MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CEO ADA BAIR NAMED INAUGURAL WINNER OF ICAHN

PAT SCHOU LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AWARD

Carthage, IL – The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) honored Memorial
Hospital CEO Ada Bair with its first-ever “Pat Schou Legacy of Leadership Award” at its
Annual Conference held November 14 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign.
Named for former ICAHN CEO Pat Schou, the award recognizes an individual who
demonstrates extraordinary contributions to an ICAHN member hospital and a global
contribution to rural health.
Bair is known for her unwavering dedication to patients, staff, and rural healthcare. As a
trailblazer, she tirelessly advocates for patient-centered care. Her infectious energy and visionary leadership have galvanized her team, fostering a culture of unity, collaboration, and service excellence. Under Bair’s guidance, Memorial Hospital has improved patient outcomes and has been nominated for awards nationwide.
Bair strives to be curious before critical and always sees things with her glass half-full. Her
advocacy for rural healthcare is another cornerstone of her leadership. She has cultivated strong relationships with legislators at both local and national levels, passionately lobbying for the needs of rural health.
Her collaboration with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association ensures that local voices are heard in broader conversations about healthcare policy. Her strategic foresight led Memorial Hospital to join ICAHN and IRRCO early on, where she has remained an active participant and board member.
In 2023, Memorial Hospital was selected as an NRHA Outstanding Rural Health Organization, a testament to Ada’s vision and leadership. Bair’s initiatives have extended beyond traditional healthcare services. Bair’s transformative leadership has reshaped Memorial Hospital into a vital healthcare resource for the community. Her legacy is marked by a transformative impact on healthcare delivery, community engagement, and employee morale.
ABOUT ICAHN – Located in Princeton, IL, ICAHN is a network of 60 small, rural hospitals
dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals that have earned critical access hospital
designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare.

JBD Siding and Window- Russell Ruey-  - DOUBLE DISCOUNT DECEMBER on ALL Orders!

2024 Snow Removal Information for City of Macomb

The Public Works (PW) Department would like to remind everyone of the City’s codes and PW’s processes for snow removal.
Snow and Ice Operations: Public Works removes snow and ice from every dedicated city street by a  combination of salting and plowing. One complete pass through the City takes at least seven hours after the snow has stopped and may take longer depending on the severity and duration of the storm. Public Works' first priority is to clear snow routes and other major streets to enable safe travel for emergency vehicles, public transit, commuters and school buses. Secondary and residential streets are cleared after the snow routes and major streets are open. See the attached map for the designated emergency snow routes.

Plowing operations frequently leave a windrow of snow at the end of driveways and on the adjoining sidewalks. Regrettably, this is an unavoidable consequence of plowing operations. Residents are expected to clear driveways and sidewalks of these windrows. Please do not throw the snow back into the street.

When adverse weather occurs, motorists are reminded to leave a few minutes early, drive slowly and be considerate of other motorists and snow plow operators. Please do not pass a snow plow or follow a Public Works vehicle too closely as plowing and salting operations are potentially hazardous to you and your vehicle.
Snow Routes: All snow routes are posted. Parking is prohibited on snow routes when a snow emergency has been declared or when snow accumulations exceed three inches (3”), which automatically creates a snow emergency. Vehicles parked on a snow route during a snow emergency may be towed without notice. Snow emergencies typically last for about 24 hours. Listen to local radio stations and the City’s web and Facebook pages for advisories and details.

 
Keeping parked cars off of streets is required on snow routes and very helpful on other city streets as it enables the street to be plowed from curb to curb and eliminates problems resulting from cars being plowed in.

Encroachments: Items encroaching into or out over the street pavement or curb (particularly portable basketball goals) should be removed from the street right-of-way. From time to time snow plows may damage sod, vegetation, overhanging signs or mailboxes. Please report any damage to the public works department at (309) 833-2821. Public Works will make temporary repairs as necessary and permanent repairs in the spring.
Public Sidewalks: The removal of snow from sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjoining property owner. Clearing public sidewalks is important for the safety of pedestrians including school children, mail carriers, newspaper deliver people, etc.
Sidewalks in the designated abatement zones are required to be cleaned with 3” of snow accumulation, an accumulation of ice and freezing rain or upon an enforcement declaration
Private Plowing: Persons plowing snow from private driveways and parking lots cannot leave snow piled in the street or on public sidewalks. It is also inconsiderate to push snow across the street and leave it piled in a neighbor’s front yard.

