On July 1, 2010 we lost not only a IREA Board Member, but also a very good friend.

Dr. Janice Woodhouse, 63, died on July 1, 2010, after a courageous battle 17 year battle with breast cancer. She took her struggle and grew from it, but never let it define her.

She was a master teacher and giving person, having taught at all levels from elementary through college. Her last position was with Northern Illinois University, from which she recently earned her Ed.D. degree.

She passionately tried to make the world a more peaceful, sustainable and loving place. Her philosphy was reflected in what she would often tell to others, "Begin where we are; use what we have; and do what we can."

She was director of the Oregon Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of the Illinois Renewable Energy Association for several years. She contributed her time and energy to many other community based organizations and projects.

She was an accomplished artist, writer, and speaker. She loved to write and founded a local magazine, Rock River Journal, as well as a newsletter, Rock River Women. She published several articles and book chapters in in the professional place-based and adult education literature.

She was a caring person, admired and loved by all who knew her. We are all diminished by her departure. Those who knew and loved her will miss her deeply.

"When you come to the edge of all the light you have know,

And are about to step off into the darknes of the unknown,

faith is knowing one of two things will happen,

There will be something solid to stand on or you will learn how to fly."

- Lorraine Ortner-Blake