2018 IMPACT REPORT University of Illinois Extension Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties
A Message from the Chancellor The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is an economic engine and a driver of innovation, deeply University of Illinois Extension
rooted in the Illinois prairie and engaged statewide, from
provides practical education you
Cook County to Cairo. Illinois Extension brings the
can trust to help people,
University to your doorstep. Extension educators live and work alongside
businesses, and communities solve
you in every county, allowing the university to support local leaders,
problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Based in the College
businesses, farmers, and residents to address grand challenges and everyday problems with practical, research-based solutions. As a youth, my
of Agricultural, Consumer and
own 4-H experience inspired a rewarding career in agricultural research and
Environmental Sciences, Extension
higher education. Today, it’s an honor to lead this great public university and
is the statewide outreach program
deepen its commitment to serve the people of Illinois.
of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Robert J. Jones Chancellor, University of Illinois
A Note from the County Director Welcome to University of Illinois Extension’s annual impact report. We experienced an outstanding 2018 and start 2019 with great optimism. I am privileged to lead an outstanding staff, and we hope you will take time to learn about the programming that is changing lives in Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties. We are optimistic because our 4-H youth are demonstrating their leadership and generosity in big ways: community service, speaking for Illinois Extension with local groups and legislators, and demonstrating mastery in
Financial Support
3
Volunteers
4
volunteers are leading our young people on great adventures each month in
Spotlight Series
5
their club meetings all across our unit, and our Master Gardener and Master
Local Trainings
6
Naturalist volunteers are helping people grow food, improve their
Snap-Ed
7
4-H & Youth Development
8-9
Family Life
10-11
Horticulture and Environment
12-13
their project areas. Our volunteers are committed and energetic. 4-H
landscapes, and explore the natural world. We welcome you to join our efforts by volunteering, attending our programs, or financially supporting our efforts. Make 2019 the year you change your life by participating in one of our many programs.
Staff Directory
14
Janice McCoy
Look Back at 2018
15
County Director
Financial Support
Education Outreach Online
In-Person
Sites
174,503
24,572
283
990
1,677
Website Views In 2018
Clients Reached
Newsletters & News Releases
Program Sessions In 2018
Total Followers 5 Facebook Pages
Extending Knowledge…Changing Lives Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the
INCOME
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offering educational programs to residents in all 102 Illinois counties. Since it was established in 1914, Illinois
40%
County Government & Local Funding
Extension has been an integral part of people’s
35%
Federal Funds (including SNAP)
educational experiences. Communities have come to
22%
State Match & Ag Premium
rely on Extension for its practical, research-based
3%
Program Income
educational offerings. Through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work, Illinois Extension’s programs are aimed at making life better, healthier,
EXPENSES
safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities.
Serving Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties
Illinois Extension is divided regionally into 27 units throughout the state. Our unit serves Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties. Staff include a county director
67%
Salaries
17%
Program Expenses
7%
Leases
7%
Benefits (for federal funds)
2%
Equipment
(Janice McCoy) and four educators that offer programs in
Extension Council Members
the areas of Family Life (Karla Belzer), SNAP-Education (Veronica Skaradzinski), 4-H Youth Development (Martha
Robin Fisch
Ebbesmeyer), and Horticulture (Bruce Black). We
Shay Bradbury
Savanna
accomplish our work through our many partnerships
Sheila Alexander
Chadwick
with community organizations, schools, and government.
Jodi York
We also have program coordinators and community
Jill Larson
workers that assist in our programming efforts. In
Nicole Jones
addition, volunteers in our 4-H, Master Gardener, and
Mark Jordan
Dixon
Master Naturalist programs extend our reach.
Shirley Rees
Steward
Greg Gates
Dixon
Extension Council Thank you to the individuals who serve on our unit’s Extension Council. The Extension Council meets four times annually to provide guidance to Extension staff when determining programming and outreach efforts. To the right is a listing of our current Extension Council members.
