Events Calendar

Illinois Extension is excited to announce that CPR in Schools Training Kits are now available for community partners, schools, and organizations to borrow—thanks to the generous support of the American Heart Association. These kits provide an accessible, hands‑on way to teach life‑saving skills across Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties.

“CPR is a vital skill that everyone should know, and providing this training throughout Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties will help more people be prepared to act when it matters most.” Said Tara Heath, Extension County Director.

Each kit includes video‑led instruction and materials to train 10–20 participants in approximately 45–60 minutes, making it easy for anyone to coordinate a session—no prior CPR experience required.

Kits are available at all local Extension offices (Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties) and can be requested online at go.illinois.edu/CPR . A one‑week notice is requested for pickup, and with two weeks’ advance notice, additional kits can be delivered to an office location if needed. Borrowers will be asked to complete a brief demographic sheet so Illinois Extension can report community impact.

Questions may be directed to Shelby Carlson, Youth Development Educator, via email, srcarls2@illinois.edu.

These CPR kits offer a simple, effective way for local groups to build confidence, preparedness, and stronger, safer communities.

The Al Sears Music Fest is an annual celebration honoring Macomb native and musical trailblazer Al Sears (1910–1990), a saxophonist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who played with jazz legends and helped shape the sound of early rock and roll.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore Al Sears’s remarkable career, from performing with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton to producing records and influencing the music industry as an executive with ABC Paramount. The Western Illinois Museum will feature photographs, recordings, and artifacts related to his work.

*Bring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate Al Sears and Macomb’s unique place in American music history.
*Enjoy delicious meals from Sandra’s Authentic Mexican Food Truck, available both Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, September 20:
Western Illinois Museum
Noon: Doors open, bar service begins, and Sandra's Mexican Food Truck will be serving throughout the celebration
12 pm - 2 pm: Allie Garland
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Open Rehearsal with Bryan Anthony
5 pm - 6:30 pm: Richie Bliesenser Quartet
7 pm - 9 pm: Bryan Anthony - The American Songbook

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Performing Arts Society.For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email

Illinois Extension is excited to announce that CPR in Schools Training Kits are now available for community partners, schools, and organizations to borrow—thanks to the generous support of the American Heart Association. These kits provide an accessible, hands‑on way to teach life‑saving skills across Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties.

“CPR is a vital skill that everyone should know, and providing this training throughout Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties will help more people be prepared to act when it matters most.” Said Tara Heath, Extension County Director.

Each kit includes video‑led instruction and materials to train 10–20 participants in approximately 45–60 minutes, making it easy for anyone to coordinate a session—no prior CPR experience required.

Kits are available at all local Extension offices (Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties) and can be requested online at go.illinois.edu/CPR . A one‑week notice is requested for pickup, and with two weeks’ advance notice, additional kits can be delivered to an office location if needed. Borrowers will be asked to complete a brief demographic sheet so Illinois Extension can report community impact.

Questions may be directed to Shelby Carlson, Youth Development Educator, via email, srcarls2@illinois.edu.

These CPR kits offer a simple, effective way for local groups to build confidence, preparedness, and stronger, safer communities.

The Al Sears Music Fest is an annual celebration honoring Macomb native and musical trailblazer Al Sears (1910–1990), a saxophonist, songwriter, and entrepreneur who played with jazz legends and helped shape the sound of early rock and roll.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can explore Al Sears’s remarkable career, from performing with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton to producing records and influencing the music industry as an executive with ABC Paramount. The Western Illinois Museum will feature photographs, recordings, and artifacts related to his work.

*Bring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate Al Sears and Macomb’s unique place in American music history.
*Enjoy delicious meals from Sandra’s Authentic Mexican Food Truck, available both Saturday and Sunday.

