Nashville Trip--Evening of Day 3

 After a full day at  Belle Meade, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Studio B, it was time for dinner at the Rodozio Grill. This restaurant was established in 1995 as the first Brazilian Steakhouse in the United States. It was founded by a Brazilian native and is noted for its authentic and traditional Brazilian recipes. It is also on 2nd Street in Nashville, which is withing walking distance of Broadway and all the Honky Tonks.

We were treated to an abundant salad bar with lots of Brazilian salads and side dishes. That could have been a meal in itself. However, it was only the beginning!  The main course was served by a parade of Gauchos holding three foot skewers of meat that had been grilled over an open fire. They carved these at the table depending on our preferences. Here is a partial list of the items that were offered to us--chicken wrapped in bacon, garlic sirloin steak, pork sausage, chicken thighs, chicken hearts, parmesan pork, spicy sweet and sour chicken, lamb, glazed ham, Vietnamese catfish, salt and pepper flat steak, tip sirloin beef, and grilled pineapple!

Needless to say, we were all stuffed. Our dining experience took a while, and we were almost late for the Grand Ole Opry. Dessert was very delicious cheese cake; which the restaurant packed for us in take-out containers so we could get to the Opry.

As we had learned on Thursday, the Grand Ole Opry has had a new home at Opryland for several years. However, it moves back to the Ryman Auditorium in November and December each year. We were fortunate to see the performance in its original home.

Hosts for the various segments included Jeannie Seely, John Conlee, Connie Smith, and Mel Tillis. Other notable performers were Jackie Lee, Gene Watson, Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-Press, Jimmy Wayne, and Lee Greenwood. 

Lee Greenwood is pictured here singing his patriotic hit, "God Bless the USA". It was a very timely tribute with all the recent worldwide events that have occurred.

As we returned to the hotel, some ate their cheesecake. Others were still too full and put it in their room refrigerator for enjoyment later!



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Greetings from the Southern Region

Southern Region Extension retirees would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Eleven of us celebrated the season in early December at Burton's Restaurant in Whittington, IL and Pheasant Hollow Winery.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch, and then had wonderful pie. Burton's is the home of the famous White Pie.

Then there was wine sampling at the Winery along with treats courtesy of Joyce Pyatt and Ruby Lingle. It was wonderful weather and a very enjoyable day!

Those pictured are Martha Speir, Donna Whitlock Rumsey, Kathy Harrison, Patti Faughn, Ruby Lingle, Joyce Pyatt, Rusti Grogan, Joy Richey, Carol Schlitt, Martha Winter, and Lois Smith. Shirley Martin Prewitt joined us for lunch also.

We hope 2016 is a great year for everyone!

Nashville Trip: Day 3--Daytime

The third day began with a tour of Belle Meade Mansion which served as the hub of operations for Belle Meade Plantation during most of the 1800's. The Plantation once consisted of a 5400 acre farm, and was the home of the best thoroughbred race horses in the country.

During the Civil War many horse farms saw their horses taken over by the armies, but Belle Meade managed to keep theirs. The farm was known for race winners and fine bloodlines. It was also the first place where horses were sold at auction.

We were treated to a food demonstration of some good  Southern Cooking. Our instructor was excellent! We learned about making biscuits--which they did every morning! In the photo you can see that Rick Lingle got put to work helping with this project.

There was a winery and gift shop on the grounds, and most of us came home with some samples of delicious peanut brittle, Caramel Apple Honey Jelly, wine, special aprons, nifty measuring devices, etc.

The "glory days" of Belle Meade ended in the early 1900's as the economy faltered and the family got deep into debt. There are no horses there now, and most of the land has been sold off. However, we did enjoy a delicious lunch in the Carriage House before leaving for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 There are so many things to see in the Country Music Hall of Fame that one almost needs a full day for that. There is a great video that tells much of the history of Country Music, and the museum is full of collectibles from all of the big name stars--both past and present. This is the interior of Webb Pearce's car which shows the saddle lined with silver dollars as the console. In many cases the stories of the stars include the climb from rags to riches. It was very interesting to learn more about the lives of these famous people.



