CUTLINE: Eureka Public Library is celebrating National Library Week this week with special programs.

EUREKA

Special guests help celebrate National Library Week

This week is National Library Week. The Eureka Public Library will be having a drawing for a Kindle Fire HD8 tablet, guessing contest, puzzle sheet, and more.

The library is asking residents to join for the keynote event: Celebrating Eureka: Perspectives on Strong Communities with Craig Gerdes and Junius Rodriguez at 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 11.

The event will be a chance to explore what makes Eureka a special place to live. Call the library at 309-467-2922 to register.

REGIONAL

ICC Theatre Program offers tuition waiver auditions

ICC Theatre Program will hold its tuition waiver auditions for the fall 2019 semester on Sat., April 13 at 9 a.m. in the ICC Performing Arts Center on the East Peoria Campus.

Successful candidates will receive a waiver for partial or full tuition at ICC. Reservations are required.

Participants must be enrolled or are intending to enroll as a full-time student for the fall 2019 semester. Waiver awards are based on talent and interest and not financial need. Students do not have to be a resident of the Illinois Central College district to be eligible.

The auditions are open to all students interested in theatre performance and/or technical theatre, with or without a theatre major.

Actors must come prepared to read material presented at the audition and interview. The process will consist of an informational meeting, auditions/interviews and a tour of the facility. Technical and costume waivers will be awarded through the interview process.

The auditions are offered by the ICC Theatre Program and the Arts at ICC. The Arts at ICC has a rich history of enhancing the arts community and expanding education beyond the classroom. Arts at ICC presents more than 500 exhibits, performances, lectures, rehearsals, meetings, master classes, clinics, seminars, receptions, orientations, forums, auditions and tournaments annually.

The ICC Theatre Program produces four shows each academic year, with two productions in the ICC Performing Arts Center Main Stage Theatre and two in the Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre.

Students are involved in all aspects of the productions, including acting, props, set building, stage management and technical aspects such as lighting and sound. In addition, the ICC Theatre Program offers an assortment of academic classes, including acting, technical theatre, theatre appreciation, directing and more.

For general or enrollment information, visit ArtsAtICC.com or contact the ICC Arts & Behavioral Sciences Department at 309-694-5113.

Questions or requests for more information about the theatre tuition waiver auditions should be directed to Robin Berkley, teaching chair for the ICC Theatre Program, by phone at 309-694-8425 or by email at rberkley@icc.edu.

WOODFORD COUNTY

 Upcoming blood donation opportunities in County

The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood or platelets during National Volunteer Month this April. Eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – are needed to help ensure blood products are available for patients this spring.

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions, and the Red Cross salutes the volunteer blood and platelet donors who help fulfill its lifesaving mission. While donors of all blood types are needed, the Red Cross currently has a severe shortage of type O blood donations and urges type O donors to give now.

Make an appointment to help save lives now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Metamora

April 27: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., St. Mary of Lourdes Church, 424 Lourdes Church Road

El Paso

April 10: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., American Buildings, 2101 East Main

STATE

EPA to hold  household hazardous waste collections

Illinois EPA household hazardous waste collections are held to encourage residents to safely dispose of unused or leftover household products commonly found in homes.

Ten collection sites have been confirmed for the spring with an additional four locations being finalized. Details for the additional collections will be announced at a later date.

“As one of our most popular programs, these collections provide residents with the opportunity to safely and properly dispose of hazardous chemicals and potentially dangerous materials found in our homes. This program is made possible with the support and cooperation from our local partners,” said Acting Director John Kim. “Residents taking part in this program can help ensure that these hazardous products are disposed of properly to protect the environment.”

One-day collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the above scheduled Saturdays.

Residents are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides and pesticides, old or outdated medications, and similar hazardous household products.

Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections. Items not accepted include latex paint, explosives, propane tanks, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, agricultural chemicals and business wastes.

A complete list of household hazardous wastes that are and are not accepted is available online at http://www.epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/waste-disposal/household-hazardous-waste/acceptable-wastes/index.

 IEMA outlines steps for disaster recovery

Mother Nature does not discriminate when it comes to severe weather.

Countless residents throughout our state have experienced the challenges of rebuilding their lives after a disaster or other emergency.  In these stressful situations, having access to personal finance, insurance, medical and other records is critical for starting the recovery process.

“As severe weather and river flooding threatens our communities, it’s important for all Illinoisans to take action now, before a disaster,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, acting director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA).  “When a disaster strikes, your immediate focus will be on the safety of your loved ones.  Building a culture of preparedness today, provides the priceless peace of mind that is needed as you begin the daunting task of rebuilding following a disaster.”

During Recovery Preparedness Month, IEMA and local emergency management officials will provide guidance to Illinois residents on how to quickly and efficiently recover from disasters such as floods, fire, earthquakes or severe weather.

Here are five simple acts that can help you recover from any disaster:

• Get Organized. Secure and organize financial and critical personal, household, and medical information.  Having these items in a safe place can expedite insurance claims and other emergency expenses.
• Savings. Saving is the best financial defense against disasters. A little bit at a time can go a long way.  A rainy day fund can help you invest in your family’s safety.
• Insurance.  Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them.
• Inventory. Make an inventory of your possessions using photographs and/or videos of your belongings.
• Communication.  Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes.  Develop a Family Communication Plan. This will outline how you will contact one another when a disaster strikes.

You can learn more about Disaster Recovery Month at www.ready.illinois.gov.