EXTENSION CONNECTIONS

Transcription

1 EXTENSION CONNECTIONS Helping You Put Knowledge To Work January - February 2014 University of Illinois Extension serving Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties Unit 18 Montgomery County Main Office #1 Industrial Park Dr. Hillsboro, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Christian County Branch Office 1120 N. Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday Friday 8:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 4:30 p.m. Jersey County Branch Office 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6, 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Monday & Wed. 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 4:30 p.m. Macoupin County Branch Office #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL Phone: FAX: Hours: Mon. Thurs, 8:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 4:30 p.m. WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS AGRONOMY DAY 2014 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, :30 AM - NOON The University of Illinois Extension in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties will host the annual West-Central Illinois Agronomy Day program on Thursday, February 11, at Lincoln Land Community College Southern Region Center in Litchfield. Registration and refreshments starting at 8:00 a.m., presentations starting at 8:30 a.m. Morning Refreshments & Luncheon Served (CCA Credits Available.) TOPICS INCLUDE: Crop Price Outlook - Dr. Darrel Good Herbicide/Weed Challenges - Dr. Carl Bradley Insect Issues for Corn Rootworm & Bt Biomass Energy Crops in Illinois - Gary Letterly Top Agronomic Challenges for Corn & Soybean Growers - Robert Bellm Those attending the program will have the opportunity to ask questions of each presenter following the general session. Certified Crop Advisers may obtain CEU s for attending the program by self-reporting. The morning session will be followed by a complimentary luncheon at noon, which will conclude the 2014 Agronomy Day Program at Lincoln Land Community College in Litchfield. Producers can obtain complimentary tickets for Agronomy Day sponsors and at all Unit 18 office locations. For more information contact Montgomery County Extension office at , or visit us at: web.extension.illinois.edu/ cjmm If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate contact University of Illinois / U.S. Department of Agriculture / Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

2 AREA YOUTH LEARN ABOUT PLANTS THAT BITE BACK! Carnivorous plant workshops held recently in Jerseyville and Carlinville. University of Illinois Horticulture Educator, Andrew Holsinger, in partnership with local 4-H programing in both Jersey and Macoupin counties hosted numerous carnivorous plant workshops, during November and December of Ninety-six youth ranging in ages from 8 to 12 and their parents participated in the local events. Attendees were able to take part in hands-on activities and education of potting their own Venus flytrap and learning the methods of survival for these rare plants. The students observed a presentation of a variety of carnivorous plants including Venus flytrap, sundews and bladderworts. DID YOU KNOW? Carnivorous plants are plants that derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping and digesting animals, typically insects. The programs were filled with questions and excitement during the entire session, but particularly when attempts to feed the Venus flytraps took place. The Venus flytrap has trigger hairs that provoke the flytrap to close its modified leaves. Each participant left the workshop with their very own Venus flytrap. Judy Benz, Jersey County Extension Program Coordinator, and Kate Harding, Macoupin County Extension Program Coordinators helped coordinated the events locally. Visit the University of Illinois Conservatory and see an amazing diversity of plant life up close! plantbio/greenhouse/ Page 2 Extension Connections January/February 2014

3 CAN I GET A LITTLE SERVICE PLEASE? Customers demand great service! As a result, the folks on the front lines of our local businesses, agencies and organizations, must stand ready to meet customer needs in a fast past and ever changing environment. Having effective customer service helps to ensure the health of an organization, and in turn keeps our community thriving. The University of Illinois Extension has developed a 10-part customer service educational workshop which can be delivered in partnership with community and business organizations. The program is designed to help people see the importance of delivering excellent customer service for their individual development, as well as for the success of their business and their community. Workshop modules can be customized to fit an organization s desired timeframe. Recently, Extension worked with Montgomery County Government to provide a Customer Service Training to its supervisors and employees. Two, three hour programs were held Tuesday, October 22 nd, 2013 and Wednesday, October 30, Extension worked closely with their Personal Committee to ensure that county government services were not affected during the program dates. Now more than ever great customer service matters. To help your business or organization take advantage of this valuable workforce training, please contact Chris Casey at or ccasey1@illinois.edu. FEW SPOTS REMAIN FOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY If you are interested in learning more about your community, expanding your leadership skills and networking with other residents then sign up today for the Christian County LEADership program. Sessions will be held each Wednesday afternoon from 1:00-4:00 p.m. beginning on January 15 and ending on April 2, (Exceptions are January 15 and March 5, which will be all day sessions.) Topics to be covered include team building and personal leadership dynamics; history and economic development; government and education; social service and health care resources; and effective meeting management and communication skills. Class size will be limited to 20 participants and is open to anyone interested in the future of Christian County. Tuition for the program is $199 and includes a one day orientation meeting at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, IL, class materials, weekly refreshments and speakers. Applications are available by contacting the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce at , the University of Illinois Extension in Christian County, or online at web.extension.illinois.edu/cjmm. PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND. Checks should be made payable to the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce. Extension Connections January/February 2014 Page 3Page 3

