Local February Events Page click here
The Dakota FFA will be hosting a Pork Chop Dinner on Thursday, February 11, 2010 click here
Freeport Pregnancy Center Receives Donation from Thin and Healthy
By Keith Bardell
Thin and Healthy of Freeport donated $100 to the Freeport Pregnancy Center. The money came to the center after a winner of a contest at Thin and Healthy chose this charity to receive the prize.
January winner of the Queen for a Day contest, Tammy Borman, was selected by Thin and Healthy as a contest winner after she brought in more “buddies,” in January than anyone else. Borman then selected the Pregnancy Center as the recipient as her charity of choice. Thin and Healthy is also having the contest in February, with many prizes to be given away.
The Pregnancy Center graciously accepts donations in the form of monetary, and new and “gently-used,” items for newborns. The center ha
s moved to a new location at 222 W. Exchange St. Ste 111 in Freeport.
“We needed a space where we could have meetings and classes,” said Sherrie Bicksler, director of the center.
The center is a ministry and is free to clients and is paid for by local churches and donations. Last year 10,000 hours of time were also donated by volunteers. Items donated range from strollers and clothing, to layettes, like a mini-baby shower, which are for newborns whose mothers have no items for their newborns at the time of birth.
Classes teach abstinence and skills to raise a baby, and are considered a hand-up, not a hand-out. Each time a client attends a class or does their homework, they earn “mommy money,” play money that they use to purchase items for their children.
The center has a staff of four, and administrative assistant, and volunteers. They are open Monday through Thursday from 9-3. For more information, or do donate, call 815-232-5433.
Photos: Left, a client receives training, a new classroom, Director Sherrie Bicksler. Photo right: Thin and Healthy Director Sandra Hawlay-Kutzke and Queen for a day winner Tammy Borman.
Self-Defense Classes Offered:
Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu Self-Defense
Hapkido Self Defense
Little Ninjas
Tae Kwon Do Rockford Academy
Kahjok Tae Kwon Do Class
All on our February Events Page click here
Daddy Daughter Candyland Ball Feb 12, click here
Family Nurse Practitioner Susan Korf Joins FHN
FREEPORT, Ill., February 3, 2010 — Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner Susan Korf, APN/CNP, has joined FHN. She sees patients at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Forreston and FHN Family Healthcare Center – Pecatonica.
Korf earned her master’s degree in nursing and certification as an advanced practice nurse at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and an associate’s degree in nursing from Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.
Prior to joining FHN, Korf cared for patients in emergency departments in Milwaukee and at SwedishAmerican Hospital in Rockford, as well as serving as a nursing instructor at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill.
“I’m looking forward to caring for patients in a family practice setting,” Korf said. “That will give me a chance to work with my patients to achieve and maintain their best health possible.”
To make an appointment with Susan Korf, APN/CNP in Forreston, call 815-938-3130. To make an appointment with Korf in Pecatonica, call 815-239-1400. For more information on Susan Korf, family nurse practitioners and services available at FHN, visit www.fhn.org.
Yes, it’s true – the Summer Rhubarb Wine is in the bottle. THANKS to everyone who stopped by and tasted this wine and gave their comments. We think the 2009 Summer Rhubarb is even better than last year’s.
We’re open Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11-5 and Fridays 11-7. We’re open 12-5 on Sundays and closed on Mondays & Tuesdays until Memorial Day.
Stop in and pick up some Summer Rhubarb Wine. Looking forward to a glass at the end of the day might even help you face the snowstorm that’s coming our way.
We’re starting to bottle the rest of the 2009 vintages. Coming soon are the Heritage, Crescent Moon White, Traminette and Vignoles wines. The dry Reds will come later. Watch for e-mails or check our website for updates.
Thanks for being such great customers. We’ve had over 4,000 people sign our guest book during our first year. We love hearing your stories and are so happy when you enjoy our wine.
Ken and Pam Rosmann
Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery
815-563-4665
www.famousfossilwinery.com
Wind Energy 101 for Landowners
“Wind Energy 101: From a Landowners Perspective” is scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2010 at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St. The workshop is designed to help landowners make informed decisions about wind energy developments and leases. Over the past year, the Illinois Wind Working Group (IWWG) and University of Illinois Extension, with assistance from other groups, have coordinated eight of the forums across the state.
