(UPDATED 08-17-08)

McLean County Association for Home & Community Education

90^th Annual Meeting – July 8, 2008

“90 Years of Progress”

CONGRATULATIONS, McLEAN COUNTY HCE ON

90 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

(TRIPS & TOURS Information BELOW Workshops INFO)

LOOK AT 2008 FALL CRUISE/TRIP IN OCTOBER DETAILS BELOW!

Questions about program activities may be directed to:

Cultural Enrichment Activities- Carmen S. 309-379-3141

Read & Share Activities – LaVonne C. 309 723 6558

Fall & Spring Trip/Tours- Mary Ellen G. 309-663-1689

Workshops & Classes- Karen H. 309 724-8461

Program Lessons- Leatha P. 309-452-9164

General Information- Kathryn M. 309-473-2283

Membership Info- Pat P. 309 728 2118

Community Outreach- Sandy W. 309-365-2007

Ewing Scholarship & Esposito Scholarship–

go to: www.mcleanextension.org; Click on Economic Development

HCE 2008-09 WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

All events open to the public; follow directions for each individual event.)

Updated 8-17-08

The 90^th HCE Annual Meeting was held at the Interstate Center on Tuesday, July 8, 2008. The 200 people attending will attribute to the excellent displays to be seen, memorabilia to reminisce about, the annual meeting to discover how McLean County HCE is doing and the wonderful meal eaten followed by the great style show. We sure had fun and wish everyone could have been there. There certainly was something for everyone. Thanks to all the people, businesses and community groups who had displays for us to see and businesses who supported our annual meeting with donations. Thank you one and all for a wonderful finale to the 90^th year of Home and Community Education in Mclean County. This was truly an enjoyable way to look back on our heritage from 1918 to the present. We do look forward to celebrating our 100^th year in 2018!!

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August 20– IAHCE District 4 & 5 Workshop Decatur, IL –for McLean County Board Officers Leave Extension office parking lot at 7:45 a.m. Drivers: Pat P., Kathryn M., Leatha P.

August 23- Saturday, 11:30 a.m. Extension office Auditorium - Joint Board Meeting/Potluck Luncheon-

New and Old County Board Members invited to attend – Bring a potluck dish. All table service and drinks will be furnished. This includes those going off the 2007-2008 board and all those on 2008-2009 board including unit presidents. We will go over the coming year and discuss the plans for the orientation meeting on August 28.

August 28- Thursday, 6:00 p.m. HCE Officer Orientation Workshop & Salad/Dessert Potluck

Table service and drinks provided. One dish per 2 unit members attending.

All Unit Officers and interested leadership people/representatives encouraged to attend

Night Owls Unit- Set-up- tablecloths,plates,silverware, napkins, cups.

Lexington Unit- Name tags Eastsiders Unit- Drinks and clean-up

ADDED BONUS

Margaret Esposito will speak for 20-30 minutes on how she is preparing to do her memoirs and how you could do yours!

Each County Officer chair will give a short presentation about their position and what is expected during the year from the units and their officers positions. If any questions, please e-mail Kathryn at kamnvon@verizon.net

September 10- Wednesday, Noon-1:00 p.m. Brown Bag Seminar – Extension Office, 402 N. Hershey, Bloomington, “Creating a Healthy Financial Picture" - This hour presentation includes: a step-by-step approach to help you determine where you are with your finances now and where you would like to be in the future. Included: savings, budgeting, credit management and planning for retirement.

Taught by Kathy Sweedler, Consumer and Family Educator, University of Illinois.

No charge, pre-registration required to receive the handouts, call 663-8306.

September 15 –Monday -READ & SHARE 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Extension Auditorium, 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington

–The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson… is a non-fiction book that gives the reader the magic of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, called the “White City” for its great beauty. Erik Larson’s gifts as a storyteller are certainly displayed in the narrative of the fair’s master builder, the killer, and the great fair that obsessed them both. Erik Larson proves that a book doesn’t have to be fictional to be entertaining.

