Merry Christmas from the South

Southern Region IEAFCS Life Members and friends met for their annual holiday celebration at the home of Joyce and Paul Pyatt near Pinckneyville. The Pyatt's have added on a room/porch partly for the purpose of doing more entertaining, and we were fortunate to take advantage of their planning.

Our group enjoyed a delicious lunch, a great time visiting, and a fun gift exchange. Everyone had to bring a gift that could be used up and began with the initials of their name. We had everything from Chocolate to Mr. Clean to Jelly and lots of things in between.

Those who helped celebrate were Ruby Lingle, Martha Speir, Martha Winter, Carol Schlitt, Patti Faughn, Joy Richey, Janet Burnett, Rusti Grogan, Joyce Pyatt, Connie Frederking, and Kathy Harrison. We also want to thank Paul Pyatt (and Joyce too) for doing a lot of kitchen duty and being  gracious hosts.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

New York City Tour Group

Many IEAFCS Life Members, Friends, and other former Extension Colleagues toured New York City the first week of October. It was the Inaugural tour for Brookstone Tours, a new company established by Carol Schlitt.

We visited NBC Studios, Rockefeller Center,  the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chelsea Marketplace, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the World Trade Center Memorial, and many other interesting sights. Our hotel was a half block from Times Square, and as usual we ate often and well! Everyone saw a performance of Pretty Woman, and several saw another play as well. Some also made it to the Empire State Building!

Those who attended were: Ruby and Rick Lingle, Diane and Richard Ryals, Sherry and John Fulton, Mona and Rich Diefenbach, Patti Faughn, Joy Richey, Martha Speir, Rusti Grogan, Linda Griffy,  Mryna ?, Lois and Jim Smith, Janet Burnett, Audrey Arnold, Jody and Jeff Talick, Carol and Glennon Schlitt.

Carol did her usual outstanding job of trip planning, and everyone had a great time!

Southern Region Learns About Modern Dairy Management

Southern Region IEAFCS Members and friends toured Marcoot's Jersey Creamery in Greenville, IL recently. It was very interesting to hear how the family has kept their business going for seven generations--since the 1850's!

It has changed considerably over the years, and is now run by female family members. They have around 100 jersey cows, but do not sell any milk! It is all made into cheese, ice cream, and even whey ices!




We were able to observe them making cheese curds, and the samples were great!. The robotic milking process is very impressive. Human hands never touch the cows! It's not just your everyday milking machine!

Calves only stay with their mothers about an hour before being separated and raised on a bottle. As you can see here,  Rusti was enjoying the gentleness of a little one in the calf barn.

Pictured above are Carol Schlitt, Lori, (our tour guide), Karen Barker, Rusti Grogan, Joy Richey, Janet Burnett, and Martha Speir.

After the tour, we also enjoyed lunch at the Copper Dock Winery in Pocahontas, IL. Thanks to Janet Burnett for making arrangements for us.

Extension Retirees--Still Making A Difference

Everyone had a great time at the 10th annual Summer Reunion for IEAFCS Life Members and Friends held Aug. 3rd in Springfield.

Nineteen attended with Phyllis Herring being the newest member of our retiree group.

It was fun to hear about family changes, travel experiences, and new found hobbies. There were a few accidents to report, and some with health issues. Our thoughts are with those having unpleasant things to deal with.

It is interesting to note, however, that many in the group are still making a difference in their homes and communities. Some are caring for family members, several serve on various boards--Extension Partners, Extension Councils, Food Banks, School Boards, IAHCE, etc. There are 4-H Leaders, Bible School Teachers, volunteer coordinators, Master Gardeners, and some who are employed in various positions.

We appreciated updates on current events in Extension from Jenna Smith and the important work of Extension Partners from Linda Smith. Linda stressed that we all still need to support Extension Partners in every way we can. Please be a member next year!

