Classes and Events

Learn the essential techniques of freezing and drying to safely preserve food, extend shelf life, and maintain quality and nutrition at home.

WHERE: Centennial Library

WHEN: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 6:00 -7:30 p.m.

Learn the time-honored and science-based techniques to safety preserve food at home.  From jams to sauerkraut, this series will equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on skills to enjoy your harvest year-round!

Location: LINC Library and Innovation Center, 501 8th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631

To register for the classes: click the title of the class, and you will be redirected to the LINC Library registration page.  Registration for all classes will open March 17, 2026.

Spring Daytime Sessions: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, April 7, 14, 21, 28, and May 5, 2026:

Introduction to Food Preservation
Discover the basics of safe home food preservation. Learn how methods like canning, freezing, drying, and fermentation work, and how to choose the right technique for different foods. This session sets the stage with an overview of best practices, equipment, and safety guidelines.

Water Bath Canning
Capture the bright flavors of spring and summer in a jar! This class focuses on water bath canning—perfect for high-acid foods like jams, jellies, pickles, and fruits. Participants will learn step-by-step techniques, safety checks, and recipe ideas to get started.

Pressure Canning 
Preserve hearty vegetables, savory soups, and more with confidence. This class introduces pressure canning, the only safe method for low-acid foods. You’ll learn how to use a pressure canner, prevent common mistakes, and ensure safe, shelf-stable results.

Freezing & Drying Foods
Extend the shelf life of your favorite produce without canning. This session covers the ins and outs of freezing and dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and herbs while maintaining flavor, texture, and nutrients. Get practical tips for packaging, storage, and meal prep convenience.

Fermentation - Sauerkraut
Turn simple ingredients into probiotic-rich foods! This bonus class explores fermentation, focusing on Kimchi, but will talk about other fermentation opportunities (sauerkraut and yogurt). Learn about the science of beneficial bacteria, food safety, and how to add variety to your pantry with tangy, healthy creations.

Fall Evening Sessions: Tuesdays 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., August 25 and October 7, 2026:

Pickles & Peppers
Hands-on session making pickles and marinated peppers.

Sourdough Starter
Interactive session guiding participants in creating their own sourdough starter.

Health Without Barriers is a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) wellness program designed for families who want to build healthy habits, manage stress, stay active, and cook nutritious meals on a budget.  The 6-week program includes twice-weekly sessions with dinner and groceries provided, and the next session starts all of 2025 in Greeley, CO - open to all family members.

NoCo Health Without Borders Flyer(PDF, 2MB)

For questions and registration, please contact Natalia at (970) 286-5210 or email at HWB-NOCO@colostate.edu 

When: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., January 29 and February 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2026

Where: Birchwood Manor Senior Apartments, 2830 West 27th Street Lane, Greeley, CO 80634

For inquiries, please contact Sheila Beckley

Session 1: Long Shelf-life Healthy Snacks that are Budget Friendly - January 29
Explore shelf-stable, healthy, and budget-friendly snacks.

Session 2: Meal Planning for One or Two - February 5
Learn simple meal planning strategies tailored for one or two people - save time, reduce waste, and enjoy healthy, budget-friendly meals.

Session 3: Maximizing Freezer Space - February 12
Discover smart, space-saving tips to organize and maximize your small freezer - store more, waste less, and eat well on a budget.

Session 4: Budgeting Tips and Money-saving Ideas - February 19
Learn how to take control of your money, stretch your income, and find support—because it’s never too late to build financial peace of mind.

Session 5: Healthy Recipes - Low Sodium and Low Sugar - February 26
Discover tasty, easy-to-make recipes that are low in sodium and sugar—perfect for supporting heart health and overall wellness.

This training provides essential food safety information for restaurant and foodservice staff. It’s ideal for new hires and also serves as a helpful refresher for current employees. Topics include personal hygiene, foodborne illness prevention, cross-contamination, safe food temperatures, proper use of a food thermometer, and effective cleaning and sanitizing practices.

Please note: this training is not the Food Safety Manager Certification program.

There will be a two-hour online training with exam after the class.

Cost: Free to attend (normally $15).
Space is limited, and registration closes March 25, 2026. Register HERE to reserve your spot.

