Reading to young children benefits their early development. The Woodford County Special Education Department is offering parent-children reading classes at three area libraries.

COUNTY

Special education department offers reading program

Baby Talk, a Woodford County program for children up to 36 months old, is being held at three Illinois Prairie District public libraries. The program’s mission is to positively impact child development and nurture healthy parent-child relationships during a child’s the critical early years through reading. Reading aloud builds parent-child relationships, encourages language development, boosts a child’s self-concept, and lays a foundation for moral development.

The program is offered from 2-3 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at Washburn, 102 W. Magnolia, Washburn.

At the Marcella Schneider Branch Library, 509 Woodland Knolls Road, Germantown Hills, the program will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. April 10, April 19 and May 8.

The Metamora program will be held from 10:45-11:45 a.m. April 12, April 26 and May 10 at the library, 208 E. Partridge St., Metamora.

Sign up by calling at the local branch library: Germantown, (309) 383-2263; Metamora, (309) 367-4594; Washburn, (309) 248-7429.

EUREKA

College students will do spring cleaning for free

Eureka College students will give back to the community when it offers free spring cleanup services next month. The Maroon and Golden Rule project will be held 1-3 p.m. April 22, and the public can sign up for service by March 30.

Two required request forms can be accessed at eureka.edu/student-life/service-opportunites/ or by contacting Associate Dean of Students Shari Rich at srich@eureka.edu or (309) 467-6421. The forms are titled Job Request Form and Indemnification and Liability Release Form. 

Since the project’s inception nine years ago, approximately 450 students have helped approximately 115 residents and organizations, by doing yard work, painting, washing windows, moving furniture and completing spring cleaning details. The project stems from a grant received by Eureka College from Illinois Campus Compact to promote leadership and citizenship in the community. The grant covered the cost of launching the project, which takes its name from the college’s school colors of maroon and gold.

Tribute to be paid to Hollywood icon

The book, “Charlton Heston: Hollywood’s Last Icon,” will be the topic of discussion during the second installment of Eureka College’s 2017 Ronald W. Reagan Society Book Series, March 24.

Fraser Heston, son of Charlton Heston, and author Marc Eliot will speak at 7 p.m. inside Becker Auditorium on campus.

Eliot, a New York Times best-selling author of more than a dozen books on popular culture, has written a biography of one of the most fascinating, complex and polarizing legends of cinema’s golden age. Heston’s presence in American film, radio, television, stage and theater lasted beyond the second half of the 20th century, and his films are known throughout the world.

Eliot tells the story of Heston’s life and six-decade-long career in full detail. Illustrated with never-before-seen photos from the actor’s family, Eliot’s moving, artful, and honest biography pays tribute to this movie legend, who was president of the Screen Actors Guild just five years after President Reagan held the same role, and reveals not only how Heston’s famous persona came into being, but why.

“Charlton Heston: Hollywood’s Last Icon” will be available for purchase after Eliot speaks.

Heston’s son, Fraser, will also appear at the event. Fraser Heston played infant Moses in the 1956 “The Ten Commandments,” his father’s most famous and iconic film. Admission is $10. A reception will follow.

Eliot also wrote the best-selling book, “Reagan the Hollywood Years,” which was one of the most well-received presentations in the Ronald W. Reagan Society Book Series. The series is sponsored by a grant from PNC Bank and by members of the Reagan Society. For more information, contact reagan@eureka.edu or call (309) 467-6319.

Advocate Eureka Hospital lifts visitor restrictions

Advocate Eureka Hospital in Eureka has lifted the visitor restrictions that were implemented in early February, during the height of flu season.

Flu activity in the area has diminished enough in the area to allow the hospital to safely end the restrictions, according to Katie Jeffreys registered nurse and infection preventionist at Eureka Hospital. The restrictions prohibited those under 18 from visiting patients at the hospital, as well as those of any age who had shown signs of illness in the preceding seven days.

While the official restrictions have been lifted, Jeffreys reminds everyone that, as always, individuals who are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of any contagious illness should refrain from visiting hospital patients in person.

“In those situations, a phone call can still show the patient that you care and lift their spirits,” Jeffreys says. “If you feel you must visit despite your illness, we ask that you please request a mask upon entering the hospital to protect both patients and staff.”

METAMORA

Library to hold Medicare seminar

A free educational seminar, Medicare 101, will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 22, at the Metamora Public Library, 208 E. Partridge St., Metamora.  There will be an informational presentation ideal for those new to Medicare. Questions will be taken after the presentation. Preregistration is not required, but space is limited.  For more information, call Julie Bicksler at (309) 231-5371. This event is only for educational purposes, and no plan specific benefits or details will be discussed.

–Woodford County News Briefs–