Are you unhappy with Internet over the phone line? Do you live in the country where a land line is not possible? What if you are in town and can get a land line? What is the difference between satellite providers, internet cards, service through your cell phone, etc. And what are the costs?

A program on Higher Speed Internet Options is planned for Monday April 20^th. There is an afternoon session from 1-3 p.m., and it will be repeated in the evening from 7-9 p.m. Both are in the Franklin County Extension Building on Route 14 west of Benton.

Richard Fitts, computer expert from Razor Consulting, will be the instructor. The fee is $5.00 per participant. Please call Franklin County Extension at 618-439-3178 by April 15^th to reserve your space.

Kitchen Keepers, Meals from a Can

With spring there is the potential for power outages in many parts of the state, so it is time to have an emergency supply of food on hand. While we do not know when or if an emergency will hit, planning ahead is recommended by Extension and numerous other government agencies.

When preparing a list of non perishable foods to purchase, take into account your family's needs and tastes. Familiar foods can help during times of stress. Foods should not only be enjoyed, but should be high in calories and nutrition. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross, foods that do not need refrigeration, water, special preparation or cooking are best for safe storage.

This would include ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans and soups, according to Jananne Finck, University of Illinois nutrition and wellness educator. Other shelf stable food not requiring refrigeration includes protein or fruit bars and dry cereal or granola.

Peanut butter and nuts are good protein alternatives to keep around also, if nut food allergies are not a concern. Dried fruit like apricots, apples, dates and raisins are a delicious option to include for rounding out your food list. Cans or boxes of juice are a nice choice too.

Do not forget crackers, which are available in many flavors and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods.

If a youngster or baby is in the home, canned or jars of baby food and formula are a must for pantry preparedness.

Lastly, be sure to have bottled water on hand.

When planning the amount and kind of shelf stable foods to have on hand, remember your food budget, and rotate the food to avoid loss of product. Check dates on foods, and be sure to use by the recommended date—using first in, first out practices. Replace food with fresh supplies, dated with ink or marker as needed.

When storing food, keep it in a dry, cool spot and in a dark area if possible.

Once the food selection is decided, be sure to have a manual can opener available, along with disposable plates, cups, napkins and utensils.

Consider combining some of the canned foods to give a new twist to familiar foods. Two recipes are given.

For more information on food and water in an emergency and for links to other state and federal agencies and organizations, visit University of Illinois Extension's Disaster Resources website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/disaster.

Peanut Butter Apple Raisin Spread

2/3 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup chopped raisins

1/4 cup applesauce

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients together. Spread on crackers or bread.

Nutrient analysis per serving: (Serving size: 3 tablespoons) 195 calories, 7 grams protein, 14 grams of fat, 13 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 133 milligrams sodium, 241 milligrams potassium. Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 meat, 1/2 carbohydrates, 2 fats.

Serves 6.

Trail Mix

Combine your selection of the following and store in air-tight container. You can use any combination of small pretzels; dry roasted peanuts, almonds or other nuts; small crackers; small chocolate coated candies; cereal; and raisins, dried cranberries, other dried fruit.