Karrigan Latham with the pajamas she collected at her birthday party for the Thread, Hope & Love in Washington.

WASHINGTON

Birthday girl asks for PJs; but not for herself

Karrigan Latham thought it would be fun to wear pajamas to her eighth birthday party. She asked her guests to do the same.

Her unique fashion statement had an altruistic mission. The Washington youngster wanted to help children in need and found a creative way to do just that. Karrigan had a breakfast birthday party with the theme, “Pancakes and Pajamas.”

Instead of gifts, she asked for pajamas. She received 32 pairs and donated them to Threads, Hope & Love to share with children who need new jammies.

Karrigan is the daughter of Kali Latham of Washington.

Threads, Hope & Love, 121 Zinser Place, Washington, collects and distributes donations of clothing, coats, boots, toys and anything else that can help struggling parents get items for their families.

Carnival armbands are still available at lower prices

Washington Good Neighbor Days carnival armbands can still be purchased at reduced prices through May 27 at the Chamber of Commerce office, 114 Washington Square. The office will be open from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 26 and May 27, and until 6 p.m. May 25.  

Each armband costs $20 if purchased in advance, and can be used on either Thursday or Saturday of the festival, during armband times. MEGA-Bands are good for the duration of the entire festival – all five days – for the pre-sale price of $60 each. This year’s event will be held June 1-5.

For more information about armband pre-sales, call (309) 444-9921.

HOPEDALE

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for hospital gift shop

The snip of a ceremonial ribbon at 10 a.m. May 26 will hail the opening of The Candy Striper Gift Shop in the main lobby of the hospital at the Hopedale Medical Complex, 107 Tremont St.

The boutique-style gift shop will be open to the community as well as hospital guests.

Business hours will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. Items for sale will include candles, florals, cards, decorative pillows, jewelry, purses and housewares. More information about the medical complex is at www.HopedaleMC.com.

TREMONT

Everyone in the pool – weather permitting

If Mother Nature cooperates, the Tremont Community Swimming Pool will open May 30 through Aug. 14. 

Pool hours of operation are: 1-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 11:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday. Season pass holders may enter the pool 10 minutes early.

Daily admission rates are: swimmers 3 years and older $5; late afternoon after 4 p.m. rate, $3; 2 years and under, free.

For season pass prices and other information, call (309) 925-5730.

MORTON

Memorial Day observance May 30

The American Legion will host its annual Memorial Day Breakfast and Ceremony 8-11 a.m. May 30. The American Legion is at 24 E. Adams St.

Stroll, dine, drink during downtown event

Local residents and their friends are invited to attend the Morton Downtown Dining Stroll, June 2. Samplings of delicious dishes from local restaurants, live musical performances and a beer garden will be available for the public’s enjoyment from 5-7:30 p.m.

PEKIN

PHS ’74 grad cycling to raise funds for disabled

A 1974 graduate of Pekin High School hopes to end a 3,400-mile bicycle journey sometime in June. He started in San Diego at the Pacific Ocean April 9, heading for Portsmouth, N. H. at the Atlantic Ocean.

Sixty-year-old Doug Craw — son of Robert Craw, a former Pekin High School East Campus dean —undertook his Changing Gears journey to raise money for Granite State Independent Living (GSIL), a New Hampshire nonprofit organization devoted to aiding people with disabilities on their path to independence. Craw has worked at GSIL for more than 20 years.

Changing Gears has already raised more than $11,000 of its $17,000 goal. Donations can be made by searching GSIL on www.youcaring.com, and selecting the Changing Gears campaign. A daily journal of Craw’s travels can also be found on the page.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–