March 2014 Cooperator

Vol. 88 No. 3 Countryside, IL 60525 www.cookcfb.org March 2014

Co-OperatorA “staple” in the Farm Bureau member’s home since 1938

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

Cook County Farm BureauWinner of the Power of ‘A’

2012 Summit Award

Question of the MonthBees provide what percentage of the

Country’s pollination service?Call the Farm Bureau at (708)354-3276, email your answer to [email protected] (please include Name, FB # and phone number) or fax to (708)579-6056 with the answer for a chance to enter a drawing for a $25.00 gas card.

January’s winner is Joe Baldyga.

Last Months Question: Cook County Farm Bureau was recently recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation

for what program?Answer: Passport to the Farm Summer Camp

official publication of the Cook County Farm Bureau® Scan for more farm bureau info.

& events

Help us Celebrate Food Checkout Day 2014

LAST CHANCE to Donate for the March 20th Event

Sam, Paul, Vince and Wally of Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Market met with area farmer and CCFB Board Member, Ruth Zeldenrust (r), during the Meet the Buyer event on February 18th in Orland Park. The event provided the unique opportunity for farmers to market their 2014 crop and livestock prospects with area buyers of food. See additional photos on Page 4 or on our Facebook page.

Be sure to visit the Member Relations Page (Page 10) for information regarding these upcoming events:

Workshop on Wills & Trusts – April 10th

5 Week Boating Safety Course – Begins April 22nd

Shred/Electronic Recycling – April 26th

Concealed Carry Course – May 17th & May 18th

For the past 14 years, Cook County Farm Bureau has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities®. Through this partnership, Farm Bureau members and volunteers have been able to donate much needed food, pop tabs and funds to assist families during the most difficult time of their lives, when a child is sick. Food Checkout Day highlights

the safe and nutritious food that farmers grow while drawing attention to those families who struggle to find solutions to feeding their families healthy foods on a tight budget. The 2014 Food Checkout Day program will be held on Thursday, March 20 at the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House located near Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and at the Ronald

McDonald House located near Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. Please consider joining us in this great effort! With your support, we hope to raise enough food to feed 3,000 people! Food and pop tab donation can be dropped off at your local Country Financial Agency or the Cook County Farm Bureau office prior to

March 14. Cash donations can be sent to: Cook CFB, 6438 Joliet Road in Countryside, IL 60525. Checks should be made out to Ronald McDonald House Charities®. In addition to food, pop tab and cash donations we are also seeking sponsors for the program (see related article). Thank you for your continued support of this tremendous partnership!

Join Cook County Farm Bureau® in celebrating Food Checkout Day 2014! Proceeds raised will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

SPONSOR LEVELSSponsors are invited to participate in the “Countdown” to Food Checkout Day on the Farm Bureau’s Facebook page.

Books SponsorFor the past four years, Cook County Farm Bureau has asked area grade schools to donate food, cleaning supplies and pop tabs to help fill Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana pantries. The schools that help fill the Houses’ pantries receive books to fill their libraries. Join us in providing students with positive, life changing

books. Books Sponsors will receive signage at the event and be listed in all publications and mailings associated with Food Checkout Day.$500

Cart SponsorIncludes cart signs at Chicago and Oak Lawn grocery store events.Help us race to fill Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s pantries by sponsoring a cart during the Chicago food plate scavenger hunt and Oak Lawn shopping spree. Shopping carts will be used to transport food and cleaning supplies from the store to the Chicago House after the scavenger hunt and from the Oak Lawn store to the trailer after the shopping spree. Cart sponsors will be listed in all publications and mailings associated with Food Checkout Day.$250

Weeks’ Worth of Meals for a House FamilyRonald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana cares for families during their most difficult time, when someone they love is ill. Help the House to provide a home cooked meal to families whose child is receiving treatment at a nearby hospital by donating a week’s worth of meals for a House family.$150

CountdownFor the weeks prior to Food Checkout Day, Farm Bureau invites any sponsors, organization or group of individuals to submit a picture for use on social media to help us countdown the days to Food Checkout Day.

PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO, “COOK COUNTY FARM BUREAU®”

____ $500 Books Sponsor

____ $250 Cart Sponsor

____ $150 Weeks’ Worth of Meals

for a House Family

Other amount

Indicate which level you are purchasing

Company/ Individual Name

_ _ _

Written as you wish it to appear in publications or on signage

Contact Person ________________________

Phone Number _________________________

Email ________________________________

Mailing Address ________________________

City

State ____________ Zip Code ______________

If affiliated with a Country Financial Agency, please indicate ________________________

If interested in participating in the 2014 social media “Countdown” to Food Checkout Day, please indicate _____________________

For more information contact Bona Heinsohn at the Cook County Farm Bureau® at (708) 354-3276

or [email protected].

All proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Farming on Your Balcony & Backyard Gardening/Make an Herb Planter

Maywood Park Racetrack ~ Behind the Scenes Member Tour

Commodities/Marketing Team Sponsored Events

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Cook County Farm Bureau Meeting

Room Fee required for making a Herb

Planter Registration required -

call 708-354-3276 Space is limited Information on

Events Calendar and Buy-Local/Programs at cookcfb.org

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 10 AM - Noon Maywood Racetrack in Melrose Park, IL Free Registration required-space limited -

call 708-354-3276 Information on Events Calendar and Buy-

Local/Programs at cookcfb.org

Co-Operator March 2014 2 Cook County Farm Bureau

GM Safety and Testing(Part two of three)

Genetically modified crops or GM crops, through scientific breeding includes one or more genes from another organism. The alteration may change the plants ability to tolerate environmental pressures from insects or drought. Given the changes to the plant, GM crops are extensively studied. Plants are reviewed first by independent scientists before scientists at regulatory agencies worldwide review the data and make their own scientific assessment of its food, feed and environmental safety. Since the first GM plant was commercialized in 1996, regulatory agencies in 59 countries have conducted extensive research and have affirmed the safety of GM crops. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for the safety and appropriate labeling of food and feed products grown from

GM crops. FDA scientists review nutrient composition, non-nutrient composition and the potentially presence of allergens. The US Department of Agriculture is responsible to ensuring the safety of GM crops for agricultural uses. USDA scientists conduct field testing and monitor the movement of GM crops and seeds. The Environmental Protection Agency tests pesticides and is responsible for reviewing GM plants that produce proteins to protect the plants from insects and disease. The EPA also oversees field testing. Within the US the regulatory process for GM crops takes up to three years per crop. The FDA review process will take approximately one and half years to examine the food and feed safety of a GM plant. The USEPA review process will last approximately one and a quarter years and will

thoroughly examine whether or not the food/feed derived from the product pose a health risk and does the crop pose an unreasonable risk to the environment or human/animal safety. The USDA review process examines the plant pest potential and can last up to a year according to the US Coordinated Framework for Biotech Crops. After the testing process and only if the crop is released the FDA will determine if there is a meaningful difference in the safety, composition or nutrition of the crop. If the FDA determines that there is, the Agency could require that additional information be added to the label. To date, that’s not the case for GM ingredients. The labeling of GM foods will be discussed in next our final installment on genetically modified foods.

Editor’s NoteDear 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 natu-ral 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 wel-come member input on content, including suggestions of farm, home, food, natural resource, renewable energy, agricultural heritage and farm history for future issues.

Bob Rohrer, CAE, FBCM, Editor

Co-Operatorpublished monthly

Cook County Farm Bureau6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525(ph) 708-354-3276 (fax) 708-579-6056

(e-mail) [email protected] (website) www.cookcfb.org

USPS No 132180 Periodical Postage Paid at LaGrange, IL 60525 & additional mailing office

EditorBob Rohrer

Officers & DirectorsJames Gutzmer, PresidentMichael Rauch, Vice PresidentPatrick Horcher, Secretary-TreasurerDan Biernacki James Bloomstrand Cliff Harms Michael Horcher Gerald Kopping Janet McCabe Harold Stuenkel Mark Yunker Ruth Zeldenrust

Farm Bureau ManagerBob Rohrer Office StaffMelanie Paffumi Bona Heinsohn Katie Smith Linda Tobias Bob Heine Debbie Voltz Diane Merrion Kelli McSherry Jeanne Sommerfeld

Affiliated Companies...................................................... Insurance Agency Manager, Rolling MeadowsJeff Orman ...................................... Insurance Agency Manager, South HollandMike Cerf ............................................. Insurance Agency Manager, North Shore Victoria Nygren ............................... Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago NorthMarc Rogala ......................................Insurance Agency Manager, Chicago SouthMike Flynn ........................................... Insurance Agency Manager, CountrysideJack Smith ........................................... Insurance Agency Manager, SchaumburgCary Tate ...............................................Insurance Agency Manager, Orland ParkDave 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.

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The American Farm Bureau Federation joined the Grocery Manufacturers Association and a diverse group of almost 30 agriculture and non-governmental organizations to launch the Coalition for Safe Affordable Food. The coalition is urging Congress to quickly seek a federal solution that would protect consumers from a confusing patchwork of 50-state genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling policies. The coalition is also pushing to entrust the nation’s foremost food safety agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the appropriate authority to review the safety of new GMO technology and, if necessary, the need for any labeling of products made with GMOs. “GMOs go a long way in helping farmers and ranchers provide consumers the safe, abundant and affordable food they deserve,” said Andrew Walmsley, AFBF biotechnology specialist. “With Congress addressing GMO labeling and reaffirming the Food and Drug Administration’s role as the nation’s foremost authority on the use and labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients, consumers will be able to feel more confident in the safety of American food.” The GMO labeling ballot initiatives and legislation that many state lawmakers and voters are facing are making people wrongly fear what they’re eating and feeding their children. They also undermine the public’s understanding of the many benefits of biotechnology, such as the reduction in

pesticides needed when certain GM seeds are used. “Unless Congress takes on the issue, we’ll have a patchwork of state laws that serve no one but regulators and attorneys,” Walmsley said. “We need an approach that will work for consumers and farmers and ranchers alike.” The coalition is calling on Capitol Hill lawmakers to require the FDA to conduct a safety review of all new GMO traits before they are introduced into commerce and empower the agency to mandate the labeling of GMO food ingredients if the agency determines there is a health, safety or nutrition issue with an ingredient derived from a GMO. In addition, the labeling legislation should direct the FDA to establish federal standards for companies that want to voluntarily label their product for the absence-of or presence-of GMO food ingredients so that consumers clearly understand their choices in the marketplace, according to the coalition. “With the global population expected to grow from 7 billion to 9 billion by 2050, we will need 70 percent more food production to keep pace, and we won’t come close to that without GMOs,” Walmsley cautioned. “There is too much at stake to allow our nation’s food safety and labeling laws to be set by political campaigns or state and local legislatures.”

- See more at: http://fbnews.fb.org/Templates/Article.aspx?id=38493#sthash.obK80GBy.V4co6F3C.dpuf

Broad-based coalition advocates for congressional action on GMO labeling

Congratulations to Jerry Anderson, Retiring Country Financial Agency Manager

Jim Gutzmer(L), President of Cook CFB, presented a Board approved Resolution to Jerry Anderson, retiring Rolling Meadows Agency Manager for Country Financial, recognizing Jerry’s 39 years of outstanding service to members. Congratulations and Thank You!

Ask a “Bee Guy or Gal”...Do you have a Bee or Honey Question You Have

Always Wanted to Ask?TAsAsk?AnsweredAsk? always wanted an Email your question to [email protected]. When we

receive your question we will add your name to a special drawing at the end of the year. We will reprint some of the Q & A in future issues as space allows.

Bee-lieve...Quick Facts/Trivia Honey bees are responsible for the pollination of more than 100 crops,

including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, providing 80 percent of theCountry’s pollination service.

Company Name Here

• List your services or products here.








