More Important News

The Week 13 Thumbs Up Winners at Milledgeville Elementary School. Left to right, in the front row: Payton Siperly, Trent Miller, Kristin Schleuning, Payten Ehredt, Cortlan Stahl. In the back row: Adriana Pyse, Sophie Shaw, Nikki Ebersole, Chase Sarber, Kacen Johnson.

Rock Falls American Legion Post #902 Auxiliary members recently donated $200 to the CGH Health Foundation Eyeglasses for Kids Program. From left are Auxiliary officers Reba Forren, Foundation Executive Director Joan Hermes, Rose VanverBusch, Jackie Bales, Iona Dennis, Cathy Matthews, Peggy Ohare, and Lois Como. The group has supported Foundation programs since 1997, including Cardiac Wellness, Health & Fitness Initiative, Dental Clinic and Lung Cancer Program.

On Monday January 9th the combined youth groups of First Presbyterian and United Methodist Church had a very successful fundraiser at DQ Grill and Chill, Morrison. Pictured below is Madison Shelton, Cheyenne Sage and Britney Sage. Helpers not pictured are Destini Waters, Kolten Sage and Brenden Walters. (Courtesy of Bart Smith)

Morrison Rotary

Dr. Sueellen Girard was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow award at the regular meeting of the Morrison Rotary on January 11, 2012. Representing the Rotary by awarding the certificate and pin to Dr. Gerard is Phil Renkes. Rotary members earn the award by individually contributing $1,000 to the Paul Harris foundation.

Savanna Knights of Columbus Council #890 participated in the 42nd annual drive to raise funds for the intellectually disabled. In the last 27 years the local Knights of Columbus Council #890 has distributed over $52,000 to Rolling Hills Progress Center to benefit intellectually disabled citizens. This year a check in excess of $2,200 was given to Rolling Hills Progress Center to support their programs. Pictured left to right are: Ed Rogers, Chairman of Intellectual Disabilities Program; Pete Hermes, Executive Director of Rolling Hills Progress Center and Bill Robinson, Knights of Columbus Council #890 Grand Knight.

Kim Smith (center), library director for the Mount Carroll Township Public Library, was guest speaker at the Mount Carroll Rotary Club. Also pictured are Rotarians Julie Katzenburger and Brandt Hutchcraft. The Rotary Club provides financial support to the Friends of the Mt. Carroll Township Public Library for the restoration of the library. The Club’s name will be added to a donor book label on the Friends’ Bookcase Quilt. For more information about Mt. Carroll Rotary Club, call . (Courtesy of Anna Gray)

Financial Aid Workshop

A Financial Aid Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24th at 6 p.m. at the West Carroll High School cafeteria. Kathy Bangasser, Highland College’s Director of Financial Aid, will be representing information on financial aid for all types of colleges. This is a MUST for all seniors planning to attend any post high school institution.

If it is going to cost money to go to school, you need to attend this workshop. Find out about funding your college education (technical, 2-year, 4-year), what financial aid is available, and how to find it. Get your questions answered about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Senior parents and students are urged to attend.

ENF’s Wildlife/Historical Bus Tour is Definite

The Eagle Nature Foundation has received enough reservations to make the planned four day, March 19 to 22, 2012, bus tour a definite reality. Terrence N. Ingram, the tour director and guide, states that there is room for only about 15 more people to sign up for this trip. Mr. Ingram does not want the tour bus to be crowded, so that almost every person will have his or her own window for seeing and photographing bald eagles, thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese, as well as prairie dogs and many other forms of wildlife as the bus moves between the many sites which are visited during the four days.

Participants on the tour will learn about: the Indians who lived in the area before the white man drove them out; Lewis and Clark’s adventures up the Missouri River; pioneers who followed them; how the many pioneers moved West on the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail; how some of these pioneers gradually settled and lived in this area; and this year for the first time, we will be visiting a World War II German Prisoner of War camp, to learn how our nation treated our own prisoners of war. Some of the historic sites include: the Stuhr Pioneer Museum; the Nebraska Lewis

and Clark Center; Fort Kearny, the first fort on the Oregon Trail; the Nebraska Prairie Museum, Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History; the Amana Colonies; and the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument. We will also visit Nebraska’s Rainwater Basins and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center with its strawbale building.

