•July 9, 2025•

by Angie Hogan

MCHD

Don’t wait for the August-September rush; make the wise choice and schedule your student’s vaccinations in July. It’s the perfect time. As summer activities continue, the start of the new school year may feel distant. However, when it comes to your child’s health, July is the perfect time to get a jump on back-to-school immunizations. 

Why Vaccinations Matter for School-Aged Children: Vaccines are among the most effective tools for protecting children and teens against contagious diseases. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent approximately 2–3 million deaths annually. When children are vaccinated, they’re better equipped to stay healthy at school, at home, and in the community.

•July 2, 2025•

July 3: Sub sandwich (ham, turkey, and cheese), potato salad, three bean salad, summer salad.

July 4-Closed for Independence Day

July 7: Pork burger and bun, German potato salad, baked beans, and fruit.

July 8: Ham and beans, copper carrots, pineapple, cornbread, and dessert.

July 9: Meatloaf, sour cream/chive baked potato, carrots, tomato salad, and a roll.

July 10: Chicken salad sandwich, tomato basil soup, tangy coleslaw, and fruit dessert.

July 11: Pizza spaghetti casserole, asparagus, hot fruit compote, and romaine side salad.

July 14: Biscuits and gravy, roasted potatoes, hot spiced apples, and fruit juice.

•July 2, 2025•

The area of public lands designated as Dam West High Water Boat Ramp, commonly referred to as “Community Cove”, recently acquired a new kayak launch and pollinator plots through various partnerships and grants. The “Community Cove” area includes the Dam West High Water Boat Ramp as well as public lands directly encompassing the boat ramp. This area extends West to Forest Park, South to the 9th Street and Dam Road intersections, and East to the Dam West Recreation Area. 

Hidden Worlds

•July 2, 2025•

by Janet Roney

I used to know every hill and ravine in our family’s timber pasture along the Kaskaskia River southeast of Sullivan. At least, that’s what I thought. My frequent hikes of exploration usually began by going under the railroad bridge in the east pasture. There, the Angus cattle herd had worn down the creek banks into a mud flat pockmarked with water-filled cattle hoof prints. 

One spring day, as I was picking my way across the muddy morass on slippery flat stepping stones, I heard the noise of rippling water. A rivulet was gurgling beneath some large red haw bushes along the railroad embankment to my right. 

•July 2, 2025•

Closed on July 4th

Story times: Every Wednesday, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th at 10:00 am. The bounce house will be available after the story and craft.

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