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I have this self-imposed rule when writing a column… Never write about the weather. Why? We have about a 10 day delay between the drafting of the column and its arrival in your mailbox. Inevitably, if it’s cold and nasty when written, by the time it is delivered to your mailbox, it is sunny and 75°. In other words, writing about the weather provides me the opportunity to raise my ignoramus status. However, I am going to break my own rule. There have been piles of snow everywhere. The snow started early and was industrial sized, designed to last. According to the National Weather Service, nearly 68 inches of snow had fallen as of February 18 in Chicago, the fifth snowiest winter on record (so far). Piles of snow have been a rare landscape feature in recent years. Last year, 30.1 inches of snow fell and 19.8 inches of white stuff fell in 2011- 12 winter according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Snow has been a daily headline feature on every television and radio newscast in our area throughout the winter. Temperatures have been news as well… it has been darn cold out there. With an average temperature of 18.2°, January in Illinois was the eighth coldest on record going back to 1895. I would advise kids not too lick the water pump but then I’d have to explain what a water pump is and why…kids today are so sheltered!And speaking of sheltered, I know it is been snowing and cold this winter but I am old enough to remember THE winter … the winter of 1978 - 1979. That was back in the “good ole days” when it used to snow and be cold during winter as a matter of practice and tradition. Nearly 90 inches of snow fell. I was in high school on the farm where we had a love-hate relationship with winter that year. It is a true pain and torture to raise livestock in the winter in Illinois, especially “free range” hogs. I remember the temperature gauge hitting “ -28° “ and my dad reminding me that the hogs didn’t have the luxury of curling up on the couch in a warm house. The climate controlled buildings made me envious...and made the hogs out on pasture envious as well! Just getting to the hog houses, providing drinking water and feed, and

maintaining comfortable bedding was a miserable job for a spoiled teenager farmer. What a battle it was the winter of 1979 to care for the hogs. I vividly remember my father bundled up on the cab-less, gasoline powered endloader moving snow into huge piles so that we could move farm equipment to get to the livestock and so we could get out of the driveway with a car/truck. Then, getting the diesel tractors and equipment to function in the cold was the next major obstacle. Breaking up ice in water troughs, getting water to flow for the animals, grinding corn him providing feed, and lugging bales of straw for bedding challenged my enthusiasm.

Dad made piles of snow everywhere using the loader tractor…as the winter dragged on, the

piles grew taller and wider.

On the flipside, those gigantic snow piles made by Dad’s endloader to clear paths turned into amazing playground systems for me and my siblings. School was canceled for a number of days following huge snows and the winds piling huge snowdrifts making it impossible for school buses to negotiate. As a result,, we had ample time to entertain ourselves. We constructed an amazing series of tunnels and rooms hollowed out from these piles! Our Snow complex featured a dining room, living room (room for 3-4), study, bathroom (just kidding) with tunnels interconnecting each with the front door and, of course, the secret exit!

Dad made piles of snow everywhere using the loader tractor…as the winter dragged on, the piles grew taller and wider, making an awesome playground for Bob Rohrer and siblings.

Those “no school” days also gave us wonderful opportunities for sledding (I would’ve loved to do the skeleton run on a bobsled hill) and to use my grandma’s old wooden skis (I was no

Bode Miller). We held our own version of the winter Olympics that usually concluded with numb fingers, frozen toes, and hot chocolate as our medals!

My brother John, age 11, gives a bit of perspective following a snow in 1979 (waist deep). Note in the background some of the hog houses on the farm used for “free range” hogs. The difficulties to provide water, food, bedding as well as the mortality rate makes climate controlled hog houses very appealing

for farmer and livestock alike.

I hope the kids of today will reflect upon the winter of 2013 – 14 in the years to come. Perhaps, they have constructed memories that go beyond playing video games on the “no school” days these past few months. Farmers still have a love/hate relationship with winter. Most are not fans of the cold and snow and those farmers that do

have livestock face additional struggles in the winter to protect and maintain comfort. However, farmers are big fans of having quality moisture levels in the soil/subsoil for the upcoming crop production season. This past winter provided great opportunity to the re- charge soil moisture with snowmelt. Further, the colder the winter, the more nature takes care of many pesky insect pests… How did you like those January negative temperatures, Bugs?

Downwindby Bob Rohrer, Manager

How about the weather?

Your South Holland Agency

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AndrewCarrell

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Contact Information:Cook County Farm Bureau, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525

708-354-3276 708-579-6056 Fax E-Mail: [email protected] www.cookcfb.org


History of Food

Carrots not just for Rabbits Anymore Home originally to the more temperate regions of the world, lays wild carrots, the ancestors of the domestic and frequently dined on carrot. Wild carrots were originally domesticated for herb and medicinal purposes. Through domestication, the wild carrot turned from a relatively small, thin, white, heavily divided, and strong flavored taproot into the large, orange, smooth, good flavored root that we know today. Modern breeders have further refined the carrot and have made significant improvements in disease and pest resistance.

Curried Carrot Soup from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:2 tablespoons vegetable oil1 onion, chopped1 tablespoon curry powder

2 pounds carrots, chopped4 cups vegetable broth2 cups water, or as needed

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until tender and translucent. Stir in the curry powder. Add the chopped carrots, and stir until the carrots are coated. Pour in the vegetable broth, and simmer until the carrots are soft, about 20 minutes. Transfer the carrots and broth to a blender, and puree until smooth. Pour back into the pot, and thin with water to your preferred consistency.

Chances are you probably haven’t given a thought to how dramatically your life would change if you suddenly were unable to earn a paycheck due to a disabling injury or illness. However, the possibility does exist. One-third of all Americans will suffer a serious disability between ages 35 and 65. In the United States, a disabling injury occurs every 1.6 seconds. It’s important to take the steps necessary to protect you, your loved ones and your possessions if a disabling injury or illness occurs. Among the best protection is disability income insurance. Disability income insurance is designed to provide money to you if you ever become disabled. That means money will be there when you need it most. It will help pay bills and meet other expenses associated with the disability. A disability is usually defined as the continuous inability, because of injury or illness, to perform the material and substantial duties of your regular occupation or profession for a stated period of time, or any occupation or profession after that. Most disabilities last longer than three months. If a person is disabled for three months or longer, it is likely the disability will last, on average, for three years. Millions of workers have some disability income insurance through their employers. However, this is usually short-term coverage and may only provide benefits for 24 weeks. Disabilities lasting longer are not usually covered. If you don’t have disability income insurance, don’t count on Social Security disability

payments either. About 49 percent of all disability claims submitted to the Social Security Administration are regularly turned down. If Social Security should pay your claim, benefits normally will not be paid until at least five months after your disability began. Should your disabling injury or illness be work-related, you likely are protected by workers› compensation insurance. However, disabling injuries or illnesses that occur away from work activities are not covered under workers’ compensation. Disability income insurance protects you both on and off the job. Most disability income insurance policies can be designed to meet your particular needs. You usually choose among several benefit and waiting periods, and policy options. For instance, COUNTRY Financial offers three benefit period options and five waiting period options. COUNTRY also offers a waiver of premium benefit. In addition, there are policy options for accidental dismemberment, cash value, cost-of-living adjustments, hospital confinement income, monthly benefit increase and removal of the benefit adjustment provision. Disability income insurance is frequently overlooked but is very important regardless of your marital status or family situation. In fact, this insurance can replace a good part of the income you›d lose if you were unable to work because of an accident or illness. Even if you have some form of disability income coverage, see your local COUNTRY financial representative for a review and more information regarding this coverage.

“From the Country”Disability Income

Insurance Provides Money When You Can’t

Vicki NygrenAgency ManagerChicago North

Agency

Ag Adventures Year-long Crossword

Puzzle Contest Winner Congratulations to Mary Pecora! She was the winner of our yearly drawing for a basket full of ag themed goodies. She submitted an Ag Adventures Crossword Puzzle entry (located in our monthly Cooperator) every month in 2013 and was chosen at random. You too can be a winner! All you have to do is complete the word search puzzle and entry form that is located on our Ag Adventures Page (Pg. 7) every month all year long and you will be entered into our yearly drawing. Submit one entry a

month and you will also be entered into our monthly drawing for 4 movie tickets. Good luck!

CCFB Manager Bob Rohrer presents member Mary Pecora with the farm themed basket.

Last year, the Cook County Farm Bureau and the University of Illinois Extension partnered on a project that would benefit local Farm Bureau members and the general public. As of April 14th, the 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 [email protected] . 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.

Master Gardener Resource Center to re-open in April

Meet the Buyers Event More than 60 local farmers braved the tough weather and driving conditions to attend the Meet the Buyer Event held at the Orland Park Civic Center on February 18, 2014. This rare opportunity gave farmers an

opportunity to individually meet with market buyers looking for local food, including beef/meats, poultry, dairy, produce and value- added products. The event was coordinated and sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau,

Cook County Farm Bureau and surrounding counties, Cook County University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Specialty Growers Association, and Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Farmers listen to Buyers from Publican Quality Meats share their company information and producer requirements.


Mesclun is a mixture of assorted small, baby salad leaves also known as a mesclun mix. You can purchase mesclun bagged in cellophane at your grocer. Yet when freshly harvested from a few square feet in your patio, garden, or front stoop, mesclun is an easy tender treat. What flavors are in the mix? Arugula, mustard greens, and chicories have a strong peppery flavor. Endive presents a peppery bitter note. Radicchio has a combination sweet-and-bitter taste. Some describe spinach as mineral in taste, but sweet when young. Sorrel has a tart, tangy acid taste like a lemon or sour green apple. Any one of these alone can be overpowering. Yet mixed with an equal quantity of mild lettuces, and a simple dressing, they present a pleasing layering of f lavors to savor. While best in full sun, they will grow nearly as well in light shade. Plant the salad seed mix in March to early May when soils reach about 40 degrees F. These cool season greens are sweetest when grown in cool weather. Plant again in August or September as late summer and cool fall nights favor these as well. You could grow these in a half barrel, or other container while waiting to plant warm season flowers or veggies. And they only take a few weeks and a few square feet of soil. Lettuces often sprout in about a week. Other greens that will take about two weeks to germinate, so you can sow them separately if you wish, and then mix them at harvest. Or you could purchase a mesclun seed packet that is premixed. Sow only as much as

you and your family will eat in a week, and then if you have space, repeat two or three times (a week or two apart) or so to have new baby salad coming on over the whole season. All of these greens have small seeds that are best sown on the surface of loosened soil. If in a pot, I like to moisten the soil first, so I don’t wash the seeds away when trying to moisten the soil. Next, sprinkle the seed about half inch apart, and cover with only about one quarter inch of soil. Some suggest you practice sowing fine seed on a paper towel first until you get the feel of distributing the seed evenly about one half inch apart. Then mist to thoroughly moisten the top dressing of soil. Keep them moist but not soaking during the germination time. Birds sometimes like to harvest the seed before they sprout, so consider covering them with netting if you think feathered visitors might be tempted. Start harvesting your crop when the greens reach just two or three inches tall, often in only a month or so! Don’t let them get more than five or six inches before snipping them off with scissors for your salad. If you cut them about an inch above soil level, most often the crowns will re-sprout. Water and a light fertilizer after harvest will bring on additional delicate greens from the remaining crowns. If you used slow release fertilizer in the potting soil, you will not need to add more fertilizer, unless it is a fall planting, and you have used the soil all summer for other crops. With a little planning, you will have this fresh salad available at your doorstep.

