Calendar: Solar and wind renewable energy workshop

FREEPORT, Ill. — Renewable energy projects have been popping up across the country. Locally, new solar projects have been installed on acreages and connected to the grid. Other solar and wind developments have been proposed for the area. Solar panels can now be seen on many homes and businesses.

There are many terms flying around related to renewable energy projects such as: residential solar, solar farm, community solar, community wind, utility scale project, residential project, etc. ‘What is the difference between these terms?’ ‘How do they fit into my home energy picture, or on my land?’ University of Illinois Extension’s Environmental and Energy Stewardship Educator Stanley Solomon will discuss these questions and much more at the Solar and Wind Renewable Energy Workshop at 6 p.m. Nov. 29. The workshop will be at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, 210 W. Spring St., Freeport.

“Solar or wind farm are generic terms used for larger projects,” explains Solomon. “Most ‘farms’ supply energy to the regional utility grid. However, many of the newer solar and some wind developments are community-oriented projects supplying energy to the local electric grid. The developments offer residents and businesses an option to a system installed at their location.”

These community projects offer homeowners and residents opportunities for participating in renewable energy benefits, including locking in lower energy cost and local energy production. The benefits include the system located away from the residence and managed by someone else. We will look at the economics and policies driving these renewable energy developments.

“How is the energy added into the power grid?” “Who is buying/using the energy?” “How is the land under the project being utilized and managed?” These are some of the questions landowners and community members will find helpful in making informed decisions. Solomon will share some of the various answers and implication during the workshop.

Plan to attend this workshop if you are landowner who has been approached by a renewal energy developer, interested in installing your own renewable project, or just interested in learning more about renewable energy.

Free nutrition class

MARON, Ind. — Learn how to eat healthy while having fun at 1 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 14 at the Family Resource Center, The Real Community Covenant Church, 1240 S. Adams St., Marion. Make a nutritious, budget-friendly recipe weekly. Register by calling 765-660-2128 or email cchandler@childrensbureau.org.

Tree root collar disorders

A root collar is an important area of a tree where root tissue shifts to trunk tissue. Impacts to this part of the tree can have a variety of symptoms from yellow foliage and early fall color to dieback in the upper canopy, and even tree death. Horticulture Educator Ryan Pankau will explore how to prevent, identify, and treat common tree root collar disorders at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 30.

Air Fryers: Cooking for the Heart

DWIGHT, Ill. — The program Air fryers: Cooking for the Heart will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Prairie Creek Public Library, 501 Carriage House Lane, Dwight.

You’ll learn how air fryers can be used for cooking heart-healthy foods, instructions on using and caring for your air fryer, and you’ll leave with new ideas and recipes. Plus, you’ll watch a food demonstration and experience a tasting of air-fried food.

Christmas ornament workshop

MT. CARMEL, Ill. — A Christmas ornament making workshop will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Anderson Building, 15039 4-H Center Lane, Mt. Carmel. Youths 5 to 18 are welcome to participate. The ornaments will be donated to local nursing homes so the residents can enjoy decorating their trees. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/7v37h8sf.

Illinois demographic trends

The 2020 decennial census revealed that Illinois’ population decreased slightly between 2010 and 2020, shrinking by 0.1%. However, overall population change is not the whole story.

The Illinois Demographic Trends webinar at noon Nov. 30 will include results from the latest Census with a particular focus on Illinois. During the webinar, participants will explore population and demographic characteristics of Illinois based on the 2020 Census and the potential implications for the state.

The demographics of Illinois are shifting and the state is becoming increasingly diverse. Understanding the demographic composition of our state is important, as this information is instrumental in understanding the communities and people we serve.

Data presented will include a comparison of the state’s urban, rural and Chicago metropolitan region counties, as well as a comparison of Illinois to neighboring states. This will be followed by the opportunity for webinar participants to ask questions about the Census or other demographic data resources.

Tree risk assessment

The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Renewal Course will be from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CST Dec. 1. The course has five hours of online instruction and an online exam. Current TRAQ holders may complete the TRAQ renewal course as early as 18 months prior to qualifications expiration date.

