Pec Sesquicentennial opens month of ‘thanks’ giving

By Chris Johnson
REPORTER
As 2019 prepares to come to a close, the village of Pecatonica’s year long birthday celebration begins a “thank-you through Thanksgiving”, gift-giving awareness drive, to help close down the year.
Each month during 2019, the Sesquicentennial Committee, which received support from across Winnebago County as well as communities well beyond local boundaries, participated in scheduled activities.
Partnerships with governmental entities and community organizations, such as Pecatonica Township, the Village of Pecatonica, Economic Development and the Pecatonica Lions Club helped a lot of things come to fruition in 2019.
Discussions about potential future events, which took root this year, during the sesquicentennial celebration, could include the Taste of Pecatonica, a Memorial Day weekend featuring dance, food and games, rides and fireworks.
The concept of continuing a partnership with the Pecatonica Playhouse also surfaced, with future Murder Mystery Dinners under consideration.
Into the holidays, in an effort to “close out” with the greatest gift of all, giving, a new kind of drive will be presented by the Sesquicentennial Committee.
A partnership between the outreach and the local American Legion Post presents citizens with their first chance to participate this Saturday, as part of the annual Turkey Bingo, hosted by the Pecatonica American Legion.
With many Pecatonica organizations involved in various needs-driven programs, such as the local food pantry and winter clothes drives, another need was presented by the Sesquicentennial Committee as explained by Chairman Jennifer Johnson.
“We are hoping to collect items that will help a lot of people find things a lot easier this holiday season. We want to help and we would like our community’s help as well getting some help getting some of those other things that people have to have.”
Johnson said items. such as shampoo and conditioner, dish soap and toilet paper, as well as feminine needs items, bubble bath, scrubs and bathroom cleaners are just some of the things being sought.
Getting the items where they need to go will take more assistance and American Legion officials have said they would like to help. A drop-off point is set up for visitors and those citizens taking part in the annual holiday Turkey Bingo Festival at the Legion hall on Saturday, Nov. 9..
The household needs drive began on Monday, Nov. 4 and will run through Monday, Dec. 2. At this point, the initial drop-off point will be at the American Legion Saturday, Nov. 9, as part of the 2019 Turkey Bingo community get together.
Doors open at 5 p.m. at the American Legion. Items will be accepted for donation to the holiday of giving for the Pecatonica Sesquicentennial Committee at the Legion during its holiday fundraiser.
Items being requested for the Sesquicentennial Committee during November also include toothpaste and toothbrushes, mouthwash, body wash, bars of soap and deodorant.
Information on future drop-off sites, which also reportedly includes Pecatonica Village Hall, may be found during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with village assistance.
Additional information on the village of Pecatonica’s Sesquicentennial Celebration can be found on line, through Facebook, Pecatonica Sesquicentennial.
Currently, the Pecatonica Sesquicentennial Committee meets as part of the American Legion Outreach, on the firstSaturday of every month at 10 a.m., at the American Legion Post, 403 Main St., Pecatonica.