State Theater still looks grand

A woman walks past the ornate entrance to the old State Theatre as she makes her way along Fountain Avenue in downtown Springfield Thursday. Opened in 1927, the State was the flagship of the Chakeres Amusement Company. It has been boarded up for the past few years after several attempts to revitalize it.

to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 7, at the Champaign County Chamber Office, 127 W. Court St. Breakfast will include coffee cake and fruit. Coffee will be provided by Paul’s Catering. Mask will be required if you are not actively eating. Those that attend can meet with community leaders, learn of new happenings and events. To register, email info@champaignohio. com or call 937-653-5764.

annual home beautification program and “Home of the Week” recognition must be entered in the contest by May 1. There is no charge to enter the contest. Springfield residents who received beautification awards last year are automatically entered in the 56th Annual Community Beautification Committee Home Beautification Contest.

Volunteer Judges are needed for the annual contest. Anyone interested in CBC projects or helping judge for the home beautification program are asked to call the CBC at (937) 3235865.

“Adopt-a-bed” volunteers are also needed to assist in planting flower beds on city boulevards and other public owned areas. Anyone interested in this program can still get involved in the planting and maintenance of the beds by contacting the CBC. Plants and mulch will be provided for the volunteers who agree to maintain the beds from May through September.

The beautification committee’s projects and activities are designed to enhance the natural beauty of Springfield. The CBC meets the first Thursday of each month at

7:30 PM in the City Commission Forum Conference Room at City Hall, 76 E. High St. and the public is invited to attend. Next public meeting of CBC is scheduled May 6.

and veterans.