Easter Eggstravaganza
2026-04-04
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Easter Eggstravaganza returns to the Keller Convention Center on Saturday, April 4th from 8:30 a.m. – Noon! As always, Eggstravaganza will be loaded with fun for the whole family, including the Diaper Derby, egg hunts, games, prizes, lots of great sponsor booths, and free pictures with the Easter Bunny!
There will be a bounce house from Party Worx.
While there, register to win Holiday World and Knights Action Park tickets!
A big thank you goes out to Hospital Sisters Health System. They’ll be giving away a girl’s bike and boy’s bike.
Plus, the first 350 kids will receive a free egg bag from Maurices. We hope to see you there!
Egg Hunt Schedule
8:30 a.m. – Doors Open
9:00 a.m. – Diaper Derby
9:30 a.m. – 1 Year Olds
10:00 a.m. – 2 Year Olds
10:30 a.m. – 3 Year Olds
11:00 a.m. – 4 Year Olds
11:15 a.m. – 5 & 6 Year Olds
11:30 a.m. – 7 & 8 Year Olds
11:45 a.m. – 9 & 10 Year Olds

Saturday's Schedule
2026-04-04
PrintHIGH SCHOOL
Baseball
Neoga at Tolono Unity (DH), 12:45 p.m.
Newton at Mattoon, 10 a.m.
North Clay vs. Belleville West at Freeburg Round Robin, noon
North Clay vs. Freeburg at Freeburg Round Robin, 2 p.m.
South Central at Pinckneyville (DH), 11 a.m.
Teutopolis at St. Joseph-Ogden (DH), noon
Softball
Newton at Vandalia Tournament, 10 a.m.
Carlyle, Odin at South Central Round Robin, 10 a.m.
Boys Track
Cumberland at Teutopolis Invitational, 10 a.m.
Girls Track
Cumberland at Teutopolis Invitational, 10 a.m.
FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE
Baseball
St. Joseph-Ogden at Teutopolis (DH), 10 a.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Baseball
Newton at Marshall, 10 a.m.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
MEN’S NCAA TOURNAMENT
Final Four, TBD
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Cleveland. 6:15 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Detroit, 12:10 p.m.
NASCAR
North Carolina Education Lottery 250 at Rockingham Speedway, 1 p.m.

Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at The Cross
2026-04-05
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Sunday's Schedule
2026-04-05
PrintCOLLEGE
Women’s NCAA Tournament
Championship Game, TBD
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Chicago Cubs at Cleveland. 12:40 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals at Detroit, 12:40 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drives in April
2026-04-07, 2026-04-08, 2026-04-09, 2026-04-10, 2026-04-15, 2026-04-16
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.

ImpactLife Blood Drive at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital
2026-04-07

‘Unsinkable Freedom’ Movie at ALPLM
2026-04-08, 2026-04-16
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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.

HSHS Community Connect
2026-04-10, 2026-04-18
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.

Turkey Meal at Effingham VFW
2026-04-10
PrintThe VFW Auxiliary Post 1769 on Veterans Drive in Effingham are having a meal.
Date: Friday, April 10
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Meal: Turkey, Dressing, vegetable, mashed potatoes/gravy, dessert, Coffee, tea, or lemonade
Cost: $8.00
Contact person: Chuck Meyers , phone: 217-343-8313

Exploring Drones Workshop - Flying into the Future
2026-04-11

Blue4Crewe 5k Run and Walk
2026-04-11
PrintThe BlueforCrewe 5k is a run and walk held at Trinity Lutheran School in Stewardson, in loving memory of Crewe Jones. Full of energy and joy, Crewe left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and this race honors the spirited enthusiasm we continue to remember and cherish.
Date: Saturday, April 11
Time: 8:00 am
Cost: $30 (includes T-shirt.)
**Register by March 21st to be guaranteed a T-shirt. **
Course: Start/Finish at Trinity Lutheran School, 318 East South 1st Street, Stewardson
Proceeds from the event support improvements at Trinity Lutheran School and provide tuition assistance for families.
To register or if you have questions, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Stewardson/Blue4Crewe5k

ImpactLife Blood Drive in Effingham
2026-04-11

Gym Bob's Jamboree Show
2026-04-12
PrintThe Gym Bob’s Jamboree Show will be held on Sunday, April 12th (second Sunday this month), beginning at 1pm!
It will be a great afternoon of all your favorite Classic & 90’s Country, and 50’s and 60’s Rock-n-Roll music, performed by the Gym Bob’s Jamboree Band and singers. Our special guest will be Missy Dunaway of Cowden!
The Jamboree Show will NOT be having a show in May – and then will pick back up on the first Sunday in June and continue the first Sunday of the month throughout December. The show is at Gym Bob’s, located at 44 Apostle Lane in Bible Grove.
Reservations are not necessary but can be made by calling 615-481-7418.
More information may also be found online at http://www.GymBobs.com

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-04-14
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This program will run through May 2026. If someone misses a session, that’s no problem, as participants can register for another date.

Digital Safety Session
2026-04-14

Dog Obedience Classes in Altamont
2026-04-14

Free Health Care Power of Attorney Assistance
2026-04-16
PrintHSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is hosting a free, open house workshop to help community members understand the importance of a health care power of attorney (POAH) and complete their POAH paperwork on-site.
The event will take place on National Healthcare Decisions Day – Thursday, April 16, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital Auditorium, located at 503 North Maple Street in Effingham. Attendees are asked to use the pre-surgical testing entrance on the hospital’s north side.
A health care power of attorney is a legal document that allows individuals to designate a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. Having a POAH in place ensures that a person’s health care wishes are known and respected during critical moments.
The workshop is open to anyone over the age of 18. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged to ensure personalized assistance.
“We strive to make it as easy as possible for members of our community to take this important step in planning for their future health care needs,” said Karla Marshall, Spiritual Care and Mission Manager for HSHS Central Illinois Market. “This workshop provides a supportive environment where individuals can learn about the process and complete their paperwork all in one visit.”
For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact Karla Marshall at karla.marshall@hshs.org
For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit stanthonyshospital.org.

Indoor "Whatever" Sale at Village Square Mall
2026-04-16, 2026-04-17, 2026-04-18

Color, Courage, & Change - Color Fun Run/5k for S.A.F.E.
2026-04-18
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This 5K is open to all ages and abilities, whether you walk, jog, run, push a stroller, or cheer from the sidelines. Participants will be showered in vibrant color along the route as we celebrate courage, healing, and community connection.
Bryan Memorial Park is located at:
925 North Broadway Avenue
Salem, IL 62881
The competitive, timed race will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the non-competitive walk/run at 9:05 AM, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace.
The event kicks off with the Color Run/Walk and continues with a full day of family-friendly activities, including;
– Kids Corner & Family Resource Area
– Music and entertainment
– Touch-a-Truck
– Local vendors and food trucks
– Guest speaker(s)
– Community organizations and resources
Color. Courage. Change. is more than a race… it’s a movement. Proceeds from this event help support free, confidential services for survivors of sexual violence, including advocacy, counseling, and prevention education.
Come covered in white, leave covered in color, and stand with us as we promote awareness, hope, and change.

Trivia Night for Humane Society
2026-04-18

Teutopolis - St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Weekends
2026-04-19
