Dear 4-H Family

HAPPY SPRING, it's FINALLY here! I love to see those spring flowers and the grass turning green! Okay families, it's time to get serious about 4-H projects and participation!

Once again there are many activities planned for the upcoming months. This newsletter is an April/May combined, so be sure and check out the whole thing for workshops, deadlines, State Fair entry information, summer camps and conferences, and MUCH MORE!!

4-H families, please feel free to give us a call here at the Extension Office or drop us an email if you need additional information. You can always visit us on the above website too!

Cartha Gustafson

4-H Program Coordinator

Clark County

cgustafs@illinois.edu

FEDERATION FOOTNOTES

Our April Federation meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 22, 6:30 PM at the Extension Office. Our Public Presentation contest will be held in conjunction with the meeting, so start working on your speech! Several High School 4-H'ers participated in Job Shadowing over spring break and we'll want to hear about their experiences at the April meeting too!

The May Federation Bash will be held Thursday, May 9, 6:30 PM at Jessie's house. Directions – At the Rt 40 & Rt 1 Intersection (Casey's) head east. Turn north at the first road (1800^th St). It's the first house on the left. We'll be honoring our graduating seniors, having a short meeting, and lots more fun! Be sure to join us for dinner and cake to congratulate our seniors! Even if you haven't been able to join us before, please feel welcome to come! Federation is open to all members 8^th grade and older.

Other upcoming events –

o Federation Cookout at Jessie's House ~ Thurs, May 9, 6:30 PM

o Relay For Life ~ Casey Fairview Park ~ June 1 beginning at 1 PM-1 AM

o Federation Trip to Indianapolis ~ Thurs., May 23 - Details will be finalized at the April 22^nd Federation meeting.

RELAY FOR LIFE

TALK & DEMONSTRATION CONTEST - APRIL 22

Did you think giving your club talk or demonstration wasn't such a big deal? We are looking for individuals to participate in the annual talk and demonstration contest. It will be held Monday, April 22, 6:30 PM at the Extension Office. The contest is open to all 4-H'ers and is a great experience! PLEASE pre-register for the contest by Friday, April 19^th if you plan to participate.

A $15 first place award will be presented to the winner in the Talks Category in both the Jr. and Sr. Division. A $15 award will also be given to the top demonstration. Second place awards will also be presented. The top 4-H'er age 10 and over will be eligible to advance to the State Fair. Don't miss out!

Contest categories include: Formal Speech, Illustrated Speech, Extempore Speaking, Master of Ceremonies, Oral Interpretation, Original Works, and Project and Food Demonstrations. Time recommendation for speeches is 4-6 minutes and 8-10 minutes for demonstrations. Refer to the Public Presentation requirements in the 4-H Handbook for specific requirements.

ROAD TRIP TO INDIANAPOLIS

WHO: Clark County Federation Members WHEN: Thursday, May 23

WHERE: Indianapolis, IN

We tossed around a lot of ideas at our February Federation meeting, now it's time to finalize those plans! Bring your ideas with you Monday evening to the Federation meeting and lets plan our spring outing!!

DOG OBEDIENCE CLASSES BEING HELD

Beyond Clark County

SUMMER 4-H CAMP AT Monticello – ONLY FIVE SPOTS LEFT!

Register now for 4-H Camp! Clark County's week to camp is June 29-July 4. Any youth, 4-H'er or non 4-H'er, 8 - 16 is welcome to attend camp. However, non 4-H'ers must register directly to 4-H Camp at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/index.cfm. Camping spots are filling up quickly ~ the first individuals to turn in their form and fees will be put on the camp list.

Cost of week-long camp is $175 ($145 for Clark Co. 4-H'ers). For non-4-H'ers or for any 4-H'er registering directly with 4-H camp, the fee will be $195. Registration materials are available at the office and at our website: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cce/ . DEADLINE – April 29^th!