Jean Eggemeyer Mark Ward Diane Garcia Pam Martinez Gene Jacoby Katie Armstrong
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 3
Milledgeville
Lanark Dixon West Brooklyn
Morrison Prophetstown Morrison Sterling Rock Falls Erie
Volunteers
Volunteers Make a Difference
Carroll County volunteer
Volunteers are essential to the success of our programs.
Terry Bocker is a dedicated 4-H
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with
volunteer who has helped
Illinois Extension, please call any of our offices and we
many 4-Hers thrive in the
will be happy to work with you to find the volunteer
sheep project. He provides
opportunity that's the best match for your interests,
direction to youth about how to raise sheep and encourages
talents, and available time. Opportunities are available in our 4-H, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist
them to participate in exhibiting their project at the fair.
programs. We had 69 individuals volunteer their time
His farm serves as a hands-on learning experience for
last year to Master Gardener and Master Naturalist
youth who don’t have access to a location to raise sheep.
programs and they gave 4,875 hours of their time. This
He also provides a state weigh-in site for northern
is a value of $126,847 back to the communities.
Illinois sheep and goat youth exhibitors who participate at the State Fair.
69 4,875 $126,847
Master Volunteers
Lee County volunteer Carol
Volunteer Hours
Vaessen has spent more of her
Value to Communities
life than most involved in 4-H. She started at a time when boys and girls clubs were separated, but she was so set on showing her family's Holsteins that she joined the boys’ Clear Creek Boosters in Putnam County. Carol showed her cattle for 10 years. Her journey with 4H didn't end there. As her five children started coming through 4-H, she volunteered as a leader of the Sublette Indians 4-H Club, a position she went on to hold for 30 years until she retired in 2008. A self-described "funloving leader and fair helper," Carol remains active on the Lee County 4-H scene and supports her grandchildren's participation. Carol has made 4-H a part of her legacy and embodies the meaning of the pledge: she has dedicated her head, hands, heart, and health to the 4-H community. Whiteside County volunteer
Lee County program coordinator Marilyn Kemmerer (front,
Lisa James’s creativity and
far left) with Master Gardener volunteers.
passion for 4-H is evident throughout her volunteering.
http://go.illinois.edu/CLWVolunteers
She has been a leader for the Cottonwood 4-H club for 6
4-H Hall of Fame Inductees
years and always helps out
The Illinois 4-H Foundation annually recognizes 4-H
where needed. She comes to club meetings and leaders
volunteers for exemplary service to the Illinois 4-H
meetings full of ideas to better the 4-H member’s
program. This year, 67 new members were inducted into
experience. To say she is dedicated to this program is an
the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame during a celebration
understatement. Not only is Lisa a wonderful volunteer
Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
and leader but she has instilled her work ethic, passion,
Local volunteers newly in the Hall of Fame are Terry
and love for 4-H in her two children, Triston and Quinn.
Bocker, Carol Vaessen, and Lisa James. 2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 4
Spotlight Stories
Educators Receive Awards Family Life educator Karla Belzer received the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) Past Presidents’ New Professional Award. Belzer was recognized for her outstanding programming on life issues affecting families with children, adults, and individuals as they age. The New Professional Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of NEAFCS members in their first three years of employment.
Extension to ACES Scholarship Winner Mitchell Clodfelter (far right) a local graduate from Sterling, joined 46 high school seniors and college Karla Belzer (left), Family Life educator, receives the
transfer students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-
NEAFCS New Professional Award from Lora Lee Howard,
Champaign this past fall with a little help from their local
president of the organization.
Extension offices. The students have each been awarded a $2,500 Extension to ACES Scholarship to attend the
Congratulations to Bruce J. Black for receiving the Illinois
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental
Extension Agriculture Association (IEAA) Action Award.
Sciences (ACES).
