With that in mind, we wanted to share with you information about a group of area citizens who have formed a new coalition called "Citizens for Sangamon County Schools" (CSCS) in an effort to educate voters about the sales-tax referendum question that will appear on the Nov. 2, 2010 ballot.

"Citizens for Sangamon County Schools" is urging voters to answer YES to the proposed 1% sales tax that would go toward funding school facilities in the county.

Chuck Pell, spokesman for CSCS, said the sales tax would accomplish three important goals: 1) Provide property tax relief for homeowners; 2) Help provide a safe learning environment for children; and 3) Make 21st century technology and classrooms accessible to students.

“Few things are more important to a community than preparing its youth to compete in the global marketplace. In November, our community can step up to the challenge and support our students. Funding proper facilities for learning is a must,” stated Pell.

CSCS plans to host informational community meetings in the coming months to ensure that citizens have the information they need to make an educated decision when they go to vote on Nov. 2.

The group has launched a website called “abetterwaytofund.com” and a social media presence on Facebook.

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From Barnyard Olympics to a Country Cheese Festival, there are many fun activities to consider for this upcoming Labor Day weekend!  Some are near; others are farther away, but they all look like fun.  Enjoy!

September 3, 4, 5, 6

Prairieland Chautauqua in Jacksonville. In its 12th year, this event features historical re-enactments, storytelling, music and dance. Will be held under the "big tent" in Jacksonville's Community Park.  Food will be available.   www.jacksonvilleil.org

September 4, 5, 6

Amish Country Cheese Festival in Arthur. Now three days instead of two! Held in the heart of Amish Country, this downtown festival will feature live entertainment, food, flea market, children's rides, and of course, free cheese samples! Phone: 217-543-2242.   www.arthurcheesefestival.com

September 4, 5,6

Frankfort Fall Festival in Frankfort. Located about 3 hours north of Springfield, south of Chicago. This is a fine arts and crafts show with over 300 artisans from about 30 states and is attended by 250,000 each year! Make it a Chicago weekend – check our trip ideas HERE.   www.frankfortfallfestival.info

September 4, 5, 6

Septemberfest 2010 in Schaumburg (Chicago suburbs). In its 40th year, visitors to this fun festival can shop the arts and crafts displays, ride the carnival attractions, enjoy the fantastic food and listen to some great local music. Admission is free.   www.ci.schaumburg.il.us

September 4-5

Barnyard Olympics at Eckert's Orchard in Belleville. Load up the kids and head down to Eckert's to participate in their 3rd Annual Barnyard Olympics.  There will be several events including: animal calling contest, chicken plop bingo, goat scramble, scoop shovel races, greased pig contest and more. Other activities include, live music, carnival rides, animals for petting and pony rides. Be sure to buy some apples while you're there! Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.    www.eckerts.com

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BIRDHOUSE BUILDING CONTEST

Think you can build a better birdhouse? You’ll get a chance to show off your skills — and win cash prizes — in Lincoln Memorial Garden’s first-ever birdhouse building contest.  The contest is open to anyone, and contestants may enter more than one move-in-ready design. Each will be judged for construction quality, originality and functionality.

Entries will be accepted beginning September 15 and must be delivered to the Garden’s Nature Center no later than 4 p.m., Thursday, October 7.

There is a $5 nonrefundable fee for each entry, but the fee provides admission to the Garden’s Indian Summer Festival, October 9-10. Winners will be announced during the two-day food, music and crafts festival. All entries will be on display throughout the weekend.

Awards and cash prizes will be given for:

• Best “green” birdhouse made with recycled or reused materials — $100 prize.
• Best combination of style and function in a birdhouse — $75 prize.
• People’s choice for overall best birdhouse — $50 prize.

The contest and the prizes were made possible by a generous Garden supporter.

For a complete set of contest rules, go to www.LincolnMemorialGarden.org or call 217/529-1111.

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She did my laundry, put the cold rag on my head, worried for me, and stayed calm. She went to the store, got my mail, watered my plants…anything she could do to help.

It's what mom's do best. I have many childhood memories of my mom bringing out of the special treatment when we were sick home from school, and it's now just a slightly modified version. Instead of camping out in HER big bed all day with the remote control, she is hanging out at my house where I am comfy in MY big bed. It's funny how some things never change.

So, thanks Mom! You truly came to my rescue.  I know you are happy to do it, but beyond making me feel better you are also setting a great tradition of care that I pass on to my kids too.

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Enjoy these photos and be sure to go visit the Museum this fall and winter.  Take the Amtrak train or drive your car.  It's only an hour or so away up I-55.  Fabulous new exhibits and fun programs await you!

