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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
Stockton Landmark signage undergoes re-beautification By Tony Carton EDITOR
Communities like the Village of Stockton often have only one chance to make a good impression on visitors. In a high-speed, automobileoriented society, information and directional signs are necessary not only for public convenience but also for public safety. Proper signage will function to inform highway and road users of the community’s tourism services, operations and attractions, provide roadway directions to these destinations and increase the frequency and quantity of tourist visits. Stockton constructed just such a sign a few years back on Highway 20 and its recent renovation is already beginning to show returns. “Originally it was designed to attract the Highway 20 driver to historic downtown Stockton,” said Stockton Chamber of Commerce President Sam Stoddart. “It was built following the architectural theme of our historic downtown buildings.” The project was funded through fundraising activities and Chamber membership dues. “There are currently three signs boards on the landmark that haven’t been utilized, but we are exploring ideas for their use,” said Stoddart. Possible uses for the landmark placards might include promotion for any events that will bring visitors to Stockton or PR announcements for private businesses. The Chamber is open to ideas. Since its construction, there have been problems with the structure,
but thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers the issues are corrected. “The landmark was never designed to be a planter, but someone had filled the areas behind the stone walls with dirt and since there was no drainage designed into the walls they eventually collapsed,” Stoddart said. Enter Paul Fritz of Paul Fritz Nursery and Garden Center and a team of focused volunteers. “Paul Fritz has volunteered to maintain the Landmark structure for the foreseeable future,” Stoddart said. “He just believes that Stockton is a beautiful town and Stockton has been so good to him that now, he sees an opportunity to return the favor.” Fritz and crew will weed and maintain the plants surrounding the structure. The village will continue to mow the lot and the project will remain a community effort. The Chamber is updating the placard uses, volunteers led by Paul Fritz will maintain the flower beds and decorative plants and the village will maintain the lawn areas. “There are thoughts about further uses for the property surrounding the landmark, but there is nothing definite as yet,” said Stoddart. “There is a lot of work remaining, but one idea is to have a community Christmas tree since there is electricity at the site, possibly with a tree lighting ceremony, but again, the Chamber is open to ideas and suggestions for uses at the site.”
“The Chamber would like to see the site become a focus for our businesses,” Stoddart said. “Any promotions or activities that benefit our Chamber members would certainly be given top consideration.” Stoddart said the contributions of the volunteers that are working to re-beautify the landmark and its surroundings are priceless.
“Our Chamber board is young and vibrant and things are moving forward for the village,” Stoddart said. “Randy Pepin has been instrumental with the Landmark project, Amanda Pierce of Creativeations is a key player with development, Millie Graves of Illinois Bank and Trust and Karli Dower of the Tamori Salon are both putting in extra hours
and energy and the results are beginning to show.” Ideas or suggestions for uses at the Stockton Landmark site should be communicated to the Stockton Chamber of Commerce at 113 S Main St, Stockton, IL 61085 or please call (815) 947-2878 or visit the Chamber online at http://www. stocktonil.com/
Celebrate National Arts in Education Week ceeds Act and its many arts-friendly provisions. In the new law, the arts remain a “well-rounded” subject and are empowered to be central to a child’s education in our public EMILY DENEKAS PHOTO The Scoop Today schools. The newly renovated Stockton Landmark sign on Highway 20 is once again attracting visitors to the Our municipal, education, and historic village and its shops and tourist events. state leaders need to know about the impact the arts have on young peoples’ lives and that they must support the arts in every district and every school in America. Write a letter to your school board now to tell them how and why the arts matCall Mary B for ter in education!
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Designated by Congress in 2010, House Resolution 275 names the week beginning with the second Sunday in September as National Arts in Education Week. During this week, the field of arts education and its supporters join together in communities across the country to tell the story of the transformative power of the arts in education. In 2016, it is a particularly important time to celebrate arts education, as we usher in a new chapter of American educational policy with the new Every Student Suc-
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