Registration begins at 1:00 and the program will be from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. University educators and industry professionals will present a background overview of wind (economics, why wind, etc), timeline for a wind development, agricultural issues related to wind development, and lease and contract issues.
“Wind energy in Illinois is going to experience explosive growth,” says Dr. David Loomis, Director of the Center for Renewable Energy at Illinois State University. “Illinois recently surpassed the 1,000 MW mark for wind capacity in the state and I see no end to the projects that are coming on-line.” New featured speaker will be Matt Aldeman, Technical Assistant, Center for Renewable Energy, Illinois State University.
“Landowners need to consider the long term implications before signing a contract with a developer,” according to Stanley Solomon, University of Illinois Engineering Technology Educator. “While there are definite benefits to wind energy, the impacts on agriculture and future development of the land should be part of the decision. Limitations on locations and construction of new buildings, aerial crop spray applications, and practical cultivation equipment sizes are among the issues that should be considered.” These and other issues will be discussed during the workshops.
The early-registration deadline is February 4th for the discount registration fee of $20. Late registration and at the door will be $25 based on available space. For more information or to register, please contact the University of Illinois-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125 or register online at http://stephenson.extension.uiuc.edu.
Create Your Weight with FHN
FREEPORT, Ill., to current participants in the FHN Get Fit! program.
“Create Your Weight was created by Registered Dietitians, and FHN Registered Dietitians run the program,” said Jennifer Gassman, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, program organizer. “For the new program, we are using all new materials and expanding the program to 10 weeks.”
The Create Your Weight program focuses on nutrition education with physical activity and the role of behavior therapy in weight reduction and management. Classes begin March 8 at FHN Memorial Hospital. The cost is $125 for those who pre-register by March 1; $175 for those registering after March 1. Past Create Your Weight participants and current FHN Get Fit! participants pay just $100. Enrollment for this personalized program is limited to the first 15 people who register.
For more information, visit www.fhn.org. To register, call 815-599-6677.
Give flu the WAVE this season! Remember to Wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your Arm, get Vaccinated and treat Early – call your healthcare provider if you don’t feel well.
The Vagina Monologues: Freeport: Presented by the Freeport Art Museum and Winneshiek Players click here
Local February Events Page click here
FHN Going Red for Women’s Heart Health Feb. 5
— If you have an appointment with your healthcare provider on Friday, Feb. 5, be prepared to see red. FHN has invited all staff to participate in Wear Red Day Feb. 5.
“We will have information about heart health available for anyone who is interested, whether they’re men or women,” said coordinator Diane Bardell. “The purpose of Wear Red Day is to raise everyone’s awareness of how they can stay healthy and reduce their risk of heart attack. This particular day focuses on women, because heart disease is sometimes viewed – incorrectly – as a ‘man’s disease.’ But the information we’ll have available is useful for both men and women.”
“Wear Red Day also serves as a great opportunity for people to talk to their healthcare provider about heart health, even if their appointment that day is for another reason,” Bardell said. “The American Heart Association has an excellent resource available – Questions to Ask Your Doctor – that can help both men and women start a conversation with their provider about heart health. That sheet is available online at www.fhn.org., so you can download it and be prepared for your next appointment.”
For more information on Wear Red Day or how you can improve your heart health, visit www.fhn.org.
Give flu the WAVE this season! Remember to Wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your Arm, get Vaccinated and treat Early – call your healthcare provider if you don’t feel well.
Prairie Wind Magazine Now Accepting Submissions for 2010 Edition
HCC Wind Turbine Technology program receives donation from
SPX Hydraulic Technologies
click here
Photo courtesy HCC
Freeport resident and Tupperware saleswoman Norma Langarica has signed an agreement with the American Red Cross to donate 40 percent of her sales for one month to the Haiti Relief operation.
To contact Norma and purchase Tupperware for this relief operation, call (815) 616-8702 or reach her via e-mail at normalan@my2tupperware.com, or stop by the America Red Cross Northwest Illinois Chapter at 224 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport, to pick up a Tupperware booklet. View Tupperware products online and contact Norma by phone if you prefer.
In addition Schwan’s will be selling their frozen pizza in our parking lot from 10 to 6 on Saturday, February 6, with proceeds over their cost going to Haiti through us.
