The Morton Public Library is planning activities for youngters of all ages on Star Wars Day, May 4.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Career expo looks to future needs for jobs

Today’s eighth graders may be tomorrow’s health care workers, and a career expo will address that possibility. The Greater Peoria JobSpark, a new career expo being planned by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (EDC) and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, is being designed according to a “talent forecast” compiled by the EDC.

That forecast, based on employment survey responses from the 43 top regional employers, shows that companies expect to fill more than 9,000 jobs in the next two years — many in the healthcare industry.

The Greater Peoria JobSpark is being planned for the fall to give thousands of eighth graders hands-on experience in choosing a career path — with the guidance of some of the largest employers in the region. The EDC and Junior Achievement expect to draw 2,000 to 3,000 eighth-graders to the first JobSpark, which will be held at the Peoria Civic Center. Eighteen schools in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Mason and Logan counties have expressed interest in attending.

WASHINGTON

Treetop adventure will make you ‘go ape’

The Washington Park District invites the public to experience nature in a way like never have before with a Go Ape Treetop Adventure, a fully immersive outdoor experience, on May 6. Guests will traverse five exhilarating sections, going higher and higher into the forest canopy. The course features 39 unique crossings and five thrilling zip lines.

Participants will head to Bermis Woods, a part of the Cook County Forest Preserves, to test their luck at this course. This experience can last anywhere from two to three hours. Each participant can weigh no more than 285 pounds.

Afterward, the group will have lunch at Hillgrove Tap, one of the newest restaurants in Western Springs. The restaurant has a wide selection of craft beer and various food options. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available.

The outing is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration deadline is April 28. The $90 fee includes transportation in the Washington Park District van and snacks, but does not include the meal at Hillgrove Tap.

MORTON

May the Force be with you at library May 4

The Morton Public Library, 315 W. Pershing St., Morton, is planning events for children of various ages in celebration of Star Wars Day, May 4, from 3:30-5 p.m.

Star Wars craft stations will be set up around the library for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Youngsters are invited to come dressed in their favorite Star Wars costume.

Crafts, activities and theme-related snacks will be available for local teens. Students in seventh grade through high school are invited to check out the library’s selection of Star Wars books and graphic novels while at the event. Register at mortonlibrary.org.

CREVE COEUR

Police department applications available

The Creve Coeur Police Department is accepting applications for full-time police officers. Applications may be picked up at the police department from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays. Completed applications are due 5 p.m. May 17. Applicants must be 21 by June 3 and younger than 35; have a high school diploma or GED certificate and valid driver’s license; and be a U.S. citizen.

EAST PEORIA

‘Ghost’ performances at Eastlight

A musical adaption of an Academy Award-winning movie is being performed at the Eastlight Theatre. Audiences can see “Ghost the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. April 26-April 29 at the theater on the East Peoria High School campus, 1401 E. Washington St.

The play follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

The cast includes Zach Stein as Sam Wheat, Breeann Dawson as Molly Jensen, Jamika Russell as Oda Mae Brown, Anthony Hendricks as Carl Bruner and Marcus Havis as Willie Lopez. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Adult tickets may be purchased at eastlighttheatre.com. Adult and youth tickets are available at the box office.

–Tazewell County News Briefs–