Calendar: Make chocolate treats for Valentine’s Day

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Cris Lamb of Old World Fudge in Columbia City will demonstrate how to make delicious chocolates for your Valentine from 6 to 8 p.m. ET Jan. 18 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

There will be samples available during class. Bring a container to take some home.

Cost is $20. Register by calling the Extension office at 260-481-6826.

Hearty Soup

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Chase away winter chills with hearty soup. Warm up with Illinois Extension and Jerseyville Public Library and learn all you need to know about making warm, delicious, and healthy soup without all the added salt. Learn about all the different types of soups, helpful tips for making soup, receive recipes, and get a chance to make and try a few different savory soups.

The program will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 13 at the Jerseyville Public Library, 105 N. Liberty St., Jerseyville. Register by calling the library at 618 498-9514 or sign up at the front desk.

Sewing Workshop

FAIRFIELD, Ill. — The Marble Maze Sewing Workshop will be Jan. 15 at the Wayne County Extension office, 2B Frontier Drive, Fairfield.

Are you interested in learning the basics of sewing? Or maybe you want to have a fun fidget toy. Youths ages 8-18 are invited to join in making a marble maze. This workshop will provide a chance for members to make their Clothing 1 4-H project.

This workshop has four time slots on Jan. 15: 8 to 9:30 a.m., 10 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 2:30 p.m., and 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Cost is $15. Register at http://tinyurl.com/ytraxymh.

Home Hydroponics

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — The program Home Hydroponics will be 3 to 4 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Macoupin County Extension office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

Andrew Holsinger, Extension horticulture educator, will guide you through the essentials of creating your own hydroponic system. From understanding the cultural requirements that foster optimal plant growth to identifying key supplies and resources, this workshop is your gateway to a sustainable and efficient soilless growing experience.

Unlock the secrets of hydroponics as Holsinger shares insights into nutrient solutions, lighting considerations, and the art of maintaining a balanced and productive hydroponic environment. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a curious beginner, this workshop caters to all levels of expertise, providing a comprehensive foundation for home hydroponics.

Healthy Aging

WATERLOO, Ill. — The Wellness Wednesdays program Smart Food Choices for Healthy Aging will be noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 at Monroe County Annex, 901 Illinois Ave., Waterloo.

The program will be led by Kris Juelfs, Extension nutrition and wellness educator and registered dietitian.

Canning Workshop

WYOMING, Ill. — The Digital Pressure Canning Workshop will be 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 17 at the Wyoming Public Library, 19 N. 7th St., Wyoming.

The new digital pressure canner is designed to simplify your canning experience. With precise controls and digital features, this modern appliance ensures accuracy and ease, making home canning more accessible and efficient than ever.

Kristin Bogdonas, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator, will demonstrate how to use a digital pressure canner and make a chili recipe. As a bonus, participants will receive a jar of chili, ready for pickup the next day.

Cost is $10. Register at http://tinyurl.com/mv7kbvtj.

Reptiles in Kankakee

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Reptiles in Kankakee will be the topic of the online Wilderness Wednesday program at 6 p.m. Jan. 17.

Other program topics in the series include Bumble Bees on Jan. 24 and Storm Waters Jan. 31.

Pest Control

FREEPORT, Ill. — The Farm Forward Series program Pest Control Following a Drought will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18 at the Stephenson County Extension office, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

This monthly series by University of Illinois Extension Crop Sciences Educator Kathryn Seebruck aims to address the needs of row crop producers and will be rotated between Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties.

“No two growing seasons are the same; however, lessons learned from previous seasons can be applied in those that follow. This series aims to facilitate discussion of last season’s challenges, uncertainties, and successes and how those insights can be applied in the upcoming growing season,” Seebruck said.

Wits Fitness

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Wits Fitness: Brain Exercise Class will be 11 a.m. to noon Jan.18 at the Warren-Henderson County Farm Bureau Conference Room, 1000 N. Main St., Monmouth.

University of Illinois Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley will lead participants through interactive activities designed to exercise the brain to maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory.

The program also will be 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the McDonough County YMCA Senior Center, 400 E. Calhoun St., Macomb. Register by calling 309-837-5733.

Homesteading Workshop

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The Introduction to Homesteading Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Learning homesteading skills can help bring you and your family closer to the food you eat. Activities such as collecting eggs, tending the garden, canning and drying herbs can help you in your everyday life to become more connected to your food, family, and community.

Diet Trends

PANA, Ill. — The program Current Diet Trends and Building Healthy Habits will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at Pana Community Hospital, 101 E. 9th St., Pana.

Experts from Illinois Extension and LiveWell Fitness in Pana will discuss the pros and cons of different diet trends and how to build healthy habits.

Grant Writing

PERU, Ind. — The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Workshop will be 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Jan. 24 and Feb. 28 at the Miami County Fairgrounds Community Building, 1029 West 200 North, Peru.

At the end of day one, you will have a proposal outline and all of the resources you need to expand your outline into a full proposal. Return on day two to polish your proposal and send it in for a strong professional review.

Cost is $195 and includes lunch and materials on both days. For more information, contact Courtney Schmidt at 765-472-1921 or schmi163@purdue.edu.

TASC Meeting

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities program will be 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET Jan. 24 at the Allen County Extension office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

TASC guides the development of effective and sustainable recovery-oriented systems of care to promote health and wellness. Lunch will be provided.