University of Illinois Extension

Events (13)

Mindfulness and Money | Lessons for Living | October 2022

10 AM

Tue, 10/11/2022 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Sterling | October

10:00-11:30 AM

Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | October

10:30-NOON

Thu, 10/20/2022 - 12:00

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online |October

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 10/24/2022 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | October

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 10/27/2022 - 12:00

Finding Your Get Up and Go | Lessons for Living | November 2022

10 AM

Thu, 11/10/2022 - 12:00

Online

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library | November

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 11/10/2022 - 12:00

Wits Fitness Sterling | November

10:00-11:30 AM

Mon, 11/14/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online |November

10:00 AM- 11:30 AM

Mon, 11/28/2022 - 12:00

Wits Fitness Sterling | 2022 Monthly Sessions

10:00 AM- 11:30 AM

Mon, 12/12/2022 - 12:00

Whiteside Extension Office

Wits Fitness Mt. Carroll Library |2022 Monthly Sessions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Thu, 12/15/2022 - 12:00

Mt. Carroll Extension Office

Wits Fitness Thomson Library | Monthly Sessions

10:30-NOON

Thu, 12/15/2022 - 12:00

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Wits Fitness Online |Monthly Sessions

10:00 AM -11:00 AM

Mon, 12/19/2022 - 12:00

Online

Blog Posts (140)

Outdoor fall family activities

family running through a field of prairie plants

Take a moment of mindfulness with progressive muscle relaxation

peaceful looking photo of body of water and sunset

September 13 is Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day

little girl showing the camera a potato masher

3 tips for talking to your child about historical events

iconic image of New York City with blue lights streaming up into sky

How to help your grieving child

a woman holding a crying boy

Tech time for young children

child with headphones on watching a tablet

Tips to help military families cope with stress

view of someone in military boots standing behind child

Honor older Americans on Senior Citizen’s Day

collage of senior citizens

Capture moments at back-to-school time

back to school info graphic

Family reunions can be a great time to learn about family members

family group hug

Generations can learn from each other

Man and boy fishing together at pond

On the Road Again: 4 essential lists for a successful family road trip

collage

Coping with back to school anxiety

male boy with hands on head with books on table

3 simple ways to encourage reading this summer

group of kids laying the grass reading a book

Five ways to refine your co-parental communication

man and woman pointing at each other and yelling

15 fun facts about the Fourth

navy background with illustration of fireworks

3 tips to help your kids prepare for fair

youth showing a diary cow at the fair

Eight tips for a successful summer

image is a beach scene with the word summer in various colors and a drink umbrella

Discover the greatness of the great outdoors

photo collage of people outdoors

3 simple ways to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer

sunset illustration

Five ways to support foster parents

caregiver holding child

Deep breathing for mental health

photo of the palm of a hand with fingers spread

Giving back can be as simple as helping your neighbor

Woman helping an eldery woman

2-minute tips for self-care in spring

woman drinking water out in the sunshine

The perfect Mother’s Day gift – meaningful conversations with mom

mom and teenage son sitting on couch talking

Age My Way is theme for Older Americans Month 2022

Man and woman embracing

Tips for celebrating holidays respectfully

info graphic that says Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Respectfully

5 family friendly activities for rainy days

little girl under an umbrella outside on a rainy day

Celebrate Earth Day

fancy photo of a glass marble reflecting the grass, trees, and sky

Five financial tips for single parents

someone counting dollars

3 tips to help you organize your home this spring

little girl cleaning up clutter

Five tips for grandparents raising grandchildren

grandfather holding up a smiling infant

Planning your backyard garden together can create a lasting love of nature

hands digging in a pot of dirt

COVID-19’s effects on your dental health

Girl with toothbrush

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with family-friendly activities

photo of a shamrock

Talking to your children about war and difficult topics

an adult woman and adult man talking to a young girl

Starting a family as LGBTQ+ parents

the word family written out in baking flour

Fight winter woes with indoor activity

a family being active in their living room with mops and brooms

Focus on friendship

bulletin board with photos of friends taped to it

Celebrating Brain Awareness Week all year long

3 ways to show you care this Valentine’s Day

an elderly man and a young girl holding a cutout heart around their face

Dive deeper into Black History Month with family activities

red, orange, green stipes with words over black rectangle: Celebrat Black History

