Please join the Macon County HCE ladies on an excursion to the Festival of Trees & Lunch at the Chesapeake Seafood House.

Date: Monday, November 23, 2009
Time: 10:00 am Departure Time

Please meet at 10:00 am at the Decatur Conference Center in the West parking lot. We will then carpool to Springfield, Illinois.

Cost: Festival of Trees - $5.00
Lunch: Chesapeake Lunch Buffet - $9.00

Lunch Buffet - Fried Chicken, Broiled Fish, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Green Beans, Corn, Mashed Potatoes, Salad and Dessert

We will be eating lunch at 11:00 am before we go to the Festival of Trees.

To register: Please call 877-6042 by November 20, 2009.

Join us for our Holiday Craft & Food Workshop

Presented by Jennifer Schultz - Nelson & Mindy L Peterson

December 9, 2009 at 10:00 am - 12 pm or December 10, 2009 at 5:30 - 7:00 pm

at University of Illinois Extension Macon County. The cost is $10.00

If you missed our October Lesson on Home Protection and Identity Theft, you missed some great information from Officer Jones of the Decatur Police Department. Take time to check out some valuable information that was presented on page 4 & 5 of the newsletter. Important emergency phone numbers are also listed.

Helpful Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft:

According to the FBI, Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States with more than 10 million victims each year. There are some things you can do to help protect yourself.

• Bring your mail in daily—don't leave mail in your mailbox.
• Keep a list of all your credit accounts and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Immediately report lost or stolen credit cards.
• Request copies of your credit report from each of the national credit bureaus and review them for any questionable entries. By law you are entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the credit agencies (1-877-322-8228).
• Do not carry your social security card or your birth certificate around with you. Keep these tucked away in a safe place.
• Be aware and note when your monthly financial statements arrive in the mail. Notify your financial institutions when they don't arrive when expected.
• Watch your financial statements and ensure all charges made are yours.
• Keep your ATM and Debit Card receipts, do not leave these behind.
• Shred every piece of mail containing personal and financial information.
• Never give any credit card, bank, or social security information to anyone by telephone, unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate. Ask the caller to send your information by mail.
• Don't transmit personal information over the internet unless it is a secure site, and don't reveal personal information in emails.

Again, none of these tips are guaranteed to prevent identity theft. You just want to make it more difficult for someone to steal your identity.

Personal Safety Tips - Three Simple Rules of Safety

• Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings wherever you are. Don't be taken by surprise. Be aware and be prepared.
• Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't show fear. Don't look like a victim.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation leave right away and get help if necessary.

On Foot

• Choose busy streets and avoid going through vacant lots, alleys or other deserted areas. At night, walk well-lighted areas whenever possible.
• Try not to walk or jog alone. Take a friend or neighbor along for company.
• Get to know the neighborhoods and neighbors where you live and work. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where the police and fire stations are located.
• Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Avoid pickpockets by carrying your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front trouser pocket.

In Your Car

• Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll be gone only a short time.
• Keep your car in good running condition and keep the tank at least a quarter full; lock doors while driving.
• If your car breaks down raise the hood and place emergency reflectors or flares. Then stay in the locked car. When someone stops to help, don't get out. Ask him or her through a closed or cracked window, to telephone the police to come and help.
• If you're coming or going in the dark, park in a well-lighted area that will still be well-lighted when you return.

Thanks to the hard work of Sharon Middleton and her husband Clarence, Macon County HCE has a brand new website. Take time to check out all of the great information and upcoming events that are on the website.

Check it out at : www.mchce.org

October 28

HCE Fall Meeting
9:00 am at Extension office

October 31
Pennies for Friendship deadline. Send to Sharon Middleton

November 9
HCE Board Meeting 9:30 am

November 9
RSVP for all Fabulous Friday events by 12:00 pm

November 13
FABULOUS FRIDAY 9:00 am—2:30 pm

November 26 & 27
Extension office closed for Thanksgiving

November 28
Festival of Trees 10:00 am

December 1

Deadline for Unit treasurers to send dues for 2010 to Cathy Burgess, 2nd V.P. Checks should be made to Macon County HCE

December 14

HCE Board Meeting and Potluck 9:30 am

17,000 sandwiches in three days…
329+ volunteer slots…
2000 hours of time…

Those are just some of the rather staggering numbers that were announced after the Farm Progress Show. But they really tell only a small part of the story. Show exhibitors, attendees and Farm Progress Show Management were impressed with the job done by Extension staff who managed the food tent and the volunteers who staffed it.