Greenovations: Spring Salad to Your Front Door

By Nancy Pollard, University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator

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: $35.00 ($45 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. PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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5309 S Hyde Park BlvdChicago, IL 60615

David DeSantiago773-254-5810


David Jara773-284-90006239 S Archer

Chicago, IL 60638

Shirley Griffin773-363-6416


William Gunter773-363-6416


Stanley Kincaid773-368-1008

55 W Monroe St. Ste 3150Chicago, IL 60603

0114-510HO

Mike Sheahan773-284-90006239 S Archer

Chicago, IL 60638

Kandi Keyes-Winford773-487-0923738 E 87th St

Chicago, IL 60619

James Williams773-239-7800


Ciria Serrano773-284-90006239 S Archer

Chicago, IL 60638

Alonzo Nevarez773-254-5810

3458 S Halsted St,Chicago, IL 60608


AITC

Agricultural Literacy& Public Relations

Tests, Tests, TestsAg Lit Bit By Diane Merrion

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Diane Merrion, Ag in the Classroom Coordinator

6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL [email protected]

Phone: 708-354-3276 fax: 708-579-6056

March is upon us and brings happy thoughts of daylight savings time (spring

ahead), warmer weather, St. Patrick’s Day and maybe spring vacation. For many, however, March is the dreaded month of tests, tests and more tests. In Illinois, many students in 3rd through 8th grade take a standards-based test called the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). Standards-based means that test items are based on grade-specific Illinois academic content standards. The ISAT tests third through eighth grade students in reading and math. Students in 3rd, 5th, 6th and 8th grade also take a writing test, while students in 4th and 7th grade take a science test. If your school doesn’t use the ISAT test, they may use the Terra Nova Assessment. Typically used from Grade 2-Grade 8, the Terra Nova tests are standardized, norm referenced tests used to assess student achievement in various areas of the curriculum and in comparison to the performance of students in a national group. A standardized achievement test is designed to sample the skills and knowledge that students are usually expected to acquire as they progress through the grades. The Terra Nova is nationally normed, whereas the ISAT is normed by Illinois scores. Your school may also use MAP testing. Student MAP testing results are reported in RIT scores (short for Rasch Unit). A RIT score is an estimation of a student’s instructional level and also measures student progress

or growth in school. As you can tell, there’s no shortage of testing options for schools. I remember heading to college, glad to be done with standardized testing (PSAE, ACT, SAT,), only to have to deal tests of equal importance: the midterm and the final. That was it! No second chances, no filler papers, quizzes, tests to help that final grade. My worst recollection of a mid-term and final was Geography 101 and 102 – required classes for Education Majors. It sounded interesting to me initially as I thoroughly enjoyed traveling and learning about new places. That was until Professor (Dr. R) stood on the lecture platform that first day. The words dry and boring cannot fully describe the delivery of his material. The mid-term and final exams consisted of slides, each with a red dot on a map somewhere in the world and you had to identify the city/state/country shown. I recall thinking “give me an ACT, ISAT or any other test”, as I knew this wasn’t going to go well. I passed, but that class still brings back memories of test anxiety. I was, am and always will be directionally challenged! As 2014 testing concludes, 2015 will bring a whole new chapter of standardized testing in Illinois. The PARCC tests will be brought in to replace the ISAT and reflect your child’s grasp of the new Common Core Learning Standards. So if you child seems a little more stressed this month, give him a break as coloring those dots with #2 pencils or filling in the blanks can be stressful no matter your grade or age. Next year is sure to bring “mouse” anxiety as standardized testing hopes to move to the computer age.

This book follows the story of a young boy faced with a very unusual breakfast guest, a cow! Readers are treated to a deliciously humorous lesson in just where their next meal might come from. Join Patrick and his father as they face (and feast with) The Cow in Patrick O’Shanahan’s Kitchen by Diana Prichard. Does everyone realize that fresh milk comes from a cow? That eggs come from chickens? That maple syrup starts somewhere other than in the syrup aisle at the grocery store?

To learn more about maple syrup and how it is harvested, visit a local forest preserve to see a hands-on demonstration this March. Some options include:

River Trails Nature Center3120 Milwaukee AvenueNorthbrook, IL 60062(847) 824-83603/23 Syrup Festival 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Call for information.

A Taste of Maple Syrup FestWhen: Thu, March 20, 11am – 2pmWhere: Cummings Square, 536 N Harlem Ave, River Forest, ILDescription: This monthly series explores nature, art and more. Each month will focus on different ages and abilities. Celebrate the first day of spring at A Taste of Maple Syrup Fest! Learn how real

maple syrup is made. Call 708-771-1373 for more information and to reserve your spot.

Maple Syrup Festival North Park Village Nature Center 5801 N Pulaski Rd Chicago, Illinois, 60646 Website: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/eve3/22/2014 - 3/23/2014 Come and see the entire maple syrup-making process from tapping the tree and collecting the sap, to boiling it down into syrup. Take a walk through the sugar bush, enjoy storytelling, make a maple craft, warm yourself by the fire, and taste real maple syrup fresh off the fire. The Maple Syrup Festival is held Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23, 2014, and is a sweet and warm tradition that is free and fun for all ages. No registration required.

Maple Syrup Time

EARTH DAY WORKSHOP DATE: APRIL 2, 2014

TIME: 4:30-6:30 P.M. (2 CPDU’S)

LOCATION: Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Rd. Countryside, IL We will use our inquiring minds to explore the many ways we can teach environmental awareness in the CORE classroom. Hands-on experiments, literature connections and even outdoor education will be explored. Guest presenter from Friends of Chicago River.

.

Free Professional Development - Spring 2014

Earn 2 CPDUs

Sponsored by the Cook County Farm Bureau®

Cook County Farm Bureau® 6438 Joliet Rd. Countryside, IL 60525 www.cookcfb.org/ag-literacy/teacher-resources

To register: call 708-354-3276 or email [email protected]

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS for Ag Day event on 3/20/14

We are holding an Ag Day for 3rd grade students at the Chicago High School for Ag Sciences (111th/Pulaski in Chicago) on 3/20/14 from 8:30-1:30. If you like to work with children and are available to be a Group Leader for our two sessions, we would love to hear from you. Group Leaders escort the students between stations, as well as help with photography, set up and/or clean up. No agriculture experience necessary. Email Diane Merrion @ [email protected] or call 708-354-3276 to volunteer.

Ag Day 2013 Presenter, Beth Christian, teaches students about all the foods that contain soybeans.

This month we will highlight a local student who began her journey living in Frankfort and now resides in Enid, OK. Meet Amanda Kazmierczak who grew up in the south suburbs and attended Lincoln Way East High School. Amanda always had a keen interest in animals (especially horses) and was excited to take Horse Science and Large Animal Science classes at her high

school. The decision to attend the University of Illinois was easy for her as they had an Animal Science major. Starting with a Pre-Vet concentration, Amanda changed her focus during her sophomore year to Technology and Management. During a Meat Science course, she was introduced to meat judging by her professor and she became a judge for two semesters, the maximum time allowed. As Amanda explained, “we are judged on how well we could judge the meat. A set of professional judges did their placings and we were graded on how close we were to what they said was correct”. The success she experienced being a judge was a natural foray into her career.

As with most successful graduates, Amanda spent her four years (actually 3 ½ since she graduated early) getting involved in all aspects of agriculture, including working in the Meat Science Lab, the Genetics Lab, the U of I dairy farm and the Office of Business. Upon graduation she became a Quality Assurance Technician at a pork company in Virginia. Within four months, she was promoted to a Supervisor. With changes coming in the industry, she was asked to join a company in Enid, where she is now a Fresh Meat Supervisor. Her job entails overseeing the processing of beef, pork, veal and turkey products. “The meat industry is open and wonderful. I was received with open arms”, stated Amanda. While looking back to high school, this career wasn’t on the forefront of her mind but often times we end up in a career we could have never envisioned. By being involved in as many areas as possible, working extremely hard during high school and college, Amanda ended up with a solid career at a very young age. Amanda is another wonderful example of the quality, diverse job opportunities available within the field of agriculture.

Careers: Fresh Meat Supervisor (Quality Technician)

Amanda Kazmierczak

Important Dates3/3/2014 First day of Early Voting

3/13/2014 Last day to request a mail ballot, including military and overseas voters

3/15/2014 Last day of Early Voting

3/15/2014 Last day of grace period registration and voting

3/16/2014 In-person absentee voting at the Clerk’s downtown Chicago o� ce

3/17/2014 Last day voted mail ballots can be post-marked for acceptance by the Clerk’s o� ce

In-person absentee voting at the Clerk’s downtown Chicago o� ce and � ve subur-ban courthouse mini-centers

3/18/2014 Election Day

TONI PRECKWINKLEincumbentDemocratic candidate for Cook County Presidentwww.tonipreckwinkle.org What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? As Cook County Board President, my two main responsibilities are the provisions of public health and public safety. Public health: � e Cook County Health and Hospital System is the safety net for thousands of individuals throughout the region - not just for our residents; but for individuals in counties and states throughout the country. Last year alone, we provided over $500 million in charity care. � e challenge is to balance our commitment to taxpayers of Cook County to evaluate and streamline the costs of health care with our promise to the sta� and, most important our patients, to � rmly protect the quality and sustainability of our health care services. Without a doubt, our greatest achievement has been securing the 1115 Waiver, a waiver from the federal government that allowed us to early enroll patients who are eligible for Medicaid under the A� ordable Care Act (ACA). To date, over 76,000 individuals are now receiving primary and preventative health care, many for the � rst time, under our CountyCare program. And all of this has a huge impact on the � nancial health of our system. Medicaid expansion will help pay for $278 million of the

uncompensated care we provide. � is revenue, in turn, is helping the health system become more � nancially sustainable.Public Safety: Cook County is home of the largest single site jail system in the country. � e Cook County criminal justice system is composed of a number of di� erent stakeholders – each who whom comes to the discussion unique roles and perspectives. And in fact, a lot of these individuals are naturally adversarial with each other – it fact, it’s a fundamental part of their roles. For example, the Public Defender is supposed to oppose the State’s Attorney and vice versa. But in order to conduct our criminal justice system e� ectively, we have to bring together these key stakeholders. To that end, we have reorganized and strengthened the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, the Criminal Justice reform arm of my o� ce. Under the leadership of Executive Director Juliana Stratton, the JAC is tasked with facilitating discussions and collaboration within the criminal justice system to pursue and implement County-wide reform. One of my � rst actions as Cook County Board President, was to create a County-wide performance management initiative called STAR – Set Targets. Achieve Results. For the � rst time, public safety stakeholders had a foundation to come together to discuss and debate. We all came together and decided that our priority was to reduce the jail population. Additionally, this year,

we are investing $1.5 million on a data-sharing tool that will allow all our public safety stakeholders to access and share information. � e Cook County Jail has a daily census of roughly 10,000 individuals. Roughly 90% of those in Cook County Jail are there because they are awaiting trial; usually because they can’t pay their bond. � e overwhelming majority are there for non-violent o� enses. My priority is to reduce the over-reliance on pre-trial detention and to address these problems directly. (See below for more details).Forest Preserves: � e Forest Preserve District of Cook County is currently celebrating its centennial anniversary. To mark our 100th year, we cannot simply celebrate our history, we have to chart a new vision for the Preserves’ next century. � at is why, at the beginning of 2013, I appointed a group of 15 civic leaders from a variety of professional disciplines to not only chart our goals but establishing the implementation strategies to accomplish them. � e commission was co-chaired by John McCarter, President Emeritus of the Field Museum, Wendy Paulson of Openlands, Arthur Velasquez, Chairman of Azteca Foods and Dr. Eric Whitaker, CEO of TWG Partners. � e Next Century Conservation Plan focuses on four key areas: land, people, economy and leadership. � e Next Century Conservation Plan will be introduced to the Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners in February (2/18/14) for adoption as the o� cial master plan for the

