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Welcome to the University of Illinois Extension Macon County website! Extension is the University's outreach to our community. Extension provides practical research-based information to make a positive difference in people's lives. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Today's Features

Two Job Openings in Macon Unit, University of Illinois Extension EFNEP/FNP Department

The EFNEP/FNP department is currently accepting applications for two program assistant positions. These paraprofessional positions support the implementation of University of Illinois Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Family Nutrition Program (FNP) under the direction of Extension professionals. The paraprofessional will work with local low-income individuals and food stamp eligible people to deliver specific programming in basic nutrition education, food safety education, and resource management (primarily in reference to food budgeting). The intent of these programs is to provide the target audience with educational services to help them improve the nutritional quality of their diets; develop good food budgeting skills and learn leadership and organizational skills.

Applications for these two positions will be accepted until 4:30PM on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Macon Unit Extension Office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur, IL 62521. For more information about these jobs and instructions on how to apply, please contact Phyllis Herring at 217-877-4533 or via Email paherrin@illinois.edu.

University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Check out Macon County HCE's new website

It's almost Thanksgiving and turkey is always a favorite! The U of I Extension website Turkey for the Holidays is loaded with information about cooking techniques, selection, nutrition, food safety issues, how to use leftovers and tasty side dishes to serve. The site also provides links to turkey farms and several sites about the history and lore of Thanksgiving.

For timely and honest discussions about money issues that matter.......

Visit the Plan Well, Retire Well Blog.

Information on the H1N1 Flu Virus ("Swine Flu")

Thinking of joining University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program this year. Check out this link for information on on-line training.

You can learn about U-pick pumpkin farms, pumpkin nutrition, varieties & selection, and fun activities for children.

Macon County Tip of the Week

The holiday season will soon be here.  To take the hassle out of preparing holiday meals, here are a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time.

  • Put together a vegetable casserole the day before your holiday meal.  Store in the refrigerator and bake the day of your meal.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables can be cut the day before serving.  Store in air-tight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Non-perishable goods, like cakes, cookies and breads, may be prepared a few days in advance.
  • Thaw frozen meat, poultry and fish in the refrigerator.  Allow approximately 24 hours for each 5 pounds of weight.
  • If you prepare meat, poultry or fish the day before your holiday meal, divide cooked meat, poultry or fish into small portions, place in shallow containers and refrigerate loosely covered.  After it has cooled, cover tightly.  The day of your holiday meal, reheat thoroughly to 165 F until hot and steaming.  It is safest to reheat foods only once.

Questions? Contact Anita Tyus, Community Worker, EFNEP/FNP at a-tyus@uiuc.edu

Macon County Extension Program Areas

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Macon County Unit
3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd.
Decatur, IL 62521
Phone: 217-877-6042
FAX: 217-877-4564
Email Us
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, Monday-Friday

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