•August 23, 2023•

A Matter of Balance program will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 3 through 26 from 9 to 11 am at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library in Sullivan. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. The program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Participants will learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and exercise to increase strength and balance. Those who should attend is anyone concerned about falls, anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, anyone who has fallen in the past and anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns. A $20 donation is requested for the program. Light snacks and refreshments are provided. Class size is limited. To register contact Carol Logan at 217-428-3458 ext. 231.

•August 23, 2023•

Extreme heat is expected throughout much of the Illinois region this week and it is important to take action and be prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. The Red Cross offers the following reminders that help us stay safe when the temperatures soar.

1. Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Read More

•August 23, 2023•

By Jim Baumann

NP Guest Writer

I try to be a positive force both in this column and my workaday life, so I was surprised to find this email from Mark Taylor in my inbox:

“Look at this headline with a triple negative: ‘Harder to avoid virus when tests aren’t free?’ I think it means, ‘Tests are no longer free, so the virus is making a comeback.’ I see now that this article is from The Washington Post, so maybe your editors simply adopted their headline along with the story.”

I wasn’t on the debate team in high school, because I would have been that kid who was a deer in the headlights, drooling instead of counterpunching, but I do like a good, reasonable, respectful discussion these days. Read More

•August 23, 2023•

The Illinois Deer Donation Program is excited to offer a Food Pantry Summit on Wednesday, September 13 from 9am-3pm at the Lake Land College Foundation & Alumni Center in Mattoon, IL. Extension will be offering training on food safety, the relationship of trauma in food, and food dignity. Sessions will include information about the Illinois Deer Donation Program and how to become a partnering pantry to receive ground venison for your pantry guests. Food handlers training with certificate will be offered free of charge. Read More

•August 23, 2023•

In the coming days, students across Illinois will venture back into the classroom. That’s why this month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), along with local Emergency Management Agencies, are highlighting resources and tips to help students better prepare for their return to the classroom.

Whether you have a new kindergartener, or are a 5th year super senior in college, there are helpful resources available for students of all ages to keep them safe in the classroom throughout the school year. Read More