Preserves future. � e Plan calls particular attention to the issue that only 5% of our land is in good ecological health. As part of this process, we have committed to restoring 30,000 acres over 25 years. In addition to increasing our capacity for conservation, we need to increase our overall acreage. � e Forest Preserves currently accounts for 11 % of the County’s land - nearly 69,000 acres. However, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Chicago Wilderness have identi� ed 21,000 additional acres that are currently unprotected and provide critical habitat, or bu� ers or connections for trails. Protecting new lands will have signi� cant future bene� ts such as increased property values, reduced � ooding and more recreation opportunities - in addition to better connecting the Forest Preserves to people where they live. I am prepared to go to the General Assembly to ensure the necessary tools to acquire additional acreage. But we can’t do that alone. We must continue to expand our volunteer corps. By building o� of the energy, talent and commitment of current the volunteer corps and dedicated restoration sta� , we can engage thousands of new people. During the Great Depression, the Federal Government created the Civilian Conservation Corps. In Cook County thousands of people were hired to build picnic shelters, trails, and aqueducts in the Forest Preserves- 9,000 workers a day were employed

to build the Skokie Lagoons. Already, we are working with high school students, GreenCorps, the Student Conservation Association, Audubon and a few other organizations to implement restoration intern and job training programs for almost 200 people. We also want to build a permanent Conservation Corps to provide workforce training for restoration. � e time is ripe to expand on these e� orts. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewel is working to raise $20 million in private funds to enable these types of programs on public lands throughout the nation. We must ensure that ALL our residents recognize what a treasure we have in the Forest Preserves. We are focus that the Preserves are accessible to all residents and that once there, residents feel welcome, safe and invited to explore.Economic Development: Cook County has not historically been known for its economic development e� orts – and for good reason. While we have various tools and incentives at our disposal, for too long we have lacked a strategic plan for economic growth and development. � is is why one of my � rst steps as President was to create a centralized Bureau of Economic Development to expand the capacity and capability of our economic development e� orts within Cook County. We have also sought additional counsel through our Council of Economic Advisors, to help us engage in regional economic development issues. (See more detail below)

Cook County PRESIDENT

EACH CANDIDATE’S FULL RESPONSE IS AVAILABLE ON WWW.COOKCFB.ORG

Cook County Farm Bureau® Political Action Committee encourages Farm Bureau

members to vote for...Blake Sercye, Democrat, Cook County Board, District 1

Stanley Moore, Democrat, Cook County Board, District 4

Tim Parker, Democrat, Cook County Board, District 5

Elizabeth “Liz” Gorman, Republican, Cook County Board, District 17

Brendan Houlihan, Democrat, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Josina Morita, Democrat, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Cynthia Santos, Democrat, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

In the March 18 Primary Election

Paid for by the Cook County Farm Bureau Political Action Committee, a copy of our report is or will be available from the State Board of Elections, 1020 S. Spring

Street, Spring� eld and from the Cook County Clerk, 69 W. Washington, Chicago, IL.

2014 Primary Voter’s Guide

Cook County SHERIFFSYLVESTER BAKER Democratic candidate for COOK COUNTY SHERIFFwww.Bakerforchange.com

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? Public safety countywide; � scal responsibility; youth programs; and training to reduce recidivism for detainees.

What will your number one priority be, if you are elected? � e implementation of a countywide policing strategy and police certi� cation for all sworn o� cers.

What avenues exist to improve prisoner re-entry into the workforce? I will partner with community colleges to establish re-entry, rehabilitation, educational, and job training programs.

If elected, what will you do to support local farmers, including urban farmers and community gardeners? I will have a liaison assigned to the farmers and gardeners. I will keep the lines of communication open. I will assist more frequent coverage of the area (beat patrol cars).

What steps can be taken to improve policing in Cook County? A countywide strategy needs to

be implemented. Restructuring of county beats. More o� cers assigned. More professional training.

Please, brie� y describe your background and quali� cations for the o� ce you are seeking. Twenty-two year veteran (police sergeant); supervisor/manager; bachelor’s degree in psychology; master’s in public administration; doctoral student in psychology; deep and long term commitment to the community; and strong relationships with the clergy, community activists, and business persons.

***WILLIAM EVANS Democratic candidate for COOK COUNTY SHERIFFwww.electbillevans.comTwitter: @electbillevansFacebook: Elect Bill Evans

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? � e major issues facing Cook County are overall public safety; misuse of allocated funds; and obviously the grossly negligent operation of the Cook County Department of Corrections. Street gang violence is migrating from the City of Chicago to suburban areas, which are generally unequipped to combat such issues.

My goal would be to reorganize and redistribute department funds to place less people in exempt management positions and more into � eld operations. Training is paramount to our success.

What will your number one priority be, if you are elected? My number one priority would be to focus on the Cook County jail and the deterioration of the security and safety of the corrections o� cers and the detainees. Unauthorized releases, escapes, misuse of funding and overcrowding contribute to a lack of morale among the sta� and a burden to the tax paying public.

What avenues exist to improve prisoner re-entry into the workforce? Although the Cook County jail is a pre-trail detainee facility and not a prison, I feel strongly about programs such as the boot camp and educational opportunities within the facility. I would be willing to work in conjunction with the US military and the Chicago City Colleges to improve one’s chances of living a productive life a� er a stay at the jail.

If elected, what will you do to support local farmers, including urban farmers and community gardeners? I would engage in a partnership with the farming community. I would create a liaison

with the farmers and the association, preferably utilizing an o� cer from our agency that has a background or clear understanding of the needs of the farming community. � e most successful way to determine what a particular group is in need of is to ask. Leaders learn to listen and create relationships.

What steps can be taken to improve policing in Cook County? My � rst instinct would be to expand the role of the patrol division by reallocating personnel from other segments of the organization. I would increase patrols, expand the gang crimes unit and reengage the relationships we once had with other law enforcement agencies. I would resurrect the canine unit, which was terminated under the current administration. I would return our fugitive warrant investigators to the US Marshal’s Service Great Lakes Task Force, another segment of the operation that was discontinued under the current administration. I would develop stronger programs in regarding to the safety of our schools and Homeland Security issues.

Please, brie� y describe your background and quali� cations for the o� ce you are seeking. I am a 22-year veteran of the Cook County Sheri� ’s Police. In that time, I have received seven department

commendations and countless honorable mention certi� cates in my work serving the taxpayers of Cook County. I hold a bachelor’s degree in world sociology and a master’s degree in criminal justice and correctional administration. I am a 2005 graduate of the prestigious Northwestern University School of Sta� and Command. I am currently completing a second master’s degree in leadership studies. I have served in the patrol division, the training academy, the intelligence/organized crime section, the gang crimes unit and the SWAT team. I currently hold the command rank of lieutenant and have commanded several units within the department. I have instructed police o� cers from all around the globe and written several articles that have been published. I am a career cop. I also served as a correctional o� cer in the early 1990’s at the Cook County Department of Corrections. I have served on a number of committees and associations, holding leadership roles in many of those entities.

***Incumbent Sheri� Tom Dart and Democratic candidate Tadeusaz “Ted” Palka did not return surveys.

Cook County BOARDRICARD BOYKIN Democratic candidate for COOK COUNTY BOARD, DISTRICT 1www.boykinforcookcounty.com

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Key issues facing the County are: ensuring businesses can a� ord to locate in the County, by maintaining an a� ordable tax rate; crime; and a� ordable healthcare for residents that live in Cook County and can’t a� ord regular care.

***ISSAC “IKE” CAROTHERSDemocratic candidate for COOK COUNTY BOARD,

DISTRICT 1

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � e high cost to run government with shrinking revenue. � e 2015 projected shortfall for the budget, attempting to hold the line on tax increases.

***

RONALD LAWLESSDemocratic candidate for COOK COUNTY BOARD,

DISTRICT 1www.vote4Lawless.comFacebook: pages/Ronald-Lawless/1399739660244113Twitter:@voteforlawless

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � ere are several issues facing Cook County today. � ese include: Cook County lacks a truly integrated public transportation system. � e Cook County board should take a leading role in coordinating services. � e board should work with the RTA, CTA, METRA and Amtrak to create and integrated rail system with coordinated bus service. � e board should also consider alternative forms of inter-agency and intergovernmental governance and � nancing in order to accomplish this goal. � ere are many models in other metropolitan areas to start with. Such leadership can also lead

to more realistic funding sources. For example, Los Angeles recently used new and expanded Federal regulations to e� ectively fund and implement coordinated, regional planning and infrastructure developments. � is directly a� ects County government operations and � nances. More o� cial public transportation reduces the cost of maintaining existing county roads while signi� cantly cutting the need for new road expansion in construction projects. It also serves to improve the environment. Fewer fossil fuel vehicles reduce carbon released into the atmosphere. Finally, such improvements are urgently necessary so that workers across the county can travel to work more e� ciently at realistic prices. Protection of farm land and open space both for healthy habitat (people, plants and animals) is important for everyone living in the County. At farmers markets across the District, there is increasing participation by community and other alternative urban gardening programs. � is increases city dwellers’ awareness of the value of locally grown foods as well. For

these reasons, it is important for Cook County government to work with other governmental units in the region to protect farmland and encourage the production and distribution of locally grown food in every community. Restoration of existing housing, especially homes and multi-unit buildings in towns and cities is a critical problem. � e Cook County Board is taking steps to respond. � e County Board President worked closely with other Commissioners to develop a land bank. Its purpose is to facilitate the redevelopment of abandoned, foreclosed or dilapidated housing. � ese structures should be reclaimed and rehabbed. � is would reduce the need to provide housing without destroying farmland and adding to suburban sprawl. It would also provide jobs for Cook County residents. And it has the potential to provide much needed a� ordable housing options in communities that need them the most. Cook County is blessed with access to clean water. We must support the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and

other waste management systems in cleaning up our rivers and streams. We must also develop water conservation programs such as installing green roofs and rain collection systems on all structures. We must work with local governments to require the use of gray water reclamation systems in all new structures and eventually in all existing structures in the County, ensuring that our clean drinking water is protected and conserved. In addition every municipality in Cook County should be charged with separating the rain water from the sewers, thereby ensuring that our groundwater is restored, that clean water is returned to our lakes and rivers. � ese methods of conserving water locally are important ways to respond to continuing pressures for clean water needed by communities without access to Lake Michigan water. We must not unthinkingly increase withdrawals from the Lake Michigan watershed.

***

Cook County ASSESSOR

JOSEPH “JOE” BERRIOSincumbentDemocratic candidate for COOK COUNTY

ASSESSOR

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � e top issue facing Cook County is economic development and job growth. My administration is focused on supporting investment in neighborhoods in-need and I am pushing for legislation to o� er greater a� ordable housing

opportunities for low-income families.

What will you number one priority be, if you are elected? Since taking o� ce as the Cook County Assessor, my number one priority has been to set fair and accurate values for all parcels of property in Cook County to ensure that all residents and businesses pay their fair share.

What steps can be taken to improve the County’s tax administration process? To improve the tax administration process during my � rst term, our

o� ce closed the assessment cycle on-time for the � rst time in 34 years and has continued to do so each year. � e accelerated assessment cycles have resulted in savings of approximately $3 million for every month local taxing bodies were forced to take out tax anticipation loans. We have also provided taxpayers with greater access to information by making assessment notices more detailed and by allowing residents to compare their property to other properties on our website. Lastly, I have fostered close partnerships with local township

assessors, opening greater lines of communication with taxpayers.

What do you consider to be the best avenue(s) to best deliver services to Cook County residents while e� ciently utilizing your o� ce’s budget? Please Explain. � e best way to e� ciently utilize the o� ce budget is by providing the highest standards in customer service at our � ve o� ce locations in Cook County. We also partner with other local o� cials and community organizations to host outreach events throughout the county to bring the full services of the Assessor’s O� ce directly to

residents in their own community.

Please, brie� y discuss your background and quali� cations for the o� ce you are seeking. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from the University of Illinois before serving three terms as a State Representative, gaining an in-depth knowledge of the legislative process. For the past 25 years my public service has been focused on the property tax system as a Commissioner on the Cook County Board of Review and currently as Assessor.


BLAKE SERCYEDemocratic candidate for Cook County Commissioner, District 1

www.friendso� lakesercye.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blake-Sercye/477205559040287Twitter: @BlakeSercye

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? I believe that three major issues face our county: reducing the population and recidivism rate at Cook County Jail; ensuring health care reform is administered e� ectively so that our hospitals are adequately sta� ed and county residents receive the health care they deserve; and � nding innovative ways to put people back to work while ameliorating the crisis of foreclosed and abandoned properties in our county. I discuss each of these priorities, in turn, below.