The trip is enhanced even more by tour participants eating at a different restaurant for almost every meal during the four days. These restaurants include: Cracker Barrel, Country Kitchen, USA Steak Buffet, Iron Skillet, Machine Shed and Country Cookin’.

For more information or for a brochure, contact: Eagle Nature Foundation, 300 East Hickory Street, Apple River, IL 61001 or phone: . Reservations must be made prior to Feb. 15, so accommodations for the trip can be secured.

Terrence N. Ingram, President & Executive Director

Eagle Nature Foundation, Ltd.

300 East Hickory Street

Apple River, IL 61001

Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies are seldom expected occurrences. Because we never know when they will happen, it is everyone’s responsibility to be prepared. Advance planning and preparation will give you peace of mind and the satisfaction that you have done as much as possible to be ready for an emergency.

Did you know that in extreme situations, emergency resources may be limited? Be prepared to care for yourself and your family for at least three days (72 hours).

Emergencies that may be in our area include but are not limited to winter storms, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods to name a few. Although these all create potential for large scale damage to our area, one or the number one things to be prepared for is electrical outage. You never realize how dependent we are on electricity until we are without it.

We have seen our share of emergency situations over the last two years with severe thunderstorms, flooding and who could forget the past winter with the large amounts of snow. All of these situations created the environment for emergency situations that involved evacuating people from their homes and cars in extreme conditions. Electrical outages in the Eastern part of the county for extended periods of time created emergency situations which required opening of cooling centers, supplies of bottled water and more. Many in our county do not realize these situations even existed and are complacent to the fact “it can happen to you!”

Emergency planning can be the key to surviving an emergency. It is important to talk to your family to prepare them for various emergencies. Ensure the whole family is a part of the planning process so that the plan addresses everyone’s needs.

Parents remember your children are affected by disasters too. They may be frightened because they are out of their routine, reassure them and let them know what’s going on. Familiarize yourself with emergency plans at places that are a part of your everyday life, such as school, work, church, or day care.

There are many “behind the scene” activities that occur throughout Carroll County to help assist our communities in emergency situations. The Carroll County Health Department works in collaboration with other agencies to provide comprehensive public health planning and response for all hazard disasters (natural or man-made) within the county. We are looking for people to volunteer in the wake of a disaster and to sit on the Local Emergency Protection Committee (LEPC) in Carroll County. For more information call the Carroll County Health Department at .

Winter Weather Advice

The first widespread snow of the season for much of the area serves as a reminder for us all to review our winter weather preparedness.

At home, be prepared with a three day supply of non-perishible food and a gallon of water a day per person in the event you are unable to leave for several days and/or the power is out. Never use a stove or oven for general heating purposes. Always allow kerosene heaters to cool before refueling and never fill them inside a structure.

If you use a generator for emergency power, never run it inside a building and make sure its location is well-ventilated. If the generator is a permanent installation, make sure the wiring is done by a qualified electrician to avoid the danger of electrocution to utility workers as they restore power. If it is a portable generator, be sure to observe the load capacity of the generator and any extension cords used. Again, allow the generator to cool before refueling.

When shoveling snow at home, take frequent breaks. If there is any question of your cardiac health, hire someone else to remove the snow.

If you must travel out of town and dangerous conditions are expected along any part of your route, be sure to tell your family or friends where you are going, the roads you will be taking, and your expected time of arrival.

Make sure your gas tank is full. Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, a flashlight, a cellular phone, a blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water and high calorie non-perishable food, a coffee can and some candles.

Don’t panic if you become stranded on the road during a winter storm. Call someone on your cell phone and let them know you are stranded. Do not try to walk to safety; it is important to emphasize that remaining in a stuck car is far preferable to trying to walk out, especially in a rural area. Not only does the vehicle provide shelter, but it is also easier for rescuers to locate. Clear the tailpipe area of snow and run the vehicle for about 10 minutes each hour to maintain heat. Be sure not to get dehydrated, but avoid eating snow as doing so may lower your core body temp. Try to melt the snow first. Attach a cloth to your car antenna or window to indicate you need help. Turn on the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.