For more details contact LaVonne C.-309 723-6558.

September 24 – Wednesday – Noon-1:00 p.m. Brown Bag Seminar – Extension Office, 402 N. Hershey, Bloomington, “Credit Card Smarts",

In this hour presentation you will be learning that credit can be a powerful financial management tool. Learn how to check your credit report and improve your credit score. Tips for managing debt--which credit card to pay first and how to control credit costs also will be provided. Taught by Kathy Sweedler, Consumer and Family Educator, University of llinois.

No charge, pre-registration required to receive the handouts, call 663-8306.

October Workshop – “Quilt As You Go I” Learn to make an easy 40 X 60 inch reversible flannel quilt. This is a McLean County HCE Community Service Project to help provide warm quilts to those less fortunate. We invite you to join us if you would like to make extra quilts. Contact: Carmen, 309-379-3141 or Sheila 309-378-4440 for details and supply list. A date & place TBA

October 16 – Thursday, 6:00 p.m. International Night – Extension Auditorium – 402 N. Hershey Rd, BLM

Program –“Belgium” Enjoy Food & Information about Belgium. This program is open to the public. Our International Studies Committee Hosts: Potpourri Unit, Downs Unit; Sandy Whalen, Jean Barrington, Lori Schaefer and event chairman: Nancy Messamore, 309-727-1180.

October 22 – 2008 Fall TRIP “Celebration Belle River Cruise” Fall Foliage & Big Band Luncheon Cruise

See full description below!

October 27 – Monday, 1-3:00 p.m. “Maximizing Kitchen Appliances- Slow Cookers” presented by Robin Bagwell, U of I Extension Educator. Call Extension office to reserve a spot and program materials – 309 663-8306

For November Unit Lessons- Units please send representative as your local leader.

November 17 – READ & SHARE 6:30-8:00 p.m. Extension Aud., 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini will be discussed.

November 18 –Tuesday, 1-3:00 p.m. – WORKSHOP – “ORNAMENTS & BOW MAKING”

Extension Auditorium – Carmen Schnitker, 309 379-3141 More details TBA

November 24- Monday, 1-3:00 p.m. “Feeling Fine in 2009” given by U or I Extension Specialist, Cammy Seguin and Becky Powell.

Call Extension office to reserve a spot and program materials – 309 663-8306

For January, 2009 Local Leader Lessons- Units please send representative as your local leader.

December 6 –Saturday - “WELCOME THE HOLIDAYS” Soup Luncheon 12:00 noon – Calvary United Methodist Church, Towanda Ave.

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. More details TBA

January Quilting Class – “Quilt as you Go-II” – Workshop details TBA

January 26 – 1-3 p.m. – LLL/WORKSHOP- Extension Auditorium – “Living Single in a Couples World

Cammy Seguin, U or I Specialist – Public Invited – Lesson for February Unit Meetings

Call Extension office to reserve a spot and program materials – 309 663-8306

TRIPS & TOURS 2008

(Updated 08-11-08)

Articles about previous trips and Programs BELOW Upcoming Trip Details

For more TRIP/TOUR INFORMATION or to give ideas of future trips/tours CONTACT:

07-08 HCE Special Activities Chairmen

Mary Ellen Gottselig – 309-663-1689 or in

Lexington area Connie Lindenbaum – 309-365-8420

2008 HCE FALL TRIP ANNOUNCED!

Fall Foliage – Big Band

Luncheon Cruise

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

8:00 AM You depart Bloomington on a Deluxe Motorcoach from the HCE Office, 402 N. Hershey Road, Bloomington, south parking lot for Moline, Illinois – home to Celebration Cruise Line.

10:30 AM Upon arrival, we board the boat for a beautiful cruise along the banks of the “Mighty Mississippi”. The Celebration Band will perform different types of music for your enjoyment today. Relax and enjoy the ride! And if the music isn’t enough, you’ll love their homemade sticky rolls. You’ll start the cruise off with those famous sticky rolls and fruit, then a full lunch buffet and an afternoon snack before docking.

