Mattoon Public Library

Mattoon Library offers story times for children. On the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, the group for children under 3 meets. Every Tuesday, the group for ages 3 and up meets. They also have book clubs and other events for people of all ages. Check out their events calendar to see what they have to offer here.

Playgroups/Parent Groups

There are a few groups in the area that some of you may be interested in. One of my favorites is MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). We meet at First Baptist Church in Mattoon on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month during the school year (starting on Sept. 19th) from 6:15 to 8:15 pm. The moms get together for a meal and some fun activities and get a chance to talk to each other while the children are nearby in classrooms eating their meal and having fun with other kids. Child care is provided. There is a yearly membership fee of $23.95, but they do offer scholarships based on income. They also have a  group called Teen MOPS that is for young moms under 21. It meets every Thursday during the school year from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

Another awesome group in the area is Moms for Moms. This is a parent-child playgroup that meets weekly on Wednesday mornings in various places. We usually do a potluck or pack a lunch and occasionally travel to fun destinations nearby. About once a month, there is a theme party and the kids play or do crafts while the moms visit. There is a yearly membership fee of $15 to cover expenses for craft materials, plates and eating utensils, etc. For information about joining this group, send me an email at kersh_marilyn@yahoo.com.

Parent to Parent is a monthly parent support group/playgroup that meets in the Education Center at Sarah Bush Lincoln on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-7 pm. They offer a variety of activities such as special guest presentations, discussion groups, Santa visits, and others involving relevant topics for moms and dads, or those expecting.

For children with special needs (autism, developmental delays, sensory disorders, ADHD, etc.), CIATS (Central IL Autism Therapeutic Services) offers a playgroup. For more information, call Vivian Skelley at 217-821-1752.

Races for All Paces at SBLHC

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center is hosting "Races for All Paces" on Saturday, May 7th. Registration is May 6th. To see the schedule of events (open to all ages), go here.  

Medals will be given to all finishers and T-shirts are guaranteed for all runners registered by April 15. All registrants participating will be entered into a drawing for cash & other prizes. There will be an award ceremony following the Toddler Trot and Diaper Dash. Course support (including water, Gatorade, food, and porta-potties) will be available at various stages of all events.

For more information or to register, contact Suzanne Logue at (217) 258-4195.

Earth Day Festival at DHNC

Douglas-Hart Nature Center is holding an Earth Day Festival on Saturday, Apr. 23 from 7 am to 2 pm. The schedule is as follows:
7-noon: Reduce, reuse, recycle rummage sale
9-11: Volunteer for conservation project
noon-1: plants seeds to take home
10-2: crafts and games
Refreshments will be offered from 10-2.

Festival of the Young Child

The Festival of the Young Child will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 16 at the Cross County Mall, Mattoon.
There will be many hands-on activities, games, balloons and art projects for young children. There also will be entertainment throughout the day.

The schedule is as follows:
- 10 a.m., Mattoon Academy of Gymnastics & Dance;
- 10:50 a.m., St. John's Lutheran Preschool;
- 11:15 a.m., Percy's Tae Kwon Do;
- 12:10-12:45 p.m., Mitch's Karate USA;
- 1:30 p.m., Margene's Dance Studio.
The YMCA will present its Healthy Kids Day at the festival.

The event is free and for the entire family. For information call Jackie Swango at EIU Child Care Resource at Referral, 581-6991.

The Week of the Young Child is celebrated across the country by hundreds of local organizations working to improve opportunities for all young children.





(from jg-tc.com)

"Eggstravaganza" at Life Span Center

An Easter Eggstravaganza, hosted by the Life Span Center, will be held April 22. The day's events will begin at 10 a.m. and end at noon.

There will be Easter egg hunts for children (toddler-age 5) and children (ages 6-12). Adults will hunt for gift certificates from restaurants and businesses throughout the community. In the Easter eggs for the kids, there will be appropriate candy for their age group.

Along with the Easter egg hunt, there will be Easter crafts, egg decorating and a guest appearance from the Easter Bunny.There will be an area designated where participants and parents can take their own photos. A light lunch will be served.
The Easter Eggstravaganza, LifeSpan Center's first, is open to children ages infant through 12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Eastern Illinois University student intern Katie Connolly is planning the event.

Registration is needed by April 20. To register, call 639-5150.








(From jg-tc.com)

Billy Goat Gruff at DHNC today

Billy Goat Gruff at Douglas Hart Nature Center today at 4pm - 5:30pm for ages 5-9. They'll be playing an ogre game and making a craft. $2 for members, $4 for non-members.