LaSalle County Friends of Ext & 4-H

08/07/2026

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We are so very excited to be celebrating our LaSalle County Hall of Fame recipient, Kayla Diss!
Kayla has been a dedicated 4-H volunteer, advocate, and Extension supporter, contributing her skills across multiple roles. As Poultry Superintendent, she not only oversees the county show but continually strengthens the program through workshops, showbook updates, and year-round guidance. She also represents 4-H on the Junior Fair Association committee, investing significant time in planning and advocating for youth. Balancing many responsibilities, Kayla consistently shows up with commitment and care. Her service, expertise, and willingness to go above and beyond have greatly improved the 4-H program and its opportunities for youth.
Join us in the Orr building on Sunday, August 16!

08/07/2026

🐝🏨 Calling all young nature enthusiasts! Join us for our Build a Bee Hotel program to discover the amazing world of native bees and other pollinators, then create your own bee hotel to take home using recycled and natural materials. Register online at go.illinois.edu/BeesNells

07/24/2026

Love plants, people, and lifelong learning? Become a Master Gardener and gain research-based horticulture training while making a difference in your community. Register by August 21 at go.illinois.edu/BLMPMG2026

07/21/2026

We are proud to have Terri Sancken on our LaSalle County Friends of Extension & 4-H committee. If you see Terri, thank her for all she does to promote 4-H.
Thank you, Terri!

https://issuu.com/shawmedia/docs/north_central_illinois_ag_mag_-_summer_2026

07/16/2026

07/07/2026

Thank you, Pacesetters 4-H Club, for this great reminder of the auction on Saturday, July 11th @ 4:30!

Want to donate an auction item? Please contact a committee member or comment here. All donations are greatly appreciated.
Committee members: Gail Hayward, Terri Sancken, Shelly Diss, Karen Pillion, Sally Hall, Kate Reed, Debbie Znaniecki, Cheryl Mathews

All proceeds benefit LaSalle County 4-H 🍀

Don’t forget to come out to the auction! Lots of great stuff, and even better baked items for that sweet tooth! 🍪🥧

07/03/2026

Join us at the Mendota Civic Center for the Jr. Solar Car Sprint! Youth will build and design their own solar-powered cars, then race them to test their creativity, engineering, and STEM skills.

Students entering 5th–8th grade will meet July 29–30 from 9:00–10:30 a.m., and students entering 9th–12th grade will meet from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. to create their solar cars. All participants will return on July 31 at 3:00 p.m. to complete final adjustments and prepare for the final race at 5:00 p.m.

The public is invited to attend and cheer on their favorite solar car as teams race for victory!

5th – 8th grade register here: https://go.illinois.edu/JrSolarMiddleSchool

9th-12th grade register here: https://go.illinois.edu/JrSolarHighSchool

06/30/2026

Capture the sweet taste of summer! Learn safe water-bath canning and freezer jam techniques while making your own delicious strawberry jam to take home. Whether you're new to food preservation or looking to refresh your skills, this class will help you build confidence in safe canning practices.

🔗go.illinois.edu/strawberryjamlacon

06/29/2026

06/23/2026

Join the Lunch n Learn series at Nell's Woodland , a monthly program for adults that combines nutrition education with a delicious make-and-taste lunch experience.

July's program features Chicken Shawarma and simple ideas for creating quick, healthy lunches and snacks.

🔗 go.illinois.edu/lunchnlearn