Mar
15

Shamrock Shuffle 5K at Castle Ridge

Castle Ridge is excited to announce our 3rd Annual Castle Ridge Shamrock Shuffle 5K . This event will be held on Saturday March 15th 2025 at 11:00 am at the beautiful 'Castle on the Lake' in Centralia , IL.

Register before 3/6/25 to received a shirt!
This years Recipient is 5 year old Lucy Lou Boss
12:30/2023 diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-cell ALL) at 5 years old. At diagnosis, over 90% of her bone marrow was leukemia cells. For the first half of 2024 she received weekly chemotherapy at Vanderbilt University. It then went to every 10 days for chemotherapy and as of the end of 2024 weeks are only going monthly to Vanderbilt, but taking oral chemo every day at home. This will continue for the next two years. Lucy loves church, school, soccer, gymnastics, and playing with her two sisters.
In celebration of Lucy Lou, we are looking forward to a day filled with food, fun and much, much more. Join us for our 3rd Annual Castle Ridge Shamrock Shuffle 5K.
All runners and walkers who want to attend are encouraged to dress in St. Patrick's day attire.
Packet Pickup and Late Registration
You can pick up your packet on Sat. March 15 from 10am-10:55am at Castle Ridge Restaurant. You can also late register between 10am-10:55 with cash or check.
Awards
There will be awards presented for the top males and females in the following age groups and overall top male and female:
12 & under, 13-19 yrs, 20-29 yrs, 30-39 yrs, 40-49 yrs, 50-59 yrs, 60 and over
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at michele@castleridge.com

REGISTER TODAY:
https://runsignup.com/.../CastleRidgeShamrockShuffle5K

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Mar
15

Local Author Fair at Centralia Regional Library

Illinois authors will be selling, signing, and discussing their books at this meet-and-greet in the 2nd floor Monken Activity Room (accessible by elevator and stairs). Admission is free and there will be a raffle drawing sign-up!

This year’s authors are:
– K.B. Andrews (Where the Wildflowers Grow)
– Debbie Blankenship (Gone…)
– Cris Cawthon (Be Encouraged)
– Clyde Hall (Pulp Reality)
– Jasmine Krezanoski (Meet the Pegs)
– Rick Nehrt (Rejected Silver)
– Scott Pinkowski (The Orphan Ark)
– Eunice Redeker-Hausler (Blessed by God, Led by the Spirit)
– T.L. Sanders (Prymzia series) 

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Mar
19

“inspire connections” Lunch with the "State of the City" Address from Mayor Bryan Kuder

Chamber lunch on Wednesday, March 19, at 12:00pm at Castle Ridge.

Lunch menu: Tossed Salad with Dressings, Roasted Pork Loin, Homestyle Green Beans, Baked Rolls with Butter, Fresh Baked Cookies + Water, Tea and Coffee.

City of Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder will present the "State of the City."

$25 per person for lunch. An invoice reminder will be sent from The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce with a link for you to pay by credit card online or bring cash / check to the event.

RSVP HERE

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Mar
20

Ribbon Cutting for The Commonwealth Retail Spaces

Please join us in celebrating the reopening of Trends, Monroe Deen, and Go Gurl at The Commonwealth, 311 East Broadway, Centralia, Illinois, on Thursday, March 20, at 4:00pm. After the Ribbon Cutting ceremony, please take a tour of each store and enjoy the refreshed retail spaces in beautiful Downtown Centralia!

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Mar
21

Cheeseburger in Paradise fundraiser for United Way

  • 222 Potomac Boulevard Mount Vernon, IL, 62864 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

About the event

The United Way of South Central Illinois is excited to announce our upcoming annual dinner with the theme "Cheeseburger in Paradise." This much-anticipated event serves as both our annual meeting and our largest fundraiser of the year. Attendees can expect a fun and relaxed atmosphere as we come together to celebrate our community's achievements and reflect on the impact of our work. We will enjoy delicious cheeseburgers and a variety of other delectable dishes inspired by paradise. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for individuals and businesses to show their support for the United Way's mission of improving lives in our region. Join us for an evening filled with great food, entertainment, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of those in need. ..

RSVP : United Way - Cheeseburger in Paradise | UNITED WAY

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Mar
27

Tales and Travel Memory Cafe

Embark on a virtual adventure to Hawai'i at the library with Tales and Travel! Centralia Manor and Centralia Estates are partnering with Centralia Regional Library for a free and open-to-the-public “memory cafe” in the library’s 2nd floor Monken Activity Room (elevator accessible). Attendees will be able to “visit” a featured location through facts, stories, music, crafts, and snacks. All ages are welcome! This program is open to the public and no registration is required ahead of time.