Free Dental Day Offered at FHN Family Dental Care
FREEPORT, Ill., Severe tooth decay is more than a nuisance – it can affect a child’s performance in school and even his or her health. FHN, as part of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids a Smile campaign, is offering a Free Dental Day for uninsured or underinsured children Saturday, Feb. 13.
“Healthy teeth and gums are more than just ‘pretty,’” says Catherine Baer, DDS, a dentist at FHN Family Dental Care. “If a child’s teeth hurt, he or she can’t eat a proper diet or concentrate on schoolwork. The pain from tooth decay or gum disease can be so severe that a child can’t even sleep. Free Dental Day is an opportunity for us to educate children and their parents on the importance of good oral hygiene, and to take care of the children whose families may not be able to afford regular dental care.”
Uninsured and underinsured children through age 12 are eligible for free cleanings, exams, x-rays and fluoride treatments as part of Free Dental Day from 8 a.m. to noon Feb. 13 at FHN Family Dental Care, 1768 Rosenstiel Drive, Freeport. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-registration is required to receive services on Free Dental Day; call 815-235-2600 or toll-free 877-392-7342 to register.
FHN Family Dental Care has a staff of four general dentists who provide a full range of oral care including gum disease treatment, adult and juvenile braces, oral surgery, root canals, dentures, partials and cosmetic dental procedures, including tooth-colored fillings and veneers. Children can be seen as early as age 2. Most insurance plans are accepted.
For more information on Free Dental Day or on FHN Family Dental Care, visit www.fhn.org.
Give flu the WAVE this season! Remember to Wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your Arm, get Vaccinated and treat Early – call your healthcare provider if you don’t feel well.
Sha Na Na Tickets Nearly Sold Out
Tickets for the *Sha Na Na* concert on Saturday, February 6 at the Freeport Masonic Temple are nearly sold out. You may purchase tickets in person at the Masonic Temple in Freeport, Ruf's in Monroe - or order by phone at _*815-233-0513*_. This is their 40th Anniversary Tour - get ready to twist, stroll, hand jive and more! Hear *Sha Na Na* perform /_Rock and Roll is Here to Stay_/, _/At the Hop/_ and more! Get your tickets today.
Pediatrician Adam Angelilli, MD Joins FHN
FREEPORT, Ill., Pediatric specialist Adam Angelilli, MD has joined the FHN Pediatrics department at FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills.
Dr. Angelilli earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He holds a bachelors degree in molecular biology from Grove City College in Grove City, Penn. Dr. Angelilli served his pediatric residency at New Jersey Medical School – University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ.
“My goal is to work as a team with my patients and their parents to give each child the best possible healthy start in life,” Angelilli said. “Childhood will always have its bumps and bruises, but I believe that giving each child a good, healthy start can make a difference throughout his or her life.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Angelilli, call FHN Family Healthcare Center – Burchard Hills at 815-599-7755.
Highland Faculty and Staff Receive Excellence Awards
HCC Employee 2010 Service Award Recipients click here
Highland Trustees Consider Tuition Increase click here
Booth reservations are now being accepted for the 2010 Stephenson County Home Show cick here
FHN Git Fit Challenge to Feature ‘Biggest Loser’ Julio Gomez
Women’s Self Defense Class
Sponsored by Thin & Healthy’s Total Solution
Thin and Healthy’s Total Solution and Their Members Work at Raising Money to Donate to Local Charity
Thin & Healthy’s Total Solution® has teamed up with their members to raise money for a local charity. During the month of January Thin & Healthy’s Total Solution is putting $$$ in a jar for each “Buddy” their members bring into the Thin & Healthy “family.” The goal of this is to help their members realize the importance in reaching out and making a difference within their community. Then the member with the most “buddies” that joins in January will become King or Queen for a day and receive a day of pampering. The first duty of the new reigning King or Queen will be to pick which local charity they want the money we’ve been tossing into the jar all month to go to…. J
“We believe it’s vital to Go M.A.D. in our community. We love to Go Make A Difference, not just in our members but out in our community as well. The King or Queen for a day contest is a wonderful way for us to get involved, get our members involved, reach out in our community, and help change lives. After all the best way to get what you want is to do something for someone else,” said Sandra Hawley-Kutzke, Manager / Director of Health & Wellness at Freeport’s Thin & Healthy’s Total Solution®. Ms. Hawley-Kutzke added, “I’m so excited about finding yet another way we can give back to our community. There are so many wonderful non-profit organizations and charities in the area that need help from the people in our community. By getting our members involved we also hope to raise awareness and find a way for them to Go M.A.D. with us somewhere in the community.”
