Welcome
From the County Director
Where would we be without electricity? During the ice and snow storms this past winter, many families were called upon to experience just such a meager subsistence, some for an extended period of time. We might begin to wonder how our pioneer ancestors were able to survive such challenges.
Electricity is an invisible force that affects almost everything we do in our daily lives. Our morning alarm greets us with news, weather, and music from our favorite radio station. The hot water heater is prepared for our warm shower each day as we prepare for work or school. We enter a dark room and automatically flick on the light switch. The furnace or air conditioner is set to a comfortable temperature and automatically provides a welcoming environment in our home. Meal preparation is simplified with an assortment of electrical appliances and gadgets even the youngest member of the family can appreciate. Computers, televisions, DVD players, answering machines ... even the garage door opens at the press of a button. On and on our modern day conveniences go!
University of Illinois Extension invites you to review the highlights in this annual report as local residents build a brighter tomorrow. Each electrical outlet features an "Extension" cord that represents the different programming efforts and partnerships that allow you to establish new personal and professional connections. The resources and educational experiences available through University of Illinois Extension in the Ford-Iroquois Unit Office are research-based and continue to open circuits that can make a difference for you, your family, and your community in the 21st century.
Ford-Iroquois Extension staff members and dedicated volunteers encourage local residents to plug into and explore new heights of learning through face-to-face meetings and workshops, distance delivery programs, 4-H community club activities, printed resources, along with our web site (www.extension.uiuc.edu/ford). The Ford-Iroquois Extension Line newsletter is published on a monthly basis and provides timely articles and details of upcoming events and opportunities. In addition, the Extension Update on Ford-Iroquois Agriculture provides a series of short agriculture related news items each week for area producers and agribusiness representatives.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to our major contributors: Iroquois County Board, Ford County Board, Ford-Iroquois 4-H Federation, Ford-Iroquois Extension & 4-H Foundation, Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau, Ford-Iroquois Pork Producers, Ford County HCE, Ford-Iroquois Agribusiness / Extension Partners, Iroquois County HCE, and other individuals and businesses.
Sincerely,
Karen Moore,
County Extension Director