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Mar
29
to Mar 30

Home & Community Expo - Centralia Fairview Park Plaza

  • Fairview Park Plaza - Clinton County, Illinois (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Centralia, Illinois
Home & Community Expo

Saturday, March 29 - Sunday, March 30
Fairview Park Plaza, 1045 W. Broadway, Centralia, IL 62801

FREE ADMISSION

Food and drinks available from Farmstand 161, Crooked Creek Winery, and tastings from Colden Brewery (opening soon in downtown Centralia!).

REGISTRED EXHIBITORS (as of February 2025): A&A Armory, Ace Auto Sales and Detailing, Advanced Poly Solutions Concrete Lifting, Alpha and Omega Construction, Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program (Leidos Engineering), Bath Fitter St. Louis, Best Western Plus Centralia Hotel & Suites, Bradford National Bank, Brookside Valley Homes, Buchheit of Centralia, Caring Transitions of Waterloo & Mt. Vernon, IL, Central Illinois Safety, Centralia Balloon Fest, Centralia Chamber of Commerce, Centralia Manor, Centralia Regional Library Disctrict, Clearwave Fiber, Greenview Golf Course, Heritage Woods of Centralia, Jeff's ChemDry, JTR Roll Off Dumpster Services, Kaskaskia College, KV Trees LLC, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Lednor Home Solutions / Gutter Helmet, Molenhour Power Equipment Inc., Monken Chevrolet GMC, Monken Dodge Chysler Jeep Ram Nissan, Monken Toyota of Mt. Vernon, Nashville Chiropractic, Odin Health and Rehab Center, Renewal by Andersen - Windows, Salem Travel, Smith Artisan Floors, Somer Real Estate, South Central Transit, SSM Health Sleep Disorders Center, Tate's Truck & Toter Service LLC, Terminix , Universal Windows Direct / The Bath Authority, Vector Construction, Withers Broadcasting, WJBD Radio

REGISTER ONLINE

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Apr
4
to Apr 5

Willow Market Kids Consignment Event to Benefit The Dream Center

Join us for the Inaugural Willow Market Kids Consignment Sale in Centralia, IL! When you consign and shop with us, you are making a huge difference in the community. All proceeds from the Spring sale will be donated to The Southern Illinois Dream Center.

Willow Market Kids Consignment Event provides a platform for parents to buy and sell gently used children's clothing, toys, furniture and accessories. Sellers will have the opportunity to consign their items and earn 60% of the sale price, while buyers can browse a wide selection of gently used items in one convenient location.

Join us for the Spring Sale, April 4 - 5!

We are now accepting consignors. Register at www.myconsignmentmanager.com/willowmarketevent

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Apr
16

Do’s and Don’ts for Employers - Illinois Chamber of Commerce Webinar

Are You Hiring? Interviewing Do's and Don'ts for Employers

4/16/2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Online

Hiring seems like it should be a straightforward, formulaic process - but the most consequential part of the process is typically tied to human interaction during the interview process. Common sense only goes so far.  Employers must be aware of the potential missteps that they or their employees may make during the hiring and interview process.  Those missteps may have significant consequences, including legal claims related to discrimination, failure to accommodate, and negligent hiring.  During this webinar, we will cover the federal and state laws that apply to the interviewing process, as well as some best practices (the “Do’s”) and examples of questions and conduct that may expose your company to liability (the “Don’ts”).


Learn More

Register Here

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May
2

Centralia Chamber Golf Plae Dae - Colonial Golf Course

Join us on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Colonial Golf Course in Sandoval for our "Western" themed golf scramble!

10:30am - Check-In

11:00am - Shotgun Start

4:00pm - 19th Hole - Awards and Prizes!


$400 for four-person team / $100 for individual player

(Includes 18-holes w/ cart, hole games, lunch on the course, soft drinks and beer.)