Highland Instructor Published in the Chicago Tribune
FREEPORT — Highland Community College faculty member Sam Tucibat recently had his work published in the Chicago Tribune. The journalism, graphic design and photography instructor submitted a freelance opinion piece regarding the media attention, or lack thereof, the Thomson, IL area has received in the recent coverage of the Guantanamo prisoner relocation plans.
"I'm very happy that the Tribune accepted this piece, because it addresses a long-held "pet peeve" of mine,” said Tucibat. “Also, as instructor for HCC's journalism classes, I feel obligated to do some writing myself, from time to time, just to keep my hand in the game."
The piece entitled “Where the heck is Thomson?” can be found on the paper’s web site in the Commentary section at
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-oped0107thomsonjan07,0,256651.story.
Tucibat, a life-long resident of the Thomson area, also serves as the advisor for the Chronicle, Highland’s student newspaper.
Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting Feb. 5th click here
Annual Student Exhibition at Freeport Art Museum
FREEPORT, IL – The Freeport Art Museum invites you to visit the Aspiring Artists Student Exhibition: Earth 3000, open Saturday January 23 through Saturday March 20, 2010.
Hundreds of students have work included in the exhibition. Come and witness spectacular examples of 2-D and 3-D student art work from Jones-Farrar ELC, Center, Blackhawk, Taylor Park and Lincoln-Douglas Elementary Schools, Carl Sandburg, Durand High School, Durand Elementary, Stockton High School, Freeport Junior High, Pearl City and Byron High School. Following the theme, students strive to visually explain their interpretation of how the Earth would be different in the year 3000. Each student’s interpretation of this theme is unique, contributing to a very creative and original exhibition.
“This is an exhibit I look forward to each year. The student talent is amazing. It is great to see new schools exhibiting with us,” says Ashley Mokros, FAM Education Manager.
About the Freeport Art Museum
Established in 1975, the Freeport Art Museum shares the visual and performing arts with the people of northwest Illinois. FAM’s mission is to promote an understanding of art and culture through our collections, exhibitions and education. Currently FAM’s collection contains nearly 4,000 artifacts from all continents and all time periods including ethnographic objects from Egypt, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea; Pre-Columbian and Native American baskets and pottery; excellent 15th to 19th century European painting, prints and sculpture; and a significant collection of contemporary American prints, paintings, and sculpture. The Freeport Art Museum is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
The Freeport Art Museum is located at 121 N Harlem Ave, and is open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday from noon to 5 pm. Tours may be scheduled by calling 815-235-9755. Admission to the Art Museum is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.
BBBS of NWIL Celebrating National Mentoring Month
FREEPORT, Ill., — The U.S. Senate has declared January National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Illinois is taking this opportunity to celebrate its “Bigs” – the Big Brothers and Big Sisters who volunteer their time to serve as mentors to our communities’ most vulnerable children.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-supported volunteer network of long-term mentors for youth, providing careful matching, screening and ongoing support for Bigs, “Littles” and their families. BBBS of Northwest Illinois, a program of FHN Family Counseling Center, serves more than 100 youth in Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties.
“Our priority and what differentiates Big Brothers Big Sisters is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in proven positive educational and social outcomes, improving kids’ chances to succeed,” said Sharon Mockridge, FHN Family Counseling Center community educator. “Donors enable Big Brothers Big Sisters’ quality staff, backed by proven support systems and structures, to provide ongoing support for Littles, their families and Bigs, from before each match is made throughout the course of the mentoring friendship.”
Independent research finds Littles are more likely than their peers to have better school attendance and improvements in behavior – avoiding violence and illegal activities – and they are more likely to have stronger relationships at home and elsewhere.
Boys, particularly African-American children, disproportionately represent Littles ready to be matched with Bigs. This month’s emphasis on mentoring is expected to bring in a surge of volunteers. The hope is that donations will come in as well, so that all Bigs and Littles who are ready to be matched can begin a long, successful mentoring match, supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters professionals who are committed to helping vulnerable children beat the odds.