Another highlight was a visit to RCA Records Studio B. It was built in 1957, and became the home of the "Nashville Sound." It helped establish Nashville, TN as an international recording center. Over 35,000 songs were recorded there, including 1,000 hits. At least 40 of the records became million selling singles. Elvis Presley recorded over 200 of his songs there.

Our tour leader was Lisa Wilkerson, and she did an outstanding job of sharing insight into the music of the day and the people that recorded it. We learned about the "X" on the floor which indicated the spot in the room where the acoustics were the very best. And there was the light fixture with bulbs of every color so that the one needed to establish the mood of the song could be used.

Studio B is the only one remaining from the "Nashville Sound" era. It is really amazing that such good music could be made with the limited equipment and facilities they had available. Newer hi-tech studios are used now. Studio B was closed for recording in 1977. It is now owned by a Foundation which leases it to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Nashville Trip Day 2

Day two began with a bus tour of Nashville. Lisa Lally served as a tour guide for us. She is one of many artists in Nashville trying to hit the big time. She has performed in Illinois several times and was recommended to us by Martha Speir. Lisa is a cab driver (her cab is pink) and performs when she can.

One stop was at the Parthenon. This is where the group photo posted on the first day was taken. Everyone will be identified later. Other highlights were the Capital Building, Vanderbuilt University, Music Row, The Downtown District, and many other places that we would tour in the next two days. Lisa ended the tour by serenading us with "Harper Valley PTA."

Lunch was at Hattie B's Hot Chicken. It seems there is always a line whether it is lunch or dinner! The chicken was great!

Fontanel was the next stop. It is the log home where Barbara Mandrell lived from 1988 to 2002 until the three kids were grown and the family decided to downsize. It is 27,000 square feet with 20 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, 2 kitchens, an indoor pool (that is now sealed over), and an indoor shooting range. Barbara's husband, Ken Dudney designed it, and her daughter Jaime is now the tour manager for the current owners.They are record producers, and Fontanel is often used as a retreat for song writers, a recording studio, etc. There is a log pole in the great room that has been signed by many famous guests including Oprah and Bob Hope.

Carol, Kathy, and Joe may well have been holding a $100,000 guitar as guests are encouraged to sit on the furniture, touch the collectibles, etc. Our tour guide was also a musician who performed for us. It is quite an impressive place!

The Ryman Auditorium is the original home of   "The Grand Ole Opry."

 We were treated to a full tour including the backstage dressing rooms.
The building was originally a Union Gospel Tabernacle Church built in 1892, and is often called the "Mother Church of Country Music." The Grand Ole Opry began there in 1943 and stayed until 1974. It is now housed in a new building at Opryland. However, during November and December, the Opry is held at the Ryman. We all got to walk across (and stand on) the Opry stage as Jananne and Donna are doing here.

The history and story of how the Ryman has survived over the years is quite interesting. You might want to do a Google search and learn more. And don't forget, you can still tune in to the Grand Ole Opry on WSM radio at 650 AM on the dial for every Opry show.

Our day ended with dinner at Puckett's Grocery Store and Restaurant. It is known for slow smoked barbecue and other delicious southern food. Puckett's started as a grocery store in the 1950's, and is now a well-known community kitchen with live performances. We did not stay for the performance, but were definitely well fed!

IEAFCS Nashville Trip

Twenty six IEAFCS Life Members and friends were "On the Road Again" in November to see as much of Nashville, TN as they could fit into the five day schedule.

The weather cooperated, and it was beautiful almost all of the time. Toward the end of the week, we heard reports of snow at home, but we were enjoying nice warm sunshine. It seemed like we got a few extra days of Indian Summer this year!