4 4-H ERS NAMED TO SIU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PROGRAM - P4 DAVID BRUNS AND LINDSAY STINE Twenty-nine students have been selected for the P4 Physician Pipeline Preparatory Program including 4-H members David Bruns from Christian County and Lindsay Stine from Macon County. This program is a partnership between Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the Springfield Public Schools (SPS). This is the fifth year of the Pipeline program with a new cohort of high school students who are eager to learn about the life of medical students and physician careers. These Pipeline students represent a bright future for health care in central and southern Illinois. FOLLOWING THE WHITE COAT CEREMONY Students were selected by a committee who reviewed letters of recommendation, a personal statement and a summary of volunteer, school and community activities, all of which needed to reflect superior academic performance, high levels of motivation and a sincere interest in pursuing medical careers. Students will participate in three different sessions throughout the year. The sessions are held after school for three hours and include participation in medical school style curriculum; introduction to problem based learning (PBL); tours and shadowing, and interactions with SIU students and faculty. David Bruns, a 5 year member of the Pana Tri-County Kids 4-H club, states The P4 program is fun, exciting, and a great experience for my future as a medical student. It has been fun getting to meet and work with new people and get to talk with actual medical students. It was an honor to be given a seat in the program and I look forward to the next 4 years I m in the program. Lindsay Stine, a 7 year 4-H member from Macon County, says "P4 is a really wonderful program that has helped me gain experience and allowed me to participate in classes that will prepare me for my future as a health care provider." JR. LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE SAVING THE WORLD THROUGH LEADERSHIP Register Before January 20th February 8th 9th - Decatur Conference Center Become a superhero when you participate in the upcoming Jr. Leadership Conference on February 8-9th at the Decatur Conference Center, Decatur, IL. At the Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC), 7th and 8th grade 4-H ers will experience what it takes to become a super leader. Workshops Will Include: Picture & Video Editing Renewable Energy & Wind Power Stereotypes First Impressions Aren t Always Accurate SMART Goals Learn How to be an Original Cost for the conference is $135 and includes all meals, lodging and conference supplies. One may register before January 20th online at: Only 90 registrations are allowed, so register early. A first-time partial scholarship is also available, from the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Please contact your local Extension office for more information regarding the scholarship application. Page 4 Extension Connections January/February 2014

5 GET $avvy: GROW YOUR GREEN $TUFF WEBINAR SERIES University of Illinois Extension and University of Illinois' USFSCO Student Money Management Center are teaming up again to bring college students across the state of Illinois "Get $avvy: Grow Your Green $tuff Webinar Series." Three sessions remain in the series during All webinars are on Thursdays, between noon to 1 p.m. CST. Love Your Loan: Student Loan Repayment - February 13, 2014 Steps toward Investing - March 6, 2014 Making the Most of Job Benefits - April 10, 2014 Love Your Loan: Student Loan Repayment In 2011 student loans topped $1 Trillion dollars! That s more than what Americans owe in credit card debt and what they owe in auto loan debt. More than 1 in 10 loans are in default and more than 12% are delinquent. Learn how to optimize your student loans and find ways to live an independent life sooner during this webinar. Steps towards Investing Stocks, bonds, and IRAs oh my! Where should a young investor start? Student Money Management Center and University of Illinois Extension are hosting Steps towards Investing to explore investment options and strategies. Learn about important investment concepts such as diversification, purchasing power risk, and market risk. Don t miss out on the opportunity to have your money grow; learn how to invest while you re still young! Making the Most of Job Benefits In today's economy, we are happy to have jobs, but many college graduates are underemployed. This webinar on job benefits is to inform students across the state how to get the most from their employment perks. Topics that will be discussed include salary negotiation, pension plans, and many more employee benefits. This is a great opportunity for students to prepare for the working world, so they can be better informed when making decisions on those post-graduation job offers. ***Once you're registered, you will receive an with login information. *** Each session is FREE, and to register please visit: Extension Connections January/February 2014 Page 3Page 5

6 NATURAL LANDSCAPES - A GARDENERS SYMPOSIUM February 22, AM - NOON Lincoln Land Community College, Litchfield, IL KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Guy Sternberg Guy Sternberg is co-author of Native Trees for North American Landscapes and director of Starhill Forest Arboretum. Guy is an outstanding speaker and an expert on trees. Participants will also be able to attend 2 60 minute sessions. Online registration opens mid-january at web.extension.illinois.edu/cjmm Page 6 Extension Connections January/February 2014

