Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 12, 2007
SBLHC to Celebrate 30th Anniversary with Day-Long Party for the Community
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center will celebrate its 30th Anniversary by hosting a day-long family-centered celebration for community members on Saturday, May 5. The day will start at 7 a.m. with a half-marathon and close at dusk with a fireworks display. Most of the events are free.
Having opened on May 10, 1977, SBLHC has been an integral part of the region for three decades, as a health care provider, community partner, business leader and employer. “This event is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the thousands of community members who have supported us over 30 years,” Gary Barnett, president and CEO, said. “With this celebration, we are also thanking our employees, physicians and volunteers for their dedication and service. We have a lot to be proud of.”
Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:15 with the reading of proclamation signed by Governor Rod Blagojevich naming May 10 Sarah Bush Lincoln Day. Bands from Mattoon and Charleston high schools will perform the Star Spangled Banner, and sky divers will cap of the ceremony when they make a grand, aerial entrance! The Governor’s proclamation will have been carried by runners, walkers and bikers over the proceeding few days more than 90 miles from Springfield to emphasize the Governor’s support of Sarah Bush Lincoln and Sarah Bush Lincoln’s commitment to health and fitness.
Fitness events will include the half-marathon, a 10K Corporate Challenge Relay, a 5K walk or run (all scheduled before the opening ceremonies), and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, immediately following. A free throw competition is scheduled for noon. A complete schedule of events follows.
Parking will be available in front of the Health Center in the grass, as well as off-site parking at the Coles County Memorial Airport with free shuttle rides provided on a double-decker bus and trolley.
Scheduled Events
7 am • “Races for All Paces” Half MarathonThis competitive 13.1-mile chip-timed race will start on our campus, wind through to the bike trail and into Charleston, and return to our campus. Entry fee . For more information and to register, call Matt White at 258- or 348-4195.
8 am • 10K Corporate Challenge Relay
This is a “predicted time” 6.2-mile race in which local companies are encouraged to enter. Six team members will each run a leg of the course that starts and ends on our campus. The team that finishes closest to its predicted time wins. The entry fee is per team. For more information and to register, call Matt White at 258- or 348-4195.
8 am- 5 p.m. • Trivia Contest
Pick up a Trivia Contest entry form at the Hospitality Tent and tour the various activity stations for posted answers to 30 questions that trace Sarah Bush Lincoln’s 30-year history. The first-place winner will receive a massage package, the second-place winner will receive his or her choice of a Heart to Heart program registration or a nutrition and exercise consultation, and 28 third-place winners with receive pedometers.
8:30 am • 5K Walk or Run
This fun event can be a leisurely walk or a competitive chip-timed run; it’s your choice. The race starts and ends on our campus. The entry fee is . For more information and to register, call Matt White at 258- or 348-4195.
8 – 10:30 am • Adult Health Fair
This health fair will test adults’ cholesterol and blood sugar levels, bone density, pulmonary function and vital signs. Important health-related information will be distributed as well.
10 am – 4 pm • Emergency Medical Services Display
This is your chance to climb into a squad car, check out a fire truck and ambulance, and sit inside a helicopter. Watch how the Jaws of Life can save a life, and what happens in a roll-over accident. Owen Motor Sports will provide 4-wheeler safety, too. For more information, call Shirley Sherwood, at 238- or 348-6135.
10:15 am • Welcoming Ceremonies
Guests will be welcomed to the event by skydivers and a rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” to be performed by bands at Mattoon and Charleston high schools. A proclamation from Governor Blagojevich will be read as well.
10:30 am • Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament
Have your three best friends join you for a competitive round of 3-on-3 basketball. The event is open to all ages and will be grouped by age and gender. There is a team fee. For more information and to register, call Bob O’Rourke, ext 2591, or Mike Craig, 258- or 348-2520.
11 am – 3 pm • Health Hummer
Kids of all ages will truly enjoy this interactive event in which HealthWorks of Indiana will provide a life-size hummer that’s been converted to a “human body.” Kids can brush its teeth, touch its brain, pull out its intestines and lots more. Healthworks will also provide interactive programs for the crowd.
11 am – 5 pm • Kids’ Inflatables
What can bring kids hours of fun and endless entertainment? Their choice of five inflatable climbing, sliding, obstacle course activities, of course! For more information, call Karyn Cole, 258- or 348-2177.
11 am • National Free Comic Book Day
Family-friendly comic books will be distributed until 3 p.m. or until the comic books run out.
Noon • Free Throw Competition
Test your ability to sink free throws. Competition is divided among age groups ages 18 years old and younger. For more information and to register, call Erica Stollard, 258- or 348-4093.
Noon – 2 pm • Bicycle Rodeo
Children will have the opportunity to have their bicycles inspected for safety. They can test their riding skills on an obstacle course and will also register their bicycles with the local police department. Coupons for free helmets will be given to the first 80 participants who complete the program. For more information, call Stacey Carroll, 258- or 348-2530.
noon – 3 pm • Face Painting
Kids love to have their faces painted, and parents love to see the smiles it brings!
1 – 4 pm • I Sing the Body Electric Arts and Health Festival
What a wonderful opportunity to view the creative and talented work of students in our community. This event will be held during our festival, where winning entries will be announced. This is a must see! For more information, call Gaye Harrison, 258- or 348-4570.
1 – 5 pm • Record-a-Hit
I want my MTV! Now it’s yours! With Record-a-Hit, you can create your own music video with the help of computer technology, and play your DVD for your friends at home. Kids of all ages will have fun with this. For more information, call Barb Ippolito, 258- or 348-2509.
2 pm • Kiddie Tractor Pull
Thanks to support from the Arcola Jaycees, we offer a sanctioned Kiddie Tractor Pull-- always a fun and memorable event! For more information, call Karyn Cole, 258- or 348-2177.
2 – 4 pm • Red Hat Society Tea
For the ladies who enjoy wearing red and purple combinations and elaborate hats, we’re hosting a tea. It’s their opportunity to network. For more information, call Brenda Herman, 258- or
348-2324.
2 – 6 pm • Bingo
Who can resist Bingo? Thanks to the Mattoon Moose 803, community members can enjoy hours of free Bingo. We will even have celebrity Bingo callers that you won’t want to miss.
3 – 5 pm • Dunk-A-Doc
This is your opportunity to take aim at your doctor and give him a real soaking! For more information, call Janine Ramsey, 258- or 348-4011.
4 – 5 pm • Cake Walk
When it stops, nobody knows! With your eye on the cake, scramble to an available seat when the music stops. It’s just that simple and fun! For more inform