Regional Media Podcast Network

Samantha Rux from OSF HealthCare Saint Luke Medical Center joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to spotlight several community initiatives. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Holiday Lights Recycling program by dropping off unwanted holiday lights in a box inside the lobby of the main door, promoting both sustainability and local support. Rux also highlighted the Blessing Box—a resource providing essential food and supplies to neighbors in need. When the temperatures drop, Blessing Box items are moved inside the lobby of the main door. OSF HealthCare officials recommend taking what you need while leaving something for someone else in need. Community members are encouraged to take what they need and leave what they can. For after-hours donations, items can be delivered to the emergency room front desk. Additionally, she shared information on OSF OnCall services, which offer convenient, virtual healthcare options around the clock. OSF OnCall services are available 24/7 through their website, the MyChart app, or the MyOSF app. These efforts underscore OSF HealthCare’s commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of the Tri-Counties community throughout the holiday season and beyond. 

The 39th annual Country Village Christmas Bazaar lights up Visitation Catholic School in Kewanee this Saturday, November 22nd, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Inside Goetzman Gymnasium, shoppers will discover handcrafted gifts, unique holiday decor, and a special Mini Makers Market featuring creative youth crafters. Local vendors and artisans will showcase unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal decor, with a special Mini Makers Market featuring the talents of young crafters. Don’t miss out on the raffle extravaganza—over 45 prizes, ranging from themed baskets to electronics and gift cards, are up for grabs with $1 tickets available through Friday. Children can visit Santa Claus, with photo opportunities offered for a free-will donation. Rounding out the event, homemade treats and an array of food options promise to satisfy every taste. Organizers invite everyone to join a festive community gathering and support local talent. More details at visitationcatholic.com/bazaar or call 309-856-7451.

Connie Johnson joined Wake Up Tri-Counties for the monthly edition of "Cambridge Happening" to talk about the Minds 5K, the closure of the Village Office for Thanksgiving, and Christmas on the Square. Cambridge is gearing up for a season full of community celebrations. On November 22nd, residents are invited to participate in the Miles for Minds 5K run/walk at College Square Park, benefiting Gray Matters and the FFA. As Thanksgiving nears, keep in mind the Village Office will be closed November 27th and 28th. Christmas on the Square returns December 6th, kicking off with a spaghetti dinner at the United Methodist Church, followed by a lighted parade, horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, and visits with Santa. All activities are free, with proceeds supporting local causes. Light Up Cambridge and other holiday contests add to the festivities.

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Great Smokeout on November 20th, insurance navigators, Covid and flu vaccines, the A1C test special, the food drive blood test special, and food safety. Residents of Henry and Stark Counties are encouraged to join the Great American Smokeout on November 20th, aiming to take that important first step toward quitting smoking. Local health departments are highlighting the significant health benefits of becoming tobacco-free, especially as November marks both Lung Cancer and Diabetes Awareness Months. Area clinics are offering discounted hemoglobin A1C tests for diabetes monitoring and updated COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. As the holidays approach, officials also urge extra food safety precautions to prevent illness at gatherings. For health support, resources, and vaccination information, contact the local health department or First Choice Healthcare clinics.

Lisa Janey from the Kewanee Food Pantry joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss how the Kewanee Food Pantry operates, the items it needs, and to express gratitude to the community for its donations of much-needed food, money, and hygiene essentials. Wethersfield High School’s National Honor Society is cooking up community spirit this Friday during the football playoff quarterfinals. From noon to 2 PM, sweet treats will be on sale, with every dollar supporting the Kewanee Food Pantry. Along with the bake sale, students are offering Geese and Titans merchandise for donation. Looking to help another way? On Saturday, a drive-thru donation event in Good’s Furniture parking lot invites locals to drop off food and hygiene essentials from 11 AM to 2 PM. The Kewanee Public Library is also collecting donations through December 22nd. Small acts are making a big difference for neighbors in need.

The Kewanee Food Pantry is accepting online donations through the PayPal Giving Fund, a platform that ensures every dollar goes directly to support their mission. Unlike many donation services, this program charges no fees to either the charity or the donor, so contributions stretch even further. With your support, the pantry can purchase more supplies from food banks, maximizing the impact for community members in need. To donate, visit the PayPal Giving Fund online and select Kewanee Food Pantry. Every contribution helps provide essential groceries for local families and strengthens hunger relief efforts in the region.