Calendar: Pumpkin recycling a smashing success

MACOMB, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at Veterans Park, 1800 E. University Drive, Macomb.

Pumpkins are an organic waste that produces the potent greenhouse gas methane as they decompose without oxygen in landfills. These decaying pumpkins also leach water that filters through the trash piles and pollutes nearby waterways.

This project is done in collaboration with SCARCE, an Illinois environmental non-profit that started pumpkin smashes in 2014. Since their start, the efforts have composted over 1,250 tons of pumpkins, reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide, and diverted over 300,000 gallons of water from landfills. Find a full map of Illinois pumpkin smashes on their website at SCARCE.org/Pumpkins.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3b84tct8.

Kokedama Workshop

GREENVILLE, Ill. — The Kokedama Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Central Township Building, 1515 Two Creeks Drive, Greenville.

Kokedama is a Japanese style of bonsai where you grow plants in a moss-covered ball of soil. Learn about the science of Kokedama and which plants work best with this technique.

The Kokedama Workshop also will be offered 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Marion County Extension, 1404 E Main, Rt 50 E, Salem.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n8vthef.

Charcuterie Creations

JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Charcuterie Creations will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Jerseyville Public Library, 105 N. Liberty St., Jerseyville.

Participants in grades sixth through 12th will discover cheese varieties and how to pair them with meats and fruits. Eat like an artist and learn to build colorful boards while practicing mindful eating techniques.

Register by calling Jerseyville Public Library at 618-498-9514 or sign up at the front desk of the library. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/9h5bvarn.

Cooking for the Heart

TROY, Ill. — Cooking for the Heart: Air Fryers will be 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 5 at Tri-Township Public Library, 209 S. Main St., Troy.

Discover simple ways to keep your heart strong and your meals delicious. University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Kris Juelfs will discuss how air fryers can help you enjoy crispy favorites with less oil and fat, and how small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference for your heart health.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/3njjpdwm.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body: The Key to Total Wellness will be noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 5.

This session dives into the critical connections between oral care and overall health, showing why what happens in your mouth matters for your entire body, and how simple steps can make a big difference.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/rmxkfkdr.

Senior Bullying

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Bullying Among Older Adults will be 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 6.

Recognize the signs of senior bullying and learn how to respond with empathy and action.

Register for this Thinking, Learning, Caring Webinar Series program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/3hj3479w.

Fisheries Workshop

LA PORTE, Ind. — The Lake Michigan Fisheries Workshop will e 6 to 8:30 p.m. CT Nov. 5 at the La Porte County Public Library — LPCPL Exchange, 807 Indiana Ave., La Porte.

The seminar will cover the latest fish biology, ecology, and fisheries science happening in Lake Michigan.

Topics will include:

• PFAS contamination in coastal tributaries.

• Great Lakes spawning whitefish and invasive mussels project.

• Hatchery update from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

A virtual session will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12.

Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/mrydk2hw.

Entertaining the Healthy Way

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Entertaining the Healthy Way: Creating Easy, Nutritious Appetizers will be 5:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, 201 E. Pleasant St., Taylorville.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a lively holiday party, this workshop has everything you need to create delicious and healthy appetizers that will delight everyone. Participants will get hands-on practice making holiday appetizers, taste test, and take home recipes.

Register for this free class at https://tinyurl.com/4zyj994w.

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Achievement Night

SPARTA, Ill. — Randolph County 4-H Achievement Night will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Sparta VFW, 1911 N. Market St., Sparta.

Reconnect with fellow 4-H families, cheer on the award recipients, and reflect on a year of hard work, learning, and leadership.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/42nexp3p.

Livestock Skillathon

URBANA, Ill. — The 2025 State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest will be 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the University of Illinois Stock Pavilion, 1402 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Urbana.

This contest is designed to help youth build the knowledge and skills needed for the Superior Young Producers Skillathon, held annually at the Illinois State Fair.

Activities will include livestock knowledge quizzes; practical judging exercises; and identification of breeds, feeds, and equipment.

A short workshop will follow the contest to further enhance skills.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdh7jcw8.

Pumpkin Smash

ELGIN, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at Advocate Sherman Hospital, 1425 N. Randall Road, Elgin.

Green up Halloween by recycling pumpkins into compost at a free, outdoor Pumpkin Smash.

• Launch your pumpkins into a compost pile.

• Dispose of your pumpkins in an eco-friendly way.

• Learn about composting.

• Enjoy free cider and doughnuts.