To learn more about becoming a mentor or donate money to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Illinois, call Sharon Mockridge at 815-599-7344.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters: Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol and breaking negative cycles. Headquartered in Philadelphia and with nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than a quarter million children. Learn how you can change how children grow up in America by going to BigBrothersBigSisters.org.
Give flu the WAVE this season! Remember to Wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your Arm, get Vaccinated and treat Early – call your healthcare provider if you don’t feel well.
Annual Pretzel Fans Club Moonlight Bowling Fundraiser Jan 30 click here
HCC Adult Education Program Seeks Volunteer Tutors
FREEPORT— The Highland Community College Adult Education Program is seeking volunteers to tutor adults in Stephenson County. Volunteers tutor math, reading, writing or English as a Second Language. All interested individuals are encouraged to attend a tutor informational meeting on Wednesday, February 17, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. OR Friday, February 19 from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. at the Freeport Public Library in the meeting room on the main floor.
The information meeting will address questions, including:
· What does a volunteer tutor do?· How much time does it take?· What experience do I need?
The support and encouragement that tutors provide is a key influence in the lives of students. In fact, the students show a greater amount of achievement when they have one-on-one instruction. Just by volunteering an hour or two a week, tutors are a source of inspiration. The rewards are not only for the students. This program is rewarding for the volunteers as well.
Volunteer tutors help their communities by improving the lives of residents, one person at a time. Volunteers tutor when it is convenient – morning, afternoon or evening and in an academic subject area that they enjoy.
For more information about these meetings, please contact Esther Mayer at 815-599-3538 or at esther.mayer@highland.edu
"What’s New?" Expo to Open
Freeport, Illinois....The Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center will be opening our "What’s New?" Expo on January 15, 2010.
The Expo will feature new businesses that opened in 2008 and 2009. Despite a challenging economic climate, there are quite a number of new businesses, from banks to mom and pop businesses to franchise businesses, that have opened their doors.
According to the Visitors Center Director, Connie Sorn, "One of the goals of the Center is to promote local businesses; what better way to do that than to showcase these wonderful new ones. We want them to succeed and be in our community for many years to come, and the Expo is one way to help make that happen."
During the Expo we will also be featuring restaurants that opened in 2008 and 2009. We will showcase a restaurant each Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm with samples of some of their specialties. Restaurants to be featured include Heck’s Food on January 30, O’Maddys on February 6, The Flamin’ Grill on February 13, and Sellnoir’s Catering on February 20.
The "What’s New?" Expo will be on display from January 15 thru February 28.
The Visitors Center, located at 4596 US Highway 20 east of Freeport, is open Sunday through Thursday: 8 am until 7 pm; Friday and Saturday: 8 am until 8 pm. Funded by private donations, the center is designed to promote economic growth in Freeport and Stephenson County. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Visitors Center at 233-1357.
Chicago Auto Show
On Saturday, February 13, get lost in the largest fantasy world of transportation – 1.3 million square feet of domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles. The price includes the bus ride into McCormick Place and your ticket into the show. Lunch is on your own in the McCormick Place food court. Departure time from the Freeport Park District parking lot is 8:00 am and estimated return time in Freeport is 6:30 pm. Please register by January 16 by calling the Freeport Park District at 235-6114 ext 0 to charge by phone (Visa, Discover or MasterCard) or visit the Read Park office. R/NR Adult $45/52, Seniors 62+ and youth 7-12 yrs $41-47, Youth 6 & under $38/43. For more info, call 235-6114 ext 115
Join FHN to Create Your Weight
FREEPORT, Ill., — Weigh in on a healthy lifestyle with FHN’s eight-week Create Your Weight program on nutrition and fitness.
Designed by registered dietitians, Create Your Weight focuses on nutrition education, physical activity and the role of behavior therapy in weight reduction and management. The program includes personalized calorie needs and eight weekly educational sessions with a registered dietitian. Participants will also receive a manual, session handouts and a behavior modification handbook. Create Your Weight meets every Tuesday, January 19, 2010 through March 9, at FHN Memorial Hospital.
The personalized program is limited to 15 participants, and costs $125 for those who pre-register by Tuesday, January 12. After Jan. 12, the cost is $150.
For more information or to register, call 815-599-6677. For more information on Create Your Weight and FHN’s other healthy lifestyle programs, visit www.fhn.org.
