April 2014 Cooperator by Linda Farm

Co-Operator official publication of the Cook County Farm Bureau®

A “staple” in the Farm Bureau member’s home since 1938

Mission:

Scan for more farm bureau info. & events

To serve all members of the Cook County Farm Bureau® with meaningful and beneficial programs that reflect our Agricultural Heritage.

Vol. 88 No. 4

www.cookcfb.org

Countryside, IL 60525

Master Gardener Resource Center Re-Opens on April 14th As of April 14th, master gardeners will be back in the Farm Bureau office for regular business hours to answer questions from members and the general public related to gardening and horticulture. The office hours will be Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM to 1:00 PM. This service is expected to continue through November 14. The master gardeners will be accessible by contacting the Cook County Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276 or by emailing mastergardener@cookcfb.org . Master Gardeners will also be available in the Cook County Farm Bureau suite located at 6438 Joliet Rd., Countryside Illinois, 60525 during the office hours of 9 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. General topic areas that can be addressed include soil test recommendations, plant disease issues and treatments, horticulture related questions, pest identification and treatment, and more. Commercial related questions will be forwarded to the University of Illinois Extension Professional Staff.

Upcoming Member Activities Upcoming Member Activities

Shred Shred DayDay on April 26th on April 26th

April 2014

Farming on Your Balcony and Backyard Gardening &

Make an Herb Planter When:

Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:00 AM to Noon

Time: Where: Fee:

Cook County Farm Bureau Meeting Room $20.00

Presenter: Ms. Nancy Pollard, Educator, Horticulture University of Illinois Extension, Cook Cty Unit

Sponsored by: The Cook County Farm Bureau®

Program Highlights:    



Soil importance, soil for containers and raised beds Seed and Plant Selection Fertilization and Organics Growing tips, hints, growing veggies from seed or transplants

Make an Herb Planter

Call 708-354-3276 by:

$20 Registration Fee includes:  

Pre-registration required:

A workshop for members interested in raising vegetables and patio container gardening, no matter how much space you have! Today’s gardening techniques work for people with a patio, deck, porch, apartment, town home, condo, backyard and even those that farm!

Monday April 21, 2014

All course materials Planter, 4 live herb plantings, soil and supplies, and recipe ideas using Herbs

Space is limited!

Cook County Farm Bureau® ~ 6438 Joliet Rd ~ Countryside, IL 60525~708-354-3276

Food Checkout Day “Snap Shot” - March 20, 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau will be hosting an Electronic Recycling and “Shred Day” on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Rolling Meadows Country Financial Office located at 4190 W Euclid Ave. Bring any old documents (up to 3 bankers boxes) that you would like to have shredded FREE OF CHARGE! Please call the CCFB at 708.354.3276 to make a reservation. “Better than a burn barrel, much easier than using scissors”

5 Week Boating Safety Course

Workshop on Wills and Trusts and Transferring Non-‐Titled Property

$45 Members $60 Non-‐Members $10 for children under 18 who are accompanied by an adult and share the adults’ student material Tuesday, April 22 & 29 from 7pm-‐9pm Tuesday, May 6, 13 & 20 from 7pm-‐9pm Call the Cook County Farm Bureau to register.

Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 6:30 -‐ 9 p.m. Orland Park Country Financial 9731 W 165th St. Ste 36 Orland Park, IL 60467 No charge for CCFB Members $10 per person for non-‐members To Pre-‐register Call 708.354.3276

Public Relations Team Member, Mike Rauch (on trailer) started the fire brigade of Food Checkout Day bags from Ronald McDonald to members of the Oak Lawn Fire/Police

Department to the many hands of CCFB and Ronald McDonald house volunteers, ultimately ending up in the kitchens and pantries of local RMH’s, serving families

staying in the houses. The exciting results will be in the May Cooperator as the donations continue to flow in or go to the CCFB facebook page!

Question of the Month

When do we celebrate Earth Day? Call the Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276, email your answer to membershiplinda@ cookcfb.org (please include Name, FB # and phone number) or fax to (708)579-6056 by the 21st with the answer for a chance to enter a drawing for a $25.00 gas card.

March’s winner is Cathy

Hoff.

Last Month’s Question: Bees provide what percentage of the Country’s pollination service?

Answer: 80%

Cook County Farm Bureau Winner of the Power of ‘A’ 2012 Summit Award

Co-Operator April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Farmer Values

Continued Calls for Mandatory Labeling of Foods Containing GMO Ingredients

As a farmer, I value the independence that farming allows me. I can be a machinery operator, an agronomist, a marketer, truck driver, commodity broker, mechanic, computer operator, a CEO and CFO all in one profession.

(Part 3 of three) Farm Bureau along with its allies continue discussions with proponents of mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients. Since the dawn of agriculture, scientists have been “tinkering” with plants, first, through selective breeding and then, through transforming organisms’ genomes. To date, the “tinkering” has not resulted any documented health risks. Scientific evidence indicates that the potential adverse health effects arising from GMO foods are no different than those created by conventional breeding practices for plants. GMO products grown by farmers and used in our food supply must first be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, US Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency to assure that they are safe. The FDA also tests for potential toxins and allergens. If there is a meaningful difference in the safety, composition or nutrition of

the crop from which the GM ingredients were derived, the FDA could require additional information be added to the label. This has not and is not the case for foods containing GM ingredients. In addition, instead of providing people with meaningful information, an additional label on foods containing GMO ingredients may only intensify the misconception that GMO ingredients are harmful. Compared to traditional breeding techniques, genetic engineering is far more precise and likely to produce the desired results. Mandatory labeling could mean increased cost for Illinois consumers. By mandating that all food sold in Illinois be labeled if they contain GMO ingredients will require food companies to segregate food products specifically for the Illinois market. Segregation for Illinois would require significant costs for the recordkeeping, testing of foods, and the overall extensive logistical challenges.

Inevitably, these costs would begin at the manufacturer level, and eventually would be passed on to Illinois consumers at final, grocery sale. Consumers already have the choice not to purchase foods that contain GMO ingredients. Certified organic foods do not contain ingredients from GMO crops. In addition, FDA’s labeling guidelines allow voluntary labeling of products as nonGMO. Proponents of mandatory labeling argue that it encourages greater choice; however, in 1997 in Europe, the E.U. began requiring labels on foods containing GMO ingredients. By 1999, to avoid placing a label on foods, most major European retailers had removed GMO ingredients from their brand. Although Farm Bureau opposes mandatory labeling of foods containing GM ingredients, the organization along with allies have signed on to support the voluntary labeling of foods containing GM ingredients.

Denver area. He also served as Agency Manager for Twin Rivers Agency in West Central Illinois. He was an Associate Manager with the Northwestern Illinois Country Financial agency. He served as a Financial Representative for Country Financial in the Peoria agency. He also worked for the Peoria Police Department as well as the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Youngman attended Wayne State University as well as the University of Illinois,

Farmer Board Members responded when asked the Question “What do you value as a Farmer?”

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Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, You receive the “Cooperator” because you or a family member is a Farm Bureau member. Our farm owners and operators, as members, benefit from a local, state and national organization committed to a strong and productive agricultural way of life. Members without direct ties to farming, help to promote a strong local and regional farming lifestyle, encourage wise use of our limited natural resources, and help preserve our farming heritage. In addition, members are provided the opportunity to enjoy our affiliated company, Country Financial and access to the many other benefits provided by Cook County Farm Bureau. Thank you for your membership and continued support. We welcome member input on content, including suggestions of farm, home, food, natural resource, renewable energy, agricultural heritage and farm history for future issues.

New Agency Manager Mr. Joe Youngman was selected by Country Financial to serve as Agency Manager for the new Chicago Northeast Agency that encompasses the northern part of Suburban Cook County from I-90 to Lake Michigan. Mr. Youngman met with the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors on March 12 to meet and discuss his goals related to membership insurance services and his leadership approach. Youngman, most recently, served as a Country Financial Agency Manager in Colorado’s

Mike Rauch Vice President, CCFB

Bob Rohrer, CAE, FBCM, Editor Joe Youngman

Co-Operator

Springfield and has a BS in criminal justice and a CFP degree in financial planning. Joe is married to Candace and has three sons.