• First 100 guests can take home a free countertop compost pail.

For questions, contact Extension Educator Jamie Viebach at jviebach@illinois.edu or 630-955-1123. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3wt6a5np.

Pumpkin Smash

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Jackson County Extension, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

• Hands-on pumpkin smash activities.

• Bring your own bucket to take home compost.

• Live food demonstration and samples.

• Fire and Ice Drink Kiosk.

• Hamp’s Smoke N Q Food Truck.

If you cannot stay for the event, you can drop off pumpkins the day of the event. Make sure pumpkins are free of all contaminants. No candles, stickers, glitter, or other synthetic materials.

For questions, contact Lynn Heins at heinsl@illinois.edu or 618-687-1727. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/p52mhsux.

Pumpkin Smash

DIXON, Ill. — Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 8 at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL-2, Dixon.

Bring your pumpkins — that are free of candles, stickers, glitter, yarn and any other synthetic decoration—to this fun, community event for all ages.

Smash stations will include a trebuchet, mallets, sling shots, piñata style and more. Then, when your pumpkin is pulverized, take a rest by playing pumpkin-themed games and enjoying other family-friendly activities provided by 4-H, Extension master gardeners, and other community organizations.

This event will happen rain or shine. No cost or registration is required to attend. For questions, contact Extension Educator Bruce J. Black at brucejb@illinois.edu, 815-632-3611. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yzrzfyu3.

Pumpkin Smash

NORMAL, Ill. — A free, outdoor Pumpkin Smash will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Rader Family Farms, 1312 Ropp Road, Normal.

No registration is required to attend this free event. For questions, contact Nick Frillman at 309-663-8306. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/38jkacsv.

Charcuterie Workshop

DANVILLE, Ill. — Building a Healthy Charcuterie Board will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at Danville Public Library, 319 N Vermilion St., Danville.

Participants will gain experience creating a balanced and beautiful charcuterie board. Discover tips for selecting wholesome ingredients, arranging a well-balanced spread, and making your own to enjoy. This workshop is perfect for hosting guests or snacking at home and will provide skills to craft a delicious and nutritious board with confidence.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2n3u9aax.

Gardening for Moths

MARION, Ill. — Gardening for Moths will be 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8588 IL-148, Marion.

Learn to create sustainable and moth-friendly garden spaces that support the survival and thriving of moth populations. The program emphasizes the importance of moths as pollinators and beautiful nocturnal creatures often overlooked in traditional gardening practices. Extension Horticulture Educator Kim Rohling will discuss what actions you can take in your own backyard.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc6bmtyv.

4-H Banquet

MONTICELLO, Ill. — DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt County 4-H Banquet will be Nov. 8 at 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello.

Dinner will be 5 to 5:30 p m., with awards/activities from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2vnushtc.

Herb Garden Tea Party

LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Herb Garden Tea Party will be 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Fulton County Extension, 15411 IL-100, Lewistown.

Get hands-on with herbs in this fun, flavorful class and take home your own custom creations.

Cost is $10 and all supplies will be provided. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n7pcfzu.

4-H Achievement Night

ROANOKE, Ill. — Woodford County 4-H Achievement Night will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at United Methodist Church, 401 N. Church St., Roanoke.

Dinner and check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the program will begin at 6 p.m. Recognized will be milestone leaders, Cloverbuds, County Record Award winners, Illinois State 4-H Experience Award winners, the I Dare You Award, and the Officer of the Year awards.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/59zeecn7.

Simmer Up to Soup

EUREKA, Ill. — Simmer Up to Soup will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at Eureka Public Library, 202 S. Main St., Eureka.

A bowl of homemade soup on a cold day can be a comforting meal. Learn about the many types of soup and ways to make them healthy and flavorful. Participants will receive a packet of recipes and taste a hearty bowl of soup.

Register for this free program by calling the library at 309-467-2922. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/9jkxufeh.

Environment and Health

URBANA, Ill. — The online program How Your Environment Shapes Your Health will be noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 12.

Explore how your surroundings shape your health and how to thrive in them. This interactive virtual session explores how environments shape eating and activity patterns, offering practical strategies to improve your health and support others. Learn actionable steps to thrive and foster healthier environments for all.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/mwa4mp57.

Christmas Bird Count

PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. — Christmas Bird Count workshop will be 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 12 at Pinckneyville Public Library, 312 S. Walnut St., Pinckneyville.

At this workshop, participants will learn about National Audubon policies and local count circles.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n9xd9j3.