Hancock County Farm Bureau- Richlyn Hoener with HANCOCK COUNTY FARM BUREAU UPDATE FOR DECEMBER 2024

Chaddock Hosting Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

QUINCY, IL – Chaddock is excited to offer a live Youth Mental Health First Aid training session live via Zoom, providing participants with essential skills to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges in youth ages 12-18.
The training will be held online and is open to teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents and any adults who work with youth. For just $30, attendees will gain the tools needed to approach young people in crisis, connect them with appropriate resources and better understand the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
Featured Topics Include:
• How to identify common mental health and substance abuse challenges in youth.
• How to approach a young person in crisis.
• Strategies for providing immediate support and connecting youth to professional help.
This live training will be facilitated by Chaddock staff and offers a supportive, interactive environment to
learn these critical skills. It is a valuable opportunity for anyone working with or supporting youth to gain
insights into mental health and make a meaningful difference in their community.
Event Details:
• Tuesday, December 10th
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST
• Zoom

Registration is open at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-mental-health-first-aid-training-tickets-
1020929717267.

Located in Quincy, IL, Chaddock is an internationally recognized leader in the treatment of children suffering from the psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects of significant abuse, neglect and trauma. Chaddock’s full range of preventative, educational and treatment services to children from birth to age 21 and their families include community-based services, a special education school, in-home intensive programs and residential treatment. Through The Knowledge Center at Chaddock, our on-campus professionals have the ability to share decades of direct care expertise with professionals and families.

KRISTY WISSLEAD NAMED ICAHN 2024 4 UNDER 40 WINNER

Carthage, IL – The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) announced its 2024 "4
Under 40  Hospital Leadership winners, including Kristy Wisslead, APRN-FNP, Family Nurse
Practitioner at Memorial Medical Clinic Colchester, during the organization's Annual
Conference held November 14 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign, Illinois.

She is joined in this honor by Erin Frank, Director of Marketing & Communications at Horizon Health; Wyatt Brieser, VP of Operations at Hammond-Henry Hospital; and Jessica Delost, Chief Compliance and Legal Officer at Gibson Area Hospital. Wisslead has been with Memorial  Hospital since 2016, when she joined the organization with the intention of serving the people of her hometown, Colchester.

"Kristy was the first full-time primary care provider to serve Colchester in many years. Through her tireless advocacy, Kristy helped transform the clinic into a key healthcare resource forColchester. Her leadership was crucial in securing a major expansion of the clinic in 2024, which doubled its office space and expanded its services to include orthopedics, pediatrics, OB/GYN, general surgery, lab services, imaging, and the installation of the first pharmacy vending machinein the region" said Ada Bair, Memorial Hospital – Carthage CEO. "Kristy's  vision of providing comprehensive, accessible healthcare for her hometown has had a lasting impact on both the hospital and the broader community."
ICAHN's '4 Under 40' Hospital Leadership Award is open to new and emerging leaders aged 40 and under, employed by an ICAHN member hospital or as a member of a hospital's board for at least two years with a strong record of innovation and outstanding performance.
Located in Princeton, IL, ICAHN is a network of 60 small, rural hospitals dedicated to
strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals that have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare, administering several state, federal, and private healthcare programs. 

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Pictured: Kristy Wisslead, Family Nurse Practitioner at Memorial Medical Clinic Colchester,
and Ada Bair, CEO at Memorial Hospital and Hancock County Senior & Childcare Services

CARTHAGE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE - Chairperson  RACHEL SLAMA 

CARTHAGE CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE COMING UP DECEMBER 5TH WITH SHOPPING LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE AND MORE 

GALESBURG — Enjoy the sounds of the Sandburg choir during its fall concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Science & Technology Center atrium on the Galesburg campus.

Under the direction of James Hutchings, the concert will feature a performance of Kyle Pederson’s “A Vision Unfolding,” a five-movement piece centered around themes of social justice.

This event is free and open to the public. For questions or more information, contact Meghan Angle, Humanities/Social Sciences support specialist, at mangle@sandburg.edu.

ILLINI TRUCK AND TRAILER RICK WISEHART-   Business is expanding

OPEN FOR ONLY  A FEW MONTHS ILLINI TRUCK AND TRAILER IS GROWING WITH NEW SERVICES AND CONVENIENT ON SITE HELP

Quincy Better Business Bureau- Don OBrien- THIS HOLIDAY WATCH OUT FOR ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS USE CARE AND INVESTIGATE COMPANIES

U OF IU EXTENSION AMY LEFRINGHOUSE- LEAF MANAGEMENT, 4-H ENROLLMENT IS OPEN AND SPRING MASTER NATURALIST CLASSES ARE COMING SOON

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL RECEIVES 18 AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that they were the recipient of seventeen breakthrough awards and was honored for achieving a 5-star rating with Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) for patient satisfaction for the fifth year in a row and second year in a row with the National Rural Rating System (NRRS). These awards were conferred at the 2024 annual Custom Learning Systems (CLS) HealthCare Service Excellence Conference held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.