7 FIRST UNIT 18 FALL CLASSIC A SUCCESS! Fifty-five 4-H Shooting Sports members participated in the first annual 4-H Fall Classic at Brittany Shooting Park in Bunker Hill on Saturday, September 14th. 4-H members rotated through the different shooting disciplines throughout this event enhancing their marksmanship skills. After shooting, 4-H members and their families enjoyed lunch followed by a recognition ceremony where members received awards for their efforts. The results from this event were as follows: ARCHERY Ages 8-9-First Place- Meghan Donnan (Christian); 2nd Place- Kassandra Osterbuhr (Montgomery) 3rd Place- Madalyn Osterbuhr (Montgomery); Ages First Place- Owen Goetten (Jersey) 2nd Place- Madison Taylor (Christian) 3rd Place- Peter Girup (Christian); Ages First Place- Blaine Kuhnert (Christian) 2nd Place-Mitchell Phipps (Jersey) 3rd Place- Matt Schleper (Jersey) AIR RIFLE Ages 8-9-First Place- Meghan Donnan (Christian) Trophy 2nd Place- Casey Dugan (Macoupin); Ages First Place- Madison Taylor (Christian) 2nd Place- Adam Heyen (Macoupin)3rd Place- Nathan Cauley (Macoupin); Ages First Place- Blaine Kuhnert (Christian) 2nd Place- Matt Schleper (Jersey) 3rd Place- Wyatt Jones (Jersey) SHOTGUN Ages First Place- Ethan Jones (Macoupin) 2nd Place- Peter Girup (Christian) 3rd Place- Nathan Cauley (Macoupin) 3rd Place- Owen Goetten (Jersey); Ages First Place (Tie)- Ryan Kanallakan (Jersey) First Place (Tie)- Jordan Cain (Macoupin) 2nd Place- Mitchell Phipps (Jersey) 3rd Place (Tie)- Anthony Goetten (Jersey) 3rd Place (Tie) - Danielle Koskie (Macoupin) 3rd Place (Tie)- Matt Schleper (Jersey) Dedicated volunteers who made this event a success were certified instructors and volunteers from Christian County: Mark Ashbrook, Tammy Cisek, Kara Helton, R.D. Elder, Mark Harris, Junior Welge, Kathy and Brad Taylor; Jersey County: Chad and Lynn Goetten, Traci Kanallakan, Jamie Cannady, and Jim Sharich; Macoupin County: Lisa Coan, Jennifer Brown, and Mark Koskie; Montgomery County: Phillip Crouch, Patti Pershing, and Paul Pershing. The first State Shoot will be held May 31, 2014 at Brittany Shooting Park, Bunker Hill. Carole and Larry Mohr, owners of the facility are wonderful people, have been tremendous to 'work' with, and are looking forward for hosting our first State Shoot. Illinois first State Teams will be selected from this state shoot and will represent Illinois at the National 4 -H Invitational, to be held in Grand Island, NB, June 24-29, High scores, plus a participant application and recommendations, will determine our state teams. Potential teams will include: shotgun, recurve archery, compound archery, air rifle and small bore/.22 rifle - five teams in all, 4 participants on a team. There will be a great need for equipment and volunteers for the State Shoot on May 31, and for set-up on May 30. If you are interested in helping out, please contact your local Extension office. WE NEED YOUR INPUT - SAVE THE DATE Unit 18 Extension Council along with Unit 18 staff will be hosting a public meeting in each of the four counties covered by the Unit to share programming ideas and look for collaboration opportunities for development of new educational programs. January 29, 2014, Hillsboro, Illinois (Montgomery County) February 4, 2014, Jerseyville, Illinois (Jersey County) February 13, 2014, Carlinville, Illinois (Macoupin County) February 27, 2014, Taylorville, Illinois (Christian County) Each meeting will start at 11:30 am, and lunch will be provided. Please contact your local Extension office if you plan to attend. Extension Connections January/February 2014 Page 3Page 7

8 University of Illinois Extension Christian County 1120 N. Webster St. Taylorville, IL Phone: Fax: NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TAYLORVILLE, IL PERMIT NO. 322 Return Service Requested This newsletter is designed to provide educational information and program updates to benefit you and your family. If you have questions about these or other programs, don t hesitate to contact our staff. The University of Illinois Extension Christian County is dedicated to working for you. Amanda Cole, County Extension Director, acole1@illinois.edu Gary Letterly, Extension Educator, Energy and Environmental Stewardship, letterly@illinois.edu Chris Casey, Extension Educator, Community and Economic Development, ccasey1@illinois.edu Peggy Hampton, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, phampton@illinois.edu Andrew Holsinger, Extension Educator, Ag & Natural Resources (Horticulture), aholsing@illinois.edu Jodi Heberling, Program Coordinator 4-H, heberlin@illinois.edu Terri Miller, Publicity & Promotions Specialist, terrim@illinois.edu Shelly Curtin, Office Support Assistant, sacurtin@illinois.edu Rachel Fikan, Extra Help, vndnbrg2@illinois.edu