Tails and Trails mental health walk returns for third year
ALTAMONT — Leash up your dog and walk in the third annual Tails and Trails Mental Health Awareness Walk Friday. The gathering starts at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 9:15 a.m. You’ll also find information about the Effingham County Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC), a coalition of mental health and recovery services that is organizing the walk; Effingham’s Family Mental Health Support; and other mental health organizations and animal shelters. Water and treats for humans will be provided. If you register beforehand using the phone number 217-663-0823, you can get a free dog bandana. Join the event at Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E US Highway 40.
Stonewall Mini-Ball Workshop Friday, Ball next week
PEORIA — Learn how to walk a ballroom from legendary House Father AJ Ninja on Friday. Ninja’s Stonewall Mini-Ball Workshop will cover seven classic Ballroom categories, including “vogue fem performance,” “best dress,” and “up in pumps.” The event is in anticipation of Central Illinois Friends’ fourth annual Stonewall Pride and Proud Mini-Ball May 22. Ninja is Midwest House Father of the House of Ninja, a worldwide coalition of people committed to ballroom culture. He’s been walking in balls since 2002. The Friday workshop is free, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the George Washington Carver Community Center, 710 W. 3rd St. The actual Mini-Ball is May 22, 7 to 10 p.m., also at the community center. Join the audience for $20; walking in any of the categories requires a donation of between $150 and $300. You can reach out at outreach@centralillinoisfriends.org if the costs prevent your participation.
ISU workers vote to end strike after nearly a month
NORMAL — After 27 days, 95 percent of the 350 striking workers of Illinois State University voted to end their stand-off and sign a new contract with administration, reports WGLT. The non-teaching workers had voted to strike last month after wage negotiations failed. The union contended the pay offered was too low, while college administrators had said a tight budget prevented higher raises. The new contract guarantees 3.5 percent raises immediately and 3 percent annual raises for four years. Each employee will also be given a $1,500 lump sum. Other parts of the agreement include a commitment by administration to match wages for non-union staff after July 2028, and its commitment to drop a lawsuit alleging ISU hired strike-breakers.
