•October 8, 2025•

by DM Williamee

For those who currently utilize the Healthcare marketplace for their health, medical, and dental insurance needs, “Get Covered Illinois” (GCI) is the replacement for that program beginning in 2026. Enrollment begins November 1st. States and the federal government jointly pay for Medicaid, which offers free or nearly free health care coverage for roughly 80 million poor and disabled Americans, as well as children at a cost of $800 billion in 2023. “At a time when the federal government is announcing healthcare cuts, Illinois is investing in building a marketplace that aims to increase access to health coverage for our residents,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Director Anne Gillespie. The GCI website is live right now, though specific information can be difficult to find. https://getcovered.illinois.gov/.

•October 8, 2025•

Story times: Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., October 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft. 

Every Monday at 9:00 a.m. ETML hosts Memory Café, a social gathering for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Get helpful information and support from others who also have loved ones who struggle with memory loss. 

•October 8, 2025•

Joining advocates, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, facility staff, and others across the country, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) will honor the individual rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Residents’ Rights Month this October. Designated by the National Consumer Voice for Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice), Residents’ Rights Month highlights residents living in all long-term care settings, as well as gives special recognition to the work of the individuals who help assure their dignity, privacy, and other basic human rights are maintained. “The Older Americans Act mandates the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program inform residents of their rights,” said Kelly Richards, the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. “This is something we do all year long. However, the designation of October as Residents’ Rights Month allows us to shine a larger spotlight and highlight the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. I hope you will join me this month by taking time to reach out to someone in a long-term care facility.”

•October 1, 2025•

The Illinois Amish Heritage Center invites you to celebrate the richness of the harvest season at Harvest to Home: A Fall Harvest Experience, held Friday, October 10 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, October 11 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., just off Route 133 in Arthur, Illinois.

This immersive two-day event offers a rare opportunity to step into the past and experience farming the way it once was - powered by steam, gas, horses, and hard work. It’s a celebration of rural heritage, agricultural roots, and the community spirit that defined the harvest season for generations.

•October 1, 2025•

Cadwell will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 3:15 to 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14 at 1533 CR 1900N, inside Donor Bus. To donate, contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747 5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 70636 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, call ImpactLife at (800) 747 5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 8/19/25 are eligible to give at this drive.