The Illinois Department of Transportation also reminds you to be on the lookout for snow plows. If the plow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for it to pass. If you approach a snow plow from the rear, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the plow.

Check out the road conditions on the interstate and freeway system before you drive out of town. Call the Illinois Department of Transportation’s toll free number, 1- for current conditions or visit www.state.il.us.

Above all, be aware of weather and traffic conditions before you leave your home or office and take it slow.

New Requirements for Immunizations

Beginning this next school year 2012-13, the State of Illinois is requiring all students 6th grade through 12th grade to have at least one dose of adult Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap). This immunization is to be given regardless of the interval since the last dose of childhood Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), child booster Diphtheria, Tetanus (DT), or adult Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) booster dose.

Please check with your physician to see if the Tdap immunization has been given to your child.

It is also recommended that if your child has had one dose of Varicella (Chicken pox) immunization, that they should receive the second part of the shot. It will most likely be a requirement in the near future.

You may also want to ask your healthcare professional about other vaccines that may be recommended for your adolescent. Such as:

• Influenza (flu) vaccine

• Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine

• Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccine

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)

• Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some people are concerned about effects of vaccines, there are methods available to opt-out of vaccinations at http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com/learning/vaccination-exemption.html or http://www.illinoischiropractors.org/page/MembersVaccinations. Always consult your healthcare professional when making health-related decisions.

Blood Drive at Eastland High School

The Eastland High School Student Council is hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, February 2nd in the high school cafeteria. Staff from the Rock River Valley Blood Center will draw blood between 1:30 and 6:30.

If you are at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health, you should be eligible to donate blood. One in three people will need blood and you never know when you or someone you love might be the one.

The Rock River Valley Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and related services to OSF Saint Anthony, Rockford Memorial, SwedishAmerican, Beloit Memorial, Freeport Health Network, and several other area hospitals. The Rock River Valley Blood Center needs to collect 965 units each week to meet area patient needs.

By hosting a Blood Drive, the Eastland High School Student Council is helping to save lives in our community. Join us in sharing the Gift of Life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Nancy Kniss at 493-6341.

You can contact the Rock River Valley Blood Center at , toll free at or on the web at www.rrvbc.org.

New Tools to Increase Distribution of Local Food in Illinois

Dir. Ribley, Director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity highlights ways the state is working to increase markets for local foods.

“More people today want to know where their food comes from. Making food grown and produced in Illinois more accessible helps Illinois residents eat locally and helps boost our economy,” said Director Ribley. “The tools we’re introducing today are a step toward building an expanded, locally-produced food supply that benefits more people in Illinois.”

Food hubs are processing and distribution centers where independent, local farmers can market their products to larger entities like schools and government agencies, making locally-grown food more widely available. The lack of a food hub network in Illinois has been a barrier to increasing markets for small farmers.

To help meet the demand, DCEO has partnered with the Illinois Department of Agriculture, FamilyFarmed.org and the University of Illinois’ Business Innovation Services to create the guidebook, “Building Successful Food Hubs: A Business Planning Guide for Aggregating and Processing Local Food in Illinois.”

The guide serves as a resource for communities, businesses, not-for-profits and others interested in establishing food hubs. The guide includes descriptions of key functions, best practices, and “how-to” strategies for establishing and operating food hubs that are based on successful food hubs operating in other regions, specifically adapted for application in Illinois’ food system. 

“The demand for local supply in Illinois far exceeds supply, and food hubs are an excellent way to aggregate product and sell to wholesale buyers,” says Jim Slama, president of FamilyFarmed.org. “This guide is a resource for prospective food hub operators and we are pleased to make it available.”

DCEO has also invested in several early food hub projects around the state. Edible Economy in Bloomington-Normal has received funds for a strategic plan that will create a food hub to help provide local foods for students at Illinois State University; as has a food hub intended to be staffed by workers at the Tazewell County Resource Center in Pekin.

