The greatest gifts we can give youth in 4-H go beyond a champion banner, plaque, or even letterman jacket. Confidence in their own abilities is the real reward!As mentors, it's natural to want to step in and help. For project helpers, the desire is there for animals to look their best, projects to...
University of Illinois Extension’s new Health and Community Wellness team is continuing efforts to improve health and quality of life across Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. Building on the strong foundation established through SNAP-Education, the team focuses on helping communities...
4-H meetings are more than just a regular monthly meeting. Just ask the members of the Tazewell Country 4-H club. Located primarily in Hopedale, members of this club are engaged with their local community and build unique connections each year. The club continues a long-standing tradition of...
Richard Proffer, Community & Economic Development educator serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties, has recently received a new nationally recognized certification, Rural Grocery Transition Specialist, to add to his list of professional accomplishments and has been recertified as a...
When Hallmark House physical therapist and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Vic Harting looked at the outdoor spaces surrounding the nursing home, she saw more than landscaping. She saw an opportunity to create meaningful moments of connection for individuals who often have limited...
A strong network of youth-serving organizations can make a lasting difference for young people and families. In Peoria, the collaborative Peoria Afterschool Networking Group is doing just that by bringing together out-of-school-time agencies to connect, share ideas, and strengthen programming...
Just as 4-H has many project areas and ways for members to flourish, the new Mason County 4-H coordinator has had unique experiences that will bring a fresh perspective to Mason County 4-H. Alicia Sandidge of Chandlerville, joined the University of Illinois Extension staff in early May. ...
The 2026 Peoria Agronomy Summit welcomed more than 50 growers, ag professionals, and land owners to Illinois Central College’s East Peoria campus for a full day of research-focused learning. Hosted by University of Illinois Extension in partnership with ICC on...
In 2025, a new herb garden, planted through a partnership between University of Illinois Extension and the Fulton County Farm Bureau, became the foundation for interactive learning experiences. More than 95 participants explored how herbs can enhance everyday life, from cooking to creative...
Earlier this year, the HEAL-Food System Partner’s Central Illinois Children’s Health Initiative (CICHI) introduced CJ’s Harvest On-the-Go, a mobile market funded by OSF and University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria that is designed to make healthy foods more accessible for families at...
