Water is pretty straightforward. That is until you realize that you can not only drink tap water, filtered water, spring water or natural mineral water, but you can also buy sparkling water, seltzer water, tonic water or club soda. Are you confused by the differences? You're not the only one!...
The profound impact of intergenerational trauma on parenting cannot be overstated. The legacy of unresolved trauma resonates through families, shaping not only how parents relate to their children but also how children perceive themselves and the world around them. Yet, this deeply rooted issue...
Grief is a difficult experience for people of all ages, but navigating grief and loss can be especially challenging and confusing for young children. August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day, and I wanted to share this tip sheet from the Illinois Early...
Do you receive calls from unknown numbers? Sometimes calls are even identified as being a potential spam risk. When receiving calls like these, what do you do? My preference is to just let the calls go to voicemail, but it can be tempting to answer when the call appears to be local. If you do...
Celebrate food safety month by exploring Extension resources
URBANA, Ill. — September marks National Food Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of safe food handling practices across all food system sectors, from farm to table. Whether people grow, process, sell, donate, or consume food, everyone has a role in reducing...
Events
Food Safety in Fresh Produce — Wash and Pack Areas Webinar
Discover practical strategies to improve food safety in fresh produce wash and pack areas.Discover practical strategies to improve food safety in fresh produce wash and pack areas during this expert-led webinar. Whether managing a small farm or overseeing a large-scale operation,...
Honey and Health
Honey is a true superfood with unique characteristics and nutritional value. There are over 300 varieties of honey each with unique flavor, color, and aroma profiles. The popularity of honey has continued to grow over the past decade due, in part, to its nutritional and therapeutic uses. Join...
Back on Track - Diabetes Support Group
Please join us! Learn diabetes prevention and management skills from University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Susan Glassman, MS Ed, CHES, and OSF HealthCare Clinical Dietitian Jennifer Scully, RD, LDN, CDCES.Meet with your peers and share practical tips and advice with...
Money and You
Come join the University of Illinois Macon County Extension as we learn about spending, income, and savings! In this session, you will learn about different money personalities, learn how to organize finances, as well as how to build a savings habit. Money and You is a free, 3 lesson teaching...
Protein, Physical Activity, and Aging
There is a strong connection between social connectedness and physical activity, which is great because, as we age, staying active and fostering social connections is more important than ever. One way to connect with others is to join clubs, volunteer, and participate in social gatherings. These...
Sourdough Starter Made Simple
Ready to dive into the world of sourdough? Join us for a fun, hands-on class where you’ll learn how to create and care for your own sourdough starter from scratch! We’ll break down the science behind sourdough, explore its health benefits, and share foolproof recipes to help you get baking.Each...
What Happens If I Don't Pay?
Join us for the What Happens If I Don't Pay session in the All My Money workshop series. This session will go over how to pay your bills on time, consequences for paying late bills, and learning the appropriate actions to take if you may be unable to pay you bills. Come learn more about...
Someday is Today: Live Your Bucket List
Are there things in your life that you’ve wanted to accomplish but haven’t? Are there personal goals that would bring you joy and fulfillment, but are always put on the back burner because “life happens?” Do you say things like, “I’ll get to that someday,” or “When things slow down, I’d like to try...
Credit History And Score
Join us for the Credit History and Score session in the All My Money workshop series. This session will allow you to learn key strategies to build a good credit history and credit score. This session will help you understand the components of a credit score and how you cam improve and manage credit...
Share your life story: A writing workshop
Everyone Has a Story—What's Yours?Starting October 1, the Share Your Life Story writing workshop opens the door to personal storytelling in a warm, supportive group setting. Held on Mondays and Wednesdays through November 10...
Take charge of your health
Take Charge of Your Health: Chronic Pain ManagementLiving with chronic pain can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to. Starting October 2, 2025, this free six-week course offers practical strategies to help you manage pain and reclaim your quality...
Where to Start: Declutter your Home and Finances
Do you feel overwhelmed trying to organize your stuff? Do you have a filing cabinet spilling over with financial paperwork? Let Illinois Extension help! Join Educator Robin Ridgley in a free workshop to get your home and finances organized. Explore reasons for clutter and how it makes you feel,...
Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP)
Ready to take control of your health and manage your diabetes with confidence? Join us for the FREE virtual Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) — a six-week, evidence-based series developed by Stanford University. Starts Friday, Oct 3, from 1:00–3:30 PM (weekly sessions) Online –...
Groovy, Rad, Dope, or Lit? Staying "Cool" Across the Generations
Today’s families, workplaces, and communities often include multiple generations working and living side by side. Each generation brings unique strengths, values, and perspectives shaped by their life experiences. While these differences can enrich our interactions, they can...
Diabetes 101
Discover how to explain diabetes in a way that truly connects.Sometimes people with diabetes may not fully understand how it impacts their health. This session will provide the tools to explain diabetes in a clear, accessible, and meaningful way. Learn about the different types of...
Eating for Balanced Blood Sugar
Explore how everyday foods impact blood sugar.Help the clients avoid blood sugar highs and lows so they have the energy to thrive each day. Learn how foods affect blood sugar and how to support healthy, balanced meals and snacks. Presenter:...
Monitoring and Motivation
Learn to build healthy habits and confidence in diabetes care.It's not all about food. Learn strategies to encourage healthy habits, support independence, and build confidence in managing blood sugar with physical activity, emotional wellness, and medications.Presenters:...