Director Ribley also announced a new website to help farmers navigate larger market channels which often have complex regulatory requirements. When farmers are ready to explore alternative market channels associated with retail, restaurants, institutions, wholesale, processing, and direct sales, they can find helpful information at isupply.illinois.edu. The site connects producers of a wide range of food products directly to market requirements and resources, as well as entities that may already have an interest in purchasing their products.  Additionally, the site provides links to relevant regulatory requirements and other important resources associated with various products and market channels.

The guidebook is available to download for free at www.FamilyFarmed.org.

Through DCEO, the state has been focusing investments on developing and expanding high-growth sectors like agriculture, including training Illinois workers in these 21st century occupations, promotion of local foods, expanding local supply chains to alleviate food desserts and infrastructure investments to quicken the innovation in these sectors.

Limbs for Life Week

The Eastland High School Student Council will be hosting “Limbs for Life Week”, from January 27th through February 3rd. The Limbs for Life Foundation originated in 1995 and was co-founded by Craig Gavras, who after losing a limb himself, realized the need to help less fortunate amputees.

The foundation was designed to bring restoration to the lives of amputees who cannot afford costly prosthetic care. These people have the opportunity to return to a productive job and normal lifestyle through the financial assistance provided by the organization.

The student council will be hosting several activities during the week. The week will kick off with a Taco Supper on Friday, January 27th from 5:00-7:00 before the Eastland versus River Ridge boys’ basketball game.

On Tuesday, January 30th, Loretta Goebel will be the keynote speaker at an all-school assembly at 2:15 to share her motivational story of overcoming adversity as an amputee. The public is invited.

Also, all week students will “vote” for the varsity boys’ or girls’ basketball player they want to see get a pie in the face by placing money in a bucket with the player’s picture on it. The student council will also be hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday, February 2nd from 1:30-6:30 in the high school cafeteria.

The week will culminate with a “Black Light” Dance from 9:00-11:00 in the old gym after the girls’ basketball game on Friday, Feb. 3rd. All proceeds will be donated to the Limbs for Life Foundation. For more information or to give a donation, contact MaryBeth Landherr at Eastland High School at 439-6341.

24th Annual Cabaret: The Last Hurrah

Friday, March 23, 2012 will mark the end of “Cabaret,” a twenty-four year event at Eastland High School. As the popular cabaret event draws to a close, it will review some of the favorite decorations, themes, musical acts, characters, food, and other activities. Planning and reminiscing is in the beginning stages as old files, photos, recipes, and videos are dusted off and revised.

In 1989, the Home Economics and Music Departments decided that an elegant evening of food and music would be a great way to showcase the talents of their students. A total of 89 tickets were sold for “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” The gym was decorated with lights and gossamer; there was food and music.

With continued success the decorations become more elaborate and a student talent show was added. With ticket sales increasing, a two-night venue was planned. After several years of two-night productions, a decision was made to scale back to one Friday night evening performance.

The last 23 years have included dinner, dancing, elaborate costumes, jazz band performances, lip sync, skits, style shows, fund-raising for charities, student created booths (games, trivia, etc.), live vocal performances, re-creation of movie segments, and the use of technology. Students and directors will attempt to include many highlights from previous years. Now that’s a big job!

Tickets for “The Last Hurrah” can be purchased for $12 from the Eastland High School office. That date again is March 23, 2012 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. in the old Eastland High School gymnasium.

New Laws Topic of January NCILC Meeting

The next meeting of the North Central Illinois Logistics Council (NCILC) will be Thursday, January 19 at the Truck Driving Training Center on the East Campus of Illinois Valley Community College beginning at 8:00 a.m.. New laws affecting the trucking and logistics industry will be presented by representatives of the Illinois State Police.

Following their presentation will be a discussion about purchasing cooperatives, primarily to determine if there is an interest in forming one among NCILC members and/or other businesses in the area. A purchasing cooperative is a type of arrangement, often among businesses, that aggregates demand in order to get lower prices from selected suppliers and/or vendors.

The public is welcome to attend this meeting. To RSVP for this meeting, contact JoAnn Johnson at (815) 224-7930 or Christine Dahm at (815) 433-5830. For more information about the NCILC, call Tim Robey of Double D Trucking at (815) 220-3425, DeAnna Carlson of PDQ Courier, Inc. at (800) 490-7441 or Pam Furlan at (815) 224-7930.

