Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. Harvest, chili, beautiful foliage, cooler temps – who could not love the Fall season! This is also the time of year that we recognize our most valuable assets – our volunteers! Extension was built on and is maintained by its volunteers. Whether they are 4-H leaders, judges or superintendents, Master Gardeners, rain gauge reporters, Council and Foundation members, they all help the Moultrie-Douglas Extension Unit help you "put knowledge to work." October 24 is national Make a Difference Day" – America's largest day of doing good. This is the national day to help others. Check out the website at www.usaweekend.com/diffday/ to learn more about what you can do to celebrate this day. A huge THANK – YOU to all of our volunteers and to those who routinely give of themselves to help others.

Continue to check out our Extension website for great information. FYI – in July, we were #44 out of 86 field offices for number of "hits" to our website – we have got to catch up with some of our neighboring counties!

Take care and watch out for farm equipment and deer on the roads this season,

Cheri

A series of Tele-Institutes that will be of interest to all local government officials will be held at the Moultrie-Douglas Extension office at 122 S. Walnut in Arthur this Fall. Topics and dates include:

"Reducing Flood Losses and Protecting Flood Plain Resources in Illinois" will be held on September 17 and will highlight concepts, tools, and community success stories to enhance floodplain management in counties.

"Energy Conservation: Its all in the Details" on October 22 will focus on energy conservation, decreasing energy costs, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

The November 19th Tele-Institute "Legislative Update 2009" will review current State and Federal legislative issues.

All Tele-Institutes run from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and require pre-registration by calling 543-3755. There is a $5 fee per session to cover materials.