Community briefs

Webinar to focus on enrolling in Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace: U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, are inviting Aurora area residents to participate in an informational webinar at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, via Facebook Live on enrolling in the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.

The open enrollment period for residents to shop the Health Insurance Marketplace is now open through Dec. 15.

"Health care coverage is available for every resident in Illinois through Get Covered Illinois, the state's health insurance marketplace," said Hernandez in a press release. "With the open enrollment period now open, it's important that individuals start planning and reviewing options so they can select the best option for themselves."

Hernandez and Foster will be joined by experts from Get Covered Illinois and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services with a webinar to help residents get their questions answered and to provide information regarding signing up for health care.

Residents can also get free assistance from a certified application counselor to help find the best option for them on the Get Covered Illinois website at getcovered.illinois.gov.

For more information, or to RSVP for the event, contact Hernandez's full-time constituent service office by calling 630-270-1848 or emailing RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.

Registration open for nature program for children: Registration is now open for the winter sessions of Little Saplings, a nature program series for children 3 to 5 years old presented by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

Little Saplings hour-long programs include a combination of stories, nature hikes, songs, games and crafts. The program takes place at Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve at 37W700 Dean St. in St. Charles. A parent or caregiver must accompany the child to the programs, organizers said.

Upcoming sessions for Little Saplings, all from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., include "Winter Wings" on Thursday, Dec. 16; "Fuzzy Mammals" on Thursday, Jan. 20; and "Valentines for Wildlife" on Thursday, Feb. 17.

The fee is $5 per child, per session, and advance registration is required. To register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

To see a full roster of Forest Preserve District of Kane County nature programs, go to www.kaneforest.com.

Geneva participating in Toys for Tots: The city of Geneva is participating in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's Toys For Tots program.

The community is invited to drop off new, unwrapped gifts at two city locations: the foyer of the City Hall Building Division, 109 James St.; and the vestibule at the Geneva Public Works Department, 1800 South St. The last day to donate is Friday, Dec. 10.

The need for toys remains high with many families still experiencing economic hardships associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

- Staff reports