District Employee Receives Prestigious State Award
Sandie Tresemer, retired and long-time Freeport School District employee, was recently recognized for her many years of service to students by the Illinois State Board of Education. Mrs. Tresemer, the former secretary at Lincoln-Douglas Elementary School, received the state’s highest honor, the “Award of Excellence,” presented to only six individuals in education statewide.
An extensive and multi-leveled nomination process began in February at Mrs. Tresemer’s school. Notified of the award in September, her meritorious nomination was supported directly by students, parents, former and current principals, and many school staff members.
The award ceremony, the 35th Statewide Salute to Individuals Who Have Made Outstanding Contributions to Education in Illinois, "Those Who Excel," took place this past October at Peoria’s Pere Marquette Hotel. Present at the award ceremony with Mrs. Tresemer to celebrate her achievement were her husband Don, daughter Carrie, mother Evelyn Jungerberg, Freeport School District Superintendent Peter Flynn and his wife Joan, Lincoln-Douglas principal Deb Kleckner, and Lincoln-Douglas teacher Shirley Ludwig and her husband Gregg.
As the only recipient of this special tribute in northwest Illinois, Mrs. Tresemer remarked of the award, “I was honored and humbled that my former and present staff nominated me. There are so many deserving people who work hard every day for our district, staff, students and parents and they also need to be recognized. It was a great evening and wonderful memory to add to all of my 28 plus years working in Freeport and Harlem School Districts.”
Contact: Stephanie Helms, Communications Specialist Freeport School District #145
501 E. South Street, Freeport, IL 61032
815.232.0369 stephanie.helms@fsd145.org
Photo:Steve Dorsey, Board of Education President
Sandie Tresemer, award winner
Peter Flynn, Freeport School District Superintendent
FHN to Offer Massage Therapy click here
Positioning for Success is Theme of Alfalfa Teleconference
Alfalfa production and harvesting strategies will highlight the 2010 Alfalfa Workshop-Positioning for Success hosted by University of Illinois Extension on February 8. The program is from 9:25 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and will be delivered via teleconference at the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport. Registration begins at 9:00 am.
Alfalfa growers, dealers, and consultants will hear about current production and harvesting strategies, as well as new developments in forage varieties. Information will be presented to help fine-tune management plans that impact profitability for the 2010 crop.
Neal Martin, forage agronomist at the US Dairy Forage Research Center at Madison, Wisconsin will discuss “What New Developments in Forages Mean to Producers”. “Harvesting Biomass Crops” will be presented by Kevin Shinners, University of Wisconsin agriculture engineer.
Keith Johnson, Extension forage specialist, Purdue University, will share “Tips for Successful Stand Establishment”; and Jim Endress, University of Illinois Extension educator, farm management, will answer the question “Who Should Harvest my Alfalfa-a Custom Operator or Me?” Participants will view color slides used in the presentations and can interact with the speakers. Handout materials will be available.
Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers have been requested. The program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension.
For more information and to register, contact the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at 815-235-4125 or register on-line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson . Registration cost is $5.
Private Pesticide Safety Education Program & Testing Clinic Offered
The Illinois Pesticide Act requires individual farmers to become certified as a Private Pesticide Applicator in order to purchase and use restricted use pesticides (RUPs). These products will clearly state the words "Restricted Use Pesticide" on the label. Common examples include the insecticides Counter, Force, and Pounce, and the herbicides Atrazine, Gramoxone Max, and Harness.
To become certified, you must pass a closed-book, 50 question examination administered by representatives of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA). Once passed, a three-year certification license will be issued by the IDA upon receipt of a $20 licensing fee. To help you prepare for the examination, the University of Illinois Extension offers Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) clinics as well as a training manual and workbook. The manual was revised in 1999, and the workbook was revised in 2005. Use the manual as a reference to complete the workbook before attending a clinic.
The University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County will host two Pesticide Safety Education Program Clinics this winter. The programs will be held at the Lena Community Center on Thursday, February 11, 2010 and on Friday, March 12, 2010. The clinics will run from 9 a.m. to noon and will be followed by a test that will be administered by the IDA. Please be advised that there is a $30 clinic fee and preregistration requirement. This $30 fee is for training only, and is separate from the $20 licensing fee charged by IDA. Current study manuals can be purchased at the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County. For more information or to register for the clinic call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at (815) 235-4125 or register on-line at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson.