Perspectives From the Blogosphere… Pig de resistance, by Jennifer Reekie, Vegetarian who went on a pig farm tour. View the blog at mumstheword2407.blogspot.com February 17, 2014 You Can’t Judge the “Food” by it’s Cover, by Lynn Prehm who toured Ultra Foods. View her blog post at watchusgrow.org March 18, 2014 GMO 101: The View from our Farm by Katie Pratt, Dixon farm talking about use of GMO’s on her farm. View the blog post at watchusgrow.org March 14, 2014 Chipotle at it Again: How Should Food and Farming Respond? By the Center for Food Integrity View the blog post at foodintegrity.org/blog February 18, 2014

published monthly

Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 (ph) 708-354-3276 (fax) 708-579-6056 (e-mail) ccfb@cookcfb.org (website) www.cookcfb.org USPS No 132180 Periodical Postage Paid at LaGrange, IL 60525 & additional mailing office

Editor Bob Rohrer

Officers & Directors James Gutzmer, President Michael Rauch, Vice President Patrick Horcher, Secretary-Treasurer Dan Biernacki James Bloomstrand Michael Horcher Gerald Kopping Harold Stuenkel Mark Yunker

Cliff Harms Janet McCabe Ruth Zeldenrust

Farm Bureau Manager Bob Rohrer Office Staff Melanie Paffumi Bona Heinsohn Bob Heine Debbie Voltz Jeanne Sommerfeld

Katie Smith Diane Merrion

Linda Tobias Kelli McSherry

Affiliated Companies Jeff Orman....................................... Insurance Agency Manager, South Holland Victoria Nygren................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago North Marc Rogala.......................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago South Jack Smith..................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago Northwest Joe Youngman............................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago Northeast Mike Flynn............................................ Insurance Agency Manager, Countryside Cary Tate................................................Insurance Agency Manager, Orland Park Dave Mottet..............................................................General Manager, Conserv FS Postmaster - Mail Form 3579 to 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 “Co-Operator” (USPS No 132180) is published monthly as a membership publication for $2.50 per year to members as a part of their annual membership dues by Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525. Periodical postage paid at LaGrange, IL and additional mailing office. Postmaster: send address changes to the Co-Operator, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525.

Co-Operator April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Downwind by Bob Rohrer, Manager

Public Relations Checkout Day was used in the execution of a local crime… thank goodness no one was hurt. PT Barnum once famously said… “There’s no such thing as bad publicity”! I wonder if Justin Bieber believes that… (Yes kids, I know who he is…kind of…sure, I’ll sign the petition) I wonder if Lindsay Lohan believes that… (I was a big fan during the “Parent Trap” days when she was cute, young and innocent) I wonder if O.J. Simpson believes that… (He made me root for the Buffalo Bills as a kid, unfortunately) Okay, there may be exceptions to the bad publicity rule! However, I still said to myself… “There is no such thing as bad publicity” as I hung up the phone on Thursday, March 6. I had received a phone call from Steve Sims of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Steve manages certain programs and events that focus around public relations for the organization. He provides information, materials and details regarding Food Checkout Day as a part of his responsibilities. Food Checkout Day is a big annual event sponsored by the Cook County Farm Bureau to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses. Steve was kind enough to call to tell me that I may receive a phone call from the Federal Bureau of Investigation…the FBI. Believe it or not, I do not receive phone calls from the FBI all that frequently (never). The dogcatcher, a collection agency or two, telemarketers, or the local clergy, sure! But the FBI? Steve went on to tell me the following story… On March 5th, a man robbed a bank in the Chicagoland area. He had the teller put the cash in a bag and he exited the bank. Outside of the bank, a purple dye pack that the teller apparently slipped into the bag with the money exploded. The “would be” bank robber dropped the loot, bag and all, and escaped. So, during the oration, I could not help wondering where the FBI “calling me” fit into the picture. Steve wrapped up the story by informing me that the bag that the bank robber used was a Food Checkout Day reusable shopping bag. Yes, a promotional/ marketing piece that we have been using to promote our program known as Food

would say to Mr. G-Man. Was there anyone I wanted to “throw under the bus” by conveniently alluding to their ownership of a hunter-green reusable shopping bag with the logo Food Checkout Day emblazoned on it? Our friend and partner in Food Checkout Day, Mr. Doug

Porter, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, enjoyed this FBI story very much. He was very careful to tell me that “his people” were innocent. He also kindly cautioned me to be very careful about “partnering” with

the wrong “sorts”. I find that to be excellent advice! As I write this, Cook County Farm Bureau, Ronald McDonald House, and Country Financial just concluded our 2014 version of Food Checkout Day. We had an amazing response and gathering from members throughout the County in region who generously donating tons of food and thousands of dollars to benefit area Ronald McDonald House. We thank everybody played a role in this excellent event! Footnote: I was just very pleased and relieved to see that none of the donations nor participants had any trace of purple dye at the event on March 20th !

Contact Information:

Warning: Not for use in felony activities

Even while my mind went into damage control mode…I could not help to see the humor that this scenario provides… A great many of these bags have been distributed over the past five or six years as a way of collecting nonperishable food and other related items for our Ronald McDonald House benefit program each year. Members, Country Financial Representatives, supermarkets, schools, and many others have used these bags in recent years, being encouraged to return the bags “filled” for our Ronald McDonald House benefit! Did someone take us “that” literally? Robbing a bank to fill the Food Checkout Day bag with money to enhance our program and benefit area Ronald McDonald Houses? We certainly do like committed members who are focused in on providing great contributions and food gifts for this program. However, we can and will not condone robbing a bank for the Food Checkout Day to benefit the Ronald McDonald House… That is a bit extreme, members! I subtly began checking the hands and faces of Cook County Farm Bureau employees… Nope, no purple dye on a single one of them (I had no doubt that they were honest). The thought ran through my mind that perhaps the media could run a story with the camera focused on a huntergreen reusable shopping bag with the logo Food Checkout Day emblazoned on it… That would be a unique publicity stunt as a way to have free media coverage of the event. And the media always has to have a nickname… the Food Checkout Day Bandit? Maybe the image of our bag would go viral in social media circles? I thought about the phone call from the FBI and what I

Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 708-354-3276 708-579-6056 Fax E-Mail: ccfb@cookcfb.org www.cookcfb.org

Your Chicago South Agency 55 W Monroe I Suite 3150 I Chicago, IL 60603 I 312-368-1008

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10414 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643

6415 W 63rd St Chicago, IL 60638

10414 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60643

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6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

5309 S Hyde Park Blvd Chicago, IL 60615

6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

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773-284-9000 6239 S Archer Chicago, IL 60638

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Co-Operator April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

“From the Country”

History of Food

Grapes, a Food Growing Deep in America’s History Grapes are a fruiting berry that grows on the woody vines of genus Vitis. The growing and harvesting of grapes first began in the Near East between six and eight thousand years ago. North American grapes originally grew wild across the continent and were original cultivated by Native Americans; however, early European colonists considered North American grapes to be unsuitable for wine. Colonists began importing cultivars for wine making, marking the beginning of North America’s trek into the wine trade. Modern grapes are now eaten raw or used for making

2 tablespoons of vanilla extract 5 cups of green seedless grapes 1 cup of butter 1 cup of brown sugar

wine, jam, juice, jelly, grape seed extract, raisins, vinegar, or grape seed oil. Carmel Grapes (recipe from allrecipes.com)

2 cups of sour cream ½ cup of confectioner’s sugar

Directions In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla. Stir in the grapes. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir constantly and cook over medium heat until mixture starts to thicken. It does not need to boil. Pour the brown sugar and butter over the grape mixture and stir until well blended. Chill for at least two hours before serving.

Ask a “Bee Guy or Gal”... Member, Bob Finn submitted the following bee/honey question that he always wanted to ask: Question: Is there a health benefit to locally produced honey from local bees? Answer: There have been many testimonials as to local honey curing or helping with seasonal allergies. There are bits of pollen from the local plants in the honey which are said to help build up an immunity to those specific allergens in those specific plants. Many attest to it, but there are no significant scientific studies to prove it. One of the other advantages

of local honey is that you know where and who your product is coming from. There is no way of knowing if honey on the store shelf has been cut with something else, or has been heated high enough to destroy

all the good things that give honey its nutritional value. Honey is known to contain minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants, besides being anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Bottom line is it is worth a try, as so many people say it works. And you can’t go wrong because it is chockfull of good things. Oh, and it tastes good! Answer provided by a gal at the Cook DuPage Beekeepers Association who is an instructor and local honey producer-Thank You! Visit localfarmproducts.org to find a local honey producer near you!