(Cruise 11-3:00 PM)

3:15 PM We disembark the boat and board our awaiting Motorcoach in Muscatine, Iowa for a relaxing journey home.

6:00 PM Approximate arrival time home.

Fall Trip Cost per person: HCE Members: $94.00; Non-HCE Members- $99.00

Tour Cost Includes: Deluxe motorcoach transportation, lunch, Cruise and coach driver tip (all things in bold print above)

For Reservations & Information Contact:

Mary Ellen Gottselig Connie Lindenbaum

12 Alder Court 612 Spencer

Bloomington, IL 61704 Lexington, IL 61753

309-663-1689 309-365-8420 (Lexington area)

Reservations should be received with full payment by September 8, 2008.

Call for reservation availability and/or waiting list after September 8.

Look at the UNITS/CLUBS Page

For information about joining an “Educational” group

NEAR YOU!!

***Extension Articles About HCE Programs/Trips***

HCE CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF PROGRESS

July, 2008

This is the County HCE 90^th year and plans have gone on all year to celebrate this milestone. Tuesday, July 8^th was the big day. Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton designated July 8 as McLean County Home & Community Education Day and presented the proclamation to President Kathryn McNeely at the beginning of the business meeting.

Over 200 tickets were sold for the day which began at 8:30 at the Interstate Center. There were booths to look at with items that were used by women over the 90 years. It brought back memories of the things that were used by our grandparents, parents, and many of us. There were also booths from organizations in the community that we have worked with to improve the lives of our community and nation and world.

During the business meeting 50 year members were recognized as well as the new members that joined during the year. Margaret Esposito, who was the McLean County Extension Adviser for over 30 years, was with us and shared that the job was the most challenging and rewarding of her entire professional life. District 5 Director Jane Wood installed the officers for 2008-09.

There was good fellowship around the tables as we shared a very good meal together. Then the Style Show “Styles Through the 90 Years” with Master of Ceremonies , J. D. Scott of WJBC Radio Station, was the high light of the day. Garments from 1918 onward were modeled by owners, HCE members and 4-H girls. Many of the garments were made by members who began learning their sewing skills in 4-H or were made by their mother’s, from wedding dresses to dressy outfits to casual wear.

It was a full day of remembering and honoring what has gone before, but also a day of looking forward to what McLean County HCE will continue to offer and do for improving lives.

We thank the 90^th anniversary committee who committed themselves to making the 90^th year a memorable one. We also thank the husbands of members who helped set up on Monday and helped people in and out of the building, and especially helping take down.

Sheila Wells, Public Relations

HCE TAKES BUS TRIP TO SHELLSBURG, IOWA

APRIL, 2008

The Home & Community Education spring bus trip Wednesday, April 23^rd to Villa Comagena in Shellsburg, Iowa left the Extension Building at 7:00 a.m. Thirty-seven women and one brave gentleman were looking forward to meeting Inge Schminke and her husband Oliver in their country home where Inge entertains her guests with an Austrian flavor meal and tells of her life experiences.

Inge was born in Austria while the country was under Russian rule and lived there until she was 15, when, with her parents, they went to Canada. We enjoyed a wonderful meal and listening to Inge recount her life in Austria by sharing the good and the bad. One moment we would be laughing at her stories, the next, very serious as she told about the hard times and the loneliness.

When she and Oliver were married she moved away from family and all that was familiar to her, to his farm in Iowa where they still live. She shared her insight and wisdom that has come through all the experiences. There was time to shop in the gift shop that had many imported items from Austria. It was a warm, sunny day which allowed us to walk around in the yard and enjoy watching the many sheep and lambs in the fields around the house. It was hard getting back on the bus for the long ride home, but a stop at the Route 80 Truck Stop to get a bite, mostly Dairy Queen treats, revived us. As we arrived in Bloomington at 7:30 p.m., we thanked Mary Ellen Gottselig and Connie Lindenbaum for coordinating this HCE trip that was an enjoyable day for all.