Helpful hints for unifying a blended family

family with children and baby smiling at each other

5 fun activities to keep kids busy this winter

family sitting at a table taking a selfie

Managing the winter blues

person sitting and holding a paper in front of their face

Habits for a healthier, happier family in the new year

healthier happier family info graphic

Helping children cope with disasters

mother hugging her child

3 ways to reduce stress this holiday season

girl looking stressed holding wrapped gifts

Easy DIY gifts this holiday season

hands painting something gold

Practice gratitude on Thanksgiving (and the rest of the year, too)

practicing gratitude on Thanksgiving info graphic

Making the holidays memorable and meaningful

four people outside laughing in the snow

3 Ideas to help reduce stress for busy families

man, child, and woman sitting on couch holding head in their hands looking stressed

Making time for self-care

person writing in notebook

Time Out!

Man and woman shouting at each other.

3 things to teach your kids about digital citizenship

Digital Citizenship Week info graphic

Illinois 4-H wants alums to know: you can always come home to 4-H

adult woman playing with candy and a little girl

It’s fall, y’all – Time to create a fall family fun list

It's Fall Y'all! info graphic

Self-care is crucial for stress management

man reading book outside on a bench

6 questions to ask your children as they head back to school

infographic

10 ways to savor the last specks of summer

summer infographic

Back to school, back to bullying?

Hallway with blue lockers, one locker is open. Text reads: bullying or peer conflict? R.I.P. as a tool for families

Back to school: proceed with mindfulness

cars lined up on a road with text back to school proceed with mindfulness

Ease your way back into school routines

Tips for effective communication

two people sitting at a table talking

Disfrutando el verano sanamente

Summer family fun

children outside of tent in backyard

5 tips for screen-free family fun on the road

road, white car and text how to take yoru road trip from "I'm bored" to miles of smiles

6 ways to celebrate the fathers in your life

young man and old man with arms across shoulders

5 ways to celebrate Memorial Day with your family

american flag info graphic

Using mindful movement for stress reduction

person sitting on mat overlooking a lake

Make the most of summer break with a family garden

family garden activities info graphic

3 things to take time to do as you graduate

infographic with graduation cap and stack of books

Achieving balance in your life

open laptop computer with a cup of coffee and baby toys

New questions to get your kids talking

Get your kids talking info graphic

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.

Now's the time to use your slow cooker

plate of chicken

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

Prevent 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

How to parent newlyweds and tips for the transition

female hand with engagement ring held by another hand

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

Parent shares comfort in knowing her child is in great hands at 4-H camp

News Releases (55)

4-H Juntos Family Experience (Boone, DeKalb, and Ogle Counties)

4-H offers family fun day at Dickson Mounds

Family cooking class encourages memory making and learning life-long skills

Engage your family this summer with Food, Fun, 4-H at-home cooking program

Intergenerational workshop offers chance to bake, share and dream together

Think modern cooking techniques are the only way to a great meal?

Meet local law enforcement and firefighters at free family fun day

4-H to host family fun activity at Allerton Park's A Shamrockin' GLOW

Keep Your Brain Healthy with Monthly Brain Health Exercise Class

Learn self-management skills for chronic health conditions

4-H offers more activities to build family connections

Mental health matters, learn how to respond when one needs aid

Learn self-management skills for chronic health conditions

Return to work may cause separation anxiety in furry friends

Wits Wellness research is looking for participants

Deployments bring changes, challenges, opportunities

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 (11)

Sherri Ambrose

Sherri Ambrose

EFNEP Educator

Karla Belzer

Karla Belzer

Acting County Director, Family Life Educator

Cheri Burcham

Cheri Burcham

Family Life Educator

Emily Harmon

Emily Harmon

Family and Consumer Sciences Program Coordinator

Tessa Hobbs-Curley

Tessa Hobbs-Curley

Family Life Educator

Molly Hofer

Molly Hofer

Family Life Educator

Dale Kehr

Dale Kehr

SNAP-Ed Extension Educator

Aida Peralta

Aida Peralta

Family and Consumer Science Program Coordinator

staff photo of Judy Schmidt

Judy Schmidt

4-H Metro Youth Development Educator

Jaylynn Schober

Jaylynn Schober

Cumberland County 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator

Susan Sloop

Susan Sloop

4-H Youth Development Educator