Cook County JailOvercrowding is a serious problem at Cook County Jail. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the population at Cook County Jail is very close to full capacity at about 10,000 inmates currently. Too many inmates are held at the jail despite not having been convicted of a crime due to their inability to post bond. Many inmates have no history of felonies or violent o� enses and are being held on low-level drug crimes. Housing inmates is costly to taxpayers. It costs about $140 each day to house an inmate, but only about $30 to monitor an inmate on supervised release. More importantly, overcrowding puts correctional o� cers at increased risk as a result of having to monitor a larger number of inmates. Fortunately, Cook County has taken signi� cant steps in reducing the jail population by decreasing the amount requested for bond payments. However, concentrating on reducing the recidivism rate would also have a tremendous positive e� ect on the jail population. As commissioner, my o� ce will help ex-o� enders utilize the sealing and expungement programs o� ered by the state and non-pro� t entities that exist throughout our county. Before working at Jenner & Block, I handled sealing and expungement matters as a public interest fellow at the Chicago Legal Clinic in the Austin neighborhood. Too o� en, rehabilitated ex-o� enders are unable to get jobs due to their criminal records. Without jobs, ex-o� enders regress to the behavior that led to their incarceration. I will help residents of the 1st District understand the sealing and expungement process so that they can clear their criminal records, � nd jobs, and stay out of Cook County Jail. Additionally, although the laws that govern sealing and expungement are state laws, I will be an advocate for increasing the number of sealable or expungeable non-violent o� enses.

Health Care Reform� e Patient Protection and A� ordable Care Act (“A� ordable Care Act”), commonly referred to as “Obamacare,” presents an amazing opportunity for the Cook County Health and Hospital System (“CCHHS”). Early enrollment in CountyCare,

Cook County’s implementation of the A� ordable Care Act, has been critical for reducing the taxpayer subsidy of CCHHS. According to Crain’s, early enrollment in CountyCare had a positive net e� ect on the county budget of about $28 million as of this past summer. Similarly, increased access to Medicaid is expected to produce a $74 million net increase. As commissioner, I will continue to educate 1st District residents about CountyCare and Medicaid enrollment, while working to ensure that CCHHS is competitive with other hospital systems. Not only must we continue to increase CountyCare and Medicaid enrollment, but we must also attract residents who have access to private insurance. Reimbursement rates for private insurance are signi� cantly higher than federal reimbursements. Attracting more private insurance dollars means that we will be able to allocate more money to issues like mental health, job creation, and pension funding. In order to make CCHHS a place where privately insured patients want to receive medical treatment, we must hire adequate levels of quali� ed and skilled employees. Additionally, in 2012, Governor Pat Quinn appointed me to the Illinois Medical District Commission (“IMDC”) where I have advocated for investment in improvements to the medical district that will help make CCHHS a more attractive place for residents of Cook County to receive medical care. My fellow commissioners and I have approved an intergovernmental agreement with Cook County and CCHHS which will allow for public works projects in the IMDC to be built with greater expediency. � is will allow CCHHS and its surrounding environment to be a place that better serves the medical needs of Cook County residents.

Foreclosure and Abandoned Property Crisis� e foreclosure crisis hit Cook County, particularly the 1st District, very hard. According to Crain’s, in some places within Cook County nearly 1 in 6 homes is vacant. � e Cook County Land Bank Authority (“CCLBA”) is an innovative tool that can help us put property back to use and people back to work. � e CCLBA is able to acquire property and clear title in the fraction of time that it takes private developers. CCLBA also rehabilitates and manages properties before determining how it will dispose of property. Land banking can be used as a tool to restore distraught properties throughout our county and create labor construction contracts for quali� ed residents.

***BRENDA SMITH Democratic candidate for COOK COUNTY BOARD, DISTRICT 1www.votebrendasmith.com

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � e major issues I consider facing Cook County include: Cook County health and hospital services, economic development and sustainability, criminal justice, and mental health services.

***JERRY BUTLER incumbent Democratic candidate for COOK COUNTY BOARD,

DISTRICT 3

Twitter: @JIcemanbutlerWhat do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Major issues facing Cook County are criminal justice, health care, and the juvenile detention center. Jails and courts are still overburdened and the President’s recent change that moves to house 17-year-olds at the Juvenile Detention Center adds to an already over capacity problem. Health, safety, and re-entry considerations lead me to believe that this initiative by President Preckwinkle was the right thing to do. We must continue to work toward solutions and strategies that result in better outcomes for all the citizens of Cook County.

***Rosemary Reeves did not return a survey.

***NICHOLAS “NICK” SMITHDemocratic candidate for COUNTY BOARD,

DISTRICT 4www.electnicksmith.com Facebook: Nick Smith for County Commissioner, 4th District

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Cook County government is moving in the right direction. Many measures are already in place to better serve the residents of the County. For the past twenty years, I have worked in community and civic engagement. Working directly with residents and communities at large is the best way to gauge public interest and quite o� en public policy. As a Board Commissioner, I would propose legislation to restore funding to mental health treatment and facilities. Our communities are depleted of the necessary resources to provide adequate care for those su� ering from mental challenges. � ere is a segment of our community, by no fault of their own, have fallen through the cracks of society and they are the mentally challenged. Among this group are returning soldiers who fought for our country, college students, children born into chemical dependency and the homeless. � e county jail is no place to house or administer treatment for the mentally challenged. Cook County is in desperate need of treatment facilities and mental health professionals for indigent and low-income residents. Also as Board Commissioner, I would propose legislation to further support the Cook County Land Bank Authority in addressing the vast problem of vacant homes, lots, retail and commercial facilities. From my experience, working with residents and community organizations as well as city agencies, the need for the acquisition and redevelopment of vacant property is vital to rebuilding our housing stock and providing much needed tax revenue. Residents fear declines in property values and an increase in criminal elements are a direct correlation to the vacant property epidemic. Vacant lots can be transformed into community gardens and provide residents with urban farming opportunities. Community organizations and educational institutions can acquire vacant parcels for beauti� cation and learning opportunities.

***Incumbent, Stanley Moore and Democratic candidate, Robert McKay did not return a survey.

***TIMOTHY “TIM” PARKERDemocratic candidate for COOK

COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 5www.electtimparker.orgFacebook: Friends of Tim Parker

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Increasing taxes and no trauma center in the South suburbs.

***DEBORAH SIMS incumbentcandidate for COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 5

www.reelectdeborahsims.org

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Health care, enrolling patients in County Care and being able to keep them enrolled. � e dispute between the Sheri� and Chief Judge on inmates being placed on electronic monitoring who qualify, which individual has authority and responsibility.

***JESUS G. GARCIA incumbentcandidate for COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT

7 www.jesusgarciacookcounty.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesus-Chuy-Garcia-for-Cook-C ou nt y- C om m i s s i on e r-7t h-District/171643441694

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Economic development is the engine that drives our ability to provide Cook County residents with basic needs, i.e., jobs, advanced education and training, health, housing, and to clear paths to economic and social mobility.

***EDWIN REYESincumbentDemocratic candidate for COOK COUNTY BOARD,

DISTRICT 8www.reyes2014.comFacebook: Reyes2014Twitter:@EdwinReyes8

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � ere are two major issues facing Cook County today, one is the overcrowding in the County jail and the other is the development of economic opportunity for residents of Cook County.

***Luis Arroyo, Jr. did not return a survey.

***PETER SILVESTRIincumbentRepublican candidate for COOK COUNTY

COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 9www.petersilvestri.comFacebook: Peter Silvestri

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Financing the current public health and safety without increasing taxes. Completing reform of employee practices and the juvenile temporary detention administration so as to guarantee best practices and remove of federal court orders. Controlling budgets and avoiding new taxes or

increasing current taxes.***

LARRY SUFFREDINincumbentDemocratic candidate for COOK COUNTY

COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 13www.su� redin.org What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Reducing the jail population and making trials fairer and faster. Continuing to make our healthcare system better � nanced and more accessible to citizens. Separating the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board from the Cook County Board. Developing programs to appreciate the diversity of Cook County among its people and their professions, especially those who work in our food growing and processing industries.

***TIMOTHY O. SCHNEIDER incumbentRepublican candidate for COOK COUNTY

BOARD, DISTRICT 15www.timschneider.us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.schneider.9231 Twitter: @Fighting15th

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � e major issues facing Cook County government today are our budgetary challenges along with overcrowding at the Cook County Jail. As the economy continues to be stagnant, tremendous pressure continues to be placed on our annual budget. With personnel expenses comprising 80% of our annual spending, we must be looking for e� ciencies in lieu of tax increases. Lower taxes will attract more businesses and residents into Cook County, broadening our tax base, and reducing the individual tax burden. � e overcrowding at Cook County jail is currently the worst it has been since I was � rst elected Cook County Commissioner in 2006. As the jail continues to burst at the seams, not only does it create a safety issue for detainees and sheri� personnel, it exposes Cook County to costly litigation. Electronic monitoring for non-violent pre-trial detainees is a suitable stop-gap until we can help reform the adjudication process by way of moving cases more e� ciently through the system.

***ELIZABETH “LIZ” DOODY GORMANincumbentRepublican candidate for

COOK COUNTY BOARD, DISTRICT 17District Website: www.lizgorman.com Campaign Website: www.lizfor17.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/commissionergormanTwitter: @CookCounty17th

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? � e annual cost of Cook County government, the long term � scal health of Cook County and the � nancial burden placed upon taxpayers and businesses are the major issues facing Cook County. � e economic indicators


FRANK AVILAincumbentDemocratic candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER

RECLAMATION [email protected]://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZt1SqSsZw Facebook: Commissioner Frank Avila

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? (1) Treat waste water in a cost e� ective way to minimize the expense to the residents of Cook County. (2) Educate the public on toxic chemicals in our personal care products, cosmetics, food, and the e� ect of pesticides, herbicides at the front end before it comes into our system. (3) Improve environmental responsibility including the regulation of waste disposal to protect our waterways. (4) Eliminate toxic chemicals from the source to prevent endocrine disruption; to protect the health and safety of district residents. (5) Protect the quality of Lake Michigan water; to improve the water quality area waterways and protect aquatic life. (6) Control commercial and industrial waste discharged to the sewers and waterways. (7) Maintain our facilities and infrastructure. (8) Implement technology that positively impacts the environment. (9) Continue to work with local municipalities and other government agencies to minimize and manage � ood damage. (10) Ensure � nancial stability. (11) Keep energy costs to a minimum.

***FRANK EDWARD GARDNER Democratic candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER

RECLAMATION DISTRICTwww.CommissionerGardner.comFacebook: Frank Gardner

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? Disinfection of treatment plants that discharge into the waterways. More revenue from MWRD lands. Stop � ooding by natural wetlands/methods to contain stormwater. Cut waste and lower taxes.

***

BRENDAN HOULIHANDemocratic candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER

RECLAMATION DISTRICTwww.brendanhoulihan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brendan.houlihan.16?fref=ts What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? � ere are several environmental issues that face Cook County and the Water Reclamation District and many of these problems are connected. For example, one of the most pressing issues is the � ooding problem with the Des Plaines and Chicago River. � is � ooding has put the healthy and safety of people at risk while also costing tax dollars. It has also had a negative impact on local farming and agriculture- putting our crops at risk and people out of work. � e Deep Tunnel Project (TARP) that was implemented to address this problem is running behind. If elected, I would work to ensure that projects are running e� ciently so as to not waste time and resources. Another important issue is the health of our fresh water and standardizing the disinfection of our wastewater. Water treatment facilities are discharging water contaminated with bacteria into the Chicago Area Waterways Systems. Currently, only two plants have to disinfect their water before it is released- while others still do not treat theirs. Standardizing the disinfection process would streamline and ensure accountability. Finally, I have always been an advocate for honest and transparent policies. I believe that a transparent government is a good government and would be a champion for ensuring dependability from the MWRD.