Sheila Wells, Public Relations Chair

Visitors Share Their Greek Culture at International Program

OCTOBER, 2007

The International Program on Greece hosted by McLean County HCE in October was attended by an enthusiastic group of 78 members and guests. Phyllis Bartges Bayles of Charleston, IL. spoke about growing up in a Greek family. She captivated us with stories that illustrated how the Greeks love, comfort, nurture, strengthen, and teach their families through cooking. Their faith is strong in the Greek Orthodox Church, and along with food and family values, helps connect people to their homes and traditions. Phyllis brought samples (and recipes) of Prosphoron (Altar Bread) used in Holy Communion; Coliva (Memorial Wheat) which reminds them to pray for departed relatives and friends; Koufeta (white Jordan almonds) presented to each guest at a wedding; and Greek Biscotti (Paximadia or Dry Bones) which is traditional at funeral meals. Virginia Bartges of Bloomington assisted her sister-in-law and shared stories about marrying into a Greek family.

Sylvia Cooper grew up in a second generation Greek family in the United States, and Vickey Marukas moved here from Greece in 1979. The women both live in Normal and described their experiences to give the audience a better understanding of how the traditions are carried on by each generation. The speakers brought a variety of Greek foods for us to sample, making the evening both educational and delicious!

Sheila Wells and Pat Pulokas

HCE Group Journeys to St. Charles

(Extension Newsletter Article, November, 07)

HCE sponsored a motor coach trip to historic St. Charles, Mo. in September. A group of 32 people

learned about Lewis and Clark and really enjoyed this visit to the oldest city on the Missouri River and

the first state capitol of Missouri. A guide joined us on the bus to take a tour of St. Charles. Among other things the guide pointed out was the city's oldest building, built in 1790. We also learned that owners once paid taxes on the number of windows and doors in a building. The Mother-in-Law House was especially interesting. The guide explained that a bride was so homesick for her mother, the house was built so she could be brought to live with the newlyweds. The husband had the house constructed with a solid wall lengthwise through the middle of the house. Of course, the bride wasn't very happy about that! The building is now a restaurant, and we had lunch there. (We saw no sign of the solid wall through the middle of the house!) After a delicious lunch, we went to the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center that was built just three years ago. The museum exhibits and a movie told us a lot about our U.S. history and the journey of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. Two replicas of boats used in the expedition were displayed, and a volunteer who had traveled on these boats told us about them. St. Charles has a great variety of shops, and many members of the group took advantage of the opportunity to do some shopping before heading back to Bloomington. Thanks to Mary Ellen Gottselig and Connie Lindenbaum for planning this enjoyable fall trip! Watch for details about our spring trip.

Mary Lou Schuler

Ride Around McLean County Offered

Interesting Sights and Tastes

(Extension Newsletter Article, December, 07)

The second Ride Around McLean County adventure in October, 2007 offered 29 women the chance to visit some special spots in the area via Elegant Limousine Mini Coach. At the Gridley Telephone Museum, the group learned about the history of telephones and the century of telephone communications in the Gridley area. The museum features an exhibit of three models of Alexander Graham Bell's first telephone, and walls covered with many different wall phones, which many remembered using when they were growing up. The 1946 Gridley Telephone Switchboard was also interesting to see in operation.

The next stop was the Furrow Winery in El Paso, where we saw how wine was processed and learned about the vineyard's 10 acres of four different varieties of grapes, all picked by hand. Wine tasting and gift shop browsing followed the tour. The group enjoyed lunch at the Olive Branch restaurant in El Paso and then wrapped up the day at the Antique and Craft malls next door.

Thanks to Mary Ellen Gottselig and Connie Lindenbaum for planning another good day trip around McLean County. We look forward to the next trip.

Sheila Wells

HOME AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION (hce)

MemBErship Information IS FOUND ON THE UNITS/CLUBS PAGE

Learn about attending and joining an education GROUP

near you!!

(UPDATED 08-17-08)