PATH’s Community Resource Seminars – 2016. We want to answer your questions about our local system of social services -- register today for our ½ day (4 hour) training! The cost is $35/individual, plus $25 (optional and special seminar rate) for the McLean/DeWitt/Livingston County PATH Directory or $20 for the McLean County only Directory. Both go hand-in-hand with the seminar content.
Our upcoming half-day seminarsare on the following Thursdays, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm.
March 17th and May 19th.
To register, contact Amanda at 834-0580 or download the registration brochure from our web site
HOW FRESH IS YOUR PATH DIRECTORY? If you currently own a PATH directory, check your “freshness date” at the bottom right-hand corner. Is it over a year old? Make sure you have the very latest information to make the right referrals for your clients. Resources are constantly changing. If you do not own PATH’s Directory and you are working with people in nearly any capacity, you need one! Cost is $30 per directory for McLean County only information, $35 per directory for McLean, DeWitt & Livingston Counties combined. Additional charges apply if shipping is required. Contact Amanda at 834-0580or nd order a directory printed fresh for you.
Wings & Prayers Differently Abled- Ecumenical Worship Service - Sunday, March 20, 2016
Wings & Prayers is a differently abled ecumenical worship service for those with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families and families who have children with special needs. The Wings & Prayers Ministry has designed and adapted a meaningful worship service aimed to capture the attention and interest of these individuals.
Services are held every 3rd Sunday of the month, from 3:00 – 3:45 pm with fellowship time following. Services are held at Crossroads Chapel – 1049 JC Parkway in Bloomington, IL. Volunteers are cherished and much needed. Please contact: Pastor Cheree’ Johnson at or call 309-706-2961 for more information.
Research Survey for Non-Profit Executive Directors and CEOs - Sabrina Burkiewicz, a former staffer with Home Sweet Home and graduate student at ISU, is looking for non-profit organizations to take her research survey. Her thesis project examines non-profit leadership and how certain leader behaviors can strengthen the non-profits they lead. She is looking for the leaders of local non-profit organizations to take the online survey.
This research can benefit local non- profit leaders because the research findings may demonstrate that non-profit leaders have unique needs, and how certain leadership behaviors may help them increase volunteers and donors. If your organization uses volunteers, accepts financial donations, and has a primary leader like an executive director, CEO, or president, and you would like to take the survey and be part of her research, please contact Sabrina at or 309-846-6935.
Upon request, Sabrina will share the research results when the project is complete, this summer. The research should show which leader behaviors can have the greatest positive impact on your non-profit organization.
The Kiwanis Ability in Aktion Club is hosting an accessible Easter egg hunt for children with disabilities.
DATE: Saturday, March 26th
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: Uncle Bill's Miracle Field, north of the Corn Crib, 1000 Raab Rd., Normal
For more information contact: Rickielee at 663-5433
The McLean County Community Compact spring membership meeting will take place on April 12, 2016, at 3:30 – 5:00 PM. The meeting will be held at Heartland Community College in CCB 1406. During the meeting our main theme will be “Launching the McLean County 60 x 25 Project.” The 60 x 25 project, sometimes called Goal 2025, relates to a national goal of having 65% of the adult population holding, at minimum, a 2 year degree or other high-quality post-secondary credential by the year 2025. In addition to learning about this project, we will hear updates from previously endorsed projects and have the opportunity to mingle with education, business and community leaders.
For questions or to RSVP please contact Susan Evens at 309.268.8088 or email:
The Central Illinois Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is sponsoring a five-day Mental Health First Aid Train the Trainers course in Bloomington, Illinois, April 11-15, 2016. Mental Health First Aid is an in-person training that teaches you how to offer help to people developing a mental illness or in a mental health crisis. We are looking for up to 30 people to become Trainers in their organizations and communities. There are still spaces left for this 40 hour course. Certified trainers must teach three or more courses per year. McLean County trainers will find support through the Mental Health First Aid Collaborative. The cost is $1800, which is $200 less than the current course cost across the country. Applications can be found at: or
Upcoming Events at the Normal Public Library –
Dino-Mite Family Story Hour - Feb 26 & Feb 27, 10:30 - 11:00 - FREE
Join us for stories, songs, games, and a fun dinosaur craft!
This activity is intended for three- to five-year-olds and their families, but everyone is welcome.
Registration (required) Starts for 3D Pendant Design - Feb 29, 9:00 am - FREE
Create and 3D-print a custom pendant.
This activity is open to patrons age 12 and up.
This activity will be Saturday, March 9 from 3:00 - 4:00.
Artist Reception: Mary Jungels-Goodyear - Mar 4, 4:00 - 6:00
Celebrate the work of artist Mary Jungels-Goodyear, on display in the library's Art Gallery through May.
Refreshments provided by the Normal Public Library Foundation.
The Normal Public Library Art Gallery exhibitions and events are free and open to the public.