Cut Heating Bills, Add Comfort, With An Insulated Home

Home insulation is so important especially with the escalating cost of non-renewable energy such as petroleum. If your house is more than 15 years old or if you are renovating your home, you might want to consider home insulation as part of the work.

If you are spending too much on your monthly energy bills, it might be that your home’s insulation isn’t adequate. According to the Department of Energy, 44% of the energy used in the average American home goes toward heating and cooling. Your house attic, walls, or floors may be under-insulated. If you do not have enough insulation in these areas, a large part of your costly, conditioned air may be escaping outdoors.

Fiber glass insulation keeps your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter because insulation resists the flow of heat. Heat is a form of energy that flows out of the home in the winter and into the home in the summer. By reducing heat flow, a properly insulated home uses less energy for heating and cooling which saves you on your electricity bill.

Insulation effectiveness is measured by R-value. “R” stands for the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power for that material. Since R-values are cumulative, you get the combined R-value by laying another layer cross-wise to the existing insulation. Do not use a product with a vapor retarder or facing on top of existing insulation. If there is no insulation in your attic, use R-30 or R-38 full width, faced batts, or fiber glass loose-fill installed to the required R-value.

In addition to being an energy saver, fiber glass insulation acts as a sound absorber. When installed in walls and ceilings, it can reduce the transmission of sound from one room to another or from the outside. A well-insulated home increases the overall comfort of the home and adds to its resale value. It pays to insulate your home no matter what your house value is.

Let the folks at Carroll Service Building Center help you chose the best insulation for your home or business. Call them today at , or stop in at 213 W. Carroll St. in Lanark, IL.

Plan Now For Wedded Bliss at Your Wedding

The Galena Bridal Fair is being held on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Galena Convention Center. There will be a variety of wedding service and product businesses there that you can talk with to gather information for you upcoming wedding.

This is a good opportunity to prepare for your wedding in a one stop shop location. A listing of all the businesses that are participating can be found on our website at www.galenabridalfair.com. There are vendors in all areas of services such as venues, wedding dresses, tuxedos, invitations, florists, photographers, wedding cakes, makeup, hair, nails and linens.

Vendors interested in participating should contact the Galena Bridal Fair at soon. There is currently still space available but it is filling quickly. Watch upcoming issues of The Prairie Advocate News and www.pacc-news.com for details!

How to Use Your ‘Christmas Telescope’ Workshop

Were you given a telescope for Christmas this year, but have no idea how to use it? Or, did you buy a scope and have no clue how to use it? Local amateur astronomer Chris Zirtzman can help. With his knowledge and expertise, your telescope problems can be answered. From finding the moon to using filters in the daylight, this is astronomy decoded.

Please do not hesitate to bring your telescopes so that we can help instruct you in becoming comfortable with your scope. Learning to become confident in the use of your telescope, locating various constellations and planets are essential. With instruction, participants should be able to use their scopes by themselves that same evening.

This hands-on workshop will be held on Saturday, January 28th from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum, 408 E. Sycamore St. behind the Law-Jones Funeral Home in the Village of Elizabeth. The fee for this experience is free for PSF members and a $3.00 donation for non-members. The Planetary Studies Foundation is a non-for profit organization. Their mission: is to promote the study of planetary science and astronomy with emphasis on meteorites; and to sponsor, encourage, and assist in the physical, astronomical, earth, environmental and cultural sciences so as to broaden our knowledge of all phases of the universe. All proceeds go toward PSF scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. If you would like to reserve a spot for this lecture, please contact Diane Sipiera at or

What’s That in the Nighttime Sky?

The best time for viewing constellations truly is in the winter months. Cold, crisp, clear nighttime skies are brilliant during this season. Diane Sipiera, of the Planetary Studies Foundation, will share her knowledge of the universe and solar system, so that any common individual can appreciate the beauty of the winter sky. Her straightforward slide presentation will introduce you to Orion the Great Hunter, Taurus the Bull, Canis Major and Gemini the Twins. Learn how the Mesopotamian area had a critical influence in astronomy.

