Calendar: Festive favorites at Rock Island County workshop

Festive Favorites

MILAN, Ill. — Festive Favorites will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Rock Island County Extension office, 321 2nd Ave W, Milan.

This interactive workshop blends gardening, crafting, and mindful eating for a unique celebration of the holidays. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your winter décor or discover new recipes for your seasonal gatherings, this program has something for everyone.

• Plant and Learn: Grow your own stunning amaryllis bulb — perfect as a gift or an uplifting midwinter bloom. Learn expert tips from U of I Extension Horticulture Educator Emily Swihart to ensure your flower blooms beautifully just in time for the new year.

• Hands-On Crafting: Create a traditional pomander ball, blending the scents of the season into an aromatic holiday decoration.

• Tasty Festive Treats: Enjoy sampling healthier holiday drinks and desserts that are as delicious as they are nutritious from Kristin Bogdonas, nutrition and wellness educator.

Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2h9m48ef.

Cooking with Herbs

MOUNT CARROLL, Ill. — Special Occasion Cooking with Herbs will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Mount Carroll Public Library, 208 N. Main St., Mount Carroll.

Illinois Extension Master Gardener Nancy Gmitro will lead participants in hands-on exploration of the power of herbs in cooking. The Dec. 14 session will explore boosting flavor in appetizers and hors d’oeuvres.

Call the library to register: 815-244-1751.

The program will be repeated 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Savanna Public Library, 326 3rd St., Savanna. Register by calling 815-273-3714.

Mindful Eating

WHEELING, Ill. — Mindful Eating will be 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Indian Trails Public Library, 335 Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling.

Illinois Extension and Indian Trails Public Library presents the You Deserve To Shine series designed to share practical self-care strategies and promote emotional and physical well-being. Learn how mindful eating can better your health.

Forming an LLC

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Forming an LLC will be 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16.

Most farmers choose the LLC as their preferred business structure, and the good news is that forming one is quite simple. At the same time, farmers and ranchers need to know a few keys to ensure they get the benefits they expect from this entity.

The program will include a quick recap of why an LLC is a good risk management tool before going into how to form one, the best practices for implementation, and regular obligations to keep the LLC in top legal shape. Farmers who have had an LLC for years can learn a few things about preserving their resilience.

Candy Workshop

FAIRFIELD, Ill. — The Christmas Candy Workshop will be 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Wayne County Extension office, 2B Frontier Drive, Fairfield.

In this festive workshop, participants will learn how to create delicious and beautiful homemade Christmas candies that are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying yourself. Whether you’re new to candy-making or a seasoned pro, this workshop is designed to walk you through a variety of fun and festive recipes. By the end of this workshop, you’ll leave with a variety of holiday treats, a new set of candy-making skills, and the joy of creating something sweet and memorable for the holiday season.

TTM App

DEER CREEK, Ill. — A workshop highlighting the Terrific Teachable Moments app will be 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Deer Creek District Library, 205 E. 1st Ave., Deer Creek.

The TTM app is packed with engaging activities that promote social-emotional learning, positive growth, and positive behaviors. Family Life Educator Sara Attig will discuss why this free app will be a valuable addition to your smart device.

To register, call the library at 309-447-6724.

Holiday Centerpieces

ELIZABETH,, Ill. — Holiday Centerpieces will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Jo Daviess County Extension office, 204 N. Vine St., Elizabeth.

Participants will complete two make-and-take projects: a mason jar oil candle and a holiday centerpiece using fresh greens and flowers. Each of these projects will make beautiful stand-alone items to give or keep, but they also pair well together for a holiday display for your dining table.

The mason jar oil candle is a combination of pine cones, evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and essential oils — perfect for illuminating a home during the dark and cold winter months.

With the holiday centerpiece, participants will learn the basic elements of floral design and create a centerpiece using fresh evergreens, fresh flowers, novelties, and ribbon.

Cost is $30 and attendees will leave with two projects to take home with them. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ajna6vdn.

Candy and Candles

ANGOLA, Ind. — The workshop Candy, Candles & Cards will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET Dec. 19 at the Steuben Community Center, 317 S. Wayne St.. Angola.

Participants in grades third and up will create sweet treats, scented candles and personalized cards — perfect for sharing with friends and family during the upcoming holiday season.

Cost is $10. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yzdeynte.

Calving Academy

BEDFORD, Ind. — Beef and dairy cattle producers are invited to attend Purdue Extension’s Calving Academy, 1 to 4 p.m. ET Dec. 21 at the Feldun Purdue Agricultural Center, 1117 State Road 458, Bedford.

This hands-on event will cover topics including cow restraint, calf manipulation, and triaging the neonatal calf. Dr. Bethany Funnell, clinical associate professor of bovine theriogenology at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine, will be the program instructor.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2s42x5pd. For more information, contact Nick Minton at nminton@purdue.edu or 765-494-8179.

Other locations include:

• 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Decatur County Extension office, 545 S. County Road 200 W., Greensburg.

• 1 to 4 p.m. Jan.11 at the Purina Pavilion in Creighton Hall, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell St., West Lafayette.