Cary Tate

Don’t Let Your Financial Security Get Washed Away

Agency Manager Before floodwaters lap at Orland Park Agency your front door, make sure your financial security isn’t in danger of being washed away. Floodwaters can be a nasty cocktail of water, mud, sewage, animal waste and chemicals. A flood can ruin your home and belongings. Without flood insurance, you’re likely to be on your own to pay for damage caused by flooding. Many homeowners have a false sense of security because they believe that their homeowner’s insurance covers flooding. Homeowner policies typically do not cover flood damage. Other people believe that federal disaster assistance will provide them with full compensation in the event of a flood. This assistance often comes in the form of a lowinterest loan to help rebuild after flood damage. This is often insufficient compensation for the losses of flood victims. Plus, federal disaster assistance loans are only available if the federal government formally declares a disaster. Few flood events are declared federal disasters, according to National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) officials. That’s not a gamble you want to take! There’s only one way to rest easy during wet months – purchase flood insurance

through the NFIP. You must live in a community that participates in the NFIP to qualify for National Flood Insurance. Visit http://www.fema.gov/fema/ csb.shtm to find out if your community participates in the program. You may be eligible to buy federal flood insurance through your local COUNTRY® Financial representative. You might be surprised how inexpensive it is. Rates depend on whether you live in a low-to-moderate or a high-risk flood zone as well as the amount of coverage you need. You may believe you don’t need flood insurance because you live in a low-risk area. Almost a quarter of all flood insurance claims come from areas with low-to-moderate flood risk. Those living in low-risk areas may qualify for the lower cost Preferred Risk Policy, which provides contents coverage beginning at $49 per year and building plus contents coverage starting at $129 a year. Don’t wait to shore up your financial security until it’s too late. There is a 30-day waiting period for federal flood insurance to take effect. Visit your COUNTRY Financial representative to learn more about flood insurance. Check out www.floodsmart.gov for more information about the NFIP.

Certified Beekeepers

The 2014 Cookfresh® Recipe Collection Coming soon! The Commodities/Marketing Team’s 2014 Cookfresh Recipe Collection will be available later this month. This year’s recipes focus on proudly cooking with the freshest ingredients grown locally. The recipes chosen were submitted by Cook County Farm Bureau members. To receive a free copy, email: membershipdebbie@cookcfb.org, or Phone 708.354.3276. Once available, we will send you a copy! To download a copy online, go to www.cookcfb.org/buy-local/recipecollection once available.

Denise Jaworski, Tony Munno, and Darrel Grove were among 37 class participants receiving a Certificate of Completion in the 2014 Beginning Beekeeping Course.

The Cook DuPage Beekeepers Association held its final class on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at the Cook County Farm Bureau. Participants completed a 5 week course and completed a 50 question exam to receive a Certificate of Completion for the 2014 Beginning Beekeeping Course. Thank you to Joe Slowinski, Marge Trocki, and Mike Rusnak, CDBA Instructors who conducted the five week course. Class participant had an opportunity to purchase bees packages for their hives and will take part in a Bee Installation and package pick up at the Cook County Farm Bureau later this month. Good luck to all who participated as they play with their bees! Check out the cookcfb.org/events calendar for other Beekeeping events in the area.

Bee-lieve…Quick Fact A 3rd grade student looks at the Barred Plymouth Rock chicken while attending Ag Days at Chicago High School for Ag Sciences on March 20th.

Honey bees are the only insect that produce food for humans, flying approximately 15 mph and visiting about 50-100 flowers in each pollination trip.

Co-Operator April 2014

Greenovations:

Turf Tips for Spring By Rhonda Feree, U of I Extension Horticulture Educator

Cook County Farm Bureau

Soil testing: greening your world Why should I test my soil? Soil in its natural state is rarely fertile enough for the best growth of plants. Usually, it is necessary to supplement the earth’s store of plant nutrients before we can obtain the most vigorous lawn, the most abundant and brilliant flowers, the most aesthetically satisfying trees/shrubs and the greatest yield of tasty and nutritious vegetables or crops. Test your soil for pH, potassium, phosphorus and other key elements to begin the soil improvement process. When should I test my soil? Proper sampling is vitally important in order to obtain accurate soil test results. Soil samples can be taken any time during the warmer months. Each sample should be taken before soil temperatures drop below 50 degrees. If the soil is too wet to spade, rototill or hoe, it is also too wet to sample. Extremely dry soil should not be sampled. How do I collect a sample? To take a sample, use a sampling tube, spade, trowel or long knife.

Sample 6-8” deep from gardens, shrubs or trees and 3-4” for turf. Discard any surface residue, thatch or stones. Sample different areas of the turf, garden or landscape separately. From each distinct area take several cores or slices. Combine the cores or slices in a bucket and mix well. Transfer a portion of the mixed sample to a soil sample bag provided in the kit. Label and put your name on the soil sample bag, place the sample (s) in the shipping box and attach pre-paid UPS shipping label on box. How do I get a soil test kit? Contact the Cook County Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276 to request your soil test kit. You can purchase your kit by using a credit over the phone or mailing in a check. Upon payment, your soil test kit will be sent to you. Pricing is as follows: One sample: $20.00 ($30 for non-members), Two samples: $30.00 ($40 for non-members). Lead testing is also available: $37.00 for members, $42.00 for non-members. The kit includes: soil sample bag (s), instructions on how to take a soil sample, questionnaire about your soil samples and a shipping box with a pre-paid ups label. You will receive your test results and basic recommendations within two-three weeks.

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germinate. They germinate when soil temperatures are 50 degrees for five consecutive days, which is usually about the time the forsythia blooms. 6. When SEEDing a new lawn or renovating an older lawn, timing is very important. The best time to seed lawns is in the fall between mid-August and mid-September. The second best time is spring between midMarch and mid-April. Prepare the site and provide tender loving care until plants are big enough to survive. Consider overseeding your lawn every three to five years in the fall with a mix of resistant turf-grass varieties. 7. If your grass needs a CULTIVATION activity, such as dethatching or core aerification, do those in the fall or spring. Only dethach if the thatch layer is greater than 1/2 inch. Aerify every three to five years to reduce soil compaction. 8. INSECTS and DISEASE should only be treated if the problem actually exists. If confirmed, proper timing of control measures is critical. 9. Decide on the QUALITY of grass you prefer, but remember that the more you do, the more you’ll have to do! Fertilized grass grows quickly and needs to be mowed more frequently. 10. Finally, have fun and ENJOY your home lawns! For more information on lawn care, visit the U of I Extension LawnTalk website at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/ lawntalk/.

708-226-1111

Cary Tate

Jonathan Caldwell

Piero Setta

Jim Andresen

Thomas Geraghty

708-226-1111

708-478-7337 Associate Manager

708-226-0431

708-633-6490

708-425-9700

8760 W 159th St Orland Park, IL

17605 S Oak Park Ave TInley Park, IL

5003 W 95th St Oak Lawn, IL

Mike Skrabis

Tony Palumbo

Agency Manager Orland Park, IL

1. FERTILIZE at the proper time. Most homeowners only need one application per year, which should be done in early September. This helps the grass prepare for winter dormancy and spring growth. If your grass needs two applications a year, add the second application in early May. 2. MOW using the one-third rule, which means to never remove more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing. Many homeowners mow their lawn too short. For best results, mow grass 2 to 3 inches tall and let the grass clippings remain on the lawn to return nutrients back to the soil. 3. WATER infrequently and deeply, providing 1 inch of water a week. If you decide to water your grass to keep it growing in the heat of summer, be consistent. Don’t water a little each time the grass starts to brown. This stresses the grass as it bounces in and out of summer dormancy. 4. Put the RIGHT PLANT in the RIGHT PLACE. Grass types for full-sun areas include Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. For shady areas, use fine or red fescue. If the area is too shady to grow grass, try shade perennials or mulch instead. 5. WEEDS are best managed by maintaining a healthy, dense lawn. If weeds become a problem, time control measures carefully. For example, if using a herbicide to control crabgrass, it must be applied before the crabgrass seeds