HCE members joined with 4-Hers and their families, Master Gardeners and others to keep the food service running smoothly. Grilling pork chops, making sandwiches, moving equipment, serving hungry customers (who often ate their food while walking from one exhibit to another) and cleaning up the area at the close of the day—those were some of the assignments the volunteers handled. Some signed up for a single shift, some for an entire day and a few for all three days. Macon County HCE President Karen Halicki was in charge of "Pork Chop North" for the entire three-day event.

Sausage gravy on a biscuit, grilled pork chop sandwiches and ice cream, made on the site, were favorites with the crowd. On Thursday (the last day of the show) one exhibitor was heard to say he was buying two pork chop sandwiches because he wouldn't be able to get one the next day. Among the variety of cookies offered, chocolate chip was the Number 1 choice.

Thanks to the hard work of some of our HCE members, Macon County HCE received $735.00 for their volunteer time. What a great way to not only give back to the community, but also to help HCE raise money!

The new Extension building at the north edge of Richland Community College will be the location for the HCE Fall Meeting. Reservations were due October 19. Those attending will be pleased to see the new facility and to enjoy new chairs in the meeting room.

"Recycling Through the Ages—Quilts, Cell Phones and Milk Jugs" is the theme, so plan to decorate a table with recycled items, wear a hat made of (or decorated with) recycled items for judging. The hat that best reflects the recycling theme will win a prize (HCE dues for one year) for its creator.

Registration will be handled by Oakley Unit and Hickory Point Unit will provide food and coffee for our morning break.

There will be an opportunity to donate small electronic items for recycling and to dispose of batteries.

Are your creative juices active? If you have made anything during the past year you would like to enter in the display of arts and crafts, please bring those items (with an identifying tag). We hope these items can be held until Fabulous Friday when they will be displayed and entries selected for the IAHCE Convention in March.

Plan to return the ballots for 2010 programs at the meeting.

Donations for the holiday stockings for service personnel at the Danville Veterans Hospital may also be brought to the meeting. The list of needed items is listed below.

Here is a list of some of the needed items.

Spray deodorant
T-shirts (new)
Mouthwash
Briefs or Boxers (new) Size (30-32) and (34-36)
Pocket combs
Socks (new)
Shampoo
Like-new or new tennis shoes
Hand liquid soap
Like-new jeans, jackets
Long-sleeve flannel shirts
Body powder
Fleece wear—sweat pants, sweat shirts
Toothpaste, Toothbrush
Stationery kits (paper, pen, envelopes, stamps)
Shaving Cream, Pre-Shave, After-Shave Paperback Puzzle Books (word search, etc.)
Disposable razors
Paperback Westerns (Z. Grey, L. L'Amour)
Individual bag snacks
Canteen Books (very popular)
Laundry soap powder "free"
Gift Cards (phone cards, gas cards, etc.)
Decaf coffee (2 lb. container)
Mesh or canvas draw-string duffle bags

August 10th Meeting

President Karen Halicki called the meeting to order at 9:40 am. Karen led us in the pledge to the flag and Homemakers aim. Nine units were represented with fourteen members attending.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved as corrected. The motion was made by Nancy Muirheid and seconded by Carol Flitz to accept the minutes as corrected, motion carried.

Treasurer's Report:

Sharon Middleton. Sharon presented the report and it will be filed for audit. The motion was made by Cathy Burgess and seconded by Carol Flitz to pay bills. The motion was carried.

Officers Reports:

President's Report:

Karen Halicki. Karen asked if we want to continue selling food at the Decatur band concert.

Margaret Leonard made a motion that we continue. The motion was seconded by Carol Flitz, and the motion carried. We will send a thank you note to Doug Harlan complimenting the youth workers who helped us this summer. We will sell food at the band concert tonight.

1^st Vice President:

Minnie Poll. Minnie reported that attendance has been good at lessons.

2^nd Vice:

Cathy Burgess. The membership has been the same. The proposed new unit Park Place will not be formed.

Board of Directors:

Community Outreach/Family Issues: Loretta Kibler

Loretta mentioned several projects. She discussed donations to charities and discussed making stockings for soldiers project.

International: Margaret Leonard. No report.

Public Relations:

Nancy Muirheid. Nancy needs your news items today if possible.

Cultural Enrichment:

Carol Flitz. Carol showed us some paper piecing items she had made and shared some items from the Decatur Magazine concerning places we could visit and activities we could attend. She shared a schedule of old time baseball at Rock Springs.

Program Coordinator:

Mindy Peterson. The September lesson has been rescheduled.