"Here's my entry into the Children's Discovery Museum Getaway Contest. This is my daughter at the museum in March. It was her first visit to the museum, and she had a blast! We are eager to take her again soon! She turned 2 in May.   Thanks for the opportunity to enter your contest!"  Karen Hawker

"Our son loved the Children's Discovery Museum last time we took a trip to Bloomington! I've attached a photo of him playing at the Museum – it's one of my favorites and it really captures how happy he was to be there." Alison Ellis.

"First of all, I want to say that we LOVE the Children's Discovery Museum in Bloomington-Normal! My son also loves it! We always have a great time and discover something new! Thank you for doing this contest!" Lindsey French

"My daughter Emily and I went not too long ago…we LOVE it there!  Thanks!"  Jennifer Powers

"We went to the CDM this month and the kids had a blast. Thanks." Sarah Ford

"I brought my grandkids and some of their friends for a day in Bloomington/Normal last June, 2009. First to Miller Park Zoo and then the Children's Discovery Museum. They keep asking to come back, so we will probably come this summer. It really is a great place for kids. They kept going back to exhibits from one floor to another." Joy Wagner

Thanks to the Children's Discovery Museum for sponsoring this summer contest.

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One of the things we love to do at Springfield Moms is comb the web for interesting and helpful new resources, events and activities for our readers.  This article caught my attention, and I wanted to share it with you.  And if you have some coping strategies that work well with your kids, email us, and we'll share them with our readers.

Helping Kids Overcome the Back-to-School Blues is found on the Kohl's Cares for Kids supported website: Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics.  Enjoy!

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We would love to showcase your "First Day of School" pictures on the website.  Email them to us and be entered to win two free tickets to the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal.  Perfect for a Saturday excursion this fall!

Meanwhile, don't miss our resource packed "Back to School" section on our A-Z Index.  If you've got tips to share, please send them in.  We love to share the scoop!

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That made me smile…and I immediately jotted it in my iPhone notes.  Wouldn't it be nice if we all could wag (smile, laugh, compliment, appreciate) more….and bark (complain, whine, gossip) less?

I strive to surround myself with the people that prefer to wag .  Now, we all don't have perfect lives by any means, but I prefer to be around those that take the good with the bad and focus on the good.  It's a conscious choice, and one that dogs seems to have down pat.

So take a moment and the time you feel yourself ready to bark….take a moment and consider what Fido would do and see if you can adjust.

TGIF!

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Noll Dental Clinic

5220 South 6th Street Road in Springfield. Phone 588-7640. Noll Dental Clinic accepts Medicaid, private insurance and has sliding fee schedule based upon income. Available services: cleanings, check-ups, x-rays, sealants (with more services to be added).

Healthy Communities Partnership HOPEMobile

Located in Lincoln. Phone 732-2317. Open to pregnant women and children who are uninsured or on Medicaid.

Capitol Community Health Center

2239 East Cook Street in Springfield. Phone 788-2301.  Available services: general dentistry, fillings, extractions and cleanings.

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine

Located in Alton. Phone 618-474-7000. Prospective patients must be scheduled for an initial screening prior to becoming a patient. Due to this being a learning environment, appointments may take longer than with a traditional dentist. Services are provided at below market prices and Medicaid is accepted. Dental students are supervised by licensed dentists. Long wait period before first appointment. Available services: general dentistry, implants, fillings, etc.

Capitol Township

901 South 11th Street in Springfield. Phone 525-1736. A limited number of emergency vouchers are available to township residents who are uninsured and meet the income requirements. Vouchers are accepted by most area dentists. A resident can receive one $100 voucher per year. Those who receive Medicaid are not eligible.

Sangamon County Community Resources

200 North 9th Street, Room 311 in Springfield. Phone 535-3120. A limited number of vouchers up to $500 each are available to Sangamon County residents who meet the income requirements.

Catholic Charities – St. Clare's Health Clinic

700 North 7th Street, Suite A in Springfield. Phone 523-1474. Services available for children ages 3 through adult. Adults without insurance can receive free or lower cost services from local dentist (typically long waits). Services available: cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants and more.

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We are passing the time inside with some new board games and just revisiting ones that have been hiding for awhile!  Classics like Apples to Apples, UNO and Tic Tac Toe…believe it or not, simple is sometimes better!  Sidewalk chalk always provides a good 30 minutes of fun at our house.

Check out our list of Indoor Activities and our Crafts for Kids

I love the new post for the make your own birdhouses out of half-gallon milk cartons.  We just may give this one a whirl once they finish the next half-gallon!

Stay cool and hydrated!

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