Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
2026-04-21
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Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in April
2026-04-22, 2026-04-25
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries distribution days for April:
Tuesday, April 7th from 4-6pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, April 8th from Noon to 2pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Saturday, April 11th from 9-Noon, 861 E. Washington, Mason (Mason Civic Center)
Tuesday, April 14th from 4-6pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, April 15th from Noon to 2pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, April 22nd from Noon to 2pm or until we run out of food (no appointment necessary). This is a Mobile Drive-Through Food Pantry at the Kohl’s Parking lot in Effingham.
Saturday, April 25th from 8:30-Noon, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Please call 217-240-0059 to sign up. It’s free and for everyone!

Red Cross Blood Drives in April
2026-04-23, 2026-04-24, 2026-04-28, 2026-04-29
PrintAmerican Red Cross Blood Drives in April:
4/2, Thursday, Knights of Columbus-Newton, Noon – 5:30 PM
4/7, Tuesday, Mason Christian Church Annex, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4/7, Tuesday, Greenup Village Municipal Building, 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
4/8, Wednesday, Stewardson-Strasburg High School, 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
4/9, Thursday, South Central FS, Effingham, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
4/10, Friday, Newton High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
4/15, Wednesday, Dieterich High School, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4/16, Thursday, Flora Church of the Nazarene, Noon – 5:00 PM
4/20, Monday, Grace United Methodist Church, Neoga, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4/20, Monday, St Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Sainte Marie, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
4/21, Tuesday, Floyd Henson Junior High School, Flora, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
4/23, Thursday, Neal Center YMCA, Toledo, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
4/24, Friday, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Shelbyville, Noon – 5:00 PM
4/24, Friday, Oblong Grade School, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
4/28, Tuesday, Flora High School, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
4/29, Wednesday, Altamont Elementary School, 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Those giving blood through April 12 will receive an exclusive American Red Cross x Life is Good t-shirt, while they last! Donors giving blood from April 13 – 30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See rcblood.org/hope
To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or download the Red Cross Donor App.

HSHS Community Connect
2026-04-24, 2026-04-30
PrintHospital Sisters Health System introduces HSHS Community Connect
Connecting communities with local resources
For 150 years, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has been a leader of health and wellness in the communities serving across Illinois and Wisconsin. To address the needs of our communities, HSHS proudly launches HSHS Community Connect, a digital database of free or reduced cost community-based programs and services available in the communities we serve.
HSHS is committed to improving community health and addressing ever-changing needs and factors within the community landscape,” said Kim Luz-Mobley, M.S., C.H.E.S., System Executive Director of Community Health. “Across our health system and the communities we serve, HSHS strives to fulfill our Mission to provide high-quality health care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.”
In 2024, HSHS hospitals conducted a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify the health status, needs and issues in the communities we serve. HSHS Community Connect is a powerful tool that will support our goal to improve community outcomes by working to address social determinants of health, including access to medical care.
“As a health care system, we see members of our community every day who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or in need of financial aid. With HSHS Community Connect, we can find local resources to connect our patients with the support they need,” said Luz-Mobley.
Across Illinois, patients and community members can find hundreds of local resources that meet their needs, including:
• Financial aid
• Food pantries
• Medical care
• Housing and temporary shelter
• Personal safety
• Baby items
• Transportation
• And more.
Patients can also access HSHS Community Connect on our website at hshs.org/connect or through MyHSHS. If you need to create a MyHSHS account, be sure to use your full proper name that matches your HSHS medical record. If you have questions about MyHSHS, call the MyChart support line at 1-866-312-5023 or email MyHealthRecordhelp@hshs.org.
For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

‘Unsinkable Freedom’ Movie at ALPLM
2026-04-24
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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum caps off its celebration of Black History Month by introducing a new short film recounting the exciting story of Robert Smalls, who used his wits and seamanship to lead 15 people on a daring escape from slavery.
“Unsinkable Freedom” begins running at the museum on February 27, a day after its world premiere at a special event. It will run every 15 minutes throughout the museum’s day for the next three months.
Smalls was an enslaved man in Charleston, SC, when the Civil War began. He was forced to work aboard the Confederate ship Planter in Charleston Harbor and nearby coastal waters. On May 12, 1862, Smalls and the other enslaved men were left aboard ship by white officers. Seizing the opportunity, they launched a long-simmering plan to sneak their families aboard and sail to freedom.
“Unsinkable Freedom” dramatizes that dangerous trip. The 11-minute film shows how Smalls got the families aboard, impersonated the ship’s captain, sailed past Confederate checkpoints and finally reached U.S. Navy ships and freedom.
“Very few stories can match the escape of Robert Smalls for both drama and inspiration,” said Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “He risked everything to win freedom for his friends and loved ones. And after their escape, he served with the U.S. Navy and was later elected to Congress. We at the ALPLM are proud to tell part of his amazing story.”
“Unsinkable Freedom” was written and directed by Kameron Gates, an artist and animator based in Petersburg, Illinois. It stars ALPLM actor Reggie Guyton as Smalls.
The film was created using a hybrid of production techniques from animation, VFX and video games. It has a hyper-wide aspect ratio to take advantage of the three screens surrounding audiences in the museum’s Mr. Lincoln Theater. It also features 5.1 surround sound.
The actors’ faces and body performances were recorded using motion capture. Additional animation was created using classic keyframe techniques. The historic Charleston Harbor was built and rendered inside Unreal Engine a tool created for video games that has expanded into visual effects for TV and film.
The mission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and share with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We pursue this mission through a combination of rigorous scholarship and high-tech showmanship built on the bedrock of the ALPLM’s unparalleled collection of historical materials – roughly 13 million items from all eras of Illinois history.
For more information, visit www.PresidentLincoln.illinois.gov. You can follow the ALPLM on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

Frozen The Broadway Musical at Teutopolis
2026-04-24, 2026-04-25, 2026-04-26
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Tickets are available at the door for $10.

