This document printed from the University
of Illinois Extension Latest Links at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/
July 2007 Latest Links
June 26, 2007
Family Favorite? Study Says Parents, Sibs See Imbalances in Parents' Attention Differently
URBANA – When parents treat their children differently, siblings and parents often have very different ideas about what's happening and why, says a University of Illinois study. And there can be as many points of view as there are family members.
"You'd think it would be clear when a child is receiving more positive or negative attention, and why that might be happening, but families don't seem to talk much about these differences unless someone complains," said Laurie Kramer, a U of I professor of applied family studies.
There was a time when reminiscing about life events and history served an important community building function. This function was often the responsibility of older people in the family and was a way to make sure other generations learned about their family's history and heritage.
Today, however, we live in a technological society where historical information is recorded instantly. Yet, ironically, many adults and children know very little about their own family's stories. Opportunities for extended family members to come together to share stories are sometimes limited due to family mobility, geographical distance, divorce, and hurried lifestyles.
Prepare for Your Future with GED - ILLINOIS ONLINE
A new program to prepare students for the GED Test is now available in McLean County! GED Illinois (GED-I), a new program offered by the GED/Adult Literacy program of the DeWitt-Livingston-McLean Regional Office of Education, allows students the opportunity to prepare for their GED exam through the Internet with the help of their local Adult Education providers.
Students who are interested can call the GED Office at 888-9884 to see if they are eligible for the program. More information about GED programs is available at: http://www.roe17.k12.il.us/programs/ged.html
(This item originally appeared in the PATH-O-GRAM, June 5, 2007, and is reprinted with permission)
New Community Reintegration Program Available Through LIFE Cil
A new program offered through LIFE Center for Independent Living (LIFE Cil) can help persons that may be in nursing homes (or are headed for a nursing home) but may truly not belong in such a setting at this time. If you or your agency/affiliate knows someone that meets the guidelines below, LIFE Cil can help reintegrate them from the nursing home in which they currently reside into a home of their own.
Referred individuals must meet the following qualifications:
Is between the ages of 18 and 59; has a severe disability which will last at least 12 months; resides in a nursing home in Illinois; is a US Citizen or legal alien; needs long term care; doesn't have more than $10,000 in non-exempt assets; receives or is applying for Medicaid benefits; not already receiving services from DMHDD, DOA, or DSCC; is able to follow action steps and demonstrate initiative in meeting goals.
There is no cost and no obligation to anyone referred to the program to determin if they do qualify. For more information, call Vicky Hogan or Adaire Thompson at (309) 663-5433.
(This item originally appeared in the PATH-O-GRAM, June 5, 2007, and is reprinted with permission)
MCLIC Developmental Screenings Available
Free infant, toddler, and preschool screenings are available on a regular basis in McLean County by area agencies. Every child is unique and it is normal for young children to develop skills at different rates.
A developmental screening consists of questions and tasks that check the way a child talks, learns, behaves, and moves. It can be completed with the child and parent in less than an hour. Parents are encouraged to have their child screened at least annually even if there are no worries about development. McLean County Local Interagency Council (MCLIC) coordinates these screenings.
(This item originally appeared in the PATH-O-GRAM, June 5, 2007, and is reprinted with permission)
State Fair Premium Books Are on the Web
The 2007 State Fair Premium Books have been posted on the State Fair website, which may be viewed at: http://www.illinoisstatefair.info/
Forum and National Portal Make Finding and Selling Food Products Online Easier
By Debra Levey Larson
URBANA - University of Illinois Extension has added some new features to its Food Industry MarketMaker website -- The Buyers and Sellers Forum and the new national portal. Both were unveiled at the Value-Added Agriculture Conference in Lexington, Kentucky in June. The national portal website is located at national.marketmaker.uiuc.edu.
The Buyers Sellers Forum is an electronic bulletin board for food related businesses, growers and consumers. "If a farmer has a semi truck full of sweet corn, he can post a notice about it," said University of Illinois Extension specialist and MarketMaker team member, Richard Knipe. "A community starting a farmers' market may be in search of a grower of fresh strawberries. The Buyers and Seller Forum is just the place to make that kind of request."