The gallery is open all available library hours: M-Th 9 am – 9 pm, F & Sa 9 am – 5 pm and Su 1 – 5 pm
Pages & Paws: Therapy Dog Reading Program - Mar 5, 10:30 - 11:30 - FREE
Practice your reading skills with a furry reading buddy! Children may sign up for 10 minute reading sessions with a Certified Therapy Dog. Bring your favorite book or grab one from the shelf to share! Sign up will begin at 10:15 am outside of the Story Hour Room on the day of the program.
This program is open to children ages six to twelve. It is intended for children who are reading on their own and wish to practice reading aloud. All dogs are Certified Therapy Dogs.
The number of spaces available is dependent on the number of volunteer therapy dog teams present.
For more information call 309-454-4668 or visit the Children's Desk.
Registration (required) Starts for Code Breakers: Intro to Java - Mar 8, 9:00 am - FREE
In this class, we will work in pairs and use our coding skills to direct BB-8 and create our own Star Wars game. Attendees will complete these tasks not using prepackaged blocks of code, but by writing their own code using the JavaScript computer language.
This program is for children ages 11 to 12 who have good typing skills and are familiar with the basics of coding. Previous use of Code.org or Blockly software is helpful.
This activity will be Tuesday, March 22 from 4:00 to 4:45 in the Community Room.
Registration (required) Starts for Code Breakers: Star Wars Edition - Mar 8, 9:00 am - FREE
Work in pairs to direct BB-8 and create your own Star Wars game all while learning the basics of computer coding! For more information, visit code.org's Star Wars page here.
This activity is open to 8- to 12-year-olds.
Some familiarity with coding concepts is helpful, but not required.
This activity will be Tuesday, March 22 from 2:00 to 2:45 in the Community Room.
Registration (required) Starts for Code: Ozobots - Mar 9, 9:00 am - FREE
Improve your knowledge of coding robotics basics using Ozobots, tiny color code reading robots. Learn to use Ozobots' special codes to lead them through various mazes and challenges.
Some familiarity with coding concepts helpful, but not required. This program is for ages 8 to 12.
Registration is required and starts Wednesday, March 9th at 9:00 am.
Space is limited and fills quickly, so don't delay!
Registration (required) Starts for Code: Sphero - Mar 9, 9:00 am - FREE
In this class, we will learn to use Tickle, a block style coding app, to control robots, Sphero and Ollie. Work in groups of three using your coding knowledge to direct Sphero and Ollie through various mazes and challenges.
This program is for children ages 10 to 12 who are familiar with the basics of coding. Previous use of Code.org or Blockly software is helpful.
Registration is required and starts Wednesday, March 9th at 9:00 am.
Space is limited and fills quickly, so don't delay!
Teen Tech Day - Mar 9, 4:00 - 6:00 - FREE
Come check out some of the library’s newest technology tools and toys with an introduction to our Teen Mobile Makerspace! Build circuits, play with robotics, create glowing origami, and more!
This activity is aimed at 12- to 18-year-olds, but everyone is welcome to come check it out!
Introduction to Lynda.com - Mar 9, 10:00 - 11:00 & 6:00 - 7:00- FREE
Learn how to use Lynda.com, a leading online learning company that helps anyone learn business, software, technology, and creative skills through online tutorials.
Please bring your device - phone, tablet, or laptop.
Upcycled Monogram Picture Frame - Mar 10, 10:00 - 12:00 – FREE (registration required)
Turn an old picture frame into a monogram using our vinyl cutting machine.
Please bring a picture frame with glass.
Registration is required.
This activity is for patrons age 15 and up.
Big Foot: Are You Yeti? Family Story Hour - Fri, 3/11 & Sat, 3/12, 10:30 - 11:15 am - FREE
Join us for stories, songs, games, and a fun Big Foot craft!
This activity is intended for three- to five-year-olds and their families, but everyone is welcome.
Saturday Movie Matinee Special: Bajrangi Bhaijaan - Mar 12, 1:00 - 4:00- FREE
Join us for this recently released Indian film in Hindi.
A man with a magnanimous spirit tries to take a young mute Pakistani girl back to her homeland to reunite her with her family.
Darkness to Light Training is a child sexual abuse prevention and response program for adults offered through the Children’s Advocacy Centers and the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program. Darkness to Light is a national program proven to increase knowledge of child sexual abuse and change the way adults protect children. The program is designed to train professionals and volunteers who work with children in a variety of settings. Participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of child abuse and learn to react responsibly.
The next training will be offered on April 7, 2016 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm in Bloomington at the Advocacy Center/CASA training room. The fee is $30 per person. Advance registration is required. Please call 309-888-5656 or email Mary Pat Frugo-Anderson at to register.
8TH ANNUAL NUTRITION AND BREASTFEEDING FAIR AT THE MCLEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPT –
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, find out what resources are available at the McLean County Health Department and within the community to help improve your nutrition as well as provide the support needed for a successful breastfeeding journey. A network of support for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers provides essential support and often includes trained health workers, nutritionists, lactation consultants, community leaders, local mothers, fathers or partners. Come and get nutritional tips for pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants, and children, along with breastfeeding advice and guidance from local community resources. A supervised children’s activity area will be available to entertain your young children while you explore the fair.