9731 W 165th St Ste 36 Orland Park, IL 60467

Mark Wright

Orland Park, IL

George Parthemore Dean Reszel

708-403-2416

708-226-1896

708-478-3136

708-226-1666

708-403-5708

8760 W 159th St Orland Park, IL

9432 W 143rd St Orland Park, IL

11056 W 179th St Orland Park, IL

9731 W 165th St Orland Park, IL

8760 W 159th St Orland Park, IL

Bill Thompson

Mike Spadoni

Bob Johnson

Dan Stumpf

Mark Skorusa

708-425-1825

708-429-9422

708-614-1688

708-598-3030

708-361-1304

2835 W 95th St Evergreen Park, IL

17605 S Oak Park Orland Park, IL

17605 S Oak Tinley Park, IL

7667 W 95th St Hickory Hills, IL

12130 S Harlem Ave Palos Heights, IL

John Piazza

Nick Burke

Mike Thauer

630-257-6100

708-425-1816

708-425-1559

708-671-1465

106 Stephen St Lemont, IL

2835 W 95th St Evergreen Park, IL

12130 S Harlem Ave Palos Heights, IL

Joe Voves

708-754-5900 3308 Chicago Rd Steger, IL

Nora Beverly

708-425-1527 2835 W 95th St Evergreen Park, IL

Erica Storrs-Gray Terry LaMastus

708-226-1111 0813-550HO

9731 W. 165th St Orland Park, IL

Co-Operator April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Agricultural Literacy & Public Relations

Ag Lit Bit By Diane Merrion We used to have an electric fryer and it produced the best French fries, fried chicken and many more healthy foods (not!). If given the choice, my kids would have demanded something fried with every meal because doesn’t everything taste better fried?! After making a few batches of food, however, I was left with the question of what to do with the grease. It left me wondering what restaurants did with all of the used grease they used each day. I envisioned their leftovers compared to my little home fryer. It’s amazing to learn how many local schools are not only educating students on what to do with this “leftover grease”, but also creating their own labs to make biofuels. Yes, biodiesel fuel is a renewable fuel made from oilseeds, as well as waste fats from cooking. Vehicles using biodiesel emit fewer harmful toxins into the air. Locally, high schools including Lane Tech and Bloom High School are making biodiesel in the classroom. I recently had the opportunity to visit Loyola University’s Institute of Environmental Sustainability last month where I saw how my leftover grease could fuel engines and wash hands. Imagine washing your greasy hands using the byproduct of the grease itself. (The students have also taken the glycerin byproduct of biodiesel production and

created a recipe to make it into soap. Bio-Soap has grease-cutting power and is very moisturizing thanks to the glycerin.) The program is also reaching out to local high schools to teach students about biodiesel and renewable energy. Developed by Loyola’s Biodiesel Program, the ReAct Mobile Biodiesel Processor showcases the entire process of converting used cooking oil into biodiesel on a self-contained cart approximately the size of a wagon. ReAct provides an easy-to-use, hands-on learning experience for the high school classroom.

AITC

Free Professional Development - Spring 2014 Earn 2 CPDUs Sponsored by the Cook County Farm Bureau® SCHOOL GARDEN WORKSHOP DATE: MAY 8TH TIME: 4:00-6:00 P.M. (2 CPDU’S) LOCATION:

Historic Wagner Farm 1015 Wagner Rd Glenview, IL 60025 From seedlings to plants, we will explore horticulture as it relates to classroom lesson plans. Learn fun ways to teach about soil, seeds & plants native to our great state. Hands-on projects to replicate back in your K-8 classrooms.

To register: call 708-354-3276 or email aitc@cookcfb.org

Career Corner - Veterinarian http://abclocal.go.com/ wls/story?section=news/ local&id=7092156 Loyola, like many educational institutions in and around our county, formed many new programs focusing on environmental issues. As we discuss the importance of STEM within the classroom, there is no better example of its use than in projects such as these. Students are excited, learning is relevant. So the next time you make a batch of fried ‘whatever’, think about what your leftover oil could be used for and marvel at how far we’ve come and what the future of science may hold.

Like Earth Days of the past, Earth Day 2014 will focus on the unique environmental challenges of our time. As the world’s population migrates to cities, the need to create sustainable communities is more important than ever. Earth Day 2014 will seek to do just that through its global theme: Green Cities. While Earth Day includes many topics, we want to share some excellent resources that relate to the subject of “water” in our world. Some recommended reading to check out this month includes this list compiled by IL AITC: A Drop Around the World by Barbara McKinney | ISBN-13: 9781883220723 A Drop of Water: A Book of Science & Wonder by Walter Wick | ISBN-13: 978-0590221979 A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World by DK | ISBN-13: 978-0756618032 Nature Activities: Weather Watcher by John Woodward | ISBN-13: 9780756620684 One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss | ISBN-13: 9781553379546 Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin | ISBN-13: 978-0547248295 Water by Nancy Carlson | ISBN: 978-1-926781-10-5 Water And Ice (Confronting Global Warming) by Noah Berlatsky | ISBN13: 978-0737748611 Water Dance by Thomas Locker | ISBN-13: 978-0152163969

Clinic, a student run clinic do. Most importantly, keep that treats injured, ill, an open mind and love what Cook County Farm Bureau® 6438 Joliet Rd. Countryside, IL 60525 www.cookcfb.org/ag-literacy/teacher-resources or orphaned native wild you do animals with the primary goal of rehabilitation and What are the pros/cons release back into the wild. you have seen in this career I also volunteer at local path? shelters for spay/neuter It is a long path. 4 years clinics. Last summer, I had of undergrad + 4 years of the opportunity to work with veterinary school. This is small animals as an intern at in addition to internships Banfield Animal Hospital in and a residency if you want Tennessee. to specialize. It is a huge Wendy Wise sacrifice of time and very At what point did you decide challenging- I study all the Meet Wendy Wise who on this career? time including most Friday is in her second year at I have always wanted to and Saturday nights. On a the University of Illinois be a doctor as long as I can positive note, I love what I - College of Veterinary remember, and animals have am learning. I know that I Medicine. Wendy shared always been an integral part will love going to work every her experience thus far of my life growing up. I was day, never stop learning, on her way to becoming a pre-med until my junior always be challenged, and Veterinarian. year of undergrad when I affect lives - both animal and realized that I should in human - every day in this Tell us a little about your fact, be studying pre-vet, field. Also there are many background and education. after experiencing a medical career opportunities as a I am currently in my emergency with my own dog. veterinarian most people do second year of school at not even consider - industry, the University of Illinois Did any person inspire you research, public health, - College of Veterinary to do this as a career? laboratory animal, pathology, Medicine after receiving My parents are physicians business, military, different my bachelor’s degree in - having them as role specialties, government, Animal Sciences. During models imparted a passion traveling abroad, food safety, my undergrad, I had the for studying medicine and etc. And of course one of my opportunity to study Animal science. Their constant favorite part of being a vet Science for a semester at support and encouragement, student is helping animals. Wageningen University in as well as the plethora of pets the Netherlands. I began VETERINARY TECHNICIAN they let me have growing working at the University Individuals, who aren’t ready up led me to a career as a of Illinois Dairy Research to commit to the educational veterinarian. Farm my junior year of requirements of becoming a undergrad and continue What advice would you have vet, might consider the job to do so. In undergrad, of Veterinary Technician. for students if they were I had the opportunity to With a two year college thinking about this as a pursue an internship at degree (AAS), and some major in college? the Champaign County experience in working with Expose yourself to as Humane Society. I was also a animals, you may qualify much math and science teacher’s assistant for an intro especially physics, chemistry, for a position as a Vet animal sciences laboratory Tech. This position works calculus, and biology - as class, “Working with Farm alongside a veterinarian to you can in high school and Animals,” where I assisted care for animals and assist in college. Shadow your local in teaching freshmen and procedures such as physical veterinarian, volunteer at sophomores how to properly exams, dental procedures, a humane society; pursue handle cattle, milk cows, take spaying and neutering, opportunities to work with vitals, etc. In undergrad, I immunizations and other many different species also actively shadowed both (small, large, equine, wildlife, support services. Often the a large and small animal tech greets patients and exotics). Also, don’t let veterinarian. In veterinary conveys instructions from anyone discourage or deter school, I volunteer in the the veterinarian to the owner. you from what you want to University of Illinois Wildlife

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Merrion, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60526 aitc@cookcfb.org Phone: 708-354-3276 fax: 708-579-6056

If you are looking for great resources to begin discussions with young children on the many Careers in Agriculture, check out these online resources from American Farm Bureau. http://www.myamericanfarm.org/games/my_little_ag_me http://www.myamericanfarm.org/lessons/Ag_Career_Race_Lesson_final.pdf

Co-Operator March April 2014 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES FOR FAMILIES

In 1970, a Senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson decided to spend one day teaching people about things that can harm our environment. He called it “Earth Day”. The first Earth Day was very different than the one we celebrate today. On the first Earth Day, people protested and said they wanted cleaner water and air. Each year, April 22 marks the celebration of Earth Day, which is now observed around the world. Today, we do more than say we want a clean planet. We take steps to make it clean with activities, such as picking up litter. What steps will you take?

