•September 15, 2021•
Mental health and substance use issues are common. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental illness according to the National Institute of Mental Health. From 1999 to 2016, 630,000 people died from drug overdose according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Give someone in your community a hand by learning how to recognize and respond when someone might need help with the free Mental Health First Aid workshop offered by University of Illinois Extension and the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center. Read More
Category Archives: News Briefs
Menu 9-15-2021
Senior Peace Meal
For additional information or for reservations, please call 1-800-543-1770
Sept. 20 - Breakfast Casserole, Warm Fruit Compote, Fruit Juice, Cinnamon Roll, Breakfast Bar
Sept. 21 - Shepherd’s Pie, Rotini Vegetable Salad, Biscuits, Warm Cinnamon Buttered Apples
Sept. 22 - Sub Sandwich w/Lettuce, Spinach, Tomato and Mayo Pkt., 3-Bean Salad, Bun, Cantaloupe
Sept. 23 - Turkey Salad w/Grapes, Vegetable Soup, Cucumber Onion Salad, Assorted Crackers, Fresh Fruit
Sept. 24 - Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Corn, Texas Toast, Red, White and Blue Dessert
‘Troops’ is the Word of the Day
•September 8, 2021•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer
I heard from two readers in the past week regarding the word “troops.”
That kind of coincidence simply requires some navel-gazing.
“As I read the Aug. 17 Daily Herald headline stating ‘13 U.S. troops killed amid evacuations,’” wrote Terry Valentino, “I am wondering how it means 13 soldiers? A terrible story, but I thought perhaps it would be better saying ‘13 U.S. soldiers killed ...’ To me, the word or term ‘soldier’ makes it more human and even a bit sadder. Maybe that is why using the word ‘troops’ was used by editors — to makes it less tragic.” Read More
Learn Self-management Skills for Chronic Health Conditions
•September 8, 2021•
Ignoring a chronic condition will not make it go away, and suffering is a poor management technique. If you live with a long-term health condition, why not learn how to more effectively manage it and live an active and fulfilling life?
Although the specifics of managing each health condition vary, the skills for managing most chronic conditions are quite similar. Take Charge of Your Health is a program designed to help you become a better health manager. Tessa Hobbs-Curley and Cheri Burcham, family life educators for University of Illinois Extension have teamed up to provide this program online. This interactive series will be offered weekly on Wednesday’s starting September 15 and ending October 20 from 1 until 3:30PM CST. Read More
President George W. Bush’s Address to the Nation on September 11, 2001
•September 8, 2021•
On the evening of September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush addressed a nation that earlier that day witnessed the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history. That morning, hijackers took control of four airplanes, ultimately crashing two into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a field near the town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers and crew attempted to regain control of the plane from the hijackers. All passengers and crew on board all four flights died on September 11, and thousands of others on the ground lost their lives that day as well. It was under those conditions that President Bush delivered the following speech to a shaken nation. Read More
Deer Donation Program to Expand Food Access in Twelve Central Illinois Counties
•September 8, 2021•
One in 10 people in Illinois struggles with hunger every day, including one in eight children, according to Feeding America. When families are hungry, making healthier choices can be even more difficult. A new project focused on expanding food access was recently allocated funds through University of Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education. Read More
General Dacey Trail Hay Ride For People with Mobility Restrictions
•September 8, 2021•
The 2021 General Dacey Trail Hay Ride for People with Mobility Restrictions will be held on October 13th. This event features scenic hayride tours of the General Dacey Trail for all, young and old, who are physically unable to walk the trail on their own. The trailers used for the events are made to accommodate wheelchairs and sitting participants. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) staff will be on standby to assist any participants that may need assistance. Family or staff support are encouraged to ride along for the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Tours arrive and depart from the Shelbyville Aquatic Center parking lot in Shelbyville’s Forest Park. This event is made possible by Lake Shelbyville USACE, General Dacey Trail, and Sloan Implement of Shelbyville. Departure times are 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. To reserve a seat and time slot, please contact the Lake Shelbyville Interpretive Services and Outreach Program Department at 217-774-3951 ext. 7047.
Remember When? 9-8-2021
25 Years Ago This Week
A $1.5 million project designed to shore up Bethany’s collapsing streets was brought a step closer to reality by the Moultrie County Board. The board authorized the county engineer to sign a letter of intent with the village and state to participate in an infrastructure project to renovate storm sewers and streets in Bethany. The letter of intent said the costs would be split between federal, county, village and state with a total of $1,585,000.
Both the Sullivan boys’ and girls’ cross country teams won their first home meet against Central A&M. The Redskins defeated the Raiders 24 to 37. The Lady Reds defeated the Lady Raiders 19-40. Read More
Facts for Families: Back to School, Back to Bullying?
•September 8, 2021•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator
As we enter a new school year, I would like to share another great article from Extension Educator Karla Belzer that addresses something that can happen in the school environment – bullying. Karla says: As children return to schools and classrooms this fall after a year of a variety of learning environments, many parents and caregivers may find themselves concerned about bullying. Recent research indicated, not surprisingly, that rates of school bullying dropped during the pandemic – likely as a result of many students participating in remote learning environments. And, as students spend more and more time in digital, on-line learning environments, the risk for cyberbullying can increase as well.
A concerned parent once approached me with a myriad of questions on bullying. Why was her child being excluded from the peer group? What about name calling – is that bullying? Why is her child being picked on? What can she do to help? As the questions went on, one in particular stood out to me: “Is this normal?” It became clear: this parent was having difficulty distinguishing between “normal” peer conflict and bullying. Read More
The 9/11 Memorial
•September 8, 2021•
Among the more indelible images to emerge on September 11, 2001 was the sight of two planes crashing into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center. Still photos and video footage of those planes flying into the Twin Towers were the first images of the attacks many Americans saw, and no one who watched events unfold that morning will ever forget those images.
Though both the North and South Towers fell on that day, today the site where each tower once stood is a serene retreat in the bustling lower Manhattan neighborhood that was shaken to its core on the day of the attacks. The 9/11 Memorial was designed by architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum notes that Arad and Walker’s proposal was chosen in a design competition that featured 5,201 submissions from 63 countries. Read More