Have you ever thought about joining HEA? Well, this is your chance! On Friday, September 21st, at 11:30 a.m., they are planning a get-together! So, get ready to have some FUN!!!! They are NOT having their annual Bazaar this year, but they still want to get together and have fellowship! Please bring a sack lunch/drink and join them for "visiting" at the NEW shelter in the Robinson Park. New HEA members signing up that day will receive a FREE one year membership! *** Don't forget the sack lunch/drink! ***

Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, September 18 from 5-8 p.m. is the 11th Annual Women's Health Night at the Robinson Community Center.

5-7 p.m. Booths, screenings and buffet

7-7:45 Speaker – Carol Dean Schreiner

7:45-8 p.m. Door prizes

This is always a fantastic event so come out for a good time. It is free to the public. If you would like more information, please call 546-2671.

Bring a relative or friend helpful gifts, such as postcards or envelopes with stamps, small change in a coin purse, perfume samples or a package of greeting cards or playing cards.

CRAWFORD COUNTY CAREGIVERS - The Caregivers support group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Robinson Public Library from 6-7 p.m. The purpose of the group is to meet, talk and exchange ideas, have educational speakers and have medical personnel provide information and answer questions. Although attendance is low the comments are made that this program is needed desperately. It is a no frill non-profit group. No money is involved. If you have a family member you are caring for or a friend please come. Being a caregiver is not easy. It is a very stressful 24-hour, 7-day a week responsibility. The group meets to provide ways to help make it easier. Information is available to take home.

LUNCH BUDDY PROGRAM - Are you bored and want something to do? If so, be a Lunch Buddy to a kid! You will feel better and a kid will know someone cares about them. Lunch Buddy Partners are needed. Contact Human Services Dept. at 544-3151.

We have a new website "Stepping Stones to Perennial Garden Design". The site offers information on site assessment, bed preparation and maintenance, and perennial selection and placement in the garden. A special feature is a garden design with a plant list in the Perennial Placement section.

You may visit the site at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/gardendesign/

- Martha Smith, Horticulture Educator

Carpet Spot Remover - 1 can shave cream, foam. Spray on spot. Use a damp clean cloth to wipe up. If spot is heavier soiled – rub foam in with finger tips and let set for 2-3 minutes. – Shirley Thacker

Cleaning Mesh Range Hood Filters - Most metal mesh filters can be put into the dishwasher for a heavy-duty cleaning. Use a hot-water wash cycle for best results and don't overcrowd.

Changing a recipe can produce a product that doesn't meet traditional expectations. However, some changes can be made that can result in an "acceptable" change or one that some people don't even notice. The following are some changes that might be acceptable for you & your family:

• Reduce sugar by one-third: Instead of 1 cup of sugar use 2/3 cup. This works best in canned and frozen fruits, puddings and custards. For quick breads/muffins, use 1 tablespoon of sugar per 1 cup of flour. Add vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg to help enhance flavor.
• Reduce fat by one-third: If a recipe calls for 1/2 cup fat, use 1/3 cup fat. This works best in gravies, sauces, puddings and some cookies. For cakes and quick breads, use 2 tablespoons fat per cup of flour.
• Omit salt or reduce by one-half: If recipe says 1/2 teaspoon salt, use 1/4 teaspoon. Do not eliminate salt from yeast breads or rolls–it is important for flavor and texture.
• Substitute whole grain and bran flours: Whole wheat flour can replace from 1/4 to 1/2 the all-purpose flour. If a recipe has 3 cups of all-purpose flour, use 1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour and 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
• Oat bran or oatmeal can replace 1/4 of the all-purpose flour. Bran cereal flour can replace up to 1/4 cup of all purpose flour.
• Do not try to substitute oil for margarine or shortening – they are not interchangeable when baking. A traditional recipe can still taste good and be good for two.
• Do not substitute lite or diet margarines for solid shortenings or regular margarines in baking. Instead, use less regular margarine.

- Lynnette Mensah, U of I Educator

BROCCOLI CHICKEN CASSEROLE - Ruth Frost

1 pkg. frozen broccoli &/or cauliflower

˝ c. chopped celery

˝ c. chopped onion

3 T. butter

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 small can sliced water chestnuts, optional

2 c. cooked regular white rice

1 can cream of chicken soup

˝ c. milk

1 or 2 c. diced cooked chicken

Pre-boil broccoli. Sauté celery and onion in butter. Add remaining ingredients, mix and put in buttered baking dish. Cover with buttered bread crumbs. Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes.

COTTAGE CHEESE DIP - Ruth Frost

1 c. nonfat cottage cheese

2 Tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise

Blend together and add any of the following:

3 Tablespoons minced parsley

2 Tablespoons minced onion

2 Tablespoons finely chopped chives

1 Tablespoons prepared mustard

2 teaspoons dill seeds

1 teaspoon horseradish sauce

Few drop of Tabasco sauce

Yields: 1 cup

1 Tablespoon equals 13 calories

HAVE LEFTOVER CAKE - Transform the cake: Break it into bite-size pieces and layer with your favorite softened ice cream. Freeze in a loaf pan. When you need a quick dessert, slice and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.