A Slice of Soil

Imagine the Earth as a pie. Cut the pie into four equal parts (see photo). Three parts represent the oceans of the world. Color 3/4 of the pie chart blue to represent the oceans. The fourth part represents the land area.

Plant a tree and celebrate Arbor Day! The first official Arbor Day celebration took place in Nebraska around 1972. The idea came about when J. Sterling Morton felt the need to promote planting more trees in the vast prairie areas. Today, most states set their own Arbor Day celebrations in accordance to when it is the best time to plant trees in their state. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to plant conservation trees as an integral part of production agriculture as they improve crop yields and preserve topsoil for future abundant harvests. Planted along streams and wetlands, they prevent erosion and clean the water. Planting Conservation Trees in marginal areas of agricultural land attracts wildlife, sequesters carbon, and helps with flood control. Did you know that many different products come from trees? Take a look at the poster below to see what some of those products are!

Cut the land section in half to make two 1/8 pieces. One section represents land such as deserts, swamps, Antarctic, Arctic and mountain regions. These regions are not suitable for people to live. Color this 1/8 red. Cut the remaining 1/8 section into four equal parts. Three of these 1/32 sections represent the areas of the world that are too rocky, too wet, too hot or too poor for production, as well as areas developed by people. Color this 3/32 orange. Color the last 1/32 section brown. This small bit represents the soil of our Earth that the world’s more than 6 billion people depend on for food production. That’s why it’s so important for farmers to be good stewards of soil.

*Activity provided by North Dakota Ag Mag

Pick up an Ag book this summer and… Travel into the world of agriculture! Design a bookmark showing how agriculture is a part of your life, every day. Whether it’s milk from a cow, ethanol to fill your gas tank, cereal made with wheat, corn fresh from the field or soy ink on your newspaper, we want to see how Ag is a part of your life! Enter our bookmark contest and have people all over Cook County using it during their summer reading. First and Second Place prizes will be awarded. First Place winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card & Second Place winners will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Winners will also receive an ag themed book. The winning bookmarks will be duplicated for distribution this summer at local libraries and at the Cook County Farm Bureau. Entries must be received by 5/16 via email or mail. Judging will be completed by June 1st. For contest details, entry form and bookmark template please visit our website at: www.cookcfb.org/ag-literacy *Information provided by Illinois Ag Mags and dnr.illinois.gov

Earth Day/Arbor Day Word Search W

Activities Agriculture Air April Arbor Branches Clean Earth Environment

Morton Nebraska Nelson Planet Planting Recycling Senator Soil Water

Last month’s winner of four movie tickets was :

Neil Vandermolen Could you be next?!

You could win a products basket & movie tickets! Name:__________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________ _______________________________________

Phone #:______________________________________

Membership #:_______________________________ (on front of paper above name/address)

Complete the Word Search puzzle and your name will be entered into a drawing for 4 movie tickets! Deadline is the 20th of each month. Mail to: Cook Co. Farm Bureau Ag Adventures Word Search 6438 Joliet Rd Countryside, IL 60525 Fax to: (708)579-6056 Email to: membershiplinda@cookcfb.org

Complete and send the puzzle all 12 months and your name is automatically entered into an “End of Year” drawing for an Agricultural Illinois Products Basket.

Co-Operator March 2014 April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Meet the 2014

Cookfresh® Community Garden Grant Recipients

Food speaks a universal language “What’s the occasion?” The hearty, home-cooked meal surprised my husband: A seasoned pork roast complete with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans from last summer’s garden. I even made a half batch of my mother-in-law’s awesome Thanksgiving dressing and served homemade rolls with raspberry and peach jams. “It’s still winter time,” I said. “And we’re home.” The four of us needed a big hug, the kind best delivered by a home-cooked meal around the table. February had been an unpleasant month filled with grieving and stress unrelated to the relentless cold and snow. The events left little room for a normal winter routine filled with snowmen, game nights and hearty evening meals. By March, we tried to step toward our normal, despite life’s changes and the unseasonably wintry view from the dining room window. Now that warmth and thawing makes way for spring planting, my daily routine delivers love in a lunchbox or through a hot, supper-time meal in the field. Regardless of where we live or what we do, food speaks to us in some way. It forms traditions and becomes symbolic of our culture and life’s values. Food’s aroma, taste and presence alone can comfort us and express love. When my aunt died suddenly in February, food donations offered heart-warming hugs and condolences without words. In fact, our church’s fellowship hall became wrapped in the embrace of our community for the funeral dinner. I’m not sure how such meals work

everywhere else in Illinois, but our church’s women’s group hosts potluck-style dinners after funerals. Members of our community and congregation donate some of their favorite dishes and desserts to form the meal. The tradition results in the kind of down-home hospitality stereotypical of small towns. And our community’s cooks put their kitchens in overdrive for my aunt, a proud farmwife who dedicated much of her life’s service to our church – including its funeral dinners. I paused before the dinner to observe the scene. An amazing six banquet tables double-lined with food comforted grieving family and friends. On the menu: Fried chicken, meatballs, potatoes, casseroles, Jello salads, potato salads, rolls, relishes, deviled eggs and much, much more. For dessert: Oodles of pies, cakes, layered fruit desserts and bar cookies. The kitchen teemed with volunteer help from our congregation. The ladies kept food warmed or chilled, prepared the food lineup and served drinks. Afterward, they dished food into disposable containers for family and washed more dishes than at Thanksgiving. It was an appropriate tribute to my aunt, who had managed all the funeral dinners at our church. Now we realize the significance of her selfless service to coordinate these heart-felt meals when they were needed most.

• La Casa Norte's Crisis Center Garden: located in the Humboldt Park area, considered to be a food dessert, its community faces food insecurity, obesity, diabetes and more. The garden will serve to educate the community by teaching the local populance about growing their own food and eating healthy helps to offset such issues. The garden will also host community workshops and volunteer activities. The grant funds will be used to purchase tomatoe seedlings, compost, rain barrel, seeds and seedlings. • Roots Community Garden: located in Palatine, this garden is in its 3rd year! The garden is looking to expand and encourage others interested in the need for fresh vegetables, to volunteer and continue to learn and grow the within the community. The grant funds will be used to purchase soil, seeds, plantings, compost, and additional supplies. El Paseo Community Garden: located in the Pilsen neighborhood, the garden is designed to provide access to residents of all ages and abilities. With 8 raised garden beds to meet ADA specifications, the grant funds will be used to purchase materials to construct additional ADA planting beds, a rain barrel, and garden materials • Back Yard Salad Bar: located in the Washington Heights community, located in “food dessert” areas, these 3 gardens and its community encourage daily physical activity and fresh vegetable consumption. The grant funds will be used to purchase seed, vegetable plantings, soil, and supplies. • Mercy Housing Lakefront Youth Urban Garden: located in the Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, the garden program works to provide its youth an opportunity to learn the basics of horticulture (gardening and plant life), nutrition through healthy eating, environmental conservation, and entrepreneurship through hands-on experience. The grant funds will be used for soil, plants, seeds, fertilizer, tools and other supplies necessary to operate the garden.

An assistance program designed for Community Gardens in Cook County to beautify their “places and palates.” The Cookfresh Community Urban Garden Grant program offered five $300.00 grants to support urban agriculturists seeking assistance with a community garden. The community gardens will receive $300 in the form of Cook County Farm Bureau “Cookfresh Funds”.

COOK COUNTY FARM BUREAU Sponsored By: Commodities & Marketing Team

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Co-Operator March April 2014 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE Policy Question of the Month

Who did Cook CFB meet with during the Statewide Legislative Reception in Springfield in February? Email your answer to bona@cookcfb.org or membershiplinda@ cookcfb.org or call (708)354-3276 to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

MARCH’S WINNER for the Public Policy Question of the Month was Geraldine Balun. Congratulations! March’s question: Who did Cook CFB leaders meet with during the annual Lunches to Legislators program? Answers: Cook CFB met with Senator Bill Cunningham, Representative Fran Hurley, and Representative Kelly Burke during the annual Lunches to Legislators program. Cook CFB leaders also met with Representative Marcus Evans and his staff during the same program.

