Ace Hardware of Central Illinois

Locally Owned, Nationally Known                                     April 2010                      



In This Issue:
*Spring Lawn Care
*Disaster Preparedness
*Community Events
*YMCA Campaign
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Ace Hardware of Central Illinois has 10 locations to serve you better. Visit one today or go to our website at http://www.acesetsthepace.com
 
You can also click on any of the store pictures below to go directly to the store website.
214 North Walnut
Springfield, IL 62702
217-528-5673
Manager: Steve Thomas
 
900 West Morton
Jacksonville, IL 62650
217-245-9563
Manager: Lori Beck
 
1713 Spresser
Taylorville, IL 62568
217-824-3325
Manager: Shirley Niethe
 
1600 Wabash
Springfield, IL 62704
217-787-5100
Manager: Robert Chellios
 
204 East College
Normal, IL 61761
309-454-5413
Manager: Kelly Warning
 
207 West Main
Havana, IL 62644
309-543-2638
Manager: Heather McGlothin
 
111 East 1st North
Carlinville, IL 62626
217-854-2564
Manager: Chad Strubbe
 
521 North Kickapoo
Lincoln, IL 62656
217-735-1458
Manager: JR Bailey
 
1200 North Main
Chatham, IL 62629
217-483-4085
Manager: Gerardo Campos
 
300 Springfield
Hillsboro, IL 62049
217-532-6677
Manager: Kristel White
 
Proud Member of CAIBA
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Dear Subscriber ,
 
Thanks for opening the first edition of Ace's monthly newsletter. We hope that you will enjoy the different news and tips each newsletter will contain. Feel free to forward this e-mail on to friends and family if you think they might enjoy it!
 
If you wish to continue receiving these newsletters each month simple click on  the "Subscribe to Monthly Newsletter" link on the left of this page. By choosing to stay on our list we promise not to give your e-mail to anybody else, and will only use it for the purpose of this newsletter.
 
Spring Lawn Care
Spring has sprung and it is time to get outside and prepare your trees, flower beds and lawn for the growing season!
 
Before you begin any lawn project this spring test your soil. Soil is the basis for your plant growth, so it is important to know what your soil is made up of and what nutrients it contains. Your soil should contain even amounts of silt, sand and clay in order to give plants the proper amounts of air, water and nutrients. To test this, put a handful of soil into a clear glass with water. The sand particles will settle on the bottom of the glass, with the silt layering below the clay at the top. All plants also need a good balance of the macro- and micronutrients. You can test your soil and add any nutrients that are lacking with fertilizer. Once the fertilizer is added to the soil it will reach your plants quickly to ensure proper growth.
 
Now that you know your soil is well-balanced with the proper structure and nutrients, you are ready to focus on your trees, plants and grass.
 
Trees: Be sure to prune your trees and shrubs during the dormant season to maintain not only physical appearance but tree health as well. For flowering trees and shrubs that bloom in early spring, pruning should be done immediately after flowering. Of course, dead branches can be removed any time of year. Getting rid of dead limbs will help the living parts of the tree receive more airflow and stimulate future growth.
 
Flower beds and gardens: Remove the mulch that was applied in the fall from perennial beds to allow the plants to breathe and grow. Once perennials have sprouted reapply the mulch.
 
Lawn: Rake your yard to get rid of thatch build-up. Raking can also take care of matted areas, also known as "snow mold", which can prevent the growth of new grass. Once you've raked fertilize using compost or a lawn fertilizing schedule.
 
Disaster Preparedness
With all the news of devastating natural disasters occurring around the world, and tornado season just beginning, have you thought about disaster preparedness in your home? If a major disaster strikes, it may be several days before vital services and resources are restored. It is important for homes, and even businesses, to develop an emergency plan and have a disaster kit ready just in case. And don't forget about pets!
 
When building your disaster kit there are many items that you may not think to include such as prescription medicines, extra batteries, socks, and more. Although not necessary for survival, you may also want to include a deck of cards or board games to pass the time and lift everybody's spirits.
 
For a complete list of items to include in your disaster kit and more information on disaster preparedness you can visit the State of Illinois website at http://ready.illinois.gov/default.htm. There is even a fun Activity Book you can use to get children involved!
 
Community Events
Warm weather is here and it is time to get out of the house and do something. There are many fun, local events the whole family can attend. Below are some ideas, but be sure to visit the town websites for all listed events.
 
Every Tuesday-Saturday 7:30-9:15pm: Lincoln's Ghost Walk: Legends and Lore (Not scary), Springfield http://www.springfield-il.com/calendar.php
 
April 18th-1-3pm: Halloween in April, Zoo Style!, Bloomington  http://www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org/visitors-events.cfm
 
April 20th-4:30-7pm: FREE document shredding sponsored by CAIBA, Ace on Wabash
 
April 22nd-8am-2pm: 3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration, Jacksonville http://www.jacksonvilleil.org/calendar.pdf
 
April 24th: The Buckinghams, Havana
 
May 7th: Pork Cookout, Carlinville
 
YMCA Campaign
The YMCA is America's largest not-for-profit community service organization, serving more than 20.1 million people in over 10,000 communities. With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, the YMCA promises to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
 
For 136 years the Springfield YMCA has been sharing these principles with the Springfield community. With the changing demographics and increasing population of the Springfield area, the YMCA has decided to construct a new 64,000 square foot facility that will serve children, adults, seniors, and individuals with special needs.
 
In order to raise the $18 million needed to carry out this project, the Southwest Branch of the YMCA Capital Campaign Committee was established. So far, the committee has successfully raised $15 million! At this rate, YMCA officials hope to break ground early this summer to open the doors of the new complex by summer 2011.
 
As part of our commitment to the community, our Ace stores, along with help from our customers, have raised $1,480 for the Capital Campaign so far. If you would like to donate money, stop by either of our Springfield Ace locations or our Chatham Ace location, or you can visit the Springfield YMCA website at http://www.springfieldymca.org.
 

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