•November 1, 2023•

Americans celebrate Thanksgiving each November, thus kicking off a holiday season that lasts until January 1. Though many see November as the start to a festive time of year, there’s even more interesting and fun facts about the eleventh month of the year.

1. Like various other months on the calendar, November has something of a misleading name. November gets its name from the Latin word “novem,” which means “nine.” But today November is the eleventh month of the year. So is November a misnomer? Not exactly. November was the ninth month on the early Roman calendar. However, when the Gregorian calendar was adopted and the Julian calendar was abandoned, November kept its name if not its spot in the monthly pecking order. Hence, November is still known as “November” even though it’s now the eleventh month of the year and not the ninth. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

Millions of people insist no holiday meal is complete without some pie for dessert. Pie served with coffee certainly makes for a fitting end to a holiday meal, and hosts can serve any type of pie and still end up with some satisfied guests.

Though pie afficionados typically have their own go-to pie, pumpkin pie is especially popular at the holiday dinner table. Hosts who want to cater to the masses can serve up the following recipe for “Pumpkin Pie” courtesy of Emily Luchetti’s “Classic Stars Desserts” (Chronicle Books). Featuring homemade pumpkin purée and cream, this recipe is sure to make guests happy this holiday season. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

Rural King Farm & Home Store recently announced the launch of its new scholarship program, designed to empower and support aspiring students in pursuit of higher education. This program is part of a larger education initiative which focuses on providing avenues for continued education, growth, and professional development for our associates and in this case, their dependents.

The Rural King Scholarship Program is comprised of scholarship opportunities with two exceptional partners, Eastern Illinois University, and Lake Land College. Both organizations will be offering in-person and online scholarships providing unique educational opportunities to our associates and their dependents who meet the eligibility criteria across all our 130+ locations companywide. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

With community support, the Illinois Deer Donation Program’s 2022 season yielded 8,414 pounds of ground venison donated to 37 food pantries. The program, delivered through University of Illinois Extension, connects hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to support food security in east-central Illinois.

The 2023 hunting season began October 1. The Illinois Deer Donation Program will continue its efforts in Clay, Coles, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Macon, Moultrie, Piatt, and Shelby counties – and will expand to serve Champaign, Clark, Crawford, and Edgar counties. Read More

•November 1, 2023•

by Jenna Braasch

Media Communications Coordinator, Illinois Extension

Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our communities, providing many long-term benefits to the public. Routine maintenance and proper care techniques contribute to a longer, healthier life.

“Trees improve the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life,” says Sarah Vogel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “Whether in natural areas, parks, gardens, street boulevards, or private yards, keeping trees healthy depends on everyone.”

Many who care for trees are not certified arborists but carry out similar work as the profession. Community Tree Care is a hybrid series of training opportunities for individuals performing tree care work looking to build on their knowledge. Topics range from tree basics to tips for professionals. Read More