Three familiar faces in the counties–Maggie Friedenbach, John Swiech and Elaine Walter–have recently joined the Jo-Carroll Extension staff.

Maggie Friedenbach

Maggie Friedenbach is the new Recycling and Conservation Program Coordinator. Her position will be responsible for coordinating a range of educational programs for youth and adults emphasizing solid waste reduction, recycling and conservation.

Previously, Maggie worked for the Jo Daviess/Carroll Solid Waste Agency as Recycling Education Coordinator. The agency and University of Illinois Extension have collaborated on a number of projects over the years such as home composting workshops, waste oil collection programs and household hazardous waste collection events.

For questions on recycling and conservation or to arrange for presentations on these topics, contact Maggie at the Carroll County Extension, 244-9444.

John Swiech

John Swiech has joined the Jo-Carroll Extension staff as part of a working relationship between the Extension and the Mt. Carroll Community Development Corporation (CDC). The collaboration is funding John's new position of Community and Economic Development Coordinator for the Mt. Carroll area.

John, a charter volunteer of the CDC, will continue developing relationships, providing direct assistance and supporting a wide range of community and economic development activities that benefit the Mt. Carroll area. He can be reached through the Carroll County Extension office or at 815-244-4871.

Elaine Walter

Elaine Walter has returned to the Jo-Carroll Unit as Jo Daviess County 4-H Program Coordinator. Many of you may remember Elaine when she served the counties as summer youth program coordinator.

She grew up on the family dairy farm in Jo Daviess County and is a recent graduate of Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque majoring in elementary education. Her experience includes being a library assistant coordinating after school programs for youth, a camp counselor and working as a certified nurses assistant in a rehabilitation nursing home.

She will be based out of the Jo Daviess Extension office.

When your children are young, the thought of college expenses seems both very distant and daunting. Use the following strategy to save for college expenses early and let time work for you.

As your children age, and child care expenses decrease, divert the money you used for child care expenses into college savings. Because you're not used to having this money to spend, it will be easier to save

$$$

Make your savings difficult to get to. If you open a bank savings account, turn down the ATM card that may come with it.

Or, if you do choose to take a card, put it someplace that isn't convenient so you won't be tempted to make frequent withdrawals.

$$$

Free up cash. Reduce your debts and get rid of interest expenses. Spend less and look for ways to bring in extra cash.

Garage sales are a good way to generate money for your emergency fund or try selling your items through a resale shop. You may even want to consider checking into using eBay to sell items for extra income. You'll find more help on the Plan Well, Retire Well: website www.RetireWell.uiuc.edu

Many times children hear the expression, "money doesn't grow on trees." However, have you thought about how to explain this to a young child? While it is true that money doesn't grow on trees, there are several lessons to be taught from this simple expression.

Creating a financially savvy consumer starts at an early age and parents and caregivers are often the best example. Be aware that children learn from your words, actions, and tone of voice with regard to how you feel about money. Following are fun activities to help teach young children about money.

Play counting games with coins. This helps teach children how many pennies it takes to make a dime, how many dimes to make a dollar, and so on.

Use catalogs and magazines to pick out wants and needs. This activity helps your child learn they can't have everything.

Make a birthday card for a grandparent or friend to teach that sometimes you can make something cheaper than buying at the store.

Give your child a certain amount of money to pick out a toy or back to school item. This can teach about money limits and making choices.

These activities are seeds. Help the seeds grow, and you will help your child start a healthy financial future today!

Some resources to help children learn about money are:

Federal Reserve
www.federalreserveeducation.org/fred

Money on the Bookshelf: (University of Nevada Extension)
www.unce.unr.edu/Western/SubWebs/MoneyOnTheBookshelf/Index.htm

Office of Illinois Treasurer – Kids Education Program
www.state.il.us/treas/Kids/kids.htm

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
www.jumpstartcoalition.org

Did you know that American kids spend more time with media than they do going to school? Or that they spend time watching TV than hanging out with family or friends, reading for fun, in physical activities, or on hobbies?

It's true! A 2005 study found that 8-18 year olds spent an average of 6 1/2 hours a day watching TV or using other kinds of media like DVDs, videos, computer games, or being online.

This is more than time spent hanging out with parents or friends (2 ¼ hours each), in some kind of physical activity (1 ½ hours), pursuing a hobby or other activity (1 hour), or reading (45 minutes).

Bullying was most likely a problem when you were a child. It continues to be a problem in that for the victims it may mean pain that can last a lifetime and for those that bully, an increased chance of having a criminal history.

What can parents do on either side of this coin? Let's begin with the victim side.

First be sensitive to possible signs your child may be a victim of bullying. You will likely see changes in at least one of three main areas:

Personality–Is your child more withdrawn; insecure or anxious, depressed or moody, or talks of suicide?

Health–Does he or she feel ill in the morning before going to school, have unexplained bruises or cuts; have a loss of appetite or change in sleep patterns?

Behavior–Has your child begun to avoid going to school, had a drop in grades, a lack of friends, asked to walk or be driven (afraid to ride the bus), rushes to the bathroom after school, is starving after school (lunch or lunch money taken), needs extra money or school supplies or has missing or tattered possessions?

You suspect your child is being bullied

First, don't overact. Wait until you are calm. Then, talk with your child, siblings, and/or teacher:

Ask your child: Are you being picked on? Is someone bullying you?

Connect with your child on a daily basis, asking about the day. Realize your child may deny it because he is embarrassed, afraid, thinks he should handle it or thinks there is nothing you can do to help.

If your child denies it, ask generally: We had a bully when I was in school, do you? Is there someone who bothers others on the bus?

If still no answer, ask a sibling or child's friend. Often she knows before others. Or ask your child's teacher. If not aware, the teacher can begin to notice. It will also open up an opportunity to plan together.

Take information seriously

If your child tells you something, take it seriously. Don't say: Maybe they didn't mean it.

Don't accuse your child: Did you do something to him?

Identify with your child's feelings: What did you do when he did that? Do you know what you will do if it happens again?

Explain your role. One of my jobs as parent is to keep you safe. Can we talk about what you might do? Do you think this might work?

Bullying is on the bus: Can you sit behind the bus driver? Can I drive you to school or have another parent/buddy drive or walk with you?

Bullying between classes: Loners are more vulnerable. Have you tried walking with others? Can you avoid areas you know the bully is or go to your locker at different times?

·Warn against hitting or reacting aggressively back. It could escalate or endanger your child, especially if the bully has a weapon.

·Explain the importance of staying calm and not overreacting. Tell her to relax and breathe deeply when anxious. This will slow down the heart and help us think more clearly. Speak calmly, slowly and in a deep voice. High pitched, fast-paced voices communicate fear.

·Make your child conscious of the power of his body language. Maintain eye contact. Don't look down at the floor. Stand straight with shoulders back. Walk confidently.

·Brainstorm possible reactions. Have you tried:
Ignoring and walking away. Being assertive. I don't like you pushing me. Stop it. Own it. Yeah, I'm short. So what?
Compliment the bully. Yeah, I'm short. You're tall. It must be great to be tall.

·Make arrangements for your child to go directly to and from school and home.

·Talk to the school. Let them know what you are doing, and expecting of your child.

·Let your child know the behavior you expect and believe and expect the best from him/her.

·Have your child right any wrongs. Restore damaged or stolen property, do chores to pay for replacing property.

·Get help or support. Talk to a mental health counselor, guidance counselor or faith leader; join a youth development group, etc.

Other things to do

·Invite friends over for your child.

·Arrange social times with adult supervision.

·Minimize violent toys, games, TV, movies, and music. Discuss non-aggressive ways to handle problems and stand up for yourself.

Speak to teachers, counselors, not to blame, but for a team approach

1.Set limits of acceptable and unacceptable behavior with consequences for bullying.

2.Intervene when you see your child bully at home.

3.Limit exposure to violent games, TV, movies, and toys. Research has shown a direct correlation between media violence and aggressive behavior.

4.Watch shows with your child. Ask: "How could he have solved the problem without fighting?"

5.Teach sensitivity and empathy to others' feelings. Ask, "How do you think you would feel if someone said that to you?"

6.Identify signs that tell how others feel–a frown, looking down, anger. Ask "Did you see the look on his face when you said that? How do you think he felt?"

7.Remind them of a time they were teased or bullied. "How did it feel when your cousin teased you?"

8.State social facts. "It can hurt others when we call them names. Is there a reason you want to hurt his feelings?"

9.Express understanding when your child is experiencing strong emotions. "I can tell you are upset. Can I help?"

10.Acknowledge thoughtful actions. "That was good you took a break to calm down."

11.Teach that emotions can be expressed nonviolently. "I understand you're angry. What else could you do besides hurt others?"

12.Teach patience and talking through problems. Understand a child's temperament. Impulsiveness or short attention spans, will more likely hit or yell. "You both want the toy. What are some ways to solve this problem?"

13.Teach by example. Children watch how you handle emotions and problems.

14.Provide opportunities for your child to do good for others. "It felt good to take cookies to the new neighbor."

Patti Faughn, Family Life

Judy Taylor, Youth Development

What will we do if Mom becomes ill and can no longer manage on her own? Approaching sensitive subjects like caregiving for family members or older adults can be difficult at best.

When family members have to pull together to make caregiving decisions, old festering relationship problems can suddenly resurface. Unresolved family issues of unfairness can continue to influence or damage relationships.

It may be hard to approach the issue of caregiving calmly when there are strong feelings about what might happen and how things should be done. There may be great differences of opinion and conflicting views among family members. Eventually, one person in the family will need to take charge and bring up the subject in conversation.

Planning discussions give family members a chance to air their worries and anxieties. An open discussion can help all involved, including the family member who needs care, understand the different viewpoints and reduce misunderstanding.

Start the discussion when everyone is calm and rested. Explain that planning ahead is preferable to waiting until a crisis occurs. It may help to talk about caregiving situations that have happened in other families.

When talking with the older person, family members might begin by saying something like, "Chances are that you will be healthy for a long time, but if you would begin to need some additional care, we want to know your wishes."

It is important to try to get all family members involved. If some refuse to assume caregiving tasks, however, others cannot force their involvement. Families should not feel like they have failed if they must seek outside help.

Diane Ryals, Family Li

The blouse doesn't fit. The toy is missing a wheel You may be able to simply return it. Stores are not required to take returns or give refunds. However, most stores do have some form of refund or return policy. Some stores will give refunds only if you have your receipt and only if you return the item within a certain number of days. Some stores will not give a refund; they may give a store credit or replace the item.

If the item you buy is defective, the store should replace it or give you a refund if you return it within the store's time limit. A store does not have to replace something that was marked "AS IS."

If you pay by check, the store might not refund your money until your check has cleared at the bank. If you pay by credit card, the store will credit your account instead of giving you a cash refund.

Start by making a written plan for holiday spending and gift giving. Think about how much you can afford to spend on gifts, decorations, holiday meals, and travel. Set a spending limit for gifts for each person. Include limits on other items in your spending plan. Start looking for bargains early.

If it's been a tough year for you, think about cutting back on what you usually spend. Talk with friends and family about not exchanging gifts, drawing names so you give fewer gifts, or setting dollar limits on gifts.

Decide if you are going to use a credit card for holiday spending. If you use only cash, leave your credit cards at home. You won't be tempted. If you write checks, be sure to record each in your register and figure the balance before writing another check. Stay within your limit!

If you need or want to use a credit card pick just one to use for your holiday spending. It's easier to control your spending with one card. Write your spending limit on an envelope and put it in your wallet. When you use your credit card, write the amount on the envelope and subtract it from your limit. Put the receipt in the envelope. When you've reached your limit, stop using your credit card!

URBANA - One in six Americans may have diabetes but most of them don't know it, according to the American Diabetes Association.

"Diabetes could be called a 'silent disease' because many sufferers have no symptoms or, if they do, are ones that are easily overlooked," explained Karen Chapman-Novakofski, University of Illinois Extension nutrition specialist. "The number of adults who have the disease and know it is about equal to the populations of Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa combined."

As November is Diabetes Month, Chapman-Novakofski believes it is the perfect time to schedule an appointment for an annual physical. "Be sure to ask to have your fasting blood glucose taken, and to find out the results," she said. "That is the test that can reveal whether or not you have diabetes."

U of I Extension has several diabetes-related websites. Your Guide to Diet and Diabetes (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/diabetes2/) has helpful guidelines for those with diabetes to follow to ensure the correct diet. Recipes for Diabetes (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/diabetesrecipes/) has recommendations for foods and their preparations. And Chapman-Novakofski supplies information to Diabetes Life Lines (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/diabetes/index.html) a site with information about the disease.

"As we get older, many think it is natural to have to urinate more often," Chapman-Novakofski said, describing one of the frequently overlooked symptoms. "Termed 'polyuria,' frequent urination can be a symptom of diabetes.

"Blurred vision can also occur when blood glucose levels rise, and may be easily overlooked by thinking that his is also an age-related condition."

She recommended visiting the Your Guide to Diet and Diabetes website to learn more about diabetes, how it is diagnosed, and how it affects your health.

A number of great web sites are available through University of Illinois Extension that provide information on natural resource topics for youth and adults.

Composting for the Homeowner http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/homecompost/ provides detailed information on composting materials, methods, and uses.

Let's Talk About Insects www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/insects/guide/index.html is designed to help students ages 9-11 gain an appreciation of insects; learn how insects grow and develop (metamorphosis), and learn the importance of insects in our environment.

Environmental Awareness - Knowing Your World www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/world/ has lessons and activities designed for 4th and 5th graders to learn about acid rain, global warming, water resources and other environmental topics.

These web sites, along with many others, can be found within the University of Illinois Extension web site at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/.

Duane Friend,
Natural Resources

For many American families, shared mealtimes are less and less common. Yet most families feel that it is very important for families to eat together frequently.

Children benefit emotionally and physically from eating meals together as a family. Mealtimes create and support family identity. A large national study of American teenagers found a strong link between regular family meals, academic success and positive psychological adjustment.

In addition, rates of alcohol use, drug use, early sexual behavior, and suicidal risks are lower when families eat meals together. When parents and children eat together, they tend to eat healthier foods. Children eat more fruits, vegetables and dairy foods and less high fat, high sugar foods.

Here are some tips to help your family find time to share a meal.

Make it a family priority. Challenge your family to eat at least one additional meal together next week.

Reduce pre-dinner stress. Your arrival home may be stressful. Your little ones may be hungry, crabby and clingy. If children get hungry before everyone arrives home, have a healthy snack ready.

It doesn't have to be dinner. If dinner doesn't work for your family, try making breakfast the family meal. If it's impossible to eat together everyday, set aside specific days for family meals.

Show that family meals are important. Turn off the TV and don't answer the phone while you are eating. Newspapers can be read after the meal.

Eat around a table. It is easier to talk and listen when you are facing each other.

Enjoy meal talk. Make easy conversation–don't nag or complain. Allow everyone a chance to talk.

Keep mealtime short. A child needs enough time to eat, but sitting patiently for a long time is too much to expect. If kids get fussy, your family meal won't be fun.

Quick Sweet Bread Mix

Makes about 11 1/4 cups

6 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 Tbsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 cups shortening

1.In a large bowl, blend flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.

2.Use a pastry blender, fork or your fingers to blend in shortening until evenly distributed. Spoon into a 12-cup container with a tight fitting lid. Seal container. Label with date and contents.

3.Store in a cool dry place. Use within 10 to 12 weeks.

Banana Nut Bread

Makes 1 loaf – 16 slices

3 3/4 cups Quick Sweet Bread Mix

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup chopped nuts

2 medium bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)

1.Preheat oven to 325º F. Grease one 9x5 loaf pan or two 7x3 loaf pans; set aside.

2.In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring to blend. Turn into prepared pan or pans.

3.Bake 50 to 60 minutes in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

4.Cool on a rack 5 minutes. Turn out of pan. Cool right-side up.

NUT RITION FACTS (per slice): Calories 250, fat 12 g, calories from fat 100, sodium 190 mg, total carbohydrate 35 g, fiber 1 g

With the holidays, many youngsters will want to help in the kitchen. University of Illinois Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture recommend parents/adults review the following food safety rules with their children:

·Wash hands with soap and warm water before cooking or preparing food.

·Wash the preparation areas with soap and warm water before you cook.

·Keep hands away from the face, hair and pets. If you touch your pet, wash your hands again before preparing food.

·Wear clean clothes or a clean apron.

·Use a clean spoon every time you taste. Germs from your mouth can get in the food.

·Don't sneeze or cough on food.

·Keep the cooking area clean as you cook. If you spill something, clean it up right away.

Store foods the safe way. Keep dairy products like milk and yogurt, meat, poultry, and eggs cold. Don't leave them out of the refrigerator while you are cooking or eating. Perishable foods should not be at room temperature for more than two hours

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in a recent news release advised consumers that "...cooking raw poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF will eliminate pathogens and viruses."

Previously it was recommended poultry be cooked to higher temperatures. The single minimum internal temperature requirement of 165ºF was recommend by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods.

Research indicates that food borne pathogens and viruses, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and the avian influenza virus, are destroyed when poultry is cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF. FSIS recommends using a food thermometer to monitor or check the internal temperature.

Also, consumers should handle raw poultry carefully. A few tips include washing hands and surfaces often, separating raw meat and poultry from cooked foods, and promptly placing foods in the refrigerator or freezer.

This minimum temperature is suggested, however, consumers for reasons of personal preference, may choose to cook poultry to higher temperatures.

If you have questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline (888) 674-6854. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 am to 4 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

skinned chicken pieces or pork chops

2 tablespoons oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon chopped thyme or

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 cloves garlic, minced

Mix oil, lemon juice, thyme and garlic. Place chicken/pork in shallow container and cover with mixture. Refrigerator 30 minutes. Preheat grill or broiler. Cook chicken/pork until tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (chicken) or 160ºF for pork. Makes 4 servings.

Nutrient analysis per serving (using 3 oz chicken breast): 160 calories, 20 grams protein, 1 gram carbohydrates, 8 grams fat, 49 milligrams cholesterol, trace of fiber, 56 milligrams sodium, 228 milligrams potassium. Exchanges: 3 meat, 1 ½ fat.

The marinade uses herbs rather than salt to flavor the chicken, resulting in a tasty low sodium entree.

Source: University of Illinois Extension FNP/EFNEP

·If a cake recipe calls for two eggs, use one egg and two egg whites. The fat in eggs is in the yolk. You will reduce the fat by using one less egg yolk.

·In cakes and bar cookies, you can use pureed fruit, such as applesauce for part of the fat. If a recipe calls for one cup of oil, you can use a half of cup of oil and a half of cup of applesauce.

·In cake or cookie recipes that call for milk, use low fat or skim milk.

·Cakes need about ½ cup of sugar for each cup of flour; if the recipe calls for more than this you can reduce the amount of sugar. Look for recipes that have smaller amounts of fat and sugar.

·Choose desserts that have fruits or vegetables in the recipe, such as carrot cake or apple crisp.

·Select desserts that are naturally low in fat and sugar, such as fresh fruit or angel food cake.

1 bag (16-oz.) frozen sliced peaches

¼ cup raisins

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¾ teaspoon apple pie spice

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup whole wheat flour

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons chopped pecans

¼ cup regular margarine

Place peaches in 9-inch square baking dish. Microwave at 50% (Medium) for 4 to 8 minutes, or until defrosted, stirring once. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain. Stir in raisins, lemon juice, and apple pie spice. Spread evenly over bottom of dish. Set aside.

In small mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and pecans. Cut in margarine to form coarse crumbs. Spread over fruit mixture. Microwave at High for 6 to 10 minutes, or until peaches are tender and mixture bubbles around edges. Serves 9.

Nutrition analysis per serving: 167 calories, 7 gm fat,

1 mg cholesterol

Jananne Finck, Nutrition and Wellness

While we don't know when or if an emergency will hit, planning ahead is always a good idea and recommended by numerous government agencies.

When preparing a list of non perishable foods to purchase, take into account your family's needs and tastes. 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 don't 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. 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. 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.

Don't 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 jarred baby food and formula are a must for pantry preparedness.

Lastly, be sure to have bottled water on hand.

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