Elgin News Digest

Foster, Hernandez holding Affordable Care Act webinar: U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, are inviting 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 through Dec. 15.

"Health care coverage is available for every resident in Illinois through Get Covered Illinois, the state's health insurance marketplace," Hernandez said in a news 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 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, call 630-270-1848 or email RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.

Signup underway for Kane's Little Saplings program: 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 is held 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.

For more information, go to www.kaneforest.com.

Toys for Tots sites at Geneva City Hall, public works building: 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.

Kane Forest District hike to focus on birds: Forest Preserve District of Kane County naturalists will cover basic bird identification skills during a hike from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at Les Arends Forest Preserve at 2S731 Route 31 in Batavia.

This free program is for all ages. Advance registration is required for the "Winter Bird Watching" program. To register, call 630-444-3190 or email programs@kaneforest.com.

For more information, or to view a full list of upcoming Forest Preserve District programs, go to www.kaneforest.com.