This award is presented to members who have been active in IEAA for less than 5 years. As Horticulture
Janice McCoy, county director, said, “Helping our brightest
educator, Bruce has assisted with youth and community
students have an opportunity to attend a world-class
garden education, in-school horticulture programming,
research institution is important. University of Illinois is
and pesticide safety education.
preparing the next generation to meet the real-world challenges facing our communities and the world.” “Mitchell has been a 4-H member of the Genessee Hillbillies club for ten years and has excelled in many areas, including leadership. He has been a member of 4H Federation, a 4-H camp counselor, and a 4-H ambassador, and he has represented 4-H to local funders. His project areas include beef, swine, and woodworking. He is currently president of Federation and his 4-H club. Mitchell is a great example of how 4-H can make the best better,” said McCoy.
Bruce Black (left) receives the IEAA Award from Martha Smith; both are University of Illinois Extension Horticulture educators.
The scholarship was presented to Mitchell this past May by ACES dean Dr. Kimberlee Kidwell as she toured the area.
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 5
Local Trainings
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Local officials David Bowers, Shane Celestino, and Cynthia Mead
Illinois State
participated in the 2018 Leadership Academy. It was developed by Illinois
treasurer Mike
Extension in partnership with United Council of Illinois (UCCI) to provide
Frerichs addresses
leadership training on issues important to elected and appointed county
the UCCI/Illinois
officials. Over the course of five interactive sessions, the academy covered
Extension Leadership
topics including fiscal management, leadership in crisis situations, data-
Academy.
driven decision-making, managing economic development, change management, managing conflict, and parliamentary procedure.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID If you could save a life, would you? Mental health challenges affect one in five young people, with half developing their conditions before the age of 14 and nearly ¾ before the age of 24. Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach neighbors, teachers, parents, peers, and caring citizens how to help a youth or teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. The course discusses mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and provides guidance on how to help ensure youth receive proper care. In the past five years, Illinois Extension has trained over 227 people in the Youth Mental Health First Aid program. In evaluations, the course content received an average score of 4.69 out of 5. Presenters received an average rank of 4.75 our of 5 over the past five years. Participants report that the course is excellent and should be mandatory training. Just like a first aid or CPR class, Youth Mental Health First Aid can teach you how to help a young person who may just need a listening ear to overcome a challenge. Call our office for the latest schedule of classes and become the difference in a young person’s life!
MASTER NATURALIST TRAINING Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults of any age that desire the opportunity to learn about and positively impact our local environment. The goal of the program is not to teach you "everything there is to know" about the subjects being covered, but to give you an engaging exposure to the natural world--one that encourages you to seek Master Naturalist Mark Jordan
out lifelong learning opportunities to further your development as a naturalist. 2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 6
SNAP-Ed
ABCs of School Nutrition The mission of Illinois Extension’s ABCs of School Nutrition program is to increase the professional capacity of school nutrition employees across Illinois by providing professional development opportunities that enable them to enhance and maintain the success of their school nutrition program. Learning institute days provided by ABCs of School Nutrition satisfy the USDA Professional Standards annual requirements for school nutrition professionals. This past summer, SNAP-Ed Extension educator Veronica Skaradzinski hosted two ABCs of School Nutrition learning institutes for school nutrition professionals in and around the areas of Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside counties. Over 45 school nutrition professionals actively participated in the two learning institute events. A few of the topics covered in the trainings included serving breakfast after the bell, customer service, merchandising, food presentation, food production records, and encouraging healthy foods.
Several school nutrition professionals voiced that they do not currently offer themes in their lunchrooms, but they had no trouble getting creative in an activity that allowed them to match a theme with foods offered on their menu!