These awards are based on patient experience survey scores for HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), ED CAHPS (Emergency Department  Consumer Assessment of Providers and Systems), and CG CAHPS (Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Providers Systems). These surveys are sent to Memorial patients after receiving care.

For the HCAHPS section, Memorial Hospital received six awards of excellence for achieving survey scores higher than the national averages in the areas of Hospital Environment-Quiet, Recommend the Hospital, Communication with Nurses, Communication about Medicines, Hospital Environment – Clean, and Rate Hospital. 

For the ED CAHPS section, Memorial Hospital received nine awards of excellence for achieving scores higher than the national averages in the areas of Timely Care, Additional Rating, Rate ER Care, Recommend ER, Doctors and Nurse Communication, Communication about Medications, Communication about Follow-Up, Additional Rating, and Rate ER Care. 

For the CG CAHPS section, Memorial Medical Clinics received two awards for Access to Care – 3 month, and Care Coordination.

Along with these awards, Memorial Hospital was honored for achieving a 5-star rating with the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) for patient satisfaction for the fifth year in a row.

Memorial Hospital is proud to have been recognized for its achievements and hard work in
several categories and looks forward to serving you, your friends, and your family for many
years to  come.

 Pictured left to right – Will Stuflick, Chief Human Resources Officer; Dawn Owren, Chief
Ancillary Officer; Brad Culpepper, Director of Hospitality; Ada Bair, Chief Executive Officer;
Shelly Hunter, Director of Inpatient Services; Lauren Ellison, Marketing and Communications

TWO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL STAFF RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AT

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Carthage, IL – Memorial Hospital is proud to announce Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer, and Jill Schlatter, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, have been selected as Summit Award winners at this year’s recent Custom Learning Systems (CLS) Conference at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.

The Summit Award is awarded to qualified, innovative, progressive individuals, teams, and
healthcare facilities who have made outstanding progress toward improving patient experiences and staff engagement. Individuals, teams, or organizations must be nominated to be eligible for the Summit Award.

Jill Schlatter, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Memorial Hospital, received the Summit Award for her role as OASIS (Organizationally Advanced Service Improvement System) Team Captain. In this role, Schlatter oversees the efforts and responsibilities of OASIS teams throughout the Memorial Hospital organization. These teams bring together leaders across different departments to create and implement projects focused on organizational best practices. Schlatter is known for her strong leadership and organizational talents, which allow her to approach each project with creativity and dedication and support her team in achieving every project objective.

Raigan Brown, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Memorial Hospital, received the Summit Award for her role as Empowering CNO. Brown has profoundly impacted patient care and
organizational culture through her exceptional leadership. Known for her strong people skills, Brown fosters teamwork and builds positive relationships with staff and patients, enhancing the quality of care at Memorial. Her effective coaching skills have improved employee morale and cultivated a supportive and inclusive work culture. Brown’s dedication to patient satisfaction inspires all employees to exceed expectations. As a positive role model, Brown goes above and beyond to support staff and peers by consistently emphasizing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care.

Seven outstanding team members and three dedicated teams from Memorial Hospital were also honored at the conference as Pinnacle Achievers. This prestigious award recognizes the top three to five nominees in each category, who are announced before the conference and celebrated at the event for exemplifying excellence in their respective fields. This year's Pinnacle Achievers from Memorial Hospital include Dr. Jennifer Reed as a Customer-Focused Physician, Brad Culpepper as an Empowering Manager, Moira Rothert as an Exceptional Employee Clinical, Theresa Klossing as an Exceptional Implementation Coordinator, and Deana Ferrill as a Service Excellence Ambassador. Additionally, the Organized Advanced Service Improvement Systems (OASIS) team was recognized for its Hire & Inspire initiative, Memorial Hospital's Service Excellence Council for its positive impact, and Memorial Hospital itself earned recognition as a Hospital of Choice.

These honors underscore Memorial Hospital's unwavering commitment to excellence and the remarkable contributions of its staff in delivering exceptional care and service. Custom Learning Systems presents Summit Awards during their annual Health Care Service Excellence Conference. The HealthCare Service Excellence Conference is dedicated to delivering evidence- based solutions to help hospitals, and other healthcare facilities improve the overall patient experience. To learn more, visit www.customlearning.com.