Hypertension prevention and management

Hypertension is a silent, invisible killer rarely causing symptoms. Learn about hypertension prevention and control from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. CST Dec. 1. Register in advance for this free program by visiting tinyurl.com/um9bdb5s. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information for joining the meeting.

Unique plants for the holidays

Are you searching for the perfect holiday gift for that plant lover on your list, but don’t want to give them the typical poinsettia or Christmas cactus? Join University of Illinois Extension’s Good Growing team to learn about some out-of-the-ordinary plants and how to grow them like plumeria, citrus, tea, coffee, and miracle fruit that can make great gifts for the plant enthusiast in your life, or yourself.

The online program will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 1. Register by visiting tinyurl.com/45ndenbe.

Homemakers holiday luncheon

BLUFFTON, Ind. — The Wells County Extension Homemakers will come together to celebrate Christmas Dec. 2 at the Wells County Community Center, 1240 4-H Park Road, Bluffton. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. CST and the luncheon begins at 11 a.m. CST. There will be a speaker from Loving Shepherd Ministries to share with the group.

Maintaining mental health during the holidays

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The holidays can be a joy-filled season, but they can also be stressful, and especially challenging for those impacted by mental illness or struggling to maintain mental health.

Learn some helpful tips to maintain your mental health during the holiday season from 10 to 11 a.m. CST Dec. 2 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Holiday Huddle in Livingston County

PONTIAC, Ill. — The Extension’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Huddle will be at noon Dec. 2 at the Livingston County Extension office, 1412 S. Locust St., Pontiac. Participants will create a kokedama, a plant grown in moss, and learn how to care for this unique, natural planter. Register at tinyurl.com/za3up5d4.

Extension Homemakers Christmas Bazaar

SULLIVAN, Ind. — The Sullivan County Extension Homemakers Christmas Bazaar, 50 Years of Good Cookin’, will be from 2 to 6 p.m. CST Dec. 2 at the Sullivan County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1631 E County Rd 75 N, Sullivan.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/he6ex8n4.

Stay scam safe

PORTLAND, Ind. — The program Stay Scam Safe will be from 5 to 7 p.m. CST Dec. 2 at the Jay County Public Library, 315 N. Ship St., Portland.

Do you do a lot of online shopping? Do you find yourself clicking on unwanted tabs and spam junk mail? Come to this presentation with your questions about identity and fraud protection around online scam artists.

Hendricks County Holiday Fest

DANVILLE, Ind. — The Hendricks County Extension Homemakers Holiday Fest and Cookie Walk will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST Dec. 3 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville, IN

There will be homemade cookies, craft booths and entertainment. Free admission.

Holiday Huddle in McLean County

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Extension’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Huddle will be at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the McLean County Extension office, 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington. Participants will create a kokedama, a plant grown in moss, and learn how to care for this unique, natural planter. Register at tinyurl.com/5zsuva35.

Night of Lights

ANDERSON, Ind. — 4-H Madison County is decorating two camp sites for the first annual Night of Lights from 4:30 to 9 p.m. CST Dec. 3-Jan. 1 at Mounds State Park, 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson.

Come out and help support the Friends of Mounds State Park.

Christmas ornament workshop

OLNEY, Ill. — Richland County 4-H Christmas Ornament Workshop will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 4 at the Richland County Extension office, 306 S. Fair St., Olney. Register at tinyurl.com/hxhjr6yh.

Kendall County 4-H holiday workshop

YORKVILLE, Ill. — The Kendall County 4-H Holiday Workshop will be from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 4 at the Kendall County Extension office, 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville.

Participants age 8 to 18 will design an ornament, create holiday decorations or gifts, and make a fun treat to share.

Cost is $10. Register at tinyurl.com/4b2xc8by.

Lee County 4-H handmade holidays

AMBOY, Ill. — Join University of Illinois Extension for a morning of fun holiday projects and activities for ages 5 and up from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 4 at the Lee County 4-H Center, 1196 Franklin Road, Amboy.

Cost is $10. Register at tinyurl.com/85xv2cj4.