One in nine Illinois residents do not know where their next meal is coming from, including 15.7 percent of children. Illinois Extension helps fill in these gaps for Illinois families through programs on nutrition education, 4-H youth development, and horticulture.
http://go.illinois.edu/DiscoverExtension
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 7
4-H & Youth Development
Foundation Awards Whiteside 4-H Member Scholarship and Key Award
The Illinois 4-H Foundation increased its annual support of college scholarships, awarding 17 $1,000 scholarships to 4-H members. A request to donors generated eight new scholarships, said Angie Barnard, Foundation executive director. The winners were named at a ceremony held Saturday, Oct. 20, in Champaign. The Illinois 4-H Foundation presented the Legacy of Leadership scholarships to 4-H members who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure. Locally, our recipient was Erin Stichter of Whiteside County. “Our awardees embody the true spirit of 4-H, having made a difference not only in their communities, but also in Illinois and the nation,” said Lisa Diaz, U of I Extension assistant dean and director of Illinois 4-H. “We are proud of the dedication, service, and fortitude of the young men and women who have developed through our 4-H programs.” Erin also received the 4-H Key Award. The Illinois 4-H Key Award emphasizes community service and mentorship by 4-H members. Erin’s actions highlight the final words of the 4-H pledge: “For my club, my community, my country and my world.” Erin said 4-H “fertilized the seed which was planted early in my life” to mold her into the leader she is. She recognized that being a mentor, teaching workshops, and volunteering in her community could create the most positive differences she could make. Erin plans to study agronomy at Iowa State University, where she hopes to research chemicals and soils.
I am so pleased with our experience with Kathy and the Extension Office, and best of all, I know that together, as a team, we planted the seeds of success in our students' hearts.
Erin Stichter, State
PRINCIPAL KAREN PAYAN ST. ANNE SCHOOL, DIXON
Erie, IL
4-H Key Award and Legacy of Leadership Scholarship recipient. Whiteside County
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 8
“The purpose of the contest is to create an educational activity that promotes youth development, career development, and personal growth through increased knowledge of the livestock industry,” said Dave Fischer,
Carroll County 4-H Members Earn Top Awards
Extension dairy program coordinator and Illinois 4-H dairy coach.
Katie Hoffman (right) has been preparing for her future for 10 years as a member of the Savanna Smiles 4-H Club in Carroll County. That preparation paid off when she was chosen as one of 15 4-H members awarded a $1,000 scholarship at the Illinois 4-H Superior Young Producer Award Contest. For more than 20 years, the Illinois 4-H Foundation has rewarded exceptional 4-H members in animal science
4-H DAIRY SCHOLARSHIPS: (From left) Lisa Diaz, director of Illinois 4-H; dairy scholarship winners Lane Heinzmann,
projects for their work both inside and outside the show
Addison Raber, and Rachel Scidmore; Miss Illinois County
ring. The contest tests a young person’s knowledge in
Fair Queen Samantha Hasselbring; and Dave Fischer,
animal production, health, and herd management.
Extension 4-H dairy program coordinator.
Compeer Financial provides support for the horse and dairy divisions, and the CME Group of Chicago supports the beef, sheep, and swine divisions. The Land of Lincoln Livestock Breeders Association provides awards. “Learning the knowledge I needed in order to win has already helped me tremendously by helping me get jobs in the horse industry,” Katie said. The Savanna teen also shadowed veterinarians last summer prior to leaving for college, where she is studying animal science and
NATIONAL 4-H DAIRY QUIZ BOWL: The Illinois 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl team placed fourth at the 2018 National 4-H
pursuing a career as a vet. “The scholarship will help me
Dairy Quiz Bowl contest in Louisville, Ky. Pictured (left to
focus on my studies and worry less about how to pay for
right) are Becky Meier, assistant coach; Payton Erbsen;
my education,” Katie said.
Emma Carlson; Briley Lenkaitis; Lane Heinzmann; and Dave Fischer, coach.
The contest had three phases. The management phase tests knowledge of animal nutrition, health, reproduction, safety, and marketing. The skill-a-thon phase tests the contestant’s ability to identify feed components and livestock equipment. The third phase includes live animal judging and quality analysis. Joining Katie in the winner’s circle in the horse contest was Olivia Charles, also from Carroll County. The contest was held July 25 as part of the Illinois State Fair junior horse show.
4-H HORSE JUDGING TEAM: Illinois placed sixth in national competition at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup Hippology Contest held Nov. 3 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured (left to right) are Brenna Berns of Ogle County, Olivia Charles of Carroll County, Tea Thomas of Whiteside county,
In the dairy contest, Carroll County 4-H member Rachel
Sarah Paige Tarr of DeWitt County, and Coach Paul Rogers.
Scidmore earned $1,000 scholarships for her top finishes in the Superior Young Dairy Producers Contest held Aug. 18 at the Illinois State Fair.
https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 9
Family Life
Changing the Community for the Better: All My Money Teaches Financial Management Taking action to improve the financial stability and
security of individuals and families, our unit hosted the two-day “All My Money” training for 25 local service providers. The All My Money: Change for the Better curriculum is a train-the-trainer financial management program for persons working with limited-resource audiences. The curriculum is designed so that agency staff, social workers, and other educators can teach financial literacy topics, even if they do not personally
(From left) Karla Belzer, Allie Johnston, Mary Nelson, Linda
have expertise in financial management.
Whitmer, Marcia Cruse, Martha Ebbesmeyer, Bruce Black
This year was the first year the training was offered in the area, and it was very well received. Participants were from both pubic and private agencies, including the YWCA, Sauk Valley Community College, Tri-County Opportunities Council, Veterans Assistance Commission, Freedom House, Sinnissippi Centers, Business Employment Skills Team (BEST), and the Northwestern
Staff Receive Extension Award of Excellence
Whiteside County staff received the 2018 University of Illinois Extension Interdisciplinary Unit Team Award for programming excellence with the Regional Office of Education. Promoting social-emotional learning, strengthening family relationships, developing a
Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL).
foundation for parental school involvement, and
After training, agencies implement the program with
are the goals of the Riverdale Parent-Child Workshop.
their clientele with the overall goal of improving financial management which, in turn, improves financial stability providing long-term, lasting impact for individuals, families, and the community.
increasing visibility to Extension programs and services
The only programming collaboration within the unit that utilizes every discipline, these workshops take place at the school twice per year. Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists provide educational efforts in conjunction with unit staff. Since November 2016, the program has had 600 participant contacts, enriching families, fostering community collaboration, promoting unit teamwork, and improving Extension’s reach.
Illinois Extension partnered with the Regional Office of Education to provide interactive, educational activities at Riverdale Preschool in Rock Falls.
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 10
Brain Health Across the Life Span
Students participated in educational brain challenges,
Research continues to demonstrate the importance of
learned fun facts about the brain, explored brain health
taking care of the brain throughout life, and Illinois
contributors, and were encouraged to complete a brain
Extension remains focused on providing brain health
challenge every day. As we envision a future with
education to audiences of all ages. Trauma-informed
reduced normal, age-related cognitive decline, educating
care and adverse childhood experiences (ACES) are hot
and encouraging youth to take care of their brains and
topics amongst educators and healthcare professionals,
adopt brain health lifestyle factors at an early age will
not only in Illinois but across the nation. Exposure to
help them have strong brains, both now and in the future.
ACES impacts child brain development, and many agencies and school systems are moving toward trauma
Traditional brain health programming remained a
-informed approaches to care and service. In response
vibrant part of Family Life programming efforts in 2018.
to this emerging issue, Illinois Extension engaged in a
Adopting a brain healthy lifestyle has been
lifespan approach to brain health.
demonstrated to reduce cognitive decline due to the normal aging process, providing benefits including
To impact brain growth and development at the earliest
continued independence, reduction of chronic diseases,
of ages, brain health programming geared towards
and improved overall quality of life. This past year, over
parents of young children, caregivers, and child care
60 brain health-related programs were delivered,
providers was provided throughout 2018. Participants
reaching over 921 people. Due to the popularity of brain
engaged in training modules from Better Brains for
health programming, two monthly Wits Fitness brain
Babies curriculum, providing training and insight on
health exercise program sites were added in 2018,
brain development, well-being, attachment, and stress.
bringing the total to five sites. Two additional Wits
Armed with skills and information to positively impact
Fitness programming sites will be starting in 2019.
child and brain development, parents and caregivers alike report that the program provided them with the confidence necessary to best care for children and equipped them to address the impact of stress on the
2018 Brain Health Sites
Thomson Public Library Mt. Carroll Public Library Sterling Public Library
developing brain.
Whiteside Center Senior Center Engaging youth in adopting a healthy brain lifestyle is
Rock River Center
also an emerging trend. Youth participants engaged in brain health programming through Health Jam programs in early 2018.
http://go.illinois.edu/CLWFamilyLife
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 11
Horticulture and Environment
New Master Gardener Interns Illinois Extension graduated six new Master Gardener trainees in November who join the ranks of existing volunteers to help their local communities. “Master Gardener training is an intensive 60-hour course that covers a wide variety of topics including, soils, turf, basic botany, flowers, vegetables, trees, and more,” said Marilyn Kemmerer, Extension program coordinator. “The course is designed to take a person who loves to garden and teach them more in-depth, technical knowledge about how plants and trees grow,” added Kemmerer.
I could not be prouder of our Master Gardeners. The passion, expert knowledge, and willingness to share their love of gardening and nature with their communities is truly inspiring. BRUCE BLACK, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR
“I went home after fruit class and that night I told my husband, ‘Over breakfast we are going to try an experiment,’” said Darla Emmert, a new Master Gardener intern. “We are going to count the apple seeds when we eat our morning apples.” The seed counting activity was one of the many hands-on activities during the 10-week training and was about the connection between seed development and the flavor of apples. Once trainees complete the 60-hour training course, they become interns, and over the next two years they volunteer 60 additional hours to projects and education. Upon completion of their 60 volunteer hours they are then active Master Gardeners. “University of Illinois Master Gardeners provide education that improves the lives of people in their local communities. They are involved in presenting garden-related topics to community groups, providing guidance on home horticulture problems and teaching youth gardening, to
Diane Garcia, Whiteside County Master Gardener
name a few,” said Janice McCoy, county director. “Our
Seed Starting 101
Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists are an integral
Illinois Extension received a generous donation of free
part of our mission, and they help us reach into
seeds from a local business to distribute in Carroll, Lee,
communities and expand knowledge and interest,”
and Whiteside counties. Master Gardeners in each
McCoy added.
county have established “seed libraries” in many local communities. The seed libraries offer free seeds and educational information about how to grow the vegetables, herbs, or flowers in their home gardens. Master Gardeners in Whiteside County visited local libraries during March to offer expert advice and knowledge on backyard gardening and demonstrate how to start seeds at home. “There are so many questions people have when they start a garden: What
Front (from left): Darla Emmert, Debbie Thormahlen, Terry Durham. Back (from left): Shelia Carey, Toby Green, and Lana Soldat
should I plant? When should I plant it? How should I care for it? People just want confirmation that they are doing the right thing when it comes to gardening,” said Diane Garcia, Whiteside County Master Gardener.
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 12
4-H Grant Expands Lee County Junior Gardener Program to Feed Community
Illinois Extension received a grant from the Illinois 4-H Foundation to expand the Lee County 4-H Junior Garden in Dixon. For the third year, Master Gardeners taught young people how to garden, grow food, and be a friend to nature. Youth learned about food insecurity during the program and realized how many people in our community are hungry. In response to this, the 4-H Junior Gardeners donated over 320 pounds of fresh produce to food pantries and residents of Countryside Manor. “Realizing that you can make a big impact on hunger by planting a few extra plants and donating the produce was part of the experience for the youth,” said Bruce Black, horticulture educator.
Libraries Connect People to Learning Master Gardener volunteers enjoyed showcasing their talents and expertise with new and exciting programs at Carroll County libraries this past year. These programs, which started in 2014, have grown to become community favorites. Taste-testing herbal recipes and learning how to grow and use eight different herbs was
Living a healthy lifestyle can start with small changes such as trying a new vegetable. The young gardeners enjoyed taste testing the vegetables and also introduced the vegetables they enjoyed to their families at home. Mastering skills is an important part of the 4-H program. Youth demonstrate their skills by participating in the 4-H fair every year. Youth were able to use the produce they grew in the garden as part of their fair projects. During the 2018 summer program, 31% of youth were return participants and 54% started gardens at home. For 46% of the youth, the Lee County Junior Gardeners program was their first 4-H experience. Watch for the 2019 Junior Garden program to begin in the spring.
the first program: Herb of the Month. This year the participants took their knowledge of the herbs and were able to participate in new programming, which included Cooking with Herbs, Herbal Vinegars, and Homemade Herbal Tea Bags. The participants pictured above enjoyed an herbal tea party with their homemade tea bag creations at York Township Public Library in Thomson. Other favorite topics at the local libraries included Flower Arranging, Succulent Wreaths, and Pressed Flower Art. These hands-on workshops all begin with an education lesson on growing and preserving the plants necessary to complete these projects. Master Gardeners were also available at the libraries to help answer questions during the growing season and gave short presentations on growing strawberries, blueberries, cool season vegetables, and seed starting. “Helping put knowledge to work” is the theme of the Master Gardener program. This has become possible with the partnership we have created with the local libraries. To check out programs in your area visit the website named below or call your local Extension office. http://go.illinois.edu/CLWHorticulture
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 13
Staff Directory
Janice McCoy Unit Director
Karla Belzer Family Life Educator
Bruce Black Horticulture Educator
Martha Ebbesmeyer Youth Development Educator
Veronica Skaradzinski Snap-Ed Educator
Marcia Cruse Illinois Nutrition Education Program
Sheila Miller Illinois Nutrition Education Program
Linda Whitmer Illinois Nutrition Education Program
Susan O’Connor Unit Marketing & Fund Development
Sunny Porter Whiteside Office Support
Allie Johnston Whiteside 4-H Coordinator
Mary Nelson Whiteside ANR Coordinator
Jane Shaw Carroll Office Support
Mary Sheridan Unit Office Support
Kathy Book Lee 4-H Coordinator
Marilyn Kemmerer Lee ANR Coordinator
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 14
Teamwork!
Free Seeds!
Exciting!
2018 ILLINOIS EXTENSION IMPACT REPORT 15
Talented!
OFFICE LOCATIONS WHITESIDE MAIN OFFICE
LEE BRANCH OFFICE
CARROLL BRANCH OFFICE
12923 Lawrence Rd.
280 W. Wasson Rd.
807 D South Clay St.
Sterling, IL 61081
Amboy, IL 61310
Mt. Carroll, IL 61053
(815) 632-3611
(815) 857-3525
(815) 244-9444
Fax: (815) 716-8922
Fax: (815) 857-3527
Fax: (815) 244-3708
ONLINE
/UofIExtensionCLW
go.illinois.eud/clw
uie-clw@illinois.edu
Cover photos: (top left) Thomson library participant shows off her fairy garden. (top right) Health Jam participant enjoys a day at KSB Hospital. (bottom left) Lee County Project Pool kids have fun sharing their geology knowledge. (bottom right) A Whiteside Master Gardener works planting at Triangle Park in Sterling. Back cover photo: A Carroll County 4-H member and her champion dairy cow. University of Illinois ~ U.S. Department of Agriculture ~ Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any program, please contact the county Extension office. The Illinois Nutrition Education Program is funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture by the Director, Cooperative Extension Service, and University of Illinois. © Copyright 2019 University of Illinois Board of Trustees