MTC Communications- Rachel Kerns- RECONNECT GRANT IS MOVING FORWARD IN 2025 GO TO MTC ONLINE TODAY TO CHECK FOR UPDATES AND TO SIGN UP FOR SERVICE

Carthage, IL - Memorial Hospital will host a community blood drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for
local hospitals. The blood drive will be from12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Monday, December 23 at 1454 N Co RD 2050, inside
Health & Wellness Conference Rooms.

What: Memorial Hospital Community Blood Drive
When: Monday, December 23, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Health & Wellness Conference Rooms, 1454 N Co RD 2050, Carthage, IL
Appointments: To donate, please contact Heidi Jo Jones at (217) 430-6403 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 4157 to locate the drive.

Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 10/28/24 are eligible to give at this drive.
About Blood Donation: Blood donation is a safe, simple procedure that takes about 45 minutes to one hour. Individuals with diabetes or controlled high blood pressure may be accepted as eligible donors.

Tessie Morton from the Hancock County Health Department-  DIABETES SPOTLIGHT SEMINAR DECEMBER 2ND 930-2 WITH GUEST SPEAKERS  AND MORE AT THE 1ST BAPTIST CHURCH IN CARTHAGE

HOLIDAY TREAT MAKING WORKSHOP OFFERS FUN FOR KIDS IN
THE HEALTH & WELLNESS TEACHING KITCHEN

Memorial Hospital’s Health & Wellness Center invites kids in grades 2 - 4 to get
into the holiday spirit with a fun and interactive Holiday Treat Making Workshop on Friday,
December 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The event will take place at the Health & Wellness
Center at Memorial Hospital at 1454 N Co Rd 2050, Carthage, IL. 
This festive workshop will provide children with the opportunity to create delicious holiday-
themed treats and enjoy a hands-on, fun experience led by Registered Dietitians Ashlyn
Housewright and Julie Shoemaker. The $20 fee per child includes all materials, and each
participant will leave with their tasty holiday creations to share with family and friends. 
Event Details: 
- Date: Friday, December 13, 2024   
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM   
- Location: Memorial Hospital, 1454 N Co Rd 2050, Carthage, IL 62321
- Cost: $20 per child   
- Ages: Grades 2-4 
Space is limited, so parents are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot for their child. This workshop is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season with creativity, fun, and delicious treats. Learn more about the Health & Wellness Center on MHTLC.ORG or call 217-357-6540.

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Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/242983483211155

Photo caption: Pictured from left to right: Registered Dietitian Julie Shoemaker and Kids
Summer Cooking Workshop participants Grayson Krekel and Brant Housewright in the
Teaching Kitchen at the Health & Wellness Center at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

BEAUTIFUL NAUVOO REBBECCA WILLIAMSON

COME CHECK OUT BEAUTIFUL NAUVOO FOR LIGHTS AUTHENTIC GERMAN FOOD CRAFTS SHOWS AND SO MUCH MORE

Better Business Bureau  Don O'Brien-  SHOP WITH TRUSTED ONLINE STORES

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Carthage Public Library- Amy Gee and DeAnne Dawdy, NEW LIBRARY PLANNING IN PROCESS, GIFT BASKET RAFFLE, ESCAPE ROOM CHALLENGE, AND CROCHET, CHESS, AND BOOK CLUBS. CLOSED VETERANS DAY AND THANKSGIVING

Take Charge enrollment days Nov. 14 & Dec. 7 at Sandburg

GALESBURG — It’s time to take charge of your future. Register for winter, spring or summer classes at Sandburg during one of our upcoming Take Charge enrollment days on the Galesburg campus.

Whether you still need to apply and complete placement testing or are ready to register for classes, our team of committed staff members can help you take your next step at Sandburg. Take a campus tour, learn about our wide selection of programs and get assistance with applying for scholarships and financial aid.

Sandburg Take Charge enrollment days

• Nov. 14 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Dec. 7 — 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pre-registration for Take Charge enrollment days is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To register or for more information, contact our Welcome Center at welcomecenter@sandburg.edu or 309.345.3500.

