A poster announces the new season of weekly farmers markets to be held Saturdays at 
Maple Lawn Homes.

STATE

Senate OKs LGBT history requirement

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender historical figures would become a required part of history classes in Illinois’ public schools under a bill that hs passed the state Senate.

Senate Bill 3249, approved 34-18, would require a portion of public school history courses to include study of LGBT figures and that history books be “non-discriminatory” overall. Local school districts would still set the curriculum and have control over when the additional subject matter is included.

LGBT advocacy group Equality Illinois praised the bill’s passage, arguing the state’s school code “already ensures inclusion in history curriculum of the contributions and experiences of other historically marginalized communities, including of people of color, women, immigrant communities and people with disabilities.”

Some education advocates and religious groups oppose the bill, which now goes to the House.  

COUNTY

Komen grants to fund breast health efforts

Women in Woodford County will benefit from grants that the Tazewell County Health Department is receiving.  The grants, totaling nearly $89,000, is part of the $441,754 in grants the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate is awarding to agencies that provide breast health awareness, education, screening and treatment programs throughout its 36-county service area.

The first grant, $53,772, goes to the Tazewell health department’s Reaching the Unreachable program, that provides breast health education and free breast cancer screenings in the counties of Tazewell, Woodford, Peoria and Marshall. Education will be focused on black/African-American women and Hispanic/Latino women who would otherwise not receive breast health education and/or screenings. The department will continue to partner with Unity Point Health-Pekin Hospital for the annual Free Mammogram Day and hope to expand this “free” event to Woodford, Peoria, and Fulton counties. The program will increase access to breast cancer care by addressing systematic and cultural barriers, i.e.: transportation and language barriers, which will lead to an increase in breast cancer screenings in women older than 40. In addition, no cost diagnostic services will be given to uninsured and under-insured women.

A $35,000 grant will help to fund the department’s No Excuses program, that will provide breast health education to women in Tazewell, Woodford, Peoria and Marshall counties. The program will provide breast screenings and diagnostics to at least 100 uninsured or under-insured women. The focus will be on women living in the rural areas of the communities and black/African-American women and Hispanic/Latino women who would otherwise not receive breast health education and/or screenings.

EUREKA

Farmers markets return on Saturdays

Maple Lawn Homes is holding a new season of weekly farmers markets every Saturday through Oct. 6. The markets are held from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. at 116 S. Clinton, Eureka, and feature fresh produce, baked goods, cooked meals, arts, crafts, services, musical performances and other activities. For more information or to become a vendor, call Mike Martin at 309-431-2370.

Census Records: Census Clues class offered at library 

Anyone who has ever tried to piece together a family history knows there are many clues in federal census records. What do they really tell us? This free class, scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. May 12 at the Eureka Public Library District, will help to answer that question. Professional genealogist Kimberly Mullins of Eureka will explain not only U.S Federal Census Records but state census records as well. Participants will learn who was counted and why, what questions were asked, which schedules are available for each census, how special populations were researched and how to put all of this together in a search for family history. Register by May 10 by visiting the library, 202 S. Main St., or calling 309-467-2922.

Crafters invited to work on projects at the library

Two crafting sessions will be held May 14, at the Eureka Public Library District, 202 S. Main St.

A class, Middle School Paper Crafters, will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. for middle school-aged children who enjoy making cards, scrapbooking, or craft projects. Instructors Danielle Husted and Debi Smith will teach decoration techniques using a variety of paper designs. The group will create decorative note holders. This is a free program, but registration is limited to 10 participants.

Instructor Debi Smith will lead a fun night of paper crafting at 6:30 p.m. May 14, at the library. During Make & Take Cards Night participants will make two to three types of cards. Class fee is $2.

The registration deadline for both classes is May 12. Register by visiting the library or calling 309-467-2922.

–Woodford County News Briefs–