Those pictured above are (front row) Jenna Smith (representing current IEAFCS Board), Linda Smith, Phyllis Herring, Diane Dewer, Sherry Fulton. Back row--Barb Farner, Michelle Pride, Mary Ann Fugate, Diane Ryals, Janet Burnett, Patti Faughn, Ruby Lingle, Carol Schlitt, Carrollyn Hunt, and Sheryl Hodges. Those also attending but not pictured were, Deb Bartman, Kathy Wolters, Marjorie LaFont, and Joy Richey.

The date for 2019 is August 2nd. Mark your calendar now.

Southern Region Enjoys Southern Illinois!

From lunch at Von Jakob winery, to making pottery at Alto Clay Works, to shopping for fresh peaches at Rendleman's Orchard, Southern Region IEAFCS retirees enjoyed a fun day last week.

Pictured are Janet Burnett, Milly Kaiser, Carol Schlitt, Martha Speir, Joyce Pyatt, and Ruby Lingle as they follow instructions from Stephen Grimmer on how to make an original pottery creation. Rusti Grogan, Connie Frederking, and Joy Richey also joined the group for the day.
                                                                                  

Alto Clay Works is a ceramic art center in Alto Pass, Illinois with a pottery showroom, ceramics classes, studios, and exhibition space. Stephen Grimmer moved there from Manitoba in 2012 and set up his business in the old Alto Pass elementary school building. Pictured here are a couple of the creations. 

They were getting ready for a wedding at Von Jakob winery and brewery, which is the only one on the Shawnee Wine Trail. Lunch was great, and  they also operate two bed & breakfast cottages.

Rendleman's Orchard does not usually have peaches until after July 4th, but we were in luck that they opened a few days early. And those peaches sure are delicious!

Condolences to the Family of Joan Blaser

Beverly Joan Blaser, 86, formerly of Taylor Ridge IL, left us peacefully on Tuesday May 29, 2018 at Park Vista Legacy Unit, East Moline IL.
Services were held at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E 4th Ave, Milan IL. Memorials can be made to the Rock Island County 4-H Foundation or to the Park Vista Legacy Unit.

“Mom" or “Grandma" to more people than most of us know in a lifetime, Joan's love, kindness, & caring nature were the greatest gifts anyone could ever know. Although she accomplished many things in her life, her greatest joys were making cinnamon rolls at Christmas, cream filled cupcakes at Easter, enjoying iced tea & watermelon on the deck with family, & saving the day in what ever “crisis” happened to emerge for anyone. She always made the day brighter, and everyone felt loved and welcome at Grandma’s house.

The daughter of John Wilbur & Lois Elizabeth Thurman Bliss, Joan was born in Yates City IL on February 1, 1932. She married Darrel M. Blaser in January of 1957, and was preceded in death by him in 1984. Joan earned a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois, and later in life, was cheered on to her Master’s Degree by all of her children & grandchildren.

She enjoyed a long career as Family Life Educator with University of Illinois Extension, & following her retirement, maintained the library & computer lab at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging. Joan was a member of Taylor Ridge United Methodist Church, Epsilon Sigma Phi, & HCE. One of her biggest life passions was giving back to others, and she enjoyed many years of leading 4-H & volunteering in community activities.

In her passing on Tuesday, Joan was joyfully welcomed by her parents, husband, brother John Bliss, & her beloved son John Blaser. Remembering her with much love are her children, Aletha (Fred) Williams, Sidney (Kathie) Blaser, Amy (Rev. Mike) Finley, grandchildren, Jessica Williams, Baylee Blaser, Sara Bushnell, & Alyson Blaser, many grandchildren & great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Also left to honor her memory are her sister-in-law, Dorothy (Roger) Albert, 4 nieces & their families, and her many beloved “grandchildren” at Park Vista.

Flashback to '76

Kathy J. Fiedler was Calhoun County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had earned her Bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University in 1973 and began work in Calhoun the same year. Kathy was a member of NAEHE and IAEHE.

