UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION
LIVINGSTON-McLEAN-WOODFORD UNIT
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December 15 – February 28
Main Office: McLean County, 402 N. Hershey Road, Bloomington, IL 61704 Phone: (309) 663-8306
Branch Office: Livingston County, 1412 S. Locust Street, Pontiac, IL 61764 Phone: (815) 842-1776
Branch Office: UNITY Community Center, 632 Orlando Avenue, Normal, IL 61761 Phone: (309) 862-4041
Branch Office: Woodford County, 109 E. Eureka Avenue, Eureka, IL 61530 Phone: (309) 467-3789
Make sure you visit our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw to find more information.
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AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Illinois Farm Economic Summit, December 20 - 7:45 a.m.
Speakers from the farmdoc team at the University of Illinois will explore the farm profitability outlook and
management challenges from several perspectives, including the outlook for prices, farm income prospects and
crop rotation decisions, trends in farmland prices and rents, renewable fuels policy and crop markets, the new
farm bill, and health reform. Please go to http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/ifes/2013/index.html for registration and
information. This will be held at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center, 10 Brickyard Drive in Bloomington.
Illinois Corn & Soybean Classic, January 6 - 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This program will emphasize crop production, pest management, and economics as well as the interactions
among them. Question-and-answer sessions are scheduled for both morning and afternoon. Lunch and a
proceedings booklet with a synopses of all presentations will be provided to each registrant. Please go to
http://www.cropsciconferences.com/Corn_Soybean/Home/ for registration information. This program will
be held at the I Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 S. First Street in Champaign.
Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference, January 8 through 10, 10 a.m.
In addition to concurrent tracks on fruits, vegetables, herbs, Agritourism, and organics there will be additional
pre-conference workshops and training and testing for the Private Applicator License (pesticides). For more
information, please go to http://www.specialtygrowers.org/iscaoc-conference.html. This conference will be
held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield.
2014 Small Farms Winter Webinar Series, Thursdays, January 9 - March 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The University of Illinois Extension presents a weekly educational series for the small farm community,
providing practical knowledge on emerging topics that advance local food production in Illinois. This series
of online events is aimed at providing small farm producers a look at how leading practices in production,
management, and marketing enable operations to improve profitability and sustainability. For registration
information, please go to https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=8854.
Illinois Corn & Soybean Classic, January 13 - 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Learn more about the most current issues related to crop production and pest management. The 2014
program will emphasize crop production, pest management and economics. Lunch and a proceedings
booklet with a synopses of all presentations will be provided to each registrant. For more information, please
go to http://www.cropsciconferences.com/Corn_Soybean/Home/. This program will be held at the
Par-A-Dice Hotel, 21 Blackjack Boulevard in East Peoria.
From Lawn to Native Garden, January 13 - 7 p.m.
Matt Hickman, Associate Pastor of Normal Mennonite Church will explain how the church took a grassy
area and converted it to native plant gardens using seeds. Jack Pfaffmann, Woodford County Master
Naturalist and Master Gardener, will then explain how the Wild Ones organization installed a native plant
garden at the Children's Foundation using small plants. This program is free and open to the public. It will
be held at the McLean County Extension Office located at 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Basic Agronomy for Landowners: Landowners 101, January 27 - 6 to 9 p.m.
Basic Agronomy for Landowners will primarily focus on terms and technologies used in agriculture, how land
is used by farmers, how crops are produced and harvested, basic agronomy, and how farmer decisions
impact farmland values and leasing. Pre-registration is required. For registration information, please go to
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/. These programs will be held in the auditorium at the McLean
County Extension office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Farmland Leasing and Economics for Landowners: Landowners 101, February 3 - 6 to 9 p.m.
Farmland Leasing and Economics is designed for landowners, producers, and others who want to learn more
about current leasing practices: including crop-share, cash rent, and flexible cash rent leasing options. This
workshop is designed for landowners who wish to know more about the Agricultural industry. To register,
please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/. These programs will be held in the auditorium
at the McLean County Extension office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Well Behaved Natives for Landscaping Yards and Pond, February 10 - 7 p.m.
Dennis Campbell, Professor of Biological and Earth Science at Lincoln College, will present his insights into
the selection of native plants for landscaping yards and ponds. Dennis has years and extensive experience
with native plants. This program is free and open to the public. It will be held in the auditorium at the McLean
County Extension Office located at 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
CONSUMER ECONOMICS
Welcome to the Real World, February 5 - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is a curriculum for youth in junior and senior high to help them understand financial responsibilities. It also
prepares youth to discuss the advantages of various careers. This workshop will offer five CPDUs to eligible
participants. The cost is $85, which includes lunch and the complete curriculum in binder form as well as on CD.