***JOSINA MORITA Democratic candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICTwww.friendso� osina.comwww.facebook.com/friendso� osina

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? MWRD is doing exciting work under the leadership of a new Executive Director. It

is a $1.1 billion agency that has maintained a solid bond rating and � nancial footing, which is important for taxpayers, and their recently negotiated employee pension package provides greater long-term stability as well. � e board just passed the Watershed Management Ordinance- a huge step forward in addressing the County’s stormwater management issues and increasing green infrastructure. Disinfection is beginning- at far less cost than initially estimated. And the agency is moving forward with nutrient recovery including phosphorous removal which will improve our water quality and provide new revenue opportunities for the District. In recent years, we have experienced more intense, more localized and more damaging rainstorms that may be a symptom of climate change. Managing stormwater to reduce � ooding and basement backups and protect quality of life is a major challenge for the District. In addition, the District must complete the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan as expeditiously as possible. It should also play a lead role in the � nal determination of separating the Mississippi River watershed from Lake Michigan. Asian carp continues to be a major focus and the District will play a signi� cant role in decisions on how to address their spread and those of other aquatic nuisance species. Partnerships with municipalities, farmers and residents will be key to the District’s future success.

***KATHLEEN MARY O’REILLEYDemocratic candidate for METROPOLITAN

WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? Stormwater management; disinfection of treatment plant discharge into the waterways; and producing more revenue from MWRD lands.

***CYNTHIA SANTOSincumbentDemocratic candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICTwww.CynthiaSantos.com

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to

the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? Disinfection of Chicago Area Waterways (CAWS) is an issue the MWRD is facing with regards to long-term planning for combined sewer over� ow compliance. In line with the consent decree initiated by the USEPA there will be new regulations that will require the expansion of infrastructure and operations that the MWRD will need to � nance and implement. As a result of the Disinfection Task Force study, a combination of more e� cient use of UV disinfection and selective ch lor inat ion/de-ch lor inat ion technology will provide more e� ective treatment of e� uent. While this process does not come cheap, the Task Force has suggested methods to internally deliver a process that was well under the expected operation and maintenance costs by elimination of a low li� pump station and initiating measures that consider � ows at both their maximum and average basis. � e Cook County Community continues to raise its expectations of the CAWS as a recreational development opportunity. With the completion of the Board initiated storm water watershed plans, the MWRD is moving into the design and construction phase of projects that will relieve future � ooding throughout its service area. � e combination of these projects coupled with the completion of the TARP project and development of green infrastructure in the region will ensure that the MWRD remains the lead agency in protecting Cook County’s greatest asset- its water resources.

***Tim Bradford, Tom Courtney, Adam Miguest, and John Xydakis did not return surveys.

***R. CARY CAPPARELLIRepublican candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER

RECLAMATION DISTRICT www.rcarycapparelli.com R. Cary Capparelli for MWRDGC Commissionerwww.facebook.com/groups/ 24778241874303/

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? � e primary responsibility of the MWRDGC Commissioners is to provide safe water management. � e Commissioners must manage a $1.6 billion budget as an accountable cost-e� ective

agency and be environmentally conscientious simultaneously accommodating the public citizen, for personal and recreational use, and the agriculture and industries that provide jobs. � is is a challenging endeavor for any dedicated professional. � e Board of Commissioners has been controlled by a single party for over 40 years. � is kind of ‘monopoly’ creates an atmosphere not conducive to good government. Comfortablity causes mismanagement of how tax monies are spent; particularly major bidding processes that favor the politically connected. � e MWRDGC government needs balance to better address issues pertaining cost-e� ectively protecting its water supply.

***HERB SCHUMANNRepublican candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) facing Cook County? Allocation of storm water � ooding prevention resources.What will your number one priority be, if you are elected? Representing suburban Cook County on all issues, especially the prioritization of � ood prevention resources.

***James “Jim” Parrilli did not return a survey.

***GEORGE E. MILKOWSKIgreen candidate for METROPOLITAN WATER

RECLAMATION DISTRICT

What do you consider to be the major issue(s) as it pertains to the o� ce you are seeking facing Cook County? (1) � e in-house legal sta� seems to be unable to handle the work; maybe because they are not fully quali� ed to do so or are understa� ed and overworked. (2) Too o� en decisions are made and policies changed with no input from community or citizens groups. All stakeholders should have some input into any changes. (3) Invasive species such as the voracious Asian Carp have become a great economic problem because of the linkage of the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River watershed. Greater e� orts must be made to keep this under control.

***Karen Roothaan and Michael Smith did not return surveys.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District


for our local region and the state of Illinois are not good. Our residents and businesses have reached a saturation point with high taxes, fees and regulations.

We, as government o� cials, must break this negative trend if we’re going to: get our � scal house in order for both the short term and long term; restore con� dence in

our business community to locate, grow and create jobs here, and relieve the high taxation burden we’ve placed upon our residents. A � scally responsible government

with a robust economy needs to be the goals of Cook County. � e 2014 Cook County Budget was a step in the right direction as it did not include any new taxes or no

fees. We must strive very hard to continue in this direction.

***Barbara Bellar did not return a survey.


National Ag Day Word Search

You could win a products basket & movie tickets!

Complete the Word Search puzzle and your name will be entered into a drawing for 4 movie tickets! Deadline is the 15th of this month.

Mail to: Cook Co. Farm Bureau

Ag Adventures Word Search 6438 Joliet Rd

Countryside, IL 60525 Fax to: (708)579-6056

Email to: [email protected]

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.

Name:__________________________________________

Address:_______________________________________

_______________________________________ Phone #:______________________________________ Membership #:_______________________________

(on front of paper above name/address)

AGRICULTURE ADVENTURES FOR FAMILIES

Ag Day Agriculture Apple Awareness Bananas Broccoli Celebrate Cherries Contribution

O V O F O L F B E N F I B E R

F D K B I W R H O H C G E R W

N F Q Z N O Y I O J J P F U O

N O J Q C S T S G A N O M T A

C J I C Y A R G O O R A S L W

I U O T L C W E H E R M G U A

O L G U U A E L M C I D G C R

I H P C L B P L H R X A E I E

G O D K W S I P E Y A R F R N

P K W F U G X R L B P F H G E

S E I R R E H C T E R G W A S

P R O D U C E R S N B A E W S

D O O F N G N C A L O S T U Y

H I Y T L R P D N J G C P E I

M U W Z G M O A A C K Y I F C

E S W H C L E C N F H Y Z I P

B R R F L Y W Y A M A H Z N C

A V T H E U Z J B D Y N A R X

O E P T K A F R G R Z C U F F

F M K B R H M A I K Q D T Q W

Corn Eggs Farmers Fiber Food March Pizza Population Producers

Last month’s winner of four movie tickets was : Mahmoud Zegar

Could you be next?!

National Ag Day is on March 25th! What is Ag Day? It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, gov-ernment agencies and countless others across America join together to recog-nize the contributions of agriculture. National Ag Day falls during National Ag Week, March 23-29th and it is about recognizing and celebrating the contribu-tion of agriculture in our everyday lives. Why Celebrate Agriculture? Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training. By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in agriculture. Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States.

Agriculture: 365 Sunrises and 7 Billion Mouths to Feed

Americans today consume 17.3 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year! The average American eats about 68 quarts!

While the first breakfast cereal was made by adding sugar and milk to popped popcorn, a shortage of baking flours after World War II forced breadmakers to substitute up to 25% of wheat flour with ground popped popcorn. Over the years, popcorn also has been used as an ingredient in pudding, candy, soup, salad and entrees.

Microwave popcorn is the same as other popcorn except the kernels are usually larger and the packaging is designed for maximum popability.

Illinois designated popcorn as the official state snack food in 2004?

Washington state grows the most apples in the U.S. If you grew 100 apple trees from the seeds of one tree, they would all be different. Apples are a member of the rose family. The apples from one tree can fill 20 boxes every year. Fresh apples float because 25 percent of their volume is air.

The same chemicals that give tart cherries their color may relieve pain better than aspirin and ibuprofen in humans.

Eating about 20 tart cherries a day could reduce inflammatory pain and headache pain.

Today, in Michigan, there are almost 4 million cherry trees which an-nually produce 150 to 200 pounds of tart cherries.

The egg shell may have as many as 17,000 tiny pores over its surface. Through them, the egg can absorb flavors and odors. Storing them in their cartons helps keep them fresh!

Eggs age more in one day at room temperature than in one week in the refrigerator. It takes 24 to 26 hours for a hen to produce an egg; there is 30 minutes be-

tween each egg-producing cycle. Egg yolks are one of the few foods that naturally contain Vitamin D.

The batter used to make pancakes is almost exactly the same as the batter used to make regular cakes. The pancake batter is just a little thinner.

On Pancake Day in Newfoundland (the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent), items are placed in the pancake batter before it is cooked to foretell the future for family members. If a boy received an item for a trade, it meant he would enter that trade. If a girl received an item for a trade, it meant she would marry a person from that trade.

We are eating 900% more broccoli than we did 20 years ago. In the United States, broccoli was probably first grown by im-

migrants from Italy in home gardens in Brooklyn, New York. In 1923, a group of Italian vegetable farmers in Northern Califor-nia started to grow broccoli commercially and in a few years they were shipping fresh broccoli to Boston and New York.

Learn about the food you eat through FUN FACTS!

*Fun Facts/Info provided by Agday.org

For more information about Ag Day visit: Agday.org

Take a look at next month’s Cooperator to see how we celebrated Ag Day!

Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza each day, or 350 slices per second.

Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold in the U.S. each year. In America, anchovies always rank last on the list of favorite toppings. Pepperoni is America’s favorite topping and makes up 36 percent of all pizza

orders. We eat approximately 251,770,000 pounds of pepperoni a year!



Winter woes melt into promise of spring

Our five-year-old stated his wisdom with such wide-eyed excitement and innocence: “Mom, the groundhog saw his shadow and now there are 16 more weeks of winter!” “What?!” I replied. His older sister quickly corrected his statistics. “Oh yeah, six weeks,” he remembered. That sounded better. But not much. While the kids may not fully embrace the harshness of this winter, the adults do. And I don’t know an adult who would wish for even six more days of this winter. We tire of tales of high heating bills, frozen pipes and livestock waterers, and cancellations. Before Valentine’s Day, the kids counted seven weather-related days off of school. They had yet to attend a full five-day week of school since 2013. The teachers repeatedly rescheduled the 100th Day Celebration. Top that with weekends of ruined plans. Adult frustration of consuming propane heating fuel like calories at Christmas. And sparkling, deep snow that proved lousy for snowman construction most of the time. Soon enough, the anticipation of subzero air temperatures and wind chills became less thrilling. There were days our family refused attempts to heat the farm shop where we prepared equipment for spring. Rather, we were pent up, forced to face bookwork, housework and board games or bake a long-time family cake recipe with those oranges from the FFA fundraiser.

Snap from it. Stop complaining. The snow was beautiful in early February -- photo-worthy, in fact. And we’re safe. The promise of spring will arrive. In every conversation, the talk is of how soon. As much as tomorrow’s forecast, I want to know the one for next week. Next month would be great, too. Teachers, barbers, farmers, fellow church-goers and moms in the school pick-up zone talk less about the weather at the time and more about how we want it to be. Sunny. Warmer. Greener. With moderate precipitation. Even normal would seem fantastic. On the farm, we wonder: When will fieldwork begin? Will winter’s cold, wet pattern linger? Will rain fall on snow and make a “floody “mess? How timely will soils warm and planting begin? Will the cruel winter reduce this year’s crop-destroying bugs and nasty weeds? Will winter’s fury impact the spring calf crop?Time will tell, as it always does. We have faith that the sun will shine, grass will green and soils mellow in preparation for another growing and grazing season. In the meantime, I’m ready for the day I take little rubber boots to the school bus for that sloppy stroll down the lane.

About the Author: Joanie Stiers, a wife and mother of two, farms with her husband and family on a multi-generational grain farm in West-Central Illinois.

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Chipotle Unnecessarily Tears Down Agriculture to Build a Brand: “In the boardrooms of Madison Avenue, they call it “values branding”: a marketing stragey in which a company trires to instill a feeling of righteousness in the customers who buy its products. But what kind of values would inspire a corporation to wage a smear campaign against America’s farmers?” To read the full article visit: http://illinoisfarmbureau.files.wordpress.com

2013 County Cash Rents: Levels, Variability, and 2014 Cash Rent Decisions:To read the article go to http://www.farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2013/09/2013-county-cash-rents-levels-2014.html

Feeding America Fast Facts, Visit www.feedingamerica.org:Visit this site for interesting facts regarding the hunger situation in America and how you can help!

Important Dates Near for Expanded Crop Insurance Options for Organic Producers:For information regarding this matter visit www.rma.usda.gov/news/currentissues/organics

2014 National Agriculture Day Fun Facts: For fun facts about the Food We Eat and Flora, Fauna and Food for Thought visit www.agday.org (also view the Ag Adventures Fun Facts on Page 7 of the Cooperator)

Start2farm.gov:Visit this site for resources and programs for new and beginning farmers.

The Importance of the Canada/United States Agricultural Trade Relationship:Visit www.agr.gc.ca/usadvocacyImpacts of Recent Changes in the Illinois Farmland Assessment LawTo view the impacts and changes visit http://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/006243print.html

Agriculture from the World Wide Web…



PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE

Manifolds, Manolos, and Manure Since 2010, Cook County Farm Bureau has operated a Political Action Committee designed to support candidates who are supportive of the

policies, priorities and mission of the Farm Bureau while promoting the economic and social well-being of farmers and farm-related interests in Cook County. Since 2010, the PAC has made 28 endorsements. Not all incumbents. Not all challengers. Not all major party candidates. But candidates who Committee members felt would make the largest impact on their District and the County. Members of the Cook CFB PAC Governance Committee are charged with making endorsements. When considering a candidate, members consider the results of the candidates’ interviews, questionnaires, support of Farm Bureau policies, and when applicable, voting record. This year, alone, Committee members spent 34 hours interviewing candidates and determining endorsements. Thirty-four volunteer hours. Of the candidates running for Cook County Board, Governance Committee members interviewed candidates in the first, fourth, fifth, and seventeenth districts. Of the five candidates running in the first district, Governance Committee members were most impressed by Blake Sercye and Richard Boykin. Boykin brings a wealth of government experience,

including a stint as Congressman Danny Davis’ Legislative Director and Chief of Staff. His ideas for increasing economic development were not only impressive but practical, including his desire to make Cook County competitive in terms of sales and property taxes. Our concerns lied in his support of a minimum wage increase and ensuring that the County has the “right tax structure”. Sercye is a young Austin-native who handles litigation at Jenner & Block in addition to pro bono work in fair housing and prisoner’s rights. Sercye serves as a board member of Bethel New Life and Umoja Student Development Corporation as well as a commissioner for the Illinois Medical District. Sercye also worked with underserved youth as a court appointed advocate for abused and neglected children. Committee members were most impressed with Sercye’s thoughts on County/municipal partnerships and avenues to save both entities money by working together on common sense projects. Sercye is young but not new and brings forth a wealth of energy and excitement about helping both the constituents of the first district and Cook County. For the first district it’s Blake Sercye. Of the three candidates running in the fourth district, Governance Committee members were most impressed with Nicholas “Nick” Smith and Stanley Moore. Smith’s background includes a stint as a Legislative Aide for the Chicago Committee on Transportation and Public Way and as an Investigator for the Committee

on Budget and Government Operations before joining Chicago State University as a Faculty/Community Coordinator for the Institute for Youth and Community Engagement. Committee members felt that Smith brought forth a wealth of new ideas and especially, appreciated his commitment to the community. Moore, who was appointed after former-Commissioner Bill Beavers was convicted joined the County Board a little less than a year ago. His first day in office brought the first of many debates on Cook County landfills. His efforts on transportation are not only commendable but creative and much needed. His record on Farm Bureau issues is nothing short of 100 percent. For the fourth district it’s Stanley Moore. In the fifth district, Tim Parker a veteran of the US Army, a law enforcement officer for the Cook County Sheriff ’s Department, and 20 year resident of the south suburbs is not only an alternative to the current direction of the district but is an outstanding and capable candidate. Committee members were most impressed with Parker’s knowledge of the district and the criminal justice system. For the fifth district it’s Tim Parker. In the seventeenth district, Liz Gorman is a veteran of the Cook County Board. She fought against the 2008 sales tax increase and has worked tirelessly to oppose drastic fee increases. As an incumbent, her voting record on Farm Bureau issues is nothing short of outstanding. For the seventeenth district it’s easily Liz Gorman.

Governance Committee members also interviewed candidates for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The Democratic primary for the MWRD has a splattering of candidates, including two incumbents, challengers with legitimate desires to improve district operations, and individuals looking to make a name for themselves or to follow in their father’s or husband’s shoes. Josina Morita is an urban planner by trade and understands the importance of water management, infrastructure, accessibility, and fiscal solvency. Committee members were impressed by her understand of phosphorous sources and removal and her support of an independent Inspector General for the district. Also in the race for MWRD is Brendan Houlihan who helped Cook County residents manage their property tax bills while serving on the Board of Review. In addition to transparency, he laid the foundation for technology improvements and computerization of appeals records. Houlihan’s platform includes treating waste water in a safe and environmentally sound manner while managing the County’s f looding. Incumbent Cynthia Santos isn’t new to politics nor the MWRD. Her understanding of the district combined with her straightforward answers on the district’s pension situation equaled not only an impressive interview but an impressive candidate. For MWRD it’s Josina Morita, Brendan Houlihan, and Cynthia Santos.

By Bona Heinsohn

Policy Question of the MonthWho did Cook CFB leaders meet with during the annual Lunches to

Legislators program?

Email your answer to [email protected] or [email protected] or call (708)354-3276 to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

FEBRUARY’S WINNER for the Public Policy Question of the Month was Helen Bodinet. Congratulations!

January’s question: Did Illinois Farm Bureau® delegates approve Cook CFB’s resolution during the delegate session in December?Answers: Cook CFB’s resolution prohibiting individuals from serving concurrently as an elected mayor and an elected county board member was approved by Illinois Farm Bureau® delegates during the delegate session in December. As a reminder, this resolution was the result of the Viewpoint Survey process and Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy process.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Bona Heinsohn, Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Relations

6438 Joliet Rd., Countryside, Il [email protected] 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.

Earlier this year, Cook County Farm Bureau leaders engaged not only the White House but Congressional leaders in conversations about pertinent agricultural issues. In January, Farm Bureau leaders “flooded” the White House with calls opposing the proposed reductions in the volume requirements for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In November, EPA proposed

that the renewable fuel mandate be lowered from 14.1 billion gallons to 13 billion gallons. The advanced fuel mandate, including biodiesel and E85, would drop from 3.75 billion gallons to 2.2 billion gallons. Also in January, Farm Bureau leaders stepped to the plate and contacted Congressmen and US Senators asking them to support the Farm Bill. Prior to the end of January, Congressmen approved

the first bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill since 2008. In February, the Senate voted 68-32 in favor of the Farm Bill. President Obama also signed the measure. Many aspects of the Farm Bill will be in place before the end of 2014. Thank you to all Farm Bureau members who made calls on this important issue!

Farm Bureau Volunteers Engage Leaders in Conversations about Agricultural Issues

Cook CFB leaders met with (pictured left to right) Representative Kelly Burke, Senator Bill Cunningham, and Representative Fran Hurley during the recent Lunches to Legislators program. Cook CFB Board member, Janet McCabe (pictured center) along with Cook CFB Public Policy Team member, Cindy Gustafson (not pictured) discussed Farm Bureau’s 2014 Legislative Priorities with local legislators after a quick lunch. Legislators will now travel to Springfield for the 2014 Legislative Session.

Understanding Your Property Tax Bill

Amount Due

PIN- a 14-digit number representing the property’s legal description

Payment schedule- the amount to pay by the due date

Property location- where the PIN is physically located, not necessarily the billing address

Taxing Districts- in the middle of your tax bill under “Taxing District Deb and Financial Data,” are the agencies that tax you. To the right are the four categories of financial information supplied by each taxing district:

Money owed by your taxing district: Total debt and liabilities owed by a taxing district.

Pension and healthcare amounts promised by your taxing district: Total pensions and healthcare benefits a taxing district is obligated to pay retirees and beneficiaries.

Amount of pension and healthcare shortage: Total amount a taxing district does not have in its pension fund to pay retirees and beneficiaries.

% of pension and healthcare costs taxing districts can pay: Calculation of a taxing district’s pension and healthcare costs divined by pension and healthcare obligations.

Understanding Your Tax Bill



MEMBER RELATIONSCook County Financial

Representatives of the Month

The Financial Representative of the Month program is designed by Country Financial Agency Managers of Cook County to recog-nize 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 man-ager with the Financial Representative of the Month designation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Katie Smith, Director of Membership, 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, Il 60525

[email protected] 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”

Mike Basile Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency ManagerMike Basile has been named Chicago North Career Financial Representative of the month for January 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.

Kevin Welsh Chicago North Agency, Vicki Nygren, Agency ManagerKevin Welsh has been named Chicago North Employee Financial Representative of the month for January 2014. His office is located at 1701 W. Belmont Ave in Chicago, IL. His phone number is (773)248-1701. Kevin has been a Financial

Representative since January 2009.

Martha Dominguez Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency ManagerMartha Dominguez has been named Chicago South Career Financial Representative of the month for January 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.

Gwen Shaw Chicago South Agency, Marc Rogala, Agency ManagerGwen Shaw has been named Chicago South Employee Financial Representative of the month for January 2014. Her office is located at 737 E. 87th St. in Chicago, IL. Her phone number is (773) 487-0918. Gwen has been a Financial Representative

since March 2009.

Bill Asimakopoulos Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency ManagerBill Asimakopoulos has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for January 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 [email protected].

Tony Munno Countryside Agency, Mike Flynn, Agency ManagerTony Munno has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for January 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 [email protected].

Lena Stovall Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency ManagerLena Stovall has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for January 2014. Her office is located at 25 S. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge, IL. Her phone number is (847) 419-1281. Lena has been a Financial Representative since

January 2008

Yanni Zavakos Northshore Agency, Mike Cerf, Agency Manager Yanni Zavakos has been named Employee Representative of the Month for January 2014. His office is located at 333 E. Dundee Rd. in Wheeling, IL. His phone number is (847) 419-1281. Yanni has been a Financial Representative

since March 2010.

Ryan Mann Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency ManagerRyan 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.

Nora Beverly Orland Park Agency, Cary Tate, Agency ManagerNora Beverly has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for January 2014. Her office is located at 9731 W. 165th St., Ste 36 in Orland Park, IL. Her phone number is (708)226-1111. Nora Beverly has been a Financial Rep

since August 2011.

Kathy Spiewak Schaumburg Agency, Jack Smith, Agency ManagerKathy Spiewak has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for January 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 ManagerTomasz Spiewak has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for January 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.

Jim Verduin South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency ManagerJim Verduin has been named Career Financial Representative of the Month for January 2014. Jim’s office is located at 17080 S. Park Ave in South Holland, IL. His phone number is (708) 596-0008. Jim has been a Financial Representative

since March 1982.

Elliot Day South Holland Agency, Jeff Orman, Agency ManagerElliot Day has been named Employee Financial Representative of the Month for January 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.

CCFB Upcoming Events

CCFB will be hosting a document and electronic “Shred Day” on Saturday, April 26th from 10 am to 12-noon at the Rolling Meadows Country Financial Building located at 4190 W Euclid Ave. in Rolling Meadows. Call the CCFB to make a reservation.

Workshop on Wills and Trusts and Transferring Non-Titled Property

When: Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 6:30-9 p.m. Where: Orland Park Country Financial 9731 W 165th St. Ste 36 Orland Park, IL 60467 Cost: No charge for Cook County Farm Bureau Members $10 per person for non-members

To Pre-register Call the Cook County Farm Bureau at 708-354-3276.

Concealed Carry Course When: May 17th and 18th Time: 9:00 am—5:00 pm

Where: Cook County Farm Bureau *MUST BE CCFB MEMBERS

Registration:

http://allccw.com/event-registration?ee=71

Space is limited to 30 participants.

5 Week Boating Safety Course

$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 register.