Forest Preserve Seeks to Increase Size

In February of 2014, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County released its “Next Century Conservation Plan,” which outlined a series of goals for the District, Cook County, and leadership personnel. Among the goals outlined by the Plan is “transforming the Forest Preserve into places that foster diversity of plants, animals and habitats and welcomes diverse people.” To do so, the Plan sets for the following action steps (among others): • Restore 30,000 existing acres to good ecological health and • Expand the Forest Preserve to 90,000 acres (currently, 69,000 acres). To accomplish the action step of expanding the Forest Preserve to 90,000 acres or a 24 percent increase in landholdings, the District would have to change its statutory landholdings limit of 75,000 acres. House Bill 4388 (Representative Kelly Burke)/Senate Bill 2693 (Senator Toi Hutchinson) amends the Cook County Forest Preserve District Act to enable the District to incur indebtness for the acquisition of lands up to 90,000 acres. Cook County Farm Bureau policy opposes the District’s statutory landholdings limit. Farm Bureau is concerned about the District’s ability to manage existing acres as well as the location of “strategically important” acres the District wishes to acquire. Farm Bureau’s position and concerns have been communicated to State Legislators and the Forest Preserve District. House Bill 4388 lost by a vote of 41-71-0 on March 4 and Senate Bill 2693 is referred to the Senate Committee on Assignments.

Composting and Food Scraps

By: Debra Shore, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (Reprinted with Commissioner Shore’s permission) In the U.S., we waste an average of 213 pounds of food per household per year. So I am often asked, “Is it better to throw food waste out in the garbage or to dispose of it in the sink using a garbage disposal?” Perhaps you’ve wondered this too? Know that the best thing you can do with food waste from your home is to compost it--place food scraps in a compost heap or bin along with yard waste and allow it to decompose naturally. I own a Compost Tumbler, an elevated bin with a handle that you rotate every few days. The compost produced can then be used as a natural fertilizer spread on your lawn, used in your garden or flowerbeds, given freely to friends and neighbors. Compost has additional benefits of improving soil structure, increasing drought resistance, reducing the need for fertilizer, water, even pesticides. But, of course, many people don’t have yards or don’t want the obligation of managing their own food scraps and yard waste. So, the next best option is-drum roll here!--to use a garbage disposal, that is, to put food scraps down the sink and have them chewed up by what’s called in the business a food waste disposer (FWD) and conveyed along with other household waste to a sewage treatment plant. Does that surprise you? It may. Here’s why using a garbage disposal is better for the environment than throwing food waste out to be trucked to a landfill. Food waste--principally vegetables

and fruits--can comprise up to 20 percent of the garbage collected in cities. The average household has 213 lbs. of food waste a year. That’s a lot of weight to be trucked to landfills and a big cost to municipalities. When organic matter decomposes in landfills, it produces methane gas, a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (21 times the global warming potential of CO2). Landfills have methods to capture this methane gas, but they are not nearly as efficient as wastewater treatment plants. When food scraps are sent via the waste stream to wastewater plants, the anaerobic digesters there capture the methane generated by decomposition of organic matter and convert the gas to electricity or to biofuel--renewable energy! The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District currently captures between 50 and 80 percent of the methane generated at the treatment plants using it to heat the digesters and facilities. At some times of the year, however, the plants produce more methane than they can use so the excess is flared

off. Happily, plans are underway to develop new facilities at the Calumet and Stickney plants to generate, capture and reuse even more of the methane produced by the sewage treatment process and use it to produce electricity or biofuel. East Bay Municipal Utility District in Oakland, CA was the first wastewater treatment plant in the nation to convert postconsumer food scraps to energy via anaerobic digestion. A pilot program in Philadelphia seeking to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfills will install garbage disposals in 200 homes. There the city has gathered baseline data on the amount of food waste in garbage--roughly 10 percent--and hopes to see a reduction once the disposals are in use. Every ton of garbage diverted from landfills saves the city $68 in tipping fees whereas the disposals are estimated to use less than one percent of a household’s total water consumption and to cost less than 50 cents a year in electricity to operate. A 2011 study reported that if 30,000 households switched from disposing of food waste in a landfill to using a garbage disposal, the reduction in global warming potential would be equivalent to a savings of 4.6 million miles driven in the average American car or “100 community members going carbon neutral for a year.” Think of what that might mean if all of the 1.9 million households in Cook County had--and used--garbage disposals!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bona Heinsohn, Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations 6438 Joliet Rd., Countryside, Il 60525 bona@cookcfb.org phone: 708.354.3276 fax: 708.579.6056 Please visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/Cook.County.Farm.Bureau.IL to be updated on agricultural issues and Cook County Government.

Cook County and Illinois Farm Bureau® leaders met with State Representative Marcus Evans during the Statewide Legislative Reception in February. Pictured left to right is: IFB President Rich Guebert, Cook CFB Board Member Janet McCabe, State Rep. Marcus Evans, and Cook CFB Public Policy Team Member Cindy Gustafson.

Newly appointed State Representative Jaimie Andrade met with Cook CFB leaders during this year’s Statewide Legislative Reception in Springfield. Pictured left to right is: State Rep. Jaimie Andrade, Cook CFB Public Policy Team Member Don Bettenhausen, Cook CFB Vice President Mike Rauch, and Cook CFB Board Member Jim Bloomstrand.

Manifolds, Manolos, and Manure

For individuals who know me well this won’t come as a surprise. I like order and planning. I strongly dislike chaos and lastminute changes. By Bona Heinsohn I wasn’t raise to procrastinate and I wasn’t raised to accept a lot of help. The paragraph above should explain why the major summer Public Policy Team program is already planned and happily awaiting final details despite being scheduled for August 27 and September 16. On Wednesday, August 27 Cook County Farm Bureau will host the first of a two-day program designed for State and County staff to learn more about agriculture and its connection to the State’s most populous

county. Through this program, interested County, State, or Federal staff will travel to FarmedHere in Bedford Park. FarmedHere use vertical, in-door growing technologies to grow fresh produce away from many of the plagues that affect traditional farms, including bugs, disease and weather. Through advancements in technologies, FarmedHere is able to grow substantial amounts of produce in a small, urban setting. FarmedHere’s local distribution method, in which on average produce travels less than 1,200 miles, also reduces energy use and time. In addition to an indoor, commercial, vertical growing operation, FarmedHere is also an indoor aquaponic and aeroponic growing site. Through technology, they’re able to reuse 97 percent of their water. Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics

(raising plants with nutrient rich water) in the same water system. Aquaponic systems discharge virtually no water. Aeroponic growing systems grow plants by keeping their roots in a nutrient rich mist. The tour in August will conclude with lunch and a roundtable discussion about farming in Cook County, including conventional and urban. September 16 marks the second day of Cook County Farm Bureau’s County Staff Exchange Program. In early afternoon, participants will depart from the Cook County building in Chicago. The group will travel to Testa Produce a family-owned fresh produce distributor. For the past 100 years, Testa has worked with vendors and customers to maintain the highest quality of produce. Testa distributes to Chicagoland’s foodservice entities including restaurants,

hotels, hospitals, schools, country clubs, sports venues, and catering services. Participants will then travel to Eataly Chicago, where in addition to learning about Eataly’s local produce sourcing, participants will receive a “behind the scenes” tour of the site and restaurants. Restaurants at Eataly Chicago include: La Birreria, a brew-pub, beer-themed restaurant; Vino Libero where guests can enjoy a glass or two of wine; Le Verdure which serves largely seasonal vegetables and flavors of Italy; and La Pizza & La Pasta which offers two of Eataly’s favorite signature dishes. Participants will return to the County Building prior to 5 pm. Anyone interested in attending the County Staff Exchange Program should contact Bona Heinsohn via email at bona@ cookcfb.org or (708) 354-3276.