Anyone know where she may be now?

Flashback to '76

Genevieve Farrell was Cumberland County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois in 1938 and her Master's Degree from there in 1958. After teaching for four years, she began work in Cumberland County in 1958. She was a member of NAEHE,  IAEHE, AHEA, IHEA, and Epsilon Sigma Phi. This is going back quite a ways in our Illinois Extension history!

I just want to include a note about the information we received on changes in the Delta Dental fiscal year. I did call as the letter instructed, and I was told that I really hadn't needed to unless I wanted to make other changes. Anyone else have the same experience?

A Taste of Spring for So. Region IEAFCS

Southern Region IEAFCS Members and Friends enjoyed a brief taste of spring on March 23rd--before it turned cold and rainy again!

We enjoyed a very informative presentation by Loretta Meyer from Meyer's Greenhouse and Nursery in Nashville, IL.

She told about the 50 year history of her family's involvement in various types of horticulture enterprises--from strawberries, to shrubs and landscaping, to the Greenhouse.





Ruby Lingle, Martha Speir, Mrs. Meyer, and Carol  Schlitt are  pictured above as they inspected some of the many plants and seedlings that will be ready when warm weather is here.

The photo at right is a 50 year old Jade Plant that has a permanent home in the nursery!

One of the things that was pointed out to us is that everyone gets in too much of a hurry to purchase plants in the spring and remove them from the Greenhouse environment. Then the plants don't do well, and the Greenhouse gets the blame.

Another point emphasized by Mrs. Meyer and her daughter was how much work there is in a Greenhouse!

Can you imagine transplanting all these seedlings in to single plant containers! And this was only part of what we saw. I believe they said they had nine Greenhouses.

Others who enjoyed the day were Patti Faughn, Joyce Pyatt, Milly Kaiser, Rusti Grogan, and Joy Richey.  Connie Frederking joined us for lunch at Buretta's Bar and Grill.

Some members of the group also discovered a local bakery shop and variety store that they couldn't pass up.

Happy Spring everyone. It will get here eventually!

Flashback to '76

Barb Farner was Macon County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had earned a B.S. in Home Economics Education from Illinois State University in 1967.

Barb then joined the Peace Corps and served in Colombia, South Africa form 1967-1969. She had also worked as Greene County Extension Adviser/Home Economics for 5 years before moving to Macon County in 1975.

As most people know, Barb served her entire career with University of Illinois Extension and ended it as a Nutrition and Wellness Educator at Matteson, IL in the Center there.   
                                       

She was active and served in many capacities for our Home Economist Professional Organizations over the years. And she has always enjoyed traveling to a number of foreign countries. I believe she returned to South Africa (maybe more than once).

At the 2017 Summer Reunion (photo at right) she shared that she had travel plans for El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe--and who knows where else?

Barb and some other Extension Retirees (now living in the Urbana area) have also become expert quilters. They visit  a number of quilt shows each year, including the Paducah, KY quilt event. At the 2016 Summer Reunion she mentioned a 5900 piece quilt that had been accepted for entry at the Paducah Quilt Show! I can't imagine how long it took to put that together! Always good to see you, Barb.

I also received some updated information on DeAnn Estes, who was featured in our last post. She is now DeAnn Cash and works at Lori's Pins & Needles in Edgar County.  She teaches lots of quilting and sewing machine instruction classes. She has also taught classes for the Mattoon Arts Council at the restored Train Depot the past 3 or 4 years and does an excellent job, no matter what one's sewing level is.

Thanks to Sharon Kuhns and Pat Hildebrand for the recent information.

Happy Spring everyone!

Flashback to '76

DeAnn Estes was Edgar County Extension Adviser, Home Economics. She had a B.S. in Home Economics Education from the U of I in 1974. Her work in Edgar County had just begun in 1976. She was a member of IAEHE, NAEHE, IHEA, AHEA, IAEAY and NAEAY.

