Calendar: Penning Your Past

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Penning Your Past will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St., Bloomington.

What stories live within you? Many of us grew up hearing stories shared by parents, grandparents and loved ones. These treasured memories, family traditions, and bits of family lore help us feel connected to who we are and where we come from. Yet as time passes, details can fade, leaving us wishing more had been captured and preserved.

This workshop invites participants to reflect on their experiences and discover simple, meaningful ways to record personal and family stories. Whether you want to share memories with loved ones today or leave a lasting legacy for future generations, you’ll explore practical approaches to preserving the stories that matter most. No writing experiences is needed.

Live Your Bucket List

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Someday is Today: Live Your Bucket List will be 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at Family Service Stevick Center, 405 S. State St., Champaign.

Participants will learn how they can put their plans into motion and achieve their lifelong dreams.

To register for this free event, call 217-352-0099 or visit https://tinyurl.com/bdz7t9kv.

Digital Device Collection

GALESBURG, Ill. — Donate your old computers and phones at Digital Device Collection, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16-20 at Knox County Extension, 180 S. Soangetaha Road, Suite 108, Galesburg.

Have an old computer, phone, laptop, or tablet collecting dust? Donate it and help connect Illinois families with the technology they need.

Through a partnership with the Illinois Tech Reuse Network, donated devices will be refurbished and distributed free of charge or at a low cost to households in need.

Accepted items include laptops and tablets, desktop computers and monitors, servers and networking equipment, phones, hard drives, keyboards and mice, cables and accessories, and circuit boards/cards.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yeyrx7fr.

Eat Well, Spend Less

DECATUR, Ill. — Eat Well, Spend Less will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 17 at Empowerment Opportunity Center, 360 E. Marietta St., Decatur.

Learn about ways to meal plan, budget and shop to stretch your grocery dollars.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3w3n7vmx.

Kokedama and Houseplants

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Kokedama and Houseplants will be noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at Piatt County Extension, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Kokedama is a form of Japanese bonsai, where plants are grown in a special soil mix and wrapped in moss. Learn how to create and care for your own kokedama.

My Favorite Things

DANVILLE, Ill. — My Favorite Things will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at Danville Public Library, 319 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Discover which tools and supplies make the biggest difference in the garden, from pruners and rakes, to rain barrels, yard carts, and more. Learn practical strategies for tackling fall chores, managing leaves, preparing your garden for winter, and getting a head start on spring.

Cupcake Creations

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Cupcake Creations will be 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at Effingham County Extension, 1209 N. Wenthe Drive, Effingham.

Participants will learn fun cupcake decorating techniques, experiment with frosting and sprinkles, and let their creativity shine as they design their own delicious treats. Whether you’re a baking pro or have never decorated a cupcake before, everyone is welcome.

Planning for Pollinators

CYPRESS, Ill. — Planning for Pollinators will be 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 19 at Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress.

Learn about pollinator-friendly garden cleanup and fall planting of native perennials. Then stay for a workday at the pollinator gardens on the Egret Slough Trail behind the Wetlands Center.

Register by calling 618-657-2064, For more information, contact Erin Garrett at emedvecz@illinois.edu or visit https://tinyurl.com/9v3ej3dx.

Stargazing Party

PONTIAC, Ill. — Stargazing Party will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at Humiston Woods, 2100 North Road, Pontiac.

Explore the night sky at the fourth annual Stargazing Party hosted by the Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists in collaboration with Humiston Woods.

Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just curious about the night sky, this is a perfect opportunity to look up, learn, and be amazed.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, a warm drink, bug spray, and a flashlight. Telescope viewing provided.

Gifts from the Garden

BELVIDERE, Ill. — Gifts from the Garden: Potpourri and Simmer Pots will be 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 21 at Boone County Extension, 205 Cadillac Court, Suite 3, Belvidere.

Discover how to turn nature’s bounty into beautiful, thoughtful gifts for the holiday season. Participants will create two make-and-take projects — one to keep and one to share.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdfcf5eu.

Finance Class

ANGOLA, Ind. — Unlock the mysteries of personal finance and empower yourself with essential money management skills at Finance Class, 5 to 5:45 p.m. ET Nov. 25 at Steuben County Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St., Angola.

Classes are $3 per session and are held monthly on the last Wednesday of the month.

For more information, contact Dana Stanley at 260-668-1000. ext. 1400 or dlstanle@purdue.edu. Visit https://tinyurl.com/36595m6b.

Professional Development Conference

DANVILLE, Ind. — The 2026 Purdue Extension Professional Development Conference will 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. ET Dec. 2 and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, 1900 E. Main St., Danville.

PDC offers an annual platform for Purdue Extension professionals across various program areas to engage in professional development, foster collegial relationships and expand their networks. Additionally, the conference aims to acknowledge the achievements of Purdue Extension and its professionals, highlighting their positive contributions to Indiana residents.

For more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/3w37hn83.

Farmer Appreciation Breakfast

VINCENNES, Ind. — The 2026 Vincennes Farmer Appreciation Breakfast will be at 8 a.m. ET Dec. 11 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 401 Felt King Road, Vincennes.

Guest speaker will be Michael Langemeier, agricultural economics professor and director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue.

A Pesticide Applicator and Certified Crop Adviser program will start at 10 a.m.

Register by calling Valerie Clingerman, Purdue Extension, at 812-882-3509. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/y3rbauwp.

Aggressive Wildlife

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online program Aggressive Wildlife, Truth or Myth? will be noon to 1 p.m. ET Dec. 11.

The program is part of the four-part Wildlife Issues and Solutions series presented by Purdue University Extension and the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Preparing for Spring, Crops/Garden Damage will be the topic of the Jan. 22 program.

RSVP online by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4yedes4u.

Door Swag Workshop

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Christmas Door Swag Workshop will be 1 to 3 p.m. ET Dec. 12 at Young’s Greenhouse, 5867 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne.

Create a beautiful Christmas decoration with fresh florals for your front door. The $30 workshop fee includes all materials.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/yxk3xyx8.