For registration information, please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/. This program is geared
towards teachers and educators but is open to the public and will be held at Unity Community Center located at
632 Orlando Avenue in Normal.
Welcome to the Real World, February 6 - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is a curriculum for youth in junior and senior high to help them understand financial responsibilities.
It also prepares youth to discuss the advantages of various careers. This workshop will offer five CPDUs to
eligible participants. The cost is $85, which includes lunch and the complete curriculum in binder form as
well as on CD. For registration information, please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/.
This program is geared towards teachers and educators but is open to the public and will be held at
the Livingston County Extension office located at 1412 S. Locust in Pontiac.
Get $avvy- Love Your Loan Webinar: Student Loan Repayment, February 13 - Noon to 1 p.m.
In 2011, student loans topped $1 Trillion dollars! That’s more than what Americans owe in credit card debt and
what they owe in auto loan debt. More than 1 in 10 loans are in default and more than 12% are delinquent. Learn
how to optimize your student loans and find ways to live an independent life sooner during this webinar. Please
go to https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=8518 for registration information.
4-H & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
All 4-H members and volunteers: Please refer to your latest copy of the 4-H newsletter /email for upcoming events
in your county. Youth interested in becoming a 4-H member (ages 8-18 as of September 1, 2013) or Cloverbud
member (ages 5-7 as of September 1, 2013) may contact the University of Illinois Extension office in their county
for more information.
NEW THIS YEAR: January 2, 2014 is the deadline for returning 4-H members and Cloverbuds.
The enrollment form, project enrollment and program fee of $20 are due to the office in your county
by closing time, 4:30 p.m.
McLean County 4-H Leader Update Meeting, January 10 – 6 p.m.
Local 4-H leaders are asked to please send at least one leader representative from your club to learn about
upcoming changes and opportunities that are happening in McLean County. A light supper will be served. This
meeting will be held at Unity Community Center, 632 Orlando Avenue in Normal. For registration, please go to
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/.
4-H For Beginners, January 11 - 6 p.m.
This program is designed to help new 4-H parents and members learn about the program. First year 4-H
members will meet separately to learn the 4-H pledge, learn how to give a speech or demonstration, see
examples of first year projects and have some fun! To register by January 6, please go to
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/. This program will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County
Extension office located at 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Livingston County 4-H Cloverbud Leader Meeting, January 13 - 6:30 p.m.
Whether you are a new Cloverbud leader, have been a leader for many years, or are thinking about becoming
a 4-H Cloverbud leader, you are encouraged to attend this meeting. We will review the 4-H Cloverbud policies,
learn what curriculum and resources are available for Cloverbuds and share ideas and success stories. This
meeting will be held at the Livingston County Extension office, 1412 S. Locust Street in Pontiac. Please register
online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/ or by calling 815-842-1776.
Livingston County 4-H Records Workshop - January 23, 6:30 p.m.
Do you find 4-H record keeping confusing? Do you wonder why 4-H records are important? The record-keeping
workshop will answer all of those questions. 4-H records are not only used to apply for 4-H awards but are also a
great resource for filling out college or job application forms. This workshop will be held at the Livingston County
Extension office located at 1412 S. Locust in Pontiac. Please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/
to register.
Woodford County 4-H Shooting Sports Informational Meeting, January 23 - 6:30 p.m.
The Certified Shooting Sports Instructors will hold an informational meeting for members and parents who are
new to the project area or new to a particular discipline. Volunteers will be giving short demonstrations on what to
expect in each of the disciplines, explaining what workshops will be like, and providing information on what
equipment you will need. Please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/ to register or call the
Extension office at 309-467-3789. This will be held at the Liberty Bible Church, 801 N. Main Street in Eureka.
Learn & Fun Day, January 25 - 8:45 a.m.
Learn and Fun Day gives youth ages 5-14 the chance to learn about 4-H project areas through fun, hands-on
workshops. This event is open to all 4-H members and non-4-H members in Livingston, McLean and Woodford
counties. Please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/, click on the 4-H box, go to your 4-H county, click on
online registration and click on Learn and Fun day for the registration materials. Registration information will also be
sent to 4-H members home address. Deadline for registration is Friday, January 10, 2014.
Livingston County Steer Weigh-in, February 1 - 8am to Noon
All steers need to be weighed and tattooed for the Livingston County Ag Fair and 4-H Show. Please bring show
animals to the 4-H Fair Grounds in Eureka.
Woodford County 4-H Beef Steer/Heifer Tattooing, February 1 - 9 to 10 a.m.
