Thanksgiving & Holiday Program Updates

Office Closed:

Thursday & Friday, November 27 and 28, 2025

Let Turkey Be the Centerpiece of Your Celebration

The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and delicious food—and Illinois Extension is here to help make your celebration stress-free and memorable!

From selecting the perfect bird to thawing, cooking, and carving, our experts provide step-by-step guidance to ensure your turkey is prepared safely and tastes amazing. Plus, we’ve got you covered with side dish recipes, creative leftover ideas, and even a kids’ activity book to keep little hands busy at the holiday table.

Visit Illinois Extension’s Turkey Website for all the details on:

Choosing the Perfect Bird:
Tips for selecting the right size, type, and preparation style.
Safe Cooking Practices:
Learn how to thaw and cook your turkey to a perfect 165°F.
Side Dishes and Leftovers: Recipes to make your meal complete and minimize food waste.
Fun for the Kids' Table:
Download a free activity packet with coloring pages, word searches, jokes, and more.

Visit our Turkey Website

4-H Holidays Around the World Workshops

Tues. Dec 2, Toulon | Fri. Dec 5, Aledo | Sat. Dec 6, Milan

Youth ages 5 to 18 are invited to explore holiday traditions from around the world at three different locations. They will rotate through interactive stations, each featuring a hands-on craft and a traditional treat from a different country.

Registration required. Sign up at: go.illinois.edu/4-HWorldHolidays

Cost: $5 per youth (scholarships available). Call (309) 756-9978 for more information.

Paint Your Own Barn Quilt

Thursday, December 11, 1 - 4 PM

Illinois Extension, Milan, IL

Join retired Illinois Extension horticulture educator Martha Smith to paint your own wooden barn quilt.

Each participant will paint their own 16" x 16" wooden barn quilt, choosing from four beautiful patterns (pictured).
No experience needed — all supplies are included in your $40 fee.
Class size is limited, so register early to save your spot!

go.illinois.eduBarnQuiltPainting

Cost is $40 per person. Call (309) 756-9978 for more information.

Hearts, Hands, Hot Cocoa!

Gingerbread House Making Workshop

Sunday, Dec 14, 2:30 - 4:30 PM

Moline, IL

Get into the holiday spirit with the Teen Federation’s fun and festive gingerbread-making workshop!

🎄 Open to all youth ages 5–18

🍭 All materials provided: gingerbread house kits, candies, and decorating tools

Cost: $5 per person (Fee waiver available upon request)

or call IL Extension at (309) 756-9978.

University of Illinois Extension

Serving Henry, Mercer, Rock Island & Stark counties

321 W 2nd Ave. Milan, IL 61264 | 309-756-9978 | extension.illinois.edu/hmrs

University of Illinois, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, email uie-hmrs@illinois.edu. Early requests are encouraged to allow time to meet individual requests. This email contains promotional content. For permission to reprint, revise, or otherwise use, contact extension@illinois.edu.