University of Illinois Extension Coles,Cumberland,Douglas,Moultrie, Shelby

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

Join us weekly to explore different canning methods and learn how to preserve your delicious produce for year-round enjoyment. You’ll gather with your community to watch a recorded Illinois Extension presentation together.

Registration is not required. Participants will meet at:
Moultrie-Douglas Extension Office
304 E. Progress St.
Arthur, IL 61911

You'll learn about:
June 24 | Canning Foods at Home
July 1 | Boiling Water Bath Canners
July 8 | Pressure Canners
July 15 | Making Jams and Jellies at Home
July 22 | Freezing Foods at Home
July 29 | Fermenting Foods at Home
August 5 | Preserving Apples at Home
August 12 | Processing Tomatoes at Home
August 19 | Pickling Foods at Home
August 26 | Dehydrating Foods at Home

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the event coordinator at 217-543-3755. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.

For more information visit: go.illinois.edu/FoodPreservationArthur

06/16/2026

⚾ Join us for 4-H Day with the Thrillbillies on June 28 at 2 p.m. at Mt. Dew Stadium in Marion, Illinois!
Step up to the plate for an exciting afternoon of history, learning, and baseball fun! Illinois 4-H families and clubs are invited to Southern Illinois to experience Life Lessons on the Diamond: Buck O'Neil and the Negro Baseball Leagues, a powerful educational exhibit celebrating the legacy of baseball legend and humanitarian Buck O'Neil. Pair this unique learning opportunity with 4-H Day at the ballpark as we cheer on the Thrillville Thrillbillies! Youth and families will explore inspiring stories of leadership, perseverance, teamwork, and character while enjoying America's favorite pastime.

Don't delay! For just $20, participants who register by June 16 will receive admission to the game, an all-you-can-eat meal, and a commemorative event T-shirt. After June 16, tickets are just $12 and include admission to the game and an all-you-can-eat meal. Gather your club, bring your family, and join us for a memorable day of education, connection, and baseball excitement.

📍Mt. Dew Stadium 1000 Miners Drive, | Marion, IL

Give your child a fun and enriching summer experience with 4-H!

Registration required!
Go to https://go.illinois.edu/4-Hday to register today!

06/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18MBrfALk2/

Don't forget! Our Pop-Up Plant Sale is TODAY from 3:00–6:00 PM at the University of Illinois Extension Office, 809 Broadway Ave., Mattoon!

This is a donation-based sale—give what you can to support the Master Gardener Program and Cumberland FFA. Every donation helps support educational programs, community projects, and future gardening opportunities.

We still have lots of beautiful plants to choose from, including hanging baskets, lobelia, fuchsia, scabiosa, coleus, daisies, dahlias, osteospermum, coreopsis, and much more!

Whether you're looking to brighten up a flower bed, add color to your porch, or fill a few containers, there's something for everyone.

Stop by, browse the selection, and take home some great plants while supporting two great programs. We hope to see you this afternoon!

06/11/2026

Check out this free informative series!

Current technology puts health information at our fingertips, but not all of it is reliable. As misleading content spreads quickly online, communities need clear, science‑based guidance more than ever.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute and Illinois Extension, has developed the Summer Self-Care 2026 webinar series as part of the Community Seminar Series. Community members will be able to explore current health research, access reliable information, and engage directly with U. of I. researchers.

Read for more information on topics, dates, and registration
https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/new-webinar-series-empowers-illinois-communities-trusted-health-expertise

06/10/2026

Family time doesn’t happen by accident.
With adults spending 12.5+ hours on media and teens logging 8.5 hours a day, it’s easy for family moments to slip away.

Research shows that intentional time together boosts kids’ academic and emotional well‑being — and shapes the families they’ll build someday.

✅This blog shares simple ways to become a more intentional family and make meaningful moments stick.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files/2026-05-26-be-intentional-family

06/05/2026

Tune in to this Outstanding in Their Field podcast episode where Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Doug Gucker, emphasizes the importance of mental health for farmers and producers beyond May’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
Gucker explores resources and provides multiple contacts for individuals and families.

🎧 Listen to the podcast episode directly at https://extension.illinois.edu/.../weathering-stress-and...
🔗 Read more and explore links at Weathering Stress in Farming and Your Life at: https://extension.illinois.edu/.../2026-05-18-weathering...
🔗 Illinois Extension offers support for farmers experiencing economic stress at https://extension.illinois.edu/.../illinois-extension...

As farmers continue long hours to wrap up with spring planting and crops fields begin to grow, there’s no end in sight for the work on a farm.

Tune in to this Outstanding in Their Field podcast episode where Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Doug Gucker, emphasizes the importance of mental health for farmers and producers beyond May’s Mental Health Awareness Month.

Gucker explores resources and provides multiple contacts for individuals and families.

Additionally, he provides a crop report for east central Illinois and discusses the impact that recently passed legislation will have on farmers.

🎧 Listen to the podcast episode directly at https://extension.illinois.edu/podcasts/out-standing-field/weathering-stress-and-season

🔗 Read more and explore links at Weathering Stress in Farming and Your Life at: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/acres-knowledge/2026-05-18-weathering-stress-farming-and-your-life

🔗 Illinois Extension offers support for farmers experiencing economic stress at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/illinois-extension-offers-support-farmers-experiencing-economic-stress

University of Illinois Extension DeWitt, Macon and Piatt Counties

06/05/2026

Good sleep = a healthier brain.
Insomnia and sleep apnea are two common disorders that can leave you tired, moody, and mentally foggy.

🔹 Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep
🔹 Sleep apnea: Repeated pauses in breathing that disrupt rest

Quality sleep supports focus, mood, and long‑term brain health.

✅Read the full post for simple ways to improve your sleep habits.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/family-files/2015-03-15-brain-awareness-why-you-need-good-nights-sleep

06/04/2026

Check out the latest Breakroom Buzz at https://extension.illinois.edu/media/9486/download?inline
In Spanish at https://extension.illinois.edu/media/9487/download?inline
Print it off and share today!