This intriguing program will be held on Saturday, January 21st from 1:00pm until 2:00pm at the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum, 408 E. Sycamore St. behind the Law-Jones Funeral Home in the Village of Elizabeth. The fee for this experience is free for PSF members and a $3.00 donation for non-members. The Planetary Studies Foundation is a non-for profit organization. Their mission is to promote the study of planetary science and astronomy with emphasis on meteorites; and to sponsor, encourage, and assist in the physical, astronomical, earth, environmental and cultural sciences so as to broaden our knowledge of all phases of the universe. All proceeds go toward PSF scholarships for students interested in pursuing a career in the sciences. If you would like to reserve a spot, please contact Diane Sipiera at or :.

Conservation Program Deadline Extended

The USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended its deadline for enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program to January 27. An earlier deadline of January 13 had been announced.

The Conservation Stewardship Program, or CSP, provides technical and financial assistance to qualified farmers; payments are based on current conservation practices and a commitment to do more conservation in future years.

“This is good news for farmers in Illinois.” said Claudia Emken, conservation policy advocate at Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “This gives them more time to apply for CSP and receive funding for the good conservation work they are already doing; We encourage farmers to contact NRCS to learn more about the program.”

Self screening is available on the NRCS website and will help determine if the farm under consideration is eligible.

Illinois has nearly 1,000 participants in CSP now, covering almost 600,000 acres. Conservation Stewardship Program contracts run for five years, and nationally pay an average of $18 per acre for cropland and pastureland and $4 per acre for privately owned forestland, although payments vary significantly depending on the level of conservation.

Farmers and private forestland owners can apply to the Conservation Stewardship Program anytime by going to their local NRCS office. To be considered for funding in this ranking period, applications must be submitted prior to January 27, 2012.

2012 Illinois State Horse Judges Seminar Features Chuck Schroeder

The annual Illinois State Horse Judges Seminar is scheduled for March 31, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Illinois. Registration and classroom instruction will begin in room 150 Animal Science Lab, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL. Tentatively, some live classes may also be held in the afternoon at the UI Stock Pavilion a few blocks south of the Animal Science Lab, depending on arena conditions.

This seminar is open to all youth and open horse show judges, potential judges, exhibitors and spectators of horse events. It is designed to encourage uniform standards for judging and exhibiting horses at Illinois youth and open shows, and to yield a directory of judges for show committees. It will cover criteria for show ring tips, ethics and standards, judging multi-breed 4-H classes, type standards for stock, hunt, saddle and draft halter, Western showmanship, Western pleasure, stock and hunter seat equitation, Western riding and trail. Fees for this seminar are $20 for youth (under 18 years), $30 for adults and $50 for adults wishing to take the written and live judging exam for listing in the Illinois Horse Judge’s Directory.

The clinician is Chuck Schroeder from Delaware, OH. Chuck has been a 4-H judge for 35 years. He also has judging cards with ApHC, ABRA, ARHA, AMHA, AMHR, ASPC, NSBA, GVHS and POAC. This year he will be judging the POAC International show in Missouri and the AMHA World Show in Texas. He is a member of the Ohio State 4-H Judges Committee and is President of the Great Lakes Appaloosa Horse Club. Chuck Schroeder is a retired teacher and basketball coach, and has taught riding classes for and was the first coach of the Intercollegiate Horsemanship Team at Ohio Wesleyan University. He now spends more time judging, conducting clinics and working with his own horses on his small breeding farm near Delaware, OH.

The Illinois State Horse Judges Seminar is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and the UI Department of Animal Sciences.

Registration materials may be obtained from Kevin H. Kline, E-mail: .

Highland Gallery Seeks Local Artists for District-wide Exhibit

The Highland Gallery is accepting entries for the 43rd annual Highland Community College District Juried Art Exhibit which will run from February 9 through February 29. A reception and awards ceremony will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 9.

This exhibition is designed to recognize local artists in the Highland Community College district and to celebrate their visual contribution to the community. Submission of works of art are open to all artists, 18 years of age and older residing in the district, as well as all currently enrolled HCC students.