Shred/Electronic Recycling


The CCFB and U of I Extension will co-host a babysitting class for pre-teen/teens and will take place on Saturday May 3rd from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Cook County Farm Bureau Building in Countryside. The price per person is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Please bring a lunch, CCFB will provide drinks. The goal of this class is to successfully train pre-teens and teens to be qualified babysitters. The curriculum will provide participants with the tools necessary to understand the expec-tations involved and be equipped for the challenges of babysitting. Participation in this workshop is open to any pre-teen/teen with the interest in creating a babysitting business. Attendees will receive certification after completion of class. Outcomes/Impact: Short-term: Participants will attend the Babysitting for Hire workshop to learn how to be qualified babysitters. Medium-term: Participants will begin to identify themselves as qualified

babysitters as they prepare to develop their businesses. Long-term: Participants will complete the Babysitting for Hire workshop as

qualified babysitters and have successful babysitting businesses.

Call the CCFB to register for this important class at 708.354.3276! The deadline to register is April 21, 2014.

Babysitting Class for Pre-teen/Teens


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

MiscellaneousFree to good family: bunk bed w/attached desk, like new. Couch & Sofa bed, must disassemble and remove/haul. Call 708-299-9888 or 708-450-9889, leave message.

Entertainment Center 3-Tier for sale. Rustic look, lots of storage. $500. Call 708-691-5217.

Residential door hardware: 6 bed/bath door knobs, 3 hall/closet door knobs, 2 dummy knobs, 10 bi-fold door pulls, 30 removal pin door hinges (3-1/2”, 5/8” round), 12 removal pin door hinges (4”, 5/8” round), and 4 exterior door knobs with deadbolts; all polished brass and all hardware included. Asking $50, or best offer. Call (815) 508-0406.

Camera Equipment – Canon AE-1, speedlites, various lenses, leather case. Excellent condition. Also, jewelry stones: amethyst, peridot, iolite and more. Call 708-764-1168.

2 Berkline electric lift chairs Forest Green $600. Chromcraft table 40 x 40 with 2-18” leaves, 4 swivel tilt arm chairs, color is tan taglio $500. Barbie collection: Dolls of the World, Princess Collection, Collector Edition, Holiday Collection, 25th Anniversary Collection, 50th Anniversary Collection, India, Canada, Phillipines, Great Era Collection. Located in the Midway area. Call 773-767-8630.

Two cemetery lots in the Greenwood section of Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Stickney, IL. Will accept best offer. Call 708-620-8357.

Dining room table, 4 extra leaves, 6 chairs, China hutch cabinet, oak. Made in the USA. Table closed 65” with leaves 109”. Excellent condition. Call 708-418-5869.

Exercise equipment: Sears elliptical, pedicycle, leg press. Also have other items for sale: Gen. butcher block ped. table, ceramic vases and 2 fur coats, mink tail (black - sz med), faux beaver w/hood (blk - sz med). All good condition. Call Louis at 773-723-9554.

Motorized Vehicles and Accessories

2001 Ford F250, 6.8L, V-10 engine. Runs great, asking $5,500. Call 708-860-9851.

Thor (Four Winds) Chateau, 31’ Class C RV. One owner, excellent condition, gently used. Great mechanical and esthetic condition; meticulously maintained. Winterized. Ford E450 w/hitch. Sleeps six-plus. Only 60,000 miles. Call Karen @ 847-588-3601.

Tractors/ Farm Equipment

Snowblower’s, tractors, chainsaws, generators “all power equipment. Repair, parts, service – pickup/delivery service. Lockport, IL. Please call with questions 815-588-1200 or 630-202-4940.

Real Estate For Sale/Rent

Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home in Streamwood on a quiet street. Kitchen w/newer appliances & dishwasher. Also included is washer/dryer and wall-to-wall carpeting. Attached 1 car garage, large yard, not fenced. No pets. 1 yr lease required, $1,300/month. Call 847-208-0991.

Buy 2,300 sq. ft. 3rd floor apt in Chicago’s Madison Park @ $110/sq. ft! For details visit www.SdogV.com/forsale.html or contact [email protected]

For sale, 10 acres, newer country Beecher home: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, garage, stove, fridge, washer/dryer, central air. Please call 708-772-3203.

4 bedroom, 2 bath in Forest Park. Washer/dryer

- no utilities included. Appliances are included.

NO pets, 1 month rent plus security for first

month. $1,200 per month. Call 773-317-8371.

1 bedroom apartment on the first floor for

rent in Justice. Great location, close to the

expressway! Central air condition & private

parking. Call 708-349-8388.

Vacation Rentals/Sales

Vacation Villas at Fantasyworld II Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Seven (7) nights in one bedroom suite, full kitchen, outdoor swimming pool, sleeps four (4). $800 for seven (7) nights. No presentation is required. Call Ms. Day at (708)347-9369 for availability.

5 Star Resort 3 br/2 ba condo 2 miles from Disney World Orlando. Rental rates from $80/night. Call 630-853-7669 or go to www.vrbo.com/218673.

WantedTaxidermy items, also vintage fishing items, rods & reels, lures, outboard motors, etc. Call 708-361-8230.

Pet Care Owners: Vacations? Overtime? Accidents? Your Pet(s)’ Needs Can’t Wait!! Experienced certified pet sitter NW Chicago suburbs has openings for dog walks/small companion animal pet sits/and overnights at your home. Member Pet Sitters international and veterinary-assistant trained. Cats are my specialty and I provide home vacation services. Call Helene at 630-337-2030. Bonded/insured and strong references form satisfied clients.

Bicycle collector looking to buy antique mens bikes manufactured from approx. 1910 through 1940. Let me know what you have and we can discuss price(s). You can reach me, Mike, at (708)341-1481 or e-mail me at: [email protected] Thanks!

FREE Classified Adsfor Cook County Farm Bureau members

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: o For Sale Misc. o For Sale Other o For Rent o Wanted

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Farm Bureau # __________________________________ Phone ______________________________

Ad ____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

*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)

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 [email protected] Non-member ad rate: $.75 per word; $15.00 minimum.

“502,000” is the number of

Cooperators sent to households in the last year!

It’s no wonder the classified ad section is so popular

with our members!

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.

10:00 AM DATE Tuesday, 04/22/2014

TIME

RSVP

By Friday 18, 2014 to Debbie at 708-354-3276.

Call for flyer or visit cookcfb.org/buy-local/programs for details.

WHERE

Cook County Farm Bureau® 6438 Joliet Rd

Countryside, IL 60525 Cookcfb.org

Mayflower Tours Travel Preview Join us for a travel presentation of 2 new exciting trips provided by Mayflower Tours: Pacific Coast Journey~ Departure date September 22, 2014

9 days - 13 meals featuring Oregon’s Coast and San Francisco Tennessee Rails and Sails~ Departure date October 13, 2013 7 Days - 11 meals featuring 3 scenic Rail Excursions and 2 River Cruises

We are looking for your favorite Recipe that you proudly cook using fresh, locally grown and raised ingredients for the Cook County Farm Bureau:

Cookfresh 2014 Recipe Collection

Submit a recipe favorite and we will include you in a drawing to win a $50 gift certificate to a county member Farm Stand or grocery retailer near you. Email or mail your recipe along with your name and phone number by March 21st to:

Cook County Farm Bureau Attn: Debbie Voltz

[email protected] 6438 Joliet Road

Countryside, IL 60525 708-354-3276



Income Tax Service Offered Through Farm Bureau

The Cook County Farm Bureau will again be offering income tax preparation services for members as a benefit in 2014. As members consider their income taxes, the Professional Tax Service available through the Cook County Farm Bureau is an attractive program that members will want to use. The Cook County Farm Bureau has enlisted the expertise and talents of our affiliated company, the Illinois Agricultural Auditing Association (IAAA), to offer the service. We have set up dates and times at three locations throughout Cook County. Please call Katie at the Farm Bureau office at 708-354-3276 for pricing and to schedule your appointment at any of these locations. Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Road, Countryside, IL 60525 3/4, 3/6, 3/18 Schaumburg Country Financial 2435 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194 3/3, 3/10, 3/21

South Holland/Oak Forest Country Financial 4845 167th Street, Oak Forest, IL 60452 3/20

Illinois Farm Bureau members get $750 Bonus Cash toward the purchase or lease of any eligible intelli-gently designed 2013/2014/2015 Lincoln vehicle.

Enjoy exclusive savings on your choice of vehicles from our luxurious Lincoln lineup including the 2014 Lincoln MKZ, with the available retractable panoramic roof.

Take advantage of this exclusive special offer today. Visit: www.lincolnspecialoffer.com/

Illinois Farm Bureau members get $500 Bonus Cash toward the purchase or lease of any eligible 2013/ 2014/2015 Ford vehicle.

Enjoy valuable savings on your choice of vehicles from our comfortable and capable lineup like the all new 2014 Ford Edge with an aerodynamic design, dynamic technology and impressive fuel efficiency.

Take advantage of this exclusive special offer today. Visit: www.fordspecialoffer.com/farmbureau/il

Administrative Assistant – Agriculture Education –

The Cook County Farm Bureau “Ag in the Classroom” program headquartered in Countryside, is seeking a part-time administrative assistant to support our literacy programming. This position will be responsible for phone support of school presentations and educator requests, database management, workshop

preparation, ordering and organization of literacy materials and coordination of a wide variety of special projects. The qualified individual must have outstanding organizational skills and have the ability to balance rapidly changing priorities. Position requires solid knowledge of Outlook, Excel and Publisher.

Additionally, this position will support social media including Facebook and Twitter. Meticulous attention to detail is required, as well as outstanding oral and written communication skills. Interested individuals should submit resume to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

IAACU Money Clip: FRAUD For the next couple of editions we will explore different aspects of fraud and its effects on the consumer. For the first entry in the fraud series we will look at the who, what, when, where, why and how of fraud. What is fraud? Fraud is the crime of using dishonest methods to take something valuable from another person. Who does fraud affect? Anyone can experience fraud. When does fraud occur? Fraud happens every second of the day. You only hear about the large fraud cases that the media covers. There are much smaller cases of fraud that happen daily. Where does the fraud come from? It can happen through many different channels: through a simple text or e-mail, to swiping your debit or credit card, to clicking on a link through a website. Why does fraud occur? In each case of fraud, the outcome is deceit and often, harm to investors, but frauds may differ in how they get started and what may motivate the person involved. How does fraud occur? Fraud happens in two stages. First is the theft or compromise of your personal and/or security details. Second is the undertaking of the fraud by using your identity. Stay tuned…

Cook County Farm Bureau 6438 Joliet Rd in

Countryside Tuesday, May 13th

9:00 am to 4:00 pm Appts. are necessary

Call Toll Free: 877-732-8258

Four Life Saving Screenings: Stroke Screening

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Peripheral Arterial Disease

Osteoporosis

Farm Bureau Members $100 Community $135


DISCONTINUED Unfortunately AMC Silver tickets have been discontinued and will no longer be available for purchase. At this time we have limited quantity in stock. These will be sold on a first come/first serve basis. We will still carry AMC Gold tickets for $8.50 each.

The Younger Leader group will be meeting on March 21st from 7-10pm for dinner, a game of Whirlyball and a short meeting. This will take place at Whirlyball located at 800 E. Roosevelt Rd in Lombard. Please RSVP to Katie at (708)354-3276. The Young Leader group is made up of members age 18-35 interested in becoming more active in Farm Bureau and agriculture support and will be engaged in fun and educational/promotional activities. Contact Bob Rohrer, CCFB Manager, at (708)354-3276 if you are interested in information.

Young Leaders Outing2/27/14, 10:38 AMVideo/Photo Gallery - WhirlyBall

Page 2 of 4http://www.whirlyball.com/what/gallery_new.php

Watch iJustine & Karen from the web series "Lost In America" haveloads of fun playing WhirlyBall while visiting in Chicago...

Of course, there are loads of videos posted by WhirlyBall fans onYouTube - including a pretty popular band you may have heard of,

Death Cab For Cutie. ;)

Promotional photo from whirlyball.com

Documents

March 2014 Cooperator