U of I Extension-Livingston, McLean, Woodford Counties

10/29/2026

Take a break from the rush and treat yourself to a little calm. In this uplifting session, you'll explore simple mindfulness practices that can help ease stress, boost resilience, and bring more joy to your day. Leave with practical tools to help you stay present, feel more focused, and handle life's challenges with greater ease, confidence, and maybe even a few more smiles.

📅 November 5
⏰ 1:30 PM
📍 OSF St. James - Pontiac, IL

Diabetes clinics are informal, informational walk-in programs designed especially for people living with diabetes. Clinics are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

10/29/2026

Come see us this weekend at Rader Family Farms from 1 to 4 pm! Don’t trash it, Smash it 🎃

Like the changing leaves, fall can feel fleeting. The porch pumpkins will decay.

Then what? Where do the pumpkins go? Think recycling and composting.

The reality is pumpkins are organic waste that, when included in the trash, fill landfills, release the greenhouse gas methane as they decompose, and leach water into nearby waterways.

Add in some fun, de-stress, and recycling while smashing pumpkins with Illinois Extension at a Pumpkin Smash community composting event in early November.

🔗 Find a smash event site near you this November by checking out the calendar at https://go.illinois.edu/PumpkinSmash or https://scarce.org/pumpkins

🔗 Read more at Recycle Pumpkin Season with a Smash at Illinois Extension Composting Events: https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/recycle-pumpkin-season-smash-illinois-extension-composting-events

Illinois Extension’s smash events are in collaboration with SCARCE, an Illinois environmental nonprofit that started Pumpkin Smashes in 2014.

10/29/2026

Taking a moment to reflect on positive experiences, no matter how small, can help build gratitude and create a more positive outlook. Try listing three good things from your day and see how it changes your perspective.

Learn more:https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/in_the_moment_resiliency_jan2021_v2.pdf

10/28/2026

What stories live within you? Many of us grew up hearing stories shared by parents, grandparents, and loved ones. This workshop invites you to reflect on your experiences and discover simple, meaningful ways to record your personal and family stories. Whether you want to share memories with loved ones today or leave a lasting legacy for future generations, you'll explore practical approaches to preserving the stories that matter most. No writing experiences is needed.

📅 November 18
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Bloomington Public Library

Registration can be completed by contacting the Bloomington Public Library at 309.590.6168 or visiting the Help Desk at the library.

10/28/2026

As the seasons change, it’s important to check in on your mental well-being. October is Depression Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and learn how to recognize the signs of depression in ourselves and others.

Mental health matters year-round, but this season reminds us to pause, reflect, and prioritize self-care. Read our latest blog to learn more about depression, its impact, and ways to support mental wellness.

💙 Take a moment for yourself and those around you.

🔗 Read the blog: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/nourish-and-flourish/2026-10-15-mental-health-matters-understanding-depression?fbclid=IwY2xjawVPCpVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUNhUkcxM2htWHpsRWlzMU9zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEf8tbIG0QFjgx0VYLk_q31z9D9pC2RkTnX4aJssYyRzvENNOoDt5p-1hSHd2Y_aem_5khLQwz41rUAANH6EnPe_g

As the seasons change, it’s important to check in on your mental well-being. October is Depression Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and learn how to recognize the signs of depression in ourselves and others.

Mental health matters year-round, but this season reminds us to pause, reflect, and prioritize self-care. Read our latest blog to learn more about depression, its impact, and ways to support mental wellness.

💙 Take a moment for yourself and those around you.

🔗 Read the blog: https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/nourish-and-flourish/2026-10-15-mental-health-matters-understanding-depression

10/27/2026

Join us for the 4th Annual Stargazing Party on Saturday, November 21, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Humiston Woods in Pontiac. Enjoy telescope viewing with local astronomer Paul Pouliot and learn about Ta**us, the Pleiades, and other celestial wonders.

🔭 Free and open to all ages 5+
🪑 Bring a lawn chair or blanket
📍 Humiston Woods, Pontiac, IL

Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/stargazing-party-2026

10/26/2026

🧠 Looking for a fun way to keep your mind active and connect with others? Join us for Wits Fitness, an engaging class that supports brain health through interactive exercises, memory challenges, and meaningful conversation.
📅 November 11
⏰ 1:00-2:00 PM
📍 Eureka Public Library District - Eureka, IL
Best of all, no registration is required. Just drop in and join the fun!

10/25/2026

You are never too young or too old to start training your brain! Explore interactive activities designed to exercise the brain to maintain and enhance your cognitive function and memory at “Wits Workout” by Sara Attig, M.S., University of Illinois
Extension Family Life Educator.

Wits Workout has two main goals – to provide purposeful opportunities for older adults to engage intellectually, and to increase their socialization through ongoing
group participation.
📅 October 29
⏰ 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
📍 Carle Health and Fitness Center - Bloomington, IL
Register at the Carle Health and Fitness Center Member Service desk or call (309) 433-9355.

10/23/2026

🍂 Grab your notebook and join us for Nature Journaling Through the Seasons: Migratory Birds on November 7 from 2:00-3:45 p.m. at Humiston Woods in Pontiac!

Explore the Deer Loop Trail, observe bird behavior, and learn how to capture your discoveries through words, sketches, and numbers. Perfect for curious nature lovers ages 8 to 80+, and no artistic experience is required!

📍 Humiston Woods, 2100 North Road, Pontiac, IL
✏️ Materials provided
🌧️ Indoor location available if needed

🔗 Register today: go.illinois.edu/NatureJournaling2026

10/22/2026

Join us for the 4th Annual Stargazing Party at Humiston Woods on November 21 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Local astronomer Paul Pouliot will guide guests through telescope viewing and share stories and science behind constellations, the Pleiades, Ta**us, and more.

🌙 Free event | Ages 5+
📍 Humiston Woods, Pontiac, IL
🪑 Bring a lawn chair or blanket
🧥 Dress for the weather

Register at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/stargazing-party-2026