Sponsorship Opportunities:

$2,000 Most Wanted Sponsor - be the envy of all

     (VIP team treatment and VIP logo recognition) 

$1,000 Round-Up Sponsor - we'll round them up for you

  • "Best Western" Theme Prizes sponsored by Best Western Plus

  • Lunch sponsored by Monken Auto

  • Drinks sponsored by SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital

  • 19th hole sponsored by Kaskaskia College

  • Winner's Prizes sponsored by Bradford National Bank

$250 Camping Sponsor - set-up a tent and chinwag with folk

$150 Rodeo Sponsor - rodeo games at each hole with prizes

     (straightest drive, longest drive, longest putt, etc.)  

www.centraliachamber.com/calendar/golf2025REGISTER ONLINE: https://forms.gle/r7orwCXkvbESFf5v9

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May
3

Locust Street Historical Fair

The City of Centralia is excited to host the 12th Annual Locust Street Historical Fair. This event is located on the 100 & 200 Block of South Locust Street downtown Centralia from 10am-2pm. More details to come as they are available.

They are accepting vendors now!

Applications to be a Food or Craft vendor are below. To submit your application: email to gharting@cityofcentralia.org or mailed to: PO Box 569, Centralia, IL 62801 Attn: Gayla Harting, or dropped off at City Hall.

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Jun
13
to Jun 14

Centralia Juneteenth - Homecoming Celebration

Mark your calendars! All roads are leading back home in June for the Centralia Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration.
This year, the committee is planning a 2-Day celebration filled with activities for the entire family.
More information will be added once it is available!

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Aug
15
to Aug 17

Centralia Balloon Fest

The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce’s Centralia Balloon Fest is held on August 15-16-17, 2024.

Please visit centraliaballoonfest.com to see a full schedule of events, parking map, and much more!

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Mar
8

Equal Pay Rally hosted by Centralia BPW at American Legion

The Centralia BPW is excited to invite you to join us on March 8th, 2025, to demand equal pay for equal work. For too long, women have been paid less than men for doing the same jobs. This is unacceptable. It's time to close the gender pay gap. On average, women earn 83 cents for every dollar paid to men. This gap is even wider for women of color. We’re here to say enough is enough. It’s time for equal pay for equal work. We'll have guest speakers, two area student's will present their winning essays on equal pay, information and we'll march to city hall to show our support for Equality!

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Mar
5

Overview of OE3 Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant Virtual Event

Overview of OE3 Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant for Southwest Illinois Region & Additional Business Resources for Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM | virtual | Register here

This virtual event will provide an overview of the OE3 Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant and an opportunity for Q & A. After the grant program overview, we'll share additional resources and services for business owners and future entrepreneurs that are offered by DCEO, the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE, and the Illinois entrepreneurial ecosystem. As this webinar is tailored for businesses and cross-sector stakeholders in the Southwest Region of the state, attendees from different Illinois regions are welcome to join us, too.

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Feb
28

BCMW Head Start Book Drive

“Do you have any extra preschool age books laying around? Or, maybe you have a few extra dollars to go purchase new ones? We will be having our Annual Book Walk for our Head Start families next month. All children will go home with a LOT of books. Our supply is running low so we are looking for donations to build it up. Thank you in advance for helping us spread the word.”

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Feb
27

Tales and Travel Memory Cafe

Embark on a virtual adventure to Hawai'i at the library with Tales and Travel! Centralia Manor and Centralia Estates are partnering with Centralia Regional Library for a free and open-to-the-public “memory cafe” in the library’s 2nd floor Monken Activity Room (elevator accessible).

Attendees will be able to “visit” a featured location through facts, stories, music, crafts, and snacks. All ages are welcome!

This program is open to the public and no registration is required ahead of time.

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Feb
26

Bingo with High Point Residence

This bingo is free to play for all ages and prizes include home items, decor, snacks, and more!

No registration is required. Just come on into the Library’s Monken Activity Room on the 2nd floor (elevator accessible) to play!

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Feb
22

CHS Jazz & Rock Bands Dinner Concert

Centralia High School is hosting their annual Jazz & Rock Bands Dinner concert. Dinner tickets are $10, meal includes: salad, spaghetti, bread stick. A dessert auction, raffle baskets and 50/50 raffle will be held. See a band member or click on link to purchase tickets. General admission (dinner & table seating not included) may be purchased at the door or through the link. https://centraliamusic.ludus.com

This year we are excited to host our special guest artist, Paul Johnston and we will have a performance from our first Alumni Jazz band!

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Feb
22

The Great Puzzle Race

Compete in teams of four to be the first team in 60 minutes to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle! Winners receive a prize.

There must be at least 2 teams for the race to happen, with a maximum of 8 teams competing. All puzzles have the same image.

See our website for more information: https://www.centralialibrary.org/

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Feb
19

Illinois Libraries Present: Slowing Down with Amy Tan

National Humanities Medal winner and bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan joins us to share on her body of work and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring the quiet moments.