ALL beef steers showing at the Woodford County Fair must be weighed and animals must be castrated prior to
the tattooing date. The Beef Premiere Class, including Woodford County Bred, includes market heifers. Heifers
must be weighed and tattooed on this day also. Market heifers that will be entered in the Premiere Class are the
only heifers that need to be weighed and tattooed. Tattooing will be held at Reel Livestock Center on Danvers
Road in Congerville. Please call the Extension office at 309-467-3789 by January 30 to make a reservation or
register online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/.
Welcome to the Real World, February 5 - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is a curriculum for youth in junior and senior high to help them understand financial responsibilities. It also
prepares youth to discuss the advantages of various careers. This workshop will offer five CPDUs to eligible
participants. The cost is $85, which includes lunch and the complete curriculum in binder form as well on CD.
For registration information, please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/. This program is geared
towards teachers and educators but is open to the public and will be held at Unity Community Center located at
632 Orlando Avenue in Normal.
Welcome to the Real World, February 6 - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This is a curriculum for youth in junior and senior high to help them understand financial responsibilities. It also
prepares youth to discuss the advantages of various careers. This workshop will offer five CPDUs to eligible
participants. The cost is $85, which includes lunch and the complete curriculum in binder form as well as on CD.
For registration information, please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/. This program is geared
towards teachers and educators but is open to the public and will be held at the Livingston County Extension
office located at 1412 S. Locust in Pontiac.
Woodford County 4-H Rabbit Workshop, February 10 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
New rabbit exhibitors will have a chance to learn about rabbit care and ask questions about the breed and
sex of their rabbits. New and seasoned exhibitors will review techniques on techniques for showing their rabbits,
as well as some new information about expectations for the Showmanship fair class. Please register online at
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/ or call the Woodford County Extension office at 309-467-3789.
This program will be held at the Woodford County Extension office located at 109 E. Eureka Avenue in Eureka.
Woodford County 4-H New Member Orientation, February 11 - 6:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about what 4-H is all about or have you been thinking about joining
a 4-H club in your area? This orientation will even be a great opportunity if you have questions regarding 4-H
membership. Please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/ or call the Woodford County Extension
office at 309-467-3789 to register. This program will be held at the Woodford County Farm Bureau Building
located at 117 W. Center Street in Eureka.
McLean County Cloverbud Workshop, February 15 - 10 & 11:30 a.m. and 1 & 2:30 p.m.
The February Cloverbud workshop will focus on dinosaurs! Youth will learn about various dinosaurs, they will
make fossils, participate in a dinosaur egg hunt, and many more activities! Cloverbud workshops are offered to all
youth between the ages of 5 and 7. The same workshop will be offered at all listed times. Please go to
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/ for registration information. This program will be held in the
auditorium at the McLean County Extension office located at 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Livingston County 4-H New Member Orientation, February 20 - 6:30 p.m.
Are you new to 4-H? Do you have questions about what 4-H is all about or have you been thinking about joining
a 4-H club in your area? This orientation will even be a great opportunity if you have questions regarding 4-H
membership. Please go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/register/ to register. This program will be held at
the Livingston County Extension Office located at 1412 S. Locust in Pontiac.
4-H Volunteer Orientation and Screening, February 27 - 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Are you interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer or leader? We will be holding a volunteer orientation/screening in the
auditorium at the McLean County Extension office at 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. If you have any questions
please contact Callie Cummings at ccummngs@illinois.edu or at 309-663-8306.
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE
Fresh Fare: Cooking for 1 Person or 2, January 8 - 6 to 7 p.m.
Jenna Smith, Extension nutrition and wellness educator and Registered Dietitian, will present this program in a
dining room setting. Tastings of the dishes she prepares will be served at your table. This program will be held at
Evenglow Inn, 1303 E. Indiana Avenue in Pontiac and is open to the public. To register, please contact Evenglow
Inn by January 7, 2014 at 815-842-9040 and ask for Norma. A suggested donation of $5 will go to Evenglow Inn.
The program is located next door to the Boys and Girls Club.
Cutting the Salt for a Healthy Heart, January 9 - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
OSF Center for Healthy Lifestyles and the University of Illinois Extension bring you programs on preparing healthy
foods. Jenna Smith, Extension educator, nutrition and wellness and Registered Dietitian, will be teaching this
class. Learn about low-sodium products, substitutions, and tips on eating out to decrease the amount of salt in our
diet without giving up on taste. This program will be held at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, 2200 E. Washington
Street in Bloomington. There is a fee of $10.00 per person. Register by January 8, 2014 by calling OSF toll–free:
1-888-6-ASK-OSF (1-888-627-5673).
