Unwanted or unused medicine can be a danger to keep. The Woodford County Health Department, 1831 S. Main St., Eureka, and the El Paso Police Department, 540 E. Main St., El Paso, are local sites where residents can bring medication on April 29, as part of National Take Back Day.

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.

COUNTY

Health department is site for medicine disposal

Woodford County Citizens Against Substance Abuse, Roanoke Pharmacy, Woodford County Sheriff’s Department and the Woodford County Health Department are teaming up to host a prescription pill collection 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 29, at the Woodford County Health Department, 1831 S. Main St., Eureka. This event is in conjunction with the National Take Back Day initiatives.

Woodford County residents are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to drop off expired or unused medication to be safely disposed. The drugs can be any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Medications should be in the original bottle for disposal, if possible. Sharp containers and needles will not be accepted.

In addition to the Woodford County Health Department, the El Paso Police Department, 540 E. Main St., El Paso, will be a collection site.

The area effort is part of a national effort led by the U. S. Department of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Last year, the DEA and more than 4,200 enforcement partners collected 893,498 pounds of unwanted medicines—about 447 tons.

Permanent, year-round drop-off locations are the Woodford County Courthouse, 115 N Main St., Eureka, and Illinois State Police, 1265 Lourdes Road, Metamora.

EUREKA

Student takes the lead in cancer fundraiser

A Eureka College senior is leading this year’s Woodford County effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society. In the past, the event was known as the Relay For Life. This year’s event will be called Night of Hope, and will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 26 in the upper portion of Eureka Lake Park, on the south side of town.

Last year, Williamson participated in the Relay for Life, spurred on by her stepfather’s cancer diagnosis.

This year’s effort has raised about $11,000 toward a $100,000 goal, which is four months away. The fundraiser will be a family-friendly, carnival-themed celebration.

Spaghetti dinner’s proceeds help ADDWC

The Eureka Business Association will host the 10^th annual Italian Feast fundraiser for the Association for the Developmentally Disabled for Woodford County (ADDWC). The annual event will be held 4:30-7 p.m. at the Eureka Bible Church, 1452 Church Road, Eureka. The menu is spaghetti, fresh baked bread, salad, drinks and homemade desserts. Eat-in or carry-out options will be available. A silent auction and raffles will be held. Tickets are $9 for adults, $6 for students with identification and children, 4-14 years of age. Children 3 and under may eat for free.

All proceeds directly support ADDWC, a small, non-profit agency providing quality, person-centered, individualized services for adults with intellectual disabilities. The association offers community living options, home-based support services, vocational and life skills programs as well as advocacy for residents of Central Illinois.

–Woodford County News Briefs–