                                                                                          

Lunch the first day was at Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers, KY. The food was excellent, and the Christmas decor was outstanding. Then it was back on the bus to our hotel--Club-Hotel, Nashville Inn and Suites. We stayed in the same place for four nights on this trip, and traveled out to different attractions each day.

Even though we weren't really hungry after a big lunch, we had a great meal at Monell's at the Manor in the evening. It was all you can eat, southern comfort food, served family style. There was no shortage of fried chicken, green beans, corn bread, biscuits and gravy, pork chops, potatoes, macaroni and cheese, etc. And it was topped off with delicious banana pudding!

It is very possible that some individuals had trouble sleeping that first night because they ate too much.

Condolences to the Family of Kay Mayberry

Kay Mayberry

November 2, 2015 

72-year-old Broughton resident, Kay Mayberry died at 2:25 p.m. Sunday, November 1 at Hamilton Memorial Nursing Center in McLeansboro.

She had been a University of Illinois Home Economics Extension Advisor and Family Life Educator. She attended Herscher High School and earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois.

She was a member of the Hamilton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, served as president of the Homemakers Education Association Board, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible school, and sang in the church choir.

Survivors include her husband, Gerald Mayberry; two sons, Troy Mayberry of McLeansboro and Todd and wife Lisa Mayberry of West Frankfort; a daughter, Tanya Thornton and husband Jeff of Evansville, IN; a brother, Gerald Williams of Bloomington, IL; a step-sister, Rita Caron of Manteno, IL and six grandchildren, Brook and Bradyn Mayberry, Cassidy Rennison, Ella, Lucy and Sadie Thornton.

Funeral services for Kay Mayberry will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at the First Baptist Church in McLeansboro with burial in Prospect Cemetery southeast of McLeansboro.
Visitation will be 5 – 8 Wednesday evening, Nov. 4 at the First Baptist Church in McLeansboro.

Memorials may be made to the Hamilton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary or Hamilton County Relay for Life and will be accepted at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro, which is in charge of all the arrangements.

Condolences for a Couple of Old Friends

Jean Marie Wallis Skinner, formerly of McLeansboro, passed peacefully, Oct. 25, 2015, in Hendricks County Hospital in Danville, Indiana, with her family by her side. Jean was born June 12, 1931, in Cairo. She was the daughter of St. Elmo Wallis of Mayfield, Kentucky and Marie (Moreland) Wallis of Cairo. She was preceded in death by her father, St. Elmo Wallis; her mother, Marie Wallis; her husband, Harold A. Skinner; and her sister, Ruth Hoskins. Jean graduated from Cairo High School in 1949. She received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science graduating from SIU in 1954. Jean married her longtime sweetheart, Harold A. Skinner on June 13, 1954, in Cairo. She and Harold had four children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild including Marianne Skinner of Belleville, Margaret (Skinner) Henthorne, Michelle, Melody, Robert Jr. and Molly Henthorne of Hillsdale, Michigan, Marcia Skinner, Jennifer and Nina Skinner of Carterville, and Harold Allen Skinner Jr, Lindsey, Nathan and Linus Skinner of Columbia, South Carolina. She loved her son-in-law, Robert Henthorne and daughter-in-law, Jaqueline Skinner as she did her own children. Jean's career began teaching home economics. When she and Harold moved to McLeansboro in 1961. She served as Hamilton County Extension Adviser/Home Economics for the University of Illinois for 20 years. She loved square dancing, 4-H, Historical Society for Hamilton County and United Methodist Church. She was also a Rebekah president, in United Methodist Women, Twilight Unit HEA, Hospital Auxiliary and in Senior Citizen's Kitchen Band. She loved to do tai chi, aquatics and paint. She spent many hours as “Grandma Jean” at Hamilton County Pre-School reading to the classes. Jean moved from McLeansboro in 2007 to Indianapolis, Indiana. Private services for her family were in Indianapolis. Jean will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Harold, in IOOF Cemetery in McLeansboro. Further arrangements are still pending. Memorials may be made to the church she called home, First United Methodist Church in McLeansboro. Any correspondence may be forwarded to her daughter, Marcia Skinner, 1003 Main St., Carterville, IL 62918. Jean's passing brings great sorrow to her family and those who knew her well, but also great joy and peace as she is with her husband again.

