Learn marketing tips for selling at Farmers' Markets, and take advantage of the

opportunity to network with other vendors at a program on Thursday, April 2^nd from 5-7 p.m. Rules for the 2009 Benton Farmers' Market will also be reviewed, and participants will be able to provide input on market operations. The program will be held in the Extension Building on Route 14 West of Benton. A complimentary pizza supper will be provided by the Market. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. For additional information call 439-3178, or any member of the Farmers' Market Board.

Monthly Sewing Class for April

Come join the group and make an attractive quilt block that is tied on the sides to form a basket for holding Easter eggs, candy or bread. You will learn to piece angles and sew corners. The class will be held April 3, 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Extension Building and is taught by Alice Hunt. Call to register at 439-3178 before April 1 to reserve a space. A fee of $5.00 will cover all supplies, and sewing machines are available.

Communication is Vital During Stressful Times

As economic times continue to be difficult, the worry about job security, bills to pay, and resources needed for daily living can be constant.

"Most of us can handle the daily stressors. But, when the stressors begin to build, open communication with your spouse or partner is vital," says Milly Kaiser, University of Illinois Extension family life educator. "Without effective communication, stressful times are even harder to handle. We need to share and talk about problems to maintain a healthy outlook."

When people experience a crisis, they usually go through a pattern of emotional responses. Here is the general process one tends to go through when dealing with stress overload:

- shock or denial: results in disbelief of what is happening

- recoil: results in anger, guilt, blaming or bargaining

- depression: results in feelings of helplessness

- reorganization: results in accepting and recovering

In addition to understanding the process of dealing with a crisis situation, positive communication is also needed to help people move through these stages. Remember these points when communicating:

- Listen carefully to what the other person is saying. Don't interrupt, and avoid getting

defensive. Ask questions or re-state what you have heard for clarification; this also lets the other person know you are truly listening.

- Stay focused on the present issues and not the past issues.

- Try to see the other person's point of view. In a conflict, people want to feel heard and

understood.

- Admit when you are wrong. This sets a good example and shows maturity.

- Use "I" messages such as, "I feel frustrated when this happens." Rather than saying,

"YOU really frustrated me when . . ." This approach helps prevent the other person

from feeling attacked as you express your point of view.

- Look for a way to compromise or find a new solution that gives both what they want.

- Take a time-out when the discussion becomes unproductive, but don't give

up. Approach the situation when you can have mutual respect and willingness to hear

the other person's point of view. When communication cannot be respectful or when

conflict cannot be resolved, it's time to ask for help.