Calendar: Shop for Health grocery store tours

HOBART, Ind. — Shop for Health will be 9 to 10 a.m. CT Feb. 12 at Strack & Van Til, 999 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart.

Experience a free 60-minute guided tour through the grocery store and learn how to:

• Shop for better nutrition

• Understand food labels

• Find the best deals

• Stretch your food budget

• Save time in the store

• Food safety for groceries

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwd2axh9.

Shop for Health also will be offered 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. CT Feb. 13 at Hammond Food 4 Less, 1724 165th St., Hammond. Visit https://tinyurl.com/55cn2vsy.

Gathering of the Gardeners

HILLSBORO, Ill. — The 12th annual Gathering of the Gardeners for master gardeners from Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery counties will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 7 at Montgomery County Extension, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

“The Dark Side of Your Garden” will be the topic of a program presented by Master Gardener Betsy Alexander.

Plants have developed adaptive means to protect themselves over time. Learn about these defensive methods and some of the plants now growing in your garden that could be dangerous.

Alexander became a master gardener in 2005 after she retired. She volunteered at the Botanical Garden for 20 years. She coordinates the Master Gardeners Speakers Bureau and is the secretary for the Master Gardeners Advisory Committee.

A free lunch will be served. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5dttfh39.

Throw & Grows

STERLING, Ill. — The Throw & Grows Workshop will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Sterling Public Library, 102 W. 3rd St., Sterling.

Mix water, seed, clay, and soil together for a fun make-and-take to help pollinators. This activity is great fun for kids and adults alike. All ages welcome. Responsible adult must be present with children 12 and under.

Cost is $5; children 12 and under free with parent registration. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc32e8pe.

What’s in My Food?

URBANA, Ill. — The online program What’s in My Food? Decoding Chemicals and Safety will be 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 10.

Ever wonder what’s really in your food? In this session, participants will learn about natural and artificial food chemicals, how to identify them, their impact on food safety, and weigh the pros and cons of their use. From naturally occurring compounds to additives in processed food, participants will gain knowledge to make informed choices about what they eat.

Budgeting Basics

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Budgeting Basics is a program created to equip any adult, regardless of financial standing, with the financial tools and discipline needed to achieve long-term stability and freedom.

The program focuses on three core objectives:

• Learning how to use a budget

• Eliminating debt

• Building savings

This program will be offered virtually at 6 p.m. ET Feb. 10.

To register and and obtain the webinar link, visit https://tinyurl.com/5f6rdcpx.

Social Media

PORTAGE, Ind. — The Social Media for Your Small Businesses Workshop will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. CT Feb. 11 at North County Complex, 3560 Willowcreek Road, Portage.

Learn about various types of social media, their strengths, weaknesses, and audience, then apply your learning in a hands-on exercise. Bring your business laptop.

Cost is $20. Register by visiting https://tinyurl.com/49w55u6s.

Other workshops include Evaluating Your Online Marketing Effectiveness on Feb.18, and and Artificial Intelligence for Your Small Business on Feb. 25.

Garden Learning Series

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — The 2026 Lake County Garden Learning Series will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, starting with the Feb. 11 program Seed Starting for Your Garden.

Master gardeners will deliver timely tips on how to start seeds to grow your own seedlings for your garden. Basic requirements, including time, light, growing medium, water, and attention, will be shared as well as suggested plants to start from seed. Seed starting is not limited to vegetables. Annuals and perennials can also be started to get a jump on the growing season.

The 11 sessions in 2026 will include variety of topics being presented by the University of Illinois Extension master gardeners and educators, along with educators and ecologists from the Lake County Forest Preserve District and the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.

All sessions are free, virtual, and held on Zoom; they are not recorded.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/396dxtrr.

Project Linus

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — The Project Linus National Blanket Making Event hosted by Community Cloverleaves 4-H Club will be 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 14 at McHenry County Extension, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Club members should come prepared to cut, tie, and create a fleece blanket for children in need.

Unable to attend? Fleece donations or finished blankets may be dropped off at the Extension Office by Friday, Feb. 13.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/4dcjxf2u.

Presidents and Plants

GREENVILLE, Ill. — Presidents and Plants will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at Bond County Farm Bureau, 925 E. Harris Ave., Greenville.

This special Presidents Day program for children will include a read-aloud story, fun and engaging information about President’s Day and George Washington, and a seed-planting activity.

Night of the Stars

MARSHALL, Ill. — Night of the Stars will be 7 to 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at Lincoln Trail State Park Restaurant, 16985 E. 1350th Road, Marshall.