The program also will be offered 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Coulterville Public Library, 103 S. 4th St., Coulterville. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3ejae8h2.

Reversing the Exodus

CANTON, Ill. — Reversing the Exodus will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Donaldson Community Center, 250 S Ave D, Canton.

Census data shows a population decline of adults under 35 from rural communities. Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development and University of Illinois Extension will discuss strategies that can help stop the exodus and rebuild the community.

Local officials, community leaders, business owners and young adults are encouraged to attend to start the discussion. The presentation will include several research-based strategies, a panel discussion, and a light meal.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/9j5ed933.

Recognition of Excellence

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The 2025 McLean County Recognition of Excellence will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Mini Expo Building in the Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive, Bloomington.

Dinner will be provided from Moe’s Southwest Grill starting at 6 p.m. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m. Several groups will be recognized during the presentation, including Cloverbuds; first-year, fifth-year, and 10th-year members; milestone leaders; Leader of the Year; County Record Award winners; Illinois Experience Award winners; Mosbacher Scholarship recipients; Holder Scholarship recipients; and the Hall of Fame Award recipients.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/4f64hmec, For questions, call McLean County Extension at 309-663-8306 or email Michelle Vincent at mavincen@illinois.edu.

Better Bites

CLINTON, Ill. — Building Better Bites will be 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 13 at DeWitt County Extension, 1160 IL 54, Suite B, Clinton.

What do you grab for a quick bite between meals? Mindful snacking helps you make healthier choices, improves digestion, and improves well-being. You can learn how to make snacks more nutritious and recognize hunger and fullness cues so you can enjoy snacks without feeling too full or too hungry.

Register for this free workshop by calling 217-935-5764 or visit https://tinyurl.com/2zsvedu5.

Warning Signs

ELKHART, Ind. — The 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s will be 4 to 5 p.m. ET Nov. 13 at the Elkhart Public Library — Pierre Moran Branch, 2400 Benham Ave., Elkhart.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking skills, and reasoning skills. Learn 10 warning signs to look for and the next steps to take when seeking help from a physician.

To register, call 574-533-0554 or email fink24@purdue.edu. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mf28re6a.

Master Gardener Open House

DECATUR, Ill. — Master Gardener Open House will be 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St., Decatur.

Explore the demonstration gardens and participate in workshops, including Houseplant Propagation at 4:30 p.m., Microgreens at 5 p.m., and Winter Seed Sowing at 5:30 p.m.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/57krpeh3.

Fiber in Food

STREATOR, Ill. — Holidays with a Healthy Twist: Sneaking Fiber into the Fun will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at OSF Center for Health — Streator Community Education Center, 111 Spring St., Streator.

Susan Glassman, Illinois Extension, and Anne Lauterjung, OSF HealthCare, will present a holiday program that blends cooking, creativity, and nutrition. Discover simple ways to boost flavor with fiber-filled, plant-forward foods, see how quick and easy the air fryer can be, and get strategies for making healthier everyday and holiday meals. Participants will enjoy recipe samples in class and take home recipes and resources to use throughout the season.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yundzn35.

Gardening Tour

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — The Fall Urban Gardening Tour will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14 at Jackie Joyner-Kersee FAN Center, 2051 Lynch Ave., East St. Louis.

JJK FAN staff will present a behind-the-scenes look at how urban gardening thrives in the fall season. This interactive tour will highlight the collard green variety trail inside the passive solar greenhouse; refurbished shipping containers featuring an aquaponic system; and a wash-and-pack system which is used to process harvested produce on-site

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/2w9pzapz.

Heart Smart Eating

FARMER CITY, Ill. — Heart Smart Eating will be 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at Outreach Ministries, 701 E. Clinton Ave., Farmer City.

Attendees will develop skills to support shopping and cooking heart-healthy meals.

Register for this free program by calling DeWitt County Extension at 217-935-5174 or visit https://tinyurl.com/yckeke4t.

Childcare Summit

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Taming the Turbulence: Guiding Behaviors with Confidence will be 8 a.m. to noon ET Nov. 15 at Courtyard by Marriott, 150 Fairington Ave., Lafayette.

This half-day mini summit is designed specifically for childcare providers and educators working with children ages 0–5. This engaging event will cover essential topics such as Licensing 101, practical strategies for creating trauma-informed care environments, and evidence-based approaches to supporting behavioral and emotional regulation.

Whether you’re new to the field or looking to enhance your current practice, this summit will provide valuable insights and tools you can apply right away.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3kbcsbrm.