Co-Operator March 2014 April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

MEMBER RELATIONS

CCFB Illinois Concealed Carry Course

When: May 17th & 18th (Saturday & Sunday) Time: 9:00 am—5:00 pm (bring lunch) Where: Cook County Farm Bureau Cost: 16 hour-$200; 12 hour-$150; 8 hour-$100 Note - Any spouse in the class is 50% off with the other spouses full price paid registration; enter SPOUSE in the promo code block

*Register: http://allccw.com/event-registration?ee=75 ALLCCW’s 16, 12 and 8 hour courses meet the requirements established by the State of Illinois and the Illinois State Police for issuance of the required training certificate needed to apply for a license. This class is taught by State Certified Instructors using a State Certified Curriculum. The classroom portion of the course consists of seminar style presentations and student participation exercises. At the range, the student will participate in live fire practice drills and satisfactorily complete the 30 round qualification course.

For any questions, call Tim at 815-545-3978

*COOK COUNTY FARM BUREAU MEMBERS ONLY

Discount Movie Tickets

Silver Tickets $7.00 each

Gold Tickets $8.50 each

(No restrictions – use for any movie including new releases)

Representatives of the Month The Financial Representative of the Month program is designed by Country Financial Agency Managers of Cook County to recognize overall Insurance Leaders in Life, Disability, Auto, Home, and Health production during the month. The agent earns the award through efforts to provide quality service to existing and new clients. Listed below are the various agents honored by their agency manager with the Financial Representative of the Month designation. Mike Basile Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency Manager Mike Basile has been named Chicago North Career Financial Representative of the month for February 2014. His office is located at 4708 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773) 728-2957. Mike has been a Financial Representative since June 2007. Mirsad Kljucanin Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency Manager Mirsad Kljucanin has been named Chicago North Employee Financial Representative of the month for February 2014. His office is located at 4700 N. Western Ave, Ste 1B in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773)728-2957. Mirsad has been a Financial Representative since February 2010. Martha Dominguez Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency Manager Martha Dominguez has been named Chicago South Career Financial Representative of the month for February 2014. Her office is located at 3458 S. Halsted St. in Chicago, IL. Her phone number is (773)254-5810. Martha has been a Career Representative since June 2012. David DeSantiago Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency Manager David DeSantiago has been named Chicago South Employee Financial Representative of the month for February 2014. His office is located at 3458 S. Halsted St. in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773) 254-5810. David has been a Financial Representative since September 2011. Bill Asimakopoulos Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency Manager Bill Asimakopoulos has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. His office is located at 737 Plainfield Rd. in Darien, IL. His phone number is (630) 887-7788. Bill has been a Financial Representative since March 1999. His email address is bill.asimakopoulos@countryfinancial.com. Tony Munno Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency Manager Tony Munno has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. Tony’s office is located at 6438 Joliet Rd. in Countryside, IL. His phone number is (708) 352-5555. Tony has been a Financial Representative since September 2012. His email address is tony.munno@countryfinancial.com. Brad Olson Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency Manager Brad Olson has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. His office is located at 333 E. Dundee Rd. in Wheeling, IL. His phone number is (847) 419-1281. Brad has been a Financial Representative since November 2006. Leo Rizo Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency Manager Leo Rizo has been named Employee Representative of the Month for February 2014. His office is located at 1015 Davis St. in Evanston, IL. His phone number is (847) 7337952. Leo has been a Financial Representative since October 2013. Ryan Mann Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency Manager Ryan Mann has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for January 2014. His office is located at 1938 E. Lincoln Hwy, Unit 217 in New Lenox, IL. His phone number is (815)462-5000. Ryan Mann has been a Financial Rep since November 2005. Kevin Koykar Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency Manager Kevin Koykar has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. His office is located at 106 Stephen St., Ste 102A in Lemont, IL. His phone number is (630)254-6100. Kevin Koykar has been a Financial Rep since July 2013. Sarkis Hartoun Rolling Meadows Agency, Jerry Anderson, Agency Manager (Retired 2/28/14) Sarkis Hartoun has been has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. Sarkis’ office is located at 4190 W. Euclid Avenue in Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. His phone number is (847)963-8835. Sarkis has been an agent since November 2011.

*We still have Silver Tickets in stock and will carry them until we run out. Once they’re gone, we will only be selling Gold Tickets. (Ticket is restricted during the first ten days of a motion pictures release)

Cook County Financial

Tickets are $7.50 each Ticket is valid after the first 12 days that the movie has been released.

Ticket is void when “Extra Special Attraction” OR “Movie Fun Coupons Not Accepted” appear in newspaper ads AND is not valid on shows that start after 5:30 p.m. on SATURDAYS.

Platinum Tickets $8.00 each

(No restrictions – use for any movie including new releases)

Tickets can be purchased over the phone using a Visa/MC/Discover and we will mail tickets out to you free of charge. You can also stop into our office located at 6438 Joliet Road in Countryside IL and purchase your tickets in person.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Katie Smith, Director of Membership, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, Il 60525 membershipkatie@cookcfb.org phone: 708.354.3276 fax:708.579.6056 Cook County Farm Bureau’s Member Service Center is now on Facebook. We will keep you up-to-date on all upcoming events, new membership benefits and programs. Look us up by searching “Cook County Farm Bureau Membership/Benefits”

Kathy Spiewak Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency Manager Kathy Spiewak has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. Kathy’s office is located at 11 W. Wise Rd., in Schaumburg, IL. Her phone number is (847) 716-1010. Kathy has been a Financial Representative since February 2007. Tomasz Spiewak Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency Manager Tomasz Spiewak has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. Tomasz’s office is located at 2435 W. Schaumburg Rd. in Schaumburg, IL. His phone number is (847) 891-3072. Tomasz has been a Financial Representative since June 2013. Tim VanZuidam South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency Manager Tim VanZuidam has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. Tim’s office is located at 18503 Torrence Ave in Lansing, IL. His phone number is (708) 474-0006. Tim has been a Financial Representative since October 1991. Elliot Day South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency Manager Elliot Day has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for February 2014. Elliot’s office is located at 4749 Lincoln Mall Drive, Ste 310 in Matteson, IL. His phone number is (708) 679-1870. Elliot has been a Financial Representative since May 2009.

Co-Operator March 2014 April 2014

Collectible plates in original packaging for

“502,000”

sale. Have a large variety by Danbury, Franklin, Hamilton (Precious Moments). Call 847-812-

is the number of Cooperators sent to households in the last year!

1945. Irving Park Cemetery (Chicago, IL) 9 adjoining lots for sale $800 each. Call/text 773-706-9312.

Motorized Vehicles and Accessories

It’s no wonder the classified ad section is so popular with our members!

South Haven Mi. Area, 20.6 wooded acre, year round retreat. Hunt deer and turkey. Remodeled brick home featuring; two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room w/ fieldstone fireplace, dining room, knotty pine three season room, oversized two car attached garage, partially finished walkout basement., hot tub, 22x26 metal storage building w/8’ door and many more amenities. Located on Kal-Haven Recreational Trail. Just 2 hours from the south suburbs. Call 708-704-2266.

One owner, excellent condition, gently used. meticulously maintained.

Winterized.

Ford

E450 w/hitch. Sleeps six-plus. Only 60,000 miles. Call Karen @ 847-588-3601.

Miscellaneous POS system/Cash register, computer, printer w/2 trays, speakers & 19” flat screen. Complete! 6 months old. Reg $3,500 selling for $1,000. Call Silvia at 708-268-4229.

Tractors/ Farm Equipment

accessories, etc. Also, old child’s pedal cars. Will pick up. Call Jim Sr. at 708-361-8230.

lovely 3 bedroom villa for $650 wk. Call 708Vinyl records, LP’s, 45’s, 78’s, record players,

704-6239 for color brochure.

cassettes, 8 tracks, etc. Call Mike at 708-7903416.

o For Sale Misc.

o For Rent

o Wanted

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

29” x 37” Serigraph picture of Joe Dimaggio. Autographed by Joe Dimaggio. Paid $2,200, asking $1,000 OBO. Call Bob Bove at 708-2033566.

call with questions 815-588-1200 or 630-202-

Farm Bureau # __________________________________ Phone ______________________________

pickup/delivery service. Lockport, IL. Please

Ad ____________________________________________________________________________

4940.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Real Estate For Sale/Rent

_______________________________________________________________________________

Spring Clean, Sunny and Bright Newer House

________________________________________________________________________________

For Rent !!!Location: Streamwood: 3 bedroom,

Ladies winter coats: long forest green coat with hood, brn fur around hood and cuffs. Long black coat – fox trim on hood. ¾ length black coat with liner and fur collar. ¾ length tan coat w/fur collar. All sized 10-12. Call afternoons 708-448-7960.