2010 Illinois Dairy Days to be held in Freeport
"Profit Potential” is the theme for the 2010 Illinois Dairy Days, a program scheduled for nine locations throughout the state in January.
"The dairy business continues to face challenging times," said Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist. "To help producers make correct management decisions, it is vital to have the latest information at hand. That is the driving idea behind this one-day program to help producers make the most of their resources and remain a productive part of the dairy industry."
Joining Hutjens as presenters are U of I Extension colleagues Dave Fischer, Jim Endress, and Dick Wallace, DVM.
Topics to be covered include: feeding challenges with today's low milk prices; optimizing forages in the lactating ration; analyzing your dairy farm financial picture; improve profits with milk quality; looking ahead in the Illinois dairy industry; reducing feed shrinkage; farm regulations decision making; and managing an efficient reproduction synchronization program.
Commercial displays will be at the local Dairy Days programs.
Joining U of I Extension in sponsoring the program is the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Dairy Days will be held in Freeport at Highland Community College in the Student Conference Center (building H) on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at approximately 2:30 p.m. Commercial displays will be available. Registration is $15 and must be made before January 15. Kolb-Lena Cheese Company, Stockton Cheese, and Swiss Valley Farms will cover the charge for their patrons.
For more information or to register for the Dairy Days program to take place in Freeport call the University of Illinois Extension-Stephenson County at (815) 235-4125 or visit our website at www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson to register on-line.
The same program will be held at the Elizabeth Community Center on January 19. For more information on the Elizabeth program call (815) 858-2273.
Winter's Coming.....Where Can I Park?
During the winter months of December, January, February and March, vehicles may park on City streets as follows:
In the City's Central Business District, odd - even parking does not apply. However, there is no parking from 2:00 am to 5:00 am everyday.
On all other City streets, you may park on the even side of the street on even numbered days and on the odd side of the street on odd numbered days. Even numbered sides of street are generally West and North and odd numbered sides of street are generally East and South.
Streets that have designated parking on one side only for an entire city block are exempt from the odd-even parking.
All other parking restrictions apply.
For the purposes of winter parking, odd-even days begin at the hour of 8:00 am. For example, if your vehicle is parked on the odd side of the street on December 1st, you'll need to move it to the even side of the street before 8:00 am on December 2nd.
Truck Driving Classes return to HCC
What is Thin & Healthy's Total Solution?
The answer is simple.
Thin & Healthy's Total Solution is your LAST STOP for weight loss!
Thin & Healthy is unlike any other weight loss program because it's designed specifically around you as an individual.
Unlike other one-size-fits-all dieting and weight loss approaches, Thin & Healthy focuses on finding the right solution that
works with YOU and with YOUR lifestyle. Thin & Healthy is not a diet. It's a lifestyle that teaches you how to make healthy choices that you enjoy.
Imagine feeling great about your weight, your body, and your health. That’s Thin & Healthy’s Total Solution.
Feels good doesn’t it?
How do you feel right now about your weight, your body, and your health?
Thin & Healthy’s Total Solution GUARANTEES an average loss of 2-7 lbs. per week with permanent results, & losing the weight is easy with our program.
The Thin & Healthy program focuses on 3 core areas which include?
Weight loss
Movement
Life Success/Motivation
The appropriate balance between these core areas will result in developing not only the body you desire, but self confidence and personal development as well. Our program includes several components, designed to teach you a healthier, happier, more balanced lifestyle, so you’ll never need to lose weight again.
We don’t exist to teach you how to lose weight.
We exist to teach you a lifestyle so you will never need to lose weight again!
Director Sandra Hawley-Kutzke
New York Deli Officially Opens
Owner Mary Peters has officially opened the New York Deli in downtown Freeport. The hot dog stand has been put away and now customers can walk inside to select from the many hot and cold menu items. Hours are 10-4 for hot food, and they serve cold food during their regular hours from 9-6. Candy can still be purchased. They are located at the corner of Stephenson St. and Van Buren Ave. in downtown Freeport.
Marrow Transplant Recipient and Her Family Receive a Helping Hand from ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Nov. 15 episode will highlight importance of patient assistance programs
and marrow donation- more......