Artists may submit up to three separate works of art with a non-refundable fee of $3 per work. Works submitted for the exhibition must be hand delivered to the Highland Gallery by February 2. Registration materials may be downloaded at www.highland.edu.

Open to original, two-dimensional and three-dimensional original works of art in any medium completed in the last two years and not previously exhibited in the Highland Gallery. Two-dimensional work may not exceed 5 feet in any dimension. Work does not have to be framed, but must be suitably wired and ready for hanging. All mounting and/or matting must be done in white or off-white materials only. Due to space limitations, three-dimensional works must not exceed 100 pounds, and must be able to fit through a standard doorway entrance.

The Highland Gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For further details, please contact the gallery director at or e-mail .

Berberet Appointed Executive Director of HCC Foundation

The Highland Community College Foundation Board of Directors has appointed James M. Berberet as Executive Director of the Foundation. Berberet has been serving as Interim Executive Director since February of 2011.

With his continuing responsibilities, Berberet will be responsible for developing and executing fund raising programs which benefit the College and its support of students, according to Todd Weegens, president of the Foundation Board of Directors.

Currently the Foundation is in the midst of the Growing for tomorrow…changing lives today major gift campaign in support of the construction and equipping of the Ray and Betty Stamm Health Science Nursing Wing and the Wind Turbine Technician Training Center. These new campus facilities are training hundreds of nursing, medical assistant, paramedic, EMT and wind turbine technology students for high-growth careers. More than $2 million has been donated or pledged by citizens and businesses in northwest Illinois.

Additional activities include the 2011-2012 Annual Fund Appeal, also known as The Bucket; the annual HCC Foundation Charity Golf Outing which supports the Stephenson County Leadership Institute and the Jo Daviess County Leadership Forum; and on-going efforts to develop and fund scholarships for Highland students. More than $350,000 in scholarships was awarded in September of 2011.

Other activities and co-sponsorships may be planned for the 2012 calendar year, Berberet added.

Visit the HCC Foundation at www.highland.edu/foundation or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HCCFoundation. For further information about the Foundation, or to find out how you can help, call , or email .

Parenting Resources Offered Through Extension

New parents, grandparents and guardians may find the task of caring for infants, toddlers and teens challenging. Just In Time Parenting and Parenting 24/7, an e-newsletter and complimentary website, parents can discover information about child development and parenting designed to make the challenge more rewarding.

On Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 9 a.m. U of I Extension Carroll-Lee-Whiteside is offering a free webinar for agencies who provide services to parents and children. The webinar will give more details about Just In Time Parenting & Parenting 24/7 and explain how individuals can benefit from them. Participants can log in to the webinar from their home or office computer.

Register for this FREE webinar at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw or call (815) 835-2070.

Just In Time Parenting is a series of e-newsletters for new parents with each issue geared to a specific month in their infant’s first year of life and for every two months up to age 5. JITP provides information on child development and parenting.

Parenting 24/7 is a website with web-based news, information and advice on parenting and family life designed for caregivers of children from birth through the teens. It includes feature articles, video clips, breaking news, newsletters and recommendations on the best parenting resources on the web.

JITP and Parenting 24/7 is presented to promote positive parenting and prevent child maltreatment, to encourage sensitive and responsive care giving and to provide information to parents and caregivers that will increase their knowledge, skills, and confidence and to help with the healthy development of children.

JITP can be accessed at www.extension.org/parenting and Parenting 24/7 is available at www.parenting247.org.

University of Illinois Extension is committed to providing residents in Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties with high quality education services and programs focusing on agriculture, parenting, community and economic development, horticulture and youth development. To learn more call (815) 835-2070 or visit us on the web at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw/.

Last Call: Sign-up for 2012 Master Gardener Training

Calling all gardeners. The Master Gardeners of Carroll, Lee and Whiteside counties are accepting trainees into the 2012 Master Gardener training program. Trainings will be at Sauk Valley Community College, Room 2M3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 pm. Trainings will be held on 12 consecutive Fridays beginning Jan. 20, 2012 and ending Friday, April 6, 2012.