Her connection to nature is captured in her latest, The Backyard Bird Chronicles, a collection of sketches and essays which debuted at #1 on both the New York Times and the Indie bestseller list.

This event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present (ILP), a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events.

Register for free at https://bit.ly/ILP_AmyTan. If you can't make it to the live event, a recording will be sent to you for limited viewing if you register.

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Feb
14

Valentine’s Day Comedy at Castle Ridge

Enjoy this Valentine’s with a little Love, Lakeside Views, & A WHOLE LOTTA LAUGHTER!

Join us for our Valentine’s Comedy Show, Friday February 14th.
Our evening of dinner and drinks features Comedian Brice Evans, along with Jeff Batts and Emcee David Kirk. 

Get your tickets today! 

*Tickets must be purchased in advance for entry to this event and all tickets purchased are non-refundable.*

Purchase tickets today at Valentine's Day Comedy @Castle Ridge - Castle Ridge.

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Feb
13

Love Our Community - Chamber Annual Banquet

  • Kaskaskia College - Lifelong Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Sponsored by:

  • Kaskaskia College

  • Bradford National Bank

  • Land of Lincoln Credit Union

  • Scooter’s Coffee

  • SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital


KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ted Macon is a leader in the community, serving on several boards for Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School Foundation, Community Link in Breese, Illinois Bankers Association, Kaskaskia College Foundation, and serves as Pastor of Holy Garden of Prayer Church in Carlyle. Most recently, Macon has been appointed to serve as the next President and CEO of Farmers State Bank of Hoffman upon the retirement of the bank’s current president Phil Palm later this year.

 

Chamber Awards

  • Retiring Board Members: Linda Dabney, Damon Harbison, and Wendy Jourdan.

  • Past President Award: Rachel Wallace (Best Western Plus / Scooters / Subway)

Partners in Progress Awards

  • The Fleemans (The Body Shoppe and The Commonwealth)

  • The Kretzers (Kretzer’s Grill & Bar in Hoyleton)

  • Macz Funeral Homes (with locations in Centralia, Odin, Patoka, and Sandoval)

  • The Rueters (Westside Laundry in Central City and Centralia)

  • Intermountain Electronics

Balloon Pop! Prize Giveaway

Purchase a balloon for $20 for a guaranteed chance to win prizes worth $20 or greater!

Dinner catered by Cygan & Delaney (Highland) and drinks bartended by Crooked Creek Winery (Hoffman).
$50 per person or $350 for a table of 8.

RSVP ONLINE

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Feb
8

Galentine's Champagne Lunch at CCW Downtown

FIVE YEARS of sisterhood and Galentine's Downtown tradition!!! It’s time for our GALENTINE’S CHAMPAGNE LUNCH 5.0—our favorite, most ELECTRIC day of the year!! This event is so much fun, and these spots always go fast. This year, think self-love (#tomefromme ), sisterhood (#bestiesbeforetestes ), and, of course, CHAMPAGNE!!! Everything red and pink and sassy and unapologetic and flirty...sooo coquette .

So grabbbb your baddies and get ready to treat yourselves to a sophisticated (cough, cough ) lunch. It's GAL-en-TIME again!!

***Advance ticket purchase required.***
(Square lies sometimes, so if you get a "SOLD OUT" message, refresh your browser and try again. We will post when we are sold out!)

Private lunch includes:
a complimentary Cotton Candy Champagne cocktail (or mocktail)
Elevated lunch service of artisan focaccia sandwich from Farmstand 161 @ CCW, chips, salad/crudités and Galentine's-themed snacks
Dessert assortment of chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, etc.
Sweets and more sweets
Fun Valentine bags
Photo backdrops
Guaranteed Golden Girls theme song played on the hour
and an all-around, light-hearted, very fun afternoon with love and just the gems!

Extend the invite to your squad, and come have a special lunch date Downtown. Muah!

When: Saturday, February 8th, 11:45-2pm

Limited space available. Menu and details subject to change. Tickets ARE transferrable. We will sell out.

Galentine's Champagne Lunch - Crooked Creek Winery Downtown

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Feb
6

Federal Legislative Update Webinar - University of Illinois Extension

Federal Legislative Update | February 6 | 12PM CT | REGISTER

Every year, changes to federal legislation can have a significant impact on Illinois communities and require careful evaluation to ensure sound fiscal and administrative management of vital programs and resources. Local administrators, civic leaders, businesses, and public/non-profit professionals are invited to this annual webinar, provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo), to learn about key federal policy updates. 

