The Extension Council is authorized by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, in accordance with state law, to be actively involved in the operation of University of Illinois Extension. Extension Councils cooperate with Extension staff in planning, promoting, developing, implementing, evaluating, and financing an Extension program designed to meet the needs, interests, and resources of the local communities served.
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Council Meeting Agendas
Council Meeting Agenda-April 7, 2026
Extension Council Meeting Agenda
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
1. Welcome & Introductions
- Opening remarks
- Member introductions
2. Purpose of the Extension Council/ Role and Responsibilities
- Open
3. Program Update: SNAP-Ed Transition
- Overview of the sunsetting of the SNAP-Ed program
- Discussion on how Extension is moving forward
4. Open Meetings Act Overview
- Brief review of requirements and expectations
5. Officer Elections
- Chair
- Secretary
6. County Board Member Updates
- Opportunity for remarks, if in attendance
7. Future Meeting Schedule
- Discussion of preferred dates and times
- Establishing consensus for future meetings
8. Closing & Adjournment
- Final comments
- Adjourn meeting
Council Meeting Agenda- September 28, 2021
University of Illinois Extension
Unit 3 Council Agenda
September 28, 2021
6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
Welcome: President Tyler Wilke
Council Minutes: Secretary: Dawn Schichowski, Gina Schichowski
McHenry County: Commissioner: John Jung, Jr.
Commissioner: Theresa Meshes
Lake County: Commissioner: John Wasik
4-H Updates: Dawn Scichowski, & Gina Scichowski (McHenry) Addison Gjelsten, 4-H Lake County
Director's Update: James E. Reaves
- Open Meeting Act Training
- State Extension Update
- Staff Hybrid Work Schedule
- Current Vacancy Update
- Local Programs Update
- State Council Update: Old Business: Carolina Schottland
New Business: Election of Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary)
Next meeting: November 23rd, 6:30 pm
Council Meeting Agenda- May 25, 2021
University of Illinois Extension Unit 3 Council Agenda
May 25, 2021
6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
Welcome: President: Tyler Wilke
Council Minutes: Secretary: Dawn Schichowski, Gina Schichowski
County Gov. Board Update
McHenry County: Commissioner: John Jung,
Jr Commissioner: Theresa Meshes
Lake County: Commissioner: John Wasik
4-H Updates: Dawn Scuchowski, & Gina Scichowski (McHenry)
Addison Gjelsten (4-H Lake County)
Director’s Update: James E. Reaves
- Local Program Update
- State Leadership Update
- Staff Hybrid Work Schedule
- Current Vacancy Update
- Budget Update
State Council Update: Carolina Schottland
Old Business:
New Business:
Next meeting: September 28th 6:30 pm
Council Meeting Agenda- September 22, 2020
University of Illinois Extension Unit 3
Council Agenda September 22, 2020
6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
Welcome: Council President: Linda Sharken
Vice: Tyler Wilke Introductions:
Council Minutes: Secretary: Dawn Schichowski, Gina Schichowski
County Gov. Board Update:
4-H Update: Dawn Scuchowski, & Gina Scichowski (McHenry)
Addison Elsten 4-H (Lake County)
Megan Eppel & Denise Eppel (Lake County)
Staff Update: 4-H - Dr. Cox, Sandra Prez
SNAP-Ed - Dale Kehr
Local Food System-Small Farms – Sarah Farley
Master Gardener – Brenda Dalfores /Kim Isaason
Director’s Update: James E. Reaves
- Return to Unit Office Update
- Staffing
- Budget
State Council Update: Carolina Schottland
Old Business:
New Business:
- Election of Council Officers
- Upcoming Zoom Council Meeting Dates
- Nov.24
- Feb. 23
- April 27
- Next meeting: 6:30 pm November 24, 2020
Council Meeting Agenda- April 7, 2020
University of Illinois Extension Unit 3 Council Agenda
April 7, 2020
6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
Welcome: 6:30
Council President: Linda Sharken
Vice: Tyler Wilke
Council Minutes: Secretary: Dawn Schichowski, Gina Schichowski
County Gov. Board Update:
4-H Update: Dawn Scuchowski, & Gina Scichowski (McHenry)
Megan Eppel & Denise Eppel (Lake County)
4-H Expansion and Review: Dr. Michelle Cox
Director’s Update: James E. Reaves
- Covid-19 University’s Update
- Staffing
- Budget
State Council Update: Carolina Schottland
Old Business:
New Business:
- 2020 New Member Recruitment
- 2020 Lake County Foundation Fundraiser
- Next meeting: September 29, 2020
Council Meeting Agenda- February 23, 2020
University of Illinois Extension
Unit 3 Council Agenda February 23, 2020
6:30 PM
Zoom Meeting
Welcome: President: Tyler Wilke
Vice: Simeon Viltz
Introductions:
Council Minutes: Secretary: Dawn Schichowski, Gina Schichowski
County Gov. Board Update:
McHenry County: Commissioner: John Jung Jr.
Commissioner: Theresa Meshes Commissioner
Lake County: John Wasik
4-H Update: Dawn Scuchowski, & Gina Scichowski (McHenry)
Addison Elsten 4-H Lake County
Director's Update: James E. Reaves
- Program Update
- Staff Return to Office hybrid Schedule
- Volunteers following Phase 4 County/University Recommendation
- Current Vacancy
- Budget Update
State Council Update: Carolina Schottland
Old Business:
New Business:
Next meeting: April 27th 6:30 pm November 24, 2020
April 27th 6:30 pm November 24, 2020
Council Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2021
University of Illinois Extension
Unit 3 Council Meeting/Zoom Meeting Minutes September 28, 2021
6:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting
Opening:
The regular meeting of the University of Illinois Extension Unit 3 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on September 28, 2021, on a Zoom meeting platform by James Reeves.
Present:
Dawn & Gina Scichowski, Addison Gjelsten (via e-mail), Patricia Warren, Simeon Viltz, Linda Sharken, Sarah Zack. Staff: James Reaves
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Dawn Scichowski. Patricia Warren made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Sarah Zack, seconded the motion. The minutes were voted on and approved.
County Government Board Update:
McHenry County:
John Jung, Jr., and Theresa Meshes were both absent from the meeting.
Lake County:
John Wasik was absent from this meeting.
4-H Update:
Gina Scichowski stated that McHenry County 4-H had a great year back in person for the fair. She stated that they didn’t have as many projects as in other years, but overall, the show was good. She also stated that McHenry County 4-H has a new 4-H food booth next the to 4-H building. Gina said that her club is looking forward to getting more members this year and also starting new projects.
Addison Gjelsten stated that Lake County 4-H is off to a good start with more meetings back in person and having new members join. The Lake County 4-H had a shorter-than-usual fair this year, but it was well attended. They could show their animals but then they had to take them back home instead of staying at the fair. Some people were disappointed, but they understood the reasoning behind the rule for this past year.
Director’s Update:
James Reaves sent us a video to watch regarding the Open Meeting Act Training, and we are to send an email back when we have watched the video. James talked about the annual conference coming up in November. He also stated that the Extension Director will make the decisions on hiring replacements for the retiring Directors. James also told us that the staff will remain on the hybrid schedule until December 31, 2021. He also let us know that we still have one vacant position for Snap Ed that is open in Lake County. James remarked on both the Lake and McHenry County Fairs. The Farm Stroll was well attended, and the Lake County plant sale was the biggest that they have ever had. Lake County hosted the Annual State Agricultural Association meeting. and they toured farms in Lake Forest and Grayslake.
State Council Update:
Carolina Schottland was absent for this meeting but James let us know that they haven’t met since Spring so they would not have a report.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
The election of Officers took place at this meeting. The new officers are: President is Simeon Viltz, Vice President is Sarah Zack, and Secretary Gina and Dawn Scichowski
Adjournment:
Simeon Viltz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Linda Sharken seconded the motion. The motion was voted on, and the meeting was adjourned by James Reeves.. The next general meeting will be at 6:30 pm on November 9th, 2021, as a Zoom meeting instead of an in-person meeting.
Minutes submitted by: Dawn and Gina Scichowski
February 23, 2021
University of Illinois Extension
Unit 3 Council Meeting/Zoom Meeting
February 23, 2021
6:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting
Minutes from February 23, 2021 Meeting Opening:
The regular meeting of the University of Illinois Extension Unit 3 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on February 23, 2021, on a Zoom meeting platform by President Tyler Wilke
Present:
Dawn & Gina Scichowski, Addison Gjelsten, Patricia Warren, Simeon Viltz, Linda Sharken, Tyler Wilke, Carolina Schottland, Sarah Zack, Michael Evans, John Wasik, John Jung, and Theresa Meshes. Staff: James Reaves
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Dawn Scichowski. Linda Sharken made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Simeon Viltz, seconded the motion. The minutes were voted on and approved.
County Government Board Update:
McHenry County:
Theresa Meshes informed us about McHenry County's COVID response. Theresa also informed us about the grants that they have received and how they are allocating them to organizations that serve the county. John Jung talked about the Route 31 COVID vaccination site. He stated that the state will probably cut the county budget by 10% and that they are working on a strategic plan for the county.
