Woodford County News Brief

Chronicle Media
 The Eureka United Methodist Church and the Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis Club have joined together on a project to furnish prayer shawls to be given to hospital patients.  These shawls will each be blessed with a special prayer and then donated to the hospital. Pictured (left to right) are Advocate Eureka Hospital Staff Chaplain Jim Turner, Linda Vierhout, R.N., and Vickie Hinthorne Unit Secretary receiving shawls from Nancy Aldridge representing the Eureka United Methodist Church and the Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis Club.(Photo courtesy Nancy Aldridge)

The Eureka United Methodist Church and the Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis Club have joined together on a project to furnish prayer shawls to be given to hospital patients. These shawls will each be blessed with a special prayer and then donated to the hospital. Pictured (left to right) are Advocate Eureka Hospital Staff Chaplain Jim Turner, Linda Vierhout, R.N., and Vickie Hinthorne Unit Secretary receiving shawls from Nancy Aldridge representing the Eureka United Methodist Church and the Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis Club.(Photo courtesy Nancy Aldridge)

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Role of religion in health care topic of annual ACLU meeting

The executive director of the Illinois ACLU will speak about the right of Illinois residents to receive health care and information that is not restricted by the religious beliefs of others when she addresses the Peoria ACLU Chapter April 28. 

The chapter’s annual meeting, which will mark the chapter’s 55th anniversary, will feature Colleen Connell, who will talk about religious refusals and the threat to religious liberty and healthcare. The event will take place at the IVY Club, 5102 N. Galena Road, Peoria Heights, and will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Guest speaker Connell has argued before courts in both the state and federal justice systems, including the United States Supreme Court, on matters involving the rights of women to control their reproductive health. Connell has directed the organization’s litigation efforts involving constitutional rights of privacy and the rights of Illinois citizens to make decisions concerning reproductive matters without undue governmental restriction.

Dinner reservations needed by April 22. Contact Elaine Hopkins, (309) 231-5758, or go to the chapter website, http://aclupeoria.org. The dinner costs $45. The public is invited, and welcome to attend the program for free.

Youth symphony hosts mock audition workshop

The Central Illinois Youth Symphony will hold a mock audition workshop at 2 p.m. April 30 at the Life Together Center, 3601 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria.

The workshop will help students to learn audition performance and coping skills.

At this year’s workshop, students will be able to play their audition material for a professional musician and receive immediate feedback. This will help students prepare for CIYS auditions on May 14.

This event is free. To participate in the workshop, register online at CIYS.org.

WOODFORD COUNTY

New foundation to raise funds for 4-H, Extension

Woodford County residents have formed a new non-profit foundation to ensure the long-term vitality of local Woodford County 4-H and Extension programs. The Woodford County 4-H and Extension Foundation will raise funds to support the educational efforts for 4-H program and Extension activities in the county. All funds raised and donated will be used for Woodford County 4-H and Extension programs through the 501(c)(3) non-profit. The Woodford County 4-H program is a part of University of Illinois Extension serving communities throughout the county.

The volunteers who will lead the foundation’s efforts are:

  • Grant Grebner, Washburn, president
  • Jim Stoller, Eureka, vice president
  • Emily Schirer, Benson, secretary
  • Kent Hodel, Metamora, treasurer
  • Bill Christ, Metamora, board member
  • Rachel Moore, Congerville, board member
  • Suzie Schertz, El Paso, board member
  • Tom Janssen, Minonk, board member
  • Bill Royer, Washington, board member
  • Laurie Schierer, Metamora, board member
  • Andy Lankton, Eureka, board member

The foundation will host fundraising events during the year to generate funds. Cash donations will be accepted, and are tax deductible. Donations may be sent to Kent Hodel, Woodford County 4-H and Extension Foundation, 109 Eureka Ave., Eureka 61530.

METAMORA

Golf clinic designed for youngsters

Duffers from the ages of 9-13 can step up their game with instruction provided at the Metamora Park District’s Junior Golf Clinic. Video analysis and training aid will be available 2-4 p.m. April 24 at Black Partridge Park near the softball diamond. Bring clubs and water bottle; golf balls will be provided.

Instructor is Nate Deakin, USGTF Level 3 certified golf teaching professional. He is the teaching professional at Quail Meadows Golf Course. Deakin will teach basic skills youngsters will need to have a fun golf career. Contact Deakin at nate@fondulacpark.com with questions. Fee is $30 for residents, $35 for non-residents.

EUREKA

College senior explores creation in her artwork

Eureka College senior Rachael Wentworth is exploring creation in her senior art exhibit, “Creationism.”  The free show, featuring acrylic paintings and ceramics pieces, is on display at the Burgess Hall Art Galley, 300 E. College Ave., through April 29.

Wentworth says her exhibit is an experiment in breaking down complex, natural forms into basic shapes without losing their essence. She adds that the exhibit should draw the observer into the experience of not just looking at nature but capturing both its familiarity and mystery.

–Woodford County News Brief–