University of Illinois Extension

Events (40)

Wits Fitness Sterling | April

10:00-11:30 AM

Thu, 04/22/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Keys for Embracing Aging - Social Activity

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 04/22/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online | April

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 04/26/2021 - 12:00

Online

Resiliency for Caregivers of Children with ASD: Autism Awareness Month

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Tue, 04/27/2021 - 12:00

Online

Man with son

Keys for Embracing Aging - Tuning in to the Times

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 04/29/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | May

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 05/06/2021 - 12:00

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | May

10:30-NOON

Thu, 05/20/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Wits Fitness Sterling | May

10:00-11:30 AM

Thu, 05/27/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | June

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Wed, 06/16/2021 - 12:00

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | June

10:30-NOON

Wed, 06/16/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Wits Fitness Sterling | June

10:00-11:30 AM

Thu, 06/24/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online | June

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 06/28/2021 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | July

10:30-NOON

Wed, 07/07/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | July

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Wed, 07/07/2021 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Library

Wits Fitness Sterling | July

10:00-11:30 AM

Wed, 07/14/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online | July

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 07/26/2021 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | August

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 08/05/2021 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Library

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | August

10:30-NOON

Thu, 08/19/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online |August

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 08/23/2021 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Sterling | August

10:00-11:30 AM

Thu, 08/26/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Keys for Embracing Aging - Safety

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 09/02/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | September

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 09/02/2021 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Library

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | September

10:30-NOON

Thu, 09/02/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Keys for Embracing Aging - Know Your Numbers

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 09/09/2021 - 12:00

Keys

Keys for Embracing Aging - Stress Management

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 09/16/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Keys for Embracing Aging - Financial Affairs

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 09/23/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Wits Fitness Sterling | September

10:00-11:30 AM

Thu, 09/23/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online |September

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 09/27/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys for Embracing Aging - Sleep

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | October

10:30-NOON

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:00

Keys for Embracing Aging - Taking Time for You

10:00 - 11:00 am

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:00

Online

Keys

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | October

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 10/07/2021 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Library

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online |October

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 10/25/2021 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Sterling | October

10:00-11:30 AM

Thu, 10/28/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Wits Fitness Sterling

10:00-11:30 AM

Wed, 11/10/2021 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | November

10:30-NOON

Thu, 11/11/2021 - 12:00

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | November

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 11/11/2021 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Library

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 11/22/2021 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 12/02/2021 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Library

Wits Fitness Thomson Library

10:30-NOON

Thu, 12/02/2021 - 12:00

Thomson Library

Blog Posts (63)

Improving brain health and memory

hands holding playing cards

Celebrate Women’s History Month

Celebreat Women's History Month

Make your own snow day

Snow day info graphic

Making and keeping friends

Two boys making funny faces

Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Acts of Service

quote by Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

Managing the winter blues

person reading book with tea cup on table

Holiday activities with your family

info graphic

An attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving

Give Thanks pumpkin decoration hanging on front door

Celebrating Thanksgiving in 2020

Man, woman and child playing on phone

Día de Acción de Gracias en tiempos de COVID 19

Celebrate National Family Caregiver Month in November

man and woman sitting at table

Bills, Surprises, and Quick Decisions when You Lose a Loved One

Woman looking puzzled and stressed

Meals in the Field for Farm Families

Farming combine in background with text in foreground reading Meals in the Field

Tiempo de calidad con los niños

Fighting social isolation

woman smiling

Additional ways to build resilience

flowerpot with plant and heart

Feeling grateful during difficult times

bench with paper bag that has inspirational saying on it

Sabías que...

Helping young children handle stress

father with child writing

Create boundaries between work and homelife

Unplug and re-engage in life

family sitting on bench

Be an intentional family

family walking in the woods on trail

Being grateful is good for you

heart ornament with I am grateful printed on it

Coloring - It's not just for kids!

colored pencils and book

Practice Mindful Eating for Your Health

person eating apple

Immerse Yourself in Nature for Improved Health

person hiking towards woods

"Make Your Mark" for Older Americans Month 2020

man with hat on smiling

Practice Mindfulness in May

Mindfulness for Stress Reduction

neon pink sign that says breatheIn today’s world, especially now, no one is immune to feeling stressed. Eustress or positive stress can help motivate us to do well and get things accomplished. However, according to University of Illinois Extension educators, if stress accumulates and is not managed effectively or there is no outlet for it – stress can become chronic and have adverse effects on our minds and bodies. Chronic stress has potentially harmful effects across the lifespan on the brain, on one’s

