Welcome

Randy Bell, Chair

Scott Garlisch, Vice-Chair

Carol Palmer, Secretary

Kathy Angell, Financial Reporter

Jim Breedlove

Dan Duval

Emma Fanter

Nancy Glick

Suszan Grossmayer

Dirk Heinhorst

Barb Sawyer

Steve Waterworth

Debbie Yetter

University of Illinois Extension in Mason County has a very simple mission. We are charged with getting University research and resources into the hands of area citizens, that they might better solve the problems that face them. We take that charge seriously, even when it is not easy to do so.

The past year has been perhaps the most difficult period faced by the Mason County Extension office as fiscal realities necessitated that we substantially cut back our expenses and reduce staffing. A tumultuous period still rests before this office as the recent economic downturn appears poised to severely restrict the state component of our funding while simultaneously impacting local donations.

However, a tight budget does not change the scope or significance of our mission. Nor has a financially strained year hampered our outreach.

This annual report proves that point. Our office has significantly expanded our outreach to local communities and has significantly expanded the breadth of resources that we offer area residents. From adding an electronic newsletter to our repertoire of agricultural resources, to new and exciting initiatives in economic development, to a 55% increase in annual youth contacts, our office is striving to help the citizens of Mason County put knowledge to work.

We invite you to partner with us as we continue to address our four main programming areas: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community and Economic Development, and Nutrition, Family, and Consumer Sciences.

Take a moment to check out our informative web site, visit with our office staff, and get to know the local citizens that serve on our advisory councils, but most importantly ask us how you can become involved in this exciting mission.

We again thank you for your continued support.

Matt Montgomery, County Director

Christine Belless, Community Worker

Joli Pierson, Family Nutrition Program

Jan Sarnes, Office Support Associate

University of Illinois Extension is a three-way partnership, in terms of both programming and funding, among the State of Illinois, the United States Department of Agriculture and Mason County.

Charts showing income and expense figures for the Mason County Extension budget are viewable under downloads in the left-hand column above.