We will have to replace one of the lessons scheduled for Fabulous Friday . We will have program planning this afternoon to plan for next year. HCE can work at the Farm Progress Show. HCE will get money for each person working. Eighty workers are needed per day.

New Business: The District conference is Aug 19th at the Springfield Northfield Center.

Happy Birthday President Lincoln is the theme. A short discussion was had concerning county trips. Cinda Stocks will serve our fall meeting luncheon. Registration will be handled by the Oakley Unit, refreshments will be by the Hickory Point Unit and all units will decorate using the recycle theme. The cost of the meal will be $8.50. Motion was made by Sharon Middleton and seconded by Margaret Leonard to keep the cost at $8.50.

Deadline for registration will be the 19^th of October. A motion was made by Loretta Kibler to use the theme "From Quilts to Milk Jugs Recycling Thru the Years" and the motion was seconded by Cathy Burgess. The motion carried. Then after discussion, the motion was rescinded.

Sharon Middleton made the motion to rescind the motion and it was seconded by Margaret Leonard. After much discussion a motion was made to use the theme Recycling thru the Ages Quilts, Cell Phones and Milk Jugs. Motion made by Nancy Muirheid and seconded by Margaret Leonard to use this new theme. The motion carried. A hat contest will be held at the fall meeting. Hats will be made of recycled items. The first prize will be a one year membership to HCE.

Announcements:

Aug 10th annual program planning meeting.

Aug 10th bake sale at Central Park

Aug 19th District meeting

Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am

Respectfully submitted,
Vicky Wooten
Secretary

Mt. Zion Unit

The August meeting was a tour of the cemetery at Rosemond, Illinois. Hidden among the trees atop a small rise, stands an impressive statue of Abraham Lincoln. The 11-foot tall bronze statue has a seven-foot tall granite base. It was erected in 1903. Many graves in the cemetery are of people who lived during the life of the sixteenth president. Lunch was in Pana and then we drove to Shelbyville to see the murals on the walls of the businesses in town. After a stop by Bloomers Gift Shop we headed home. Ann Buchanan, our cultural enrichment chairman arranged the trip. It was enjoyed by all the gals.

Our September meeting was at the home of Ann Buchanan. The roll call—What I did this summer—was answered by 13 members. Ruth Gibson told us about the tomato tasting program conducted by Mindy Peterson at the Extension office. It was a special treat to learn about the different varieties of tomatoes and to learn different ways to prepare them. Reports of recent HCE activities were presented and future plans were discussed. Our unit plans to take part in the activities of HCE Week and the HCE Fall Meeting on October 28. We are looking forward to that meeting in the new facility. Refreshments were provided by Carol Flitz and Helen Kingston. Our next meeting is October 21.

Reporting Carol Dilbeck

Hickory Point Unit

Merrill Dees hosted the meeting in her home. Sharon Middleton gave us an interesting report on the activities of the county HCE Board. We especially enjoyed hearing about her work at the Farm Progress Show. She said the food tent was very successful. It is our tradition for the hostess to share an object of special interest. Merrill showed us a beautiful china doll that had belonged to her grandmother. We know her grandmother must have been very proud to have such a lovely doll.

The Hickory Point Unit met October 13, 2009 at Virginia Spengler's, one of our new members. After a business meeting, we collected our 2010 dues, lunch fee for the Fall Meeting and Pennies for Friendship. We had a wonderful book review of "Stealing Lincoln's Body" by Sybil Foster. What an interesting part of history many of us had not heard and with Sybil, history becomes very interesting and enjoyable. After the book review, Virginia served us a wonderful treat that befits the season, a pumpkin dessert. Another enjoyable time spent with HCE members.

Reporting Louise Wickline

Elwin Unit

September 16th found the Elwin Unit enjoying a picnic arranged by Dorothy Albert. Eight members and a guest met at the Macon Park. Elinor Strasma presented the lesson and several of the group showed photos from the Farm Progress Show.

Our October meeting will be a luncheon at the Raspberry Tea Room in Elwin.

Reporting Florence Flenner

Oakley Unit

We attended the Craft Day at Rock Springs and made outdoor chimes from flower pots, butterfly feeders and enjoyed visiting with HCE members while eating lunch. Our regular meeting day fell during the Farm Progress Show, and several of our members worked at the food tent. At the October meeting in Patty Lovekamp's home we made name tags for the HCE Fall Meeting.