THE GREAT DEBATE – ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Mark your calendar now! 4-H'ers from across Illinois are invited to come to the "Great 4-H Debate" to be held May 17-18 in Springfield to debate bills and learn about the legislative process. The program is for all high school age 4-H participants. During the two-day event, youth will experience the passage of bills while sitting in the chambers of the Illinois House of Representatives. The cost is $75 ($40 for any Clark Co. 4-H'er). The deadline to register is May 2. Register at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=8042

SUMMER ACADEMIES - The 2013 4-H Illinois SUMMER ACADEMIES will be held June 23 – 26 at U of I Campus. The 4-day event provides Illinois teens new opportunities to explore the U of I campus, study potential careers and build their leadership skills. It is also a great opportunity to meet youth from across the state. The program is open to teens 14-18.

Participate in one of the following academies: Aerospace Engineering, Art & Design, Creative Writing, Crop Sciences, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Leadership, Molecular & Cellular Biology, Natural Resources & Environmental Studies, and Veterinary Medicine.

Registration opens March 1 and the early bird fee discount is available until April 15. Final details and cost will be available at the on-line registration at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm.

REMEMBER THE 4-H ATTENDENCE POLICY!!

4-H'ERS MUST ATTEND THREE CLUB MEETINGS, CLUB TOUR, OR CLUB ACTIVITIES BEFORE JULY 1 OF THE CURRENT YEAR TO BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN

4-H EXHIBITS AT THE FAIR, THE 4-H AUCTION, OR TO RECEIVE 4-H PREMIUMS OR AWARDS.

(However, all members are encouraged to attend 2/3 of their meetings to be Standard of Excellence members.)

College students must attend at least one of the above.

Thinking Ahead to the 4-H Fair!

The 4-H year has flown by quickly. Spring is a great time to get serious about your 4-H projects if you have not already done so. It is exciting to think about all the possible activities and exhibit ideas you have with each project and narrowing down the list to what you will exhibit at the 4-H Fair.

Here's some things to consider:

· Take the time to thoroughly look through your project books. These books are University researched information that you can learn a lot from. Although it is not a requirement, it is a recommendation that you do as many activities as possible. Challenge yourself to go above and beyond! Use the information from your project book to develop your talk or demonstration if you have not already given yours this year. Rather than just making a fair exhibit, make it your goal to learn everything about this project that you possibly can!

· Carefully read the 4-H Handbook from your county to know the specific requirements for your 4-H Fair exhibit. Nothing is more disappointing than taking a project to the fair to find out you have not met the exhibit requirements. Please call the Extension Office if you have questions about your fair exhibit.

· If possible, share your project before the fair with someone to get their feedback. That will give you an opportunity to make improvements to your project prior to the fair.

Our goal this year is to see high quality projects in our general building and livestock barns. We hope to have 4-H'ers who can share with their judges how you experimented, practiced, researched, and went above and beyond the basic requirements in your project!

Livestock News

SWINE & SHEEP ID DAY – APRIL 20

Are you enrolled in a market swine or market sheep project?? Saturday, April 20 has been set for the Swine and Sheep Identification Day at the Martinsville Fairgrounds. The weigh-in will be from 7:30–8:30 AM for Swine, and 8:30-9:00 AM for Sheep. All market swine and market sheep must be present for identification purposes to be eligible to show at the 2013 4-H Fair. See below article for all SHEEP to be EXHIBITED AT THE STATE FAIR.

Premiere pigs have the option of being re-weighed. A maximum of five pigs may be identified per member. Please let the weigh-in crew know if you will be showing your pig at the Illinois State Fair.

If you are enrolled in swine or sheep, but have decided not to exhibit, please let the office know prior to the weigh-in! Thanks!

SHEEP & MEAT GOATS GOING TO THE IL STATE FAIR

Anyone interested in showing your Sheep wether or Meat goat wether at the IL State Fair, they must be weighed, tattooed, and electronically tagged. These animals MUST be identified at a regional site with the closest one being at the Coles County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 AM - Noon. Lambs must be castrated prior to tattooing for the wether classes. Remember, anyone over ten years of age by September 1, 2012 is welcome to show at the ISF.

IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE AG EXPO

Ivy Tech Community College will host their 3^rd annual Ag Expo, sponsored by the Collegiate FFA on Friday, April 26^th from 10 AM to 2 PM. All of the local FFA chapters, 4-H and other interested high school groups are invited to attend. The focus is on agricultural career opportunities. In addition to the interactive portion of the program, lunch is provided and t-shirt giveaways. Register online at http://www.ivytech.edu/wabashvalley/ag-expo.html. Or for more information, contact John Rosene at 812-298-2202 or jrosene@ivytech.edu.

STATE FAIR SWINE EXHIBITOR REQUIREMENTS – All IL State Fair Swine exhibitors MUST take the required Youth Pork Quality Assurance Training and a Premises ID number will be required for each participant to be eligible to show at the ISF. PQA training will be offered on Thursday, June 6 at 9 AM at the Clark Co. Extension Office.

Regular Barrows – Must be farrowed on or after February 10, 2013, no weighing

or tattooing is required but must submit ear notches when making entry for ISF.

Premiere Barrows – Must be farrowed on or after February 10, 2013, weighed and tattooed February 10-April 15 and tattooed within 35 days of birth and not weigh more than 1.0 lbs/day. Junior exhibitors can purchase nominated barrows.

LIVESTOCK EXHIBITORS – QUALITY ASSURANCE & ETHICS IS MANDATORY...

New this year ~ 4-H'ers exhibiting one of the following livestock projects (dairy, swine, beef, goats, poultry, horse and pony, and sheep) will be required to complete the on-line Quality Assurance and Ethics program. The Illinois 4-H program wants to be intentional and progressive in making sure that all of our 4-H'ers care for their livestock projects adequately and in an ethical manner. Here's what you need to know:

1. The website is easy to find at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/ , If you do not have easy internet access, please feel free to call the office and use one of our computers.

2. You may go to the website anytime between now and JUNE 1^st. Any member who has not completed the training by June 1^st will be withdrawn from the project and will not be eligible to exhibit at the county fair.

3. Any 4-H'er who has already completed the training does NOT need to take the training again. If in doubt, give us a call to double check.

4. 4-H'ers only need to complete the training in one project area even if you are exhibiting several projects.

5. The county office will be notified when you have completed the training. You don't need to bring your certificate to the office or fair (although we do recommend printing it off for your own records.)

6. Swine exhibitors should be careful not to confuse this training with the PQA (Pork Quality Assurance) training. Any 4-H'er exhibiting swine at the State Fair must also take this training.

Why not sit down today and take this task off your to-do list! It won't take you much time and will allow us to put you on our list of 4-H'ers who have completed the training.

STATE 4-H JUDING CONTESTS

· HORSE JUDGING – The IL State 4-H Horse Judging contest will be Saturday, April 20^th at Black Hawk East Junior college in the Horse Arena, 26230 Black Hawk Rd, Galva, IL. Registration starts at 10:30 with the contest beginning at 11:00 AM. Preregistration is not required, however contestants/teams must bring with them a registration card signed by Extension office staff.

· LIVESTOCK JUDGING - The IL State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest will be held on Monday, June 17^th at the U of I Stock Pavilion, 1402 West Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana. Participants must be checked in and registered at 8:00 AM. Call the Extension Office at 826-5422 for more information or if you are interested in attending.

· POULTRY JUDGING – The IL State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest will be held Thursday, August 8^th in conjunction with the IL State Fair Junior Poultry show in the Orr building on the IL State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

· DAIRY JUDGING – The 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging contest will be held Saturday, August 17^th in conjunction with the IL State Fair. The contest will take place in the Livestock Center at the IL State Fair in Springfield.

Registration is to be made on the day of the contest at the site of the contest. Registration will be prior to the contest with the contest starting at 9:00 AM.

STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK ENTRY DATES

· State Fair Livestock entries along with your required fees must be postmarked by July 1^st, to the IL State Fair.

· Horse entry forms along with your required fees must be postmarked by June 10^th to the IL State Fair. (along with registration papers for horses that are registered).

State Fair materials will soon be posted on the web at http://www.illinoisstatefair.info/. Please call us at the Extension Office if we need to run information off of the website for you! Remember, any 4-H'er 10 or older by September 1, 2012 can exhibit their livestock at the State Fair. No late entries will be accepted by the State Fair.

Horse Happenings

HORSE OWNERSHIP/LEASE PAPERS DUE - All 4-H'ers exhibiting an animal at the 2013 Clark County 4-H Horse Show must submit horse ownership and/or lease forms to the Extension Office by May 1. Two photos, one of each side of the horse, are also required. If you are in need of extra forms, call the Extension Office at 826-5422, they are also available on line at – http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cce/ . Each 4-H'er planning to exhibit at the IL Jr. Horse Show must provide the Extension Office with 2 sets of forms and pictures per horse. These Ownership & Lease Papers will be sent to the State Fair Office by May 15!

SADDLE-UP FOR ST. JUDE TRAIL RIDE CELEBRATION WEEKEND ~

BEAN SOUP & MUSIC – Friday, May 10th – Free will offering

SADDLE-UP FOR ST. JUDE BENEFIT RIDE – May 11^th to Moonshine

Everyone's invited to join in the festivities to kick-off the St. Jude Benefit Trail Ride Weekend beginning with a bean supper on Friday, May 10^th at the Martinsville Fairgrounds at 6:30 PM along with musical entertainment, then Saturday, May 11th we'll host a benefit trail ride for St. Jude by saddling up at the Martinsville Fairgrounds and leaving for Moonshine for a Moonburger at 7:30 AM. The public is invited to ride or drive a team and give a donation in honor of the children of St. Jude. Call the Extension Office at 826-5422 for more information.

4-H HORSE CAMP JUNE 1-2 ~ Come to 4-H Horse Camp at the Martinsville Fairgrounds June 1-2! There is no registration fee for enrolled Clark Co. 4-H Horse youth and open to all 4-H Horse project members. Meals and youth camping will be provided by the 4-H Horse Committee. Parents wanting to attend with camping trailers using electricity may do so for the weekend price of $10. Youth will sleep in open barns with supervision. Out of County 4-H'ers will be charged $30 to attend camp.

Hands-on activities are planned with the youth and their horses to improve their handling skills, horsemanship, safety, and a whole lot more FUN!

For more information please contact Cartha at the Clark County Extension Office 826-5422. Registrations are due to the Extension Office by May 17.

Cartha's Corner

CONGRATULATIONS HORSE BOWL & HIPPOLOGY MEMBERS – Eight 4-H'ers attended the EC Regional Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest on April 6^th at Casey Nazarene Church. Members participated in both Hippology and Horse Bowl. Sr. Hippology participant was Katie Bagwell 1^st; Intermediate - Addie Shotts 1^st, Haley Elliott 5^th; Junior - Abby Davidson, 3^rd, Lana Shotts 5^th, Grace Dudley 6^th, and Cheyenne Felkamp. The Senior HB team placed 1^st and will advance to state with team members Taylor Dashiell 1^st place individual, Haley Elliott 5^th, Katie Bagwell 7^th, and Addie Shotts 8^th. The Junior HB team placed 2^nd Lana Shotts 6^th, Cheyenne Felkamp 9^th. Good luck at State 4-H'ers! GREAT JOB 4-H'ers & thank you to our many volunteers!!

LAKE LAND COLLEGE JUDGING CONTEST – Eight 4-H'ers did a GREAT job on March 23^rd at the annual LLC Judging Contest. Sr. participants placing in the top 10 were - Leanna Keeney 1^st swine, 6^th beef, 7^th overall; Justin Lewis 1^st beef, 9^th sheep & goats; and Nicole Swan 3^rd sheep & goats, 10^th overall; Mary Stone also participated. Jr. participants were Noah Mullen, Mary, and Walter Stone along with Thomas Crome who placed 10^th in swine and has been participating with the Edgar Co. Team. Way to go 4-H'ers!

