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.

We are preparing for a special year celebrating the 250th Anniversary of America & 150th Anniversary of Tom Sawyer.
Live Music, Fence Painting, TomBoy Sawyer Contest, Parade, Tom & Becky Announcement, Mud Volleyball, frog jumping, Arts & Crafts in Central Park, so much more!
Friday, July 3:
Central Park
- Arts & Crafts Festival Opens: 9 am
Hill Street
- Tom Boy Sawyer Activities
Tanyard Gardens
- Carnival Opens: 5 pm
- Live Music
- Tim Hart: 7:45 pm
- American Standard: 9:15 pm
Y Men's Pavilion
- Adult Mud Volleyball: Noon

Come enjoy beautiful Lake Argyle while taking a relaxing morning pontoon boat ride on the lake as we watch for wildlife. Life jackets, binoculars, and field guides will be available, or you’re welcome to bring your own.
**Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 6 participants. ** 
Please email Bridget.Hinchee@illinois.gov or call (309) 776-3422 for more information or to register.

In preparation for the “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibition coming to BPL this fall, join us to view episode 1 of Ken Burns documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust.”

This has been 8 years in the making! It is time to celebrate all of the hard work and dedication that went into the construction of the Meierotto Family Trails!
Under the Bridge at Victory Park - 8 N Water St., Keokuk, IA
Everyone is welcome - Bring a friend!

Join the city of Quincy in its annual Freedom Fest! Taking place on the Mississippi Riverfront at Clat Adams Bicentennial Park (200 N. Front St.), this special 250th-anniversary (America 250) two-day event features live bands, a small-business street fair, children's games, and culminates with a massive grand fireworks display.

July 3rd, starting at 3pm at Clat Adams Park will open with Live bands, fair stalls, children's games, activities, and vendors. From 3:00-11:00pm!

Abingdon, Illinois, Farmers Market supports the local economy and the farm-to-table movement in Central Illinois. Est. 2025

Aledo, Illinois, is celebrating America's 250th birthday with a massive, multi-day 4th of July celebration for 2026. The festivities feature a downtown themed parade, the traditional Central Park celebrations, live music at the Mercer County Fairgrounds, and a spectacular 200-drone illuminated night show in place of a traditional fireworks display.

July 3, 4:00-5:30pm, A concert performance from Jack Carey sponsored by the Mercer County Ministerial Association

On July 3, 2026, from 6:00-7:00pm Aledo will travel back in time and explore the eras of American Freedom and Spirit with a themed parade happening in Downtown Aledo. Each float will be tied to a key period of time or trait and will be made up of community organizations, businesses and residents.

Parade Entry Form
https://www.aledoil.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1451

Friends and strangers alike are welcome to gather for our silent book club! Join us at *Homestead 1839’s barn (701 West Agency, West Burlington), the first Friday of the month, to spread out, cozy up, and share in your love of reading. You can choose to socialize and share what you’re reading (or not!) and enjoy mocktails and light appetizers. Registration requested.

Prairie Land Conservancy’s mission is to protect wildlife habitat, open spaces, natural areas, and
sustainable agriculture within west central Illinois. Their service area includes the following
counties: Adams, Brown, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Pike,
Rock Island, Schuyler, Tazewell, and Warren.
Prairie Land Conservancy is seeking a dedicated individual to join their Board of Directors.
Current board member Ross Braun has this to say about why you should join the board: “It’s a
way to make a difference by enhancing the great outdoors and improving our quality of life for
today and the future.”
PLC is seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expertise who are
committed to their communities. Ideal candidates should possess:
● A passion for conservation and wildlife and a genuine desire to make a positive impact
● Strong leadership and decision-making skills
● Communication and teamwork skills
● Experience in some of the following areas: Land Management, Public Relations,
Marketing, Fundraising, Accounting, Volunteer Management
● The ability to commit 3 hours per month at board meeting and committees, with 2-4
hours for periodic special events or volunteering
Board Members are expected to:
● Be active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
● Fully engage in identifying and securing financial resources and partnerships to advance
the mission
● Leverage connections, networks, and resources to achieve the mission
● Provide strategic and organizational planning
● Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the communities they serve
● Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the
boardroom and the organization

If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, or would like to nominate someone,
please contact the office for more information; by phone at 309-833-4747 or email at
Director@PrairieHillsRCD.org.
“We look forward to working together to protect natural spaces for both wildlife and humans,”
says Executive Director Victoria Livingston to future board members.