Journal your way to a grateful heart

Physical distancing not Social distancing - ways to stay in touch

Work Smart from Home

Woman sitting at a desk writing notes with computer in the background

Helping teenagers deal with disappointment

stack of books with a rolled up diploma and graduation cap

Staying connected in our new normal

Keeping in Touch While Keeping Your Distance

University of Illinois Extension Helps Area Residents "Live Well"

parents and baby

Time to prioritize family mealtimes

Schedule a Family Night In

hands on top of each other

Frequent Social Contact in Midlife May Reduce Dementia Risk

Two older friends

Preventing Tantrums during the Holidays

pouting little girl

Managing Holiday Stress

woman standing under lights

Substance Use Disorders Affect All Family Members

upset woman

Celebrate National Family Caregiver Month

older man pushing older woman in wheelchair

Farmers Can Feel the Stress

harvest scene

Helping Kids (and Parents) Adjust to College

kids reading books

Don't Be Scammed!

Scam signs

A Family Night In

Back to School: Proceed with...Mindfulness?

school car line

Generations Can Learn From Each Other

Celebrate the Fourth with Family Safety in Mind

Break from School

I Can Do It!!! Helping Preschoolers Learn Self-Help Skills

Intentional Harmony

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Too Much is NOT a Good Thing

Are You Guilty of Distracted Driving?

Forest Bathing for Improved Health

Helping Your Child Make Decision for Higher Education

Building Your Baby's Brain

Don't Put Off Reading This Article!

Reconnect with the world outside for optimal health

Screen Time and Young Children: A Q& A from the Illinois Early Learning Project

September is Fall Prevention Month

News Releases (39)

Extension addresses lack of Wi-fi access for community

Community gains support with new Extension family life educator

Life Story Writing Series offers chance to record life memories

Brain health exercise program at Thomson library gives adults tools to keep wits fit

Help Your Brain Be Strong and Healthy in 2021 With Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension

Capture your life story in a free writing workshop

Keep Your Brain Healthy With Monthly Brain Health Exercise Classes with Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Extension

Health, wellness continuing education for the classroom

Winter take home learning kits now available through Illinois Extension

Gratitude activities this Thanksgiving

Put thankfulness in your Thanksgiving holiday season

Join 4-H for virtual family fun nights

COVID-19 pandemic bringing some couples closer together; driving others apart

Take home learning kits for children now available

Online relationship program launches to support Illinois couples

Mental health club started for local youth in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties

Mobile app supports youth development on the go

Learn in Your Lawn Chair at the University of Illinois Extension

6th Annual Monarch Migration Festival to be held online

Leave Your Legacy by Writing Your Life Story

Extension Webinars Offered May 11 to May 22

Family challenge helps curb distancing blues

Document family history with free writing workshop

Illinois Extension presses forward with planning for summer 4-H shows

Learn tips for keeping your brain fit

Understanding the truths of autism

At Home Activities for Families and Friends

Program cancellations and postponements

Keep Your Brain Healthy With Monthly Brain Health Exercise Class

Keep Your Brain Healthy With Monthly Brain Health Exercise Class in Thomson

Keep Your Brain Healthy With Monthly Brain Health Exercise Class in Morrison

Keep Your Brain Healthy With Monthly Brain Health Exercise Class in Mt. Carroll

Keep Your Brain Healthy With Monthly Brain Health Exercise Class

Extension Offers Child Care University for Child Care Professionals

Brain Health & Aging Resources from Illinois Extension

Extension Educator Offers Tips for National Eat Better, Eat Together Month

Making Meaningful Memory Care Visits

Back to School Basics for Families

Extension Hosts Brain Health Program

Staff (5)

Karla Belzer

Karla Belzer

Acting County Director

Emily Harmon

Emily Harmon

Family and Consumer Sciences Program Coordinator

Tessa Hobbs-Curley

Tessa Hobbs-Curley

Family Life Extension Educator

Molly Hofer

Molly Hofer

Extension Educator, Family Life

Dale Kehr

Dale Kehr

Extension Educator, SNAP-Ed