Does anyone know where she went from there?

Savannah trip--Homeward Bound

The 5th day of our trip included a stop in Stoneridge, GA for lunch and some shopping at a "thrift" store.

 As we returned to Chattanooga for the evening, we made an unplanned stop at Gander Mountain--or at least until the name is changed. They certainly have magnificent displays!

After getting checked in to our hotel, we enjoyed a bountiful dinner at the Rib & Loin. When they say you will have chicken, pork & beef, my assumption would be that we would make a choice. However, we had a huge serving of all three! And--it was very tasty!

The sixth day found us on the road again for our arrival back in Illinois--except for the time we spent sitting on the Interstate waiting for work crews to clean up a wreck. Thankfully, we were not involved!

Everyone made it home safely after enjoying a great week. Now we are looking forward to New York in 2018.

Condolences for Thelma Malone

Thelma Jean Malone, age 76, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 9:02 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2018, in Heartland Regional Medical Center, of Marion.
She was born on Monday, December 1, 1941, in Harrisburg, IL, the daughter of John Oral and Minnie Maxine (French) Malone.
Thelma Jean attended school in Galatia, IL and was a graduate of Galatia High School Class of 1959. She continued on with her education that summer by attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL where she received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree and Master’s Degree in Home Economics and had also completed some of her courses toward her Doctorate Degree. She had also received from the State Teacher Certification Board of State of Illinois a teaching certificate for Special K-14 Teaching and Supervising of Vocational Homemaking.
She first began her working career with Crab Orchard High School, teaching Home Economics for four years. She then worked at Southern Illinois University as a Home Economics Supervisor. She later worked as an advisor for the University of Illinois Home Extension Office of Marion County located in Salem, IL. She saw an opportunity to return closer to her parents and applied for and received a position with the University of Illinois Home Extension Office of Williamson County, IL located in Marion. Her positions there were many. She was known for presenting programs on various facets of home economics on the local television station, radios, senior centers, and churches just to name a few. She remained working in the Marion office for many years until her retirement in 2006.
She has been a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion since 1968, where she was actively involved on many committees and as event coordinator of church gatherings until her health forced her to retire. She was a member of the Seekers Sunday school class and enjoyed singing in the church choir. She also was a member of the Marion Lions Club and once served as secretary and a life time member of the Marion Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Kappa Phi Club.
In her spare time, she loved traveling with friends, having traveled from coast to coast, shopping and knowing the location of every T.J. Maxx Store in the country. She also enjoyed cooking and entertaining, playing bingo, crocheting, and spending time with her many friends and family. Thelma Jean was dedicated to her parents and cared for them until their deaths. She loved her family, looking forward to the many times they all would gather together and was always interested in all of their many activities. The many memories that have been created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.
She is survived three cousins, 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; special caregiver and 2nd cousin, Renae Cullum and her husband Mike of Creal Springs, IL; other special family members, Nikki Williford and her husband Chris, Jaxen Cullum, Peyton Lee Jones and his daughter Sophia Rose Jones, other extended family, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and special family member, Noah Williford.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 19th at the funeral home. The visitation will resume again from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 1201 North Fair Street in Marion.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Lance Leeds presiding.
Interment will follow next to her parents in Dillingham Cemetery located northeast of Marion.
For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “The Kitchen Fund” of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Savannah Trip--evening of Day 4

After a little time to rest at our hotel, we departed for a buffet dinner at Paula Deen's, The Lady & Sons Restaurant. We enjoyed some shopping time in the gift shop and a delicious "southern" style meal of fried chicken and all the trimmings. (photo is from the internet).

Once again the bus had a little difficulty in parking very close. Some walked back to the hotel, and some rode, but we soon re-grouped and headed to the Savannah Theater.


The performance of "A Christmas Tradition" was outstanding! It was a two-hour variety show featuring Frosty the Snowman, dancing reindeer, Santa and his elves: along with an award-winning cast of singers and a live band performing all the classic Christmas favorites.

