Is all the STUFF in your life driving you crazy? Do you spend too much time piling, sorting, and moving stacks from one place to another? Are you tired of searching for things? Aren't we all!

Learn how to reduce paper and clutter in your home and at work, easily locate those important notes and phone numbers, prevent interruptions, and save yourself hours of time and stress every week. Come to a program taught by Lois Smith, University of Illinois Extension educator in consumer and family economics. It will be Tuesday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. This program is open to anyone interested, so you will want to plan to attend. Your sanity may be at stake!

Ten Simple Steps…..

If you are interested in practical tips for making your 2009 garden more productive or improving your home landscape, you will be interested in this program. Ron McCollom, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener, will present a workshop on Wednesday January 28 at 1:00 p.m. in the Extension building. He will have helpful tips for all types of gardeners. There is no fee, but we need to know if you plan to attend by January 27 so that we can have materials available. Please call 439-3178 to get your name on the list.

Herb and Garden Show to be Held in Mt. Vernon

Gardening enthusiasts will want to check out the Midwestern Herb and Garden Show at the Times Square Mall in Mt. Vernon, February 13, 10:15 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 14, 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m., and February 15, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The show consists of 19 learning sessions plus lots of gardening-related exhibits and vendors. Topics range from organic herbs, to median irises and orchids, to bonsai and vegetable gardening, to herbal kitchen treats.

The event is free, and the public is invited. For a complete schedule, visit the SI Gardening website, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/hort and click on the News & Tips section. Or, call the Mt. Vernon Convention and Tourism Bureau, 1-800-252-5464.