

be served. The doors open at 6 PM and the band will play from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Sun. 19 Apr, 2015

Faith United Presbyterian Church Golden Jubilee Celebration (Sun. 19 Apr, 2015 5:30 am)

Save the date! The 50th celebration of our Church is April 19th, and we would like to invite you and your family and friends of Faith United Presbyterian Church to attend! There will be a commemorative service, fellowship and light refreshments after worship, and an historical presentation with lots of pictures and humor in the sanctuary at 1:00 p.m. We will start the viewing of the exhibits on Palm Sunday, March 29. The address is 200 South 8th St., Monmouth, IL 61462

Discovery Depot: Birdie Bottles (Sun. 19 Apr, 2015 9:00 am)

Help out our world by recycling and feeding the birds at the same time! We will learn about recycling and create our own bird bottle feeders! Cost:$1 for members$2 for non-members

Three Musicians, One Amazing Concert! (Sun. 19 Apr, 2015 10:00 am)

Please come and hear Luke Acerra, Gareth Cordery and Robert Spurgeon in a concert of baroque to modern music for cello and piano in the acoustically exquisite Central Congregational Church, Galesburg. The concert is free, but donations towards the preservation of Central Congregational Church as a historic landmark and welcome and encouraged. For more information, please visit galesburgchurch.org, and click on the Concert listings on the lower right corner of the home page.

Tue. 21 Apr, 2015

Sandburg Days - Festival for the mind (Tue. 21 Apr, 2015 8:30 am - Sat. 25 Apr, 2015 7:30 pm)

The Sandburg Days Festival for the Mind is held each spring in April. Members of the Galesburg community have joined together since 1996 for a celebration of the life and legacy of Galesburg native, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Lincoln biographer--Carl Sandburg. Includes 5 days of literary, history, sporting and children's events. This year's Festival will be held April 21-25, 2015. More details will be posted here as they are received.

Wed. 22 Apr, 2015


The Sandburg Days Festival for the Mind is held each spring in April. Members of the Galesburg community have joined together since 1996 for a celebration of the life and legacy of Galesburg native, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Lincoln biographer--Carl Sandburg. Includes 5 days of literary,

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history, sporting and children's events. This year's Festival will be held April 21-25, 2015. More details will be posted here as they are received.

Discovery Depot: Carefree Creations (Wed. 22 Apr, 2015 5:00 am)

Carefree Creations (CC) is Discovery Depot's weekly art program dedicated on a specific theme. CC provides children with a variety of art supplies to help fuel a child's creativity and imagination to create their own work of art. This week's theme is Earth Day! We will be creating crafts in celebration of Earth Day! Art materials and supplies will be provided inside the Blick Art Studio.

Thu. 23 Apr, 2015

Discovery Depot: Home School Hub (Thu. 23 Apr, 2015 9:00 am)

Home School Hub is created for an audience aged 7-12yr. Children will learn about a certain topic that is usually science or art-based and children have the opportunity to create their own art work. This week's topic is the Earth Day! We will be creating crafts in celebration for Earth Day!

Discovery Depot: Explore, ENRICH & Engage (Thu. 23 Apr, 2015 12:00 pm)

Go above and beyond with our Explore, ENRICH & Engage program that seeks to challenge the minds of children ages 7-12yrs. Children will learn about a certain topic that is usually science or art-based. Children will also have the opportunity to create their own craft. This week, children will create Earth Day crafts for the upcoming celebration of Earth Day!

Fri. 24 Apr, 2015



Book Discussion (Fri. 24 Apr, 2015 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)

Book Discussion at Hardee's on Main Street Galesburg!!! Join the Sci/Fi fantasy book club, the Tome Raiders, for a discussion of "Something More Than Night" by Ian Tregillis. If you love both noir detective fiction and science fiction, this book is perfect for youl

Sat. 25 Apr, 2015



The Big Write Reception (Sat. 25 Apr, 2015 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

A reception for winners, entrants, friends, family, and the community to celebrate The Big Write, the library’s annual creative writing contest. Refreshments will be served and the winners will have the opportunity to read their entries. Part of The Big Read 2015.

Knox Galesburg Symphony (Sat. 25 Apr, 2015 7:30 pm)

Featuring Lisa Leonard, piano

http://www.knoxgalesburgsymphony.org/web/events.aspx Lisa Leonard, who enjoys a diverse career as soloist, chamber musician, and educator, made her orchestral debut in 1990 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She has appeared throughout Europe, Japan, Russia, and North America with many orchestras including recent performances with the Oregon Mozart Players, Williamsburg Symphonia and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela.

Leonard has served on the faculties of the North Carolina School of the Arts, the Meadowmount School of Music, and the Las Vegas Music Festival. She has performed at the Pacific Music Festival, Gilmore International, Caramoor, and the East/West International Festival and is currently head of the Graduate Instrumental Collaborative Piano Program at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music. Torke: Adjustable Wrench Grieg: Concerto for Piano in A minor, Op. 16 Dvorak: Symphony no 5 in F major, Op. 76/B 54

Thu. 30 Apr, 2015

Book Discussion of "The Maltese Falcon" (Thu. 30 Apr, 2015 11:30 am - 1:30 pm)

Have any questions or thoughts about The Maltese Falcon? Join us for a discussion of this year’s Big Read title, The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, at En Season Café. There is a $10 fee for lunch. Please pay and register at the Reference Desk at Galesburg Public Library. Part of The Big Read 2015.


Thank you to the following businesses who renewed their membership. We value your support and participation!


Ferg’s Tire & Service NetworkJason Ferguson

1105 Monmouth Blvd., Galesburg, IL309-342-3157

[email protected]

Sitka Salmon SharesNic Mink

109 S. Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL309-342-3474

[email protected]

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Toot Your Own Horn!



Western Illinois Builders Association

38th Annual Home Show

The Western Illinois Builders Association 38th Annual Home Show held last weekend was a great success! We had more vendors, new members, and a good crowd.

The Knox Prairie Community Kitchen received $3,780 by selling chances to win this beautifully detailed WIBA Playhouse to help feed the hungry! WIBA provides all the materials and labor for the project and the chosen charity receives %100 of the ticket sales.

Winner of the WIBA Playhouse is Kenneth Hartz of Alexis.WIBA is an association of individuals and firms who have joined forces, voluntarily, to promote all phases of building and remodeling.

“Support Your Local Communities, Where

Winners of the $100 Gift Certificates are; Sheila Larson, Dales Davis, Lori Hatch, Ron Person, Devon Austin, Walt Wade, Neil Unger, of Galesburg, Teresa Skinner of Abingdon, Dianna Johnson of Knoxville,

Stephen Bohn of Monmouth. Photo taken by Kaylee Johnson

Pictured are from left to right; Steve Hawkinson, WIBA Board Member, Terry Hartley, WIBA Board Member & Event Chairperson, Scott Howe, WIBA Board President, Tammy Lufkin, WIBA Board Member, Wayne Allen, WIBA Board President, Roger Williams, WIBA Playhouse Builder, Amy Schwartz, WIBA Board Treasurer. Photo taken by Kaylee Johnson

Pictured are from left to right; 2015 Little Miss Homebuilder Jaclynn Reynolds, 2015 Little Mr.

Homebuliders Will Hart, Tobias Reynolds, and Evan Woolsey.


As April unfolded and Spring begins to bloom around us, events burst forth with eagerness.April has two of the best events for our area. Our month is also filled many community activities and events.

The annual Rootabaga Jazz Festival happens April 9-11 in Galesburg. Knox College and the City of Galesburg host the Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival. ‘Baga, as it is affectionately known by band members, features performances by big name guest artists such as Kurt Elling, Benny Green, and the Artie Shaw and Woody Herman bands. Knox faculty and alumni, and the Knox Jazz Ensemble also perform. VisitGalesburg.com has all the info you need to join in celebrating jazz!Live music will be filling the air of the new Burg’s Bar and Grille (formerly McGillacuddy’s), the Orpheum Theatre, Knox College and more.

This year’s Carl Sandburg Festival, April 21-25, will be one worth experiencing. There are many wonderful events taking place. The literary line up is world class. It includes Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize Winner & 19th U.S. Poet Laureate, Best Selling Author Jennifer Niven (daughter of Sandburg biographer Penelope Niven), Michael Godsil, Photography Instructor at Knox College, Poetry Slam founder/creator Marc K. Smith and a list of events that will keep you enthralled and entertained. On Saturday, April 25, the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site will be designated as a National Literary Landmark. Illinois Librarian and Secretary of State Jesse White will be in attendance to help dedicate the site. VisitGalesburg.com has a link

to the complete itinerary for this event.

Jennifer Niven’s book, All the Bright Places, is her first book for young adult readers. It debuted from Knopf/Random House January 6, 2015. It is already a NY Times Best Seller. The book tells the story of a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die, the foreign rights have already sold to 30 territories, and the movie rights have been optioned with Elle Fanning attached to star. As a companion to the book, Jennifer has created Germ, a web magazine for and run by girls (and boys) — high school and beyond — that celebrates beginnings, futures, and all the amazing and agonizing moments in between. Check out Germ for yourself. http://www.germmagazine.com

Discovery Depot Children’s museum has a month filled with events of all kinds for kids of all ages. In fact, if you visit our webpage often, you will find the Children’s Museum is busy every month with events! Magic, gardening, movies and more highlight a month filled with exciting and creative activities. You will find all this information at our website VisitGalesburg.com. From the events drop down tab go to calendar of events for more information.

The calendar includes a concert with the award winning Knox Galesburg Symphony featuring pianist, Lisa Leonard on April 25. Lisa, who enjoys a diverse career as soloist, chamber musician, and educator, made her orchestral debut in 1990 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington,

D.C. She has appeared throughout Europe, Japan, Russia, and North America with many orchestras including recent performances with the Oregon Mozart Players, Williamsburg Symphonia and the Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela.As I mentioned, our calendar is a wonderful place to find community activities. There are many events at the Galesburg Public Library in April, too. You can go right to source to see the complete schedule of events. Stay connected! http://galesburglibrary.org/

Our event calendar on VisitGalesburg.com is there for you to find events and to post events. By clicking the add event button on the calendar, you can create a listing. It has to fit into one of our three categories, Arts & Entertainment, Festivals & Fairs and Community Events. As long as it is not intended to sell or advertise a product, we will publish the event. We reserve the right to approve events before they are published on a case by case basis.

Bill MorrisExecutive Director,Galesburg Area Convention & Visitors [email protected]


Knox County YMCA Invites Families to YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, April 25On Saturday, April 25, from 10am to 1pm, the Knox County YMCA is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active.

Knox County YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families, and features activities such as: games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and other activities to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at the Knox County YMCA – 1324 W Carl Sandburg Dr, Galesburg, IL. For more information, call 309-344-1324 or visit www.knoxymca.org.

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