Diabetes Clinic: Living with Diabetes: Stopping the Salt Habits, January 16 - 1:30 p.m.
Jenna Smith, Extension educator, nutrition and wellness and Registered Dietitian will discuss nutrition, portion
control and how to make smart food choices for better health. The January program topic is Living with Diabetes:
Stopping the Salt Habits. Programs take place at the Woodford County Extension office at 109 E. Eureka Avenue
in Eureka. Clinics are free and open to the public. NO registration is necessary. For more information contact the
Woodford County Extension office at 309-467-3789. Diabetes Clinics are the 3rd Thursday of the month at
1:30pm and the program usually lasts about one hour. Note: no clinics in July and December.
HOME AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Decorated Hairpiece Workshop, January 13 - 1 to 4 p.m.
During this workshop you will learn to make a beautiful feathered hairpiece to take home with you.
For HCE members there is a $15 charge; for non-HCE members, there is a $17 charge. This price includes
all materials needed. Please RSVP and submit your fee by January 6 by calling Barb at 309-242-6187 or
Jean at 309-262-5173.
Card Making for Soldiers, January 14 - 9 a.m. to noon
HCE will be taking used greeting cards and fashioning them into NEW cards again. This will be held in the
auditorium at the McLean County Extension office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. This program is
free and open to the public. Please contact Barb Erdman at 309-242-1135 for more information.
Comfort Quilts Workshop, January 20 - 9 a.m. to noon
We are working on quilt tops to finish them that will then be distributed within McLean County. We will then begin
new quilts. The public is invited to help with the donation of materials, money to help with the postage or buying of
needed materials. This workshop will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County Extension office, 402 N.
Hershey Road in Bloomington. Contact Eileen at 309-533-1135 for more information and for a “materials to bring”
list. This project is ongoing and open to all with the “expense” being your time and sometimes supplies.
Dresses and Shorts for Children Workshop, January 20 - 1 to 4 p.m.
We will be taking fabric the size of a pillowcase or larger and stitching it to make dresses and shorts. We will be
giving them to needy kids throughout the United States. This is open to all ages and is a good community service
activity for 4-H youth with little sewing skills. This will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County Extension
office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. Contact Barb Erdman at 309-242-6187 for more information.
History of Feet, January 27 - 1 to 3 p.m.
Dr. Melissa Lockwood is presenting the program “History of Feet.” She will talk about your feet and the common
foot ailments at the different stages in your life. This program is free, open to the public and will be held in the
auditorium at the McLean County Extension office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. McLean County HCE
Units should send a representative to this program and present it at their February unit meetings.
Chicken Scratch Workshop, February 10 - 1 to 4 p.m.
You will make a design using the three basic stitches of Chicken Scratch. Please bring a medium sized gingham
material at least 12" square or more, embroidery hoop, embroidery needle, white embroidery thread, and
scissors. The class is free for HCE member if you bring supplies, $2 for non-HCE members. If purchasing a
supply kit, members are $5 and non-members are $7. Registration and fees are due by Feb 3. Please call
Eileen Norin at 309-533-1135. This will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County Extension office located
at 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Card Making for Soldiers, February 11 - 9 a.m. to Noon
HCE will be taking used greeting cards and fashioning them into NEW cards again. This will be held in the
auditorium at the McLean County Extension office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. This program is
free and open to the public. Please contact Barb Erdman at 309-242-1135 for more information.
Comfort Quilts Workshop, February 17 - 9 a.m. to noon
We are working on quilt tops to finish them that will then be distributed within McLean County. We will then begin
new quilts. The public is invited to help with the donation of materials, money to help with the postage or buying of
needed materials. This workshop will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County Extension office,
402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. Contact Eileen at 309-533-1135 for more information and for a “materials
to bring” list. This project is ongoing and open to all with the “expense” being your time and sometimes supplies.
Dresses and Shorts for Children Workshop, February 17 - 1 to 4 p.m.
We will be taking fabric the size of a pillowcase or larger and stitching it to make dresses and shorts. We will be
giving them to needy kids throughout the United States. This is open to all ages and is a good community service
activity for 4-H youth with little sewing skills. This will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County Extension
office, 402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington. Contact Barb Erdman at 309-242-6187 for more information.
“The Assessor & You", February 24 - 1 to 4 p.m.
Learn about the duties of the county assessor and how assessment affects individual homeowners. This program
is free and the public is invited. County units should send a program presenter for this March program. This
is a Local Leader Lesson and will be held in the auditorium at the McLean County Extension office located at
402 N. Hershey Road in Bloomington.
Don’t forget!
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