 The show definitely put us in the Christmas Spirit, and was a fitting end to another great day!

Condolences for Jacqueline Thomas

Jacqueline Thomas

Jacqueline H. Thomas, 92 of Carlinville, IL passed away Sunday morning, January 21, 2018, at Clay County Hospital in Flora, IL.
Jacqueline was born November 4, 1925, in Harco, IL, a daughter of Ewell and Josephine Lepoutre Harris.
Jackie graduated from SIU Carbondale in 1948 with a degree in Home Economics.
She married Frank Thomas, September 4, 1965, in Harrisburg, IL and he passed away August 19, 2004.
Jackie taught home economics in Vienna, Grayville, and Norris City, IL She later became the Home Advisor, or later called Extension Advisor in Macoupin County for 31 years. She was a member of Carlinville United Methodist Church and the Kiwanis Club in Carlinville and Girard.
Visitation was held on Sunday, January 28, 2018, 11:00 am to Noon at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home 260 Woodlawn Drive, Carlinville, IL.
Graveside Services were held, Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 4:00 pm at Tate's Chapel Cemetery in Galatia, IL.
Burial will follow in Tate's Chapel Cemetery next to her husband.
Jackie is survived by a host of friends.

Savannah Day 4--Interesting History

We began our morning by driving several miles south of Savannah to a place that seemed like it was in the middle of nowhere. It was the Pin Point Heritage Museum. Pin Point is an African American Gulla-Geechee community located in the marshes of Georgia's tidewater zone.

Our guide told us about the Oyster seafood processing factory that operated there from 1926 to 1985 and the lives of the Gulla-Geechee people who lived and worked there. It was one of the first places that slaves freed by the Civil War owned land.

 

The factory was the lifeblood of the community until pollution, government regulations on the processing of seafood, and other economic changes forced it to close. The few people that are left now work elsewhere.

The blue bottles in the tree near the crab house above are believed to keep evil spirits away by distracting them so that they don't enter the home. 

The photo of the marsh (above right)  is actually the "Moon River" from the famous song by Andy Williams--when the tide is out! Pin Point is also the birthplace of  Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. This was a very interesting stop where we learned a lot.

Then we boarded the Georgia Queen for a luncheon cruise on the Savannah River. Our narrator told us much about how the economy of Savannah developed and still depends on the shipping industry.




 
Though it is hard to believe since it is not on the ocean, Savannah is the 4th largest port in the US. There were huge boats coming in from other countries! We were told that this particular one (and all others like it) would spend several days in port going through customs, taking inventory of its cargo, etc.

After the cruise we had some time to explore and SHOP at many of the stores on the Savannah River Walk before we headed back to the hotel.

Our bus driver did a great job navigating around the narrow streets and congestion near the river and elsewhere in the city! It is an area that was not built for large transport vehicles for sure! 

Savannah Trip--Evening of Day 3

The Olde Pink House was built in 1771, and has survived ever since as a home, a bank, a headquarters for soldiers, and now as an elegant restaurant.

The pink exterior is thought to be a result of the red brick bleeding through white plaster on the outside to make it look pink.

Our meal was fabulous and enjoyed by all! We were also treated to some live entertainment which was added to by one of  the members of our group.

During the meal an entertainer ( I didn't get her name) sang songs and talked to us about some history and highlights of the Restaurant.

At one point she asked Dale Peach if he could help her with a whistle.

Well---he told her that he couldn't whistle, and that if he tried, he would probably spit on her instead. (not on purpose of course).

Just the way he said it and the context of the whole conversation, struck everyone as extremely funny! We had a great laugh!

  

And, as you can see, so did she! It took her a moment to compose herself.

You can tell from the photo of Dale and his wife, Diane, above, that he was very sincere in his explanation, and that made it even more hilarious.

It was a great end to our day of exploring and learning about Savannah.