University of Illinois Extension serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam Counties

Pork Quality Training

Youth who will be exhibiting Market Swine at the State Fair must complete PQA training each year.

The M-P PQA Training will be offered at Midland High School on April 26th at 7 p.m. Please RSVP to the Extension Office if you plan to attend. If the M-P PQA training date does not work for you, please attend one of the trainings offered in other counties. You can get a list of other training dates by downloading the PDF version of this month's newsletter, or by calling the Extension office.

Department Changes

When you receive your 2012 M-P Showbook, you will notice some changes to our departments.

Because of Superintendent retirements and shifts in registration numbers, the M-P Association voted at the March meeting to cut the Communication Arts department, dividing its classes between other logical areas. It was also decided to rename the Mechanical Sciences and Energy department. It will now be the Mechanical Sciences and Technology department to more accurately reflect its project areas. When you are ready to register for the 4-H show, here is where you will find those classes:

Mechanical Sciences and Technology:

Computer Science
Robotics
Geospatial
Video

Visual Arts:

Photography
Photo Editing

Miscellaneous:

Journalism
Communication

Welcome Kevin Knisley, new MST Superintendent!

Kevin Knisley has volunteered to be the new Mechanical Sciences and Technology Superintendent! We appreciate his willingness to help with this department. Thanks, Kevin!

Sewing Service Day

On March 31st the M-P Fashion Board hosted a Sewing Service Day. Nine 4-Hers and volunteers worked all day to create items that will be sent to children in need. Seventeen pillowcase dresses of different sizes will be sent to Africa and sixteen dolls for both boys and girls will be sent to Haiti. Thank you to everyone who gave of their time and who donated supplies!

Federation News

Next meeting is April 11th at Lacon Lanes at 6:30 p.m. Meeting with bowling to follow.

Mark your calendars for the next Multi-County Federation Event: Friday, June 15th - Cornbelters Baseball Game in Bloomington.

M-P 4-H Federation Activity Scholarships

Th e 4-H Federation recently established a new opportunity for 4-Hers in Marshall & Putnam counties.

Active 4-H members who take part in 4-H events beyond the county level can apply for an Activity Scholarship.

Federation will pay for up to half of the activity registration fee. The final amount paid will be determined by the Federation. 4-Hers will be reimbursed for the registration fee aft er they have participated in the activity.

Th e Activity Scholarship is available for events such as Regional, State and National activities, conferences, trips, etc. It is only for registration fees. It will not cover transportation, room and board, souvenirs, etc.

Scholarships will be reviewed and voted on at the monthly Federation meeting. Applications are available online, from your 4-H Leaders or from the Extension office.

State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

The STate 4-H Horse Judging Contest will be held on May 5th at Blackhawk East College.

4-H Awards Training

Curious what it takes to fill out a 4-H Award Application? 4-Hers, parents, and volunteers are invited to attend a 4-H Award Application Training hosted by LaSalle County. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 9th from 10-12. More details to follow! Location will be determined by representation from the area counties, so please RSVP to the M-P Office if you plan to attend.

Illini Summer Academies

This 4-day event provides Illinois teens new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois campus; study potential careers or build their leadership skills, and meet youth from across the state.

Academies are open to ANY Illinois youth who is currently in 8th to 12th grade. They must be an incoming high school freshman to graduating senior this summer and must fall within the 14-18 age range as of September 1, 2012.

Fees vary according to the Academy. Fees are noted with the individual Academy descriptions (link below). Fees cover 15-hours of Academy programming and any transportation involved; dormitory room (with one other delegate) for three nights; 8 meals; evening programming; insurance; and a dance. Adult chaperones pay a discounted fee.

An early-bird registration discount is available for those who register by April 15 and submit appropriate paperwork and payment, postmarked by April 17. Regular registration fees go into effect April 16 and are available until registration closes on May 23, 2012. Visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm for more info.

2012 Academies include:

Aerospace Engineering
Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Art & Design
Bioengineering
Crop Science
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning
Leadership
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Physics
Veterinary Medicine

4-H Memorial Camp

Celebrating 60 years of youth camping, 4-H Memorial Camp, located in Monticello, IL, offers a quality summer camp experience. 4-H Memorial is open to all youth ages 8 - 16 years. 4-H and non 4-H members are welcome.

Adventure awaits you at every turn at 4-H Memorial Camp. Everyday is packed with activities that will challenge you to try new and exciting things. Best of all, you get to choose the activities you like the most!

Meeting new friends is one of the best parts of camp. Campers stay in cabins with eight other campers and a counselor. Bathhouses located near each cabin have flush toilets and hot showers. Our famous family- style meals are served in a large dining hall.

The program includes fi ve days of fun and adventure in the out-of-doors. Activity choices offer nonstop action in waterfront programs, arts and crafts, nature programs, and recreational sports and games. Some examples include swimming, canoeing, rock wall climbing, volleyball, leather tooling, ceramics, softball, fishing, orienteering, basketball, archery, and team challenge course just to name a few.

Dozens of learning projects are also offered each week. Examples include model rocketry, flower arranging, GPS guided geo-caching, electricity, cooking, dance, music, drama, and photography. Evening programs include campfires, games, skits, songs, campouts, and a big dance.

There's never a dull moment at summer camp. Don't sit around home this summer!

Current 4-H members receive a $15 discount! Visit http://4hmemorialcamp.extension.uiuc.edu for more info.

Club News

PC Progressors March Meeting

The Putnam County Progressors 4-H Club met at 6 p.m. on March 14th at the McNabb Fire Station.

When members answered roll call, they said what they like about spring.

During Old Business, Noah DeBates talked about Christmas Caroling in December, Ashley Johnson talked about Sewing Days, and Anna Mattern discussed the ICC Clover Clinic.

The 4-H Club members will be going to the Spring Valley Nursing Home on March 17th at 2 p.m. to play bingo with the residents. Members made St. Patrick's Day gifts to give as prizes for the residents.

Members wanting t-shirts need to give $10 and the size to Mrs. Mattern.

The fundraiser was discussed. Members are selling Easter lilies. The price per lily is $8.25. Orders need to be turned into Mrs. Wink by March 23rd. Members will pick up their orders on March 29th.

Project books were distributed.

The following people gave talks: Meagan Brooker on her nine patch pillow; Derek Glenn on his small engines project; Becky Ramey on her tote bag; McKenna Boyd and Ranae Ramey on a zebra striped blanket; Justice Peterson on her pillow.

The next meeting will be April 11th at the McNabb Fire Station.

Reporter, Noah DeBates.

Wenona Highlighters Annual Spring Break Outing

The Wenona Highlighters enjoyed their annual Spring Break Outing on March 28th. Twenty-one members and friends went ice skating at the Pepsi Ice Center in Bloomington. Everyone had a great time!

Family Fun Night

Mark your calendars now for the second annual Family Fun Night at the Marshall-Putnam Fair. The evening will be held on July 12th starting at 5:30. There will be activities for all ages, prizes, and giveaways. We hope to see you there!

State Meats Contest Results

Congratulations to the Marshall-Putnam Meats Judging Team which placed 4th overall at the State Contest. Also, congratulations to Sammi Bessler who placed 5th individually and Mckayla Urbanowski who placed 11th.

Illinois Central College Livestock Judging Contest

A livestock judging contest will be held at the Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 21st, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (Registration from 8-8:45). There are classes for teams and individuals. For more information, contact Grant Grebner at (309) 694-8443 or via email at grant.grebner@icc.edu.

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