Member Update

Janet Burnett is not suffering the cold winter blasts along with those of us who are not in Florida. Wish we could join her in her condo there!

Janet is still working as director of the Nature Center in Edwardsville, but she gets to go to Florida in the winter. Sounds like a pretty nice arrangement to have.

She will be busy this year with two weddings. Her daughter is getting married in June and her son in December. Sounds like a hectic and fun year coming up.

Member Update

Where haven't they been this year!

Charlotte and Al Crawford must have been gone more than home these past months. They have been to Europe, Africa, and many places in the United States.

They made a stop in Florida before taking a transatlantic cruise, and then went to Venice, the Austrian Alps, Frankfurt Germany, and Zurich.

Charlotte participated in the IEAFCS bus trip to Mackinaw Island, Michigan, and attended NEAFCS in Pittsburg, PA.They also made it to Colorado in time to see the fall colors.

A lengthy tour to Africa included stops in Botswana, Johannesburg, Soweto, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned), and to Zimbabwe where they took the elephant ride shown in the photo.

The year ended with a Madrigal Dinner in Yosemite in California. Wow! I'm sure I left some things out also.

They had great visits with family and friends, and marked several items off their bucket list. Sounds like they are really enjoying life.

New Leadership for IEAFCS

Chelsey Byers is the current president of IEAFCS. Here is a little more information for those who don't know her.

She is the Family Life Educator for University of Illinois Extension, serving Champaign, Ford, Iroquois and Vermilion Counties. Her specialty is in aging issues with a focus on brain health and Alzheimer's/dementia. Chelsey provides community-based training and education on life issues affecting families, adults and individuals as they age. She works closely with community groups and organizations serving families, adults and seniors.

Chelsey was first hired as an Adult Life and Aging Educator for Kankakee County (2007-2011) and then served as a Family Life Educator for Grundy, Kankakee and Will Counties (2011-2012). As an integral part of the Family Life Team, she develops and teaches innovative programs on brain health, caregiving, grandparents raising grandkids, managing stress, maintaining balance in life and lifestory writing.

Her educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation and a Master's Degree in Gerontology from Eastern Illinois University.

Prior to her service with Extension, Chelsey  worked as a Professional Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis Chapter. In that role, she was responsible for curriculum development and education for healthcare workers, emergency responders, and family members about various aspects of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. She was actively involved in the planning of and presenting at regional and state conferences. Before getting her Master's Degree, Byers was an Activity Therapist on the Alzheimer's/Dementia Unit at the Illinois Veteran's Home in Manteno, IL.

Thanks to Chelsey for providing leadership to IEAFCS!

For Your Information Available

Here is the link to FYI number 8 for 2013: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/fyi/

One item of interest is the announcement of Marilyn Brengle's retirement on February 28th, 2014. All the best to you, Marilyn, as you begin to enjoy retirement. However, we know how hectic the next month will be as you try to get ready to leave!

Condolences for Hugh Wetzel

Those who get notices from Extension Partners have already received similar information.

In Memory: Hugh Wetzel

Hubert “Hugh” J. Wetzel, 88, of Urbana passed away on December 13, 2013.  There was no service or announcement. His wife, Dottie, suggests memorials may be made to the Illinois 4-H Foundation, 1401 Maryland Dr., Urbana, IL 61801.
 
Hugh was well known in 4-H and Illinois agriculture circles. For nearly 60 years Hugh provided leadership, as State Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist and after retirement, to 4-H programs coordinated at the University of Illinois and in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension Service that positively influenced thousands of youth and families in the state of Illinois, the nation and the world.
 
His pinnacle achievement was as the founder, with the US Department of Agriculture, of the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program. As Chairman of 4-H International Programs he guided a learning, living and sharing experience for young people abroad. He facilitated a rewarding cultural exchange between 4-H members and the families they stayed with and whole communities both here and abroad. For this and other contributions, like the National 4-H Congress Program Chair, he was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.  At the time of his induction in 2005, he was only the fifth inductee from the state of Illinois.
 
As a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps, he served three years as a navigator based in France with the 439^th Troop Carrier Squadron in Chateaudun.
 
Hugh became a member of Alpha Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in 1943, seventy years ago. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1948 and soon after joined the Cooperative Extension staff in Whiteside County. He was a member of the Alpha Alumni Board for seventeen years serving as both Secretary and President. Later, he was instrumental in organizing reunion gatherings of the “older” AGR alums with over 40 year memberships. He was also a Decade Class Chair in the recent Capital Campaign and a regular participant in Homecoming and Founders Day events. The National Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity made him a “Brother of the Century” in honor of its 100th year for his contributions to the fraternity and career achievements.
 
Hugh was a wonderful man with a happy smile, a twinkle in his eye and a friendly greeting to all. He will be missed, but his life can be celebrated for the many contributions he made to his fellow man!

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Southern Region Holiday Gathering

Southern Region IEAFCS Retirees met at the home of Lois Smith on Dec. 12th. Her home was beautifully decorated as always, and the food and fellowship was great! Thank you Lois for hosting.

If you are wondering what was going on here, the group was trying to play a tune on English Crackers.

Carol Schlitt tried her best to get some rhythm out of us, but it didn't turn out particularly well. She worked hard though, and we all got a good
laugh.
         
Those attending were Joy Richey, Martha Winter, Shirley Martin Prewitt, Lois Smith, Martha Speir, Carol Schlitt, and Janet Burnett--not pictured.

The big news of the day was Shirley's recent marriage to Bill Prewitt from Herrin on Nov. 3rd. Congratulations Shirley!

The meeting had been re-scheduled because of the blizzard conditions the week before, and a few others were unable to attend. The Southern Region would like to wish everyone A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New  Year.

 

From Garden Gates to Dinner Plates

 

Illinois Cottage Food Operation Information

A new website has been launched - From Garden Gates to Dinner Plates - Illinois Cottage Food Operation Information.

In Illinois, new laws have gone into effect overseeing foods that are prepared for sale by a business operated by a person at the Farmers' Market who produces food in their kitchen for direct sale by the owner or a family member. 

This website includes information about what foods can be sold, safe food handling practices, food labeling, and frequently asked questions.

The site was created by Druscilla Banks, Mary Liz Wright, and Jenna Smith all Extension Educators, Nutrition and Wellness.

Please visit this site at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cottage/ and share it with others.

This information is included in the latest issue of FYI. It can be accessed at:http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fyi/