A child is reported missing every 40 seconds. Could you help authorities if your child was missing? Thousands of child I.D. kits were given away at Touchstone Energy co-op annual meetings across the state this summer, but you can get a free kit today by contacting your local Touchstone Energy co-op.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives in Illinois and around the country are doing their part to keep children safe. The cooperatives, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Football Coaches Association, are working to distribute 60 million child I.D. kits through the National Child Identification Program.

Why should we fingerprint our children? The statistics say it all:

• 450,000 children run away each year,

• 300,000 children are abducted each year by family members,

• More than 58,000 children are abducted every year by non-family members,

That's more than 800,000 children in America missing each year - one child every 40 seconds. When the National Child Identification Program began, less than 2 percent of parents had a copy of their child's fingerprints to use in case of an emergency.

The National Child Identification Program is a community service initiative dedicated to changing these statistics. Touchstone Energy cooperatives are helping distribute inkless I.D. kits that assist parents in easily recording the physical characteristics and fingerprints of their children on identification cards that are then kept at home by the parent or guardian. If ever needed, this I.D. kit will give authorities vital information to assist their efforts in locating a missing child.

Participating in the National Child Identification Program is just one way Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are demonstrating commitment to their communities — one of the four core values of the Touchstone Energy program.

For more information about the National Child Identification Program, call your local Touchstone Energy electric cooperative, or contact Nancy Nixon at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives at (217) 529-5561, or at nnixon@aiec.coop.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) commended Jerry Costello (D-IL), Timothy Johnson (R-IL), Ray LaHood (R-IL), William Lipinski (D-IL), John Shimkus (R-IL) and Jerry Weller (R-IL) for their co-sponsorship of a bill that would provide a partial federal excise tax exemption for diesel blended with biodiesel, a cleaner burning fuel made from domestic resources like soybean oil. The House Bill is similar to a biodiesel tax provision found in S. 597, a comprehensive energy bill introduced earlier this week.

"This bill would help Americans get more of their fuel from the Midwest rather than the Middle East," says Gary Appel, ISA President. "A biodiesel tax incentive would create significant economic stimulus in the form of domestic job creation, rural and urban economic development, and state and local tax revenues."

More than 300 major U.S. vehicle fleets already use the cleaner-burning alternative fuel that works in any diesel engine with few or no modifications. Biodiesel can be used in pure form (B 100), or blended with petroleum diesel at any level. It offers similar fuel economy, horsepower and torque to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel reduces emissions like unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfates and particulate matter. Soy biodiesel reduces life-cycle carbon dioxide by 78 percent.

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop

Co-ops remain focused on protecting consumers

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Chief Executive Officer Glenn English at a meeting of co-op leaders from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa said the co-ops' strength is the ability to overcome regional differences while remaining focused on consumer protection during the national energy legislation debate.

At a regional meeting in Springfield in late September, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Chief Executive Officer Glenn English told association members that the coop program's greatest strength is its members' ability to recognize, accept and accommodate their regional differences while remaining focused on the protection of consumers who own electric co-ops. That sets electric cooperatives apart from other industry groups, he said.

At the same time Congressional leaders were debating national energy legislation, English said, "Although no two co-ops are alike, we have been able to set aside our differences and accommodate one another. We have been able to speak with one voice and in doing so have been heard clearly in the halls of Congress."

Addressing more than 600 locally elected directors and key staff from co-ops in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, English said, "Our focus must remain on those issues which unite us: the protection of consumers and investors from unscrupulous business practices and market vagaries, the guarantee of fair and equal treatment for consumer-owned utilities, and the development of a truly national transmission grid to increase reliability and facilitate the development of wholesale power markets."

The Springfield meeting was the fourth of seven regional meetings convened each fall by NRECA. Locally elected directors and key staff from 84 cooperatives providing electric service to more than 1.5 million people in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin came to the meeting.

During the first week of October co-op leaders from Illinois and other states joined NRECA in visiting congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., urging the elected leaders to also remain focused on consumer protection during the energy legislation debates. The House-Senate Conference Committee included Illinois U.S. Representatives John Shimkus and Jerry Costello.

NRECA (www.nreca.coop) is the national service organization that represents more than 900 electric co-ops serving 36 million people in 47 states.

