Renae Kerrigan

 EUREKA

Library, 4-H invite youth to interactive workshop

Youth entering fifth through seventh grades are invited to join University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator Alcha Corban for a fun, interactive workshop on Monday, June 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main.

Participants will start by taking a virtual field trip to see different stages around the world. Then they’ll learn all about set design as they make props, set the scene, and create their own stage diorama.

This class is free. Space is limited to 15 participants; register by Friday, June 14 by calling the library at 309-467-2922. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate, contact the U of Illinois Extension office at 309-467-3789.

One Giant Leap: The 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11

Peoria Riverfront Museum Planetarium Director Renae Kerrigan will be at the Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main, at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17 to present a free program on the Apollo 11 anniversary.

Fifty years ago, humans stepped onto the surface of another world for the first time. The Apollo 11 moon landing was the culmination of thousands of people working on one goal — to land a person on the moon and get them safely home again. Learn about the history of the space race and enjoy images and video footage from the Apollo Program at this free public presentation. Space is limited; call the library at 309-467-2922 to register.

REGION

 ICC athletics director retiring at end of month

Illinois Central College Athletics Director Sue Sinclair has elected to retire, effective June 30.

“During her nearly 30-year career at ICC, Sue has not only served as athletics director, but also as assistant athletics director, assistant softball coach, director of physical education, and head volleyball coach,” said Dean of Students Dr. Emily Points.

“Sue is such an integral part of the Athletic program that it is hard not to see this as a loss for ICC, but we are happy for Sue and her family. Sue’s legacy is found in the enduring contributions she has made through the leadership of the many students whose lives she has touched.”

Sinclair’s teams have enjoyed phenomenal successes throughout the years under her leadership, including two national championships for volleyball and softball. In total, she has coached 17 teams to qualify for Nationals, and 85 players have moved on to play at the next level (NCAA DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA).

Sinclair also has received many individual accolades, including her induction into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018, the 25 Women in Leadership Award in 2018, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Junior College/Community College Central Athletic Director of the Year 2005-06, and the NJCAA Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004, just to name a few.

“I am very grateful to ICC for the many opportunities I’ve had over the years while leading the athletic program and coaching these talented student athletes,” Sinclair said.

“While I elected to retire at this particular time due to family responsibilities, I am remaining in the area and have every intention of continuing to be active in the program as both a fan and volunteer. Once a Cougar, always a Cougar.”

ICC plans to appoint an interim athletic director prior to Sinclair’s retirement, with a search for a permanent replacement slated for the March-April timeframe. The college immediately will begin a search for the head volleyball coaching position.

WOODFORD COUNTY

It’s all about Brain Health at Diabetes Clinic

How often do you think about your brain when you are choosing the foods you eat? Discover the type of diet that can influence energy levels, mood, memory, and more. University of Illinois Extension invites you to join them for the June Diabetes Clinic all about “Brain Health”.

This program will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at the Woodford County Extension Office, 109 E. Eureka Ave., Eureka. You will receive a packet of recipes and watch a food demonstration.

Diabetes clinics are informal but informational walk-in programs with a different topic each month designed especially for persons living with diabetes. There is no cost to attend this program and no registration is necessary.

For more information on this program or upcoming events, please visit us at go.illinois.edu/LMWCalendar or contact University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator & Registered Dietitian, Jenna Smith by phone at 309-663-8306 or email at jesmith6@illinois.edu.

Herb garden is thriving at County Courthouse

Visitors and residents can be on the lookout for chives, red veined sorrel and peppermint that are thriving at the Woodford County Master Gardener project at the courthouse.

Chives, red veined Sorrel and Peppermint are thriving at the Woodford County Master Gardener project at the County Courthouse. (Photo courtesy of Woodford Master Gardeners)

Chives can be harvested to the base, leaving behind an inch or two of foliage. This can be done monthly with four established plants and around three-to-four times with new plants.

They will regrow a new flush of foliage. Chive flowers are usually removed to keep the plant from reseeding, but the beautiful, purple, globe-like flowers are edible and have a strong onion flavor.

Red veined sorrel leaves are harvested when they reach four-to-five inches. Flowers should be removed to keep the plant vegetative. The lemony flavored ornamental leaf can be added to salads. The more you pick the more the plant will grow.

Another is peppermint and it can be cut back to three or four inches from the base of the plant or the tips can be removed, depending on how much you are ready to use. It is best to harvest before flowering as the new growth has more flavor.

For more information on the Woodford Master Gardener program or other University of Illinois Extension events, visit our calendar atgo.illinois.edu/LMWCalendar or contact the local Extension office at 309-467-3789. You can also stop in with your gardening questions at their next information session at the Eureka Library from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17.

STATE

 EPA accepting applications for drug takeback program

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2020 Medication Takeback Program. The program will provide funding to communities or organizations for the safe disposal of opioids and other harmful medications collected from residents.

“To date, the Illinois EPA Medication Takeback Program has already removed 20 tons of unused medication in fiscal year 2019,” said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim. “This program not only properly disposes of medication to protect our water resources, but it also assists communities in addressing the opioid crisis, and we look to do even more in the next fiscal year.”

For the FY19 program, there were 104 community partners in the Medication Takeback Program, and the Illinois EPA is seeking to expand upon those partnerships. Communities and organizations interested in being part of the Medication Takeback Program should complete and submit the application available online at https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/Documents/iepa/waste-management/waste-disposal/medication-disposal/medication-takeback-application.pdf. Applications must be submitted by Saturday, June 15 for collections beginning on July 1. Application Instructions are also available on the EPA website.