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Feb
1

Trivia Night Fundraiser for Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Mark your calendars for February 1, 2025, as United Way of South Central Illinois hosts a fun-filled trivia night! Get your team together and test your knowledge while supporting a great cause—the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

This exciting event will raise funds for our local Imagination Library, which provides free books to children in our community, ensuring they have the tools to develop a love for reading from an early age.

Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Centralia Legion

The trivia will cover a range of topics, so bring your team of brainiacs and enjoy a night of friendly competition!

How to Participate:

Form a team of 8 or join one on the night!
Bring your trivia A-game and compete for prizes.
All proceeds will benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Tickets: $15 per person or $115 per team

Together, we can help provide the joy of reading to children across our region!

LINK: 🎉 Trivia Night Benefiting the Dolly Parton Imagination Library! 📚 | Facebook

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Jan
31

State Legislative Update Webinar - University of Illinois Extension

State Legislative Update | January 31 | 12PM CT | REGISTER

Join Illinois Association of County Board Members to learn about recent and potential changes in state legislation and implications for Illinois counties and local governments. An expert overview of legislation about employment bills, such as the Paid Leave Act, will be provided. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q and A at the end of the presentation. 

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Jan
30

Cardinals Caravan at Castle Ridge

Join us at Castle Ridge for the Cardinal Caravan on Monday, Jan. 20!

Doors open at 4:30 PM and the program begins at 5:00 PM.

The Centralia stop of the Caravan will include current Cardinals Iván Herrera, Victor Scott II and Drew Rom, along with top prospect Tink Hence, and Cardinals alumni Jason Simontacchi and Scott Cooper.  Polo Ascencio will be the emcee for the event.

Benefiting The NubAbility® Athletics Foundation, the $10 admission tickets include general admission and a ballpark snack pack as well as one free raffle ticket.

Raffle tickets for Cardinal memorabilia and other swag will also be available for sale on-site with proceeds to benefit The NubAbility® Athletics Foundation.  More information about NubAbility can be found at www.NubAbility.org.

The first 400 children (ages 15 and under) through the door on the night of the event will receive a free Ticket for autographs from current and former players. Based on time and demand, other attendees will be allowed to follow the children for autographs.

*Tickets must be purchased in advance or at the door for entry to this event and all tickets purchased are non-refundable.*

Tickets may be purchased at www.CastleRidgeEvents.com.

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Jan
29

inspire community "after hours"

  • The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

NEW "AFTER HOURS" THIS YEAR!
Each month, there will be a different THEME to the "after hours" events.

inspire community after hours.

Wednesday, January 29, at 5:00pm- 6:00pm
at The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce Conference Room
210 E. Broadway, Centralia, IL


For chamber members only!
The cost of admission is your BUSINESS CARD.
(Or your name on a card.)
Door prizes drawn from business cards.


Ace in the Hole
50/50 drawn for winner.
If chamber member, then draw for the Ace of Spade worth $672 (if not won at luncheon).

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Jan
24

Books, Beats, and Bingo - Fundraiser for Dolly Parton Imagination Library (United Way)

Well, howdy y’all! Are you ready for a night of music, laughter, and a whole lotta fun? Then mark your calendars for Books, Beats, and Bingo—a fundraiser straight from the heart to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at United Way of South Central Illinois!

When?
Friday, January 24th
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Where?
Ringside Buffet (they’ll have tasty concessions and drinks available for purchase, so leave those outside snacks at home, sugar!)

Cost?
Just $15 gets you 10 bingo cards, so you can play your heart out and support a cause that’s all about getting books into the hands of kiddos in our community!

Whether you’re a music lover, a bingo champion, or just someone who loves a good time for a great cause, this event’s got your name written all over it! Let’s raise the roof and raise some funds for those precious little readers.

Tag your friends, grab your boots, and get ready to holler "Bingo!" in the name of literacy and imagination. See y’all there!

LINK: Books, Beats, and Bingo - Music Bingo for Dolly Parton Imagination Library | Facebook

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Jan
15

inspire connections lunch.

Chamber lunch on Wednesday, January 15, at 12:00pm at the Best Western Plus, 8145 Jolliff Bridge Road.

Presentation from BCMW Community Services executive director, Jessica Backs, and CSBG (community services block grant) coordinator, Liz Garner.

Lunch catered by Farmstand 161 / Crooked Creek Winery.

$20 per person. An invoice reminder will be sent from The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce with a link for you to pay by credit card online or bring cash / check to the event.

RSVP ONLINE

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