The University of Illinois Astronomy Department will present a program on constellations, and participants will have the chance to use telescopes for a night sky viewing. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/8twxf8fx.

Sourdough Workshop

SALEM, Ill. — The Rise and Shine Sourdough Workshop will be 9 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at Grace United Methodist Church, 116 E. Schwartz St., Salem.

Discover the art of sourdough in this hands-on workshop. Participants will learn essential techniques — from mixing and folding to scoring beautiful designs. Participants will bake a loaf of sourdough bread and be guided through the process of making delicious scones. Take-home starters and feeding instructions will be provided.

Cost is $5. Register for this 4-H Project Road Show Series program at https://tinyurl.com/yssrwey2.

4-H Palooza

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — 4-H Palooza will be 8:20 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 16 at Champaign County Extension, 801 N. Country Fair Drive, Champaign.

Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/muzewxcs.

Pruning Workshop

ELMWOOD, Ill. — Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop will be 1 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Christ Orchard, 4317 Texas Road, Elmwood.

Learn the art and science of fruit tree pruning with Kurt Christ of Christ Orchard in this hands-on workshop designed for gardeners of all experience levels. Participants will learn why, when, and how to prune fruit trees to improve structure, health, and fruit production. Practice techniques in the field with guidance from a knowledgeable instructor. Bring your questions and your curiosity, and leave feeling confident caring for your fruit trees for seasons to come. Bring your pruners.

Agronomy Summit

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Springfield Agronomy Summit will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Sangamon County Extension, 700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield.

Topics wil include

• Recent Advances in Digital Agriculture

• The Challenge of Group 15 Resistance in Waterhemp: Is Metribuzin an Overlooked Option for its Management?

• Hartsburg Research Plot Updates

• Insect Management in Corn and Soybean

• Agricultural Policy Changes for 2026

• Sangamon County Farm to Fork Initiative

Continuing education units are available for Certified Crop Advisers at this in-person event. The cost to attend is $20, and registration is required. Registration includes all presentations, light refreshments, and lunch.

Computer Basics

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Digital Skills Lessons: Computer Basics will be 4 to 5 p.m. ET Feb. 17 at Allen County Extension, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne.

Learn how to build essential skills for navigating the digital world with workshops led by Purdue Extension Community Development Educator Cheyanne Geideman.

This workshop is designed for individuals who are considering adding a computer to their home or are interested in learning more about computers in general.

Topics will include what a computer is, how it impacts daily life, and what type of computer is the best fit. Participants learn the basics of hardware and software, to better understand how to get the most from a computer, and the five things to consider in making an informed decision when purchasing a computer.

Agronomy Update

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension will host the McHenry County Agronomy Update, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at McHenry County Extension, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock.

Program highlights include:

• Fungal Disease Update with Steve Brand, Extension agriculture specialist

• Talking Weed Adaptability with Aaron Hagar, Extension specialist, weed science

• Question-and-Answer Session with Brand and Hagar

Where Does Your Money Go?

TIPTON, Ind. — The program Where Does Your Money Go? will be 6 to 7 p.m. ET Feb. 18 and Feb. 24 at Tipton County Extension, 1200 S. Main St., Tipton.

Where Does Your Money Go? is a two-session program designed to help consumers better understand how they spend their money and to make smarter choices in the future.

Fruit Tree Pruning

CHICAGO — The Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop will be 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 20 at 71st & Crandon Organic Garden, 2301 E. 71st St., Chicago, and 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 22 at Triangle Park Community Orchard, 1750 W. Juneway Terrace, Chicago.

After a demonstration and introduction to the principles of pruning, instructors will guide participants through hands-on implementation.

These events are open to the public and free to attend but registration is required by visiting https://tinyurl.com/y8m9y5me.

Effective Facilitation

NASHVILLE, Ind. — Tools for Effective Facilitation will be 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Feb. 24, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 25, and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at Seasons Lodge, 560 State Road 46, Nashville.

The three-day class focuses on creating an inclusive culture of collaborative learning in teams, communities, and organizations. It is suitable for both new and experienced leaders, managers, facilitators, and graduate students who wish to develop or enhance their facilitation skills. The course also includes an introductory webinar.

Class size is limited. This allows each participant time to practice facilitating and receive coaching and feedback in small groups. Due to the focused nature of the workshop, participants are asked to participate fully for the three days without engaging in phone calls, meetings, and other interruptions that diminish the learning experience for all.

For reservations and lodging information, visit https://tinyurl.com/3j7reuvd.