The Annual Jean Anderson Award Ceremony was held on the evening of Monday, December 9 at Lancaster's Fine Dining.  Each year an award is given to an individual who is influential, active, and participatory in improving the downtown and adding to the efforts of enhancing, vitalizing and beautifying this historic neighborhood.  The 2013 Award winner was Valerie Dumser who has been an active board member of the DBA for many years.  Valerie is also a member of the City's beautification committee, as well as the DBA's design committee and regularly attends Illinois Main Street functions.  Valerie is also in charge of the Downtown Adopt-a-Pot program and was the one who spearheaded it.

In addition to the Jean Anderson Award, there is also a Minnie Award for outstanding volunteerism and excellence in service at the Downtown Bloomington Association Farmers' Market.  This is the second year that the Minnie has been awarded.  Theresa Necessary was the recipient of the 2013 Minnie award.  Theresa has been with the farmers' market as a volunteer since 2008 and has since been in charge of training new volunteers on how to use the point of sale machine, as well as dispense tokens.  Theresa's hard work, dedication, and endless enthusiasm are what help boost morale and support from other volunteers at the market.

Thank you to all downtown volunteers, committee and board members for your service and support! 

Powerless Children need Powerful Voices!

Children have a right to feel safe, loved, and become the people they are destined to be.

McLean County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nonprofit organization which trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children residing in foster care. Research indicates that children who have a CASA volunteer achieve a safe and permanent home sooner than those who do not.