2008 Year in Review

WC Red Meat Council Gifts $3000 to Whiteside County Schools

School representatives pictured left to right are: Front row – Jamie Rodriquez, Sterling HS; Heidi Ripley, Rock Falls HS; and Karen Real, Whiteside Area Career Center. Back row - Janet Ward, Morrison High School; Becky Reiley, Sterling HS; Cathy Matthews, Prophetstown HS; Kathy Quick, Erie HS; Darlene Alton, Fulton HS; Betsy Davis,
Riverdale; and John L. Stern, Director, Self Help.

by Mary Ellen Brackemyer

The Whiteside County Red Meat Council members held their annual dinner on Wednesday, October 1 at The Candlelight Restaurant in Rock Falls, IL. The Whiteside County Red Meat Council, is sponsored by the Cattlemen’s Association, Beef Producers, Pork Producers and Farm Bureau.

After a delicious meal, Clarita Vandermyde, president of the Council, had all school representatives stand and introduce themselves. Bernice Janssen, secretary/treasurer, then handed out checks, totaling $3000, to the Whiteside County Schools for their Foods classes.

Fred Tincher of Morrison who was then Manager at Whiteside County Farm Bureau started this program many years ago. In the beginning Fred sold tickets, awarded a grill to the winner, and the profits were given to the schools to continue with food education. (Home Economics back then, Foods now). The money is used to purchase red meat, no hot dogs and no chicken. Students are taught to make nutritious meals using dry methods, wet methods and crock-pot cooking.

Whiteside County Farm Bureau raises their portion by operating the Dairy Bar at the Whiteside Co. Fair in the Food Tent run by the Cattlemen’s Association. Pork Producers raise funds by setting up cookouts at test lots and serve a variety of other meals when asked.

When the teachers were asked how they use their money one thing was clear, they are all very appreciative of the funds. With all the budget cuts, some foods classes had been cut all together. Because of this program, Foods II was brought back to Rock Falls High School. Riverbend in Fulton teaches Life Skills of Cooking, while Riverdale in Port Byron teaches different ways to do things, such as preparing pizzas from scratch as opposed to purchased ones. Sterling High School teaches food preparation, teaching many different ways to use pork and beef.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
October 26, 2008