They say there is a time for all things, and I have decided it is time to end my full-time employment with University of Illinois Extension. I will retire as Franklin County Extension Director on May 31^st.

I have worked almost 39 years as Extension Adviser/Home Economics, Area Nutrition and Wellness Educator, and Unit Leader/County Extension Director in several southern Illinois counties. It has been a very busy and fulfilling career!

Extension is a research based, un-biased source of information for local citizens. The goal is to bring helpful information from the Land Grant University out into the state. Through the years, I have seen many changes in the organization. However, there have always been countless numbers of people who have benefited from the information and services provided.

Crop and livestock producers have been able to increase their profit margin. Families have received assistance on everything from nutrition to resource management to improving relationships. Several small businesses have been established and are thriving today as a result of guidance from Extension.

Youth in the 4-H program have learned life and leadership skills. And, yes, I have seen former 4-Hers grow up to have successful careers and become important community leaders. Some of them have even chosen Extension as a career.

One of those individuals will be the Interim County Director until the position is filled permanently. Annette Campbell of Ewing was a 4-H member during my tenure in Gallatin County. She began her Extension career in Franklin County, also worked in Jefferson, and is currently the Regional Communications and Marketing Educator. She has served as Interim County Director in Jefferson and Randolph Counties, and is housed at the Franklin County office.

Annette will work with Jennifer Newbury, Alice Hunt, Marc Lamczyk, Cindy Bauman, Barb Waterbury, Joyce Petty, and Janet Braden to continue to serve Franklin County. With the current budget uncertainties, it will likely be a few months before the position is filled.

I have truly enjoyed working with all the people that Extension touches, and that is the part I will miss the most. However, I won't be that far away and hope to see many of you from time to time. I also hope to have more time to spend with my family—including three grandchildren. More time for travel and hobbies will also be welcome.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts over the years!

Strawberries Are Great Nutrition Bargain

It's fresh strawberry time and a great time to include this tasty fruit in your meals and snacks.

"Since fresh fruit isn't made in a factory, it doesn't have a nutritional food label," says Martha Winter, nutrition and wellness educator with University of Illinois Extension. "But if fresh strawberries did have a label, it would show that they are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber."

In fact, one serving of medium-size strawberries (about 8) has more vitamin C than one orange, 20 percent of your Daily Value for folic acid, and no fat or cholesterol.

Strawberries will not ripen further after picking. So, choose the ones that are brightly colored, firm and have the caps attached.

When you bring home a box of berries, gently empty it and check the fruit. Use soft, overripe berries for eating right away. Throw away any smashed or moldy berries. Then, store the remaining berries in the refrigerator, loosely covered with plastic wrap or a paper towel until ready to eat. Use berries within one to two days.

Once strawberries are hulled and cut, they quickly lose their vitamin C content, so prepare them just before serving.

Fresh strawberries taste great just as they are, but you may also want to try the recipe below.

Strawberry Dip

3 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons sugar

8 ounces vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup crushed fresh strawberries

Blend cream cheese and sugar. Beat in yogurt and strawberries. Refrigerate until serving time. Serve with fresh sliced fruit and berries.

Online Bulletin Keeps Farmers Alert to Field Problems

Area crop producers can get up-to-date information in the weekly Pest Management and Crop Development Bulletin published by University of Illinois Extension. The bulletin includes timely information about current crop conditions as well as weed, insect and disease pests.

The bulletin is available free of charge at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag