Kankakee County Extension Council met August 29, 2006 at the Extension Office. It was an opportunity to recognize retiring Council members, as well as, welcoming new members while enjoying a dinner prepared by Country Table.

Nancy Spice and Ron Strawson were recognized for 4 years of service and Karen Dietrich for two years. They received a Certificate of Appreciation and a subscription to The Illinois Steward. New members joining Council for a two-year term include Jackie Boomsma, Dirk Langfoss, Scott Jensen and Larry Williams. Mallory Boomsma will serve a one-year term as a youth representative.

Business included election of officers for the coming year: Scott Jensen, Chairman; Francis Cordes, Vice-Chairman; Jackie Boomsma, Secretary; and Annette Colbert, Financial Reporter. Future meeting dates will be November 7, 2006; January 2, 2007; March 6, 2007; and May 1, 2007. The Executive Committee will meet at 7:00 p.m. with the full Council meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.

Additional members of the 2006-07 Council include: Cathy Allers, Steve Curren, Liz Deck, Lucy James, John Lilienthal, Sam Nicholos, Elizabeth Neveau, Jason O'Connor, Jill Pristach, Ida Thurman, John Thurman, Virginia Tummelson, and Judy Witheft.

Extension Council serves as an advisory body to the Extension County Director and Extension educators to help determine the educational programs Extension will provide in the county. Members serve as liaisons between the public and Extension by helping to identify issues, recruiting volunteers and resources, as well as, offering feedback and evaluation of the overall programs of Extension. Council members are ambassadors in letting others know about Extension and how it can help meet their needs. We appreciate the commitment these individuals have made to serve the residents of Kankakee County through serving on the Kankakee County Extension Council.

Don't miss the remaining opportunities to shop at the area's Farmers Markets.

• Summer Saturday Market in downtown Kankakee, Schuyler Avenue & Merchant Street through October 14, 2006

• Wednesday Market in Meadowview Shopping Center, Kennedy Drive & Blockbuster parking lot through October 11, 2006

• Manteno Thursday Market at the corner of Division & Main in Manteno through October 12.