•December 4, 2024•

Lake Land College will host Laker Visit Day on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Luther Student Center. The event is designed for prospective students to learn about Lake Land College and the resources available to guide students to success.  Attendees will tour campus with a student ambassador, who will share information from a student perspective. Participants will also meet with faculty to learn more about specific programs.  Representatives from many services, including Counseling Services, Career Services, Student Accommodations, Student Wellness, TRIO Student Support Services and more will be available to provide information and answer attendees’ questions. Attendees are also welcome to bring their parents or guardians to the event. A session will be offered to provide information relevant to parents or guardians of future Lakers.  “There’s no better way for a prospective student to learn what it’s like to attend Lake Land College,” Pam Hartke, Associate Dean of Recruitment & Enrollment Management, said. “If you’re interested in studying at Lake Land, even if it’s only for a few classes, this event is perfect for you.”  For more information or to register, visit the Lake Land College visit page at LakeLandCollege.edu/visit. 

•December 4, 2024•

HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital will host the Share Holiday Memorial Service Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel. The annual event honors babies lost during pregnancy, at birth, or in early infancy. 

 “The holidays can be a difficult time for families who have experienced a loss,” said Karla Marshall, Supervisor of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at St. Mary’s Hospital. “This service provides a compassionate space for families to honor their babies and find solace among others who understand their grief. It serves as a reminder that no one has to grieve alone.” 

•December 4, 2024•

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hosting a public meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the current water control plan for Lake Shelbyville, water control operations, and dam safety. Engineering staff from the USACE St. Louis District office will present information about water control operations and procedures, and dam safety.

The Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center is located east of the Lake Shelbyville Main Dam at 1989 State Hwy. 16 Shelbyville, IL 62565. For additional information, call the project office at (217)774-3951 X 2 or email lakeshelbyville@usace.army.mil.

•December 4, 2024•

Submitted by  Cheri Burcham
Extension Educator
University of Illinois Extension  

The holidays are promoted as the most wonderful time of the year! Gathering of family and friends, decorating, baking, shopping….eeek! Illinois Extension Educator Mary Liz Wright shared this article recently on the blog Be Smart, Eat Well, Get Healthy and it is a great time to share this with you! Mary Liz says: This wonderful time can also be stressful—how can you make it less so? As you make your list and check it twice, think smarter not harder. Keep it simple sister (KISS)!   Here are a few tips that might help you de-stress your holidays: Say yes when your guests offer to bring a dish. Assign tasks to family members, get everyone involved, even little ones can set the table, help stir, or make place cards. Shop ahead, shelf stable items can be purchased weeks before the holiday and fresh items can be purchased several days in advance.   Go to Illinois Extension’s website The Perfect Turkey Meal at https://extension.illinois.edu/turkey for tips and recipes. Speaking of turkey, plan for ¾ pound of turkey per person, thaw in the refrigerator: 24 hours per every 5 pounds, bake a turkey breast rather than a whole turkey (bone-in gives better flavor broth). Think about oven space—you can cook the turkey the day before, slice and refrigerate and heat in the microwave prior to serving. You can purchase an oven-ready or even a pre-cooked turkey.   Cook ahead and reheat when possible. Bake pies or buy your favorite. Assemble casseroles and refrigerate uncooked; bake on the holiday, cut and prep vegetables, fruits, and garnishes 2-3 days before. Set the table the day before. Relax the timetable: sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a late afternoon holiday meal. There is no law against dessert, cranberry sauce or bread product purchased from the store. Will leftovers be a problem? Reduce the number of dishes or cut the recipe in half.