Communications: National County Government Month
April is National County Government Month
"Healthy Counties"
In 1990, the National Association of Counties initiated National County Government Week (NCGW) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation's counties. This year, NCGW was expanded to a month so that counties would have more opportunity to tout county government services and programs. The theme of this year's NCGM is "Healthy Counties" and over 1000 counties nationwide will participate by offering various ways for citizens to learn about county government's role in community health.
Healthy Counties
We encourage you to celebrate National County Government Month with us this April by participating in one or more events we are hosting to help raise awareness of county government and individual departments that help make Peoria County a healthy county. A list of the public events scheduled for National County Government Month follows; for more information on a particular event, please refer to the description provided or call Jenny Zinkel, 672-6918.
"Healthy Counties" Photo Contest
April 1 - April 30
All month
Free
Peoria County residents are encouraged to submit photos taken of a healthy Peoria County: children playing in a park, animals at Wildlife Prairie State Park, eagles flying over the Illinois River, neighbors enjoying the Rock Island Trail, any image you believe portrays the health of Peoria County. Through the end of May, all appropriate submissions will be posted on our website, rotated through "featured content" on our home page, and shared on our Facebook page. Photos may be submitted by emailing jzinkel@peoriacounty.org.
It's Easy Being Green
ICC North, 5407 North University Street, Peoria, IL
Thursday, April 8
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Free
To register call 999-4545 or visit www.icc.edu/acp, select "special interests"
Small actions can have a major impact on our environment. Peoria County's Recycling Educator Rebecca Cottrell will describe simple things anyone can do to "go green." Wear green to this class and receive a free recycled product. Registration is required due to limited seating.
Health Fair
Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL
Room LL100
Friday, April 9
10:00 a.m. - noon
Free
The Peoria City/County Health Department will be hosting a health information fair to help raise awareness of county services and programs that help Peoria County residents become and stay healthy. Health Department educators will have information available on the county's lead abatement program, breast and prostate cancer prevention, nutrition, and the Medical Reserve Corps. Other county departments participating in the health fair include: Recycling & Resource Conservation, the Care & Treatment Board, PAWS/Peoria Humane Society, and Bel-Wood Nursing Home. Anyone is welcome to stop by the health fair.
Pet of the Day
Peoria County Website
Monday, April 12 - Friday, April 16
All day
Need a dog? Want a cat? Visit this website daily during the week of April 12 to meet a different shelter pet ready for adoption from PAWS. A photo and information about the "Pet of the Day" will be provided for each featured animal. Adoption information will also be available.
The Future's So Bright
ICC North, 5407 North University Street, Peoria, IL
Thursday, April 15
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Free
To register call 999-4545 or visit www.icc.edu/acp, select "special interests"
Peoria County Administrator Patrick Urich will describe the county's vision for our community's future and how the County Board is working to achieve that vision through its strategic plan. He will explain how current projects and innovative programs are designed to ensure a safe, healthy, and growing community and improve our quality of life. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about county government and share your opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Registration is required due to limited seating.
The Future's So Bright promotional flyer
Hands Around the Courthouse
Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St, Peoria, IL
Friday, April 16
Noon
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Youth Services Network Panel is hosting its 3rd Annual Hands Around the Courthouse event to draw attention to the 1048 pending child abuse and neglect cases in Peoria County. Persons interested in participating should gather in the Courthouse Plaza at noon. Judges from the 10th Judicial Circuit, as well as law enforcement representatives and child advocates, will speak for a few minutes on the importance of child abuse prevention. Persons attending the event will briefly hold hands to show their support of local prevention efforts.
Hands Around the Courthouse promotional flyer
Clean Water Celebration
Peoria Riverfront
Sunday, April 18
Noon
The Opening Ceremonies for the Clean Water Celebration will take place at the Gateway Building. Join the celebration and bring a small container of water from your local surface or groundwater source for the Parade of Waters and a Native American blessing. After the Opening Ceremonies, stay for the Science River Walk. Scientists, Native American Storytellers, and teachers will share information about the local wildlife along the river. There will also be opportunities to test water samples for water quality, visit with the Peoria County EMA Underwater Rescue Team, and talk with area farmers about purchasing local produce. Unique Twist will be there offering face painting, games, and balloons.
Earth Day Celebration
Forest Park Nature Center, 5809 Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights, IL
Saturday, April 24
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Free, donations suggested
Celebrate Mother Nature with Peoria County's Recycling Department at Forest Park Nature Center! Here’s your opportunity to “think globally, act locally.” Peruse the numerous booths, locate local resources, and learn what you can do to make a difference. Enjoy live music, great local food, educational materials, hands-on demos, kid’s crafts, face painting, and much more. Register to win door prizes and enjoy the annual Earth Day Sale. All ages are welcome.
Peoria City/County Health Department Open House
Peoria City/County Health Department, 2116 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL
Tuesday, April 27
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Free
Join the Peoria City/County Health Department for an open house. Tour the facility, learn about public health services, and take advantages of free resources.
Adopt-a-Pet
Bel-Wood Nursing Home, 6701 W. Plank Rd, Peoria, IL
Wednesday, April 28
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Peoria Humane Society, PAWS, and some of their shelter animals will be visiting Bel-Wood Nursing Home. Bel-Wood residents, employees, visitors, interested pet-lovers, and the general public are encouraged to take a few minutes to meet the adorable, adoptable dogs and cats. Adoption applications and educational literature will be available.
Helping Hands Information Fair
Child and Family Connections, 2016 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL
Friday, April 30
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Free
This event will provide helpful information for parents and families. Many areas of development will be addressed for children ages birth to three years and staff will be available to help determine if children are meeting developmental milestones.