New Kankakee County Extension Coucil members (L-R) Dianne Doss, Nancy Spice, Kelli Reynolds, Michael Roof, Chad Kalecki

The annual Reorganization meeting for the Kankakee County Extension Council was held at the Extension office on August 29, 2007. Dinner was catered by Armenise's 1875. Retiring Council members, Liz Deck andJohn Lillenthal, received Certificates of Appreciation and a subscription to Illinois Steward for completing four years of service on the Kankakee County Extension Council. Other members completing two or four year terms but not in attendance included: Cathy Allers, Sam Nicholos, Elizabeth Neveau, Jason O'Connor, Jill Pristach, and Judy Witheft.

New members joining the Council for two year terms include: Dianne Doss, Chad Kalecki, Kelli Reynolds, Michael Roof, and Nancy Spice. Additional members of the 2007-08 Council include: Jackie Boomsma, Mallory Boomsma, Annette Colbert, Francis Cordes, Steve Curren, Jr., Lucy James, Scott Jensen, Dirk Langfoss, Ida Thurman, John Thurman, Virginia Tummelson, and Larry Williams.

Kankakee County Extension staff members Beth LaPlante, Donna Nuger, James Theuri and Joyce Goodwinreviewed the annual Plan of Work for the comingyeardetailing educational programs and events.Other business included election of officers for the2007-08 year: Scott Jensen, chair; Steve Curren, vice-chair, Jackie Boomsma, secretary; and Annette Colbert, financial reporter. Scott Jensen, Francis Cordes, Nancy Spice and Annette Colbertagreed to serve as members of the Extension Board.Larry Williamsvolunteered to serve as representative to the North East Regional Advisory Committee for another year. Regular meetings for the 2007-08 year will be October 25, 2007; January 24, 2008; March 27, 2008; May 29, 2008 and the reorganization meeting on August 28, 2008. Council meetings will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Extension office and are open to the public.

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.