TROPHIES - Summer is quickly arriving and we're already making preparations for the 2013 4-H Fair. Each year we ask businesses and individuals in the community to sponsor plaques and trophies for the livestock award winners at $20 each. We are also looking for sponsors of our Senior Showmanship award winners in each specie for a donation of $50. If you would be interested and are not on our list, please let us know. We greatly appreciate the support of the Clark County community!

Several high school 4-H'ers enjoyed Job Shadowing over spring break.

§ Brittney Davison shadowed Dr. Byron Shotts at the Casey Veterinary Clinic.

§ Ruthann Gorrell shadowed in several medical departments at Paris Community Hospital.

§ Teresa Gorrell shadowed at the Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club.

§ Leanna Keeney shadowed Stephanie Romero in the events and recreation department at Mill Creek Lake Park.

§ Mackenzie Pankey shadowed Aimee Robinson in the Wellness Program at Indiana State University.

§ Lauryn Rees shadowed in the business/marketing department at Paris Community Hospital.

A few 4-H'ers are planning to job shadow this summer. Job Shadowing is a very educational experience offered to our high school 4-H'ers and we hope to hear a report from all of these 4-H'ers at our next Federation meeting on April 22^nd!

Other Tidbits

v 4-H JAZZ BAND – Calling all jazz musicians… Any youth musician (coming into 8^th grade through high school) playing trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drum set, keyboard, bass, and guitar are welcome to join. The next rehearsal will be on Monday, April 22^nd at 4 PM at the Marshall High School Band room. Don't miss this opportunity to play in the Clark Co. 4-H Jazz Band! Call Cartha at the Extension Office if you'd like to join!

v MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE – Saturday, May 4, 8:00-10:00 AM at the Extension Office. Do you have too many irises and not enough day lilies? Are your houseplants falling off the shelf? Then dig and divide your plants and bring them to the MG Plant Sale. Anyone can buy – Anyone can sell! Set your own price. There will also be baked goods and other great bargains being offered. Call the Extension Office at 826-5422 to reserve a space!

v The CLOVERS 4-H CLUB will be hosting a Bake Sale during the Master Gardener's Plant Sale at the Clark County Extension Office on Saturday, May 4 from 8-10:00 AM. So come out and support their club, there will be LOTS of yummy treats!

Upcoming Events

APRIL 22, 29 Dog Obedience Class, 6:30 PM, Marshall Fairgrounds

20 Swine Weigh-in, 7:30-8:30 AM, M'ville Fairgrounds

20 Sheep Weigh-in, 8:30-9:00 AM, M'ville Fairgrounds

22 Federation Meeting & Public Presentation Contest, 6:30 PM, EO

MAY 1 Horse Ownership & Lease Papers due to Extension Office

4 Master Gardener Plant Sale, 8:00 AM, EO

6, 13, 20, 27 Dog Obedience Class, 6:30 PM, Marshall Fairgrounds

9 Federation, 6:30 PM, Jessie's House

10 St. Jude Bean Soup Supper & Music, M'ville Fairgrounds, 6:30 PM

11 4-H St. Jude Benefit Trail Ride, M'ville Fairgrounds to Moonshine, 7:30 AM

18 4-H Day with the Cardinals, St. Louis

23 Federation Road Trip to Indy

JUNE 1-2 2-Day 4-H Horse Camp, M'ville Fairgrounds

1-2 Relay For Life, Casey Park 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM

6 PQA Training, 9 AM, Extension Office

17 State Livestock Judging Contest, U of I Campus

18 Leader's Meeting

19 4-H Petting Zoo, 2 PM at Burnsides Healthcare Center

30-July 4 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello