Flashback to '76

Johanna Bruns was Scott County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She earned a B.S. from Western Illinois University in 1944. Prior to beginning her role in Scott County in 1971, Johanna was a Home Economics Teacher for 4 1/2 years. She eventually retired from Extension and became an IEAFCS Life Member.

Johanna attended our IEAFCS Summer Reunion in 2014, and I believe she mentioned that she was 90 at the time. She had been attending weddings of her grandchildren!

Southern Region Visits Excel Bottling

Some of you may be aware that the soft drink, Ski, has been bottled in Clinton County for quite some time--80 years in fact! Excel bottling company is located in Breese, IL, and is one of three bottling facilities left in the United States that still puts product in returnable glass bottles. They make 18 different kinds of soda products and beer, and they use disposable containers as well. But they still have a 24 pack case of 12 oz. returnable glass bottles available.

                                          

Southern Region IEAFCS members visited Excel Bottling on March 18th. We had a very good tour of the facility, learned lots about the history, and about bottling company operations. And, of course, we had some samples! Several purchases were also made.

Those who attended were Lois Smith, Patti Faughn, Martha Speir, Joyce Pyatt, Millie Kaiser, Ruby Lingle, Rusti Grogan, Carol Schlitt, and Joy Richey.

This is our tour guide explaining about all the flavors of syrup they use in various products. That room smelled great! And we learned that soft drinks in glass bottles keep their quality up to four times longer than similar products in cans or plastic containers.

We had an enjoyable lunch and time to visit at Valbo's Restaurant in Germantown, IL. Thanks to Carol and Lois for making the arrangements.

Note that Carol has made some preliminary arrangements for the Niagara Falls trip. Dates to hold are October 2-7. And everyone will need a passport!