National  President   Updated at 10:05 am

Donald Trump                        277

Kamala   Harris                      224

Local Election Results

IL - 17th Congressional District - 80% of Precincts Reporting

Joe McGraw GOP 134,00346%

Eric Sorensen (W) Dem 155,81154%

IL - Question 1 - Election Interference - 83% of Precincts ReportingYes (W) 4,302,70289%

No 544,12411%

IL - Question 2 - Tax on High Income - 83% of Precincts ReportingYes (W) 2,920,12860%

No 1,926,83240%

IL - Question 3 - Insurance on In Vitro - 83% of Precincts ReportingYes (W) 3,497,29172%

No 1,331,91028% IL - Hancock Co. - County School Sales Tax - 95% of Precincts 

 Yes 47.5%

No 52.5%

IL - West Prairie CUSD Question -95% of Precincts Reporting

Yes   49.8%

No 50.2%

IL - Hancock Co. - Carthage Cemetery Question -95% of Precincts

Yes 44.5%

No 55.5%

IL - McDonough Co. - District One County Board Mem - 100% of Precincts Reporting

Dana Roy Walker (W) D 1,46220%

Dave Bartlett D 1,48921%

Michael Kirby (W) D 1,32318%

Ken Durkin (W) D 1,35919%

Jerry Raby (W) R 1,53521%

IL - McDonough Co. - District Two County Board Me - 100% of Precincts Reporting

Rod McGrew D 1,40213%

Kathy Olesen-Tracey D     9879%

Jenifer Bower D 9689%

Clayton Dean Cook (W 2,28622%

Joe Erlandson (W) R 2,24522%

Craig W. Foster (W) R 2,53624%

IL - McDonough - District Three County Board Mem. - 100% of Precincts Reporting

Tim Roberts D 1,4809%

William Thompson D 1,2118%

Tiffany Ketchum D 1,2878%

Christian Lovell D 1,1387%

Jack Lowderman (W) R 2,64317%

Terra Litchfield (W) R 2,73917%

Ryan Litchfield (W) R 2,68917%

Terry J. Thompson (W) R2,51816%

MEMORIAL MEDICAL CLINIC MOBILE DELIVERS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH  SERVICES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS

Carthage, IL – Memorial Medical Clinics is proud to announce the launch of Memorial Medical Clinic  Mobile, a new behavioral health initiative bringing mental health support directly to students in Hancock County schools. This mobile clinic is now in operation, made possible through generous donations from Memorial Hospital Foundation and a $15,000 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation 2023 mental health program. It will provide vital mental health services to children aged 4-18 and address critical
needs such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and emotional support right on their school campuses.

“Memorial Medical Clinic Mobile will make a transformative impact on student mental health by making services easily accessible and reducing barriers for young people in need of support,” said Chaka Batley,  Director of Behavioral Health Services at Memorial Hospital. “This initiative underscores our commitment to building a healthier, more resilient community for our children.” 

Appointments for the mobile clinic will be available without referrals, and services will be billed to insurance as if the appointment occurred at Memorial Medical Clinic Carthage. Financial aid will be provided for families in need, ensuring everyone can access care. Throughout the summer months, the mobile unit will serve additional community needs through health screenings, physicals, and educational events.

Memorial Medical Clinic Mobile was made possible due in part to Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Strengthening Minds, Building Futures campaign, which raised $56,000 to cover renovation costs and fully outfit the mobile clinic.
Community members and local businesses are invited to continue to support Memorial Medical Clinic Mobile through the Strengthening Minds, Building Futures campaign. These donations will help Memorial Hospit l’s Behavioral Health team deliver Individualized Education Program (IEP) support and, in the future, Autism screenings through the mobile clinic.
To support the Strengthening Minds, Building Futures campaign, donations can be mailed to Memorial Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 160, Carthage, IL, 62321. For more information, contact Greta Wetzel at gwetzel@mhtlc.org or 309-430-9103.
For specific questions about the mobile clinic program, contact Gavin O’Neil at

217-430-9103 or goneil@mhtlc.org. 

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Links: https://www.mhtlc.org/clinics/memorial-medical-clinic-mobile/

Pictured: Gavin O’Neil, Licensed Clinical
Social Worker with the new Memorial Medical Clinic Mobile in front of Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.

The Hancock County Retired Teachers will be meeting on Monday,
November 18.

The meeting will be held at the First United Methodist
Church, Carthage at 11:30 am. The church is located at 402 Main Street.
Please use the South entrance; there is an elevator you may use or stairs
(meeting is downstairs). Also, 2025 dues will be collected.
Kathy Bartholomew will present a memorial for Patricia Weatherington. The
Carthage Middle School Choir will sing several selections for us. They will be very
entertaining.
Please text or call your reservation to Ruth Gayton, 217-430-6487 by noon
Wednesday, November 13. Please consider attending if you are interested
in our group. We will cover the cost of lunch on your first visit if you are a
potential member.