Lake County Extension staff has continued to work hard to address current county issues related to its program areas. Though this has been a year of uncertainty for Extension with State and County budget shortfalls, the good news is that we survived with all revenue appropriations expected in the FY 2009. The bad news is that we have been told to plan for a 5,10,15% reduction over the next 5 years.

Welcome to our new University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana Associate Dean of Extension and Outreach Dr.Robert Hoeft who was the University of Illinois head of the Crop Science Department since 2005. He was raised on an irrigated crop-livestock farm in Nebraska with a BS and MS in agronomy from the University of Nebraska and PhD in Soil Science from the University of Wisconsin.

We also would like to welcome all our new Foundation and Council board members that have joined with the Extension staff to make a difference in our communities and county. You will find new member names following this message.

We wish each of you a joyful and blessed holiday season!!!!

James E. Reaves

County Director, Lake County Unit

The University of Illinois Extension, Lake County is pleased to announce the appointment of several "citizen advisors" serving on the Extension Advisory Council. These volunteers have an opportunity to discuss how community problems can be addressed through informal education programs. They include Melvin L. Bobo, III, Pam Garland, Kathie Hayden, Robb Kristopher, Mary Ross-Cunningham, Mary Lou Tallon, and Tameka M. Wilson.

The Council provides a means for citizens to participate in planning, marketing, delivering and evaluating Extension educational programs. It also provides a means for local people to reflect their views, opinions and concerns regarding current issues. In addition to providing linkages with agencies communities, organizations, and policy makers, members also assist with resource development and volunteer recruitment.

The Lake County Extension Foundation's sole mission is to encourage and raise funds to support the University of Illinois Extension Lake County.

Extension provides programs in Horticulture (Master Gardeners), Youth Development (4-H & Urban), Consumer & Family Economics, Nutrition/Wellness.

There are many new members this year, including: Barbara Tomczak, Stephen Cole, Treopia Cannon, Owens Franklin, Velma Gordon, Mark Jones, Jane Ellen Keroson, Jennifer Lee-Gilbert, Don Tekempe, and nick Tufano. Thank you for your time, energy and commitment.

FALL LISTING OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OFFERED

For the most recent programs, go to our Upcoming Events Calendar online at lake.extension.uiuc.edu

Find more information about the programs as well as registration and fees at the Lake County Extension website. The following table is current as of newsletter publication.

October 24, 2009 - Basket Weaving

Join a workshop to learn to make a wonderful, large basket called the 'little shopper'. You will receive all the materials. This workshop runs from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, presented by Bill Shorts. Class size is limited. Fee is $35 to be paid at time of the workshop. Pre-registration is required; please call 847-223-8627.

Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Lake County Extension Office

100 S Highway 45

Grayslake, IL 60030

October 27, 2009 - The Fourth Season: the Garden in Winter

Spring brings a renewed desire to garden. By summer, the garden is in full bloom. Fall brings a rich harvest of vegetables and flowers. What about winter? The winter garden can still have beauty, but we must plan for it. By selecting a variety of plants that provide winter interest, the garden can give pleasure all year round. Learn what plants give that winter interest and be planning now for that "fourth season".

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

100 S. Highway 45

Grayslake, IL 60030

November 12, 2009 - Fiber for You

Learn how to incorporate more fiber into your daily meal plan without adding intestinal distress. The workshop will focus on the importance of fiber in the diet, label reding, and identifying fiber rich foods.Instructor is Lynnette Mensah, U of I Nutrition and Wellness Educator. Call the Vernon Area Public Library District, at 847-634-3650 ext. 109 to pre-register.

Time: 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Vernon Area Public LIbrary District

300 Olde Half Day Road

Lincolnshire, IL 60069

November 13, 2009 - Gifts from the Heart / Kitchen - Afternoon

Attend this creative workshop to inspire some ideas for gift giving this year. Attend either in the afternoon at 1:30 - 3:30, or go back to the "Upcoming Events" and choose the evening time of 6:00 - 8:00 PM.You will receive recipes and make some gifts to take home. Also get great ideas so this gift-giving season goes smoother. Fee is $20 to cover cost of the materials. Attend this event at one of two times. To pre-register online for the 1:30PM event click below.

Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

100 S Highway 45

Grayslake, IL 60030

November 18, 2009 - Memory Fitness

FITWITS: Fostering Improved Thinking While Incorporating Training StrategiesKeeping your wits fit requires more than just doing crossword puzzles or word searches. There is increasing evidence that brain health is directly related to body health. This should come as no surprise since the brain and the body function interdependently. However, most people think more about keeping their bodies fit or their hearts healthy than working at maintaining a healthy brain. By attending the FITWITS program, you can learn more about the aging brain and what you can do to keep your brain healthy and engaged.Presented by Giesela (Gigi) Grumbach, Family Life Educator, U of I Extension.Pre-registration is requested. Call 847-223-8627, or go online by clicking below to pay by check or credit card. There is a $10 per person charge for non-HCE members.

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Lake County Extension

100 S Highway 45

Grayslake, IL 60030

November 19, 2009 - Legislative Update 2009

This is the third of 3 telenet sessions in the local government education series. This session will provide all local government officials with a review of current State and Federal legislative issues. Officials will learn the progress of these State and Federal legislative issues and the impact they have on Illinois local governments and the communities they serve. The series is broadcast over a statewide audio-conferencing system through Illinois county Extension offices. Each Tele-Institute qualifies for 2 hours of general Certified County Officials (CCO) credit. This telenet focus is on local government issues, however the program is open for the public to register as well. Please call (847) 223-8627 to pre-register; $5 fee for non-government participants.

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

100 S Highway 45

Grayslake, IL 60030

December 15, 2009 - Blues, Blahs, and Bouncing Back

Everyone goes through times when they might feel down or blue, but what can we do about it? This lesson will cover the difference between regular "blues" versus depression, techniques for bouncing back, and insights on helping others. Presented by Giesela Grumbach, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Family Life. Call the Vernon Area Public Library District at (847)634-3650 to pre-register.

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM

Vernon Area Public Library District

300 Olde Half Day Rd

Lincolnshire, IL 60069

January 21, 2010 - Your Retirement Dollars: Rules for Taking Distributions from Tax-Deferred Retirement Savings

If you have money in a previous employer's 401(k), or you're retired and deciding when to begin taking withdrawals from your IRA, this may be the workshop for you. Maybe you need to make decisions about rolling over or taking distributions from a retirement plan. Learn how to avoid tax penalties, when you must start taking money out, what rules apply if you inherit your spouse's IRA, and what happens to the money when you're gone. Pre-register by calling the Ela Area Public Library District, at 847-438-3433.

Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Ela Area Public Library District

275 Mohawk Trail

Lake Zurich, IL 60047