2 ½ bath, 2 car Attached Garage, includes all

1973 Rock-ola Juke Box w/1,200 60’s & 70’s records, all excellent condition $2,000. 26” Toshiba flat screen tv & stand $110. 2 chain saws, 1 gas $50. 1 elect $25. Misc. hand tools $1 ea to $5 ea. Call 708-269-6987.

parks, main roads and expressways. One year

Appliances. Owner provides lawn service and

*Please be sure to include a contact phone number where interested buyers can contact you. Ad can be typed or written. PRINT CLEARLY. (If not enough room, put on separate sheet)

landscaping to nicely sized yard!! Just enjoy your summer on the Large Patio!! Convenient location close to shopping, train, schools, lease $1450/month, non-smoking, no pets, credit check fee, must have rental insurance.

Complete the above form and mail to: Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525. You can also fax your ad to (708) 579-6056 or email to membershiplinda@cookcfb.org Non-member ad rate: $.75 per word; $15.00 minimum.

Available 5/1/14. Please call 630-289-8438.

Cook County Farm Bureau® 6438 Joliet Rd Countryside, IL 60525 Cookcfb.org

WHERE

Mayflower Tours Travel Preview

Jo in us for a travel presentation of 2 new exciting trips provided by Mayflower Tours:

Pacific Coast Journey~ Departure date September 22, 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau Hosts Screening To Detect Your Risk For Stroke In Less Than Ten Minutes! Farm Bureau Members Save $35!

"My screening with Stroke Detection Plus really woke me up. I was advised to check with my doctor regarding my Thyroid. After seeing an ENT, I needed a cyst aspirated, that could have eventually compromised my vocal cords. This is something I would never have known or suspected. I am so grateful to this very respected company." Jo Fryer – Arlington Hts., IL "I had suffered for years with severe leg pain, but not until I went to Stroke Detection Plus did anyone find out what was wrong. I have now had a stent put in my left leg and I am amazed at the difference. I appreciate your help." Kenneth J. Jones – Lowell, IN

9 days - 13 meals featuring Oregon’s Coast and San Francisco 

Vespa, Lambretta, motorbikes and parts &

Snowblower’s, tractors, chainsaws, generators “all power equipment. Repair, parts, service –



Wanted to Buy: Vintage Cushman, Whizzer,

All Cook County Farm Bureau members may run four non-commercial classified ads annually free in the Cooperator. Only items of personal property will be accepted. Ads must be in the office by the 15th of each month. Category:

Machine shop liquidation – heavy equip repair. Call for appt 708-974-3067.

Estate sale: 2 sofas like new $50 each. Bedroom & dining room dressers $50 each. Curio cabinet $35, lamp $25. 325’ #8 copper wire blue stranded $90, 1940’s dining room table & 5 chairs $260. Call 708-614-8148.

Enjoy Epcot’s Flower Festival and rent this

Wanted

for Cook County Farm Bureau members

Great mechanical and esthetic condition;

All items listed are for the accommodation of the membership and without guarantee of the publisher.

Vacation Rentals/Sales

FREE Classified Ads

Thor (Four Winds) Chateau, 31’ Class C RV.

Classifieds

Cook County Farm Bureau

Tennessee Rails and Sails~ Departure date October 13, 2013

7 Days - 11 meals featuring 3 scenic Rail Excursions and 2 River Cruises

Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Road - Countryside Tuesday May 13 9:00 - 4:00

DATE

TIME

10:00 AM

Tuesday, 04/22/2014

RSVP

By Friday 18, 2014 to Debbie at 708-354-3276. Call for flyer or visit cookcfb.org/buy-local/ programs for details.

Appts. are necessary. Call Toll Free 1-877-732-8258 Four Life Saving Screenings Stroke Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Osteoporosis

This screening visualizes the buildup of fatty blockage in the carotid arteries. This condition causes the majority of strokes.

This screening visualizes the existence of an aneurysm in the abdominal aorta that can rupture and be fatal.

This screening checks for blockage in the legs. Abnormal results indicate high risk of coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease.

This test screens for abnormal bone density Both men and women can prevent Osteoporosis with early detection and treatment.

Farm Bureau Members $100 Community $135

SC300

The Cooperator, official publication of the Cook County Farm Bureau, does accept paid advertising. A copy of the rate card may be accessed at www.cookcfb.org in News and Views or call the CCFB office at 708.354.3276 for a copy. The publication goes to more than 40,000 households each month.

Co-Operator March 2014 April 2014

Cook County Farm Bureau

Learn new ways to bring CORE into your classroom at our…………

SUMMER AGRICULTURE INSTITUTES Professional Development – Earn Grad Credits or CPDUs SAI 1 From Farm to School: Bringing Ag Education into the Classroom

Quality 2,600-4,500 sq ft. Office Suite Available Now!

Teachers will participate in 3 days of agri-business and farm tours where they will have the opportunity to learn ways to integrate agriculture in their CORE curriculum. Tours will explain the farm to table process and provide educators with cross curricular lesson plan ideas. 2 additional days will consist of hands-on workshops and speakers directly from the agriculture community. Includes bus, lunch, tours. Earn 3 graduate credits/35 CPDU’s. (Program begins and ends each day at Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525)

SAI-1 Bring Ag into the Classroom June 16-20, 2014

SAI 2 Educating the Next Generation: Food, Fuel & Fiber from K-12

Board our bus and head to Central Illinois where you will learn the origins of our fuel, food and fiber by visiting family run farming operations such as alpaca farmers, wind farm experts, ethanol plants and grain exporters. Gain an understanding of the role Illinois plays in the world agriculture market while learning innovative ideas to use back in your classroom Units of Study. Price includes all hotel, food, tours and coach bus. Earn 2 graduate credits/24 CPDU’s. (Program includes 3 days/two nights in Central, IL. Price covers food, hotel, bus, tours. 4th day held at Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525)

9 Executive Offices, small conference room, spacious work area, large glass doors & windows for open feel - Ground level entrance - Near I-294 & I-55 on Joliet Road - Additional storage space available

The cost of each Institute is $250 for non-farm bureau members and $225 for current members. (Refund of $100-$150 upon completion of course.) Graduate credits will be an additional cost, approximately $100 for each credit hour.

Extras Include: Electric, Heat, Water, Recycling and Refuse Collection Cleaning Service Lawn Care & Grounds Maintenance Snow/Ice Removal Building Repair/Maintenance Payment of Real Estate Taxes

Contact Cook County Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276

SAI-2 – Educating the Next Generation: Food, Fuel & Fiber in the Classroom July 8-11, 2014

Beyond Beginning Beekeeping...A round

For video preview of SAI visit -‐ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBJR8G-‐l9bQ

Program to connect local foods with commercial markets

An April 7th, 2014 program designed to help small and mid-sized producers understand evolving commercial markets for locally produced foods will run from 9 am to 3 pm at the Cook County Extension Office in Westchester. Curriculum presented at the MarketReady program will

focus on best business practices identified by commercial retail, restaurant and institutional buyers who want to buy from local farmers. The workshop will be presented by Ellen Phillips and James Theuri, University of Illinois Extension local food systems and small farms

educators. Cost for the program is $15 per person and includes lunch and handouts. Preregistration is required by April 3. For more information or to register, call Cook County Extension at 708-449-4320 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/ cook/.

Commodities/Marketing Team Sponsored Events

Upcoming Member Tour Maywood Park Racetrack ~ Behind the Scenes Tour      

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 10 AM - Noon Bring lunch and chat after Maywood Racetrack in Melrose Park, IL Free Registration required-space limited call 708-354-3276 Information on Events Calendar and BuyLocal/Programs at cookcfb.org

table discussion for those with some practical experience in beekeeping ~ Thursday, May 1st! CDBA Beekeeper Jim Landau will open the round table discussion with a short presentation on “How to be Successful at Beekeeping." This will cover daily issues beekeepers face, and ways to deal with current challenges in beekeeping. The remainder of the class will be an open roundtable discussion with a panel of seasoned beekeepers to provide input, answer questions, and share their experiences with the class. Where: Cook County Farm Bureau When: Thursday, May 1, 2014 Time: 7 – 9 PM Cost: $10 Space is limited to 20 participants. Call the Cook County Farm Bureau to register.

708-354-3276