Cooking Across Continents Program
2026-04-28, 2026-05-19
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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
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Red Cross Blood Drives in April
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.

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

HSHS Community Connect
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.

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, 2026-05-12, 2026-05-19, 2026-05-26, 2026-06-02, 2026-06-09, 2026-06-16

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.

Homeschool STEM Squad
2026-05-12
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If someone misses a session, that’s no problem, as participants can register for another date.

Tails & Trails Mental Health Awareness Walk
2026-05-15

Masonic Lodge Auction for Shriners Hospitals for Children
2026-05-30

Springfest at Edgewood Legion
2026-05-30

4-H Camp Cloverbud
2026-06-05
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This camp is free and open to all youth! They do not have to be in 4-H to attend.

Moccasin Creek Festival
2026-06-18, 2026-06-19, 2026-06-20, 2026-06-21
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Weekend Pass $130 ($137.60 with fees)’
Day Passes on sale soon!
Kids 15 & under FREE with adult.
Free, convenient parking steps from the fest
Campground short distance away
REAL FLUSH TOILETS
Food, drink, craft vendors, kids activities
Festival info & tickets at http://www.moccasincreekfestival.com
Moccasin Creek Festival is an annual 4-day music festival, which celebrates other arts and crafts as well. It takes place at beautiful Lake Sara near Effingham.
Folk, bluegrass, alternative country, roots rock, and blues – “Americana” music. This is what MCF is all about – in an outdoor setting, using a venue with great acoustics, at a beautiful time of year.
Food and beverages sold on site. Kids activities. Camping is next door to the festival venue, as well as cabins for rent at Anthony Acres beachfront campground & motel. There is a beach and golf course within walking distance. Boats, canoes and kayaks for rent. Effingham is only 5 miles away, and has thousands of hotel rooms available, as well as a plethora of restaurants catering to almost any taste.
Check out the website, moccasincreekfestival.com, and check out MCF on Facebook and Instagram. Most answers to your questions can be found there, if not, feel free to contact us. We’re looking forward to the event, and we hope you are too!
You can also get tickets via check (mail to Poss Music Works, 1915 S. Banker Street, Effingham, IL 62401) with the ticket amount and ticket information (we have multiple events) – and also please provide a name and contact info for your order.
If you see us out-and-about, you can buy tickets in cash/check in person too!!
Poss Music Works NFP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit promoting live original music, especially Americana music, in downstate Illinois.
Visit http://www.possmusicworks.com to donate or learn more.