Class topics include botany, soils, flowers, trees and shrubs, insect and disease management, ornamentals, fruits & vegetables and much more. There is a fee of $180.00 to cover the cost of training materials, speakers and facilities. Class size is limited. Register today online at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/clw.

Classes are also available online for a fee of $250.00.

The Master Gardener program is for people who already have some gardening experiences and are eager to learn more.

This volunteer program provides an extensive course in Horticulture in exchange for a donation of volunteer hours to share your gardening knowledge with others through extension-sponsored activities.

Any adult over the age of 18 is encouraged to apply. Applicants selected to the program volunteer 60 hours back to projects sponsored by their local county Extension office. These may include such projects as plant sales, demonstration gardens, Master Gardeners speakers bureau, answering requests for gardening information at the local office or working with children or the elderly.

If you are interested in being considered as a Master Gardener trainee, please call U of I Extension Carrol-Lee-Whiteside at (815) 835-2070.

Small Farms - Local Foods Webinars

A series of webinars on a variety of topics that relate to small farms and local foods will be held at University of Illinois Extension offices throughout the state on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 24 and running through March 29.

University of Illinois Extension educators will present information on small farms, poultry, horticulture, livestock, woodlands, pests, pasture management, soil fertility, and other topics.

For example, on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and Thursday, Jan. 26 a webinar presented by Extension educator Kyle Cecil and Extension specialist Ken Koelkebeck will provide information for small farm producers that will help identify characteristics, opportunities and challenges of pasture-based poultry production.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, and Thursday, Feb. 2, Extension horticulture educator Peter Chege will share recommendations for good agricultural practices to improve the quality and safety of agricultural products that can be used in any production system and focus on the primary components of food production and processing.

All Tuesday webinars will begin at 7 p.m., and all Thursday webinars will begin at 1 p.m.

For complete information about dates and locations, contact Steve Cravens by phone at , ext. 131, email , or contact your local Extension office.

HCC West to Host Adult Education Open House

The Highland Community College West campus in Elizabeth will hold an informational session for prospective adult education students and adult volunteer literacy tutors from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2012, in room 126. Vice President of Academic Services Tim Hood will be in attendance to welcome participants and refreshments will be provided.

Experienced tutors will also be available to share their experiences with adult education. Learn how volunteering an hour or two per week can often make the difference between a student’s success or failure. The encouragement that tutors provide is a key influence in the lives of students using these services to secure a better job or begin earning a college degree. Volunteer tutors are always welcome, particularly in rural counties.

Students interested in classes or tutoring should also attend the open house to learn more about the enrollment and assessment process. Adult literacy services may include tutoring services, English-as-a-Second-Language classes, and/or GED preparation courses based on availability. Prospective tutors are encouraged to refer any adults in need of literacy services to this event.

The HCC Adult Education department offers FREE services to qualifying individuals living in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle and Stephenson Counties. For more information about the open house, please contact Esther Mayer at or email .

Local Students Earn North Central College Dean’s List Honors

North Central College in Naperville, IL has named its Dean’s List of scholars for the 2011 fall term. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, undergraduate students must maintain a grade-point average of 3.6 (4.0=A) for the term and be enrolled as full-time students. Part-time students are recognized at the end of each academic year if they meet the same criterion and have completed at least eight credit hours, the equivalent of one term as a full-time student.

The following area students were named to the Dean’s List during fall term:

Kerby Knowles of Lanark; Brittny Orozco of Shannon; Mark Minogue of Savanna; Nora Beswick, Nathan Vernygora and Victoria Volkamer of Morrison; and William Miller of Pearl City.

Founded in 1861 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial in 2011, North Central College is an independent, comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences that offers more than 55 undergraduate majors and graduate programming in six areas. Visit northcentralcollege.edu to learn more.

NAMI Sauk Valley Meets January 24

NAMI Sauk Valley will meet at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, at the Sinnissippi Centers, 325 IL Rt. 2, Dixon. This meeting provides education as well as support to families struggling with a diagnosis of mental illness in a relative or friend.

NAMI Sauk Valley is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and NAMI Illinois, serving the residents of Ogle, Lee, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. For more information, contact Mary Ann Hutchison at or e-mail .