Reporting Lucille Knapp

Patchwork Unit

Our September meeting was at the Maroa Library. President Ruth Darelius led the meeting. We decided to make cookies to sell at the elevator during harvest season again this year. Some of our members will also be baking cookies for the cookie walk on November 21. Those cookies will be for sale at the library. Karen Halicki reported on meetings she attended during the summer. In November we will be making crafts. New members are always welcome.

Reporting Cindy Hoffman

Ellaveech Unit

Tuscany was the location for our meetings in September and October. We missed a few months, chiefly because of the physical problems of some members. We are pleased to report several of our group are much improved. Eight attended the October meeting, the largest number in quite some time. We regret that it has not been possible to have one of our members attend the Living Well Lessons. Our president, Barbara Abbott, has kept us informed about activities and has helped us by sharing printed materials when they were available. We made our contribution to Pennies for Friendship and checked the HCE Program Booklet for upcoming activities.

Reporting Rosemary Donahue

Pleasant Grove Unit

August 28 was a chilly morning, but an exciting one, as the Farm Progress Show was about to begin. Pleasant Grove members joined with other members of HCE and guests to tour the grounds of Progress City. Aboard a tram pulled by a large tractor, we were guided by Cindy Laegeler, RCC Progress City chief operating officer and Matt Jungman, Farm Progress national shows manager. We were impressed with the size of the grounds and the size of some of the equipment on display. Several comments were heard about the landscaping and potted blooming flowers that made the area beautiful and welcoming.

For some of us the highlight of the morning was the tour of the RCC horticulture department, led by Dave McLaughlin. Thanks to everyone who cooperated to make the day possible.

That morning we were saddened to learn that Gene Wall, husband of our new member Barb Wall, had passed away. Barb was added to the list of our members who have lost their spouses during the last year. We are reminded of the need to enjoy and give thanks for our loved ones and friends each day—tomorrow is an unknown.

Several Pleasant Grove members attended the Living Well lesson on Reflexology on September 2. After the lesson and our business meeting we had lunch at the Cow Depot where we were joined by Carol Dilbeck of the Mt. Zion Unit. It was great to have her as a guest. Annabelle Farrell and Mary Shelton showed us the items they made at the Craft Day at Rock Springs. Tot Schuman reported on the tomato tasting. She was also our hostess for the day.

Reporting Gladys Levery

Sunnycrest Unit

Betty Trebacz entertained us at a picnic in her flower filled back yard. We talked about the fall County HCE Meeting and discussed the hats to be made with recycled materials.

Our September meeting was at JUNZ—a very nice place with lots of good food to choose from. Six members attended. Ann Stringer was hostess. All officers have agreed to serve again next year. The price limit for secret pal Christmas gifts will be $10, and the Christmas meeting will be at Tuscany.

Reporting Mary Cuppernell

Rock Springs Unit

Millie Zanders' sun porch was the setting for our salad luncheon on August 12. Minnie Poll presented the lesson on wellness. Joan Tirpak told us all the things coffee filters can be used for. The Goody Bag was won by Gloria Marques. It was contributed by Lois Miller.

Millie Poll hosted eight members at her home in September. Lois Miller gave the lesson on Richland's Culinary Arts Program. The special feature, by Maxine Mussulman, was a poem from Abe Lincoln on harnessing the wind. Emma Lou Beams brought the goody bag, which was won by Lois Miller.

Reporting Millie Zanders

Boodette Unit

We met at the home of Beverly Kraus. Eight members attended. Jean Lane gave the lesson on Fruits and Vegetables. She brought unusual ones for us to sample and told us how many servings we need each day and what amount is a serving. We all thought we should eat more vegetables. Inez McLaughlin will host our October meeting.

Reporting Joan Myers

Norma J. Howard, R.N., reflexologist and owner of Healthy Soles, was the presenter for the lesson which will be used by many units in October. Norma informed us that there are indications that reflexology was used by the Egyptians as early as 2330 B.C. Reflexology as it is practiced today was researched and developed by Eunice D. Ingram, a physical therapist.

Ingram's book "Stories the Feet Can Tell Through Reflexology" was published in 1938. Norma's work as a nurse led her to recognize the need for options in the care of certain patients. She studied the Ingram Method and a therapy program developed by Janet Metgen, a nurse in Colorado who used energy based care in her practice.

Reflexologists do not diagnose, prescribe or treat for specific conditions. They touch people on many levels—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Benefits from reflexology are thought to include increased energy, relief of chronic pain and tension, improved nerve pathways and blood supply, and the development of a sense of well-being.

