Choate Center celebrating 140 years

The Clyde L. Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna plans to celebrate 140 years of service to the region and the people of Illinois in October.

A wide range of activities are being planned to commemorate the occasion.

The Choate Center was founded in 1869. Since that time, the center has offered care and treatment for mental illness, and a home and vocational training for the developmentally disabled.

The upcoming 140th anniversary celebration will coincide with Union County's 2009 ColorFest celebration and Choate's Pumpkin Patch displays.

Festivities are scheduled to begin during the week of Oct. 5 as Pumpkin Patch displays go up around the Choate Center campus. A staff and patient picnic will follow.

An official kickoff for the celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7, when Choate plans to host a Recognition Day in honor of state and local politicians and agencies which have supported the mission of the facility.

Other features of the celebration include the 15th annual Union County ColorFest Biathlon and an independent 7K run on Saturday, Oct. 10; a Recovery Walk on Oct. 7; historical tours; historical displays; a hot rod, classic car, Corvette and Harley Davidson show; vendors; and other activities during the weekend preceding Columbus Day,