Garage Sale for Humane Society
2026-04-24, 2026-04-25, 2026-04-26

Orphan Benefit & Jason Gray Concert
2026-04-25

Teutopolis - St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Weekends
2026-04-26

Cooking Across Continents Program
2026-04-28
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You can register for one session or any number of them. This program will run on the dates linked below:

September 30, 2025: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking93025
October 28, 2025: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking102825
January 27, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking012725
February 24, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking022426
March 24, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking032826
April 28, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking042826
May 19, 2026: go.illinois.edu/HomeSchoolCooking051926

RECOVERY Roll Bowl with Pizza
2026-04-28

Abridged Auditions for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
2026-04-29, 2026-04-30

Mother-Son Dance at Watson
2026-05-02

Pork Burger Drive Thru Fundraiser
2026-05-02
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We will have pork burgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks for a donation.
All money goes to Central Illinois Truck Convoy.

5k and 1-Mile Run/Walk for Angel of Hope Statue and Memorial Garden
2026-05-02
PrintJoin us for the 4th Annual 5k and 1-Mile Run/Walk to raise funds for the Angel of Hope Statue and Memorial Garden, on Saturday, May 2nd!
The race begins at the future location of our Angel of Hope Statue and Memorial Garden, in the open lot across the street from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis.
Registration begins at 7:00 AM, and the race starts at 8:00 AM.

All children ages 12 and under can register for $5 – price will change at checkout for these youth registrations.
The registration fee for participants 13 and older is $25 until April 25th; the price will then increase to $30.

Participants can register on the morning of the event, however, we strongly encourage participants to register before the event. We plan to start the race promptly at 8:00, and to ensure that, we cannot guarantee that day-of-event registrations will receive a race-timing bib. Everyone who comes to register the day of the event will still be able to register and participate in the race!

Bloom & Remember Event
2026-05-02
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The Star Legacy Foundation is hosting the Bloom & Remember Event on Saturday, May 2. The gathering will be from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM in the Pearson Building at Lake Sara, located at 15170 North Beach Road, Effingham.
Join us for a gentle morning of remembrance, community, and creativity.
•Bouquet making – starting at $15
•Permanent jewelry available for optional purchase 9 – 11am
•On-site: Seasons Sips coffee truck from 9 – 11 AM
•Complimentary treats: Cakesicles & individual cheesecakes, generously donated by T Skol’s & Goldie’s. Also, popcorn from Del’s Popcorn.
•Kids welcome: Free floral coloring pages and activities available
•All attendees will be entered into a self-care basket giveaway
If any questions, please email to south-central-illinois@starlegacyfoundation.org or visit the website: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/bloomandremember-il/page/4613166/

Hooked on Crochet Program
2026-05-02

Dog Obedience Classes
2026-05-05

Enduring Freedom Ministries Distributions in May
2026-05-05
PrintEnduring Freedom Ministries distribution days for May:
Tuesday, May 5th from 4-6pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Saturday, May 9th from 9-Noon, 861 E. Washington, Mason (Mason Civic Center)
Tuesday, May 12th from 4-6pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, May 13th from Noon to 2pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Wednesday, May 20th from Noon to 2pm, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Saturday, May 30th from 8:30-Noon, 304 S. West Street, Shumway
Please call 217-240-0059 to sign up. It’s free and for everyone!

Walk to End PARKINSON'S DISEASE
2026-05-09
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Register Now for Walk to End Parkinson’s Disease Event May 9
Hosted by HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness
HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness invites the community to lace up their sneakers and join them in raising awareness and support for those living with Parkinson’s disease on Saturday, May 9.
Held at the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex, this fourth annual walk is for everyone in the community, of any age, to come out and support those with Parkinson’s disease. The event begins with registration and kids’ activities starting at 9 a.m., followed by a welcome and the walk kicking off at 10 a.m. Following the walk, participants can enjoy a free luncheon provided by HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, concluding by 12:30 p.m.
There is no registration fee, but donations are appreciated, with proceeds supporting the local Parkinson’s Support Group and creating new and exciting opportunities for those in the community navigating Parkinson’s disease.
Online registration is now open and strongly encouraged. Adults who register before April 22 will receive a T-shirt on the day of the event, although day-of registration will be available. Each family member participating will need to register to receive a T-shirt. No child-size shirts are available, but there will be many fun activities for children. To register and find out more, visit eventbrite.com and search “Walk to End Parkinson’s” in the Effingham area.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Therapist Jessica Mottashed shared why she and her colleagues wanted to host this event again. She said, “Our rehabilitation team is passionately dedicated to Parkinson’s care, having pursued specialized training in this field. Leading our local Parkinson’s Support Group, I’ve seen firsthand how funds raised at our past events positively impacts community members facing daily challenges with the disease,” she explained. “This event beautifully unites our community in support of those with Parkinson’s and their families.”
HSHS St. Anthony’s Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness has a specialized team that treats and supports patients with Parkinson’s disease. Ten members of St. Anthony’s physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy team have completed specialized and individualized training for LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD treatments that help people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions address walking, balance and other activities of daily living (LSVT BIG) and with their speech (LSVT LOUD).
For questions or more information about the Walk to End Parkinson’s event, contact Jessica Mottashed at jessica.mottashed@hshs.org
Register now at on eventbrite.com or visit stanthonyshospital.org and go to the Classes and Events page and select the Walk to End Parkinson’s event for registration details.