Lake County:
John Wasik talked about the Lake County Fairgrounds, Round Lake High School, Stevenson High School, and North Chicago COVID clinics. He also talked about a new composting project that SWALCO, Extension, and other organizations were working on that funded through a USDA grant. He stated that Sandra Prez will be starting a Robotics conversation with partners soon and that the county is looking at ways to regulate marijuana to keep people safe.
4-H Update:
Gina Scichowski stated that her 4-H club made Valentine's Day cards for a Nursing home and that their club is still hosting their meeting's through Zoom and hope to be in person soon. She also stated that the McHenry County 4-H is hosting a Flower sale as a fundraiser and that the county is hosting virtual 4-H events to get more families interested in 4-H. Tyler Wilke also informed us of the 4-H Beef weigh-in that was delayed due to weather has taken place. Addison GJelsten stated that Lake County 4-H members have registered for their projects for the year and are using Zoom meetings. They are hosting food drives and are hoping things open up before the Fair.
Director's Update:
James Reaves sent us the February Unit 3 staff minutes via e-mail. He stated that the 4-H Program has worked bard on learning platforms for fair and that this worked well for the majority of the 4-H children. The staff is currently working on both virtual and face-to-face safe fair events. He also stated that Rep. Lauren Underwood will have a 4-H McHenry County 4-H member on her team.
James informed us that Master Gardener's is working on an Arbor Day Tree Sale and that McHenry County is hoping to have Gardenfest face to face this year, He also informed us about a grant to educate gardener's about composting is in the works and that they are working with teachers on gardening in local schools. James talked about the $75,000 Mchenry Community Foundation grants they are working on to implement more community gardens in McHenry County.
Snap- Ed staff continues to work with pantry managers on bow to display healthy food and distributing healthy recipes into the food pantries. We also have a vacancy in Lake County for a Snap- Ed Community Worker.
Staff returned to the office in October 2020 on a hybrid schedule only to return to remote work after a few weeks because of the increase in Covid-cases. As of February 1, 2021, the staff is back in the office on a hybrid schedule following all CDC guidelines.
The state budget for 2019/2020 has been paid but so far nothing has been paid for the 2020/2021 budget yet. Most likely funds will be cut due to COVID but not sure as of yet to the extent of the cuts. In April, Unit 3 will be working on the 2021/2022 Extension budget.
State Council Update:
Carolina Schottland stated that extension is generally in good shape and is trying to cut back. Lake County continues to work on fundraising and is still debating hosting the Annual Gala in October. During the spring/summer they will host a mask design competition for three different age groups. She also talked about the Master Gardener June plant sale. Simeon Viltz asked Gian Scichowski to please share the infom1ation on the McHenry County plant sale.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
None
Adjournment
Michael Evans made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Simeon Viltz seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and the meeting was adjourned by President Tyler Wilke. The next general meeting will be at 6:30 pm on April 27th, 2021 as a Zoom meeting instead of an in-person meeting.
Minutes submitted by: Dawn and Gina Scichowski
September 22, 2020
University of Illinois Extension Unit 3
Council Meeting/Zoom Meeting
September 22, 2020
6:30 p.m.
Minutes from September 22, 2020 Meeting Opening:
The regular meeting of the University of Illinois Extension Unit 3 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on September 22nd, 2020 on a Zoom meeting platform by Tyler Wilke.
Present:
Dawn & Gina Scichowski, Addison Gjelsten, Megan & Denise Eppel, Sandra Prez, Dale Kehr, Sarah Farley, Brenda Dahlfors, Kim Isaacson, Patricia Warren, Simeon Viltz, Linda Sharken, Tyler Wilke, Carolina Schottland, Sarah Zack and Patricia Warren, Dr. Michelle Cox and James Reaves
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Dawn Scichowski. Simeon Viltz made a motion to accept the minutes as read. The minutes were voted on and approved.
4-H Update:
Gina Scichowski stated that her 4-H club participated in online judging like the rest of McHenry County 4-H clubs and participation was down compared to other years.
Addison Gjelsten stated that Lake County 4-H had 23 4-H members that were eligible for State Fair this year and that clubs are trying to meet again in person.
Megan Eppel represented 4-H at the State level and stated that the Youth Leadership Conference will now be a I day event online on 11/7/2020.
Staff Update:
Dr. Cox updated us on Multi-District Club updates. She talked about thinking outside the box and to keep our members engaged and excited about all 4-H has to offer through community programming.
Sandy Prez talked about Spin Clubs, 4-H Juntos, 4-H Robotics and 4-H Military Youth Programming and Cultural Competency Training.
Dale Kehr introduced her Snap Ed Team and talked about how her team is adapting to virtual programming and also the growing school garden projects.
Sarah Farley is new to Unit 3 Extension as of August 15th. She introduced herself and gave us an overview of the plans she has for her programming this year.
Brenda Dahlfors from McHenry Master Gardeners updated us on growing adequate food to prevent hunger with gardening for good as well as home and community projects.
Kim Isaacson from Lake County Master Gardeners talked about the community gardens and online training. She also stated that applications are now available.
Director's Update:
Mr. Reaves stated that by October 5th, all staff will be in the office on a hybrid schedule and gave his staff kudos for adapting to working from home. He also stated that funding all state 18 and 19 funding is currently secured by the university, waiting on state 20-21 funding. James also stated that he is looking for sponsors in Lake and McHenry County to sponsor COVID Lab testing sites and Saliva tests. He will e-mail all of us with this information.
State Council Update:
Carolina Schottland has stated that the next State Extension Council meeting will be in October. Local Extension 20/21 funding will be up in the air because of the Lake County Plant sales and Extension Foundation fundraisers that normally would be held have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and right now they are setting up Facebook fundraisers. Other funders like Townships and Villages may not give either because of its local budget being affected by COVID.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
Election of Officers for the 2020-2021 year. Tyler Wilke has moved from Vice President to President. Simeon Viltz will be the Vice President. Dawn and Gina Scichowski have agreed to stay Secretaries for the upcoming year. Patricia Warren made the motion to accept the new board. Sarah Zack seconded the motion. Motion was voted on and passed.
The following are our Zoom meeting dates for the upcoming year. November 24th 2020, February 23, 2021and April 27th, 2021.
Adjournment:
Linda Sharken made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Simeon Viltz seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and the meeting was adjourned by Tyler Wilke. The next general meeting will be at 6:30 pm on November 24th, 2020 as a Zoom meeting instead of a in person meeting.
Minutes submitted by: Dawn and Gina Scichowski
April 7, 2020
University of Illinois Extension Unit 3
Council Meeting/Zoom Meeting
April 7th, 2020
6:30 p.m.
Minutes from April 7th Meeting
Opening:
The regular meeting of the University of Illinois Extension Unit 3 was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on April 7th on a Zoom meeting platform by Linda Sharken.
Present:
Linda Sharken, Dawn Scichowski, Gina Scichowski, Simeon Viltz, and Patricia Warren, and Tyler Wilke. Staff: Michele Aavang, Brenda Dahlfors, and James Reaves
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Dawn Scichowski. Patricia Warren made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Simeon Viltz seconded the motion. The minutes were voted on and approved.
Staff Presentations:
Brenda Dahlfors from the Master Gardner program stated that due to the current ongoing pandemic, Gardenfest for April 2020 has been cancelled, the plant sale has been postponed until September 2020, and the 2020 Garden walk and Farm stroll are still going ahead as planned currently. The Gardenfest 2019 had 177 paid admissions while the Farm stroll 2019 brought in 400 participant per farm.
Michele Aavang from the McHenry County 4-H program stated that 379 members exhibited their projects in 2019. She also said that 4-H was recently promoted in the Woodstock Square, Peterson Farm in McHenry, and in the Harvard school with the Just Wing it Pollinator garden. She also mentioned that McHenry county 4-H had also completed International Night, Project day and is currently spotlighting 4-H members and Alumni on Facebook.
4-H Update:
Dawn Scichowski stated that her 4-H club was completing blankets for Project Linus. Gina Scichowski stated that the Ambassadors were collecting Pop-Top Tabs for the Children’s Hospital.
Director’s Update:
James Reaves updated everyone on how proud he was of all the staff and the university for pulling together the tools and knowledge to be able to work at home during the Pandemic. He also stated that interviews for a Local Food/Small Farm Educator position is being conducted and a Snap Ed Position in McHenry County is still open but is currently on hold. Mr. Reaves did inform us that we did receive the 2019 state county board funds and half of the 2020 money. However, due to Covid-19 this may impact our budget going forward. He also stated that the University was also collecting loss revenue from Covid -19 each Unit.
State Council Update:
Carolina Schottland was not available to give us this update at this meeting.
Old Business:
The 2020 Mystery and Masquerade Ball is currently being planned for October 2020.
New Business:
Mr. Reaves stated that 2020 New Member recruitment is underway. He also stated that on March 9, 2020 the Equal Employment Opportunity Program Plan Document was sent to us for review. A few members didn’t receive this email and it will be re-sent out.
Simeon Viltz spoke of his work within the schools helping with food distribution and E- learning during the Pandemic.
Adjournment
Simeon Viltz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Patricia Warren seconded the motion. The motion was voted on and the meeting was adjourned by Linda Sharken. The next general meeting will be at 6:00 on May 26th, 2020 at the Lake County Extension Aud., Grayslake, IL.
Minutes submitted by: Dawn and Gina Scichowski 04/15/2020