This is the time of year for an abundance of fresh vegetables. Local gardeners are invited to share and exchange their bounty with other gardeners at a new event: a Vegetable Swap that to be heldSept. 14 at Heartline and Heart House in Eureka.

STATE

Aquarium free this month for Illinois residents

Admission to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium is free this month for all Illinois residents.

The free entrance will allow visitors to explore the aquarium’s new special exhibit, Underwater Beauty, and visit the main galleries and take in an aquatic presentation.

Attendees will need to show proof of state residence for the offer.

The aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, will extend the free days with special night events on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Attendees who can’t visit the museum during the day or on weekends will be able to go and listen to live music while looking at the aquarium.

Here’s a schedule for the evening events:
• Caribbean Flavors and Flair (Sept. 17, Sept. 24): There will be Caribbean-inspired food for attendees.
• Live Latin Rhythms (Sept. 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 10): There will be Latin jazz performances, as well as Latin-inspired food and drinks. Attendance to the two October nights will be free.
• House Party (Sept. 20, Sept. 27): The event will feature house music from DJs Jesse Saunders, Terry Hunter and Farley Jackmaster Funk.

Admission to the evening events will be free; food and drinks can be purchased.

The aquarium recommends those who want to attend to reserve tickets online due to the popularity of the aquarium’s free days. Tickets can be reserved at sheddaquarium.org for a $3 transaction fee.

COUNTY

Local 4-H’er is a state scholarship winner

For more than 20 years, the Illinois 4-H Foundation has rewarded exceptional 4-H members in animal science projects for their work both inside and outside the show ring. The contest tests a young person’s knowledge of animal production, health, and herd management.

The most recent contest was held Aug. 8, and winners included Kate Henkel of Woodford County. She received one of nine $1,000 scholarships earned by 4-H members enrolled in beef, swine, and sheep projects.

The contest had three phases. The management phase tests knowledge of animal nutrition, health, reproduction, safety, and marketing. The skill-a-thon phase tests the contestant’s ability to identify feed components and livestock equipment. The third phase includes live animal judging and quality analysis.

Compeer Financial provides support for the horse and dairy divisions, and the CME Group of Chicago supports the beef, sheep, and swine divisions. The Land of Lincoln Livestock Breeders Association provides awards.

Next diabetes clinic focuses on food waste

University of Illinois Extension invites the public to its September Diabetes Clinic: “Creating a No-Waste Kitchen”. This program will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Woodford County Extension Office, 109 E. Eureka Ave., Eureka.

Learn to do your part by understanding expiration dates, planning meals to use what’s on hand, and knowing how to safely and effectively store food. Attendees will receive a packet of recipes and watch a food demonstration.

Diabetes clinics are informal but informational walk-in programs with a different topic each month designed especially for persons living with diabetes. There is no cost to attend this program and no registration is necessary.  

For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/LMW, or contact University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator and Registered Dietitian Jenna Smith at 309-663-8306 or by email to jesmith6@illinois.edu.

Swap your vegetable harvest with others 

Local crops of tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, apples and more have peaked and gardeners are more than likely getting more produce then they can handle. If this is you, the University of Illinois Extension and Heartline and Heart House invites you to their first Vegetable Swap. The inaugural event will be held at 10 a.m. Sept. 14 at Heartline and Heart House, 300 Reagan Drive, Eureka.

Master Gardeners and community members will contribute their abundance in order to put these delectable treats in the hands of community members that may not have the opportunity to grow their own gardens. Vegetable growers can also stop in for a few vegetables that they may not have grown in their own garden.

Toy sale proceeds to support K-9 units

The Tri-County Support your Local Police and Keep Them Independent Organization is holding a fundraiser to support the Sheriff and Police K-9 units in Woodford County. Stuffed dog toys will be sold 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 14 and Sept. 15, at the Eureka IGA, 514 W Center St. The stuffed animals will cost $15 each.

–Woodford County News Briefs–