From information provided by Carol Dilbeck

New information, new skills and an opportunity to be of service—all will be a part of Fabulous Friday on November 13. Beginning at 9:00 am we will be making and filling Christmas stockings to be taken to the Danville Veterans Hospital. If you have small amounts of holiday-themed cotton fabric, plan to bring it along. We will also need pinking shears, small scissors and one or two additional sewing machines. If you have these items to lend for the day, please indicate that when you register for Fabulous Friday. Items to fill the stockings (see list on page 3) will be collected at the Fall Meeting, but you may also bring them to this meeting. We hope to make at least 30 large stockings for the veterans. (Please note, this session is a change from the information in the HCE Program Book).

Memory Fitness is the topic of the 10:30 session. The speaker will be Cammy Sequin, Family Life Educator. Keeping 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 FIT WITS program, you can learn more about the aging brain and what you can do to keep your brain healthy and engaged.

A pulled pork BBQ lunch will be served at a cost of $5.00 per person. Please also RSVP when calling to make reservations for FAB Friday. During the lunch hour those attending will have a chance to view and discuss the arts and craft items being considered for entries in the judging during IAHCE Convention in March.

Jennifer Nelson, University of Illinois Extension Educator, with the Master Gardener Program will help us make small terrariums beginning at 1:00 p.m. Please bring along your favorite jar and/or container to create your terrarium in. We will use a little bit larger plants so that you can work with them better. The cost for this workshop is $5.00. The $5.00 will help cover the cost of the plants and materials needed for the project. The day looks to be full of learning and fun. Register for one or all of the activities by calling Mindy Peterson, 877-6042 by noon Monday, November 6.

Happy Thanksgiving! It's that time of year again. The cold and snow will be upon us and we will be wondering what happened to summer. I've been getting my winter coat and gloves out. I've retired from driving a school bus this year and have so enjoyed the mornings, especially when it was foggy out and I didn't have to drive in it. Sit back and enjoy the rest of your newsletter and find out what other units are doing. Remember to take it easy and enjoy life.

Karen Halicki—President

1st Vice President
Minnie Poll

I understand that the monthly lessons have been well attended which is good. I only want to remind each of you to be sure to call on the scheduled date to let hem know that you will be there to get the lessons and then to remember to attend. If we don't have enough members attend they could be discontinued and I'm sure that none of us want that. Thank you so much for the good attendance we've had.

2nd Vice President
Cathy Burgess

Our newest member is Margaret Chalifoux, who has joined Pleasant Grove Unit.

Unit 2nd vice presidents should pick up an affirmative action report at the registration table at the HCE Fall Meeting. These should be completed and returned to me by December 1. Membership lists and dues checks ($15 per member) for 2010 should both be sent to me by December 1. Thanks for your cooperation.

Historian
Carol Dilbeck

Special Fall greetings to the members of HCE. Thanks to everyone who has helped me by sending photos of your events for the historian's book. Due to your efforts some great events have been captured for future members to see. I'm looking forward to the special events in the months to come and the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Keep up the good work and may good things bless us all.

Community Outreach
Loretta Kibler

Some helpful information:

• Batteries should be stored in the original packaging to avoid loss of power if the positive and negative poles of two batteries touch.
• Batteries can be recycled at Staples. Used batteries may be brought to the HCE Fall Meeting. I will be taking them to be recycled.
• When you drive in the rain, do not use Cruise Control. Doing so may cause your vehicle to hydro-plane (lose contact with the wet pavement) causing an accident.
• If you have frequent flyer miles that you don't plan to use, you may donate them to military personnel to use for the flights home. Contact the airline who issued the miles and ask to donate them to the "Heroes" program.

Cultural Enrichment
Carol Flitz

Time is really flying—Fall Meeting time is here. I hope many of you have been making pretty things to display there. We would like to have several items to show and give people ideas for items to enter in the judging for recycled items to send to the IAHCE Convention in March in Bloomington. Craft items made by Macon County HCE members will be collected at the November 9th board meeting and the judging will be on November 13 during Fabulous Friday.

Craft Day at Rock Springs was wonderful. I was pleased to see so many of you there. There were 21 ladies involved in making butterfly feeders, flowerpot chimes and English paper piecing. The whole day was fun. We learned new things to make as well as ideas for other projects and there were snacks to keep our energy up. Lunch gave us time to catch up on what everyone was doing. A few of us toured the Homestead Prairie Farm, guided by a handsome fellow in period dress. The staff at Rock Springs made us all feel welcome. We also got to see some beautiful quilts being made. We will try to plan another event at Rock Springs next year.