Are you a history buff?

In 1815, President Jefferson sold his personal book collection to congress for $23,950 to help rebuild the Library of Congress collections after the British burned the Capitol. In 1848 the first Women's Rights Convention took place in Seneca Falls, New York.

If you didn't know these facts about America's past you're not alone. Many adults aren't even able to identify major historical figures.

If you're a history buff, or just curious, the Library of Congress can help. The largest library in the world, it houses historical films, photos, music and other interesting items. Now the Library's new Web portal, the "Wise Guide" at www.loc.gov, makes learning about history easy.

November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month

Ask almost anyone what they fear the most about getting older, and the answer is likely to be Alzheimer's disease. Approximately 10 percent of Americans over 65 have the disease, but after 85 the incidence climbs to 50 percent.

From the onset of symptoms, Alzheimer's disease runs its course in two to 20 years, with seven years being the average. Alzheimer's disease affects one out of every three families in the United States.

More than half of all nursing home residents have Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. The annual cost for nursing home care in the U.S. ranges from $35,900 to $166,700, with the average being $57,700. The care of an Alzheimer's patient, viewed as custodial care, is not covered by Medicare or most health insurance plans.

Up to 10 percent of all cases of Alzheimer's disease are believed to be familial (hereditary). In familial cases, often called early-onset Alzheimer's disease, symptoms can appear as early as age 40.

One of four currently available drugs can be used to delay the progression. You can also take steps now by controlling blood pressure, maintaining low cholesterol levels, taking antioxidant vitamins, and exercising your mind and body. Consult your doctor about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have been shown to delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and cholinesterase inhibitors if you are experiencing memory problems.

For more information, write to the American Health Assistance Foundation 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, Maryland 20871, call (800) 437-AHAF, or visit www.ahaf.org.

NOVEMBER 2003 www.aiec.coop 7

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE — STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

Title of publication — Illinois Country Living. Publication No. — 258420. Date of filing — September 16, 2003. Frequency of issue — Monthly. No. of issues published annually — 12. Annual subscription price — $5.00. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication — Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, RO. Box 3787, Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois 62708-3787.

Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher — Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, RO. Box 3787, Springfield, Illinois 62708-3787.

Full Names and complete Mailing addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor — Publisher, Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, RO. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708-3787. Editor-John Lowrey, RO. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708-3787. Managing Editor-John Lowrey, RO. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708-3787.

Owner — Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, RO. Box 3787, Springfield, Illinois 62708-3787.

Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities —None.

Publication Name — Illinois Country Living.

Issue Date tor Circulation Data Below — October 2003.

Extent and Nature of Circulation — Average No. Copies Each Issued During Preceding 12 Months; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date:

Total No. Copies—150,183:149,616

Paid and/or Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions -148,030; 147,872

Paid and/or Requested Inside-County Subscriptions - None; None

Sales Through Dealers and Carrier, Street Vendors and Counter Sales None; None

Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation —148,030:147,872

Free Distribution by Mail Outside-County —1,711:1,448 Free Distribution by Mail In-County - None; None

Free Distribution-Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS — None; None

Free Distribution Outside the Mail — None; None

Total Free Distribution -1,711; 1,448

Total Distribution—149,741; 149,320

Copies Not Distributed — 442; 296

Total—150,183:149,616

Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 199%; 99%

This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the November 2003 issue of this publication.

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions and/or civil sanctions. /s/John Lowrey

The Illinois Department of Agriculture has made available $250,000 in grant monies for specialty crop projects. The funds will support efforts to open new markets for fresh produce grown in Illinois.

"Illinois fertile soil and favorable climate are good growing a wide variety of crops," Agriculture Director Chuck Hartke said. "While most people know Illinois ranks second in the production of corn and soybeans, many don't realize Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins in the nation and ranks among the top 10 states in the production of sun specialty crops as asparagus, cauliflower, fresh cut herbs, peas, lima beans and mustard greens. These grants will help expand markets for this produce and maintain a viable industry for our specialty crop growers."

Specialty crop growers can apply for grants up to $25,000. Their proposals should accomplish the following: identify one or more obstacles or opportunities impacting the Illinois specialty crop industry; develop a plan addressing these obstacles or opportunities; identify measures that can quantify the results of the proposal; and demonstrate how the proposal will improve the viability, sustainability and economic potential of Illinois specialty crop industry.

Application forms are available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture Web site at www.agr.state.il.us or by calling Kim Janssen in the department's Bureau of Marketing and Promotion at (217) 785-5848. Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2003.

A new logo is also available to Illinois specialty growers for use on packaging and advertising. A similar branding program increased sales of Illinois processed foods by 20 percent.

Following these tips from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry [NARI] of Des Plaines can help you reduce your energy bills.

You can easily test your home for air leaks by holding a smoke stick next to closed exterior doors and windows, and places where plumbing or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors or ceilings. Caulking, sealing or weather stripping can seal most gaps. Expanding foam can seal large gaps.

Storm windows can be installed over single-pane windows. For window replacement, consider specially coated double-pane windows designed to reflect heat back into the room.

Replacing the air filter once a month will maximize the efficiency of a heating system. You can also install a programmable thermostat.

Ducts running through attics, crawl spaces and garages should be sealed and insulated. It is not unusual to find improperly sealed joints leaking conditioned air.

Nothing is cozier than curling up next to a roaring fire on a blustery winter day, but a fireplace can send energy dollars up the chimney. Keep fireplace dampers closed when the fireplace is not in use. Install snugly fitting glass doors and close them to reduce heat loss while the fire burns itself out. The doors also protect the home from flying embers.

For more information go to NARI's Web site at www.RemodelToday.com, call (800) 611-NARI or contact your local electric cooperative.

8 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop

Geothermal heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home and provide hot water. More and more homeowners are discovering the benefits of these systems, which tap the relatively constant temperature of the Earth a few feet underground.

Why a geothermal heat pump?

The installation of a heating or cooling system is a decision that will affect a homeowner's comfort—and pocketbook—for years to come. And a geothermal heat pump (GHP) is one of the most cost-effective and longest-lasting heating and cooling systems on the market. Plus, GHPs provide free hot water as a byproduct.

Also known as ground-source heat pumps or GeoExchange^SM systems, GHPs provide many benefits to the homeowner in both new and retrofit situations. Surveys illustrate a high level of satisfaction with GHPs compared to conventional systems. In fact, more than 95 percent of all GHP users would recommend a similar system to their friends and family.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GHP systems are the most energy- efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available (source: "Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier," EPA 430-R-93-004, April 1993).

Simply put, a GHP system moves the heat from the earth into the home in the winter, and pulls the heat from the house and discharges it into the ground in the summer. The underground (or underwater) piping loops serve as a heat source in the winter and a heat sink in the summer.

While many parts of the country experience seasonal temperature extremes—from scorching heat in the summer to sub-zero cold in the winter—a few feet below the earth's surface the ground remains at a relatively constant temperature. Like a cave, this ground temperature is warmer than the air above it during the winter and cooler than the air in the summer. The GHP takes advantage of this.

Cost effective

Geothermal heat pumps save money in operating and maintenance costs. While the initial purchase price of a residential GHP system is often higher than that of a comparable gas-fired furnace and central air-conditioning system, it is more efficient, thereby saving money every month. For further savings, GHPs equipped with a device called a "desuperheater" can heat the household water.

Durability

Because they use fewer mechanical components, and because those components are sheltered from the elements, leaves, dirt, and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are durable and highly reliable.

Low maintenance

Geothermal heat pump systems have fewer maintenance requirements than most other systems. When properly installed, the underground components are virtually worry free. The components in the living space are easily accessible.

Year-round comfort

Like the typical forced-air furnace or central air-conditioning system, a GHP system uses ductwork. A two-speed GHP system is so quiet inside a house that users do not know it is operating because there are no telltale blasts of cold or hot air.

Quiet operation

With GHPs, there are no outside condensing units like air conditioners, so there's no concern about A/C noise near patio areas or decks.

Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient

A study by the Environmental Protection Agency (source: "Space Conditioning: The Next Frontier," EPA 430-R-93-004, April 1993) analyzed six locations representing major climate zones in the U.S. The study found GHP installations in both new and existing homes can reduce energy consumption 25 percent to 75 percent.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy http://www.eere.energy.gov

NOVEMBER 2003 www.aiec.coop 11