What: 8th Annual Nutrition and Breastfeeding Fair
When: Thursday, March 17th from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
Where: McLean County Health Department, rooms 323 and 324
For more information call 309-888-5450. The Nutrition and Breastfeeding Fair is free and open to the public. Door prizes will be given away, including a new pack-and-play courtesy of the Normal Meijer.
University of Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator, Jenna Smith, has multiple programs coming up in Livingston and McLean Counties!
Fresh Fare: Eating Well as You Age- Our food choices can make an important difference in how we look and feel as we get older. We’ll discuss which foods supply the nutrients that are especially important for us as we age. The program will be presented in a pleasant dining room setting with tables set just for you! Food demonstrations and tastings will be provided. Fresh Fare: Eating Well as You Age will be held March 9 at Evenglow Inn, 1303 E. Indiana Eve., Pontiac from 6-7 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation that goes to Evenglow Inn. To register, call Evenglow at (815) 842-9040.
IllinoisFood Service Sanitation Manager’s Certification Course- This course meets the eight-hour coursework and examination required by the State of Illinois for the Food Service Sanitation Manager’s Certification. It will be held March 21 from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and March 23 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Heartland Community College. You must attend both days to sit for the examination. There is a fee of $124 per person for materials and the test. To register, call Heartland at (309) 268-8160 or online at .
Making Homemade Baby Food- Making your own baby food can be easy, inexpensive, environmentally friendly and nutritious. You’ll learn what foods to introduce, safe preparation and storage tips, and proper feeding strategies. Plus, you’ll watch a demonstration on making baby food and take home a packet of recipes. This program will be held March 24 from 6-8 p.m. at the McLean County Extension office. There is a fee of $5 per person. To register, visit or call the office at (309) 663-8306. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact us at (309) 663-8306.
Bloomington Public Library’s Summer Reading Program begins June 6!
In 2016, the Summer Reading theme is Read for the Win. The Library’s many game-related programs will – as always – be offered absolutely free!
- Reading Log Pickup: June 6-Aug 6
On or after June 6, participants can pick up a reading log in person at the Library or on the Bookmobile. Logs will also be available for printing from the library’s website at bloomingtonlibrary.org - Prize pickup: June 20-August 7
- End of Summer Reading Party - Saturday, August 6
- Teen End of Summer Reading Party – Friday, August 19 (tentative; reading goal must be met)
This special, teen-only, after-hours party will take place if the teens as a group read for a total of 5,000 hours during the Summer Reading Program.
The Library’s Summer Reading Program is for people of all ages – 0-105!
Bloomington Public Library Events:
Tax Assistance - Tax assistance is available on Mondays and Thursdays between through Monday, April 18. On dates when assistance is available, volunteers from AARP Tax-Aide will assist people from 9:15am-1pm with the last return each day started no later than 12:15pm. Help is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Those seeking assistance should bring their W-2, social security card, social security statements, and tax forms to the Community Room. A social security card or statement is required for anyone whose name appears on the tax return. There are neither age nor income restrictions to receive aid.
*** Exception: On Monday, March 14, assistance will be offered from 10:30am-2:30pm with the last return being started no later than 1:45pm.
Oculus Rift: Virtual Reality Headset Demonstration - Wednesday, March 9
Join us as we demo the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality headset made by Facebook and Oculus. The Rift, through a combination of head tracking and low latency screen technology, gives the impression of “presence” and puts you into your games like nothing else. We will be demoing the Rift and discussing this exciting new technology from 6-8pm in the Community Room.
Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
Social Security Class with F3E- Thursday, March 10, at 6:30pmSunday, March 13, at 2pm
Join Foundation for Financial Education presenter Bernie Wrezinski to learn how to calculate benefits and earn an extra 8 percent per year using delayed retirement credits. Also covered will be what "File and Suspend" means, how to choose which age to collect benefits, and how COLA can affect your social security. These tips can greatly increase the amount of Social Security Benefits you receive. The same class is offered twice. Attend the session most convenient for you.
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss - Friday, March 11
Join the Library and the United Way as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. We will begin the program with stories at 11am in the Children’s Department followed by crafts and activities until 1pm.
Handling Choosy Eaters (simultaneous programs for child & parent) - Monday, March 14
Learn tips on how to handle your child’s behavior while ensuring they have the proper nutrition. Bring your children to the Children’s Department at 6:30pm for story and activity time while you identify meal time challenges and learn healthy solutions in the Community Room. Then, reunite to make a healthy snack together, and take home kid-friendly recipes. “Handling Choosy Eaters” is taught by Jenna Smith of the University of Illinois Extension. Registration is required; limited to 20 families; and can be completed by phone at 309-828-6093, online at BloomingtonLibrary.org, or in person at the Library.
Computer Class: Email for Beginners - Wednesday, March 16
Participants will learn how to sign up for an email account, how to send and receive messages, and how to maintain that account. If you've already got an account but have trouble using it, this class is for you! Basic mouse and keyboard keyboard skills are required. Meet in the Community Room at 2pm. Registration is required and can be completed at the Library, by phone at 309-828-6093, or online at BloomingtonLibrary.org.