Monday, September 21:
Western Illinois Museum
Noon: Doors open, bar service begins, and Sandra's Mexican Food Truck will be serving throughout the celebration
12 pm - 1:30 pm: WIU Student and School of Music Faculty Sessions
2 pm - 3 pm: Community Conversation
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Yoseph Henry - Where Jazz Meets R&B and Gospel Soul

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Performing Arts Society.For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email

Fresh produce, local vendors, and community fun are right around the corner.
Still thinking about being a vendor? There’s time—reach out to the Hancock County Farm Bureau at 217-357-3141 or [hcfbmanager@gmail.com](mailto:hcfbmanager@gmail.com).
We can’t wait to see you there!

The Fort Madison Farmer's Market is growing, and we want you to be part of it! Join us on Mondays at Central Park from 4-6 pm in June-September.

Illinois Extension is excited to announce that CPR in Schools Training Kits are now available for community partners, schools, and organizations to borrow—thanks to the generous support of the American Heart Association. These kits provide an accessible, hands‑on way to teach life‑saving skills across Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties.

“CPR is a vital skill that everyone should know, and providing this training throughout Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties will help more people be prepared to act when it matters most.” Said Tara Heath, Extension County Director.

Each kit includes video‑led instruction and materials to train 10–20 participants in approximately 45–60 minutes, making it easy for anyone to coordinate a session—no prior CPR experience required.

Kits are available at all local Extension offices (Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties) and can be requested online at go.illinois.edu/CPR . A one‑week notice is requested for pickup, and with two weeks’ advance notice, additional kits can be delivered to an office location if needed. Borrowers will be asked to complete a brief demographic sheet so Illinois Extension can report community impact.

Questions may be directed to Shelby Carlson, Youth Development Educator, via email, srcarls2@illinois.edu.

These CPR kits offer a simple, effective way for local groups to build confidence, preparedness, and stronger, safer communities.

The market emphasizes locally grown produce and products, ensuring that all items are sourced from Illinois growers. This focus on local sourcing helps to reduce transportation emissions and supports the regional economy.
The market welcomes new vendors and offers a variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, baked and canned goods, as well as artwork and crafts. It operates between 3 and 6 PM, making it accessible for afternoon and early evening shoppers.

Illinois Extension is excited to announce that CPR in Schools Training Kits are now available for community partners, schools, and organizations to borrow—thanks to the generous support of the American Heart Association. These kits provide an accessible, hands‑on way to teach life‑saving skills across Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties.

“CPR is a vital skill that everyone should know, and providing this training throughout Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties will help more people be prepared to act when it matters most.” Said Tara Heath, Extension County Director.

Each kit includes video‑led instruction and materials to train 10–20 participants in approximately 45–60 minutes, making it easy for anyone to coordinate a session—no prior CPR experience required.

Kits are available at all local Extension offices (Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties) and can be requested online at go.illinois.edu/CPR . A one‑week notice is requested for pickup, and with two weeks’ advance notice, additional kits can be delivered to an office location if needed. Borrowers will be asked to complete a brief demographic sheet so Illinois Extension can report community impact.

Questions may be directed to Shelby Carlson, Youth Development Educator, via email, srcarls2@illinois.edu.

These CPR kits offer a simple, effective way for local groups to build confidence, preparedness, and stronger, safer communities.

Illinois Extension is excited to announce that CPR in Schools Training Kits are now available for community partners, schools, and organizations to borrow—thanks to the generous support of the American Heart Association. These kits provide an accessible, hands‑on way to teach life‑saving skills across Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties.

“CPR is a vital skill that everyone should know, and providing this training throughout Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties will help more people be prepared to act when it matters most.” Said Tara Heath, Extension County Director.

Each kit includes video‑led instruction and materials to train 10–20 participants in approximately 45–60 minutes, making it easy for anyone to coordinate a session—no prior CPR experience required.

Kits are available at all local Extension offices (Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties) and can be requested online at go.illinois.edu/CPR . A one‑week notice is requested for pickup, and with two weeks’ advance notice, additional kits can be delivered to an office location if needed. Borrowers will be asked to complete a brief demographic sheet so Illinois Extension can report community impact.

Questions may be directed to Shelby Carlson, Youth Development Educator, via email, srcarls2@illinois.edu.

These CPR kits offer a simple, effective way for local groups to build confidence, preparedness, and stronger, safer communities.