2015 Annual Report U of I Extension BCJMW

Annual Report

2015

SERVING BOND, CLINTON, JEFFERSON, MARION & WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Current Extension Council Members Chair Diana Ostrom, Bond County Vice Chair David Ratermann, Clinton County Secretary Tracy Grayling, Clinton County Bob Johnson, Bond County Jan Woker, Bond County Josh St. Peters, Bond County Taylor Zurliene, Clinton County Deanna Ratermann, Clinton County Cathy Gajewski, Jefferson County Paula Kiselewski, Jefferson County Steffen Gordon, Jefferson County

Michele Hester, Marion County Connie Williams, Marion County Jeff Littrell, Marion County Jay Telford, Marion County Christine Bevil, Washington County Kimberly Taylor, Washington County Jim Lehde, Washington County Jim Wisely, Washington County

The Extension Advisory Council meets every other month at 7 p.m. at the Kaskaskia College Lifelong Learning Center.

Program Partners Local U of I Extension Offices make it a point to partner with local agencies in order to meet the needs of local communities. Some of our local partners include: BCMW 1st Step Community Link County Fair Boards/Associations County Farm Bureaus County Health Departments County Housing Authorities Germantown Public Library Greenville High School FFA Hoyleton Children’s Home Illinois Department of Natural Resources Kaskaskia College Lifeboat Safe Housing Logan Street Daycare Marion County Ag in the Classroom Mulberry Grove High School FFA One Hope United Okawville High School FFA Rend Lake College Simple Room Soil & Water Conservation Districts Southern Illinois Antique Power Club Tri-County Beekeepers Association U.S. Army Corp of Engineers USDA Village of New Baden – Park & Rec Department Washington County FB Young Farmers Washington County FB Women’s Committee

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 3

Extending Knowledge, Changing Lives

Our Mission: To enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work.

University of Illinois Extension is committed to providing educational opportunities and resources that empower personal growth, leadership, health, and prosperity. These opportunities are delivered through clubs, workshops, seminars, meetings, community participation, collaborations, partnerships, and through online information that is available anytime, anywhere, 24 hours a day.

O n behalf of Extension staff and myself, I would like to thank our

2012 volunteers, partners, funding organi- 17 Employees zations and participants for your 48 4-H Clubs contribution to another successful 128 4-H Leaders year. Without the contribution 73 Master Gardeners Trained of our hundreds of volunteers, partnerships, funding organizations and local communities, Exten- Approx 30 activities per month sion would not be able to fulfill this mission. Your commitment to and passion for Extension and its services are imperative to the resulting impact.

Extension BCJMW Unit

2015 Income

Over the past few years, the Extension Unit serving Bond, Clinton Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties has made a concerted effort to renew and revive educational opportunities for our local communities. These efforts have resulted in significant growth.

Ibriefamimpact pleased to introduce this report for our Exten-

sion Unit serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties. This report is designed to provide sample stories and highlights of the many offerings in Extension being provided all over Illinois. Please enjoy reading.

Lisa Wait, County Extension Director

5% Grants

20% Federal 35% State

2015 25 96 206 98 21

More than 80 activities per month

Extension BCJMW Unit 2015 Expenses

4% General Services 40% County

Employees 4-H Clubs 4-H Leaders Master Gardeners Trained Master Naturalists Trained

9% Rent & Utilities

4% Travel 10% Supplies & Equipment 73% Salaries

4 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

Combining Efforts To Make an Impact T he garden project at Hoyleton Children’s Home has been the true embodiment of the term “cooperative program.” Unit staff from Ag and Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development came together with Master Gardeners, staff and youth from Hoyleton Children’s Home to set up a garden for the children.

The garden project turned into a true teaching garden. Master Gardeners worked with youth to start the garden from scratch, maintain it and harvest their produce. Despite the wet start to the season, youth were able to be involved in planting, weeding and harvesting their produce. Experience shows that youth are more willing to try new foods if they have been involved in preparing them. This rang true in the garden as young gardeners were willing and able to try the food they had a hand in growing.

Despite the uncooperative weather, participants were able to do three rounds of plantings in the garden. They wrapped up the last planting with short season crops like radishes, beans, lettuce, cabbage, beets, spinach, and more. It was a great opportunity to show youth that a garden can supplement their diet with locally grown produce for several months of the year.

One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin.

--Shakespeare--

John Doe, CEO

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 5

Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame 2015 The Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame honors volunteers annually who have provided exemplary service to 4-H in their community.

Carol Lingley Bond County 4-H Leader Carol Lingley is a true asset to the Bond County 4-H Program. She has served as a leader for 44 years for the Prizewinners 4-H Club, hosted many workshops, and is eager to help in any way that she can. It is hard to find a volunteer with Lingley’s enthusiasm about 4-H and her desire to help children, according to 4-H staff.

Barb Lammers Clinton County Retired Extension Staff Barb Lammers has been an excellent volunteer since she retired from University of Illinois Extension.

She has truly become an asset to many programs in Clinton County. Currently she is a member of Home and Community Education. She has volunteered numerous times in different counties for 4-H and led a wide range of workshops.

When Barb worked for Extension she was involved in many programs that are still currently going on in Clinton County, such as the annual Federation Egg Hunt and Cooking Schools that occur every summer.

Ken Hayse Jefferson County 4-H Volunteer As a third generation 4-H alum, Ken is heavily involved with 4-H in Jefferson County including serving as the Woodland Sparks 4-H club leader for 2 years. He also serves on the Jefferson County 4-H Foundation, is a former president of the Extension Advisory Council, and served on the ACES Alumni Board for the College of ACES.

Vicki & Todd Moody Marion County 4-H Leaders Marion County 4-H Hall of Fame inductees Todd and Vicki Moody are both 4-H volunteers that have been heavily involved in 4-H Shooting Sports. Todd is the certified shotgun instructor for the Marion County Clay Busters Shooting Sports SPIN Club, and Vicki is the coordinator for Marion County Shooting Sports. They also serve as the 4-H leaders for the Hoofbeats 4-H Club and have formed a 4-H Horse Judging Team and a 4-H Horse Bowl Team.

Donna Hesker Washington County 4-H Leader Donna Hesker, also known as “Mama Donna,” has been an excellent example of “bleeding green” for many years. She is the main leader for one of the biggest traditional clubs in Washington County. Donna truly focuses on leadership, communication, respect, and participation by advising, caring, and setting a fine example. She has always been known for high quality work and giving anything and everything her all...a true advocate for “Making the Best Better.” Washington County 4-H is very lucky to have such an incredible role model and passionate leader in Donna.

6 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

4-H Participation on the Rise W

hile many states are seeing a decline in 4-H participation, Illinois has seen a steady rise over recent years. The counties in our Unit all reflect that same increase in membership that is happening across the state. Numbers are up for both 4-H membership and for overall participation, which includes school programs and day camps. We are thrilled to be able to work with schools and offer educational programs that fit into their classroom programs.

Although the projects and programs evolve and change over time, some things remain the same. The mission of 4-H, no matter the club or program, is to help youth learn skills for living. Illinois 4-H strives to help youth, adults, and families reach their fullest potential. Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington County 4-H programs are proud to be a part of that vision in their home communities.

Special Interest Clubs have opened a new door into 4-H for a wide range of families. Youth have the option to participate in shorter-term clubs that focus on one area of interest.

4-H staff have noticed increases in traditional club membership, along with a surge in Special Interest Club enrolment. The chart on page 7 indicates the growth in club membership (traditional and SPIN), and in overall program participation which includes school programs and day camps.

When SPIN clubs started to become popular, there was a lot of concern that they would hurt the enrollment of traditional clubs. But it has actually been the opposite.

Traditional club members are opting to stay in their club and also join a SPIN club they find interesting. Youth who weren’t previous members and have a good SPIN club experience are seeking out traditional clubs to join as well. In many instances the SPIN club has been a stepping stone for youth to become more involved with 4-H programs.

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 7

Active Youth Active Youth Total Youth Program Total Youth Program Members 2013 Members 2015 Participation 2013 Participation 2015 Bond

122

245

832

1068

Clinton

214

332

1149

1504

Jefferson

284

412

1200

1744

Marion

241

363

1540

3629

Washington

147

392

1437

2547

Unit Totals

1008

1744

6158

10,492

Some of our Special Interest (SPIN) Clubs include: Bond County Boots & Bridles (horse) Natural Resources Hydroponics (Mulberry Grove Ag) Hoof & Horn (livestock) Dog Obedience Robotics (Mulberry Grove Jr. High) Super Sewers (sewing) Clinton County Nifty Knitters Robotics for Fun Robonators Competitors Club Horse Bowl and Hippology Quilling Bookworm Readers Wesclin Robotics Dog Agility Science Academy Art Academy Nature Academy Hydroponics at Christ Our Rock High School Operation Safe Kids Jefferson County Tractor Driving Spin Club Spin, Spin Club (wool spinning) Doggone Fun Spin Club Taxidermy Spin Club Garden Club Logan Street Spin Club (childcare) Casey Junior High Robotics Woodlawn Robotics Summersville Robotics Jefferson County Robotics 1 Club Jefferson County Robotics 2 Club

Jefferson County Air Rifle Club Jefferson County Archery Club Quilting Club RoboRams Robotics Club Mt. Vernon Hydroponics Club Webber Hydroponics Club Jefferson County Cloverbud Club Marion County Centralia High School Hydroponics 4-H Clay Busters (Shooting Sports) Horse Judging/Horse Bowl/Hippology Livestock Judging Team Poultry Commanders Shooting Sports Archery Sandoval High School Hydroponics Teens as Teachers Washington County Shooting Sports – Archery Shooting Sports – Rifle Okawville High School FFA Hydroponics Sewing Winter Art Academy Junior Nature Explorers Hoyleton Youth and Family Services Community Garden Simply the Best Teen Mentors National Youth Science Day Teen Teachers In all, there were 38 traditional 4-H Clubs and 54 SPIN clubs in our five counties last year. Those numbers are already on the rise for the current year. There are close to 200 adult volunteer leaders giving their time to lead these clubs.

8 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

4-H Members Find Success at Project Shows Although there are many things learned throughout the year, many members count the 4-H project shows as an important milestone in their 4-H experience. Whether it is general projects or livestock at either the county or state shows, members love having a chance to show their projects.

State Fair Champion Meat Rabbit Pen Bond County 4-H member Morgan Wilderman had an experience she will never forget when her Meat Rabbit Pen won Grand Champion at the State Fair in 2015. Wilderman had the chance to have her rabbits in the Hall of Champions and in the Sale of Champions at the State Fair. As if all the attention and media coverage wasn’t enough, all of the youth who had animals in the Sale of Champions received a $5,000 scholarship from the CME Group.

Superior Young Producer Contests Each year 25 young people receive a $1,000 college scholarship as part of the Superior Young Producer Scholarship Award program at the Illinois State Fair junior shows. The scholarships are provided by ADM. In 2015, two local 4-H members received scholarships for placing in the top five in the swine and horse divisions of the contest. Jonathan Timm of Marion County received a Swine scholarship and also placed in the top three in the management test phase. Maddie Henderson of Clinton County received a scholarship for placing in the top five in the horse contest and also placed in the top three in the skillathon phase.

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 9

Volunteer Time is Heavy Investment led and staff-assisted, youth/adult partnerships are a vital part of the program. Volunteer leaders encourage members to take a part in the leadership of the club.

Over 200 adults from our counties give their time to 4-H each year.

Master Showmanship Contest The Master Showmanship Contest is an annual event for junior exhibitors during the Illinois State Fair. At the Master Showmanship Contest they show beef, sheep, and swine.

Not only are they evaluated on how they handle the animals, but also on their answers to questions from the contest judges on animal husbandry and livestock production.

Marion County 4-H member Adrian Austin placed third in the Master Showmanship Contest, taking first place in the swine division.

3,505 4-H Projects

Members leave a 4-H show knowing more about their project then when they arrived.

Local Exhibit Numbers Increase 4-H members in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties exhibited 3,505 projects last year, which was up from just over 2,800 in 2014.

their mastery of their projects. It is also an opportunity for them to learn more about their projects.

They learn what skills need to be improved to have a better exhibit, or how to select better animals for their livestock projects.

Local 4-H shows are the perfect time for members to demonstrate

Volunteers Impact 4-H Programs 4-H is designed to be volunteer-

They provide countless hours of service for the program. Each hour of volunteer time donated to a nonprofit like 4-H is valued at $23.07. Volunteers contribute thousands of dollars worth of time to our programs each year. Their interest and dedication has been a huge factor in 4-H growth in recent years.

1 0 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

Extension staff made more than a dozen farmers market visits in 2015 with nutritional information and demonstrations.

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 1 1

FCS Programs Family and Consumer Science Programs help families learn how to make the most of their money, communicate with their children, prevent diet-related health problems, and so much more.

As the interest in buying local produce has grown, the interest in demonstrations in how to prepare local produce has grown, as well. Program Coordinator Helen Leonhardt spends a great deal of the farmers market season travelling to different markets for demonstrations on how to prepare the produce that is in season and available at the market.

Extension Staff Regularly Visited Seven Markets in 2015 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Carlyle Centralia Greenville Mt. Vernon Food & Art Nashville New Baden Salem

Over the course of farmers market season, Family & Consumer Science reached over 2,000 contacts

Questions and conversation with clients led to the addition of a recipes section on the Unit website in the Family and Consumer Science section. The recipes that Leonhardt was trying at the farmers markets have been popular download items. Clients were happy to hear they didn’t have to worry about keeping track of the paper recipe, they could find it online easily.

Family and Consumer Science Programs Reach Over 7,450 People Annually Health Fairs and Home Shows Another great way for Leonhardt to reach community members is by attending local health fairs and home shows. Through this community outreach, she was able to make contact and share educational information with more than 3,000 residents. These booths often showcase not only healthy information, but also other useful information for families such as budget help and dealing with financial difficulties.

Not only are staff members helping the community at these public events, they often partner with other staff from different program areas. For example, Leonhardt works with 4-H and SNAP staff to recruit and schedule adult volunteers for Cooking Schools. She also partners with Ag and Natural Resources staff to provide programming on beekeeping and the uses of honey. In addition she partners with other agencies like the Clinton County Health Improvement Coalition, Mt. Vernon Area Community Collaboration, and Salem Food Pantry.

1 2 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

Ag and Natural Resources A griculture and Natural Resources programs cover a wide range of topics across the five

county area. Last year the ANR team provided programs to help the public learn more about bees, woodlots, and everything in between.

Our five county Extension Unit has three staff members handling all the agriculture and natural resource calls and programs that come our way.

Program Coordinators Brenda Lyons (Bond, Marion and Jefferson Counties) and Gail DeVilbiss (Clinton and Washington Counties) work together with Local Food and Small Farms Educator Laurie George to meet the needs of our local communities.

Educating local youth has grown as a program request for staff in recent years. The ANR team members now regularly coordinate school conservation days for fifth graders, present at Earth Day programs, make classroom and 4-H presentations, and help with ongoing high school hydroponics programs.

ANR staff presented different programs to more than 2,500 youth last year.

Interest in traditional heritage skills like beekeeping have been growing by leaps and bounds. Staff are called regularly to present programs on beekeeping.

Last year our team was involved in educating almost 125 youth and adults about beginning beekeeping.

ANR staff members reached more than 9,000 people last year with educational information.

Not only do our staff members work on small local programs in our communities, but also on larger scale state and regional programs that draw large crowds from outside our area. ANR team member Laurie George is one of the coordinators for the annual Commercial Tree Fruit School. The program

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 1 3

is offered in two locations each winter, one of which is Mt. Vernon.

The program brings in a wide range of attendees from all over Illinois, as well as neighboring states for a full day of educational sessions on timely topics. Vendors are also on hand to meet with attendees about products and services related to commercial tree fruit production.

And that is just one example. Laurie alone reached more than 1,400 people speaking at different state and regional programs in 2015.

Interest in traditional heritage skills is growing ANR Busy Year Round Although many people associate ANR programs with the farming or gardening season, the reality is that ANR programs are offered through Extension all year long.

Many off-season workshops and events are scheduled to help prepare producers for the busy warm weather months.

Winter brings a wide range of conferences and trainings. Pesticide trainings and testings, Crop Management Conference, Commercial Tree Fruit School, Herb and Garden Shows, Farm Bill Training Sessions, Soil Fertility Workshops – these are just a few of the things that our local ANR team was involved with last winter.

As Spring hits, so do the youth conservation programs for schools, beekeeping programs, and farmers market training sessions.

Last Summer a new program was brought to our area. An Artifact Speaks training was offered for area teachers. The training introduced teachers to an equipment loan program that brings educational materials to their classroom. The program looks at ancient cultures through the use of artifacts and hands on activities.

The Four Season Gardening series is offered quarterly and the public can participate at local Extension

Washington Counties. According to the last Census of Agriculture by the USDA, our counties combined have more than 4,500 farms. Those farms average 300 acres each. The crops and livestock raised varies as much as the landscape of these counties.

More than half the farms reported that their principal income doesn’t come from the farm itself. Between working on the farm, and off the farm, our clients are very busy.

Local clients were offered more than 85 different Ag and Natural Resource programs locally last year.

Offices, or even from the comfort of their own home via the Internet.

As technology has changed and advanced, Extension programs have, too. Many trainings are now available at local offices and from your personal computer at home.

Being flexible in programming type and delivery means that our ANR team can offer the programs that our local communities need. Just as important they can offer them in different ways – in person or online depending on client needs.

Meeting Community Needs Agriculture is still a large part of the culture and economy in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and

In addition, ANR staff members take hundreds of calls each year from residents needing help with specific problems and questions.

1 4 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

Master Gardeners & Master Naturalists The Master Gardeners have a long running history of providing horticulture knowledge and community service, and now Master Naturalists have joined in the fun, too. The Master Naturalist program celebrated its second local training last year bringing their membership up to 21.

Master Gardener Training Once offered only live in a few parts of the state, the training is now available through distance learning in our local Unit each year. Master Gardeners must pass an 11-week course, then volunteer 30 hours a year to an approved project.

Volunteer Projects and Community Service Last year our 52 active Master Gardeners worked on a wide range of projects like the Bryan Bennet Statue Garden and Trenton Community Garden. Some of them also partner with 4-H for other programs like 4-H garden clubs, and the Hoyleton Children’s Home Garden, or with FCS to help man the Extension Booth at farmers markets and home shows.

Volunteer Hours Last year our Master Gardeners gave more than 1,000 hours of volunteer time. Current estimations value each out at $23.07. That’s right, these dedicated volunteers gave more than $23,000 worth to their local communities through physical labor on projects and teaching horticulture programs.

Master Naturalist Training Master Naturalist training is still relatively new to Extension programming. First offered locally in 2014, trainings are now being offered annually in our Unit.

There are now 21 Master Naturalists in our local counties.

Volunteer Service Hours This small but mighty group of Master Naturalists gave more than 950 volunteer hours, which is valued at over $22,000 being put into their local communities.

Projects in the area Master Naturalists worked on a variety of different projects last year. They presented at local Conservation Days for elementary schools, participated in controlled burns, worked on native plant seed collection, taught natural resource programs in schools, helped with a local spring bird count, work at a wildlife rehab center and so much more. This may be a newer program to our area, but the volunteers have jumped in with both feet.

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 1 5

The Great Garden Detective SNAP Education Special Programs T he Great Garden Detective is a fun, interactive program for 3rd and 4th graders that is led by SNAP staff. It involves a series of investigations and fun experiences connecting the school garden to the classroom, school cafeteria and home.

The program is free to SNAP eligible schools, and helps promote lifelong healthy eating habits and physicallyactive lifestyles.

The Great Garden Detective arrived on the scene in our Unit last Spring. The program is coordinated by Krystal Pruden and Lacey Waggoner from the Marion County Office.

Kyrstal and Lacey began offering The Great Garden Detective in late April. By the end of September they had made more than 40 visits to nine different sites and reached almost 1,000 children.

School locations included: Hawthorn Elementary School Iuka Comm. Cons. School Raccoon Cons. Elementary Kell Grade School Willow Grove Elementary The Great Garden Detective was also offered in cooking school programs in Salem, Centralia, Nashville, and Sandoval.

Although The Great Garden Detective is designed to use with a school garden, the lessons are adaptable. Schools can use container gardens or other techniques to participate and still give the students a fantastic educational experience.

The Great Garden Detective is a mystery that the students solve through their lessons on growing and preparing fruits and vegetables.

The overall message to students is, “Be a Garden Detective!

Discover what fruits and vegetables are sweetest, crunchiest and juiciest. Share what you learned with your family.�

1 6 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

SNAP Education & Cooking Schools

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) works with national, state, and local partners to educate clients about basic nutrition, food safety and food budgeting for limited resource audiences.

The mission of SNAP Education is to “Assist persons eligible for SNAP to make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.“ SNAP programs offered include programs for youth, adults, and seniors and reach eligible communities in all five of the counties in our Unit.

Last year local SNAP staff made 1,480 visits to more than 80 sites.

Sites for the SNAP program have to meet specific criteria set forth by federal guidelines. The following were SNAP program sites last year.

Bond County Bond County Health Dept Bond County Senior Center Child’s World II Inc. Greenville Elementary School Mulberry Grove Elementary School Pocahontas Elementary School Sorento Elementary School

Clinton County BCMW Head Start Clinton County Health Department Willow Grove Elementary School Jefferson County Bethel Grade School Bluford Elementary School Dodds Grade School Dr. Andy Hall Early Childhood Center Episcopal Trinity Church Epworth United Methodist Church Farrington Grade School First United Methodist Church Grand Prairie Elementary School Ina Grade School Jefferson County Health Dept Lifeboat Alliance Family Shelter Logan Street Baptist Church McClellan Elementary School Mt. Vernon Airport Mt. Vernon District 80 Primary Center Opdyke-Belle Rive Grade School Park Avenue Baptist Church Summersville Grade School

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 1 7

Local SNAP Staff had more than 45,000 contacts last year!

Marion County BCMW Head Start Centralia BCMW Head Start Salem Central City Elementary School Centralia Community Youth Center Franklin Park Middle School Hawthorn Elementary School Iuka Comm Cons School Marion County Health Dept-Centralia Marion County Health Dept-Salem Odin Elementary School Raccoon Cons Elem School Sandoval Elementary School South Central Elementary Washington County BCMW Head Start Irvington Elementary School

Cooking School reached more than 330 youth Cooking Schools In addition to school programs and adult programs, SNAP staff play a huge part in the summer Cooking School Program.

Safety & kitchen skills were a big part of the Cooking School Program

In the summer of 2015, through combined efforts between SNAP Staff, Youth Program Staff, and Teen Teachers, there were 18 Youth Cooking Schools in our local Unit. Those cooking schools reached more than 330 youth with lessons on healthy eating habits.

Each day the participants prepared a meal from start to finish and learned new kitchen skills along the way. Providing ingredients to prepare a healthy meal at home for their families was also part of the program.

1 8 | University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties

Community & Economic Development Programs Community and Economic Development (CED) Programs were new to our local Unit this year. We welcomed a CED Educator who jumped in and began working with local communities to help bring out their potential and meet their needs.

Brand new to our area, Community & Economic Development programs and services have been a big hit with city councils, county boards, small business development centers and tourism groups in our five counties. A helping hand to look towards growth and development opportunities has been very well received.

Educator Pam Schallhorn has been invited to speak to agencies, boards and councils in all five counties. She jumped in with both feet and started new partnerships with the Small Business Development Center at Rend Lake College and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce to offer a workshop for small business owners called “Consumer Age Matters – Messaging to the Generations.”

Pam was also in on the ground floor of a new project called Friday’s Food & Art along with Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc. and Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation. Together, along with the Small Business Development Center and the Jefferson County Public Health Department, they offered a workshop on “Becoming a Successful Market Vendor.”

Serving on the planning committee for the eGovernment webinar series, she encouraged local goverment officials to participate in sessions designed to strengthen the governing and decision-making process in their communities. In addition, Pam is one of the featured contributors to the CED blogs Building Entrepreneurial Communities and Campus Engagement in Our Unit. Her areas of expertise include downtown development, community planning, data collection and analysis for communities, building entrepreneurial communities, strategic planning, and poverty alleviation.

Pam has also become involved in the Extension Local Goverment Information and Education Network that offers online learning opportunitites on various topics that are of interest to local officials.

University of Illinois Extension Serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties | 1 9

Unit Extension Staff Lisa Wait County Extension Director Laurie George Extension Educator, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Elizabeth Miller Extension Educator, Youth Development Pam Schallhorn Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development

Program Coordinators Carla Chesnek, 4-H and Youth Elaine Craver, Marketing and Communications Gail DeVilbiss, Ag and Natural Resources Vicki Enloe, 4-H and Youth Amanda Fox-Clark, 4-H and Youth Helen Leonhardt, Family and Consumer Science Brenda Lyons, Ag and Natural Resources Tonya Roberts, 4-H and Youth Marilyn Thompson, 4-H and Youth Community Workers Kristen Buttrum, SNAP-Ed Krystal Pruden, SNAP-Ed Idella Roberston, SNAP-Ed Dan Spangler, SNAP-Ed Crystal Ulmer, SNAP-Ed Lacey Waggoner, SNAP-Ed

Office Support Barb Glaub, Clinton Rhonda Mueller, Washington Stacey Schamberger, Bond Jera Sloat, Jefferson Renea Starr, Washington Alishia Winkler, Marion

Find your local University of Illinois Extension Office: Bond County 925 East Harris Greenville, IL 62246 618-664-3665 Clinton County 1163 North 4th Street PO Box 185 Breese, IL 62230 618-526-4551

Marion County 1404 E Main Rt 50 East Salem. IL 62881 618-548-1446

Jefferson County 4618 Broadway Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 618-242-0780

Washington County 9623 Wall Street Nashville, IL 62263 618-327-8881

Available Online-Anytime

web.extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/

University of Illinois * U.S. Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.