This will be the last news column I write as Franklin County Extension Director before my retirement on May 31^st.

The best part of my Extension career has been all the people I have had the privilege of working with. I have enjoyed the opportunity to help people almost every day, and that is what makes Extension a great organization. I know that many of you will continue to be involved with Extension programs because you also know the benefits.

As usual, Franklin County has a busy summer planned. Watch this page for details. We would like to welcome Rebecca Heathcoat from Benton as a summer assistant. She will be working with cooking schools, sewing classes, other out of school programs, and The Fair. She just finished her junior year at U of I Springfield, and is a history major with a communications minor.

My position won't be filled until more is known about the budget for this year and next. Annette Campbell is very capable of handling things on an interim basis, but remember that she also has a full time job as regional communications educator. Barb Waterbury, Cindy Bauman, Marc Lamczyk, Jennifer Newbury, Alice Hunt, Janet Braden, and Rebecca will do their best to provide information and assistance as you need it.

I will still be in touch from time-to-time, so until then—thanks for all the help and support!

Monthly Sewing Class to Feature Rice Pack

Monthly sewing class for June 5, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will be making a Rice Pack and a Chicken Pincushion. The rice pack is used as a muscle relaxer. Just heat it in the microwave and apply to sore muscles. We will also make a pincushion that is filled with rice and is a nice addition to any sewing room. There is a $5.00 charge for class and all supplies and sewing machines will be provided to make projects. Call 439-3178 to register. Plan ahead to attend the July 3 class where we will make a Bargello Flag.

Youth Cooking Schools Set

In today's convenience society of frozen dinners, take-out food and restaurant meals, some families rarely cook at home. But University of Illinois Extension is working to change that trend through its Youth Cooking School program.

The main focus of Youth Cooking School is teaching kids how to cook and properly use the kitchen. But, the school offers much more than cooking experience. Kids also learn how to read food labels, plan healthy meals, keep food safe, and prevent foodborne illness.

The first Cooking School of the summer runs June 15-17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day at the Aquatics Center in West Frankfort. There is no fee to attend. This valuable program is made possible through a federal nutrition grant. Other sessions scheduled this summer are June 22-24 at the Extension Building near Benton, July 27-29 at the Zeigler Public Library, and August 3-7 at the Christopher Community Building.

Class size is limited, and advance registration is required. For more details and to register, contact U of I Extension in Benton, 618-439-3178, or email franklin_co@extension.uiuc.edu. If dietary or disability accommodations are needed to participate in this program, please indicate when registering.