The Knox County YMCA Solutions Program has partnered with Yemm Auto in Galesburg for the organizations first ever car wash fundraiser. Solutions is a year-round, intrusive enrichment program designed for at-risk teens. The program is currently serving approximately 200 students in Galesburg at Churchill Junior High School, Lombard Middle School and Galesburg High School. Senior Solutions Director Joey Range tells WGIL the program provides an extra avenue for kids. “We’ve been able to build up a successful program and the kids have bought in,” Range said. “It’s about them understanding the value of education and understanding the value of being in your community, being a leader – taking pride in what you do. You never know what your purpose is, or what you’re great at. Join the band, join the art club. This may be the thing that turns the light bulb on in your head – it may be the thing you want to do the rest of you life. We’re always pushing them to do fun things.” The car wash will be held Saturday, August 25th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Yemm Auto on North Henderson Street. The cost is $10 per vehicle. To learn more about Solutions visit the Knox County YMCA website.
The 6th Annual Bishop Hill Chautauqua is Saturday, August 25th in the gazebo in the Village Park. The event will commemorate World War I with guest appearances from the major players, including Winston Churchill, General “Black Jack” Pershing, and President Herbert Hoover. Churchill will be portrayed by Kevin Radacker – a Professor of English at Anderson University, Pershing is portrayed by Ron Edgerton – a retired Professor of Asian History at the University of Northern Colorado, and Hoover will be portrayed by Bishop Hill resident and author Brian “Fox” Ellis. Todd Dedecker, Bishop Hill Heritage Association Administrator, tells WGIL guests will hear the true tales of what shaped us as a nation from the people who lived it. “All these guys really do their research,” Dedecker said. “If you go to Chautauqua, these people will take you back to not only that time period, but also that person. Of course they’ll do a little speech or performance at the beginning, but you’ll have the opportunity to ask them questions before the performance (and) after the performance. They do a really good job of truly showing what the people were like during that time period. It’s really a fun way to learn about history.” The free event begins at 11:00 am. For more details visit Bishop Hill Heritage website, or call 309-927-3899.
Professional boxing is returning to Galesburg this weekend. The Galesburg Youth Athletic Club presents: “Boxing in ‘Burg” Saturday, August 25th at Cedar Creek Hall. Pro fighters Kelvin Medley and Galesburg native George Carter Jr. – in his first hometown bout will be featured. Carlos Duncan with the Galesburg Youth Athletic Club says its been 10 years since professional boxing has been in Galesburg. “We’re looking to have four to six amateur bouts – four professional bouts,” Duncan says. “It’s a nice evening of entertainment. You normally go to the movies…and dinner….you’re out two, three hours with your significant other – that’s what this is going to be. It’s going to be 5:00 to 7:00 for the amateur part. Then 8:00 to 11:00 (for the professional bouts). Everyone is going to enjoy it.” The weigh-in is being held Friday, August 24th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Buffalo Wild Wings in Galesburg. Tickets for tomorrow’s matches are available at Glory Days Barber Shop or you can contact Duncan a the GYAC. Doors open at Cedar Creek Hall tomorrow at 4:00 pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the door and Amateur Fight tickets can only be purchased at the door.
WGIL’s Community Events calendar can be found here.