Our condolences to all members of Jean's family.

We also learned just this afternoon (11/1/15) that Kay Mayberry passed away. More information on that will be shared when available.

Flashback to '76

Our 1976 directory did not have a photo of Wilma Brommel included. However, I'm sure several of you remember her. She was DeWitt County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. Before that she had worked for three years as Extension Adviser in Buchanan County, Iowa, three years as an instructor at North Dakota University, and two years as a Home Economics Teacher.

Wilma received her Bachelor's degree in 1950 from Iowa State University. and a Master's from Indiana State University in 1968.

Big news in the horse racing world today. American Pharaoh, the horse that several of us cheered to victory in the Kentucky Derby, won the Breeder's Cup Classic. He is the only horse ever to win the Triple Crown and the Breeder's Cup--The Grand Slam! He will now be retired from racing.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Member Update

Deb Pflasterer and her family own and manage an Ice Cream Shop and Grill in their town. As you can guess, this keeps them plenty busy!

She and her husband have three children ages 18, 10 and 8. She also still helps out at State Fair with entries, etc.

Good to see you, Deb!

Flashback to '76

Lynn Bredemeyer was working in  North Suburban Cook County as Assistant Extension Adviser, Home Economics. Her bachelor's degree was from Southern Illinois University, and she had been in Cook County since 1975.

Southern Region Retirees Meet

Southern Region IEAFCS Retirees and Friends met at the home of Curt & Priscilla Barnes for their September get together. As shown in the photo at left, Priscilla gave a tour of her beautiful home which features Geo-thermal heating and lots of handicap accessibility ideas. She even allowed us to have lunch there and take over her dining room for our short meeting.




                                                                                 

Those pictured are Priscilla Barnes, Rusti Grogan, Janet Burnett, Carol Schlitt, Donna Rumsey, Martha Speir, Lois Smith, and Patti Faughn. Others who attended were Shirley Prewitt, Kathy Harrison, Joyce Pyatt, and Joy Richey.

The weather was beautiful, and everyone agreed we had a very enjoyable day! It was great to catch up with many old friends.

Please send photos of your activities as they occur.

Medicare Premiums Could Increase

Medicare premiums could increase from $104.90 to $151.30 per month in 2016 for Federal Retirees covered by CSRS, but who do not draw Social Security.

Those who have their insurance premiums withheld from their Social Security checks are protected from a Medicare Premium increase if the cost of living adjustment does not go up enough to cover extra costs. There is a clause in the laws that does not allow Social Security benefits to decrease.

However, those who are excluded from receiving Social Security do not have this protection. It is not yet known if there will be a cost of living increase this year. If only the CSRS retirees (who make up 30% of the total number of beneficiaries)  have to bear the full cost of the Medicare increase, that means the 52% jump in the cost could occur. NARFE is working with legislators to keep this from happening.

The most recent issue of FYI was released on 9/11. It mentions the passing of Curt Eisenmeyer on Sept. 4th. Our condolences to his family and friends.

There is also news that the Department of Human and Community Development within  the College of ACES had been renamed The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS).

Here is the link to FYI 9/11/15:  http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/fyi/

 

Member Update

Debbie McLellan said that she had just completed her first hand quilted quilt. One child graduated from Eastern in July, and another one is also there.

Her family likes to go trail riding, and they take their horses to lots of different places for camping and riding.

Sorry this photo isn't very clear. Camera man must have moved!  Debbie looks good, though!

Member Update

Rosie Myers-Bradley is currently an Academic Adviser for Family and Consumer Science Programs at Eastern Illinois University. She is like several of our IEAFCS Life Members who are still in the work force.

She has daughters in Nashville, TN, and recently spent her 60th birthday in New Orleans.

I know she was an Extension Home Economist in Pope-Hardin Counties in Illinois, and I believe she also worked in at least one other county during her time in Extension. It was good to see you at the recent IEAFCS Summer Reunion, Rosie!

Summer Reunion Was Very Enjoyable!

The annual IEAFCS Summer Reunion was held July 30th in Springfield at American Harvest Eatery. We were happy to see many old friends and former co-workers.  Pictured from left to right in the back row (standing) are: Martha Winter, Ellen Burton,  Sheryl Hodges, Barb Farner, Amy Griswold, Joy Richey, Rachel Schwarzendruber, Rosie Bradley, Ruth Hensen, Debbie McClellan, Sharon Kuhns, Marjorie LaFont, Michelle Pride, Cammy Seguin, Jananne Finck, and Mary Ann Fugate.

Front row (seated) includes Carol Schlitt, Chelsey Byers Gerstenecker (current IEAFCS president), Cheri Burcham (IEAFCS immediate past president), Janet Burnett, Deb Pflasterer, Pat Hildebrand, Ruby Lingle, Shirley Camp, and Bev Combs.

It was good to catch up on all the things individuals are involved in.  We are surely still carrying on with helping others and supporting community efforts. More details will be shared later.

IEAFCS now has 28 active members. That is good news that the number of Family and Consumer Science staff members in Illinois Extension is increasing.

Sad news included the passing of several former Agriculture Advisers just recently. Condolences to the families of Larry Paszkiewicz, Bill Whiteside, Jim McCurdy, and Elmer Rankin. Well wishes are extended to Kay Mayberry and Catherine Mauck who are having some health issues.

Those who had attended the Kentucky Derby showed off their hats. Mary Ann Fugate, Carol Schlitt, Joy Richey, and Sheryl Hodges modeled theirs for the group. Pat Hildebrand also attended the Derby, but did not bring her hat that day.

The 2016 date for the Reunion is July 28th, so mark your calendar now!

Thanks to the planning committee for organizing the event--Sharon Kuhns, Bev Combs, Jananne Finck, and Joy Richey.

Flashback to '76

Thomascean Brandon was Cook County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She earned a bachelor's degree from Jackson State in Mississippi in 1955, and had been in her Cook County position since 1973.

Her career up to that date also included being a Home Economics Teacher for two years and a Youth Adviser for four years.

Looking forward to seeing lots of former co-workers and friends tomorrow at the Summer Reunion! There should be about 30 of us in all.

Don't Miss Out on the Summer Reunion

The Summer Reunion for IEAFCS Life Members and friends is July 30th at American Harvest Eatery in Springfield. Everyone received information from Sharon Kuhns on June 29th.This a photo of our group last year.

There are three days left to get your reservation in. We have around 25 people attending so far. Please let Jananne Finck know by July  24th if you will be able to join us. Her e-mail is in the message you received.

If you need additional information, send a note to ieafcslife@gmail.com and I will forward it to you. Hope to see you there!

Flashback to '76

Arlene Bond was Greene County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had an Associate of Arts degree from Rend Lake College and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University in 1972. A previous position was supervisor of CHEP in Jackson County for two years. Arlene had been in Greene County since 1975. Anyone know where she is now?

Don't forget that the Summer Reunion is coming up on July 30th. Reservations are needed by July 24 to Jananne Finck. Everyone has received a reminder. More details here in a few days!

Flashback to '76

Cheryl  Bielema was Whiteside County, Associate Adviser, Home Economics in 1976. She had a B. S. from Illinois State University earned in 1967. After  teaching Home Economics for four years, Cheryl had been in Whiteside County since 1973.

We know that Cheryl went on to earn Master's and Doctorate degrees from the University of Illinois. She also spent several years working in the area of Instructional Design and Development both at the U of I and University of Missouri--St. Louis.




 Here is a more recent photo of Cheryl. And here is a link to her "Linked In" page if you would like to know more about her recent activities.  https://www.linkedin.com/pub/cheryl-bielema/1b/56/5b


Hope you received your invitation to the IEAFCS Summer Reunion and have the date of July 30th marked on your calendar. More on this next time.


  

Flashback to '76

Mildred Benz was the Jackson County Senior Extension Adviser-Youth in 1976. She had a bachelors and masters degree from Southern Illinois University. She began work in Jackson County in 1945.

"Milly" as most everyone called her, was never in a Home Economics position, but she was a member of NAEHE and IAEHE. She held many leadership positions in the Illinois Extension Advisers Youth organization; including state president. She was a national committee chairman as well.

In addition to her long career in Extension, she had also been a teacher for 10 years!

Southern Region Enjoys the Day at Kentucky Lake

Kathy and Joe Harrison invited the Southern Region IEAFCS group to their cabin on Kentucky Lake for the June meeting. She and Joe (with the help of a few of our members) hosted us with a delightful lunch, a great opportunity to visit and catch up on all the news, and a very scenic pontoon boat ride on the lake.

Rain threatened, but didn't dampen any plans. In the photo one can see that Joyce Pyatt and Milly Kaiser are assisting Kathy with getting back into dock.                                

Those who attended were Patti Faughn and husband Mike, Lois Smith, Joyce Pyatt and husband Paul, Ruby Lingle and husband Rick, Janet Burnett, Carol Schlitt and husband Glennon, Martha Winter, Kathy Harrison and husband Joe, Milly Kaiser, Martha Speir, and Joy Richey.The guys were out in another boat when this photo was taken.

Thanks to Joe and Rick for the delicious pork loin and ribs and to Kathy, Martha W., and Milly for all the great side dishes. Also thanks to Kathy for keeping that cabin all those years when she (and the rest of us) were all too busy working to enjoy it. It was a fun day!

PS--American Pharoah won The Triple Crown of horse racing. It was the first one in 37 years.  As one of our Derby group members mentioned, it must have been the good luck we brought to him at the Derby!!

Kentucky Derby Trip--Day 4

After a leisurely breakfast at our hotel on Sunday, we left for the trip home. There was one more interesting stop to make.

In French Lick, Indiana we stopped at the French Lick Resort Complex. First we saw the French Lick Springs Hotel. The balconies reminded us a bit of the Grand Hotel at  Mackinaw Island!  It was first built in 1845, burned in 1897, but was re-built even bigger and grander. The attraction of the area is the healing properties of the sulfur springs that are nearby.

It hadn't been that long since breakfast, but we enjoyed a very nice brunch at the Grand Colonnade Restaurant in the Hotel. As always, there is no shortage of good food on our trips. We walked around the  hotel and admired the architecture. It is very grand! 

Here we are in the lobby area of the hotel. It was huge and can accommodate the large crowds that come there for the casino, golfing, sulfur springs, etc. They had hosted people attending the Derby also--even that far away from Louisville. And there had been a big Kentucky Derby party!

  

We couldn't leave town without stopping at the West Baden Hotel which is just a mile away from the Springs Hotel. This hotel was built in 1902, and until 1955 it was considered the largest free span dome in the world. That distinction now belongs to the Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.

This hotel is considered one of the best mainland US resorts. I, for one, was not aware of all that French Lick had to offer. It is not that far from south/central Illinois.

From there it was homeward bound. Everyone agreed they had a great experience, and that they could now make a check mark next to this item on their bucket list.

Thanks once again to Carol for planning this great trip for us!

Kentucky Derby Trip--Derby Day!

The Twin Spires on the grandstand of Churchill Downs welcomed us back for the big day. Another record crowd of over 150,000 filled the grounds to capacity. The weather was great!



There were lots of amazing hats and costumes. This man was literally wearing the twin spires on his head!

The Derby was the 11th race of the day. We again enjoyed lunch and the view of the paddock from  the Street Sense Lounge. And we all sampled a Mint Julep! Some had better luck at betting than others, but it makes you feel more a part of a race if you have a little stake in it--even if it is only $2.00.

Our Derby attire fit right in with the rest of the crowd. Some designed their own and others purchased them already decorated. Can you tell who the creative people were?

Josh Groban sang the National Anthem. Miss Kentucky, Katie George, was there--along with lots of other celebrities.



The excitement began to build as the bugler gave the call to the post. The band sang "My Old Kentucky Home" as soon as the first horse stepped onto the track. And then, they were off! 

Twenty of the nation's top three-year-old horses whose owners had paid over $50,000 each to enter them in the race stormed down the track. They were all trying to become a part of horse racing history and win the lion's share of the guaranteed $2,000,000 purse.

Our seats were not at the finish line, but it was right in front of us that American Pharoah took the lead. He is number 18 in the photo. He had been the favorite, and one of the newspaper writers said after the race that, "He did it his way." American Pharoah also gave a first Derby win to his owner.

In past years, the owner had three other horses finish second and one that got injured just before the race. He said, "It was a dream come true--no more seconds."  It was the third victory for the jockey, and the fourth for the trainer.

Today's news is: the owner of American Pharoah has sold his breeding rights for over 20 million. Mr. Zayat is retaining the racing rights. After winning the Preakness, the horse will be trying to be the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 if he can win the Belmont Stakes on June 6th.

For us it was time to collect our winnings and head for the bus. We didn't get lost this time and were happy not to have to fight the crowd for a ride out of there. After a late dinner at Cracker Barrel, I don't think anyone had trouble sleeping that night.

               

Kentucky Derby Trip--Day 2

Here we are all ready for the first day of racing. You will notice lots of pink. Even Norman had on a pink shirt! The feature race of the day was the Kentucky Oaks for three-year old fillies. It is comparable to The Derby which is largely considered a race for three-year old stallions. A filly enters The Derby once in a while, but not often.

Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Oaks have a partnership with Bright Pink, which is the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention of breast and ovarian cancers. Since it was the 141st running of The Oaks, there was a parade of 141 cancer survivors from across the country right on the racetrack. I should probably say that our "pink" outfits were pretty tame compared to some we saw.

There were over 123,000 people in attendance on Oaks day. That broke a previous record of over 116,000. This photo was taken from the Street Sense Lounge where we had lunch provided and could stay as long as we wanted. (Street Sense won the Kentucky Derby in 2007).  This is just a very small group of people that were gathered around the paddock area where the horses are saddled before going out on the track.                                             

The horses walked right underneath us as they came from the track to get saddled and then went back again to the race. As the day progressed we tried to read up on some betting tips and guess which ones would win. The Oaks was the 11th race of the day with 14 entries allowed. Each filly had to earn the right to be entered by winning prestigious races earlier in the year. There was a $1,000,000 purse guaranteed to be paid out in the race. Each owner had to pay $41,700 to enter their horse. Lovely Maria was the winner.

We were also able to watch the jockeys come out of their changing room and walk to the paddock. They are small! The fillies in the Oaks carried a total of 120 pounds and the tack is about 7 pounds. It has been said that jockeys sometimes sacrifice their health by eating so little to maintain the limited weight.

After watching Lovely Maria add her name to the history books, some people had winnings to collect. Then we headed for the bus. And we were very glad not to have to try to get out of there any other way! However, Churchill Downs is a big place, and some of us had to walk the long way around because we exited the wrong gate. Good thing we had comfortable shoes!

Dinner that evening was at Bravo-Cucina Italiana. The food was delicious, and then it was back to the hotel to rest up for the big day.

In case you don't know by now, American Pharoah won the Preakness today! He is now two thirds of the way to the Triple Crown. He won by seven lengths in a torrential rain storm. They say he had cotton in his ears to keep him from being bothered by the thunder. He didn't have any mud on him because he led all the way!



