Illinois™ Country Living

August 2000 Volume 58 Number 3

Published by Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives www.aiec.org John Lowrey Editor Jack D. Halstead Senior Editor Nancy R. Nixon Catrina McCulley Associate Editors John Broux Photographer/Associate Editor Sandy Wolske Advertising Coordinator Michelle Reed Administrative Assistant Kara Henning, Cheryl Howard & Erin Weller Graphic Designers Derek Squires Graphic Technician/Designer Angle Bingenheimer Circulation Coordinator Illinois Country Living is a monthly publication serving the communications needs of 21 locally owned, not-for-profit Illinois electric cooperatives. More than 160,000 families receive the magazine as part of their electric cooperative membership. Monthly columns and stories provide information about topics and issues that affect the quality of their lives. Illinois Country Living (USPS number 258-420) is published monthly and is the official publication of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, 6460 South Sixth Frontage Road, Springfield, IL 62707. The cost is $2.40 plus postage per year for members of subscribing cooperatives and $5 per year for all others. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, Illinois 62708. COOP MEMBERS: When requesting an address change, please include the name of your cooperative. Telephone: (217) 529-5561 Advertising and editorial inquiries should he directed to Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, Illinois 62708. National advertising representative; The Weiss Group, 14826 North 54TH Place, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (602) 482-8844. Acceptance of advertising by ICL does not imply endorsement by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of Illinois of the product or service advertised. Advertisers are screened by the publisher and every effort is made to protect the subscriber, but ICL is not responsible for the performance of the product or service advertised. EDITORS: Articles appearing in Illinois Country Living may be reprinted upon consent of the editor. For permission phone (217) 529-5561 or write to John Lowrey, editor, Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708.

COVER STORY 10 New wave of volunteerism - co-ops and their people committed to communities Helen Kilgore, billing supervisor at Jo-Carroll Electric Cooperative, Elizabeth, is decked out in her costume as a tour guide at the Apple River Fort and Interpretive Center. On the cover: Kilgore is also an EMT. (Cover photo by Brad Pecinovsky) DEPARTMETS 4 ILLINOIS COMMENTARY Jill Appell, Director of USDA Rural Development for Illinois, discusses rural challenges in the new century. 6 ILLINOIS CURRENTS Education legislation - funding increased to $4,425 per student, congressional caucus for rural America is revived and Illinois universities receive high marks. 14 SAFETY AROUND YOUR HOME Judy Taylor, extension educator, Youth Development, at the Springfield Extension Center, gives advice on how we can make our schools safe. 16 YOUR YARD AND GARDEN Find out why August is the ideal time for transplanting iris. 18 TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY AND YOU Rolling window shutters add security, privacy and comfort to your home. 22 ILLINOIS' FINEST COOKING Wind down your summer activities with one last family picnic featuring Mom's Apple Salad from the recipe collection of LaSalle County 4-H or some delicious Orange Delight from the recipe collection of Emmanuel United Methodist Church of Marshall.

AUGUST 2000 • ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING 3