The fall season is quickly approaching. With it comes many changes. The beautiful fall foliage creates a new look to the landscape. The crisp, cool air reminds us that the summer heat and humidity are lessening their intensity. Family routines are also changing with the beginning of the new school year and busy schedules involving athletics, 4-H, and other activities. Prices at the grocery store and gas station also continue to fluctuate. Who would have thought that $3.47 gasoline would sound like a bargain?! We face change in our everyday lives.

Some changes are easier to cope with than others. In some cases, we may not agree with the decisions and changes being announced. However, the old adage of "if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten" encourages us to embrace change and follow the 4-H motto "to make the best better".

University of Illinois Extension has experienced many changes during the past six months as well. The funding crisis from this past spring has created many changes in programming and policies. It has also taught us many valuable lessons. The organization as a whole is looking at new ways for sustainability. One of these will be the introduction of some program fees.

There are still many uncertainties in the financial situation for the FY09 state budget and how Extension fits into that picture. In addition, the 4-H premiums we will receive from the Illinois Dept. of Ag for this year's summer fairs have been reduced by 8%. We appreciate all the support and letters written to our legislators expressing your concerns and encourage you to continue this communication with our elected officials.

Staff responsibilities at our office changed over the summer, also. Feel free to contact us for information and programming needs during the coming year.

Kimberly Rahn has been a state funded Youth Development Educator in the Ford-Iroquois Unit since January 2001. This past year, the line item in the state budget in support of this position was eliminated. Local funds were identified to continue Kim's role at 65% rather than full time. However, when state funding was restored in late July, Kim returned to fulltime. She will continue to work closely with all aspects of the 4-H program (community clubs, volunteers, local and state fairs). Kim's goal is to meet the needs of our youth by serving on community coalitions and working closely with local schools. Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) will be one of the new program opportunities that Kim will be introducing this year.

Aimee Chandler served as the 4-H Program Coordinator in our office for the past six years. Beginning this fall, Aimee's duties will focus on 4-H livestock project requirements. In addition, she will be presenting Ag in the Classroom (AITC) lessons in area schools with funding through Farm Bureau's AITC grant and local partners. She will also be coordinating the Ag & Natural Resources workshops, PSEP trainings, and other regularly scheduled meetings in the Unit.

Ellen Luhman has coordinated the Family Nutrition Program (FNP) in the Unit since March 2000. Under her leadership, the program has grown extensively and reached youth and adults with a message of healthy eating habits balanced with plenty of physical exercise. Food safety and money management round out the topics that are presented through programs, newsletters, and displays. Ellen, who is endearingly called "the food lady" by school children, will be increasing her time spent in FNP from 75% to 90% with her remaining duties in support of 4-H and other activities in the Unit.

Deanne Holste has been a Community Worker in the Unit since October 2005. During this time, she had a split appointment between FNP and 4-H Youth Development. Effective July 1^st, Deanne will be working closely with the 4-H community clubs, summer 4-H show preparation, and 4-H Federation. She will also be the contact person for HCE lesson materials.

Helen Heins is the friendly voice and smiling face that greets you when you call or stop by our office. Along with her clerical duties, Helen is proficient in submitting quality photographs electronically through the Distance Diagnostics through Digital Imaging (DDDI) system. Weeds, diseases, and insects are quickly identified and clientele receive a recommendation for treatment through this process. Helen has worked in the Ford-Iroquois Extension Unit for the past eleven years. In April, clerical staff across the state were given revised job titles. Helen's new classification is Office Support Associate.

It is my pleasure to work with such an outstanding group of staff members in the Ford-Iroquois Unit. Each year, we work with local program planning committees to determine and prioritize the programs that need to be included in our annual plan of work. Community leaders and organizations may contact me for information and assistance in the area of Community & Economic Development. Were you wondering if I've had any changes in my job as well? Yes, I've been promoted from County Director Level 1 to Level 2. Same person, same job and responsibilities, just a new title.

In addition to the areas outlined above, we provide many other resources and educational opportunities for your consideration. Visit our website at www.extension.uiuc.edu/ford for more information.

We look forward to working with you in the coming year.

- Karen Moore, County Extension Director

September is National Preparedness Month, and U of I Extension is a partner in this 5^th annual campaign to reach out to communities in every state and help all families and communities be better prepared.

Community Preparedness

Retailers and service providers should seriously consider making preparations to protect their clientele against accidents or unexpected disasters that may occur in their establishment. NOW is the time to make objective decisions for an emergency plan rather than waiting until the flurry of the moment. Having a written plan will assist employees in meeting current needs in a timely and effective manner. Business owners and supervisors should also educate their employees about proper policies to follow while at work.

Droughts … floods … hurricanes … tornados … fires … terrorism. Disasters kill hundreds of people, and injure thousands more, each year in the United States. A few steps to be prepared can help to keep you safe. University of Illinois Extension provides information to help you be better prepared for disasters.

Being disaster prepared is more than just knowing what to do in case of a tornado or a fire. It's also about maintaining a 72-hour disaster supplies kit for your home, office and car.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

¨ Three-day supply of non-perishable food

¨ Three-day supply of water (1 gallon of water per person per day)

¨ Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries

¨ Flashlight and extra batteries

¨ First aid kit and manual

¨ Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper)

¨ Matches and waterproof container

¨ Whistle

¨ Extra clothing (think "warm" in case you live in a cold climate)

¨ Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener

¨ Photocopies of credit and identification cards

¨ Cash and coins

¨ Special needs items (prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution, hearing aid batteries)

¨ Items for infants (formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers)

¨ Other items to meet your unique family needs

Email or call our office to request your copy of the "Are You Prepared?" Disaster Quiz to help you assess your family's level of preparedness / knowledge.

Stay safe and be prepared!

Ford-Iroquois Extension sadly announces the loss of one of our own.

Diane Slack passed away August 23, 2008 after a short illness.

Diane was a lifelong English and Art teacher in the Gilman area. After her retirement, she came to work for Extension in 2001 as Extra Help Clerical staff.

Sympathies are extended to her family and friends.

Diane will be missed greatly!

All meetings are held at the Ford-Iroquois Extension Office unless otherwise noted.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these programs, please contact our office at

815-268-4051.

These Extension advisory council meetings are open to the public & are held in the Ford-Iroquois Extension

Office, 912 West Seminary, Onarga, IL.

¨ September 4, 7:00 p.m.

¨ December 4, 7:00 p.m.