 

Kentucky Derby Trip--Day One

The IEAFCS Kentucky Derby trip was fantastic! Everyone who attended felt that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Two car loads of IEAFCS members and friends met in Louisville on the evening of April 30th. After checking in at our hotel, we had to take a photo with their Derby contender. He didn't move very fast, but had managed to get some roses anyway it seems.

Those pictured are Mary Ann Fugate, Norman and Pat Hildebrand, Joy Richey, Martha Speir, Carol Schlitt, Lois Smith, and Sheryl Hodges.

Dinner was in downtown Louisville at the Harvest Restaurant where some individuals arrived in a stretch limo. We were guessing they were wealthy owners?? There we enjoyed a four course meal--which, of course, was very different and tasty. We were told that 80% of their menu items comes from local growers.                                                      

Then it was back to the hotel for a good night's rest in anticipation of a big day on Friday at the track.

Member Update

Milly Kaiser began her career as a youth adviser in Perry County. She also served as a Family Life Unit Educator in Jackson County and an area Family Life Educator for the Carbondale Center.

She has deep roots in Extension as her father, James Kaiser, was the Director of the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center for several years. After her retirement from Extension, Milly is currently working for Southern Illinois Health Care and substitute teaching once in a while. It is always good when we get a chance to see her!

Flashback to '76

Noma Bearden was Effingham County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She graduated from Southern Illinois University with her bachelor's degree in 1974, and she began work in Effingham County that same year.

Does anyone have any recent information about her?

The latest issue of For Your Information is available at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/fyi/

Looks like Illinois 4-H has a new Assistant Dean--Lisa Diaz. Congratulations to her on that new leadership role!

Condolences to Thelma Malone & Family

• Posted Apr. 5, 2015 at 2:19 PM
  
  
  

  Maxine Malone, age 92, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Herrin Hospital of Herrin, IL.

  She was born at the family home in Saline County, IL, on Friday, August 11, 1922, the daughter of Loren Albert and Doris E. (Gogue) French. Her parents had been married for twenty years before she was born.

  Maxine was united in marriage to John Oral Malone on August 11, 1938, in Morganfield, KY and together they shared over seventy-one years of marriage until his death on March 12, 2010.

  Earlier in her lifetime she worked outside of the home at various jobs with her last employment with Fox Laundry in Marion. The majority of her lifetime she remained at home seeing to the needs of her family and managing her home.

  In 1968, she moved to Marion with her family. It was then she joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion where she was actively involved until her health declined. She also was a member of the United Methodist Women and served as Social Chairman of the church for many years, overseeing all of the many social events. Maxine helped design the kitchen in the church’s new Abundant Life Center, and in 1982, on Easter Sunday, held the first social in the newly built center.

  Maxine cherished her family and many friends and was known as being a "people person" never meeting a stranger and always considering other peoples’ feelings and needs over her own. She will be fondly remembered by those she leaves behind.

  She is survived by her daughter, Thelma Jean Malone of Marion; special family member, Peyton Lee Jones and his fiancé, Serissa M. Garcia along with their daughter, Sophia Rose Jones all of Marion; other Malone family members, Brenda Nance and her husband, Murriel of Mt. Vernon, IL, Judy Thompson and her husband, Elbert of Carrier Mills, IL and Dale Malone and his wife, Barbara of Marion, other extended family and many friends.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and cousin, Ruth Patton.

  Arrangements for Maxine Malone have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL.

  The time of the visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6th at the funeral home.

  Visitation will resume again at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 1201 N. Fair St., Marion, IL, on Tuesday April 7, 2015, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

  Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Tim Ozment and Rev. James Slone presiding.

  Interment will follow in Dillingham Cemetery, located near Corinth, IL, in Williamson County.

  For those who prefer, memorial contributions can be made to "Aldersgate United Methodist Church Kitchen Fund" or "Hospice of Southern Illinois" and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.

  For those of you who knew Thelma, she served most of her career as Extension Home Economist and County Director in Williamson County. Early in her career she was in Marion County. Thinking of you, Thelma.