Date: March 26, 2026

Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Join us for a hands-on class where you'll learn how to safely can pickles and peppers using research-based methods for crisp, flavorful results.

When:     Monday, March 30, 2026
Time:       5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Carbon Valley Regional Library, 7 Park Avenue, Firestone, CO 80504

To register:   HPLD Calendar - LibCal - high Plains Library District 

Take part in a fun class where you'll learn how to create and care for your own sourdough starter from scratch.  Register for either the morning session or the afternoon class.

When:       Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time:         10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location:    Carbon Valley Regional Library, 7 Park Avenue, Firestone, CO 80504

To register: HPLD Calendar - LibCal - High Plains Library District

Join us for Building Brain-Healthy Habits, a program by the Alzheimer’s Association® that shares research-based strategies to support brain health at any age, including insights from the U.S. POINTER study. Learn practical ways to improve diet, stay active, sleep better, and build lasting healthy habits. Discover the 10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain and create a personalized plan to incorporate these habits into your daily routine—it’s never too early or too late to start caring for your brain.

Where: Greeley Place - 1051 6th St., Greeley, CO 80631

When: 1:30-3:00 p.m., June 24, 2026

Join us for the Wits Workout Program, a fun and interactive brain-training experience designed to keep your mind sharp through puzzles, memory challenges, and problem-solving activities. This evidence-based program, developed by Illinois Extension for older adults, also fosters meaningful social connections in a supportive group setting.

When:  Every Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., from June 10th to July 29th

Where: Pathways Hospice - Greeley (4075 W 11th St, Greeley, CO 80634)

This five-session program offers up-to-date research and practical guidance on strategies to support healthy aging. It is designed for individuals of all ages who are interested in learning ways to age. It is not designed for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The series begins with the Alzheimer’s Association presentation, Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body, which provides an overview of evidence-based strategies to promote healthy aging. The next topics include Nutrition for Older Adults, the Mediterranean Diet, Sleep, and Hypertension.  

Participants may register for a single session or attend all five sessions.

Wednesdays, August 26th to September 23rd, from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Water Valley Good Samaritan, 805 Compassion Drive, Windsor

To register, please call (970) 495-8560

Join our Pressure Canning Class and learn how to safely can your favorite vegetables, meats, and soups at home. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills.

Where: Riverside Library and Cultural Center - High Plains Library District (3700 Golden St, Evans, CO 80620)

When: 2:00-4:00 p.m., August 3, 2026

Join us to explore the delicious and healthy Mediterranean lifestyle! Discover how foods like vegetables, olive oil, fish, whole grains, and even red wine can support long-term health, including weight management and reduced risk of chronic disease. This engaging workshop will show you how to enjoy food mindfully while incorporating Mediterranean habits into your daily life—featuring recipes and tasty samples.

When: 12:30-2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Where: Clearview Library – To be determined whether class will be held in Windsor or Severance

Explore how to prepare kimchi and uncover the science behind its' fermentation in this class.

When:        Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time:          1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location:     Carbon Valley Regional Library, 7 Park Avenue, Firestone, CO 80504

To register:  HPLD Calendar - LibCal - High Plains Library District

Get moving—no matter the weather! Join the first class of this fun, low-impact walking program from Rutgers University. In just 15 minutes, you’ll walk the equivalent of a mile—right indoors. This session is a great way to boost your energy and stay active. Come try it out and take the first step toward a healthier you!

Where: Riverside Library and Cultural Center - High Plains Library District (3700 Golden St, Evans, CO 80620)

When: 11:30 – noon, October 19, 2026

Join us for A Matter of Balance Program, an engaging program designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling and stay active and independent. Through eight (8) interactive sessions, you’ll build strength and balance, learn practical fall-prevention strategies, improve home safety, and gain confidence with supportive group discussions and guided exercises. Light snacks provided.

When: 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. October 6 to November 24, 2026

Where: Riverside Library and Cultural Center - High Plains Library District (3700 Golden Street, Evans, CO 80620)

Join us for a fun and informative healthy cooking demo featuring delicious taste testing and a nutrition information booth! In partnership with the Food Bank, Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment, and CSU Extension of Weld County, this event also includes a mobile food pantry to support your family’s health and well-being.

When: 8:00 – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Where: Pierce – location is to be determined