Dear 4-H Family

Summer is here! There's nothing like those first few days of summer to enjoy the warmth and sunshine and some freedom from the daily routine of school. However, it won't be long until boredom sets in! It's a great time to be working on those 4-H projects.

We give special congratulations to our High School graduates:

William Black

Cherise Boyd

Rose Cloud

Taylor Dowers

William Gard

Diane Gorrell

Emily Hollingsworth

Nick Kahl

Colton Keeney

Logan Macke

Elaina Maurer

Drucilla Miller

Caitlin Upchurch

Denise Wallace

Taylor White

Chase Whitton

Makayla Wycoff

We're glad you have been a part of the Clark County 4-H program and we wish you a lifetime of success and happiness!

Sincerely,

Cartha Gustafson

4-H Program Coordinator

Clark County

FEDERATION FOOTNOTES

4-H'ers had a great time at the May Federation meeting at

Jessie's house with 18 in attendance to congratulate our 4-H seniors and wish them much success!

Road Trip to King's Island ~ Federation members took a road trip to King's Island on May 22^nd. There were 21 travelers and a fun day was had by all!

Any Federation member who would like to be a member of the "GREEN TEAM" should contact the office during June. The "Green Team" is a group of 4-H'ers who take on additional leadership roles during the 4-H Fair by working a shift of a couple of hours. Diane Gorrell will be co-chairing the Green Team. Let us know if you would be willing to help out and provide some county leadership!

WIGGLES & WINGS!

WIGGLES & WINGS! Come to our TERRIFIC TUESDAY program on JUNE 12!

The Clark County 4-H program and Clark County Farm Bureau will be teaming up to offer a Terrific Tuesday program, "Wiggles and Wings!" It will be held Tuesday, June 12, 9:00 – 11:30 AM at Lincoln Trail State Park south of Marshall (Red Oak Shelter) and will be a morning full of discovering nature. Cost to attend the workshop will be $5.00 and the deadline to register is Wednesday, June 6. This workshop will be cancelled if more registrations are not received. Don't delay, sign up today!

PEBBLE PUPS ROCK-STUDY & "DIGGIN' IN" SET

PEBBLE PUPS ROCK-STUDY & "DIGGIN' IN" SET

A Pebble Pups rock-study night has been set for Monday, June 25^th at 6:30 PM at the Clark County Extension Office and a field trip to Lawrence Gravel has been scheduled for Thursday, June 28^th. We will meet at 6:00 PM at the Extension Office and head to Lawrence Gravel as a group. Geologist, Lee Beaven will be leading this classroom rock-study and the "Diggin' In". Please plan to attend the rock-study before the field trip, it will be very beneficial to all youth attending, and parents too! The field trip will give 4-H'ers a chance to collect rocks for their projects for the 4-H Fair. You don't even have to take Pebble Pups to join us! It's always a great learning experience and a fun trip - you'll just dig it! Please call the Extension Office at 826-5422 by June 22 if you'd like to attend either of these events. (We want to make sure we have enough registered for the rock-study and the trip!).

DOG AGILITY CLASSES

Although the Dog Obedience Classes are wrapped up, instructor Hillary Deckard will continue working with 4-H'ers to prepare for the Dog Agility Show. They will continue to meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM at the Marshall Fairgrounds until the 4-H Fair as long as there are enough interested participants.

HELP WITH THE PETTING ZOO AT BURNSIDES HEALTH CARE CENTER

HELP WITH THE PETTING ZOO AT BURNSIDES HEALTH CARE CENTER

4-H will be hosting a Petting Zoo at Burnsides Community Health Center on Wednesday, June 13 at 2:00 pm. We are looking for 4-H'ers who would be willing to bring their favorite pet – dog, cat, goat, poultry, rabbit, etc. to share with the residents. If you are interested in this community service activity, please call Cartha or Jessie at 826-5422. Thanks 4-H'ers!

NEW MEMBER MEETING

NEW MEMBER MEETING – JUNE 26

A meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 4:00 PM at the Clark County Extension Office for any first year members and parents who would like more information to prepare for the 4-H Fair. This is an optional, brief and informal meeting to explain the judging process and answer questions about the 4-H fair.

4-H policies can be confusing for new 4-H families and we would like to do everything possible to make your first year in 4-H a successful one. If you are unable to attend this meeting, feel free to contact the Extension Office with any of your questions. (Older members who have questions are also welcome to attend!)

REMEMBER THE 4-H ATTENDENCE POLICY!!

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. College students must attend at least one of the above.

HELP WANTED

Community members who are dedicated to the promotion of agriculture

through programming that impacts our 3 county district.

What programs and presentations do you feel would be valuable and beneficial?

Please volunteer to serve on the Ag Committee for Clark, Crawford, and Edgar Counties and help decide the FUTURE!

Contact Rusty Nave at rnave@illinois.edu or 217-826-5422.

Clark County Farmers Markets

Clark County Farmers Markets are being held throughout the county and 4-H members are welcome to sell produce or 4-H clubs are welcome to hold bake sales, etc. They will be held Friday evenings from 4:00 – 7:00 pm throughout the summer at the following locations:

1^st Fridays – Marshall Courthouse Square

2^nd Fridays – Casey Bolin's Lot (103 N Central)

3^rd Fridays – Westfield Park

4^th Fridays – Martinsville Fairgrounds

5^th Fridays – West Union Café Parking Lot

Call the Extension Office for contact numbers in any of the communities.

4-H Camp

FUN AT 4-H CAMP – Forty-two youth from Clark County will be going to 4-H Camp on June 17-21. Hope you all have a GREAT time! 4-H'ers should receive a letter with details soon!

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

We love volunteers! Summer lends itself to many opportunities to help out with the 4-H program such as serving as judge's helper, building sitter, etc. Although there are lots of helpful parents around, it is often hard to know whose work schedule will allow them to help. If you'd be willing to help out with a summer event, please let us know! We always appreciate the support given by our 4-H parents AND grandparents!

4-H FAIR FACTS

IT'S FAIR ENTRY TIME – DUE JUNE 15!!!

4-H Fair entry forms have been mailed to each 4-H'er. If you did not receive a personalized entry form listing the projects in which you are enrolled, please give our office a call as soon as possible. Your job will be to check the exact exhibit classes you will be entering. If you feel a project has been missed on your pre-printed entry form, let us know so we can make the adjustment. These may be a little confusing, so PLEASE give the office a call to answer your questions. Deadline for Fair Entries is JUNE 15^th.

OTHER IMPORTANT FAIR INFORMATION

The July newsletter will have all the final details about the upcoming 4-H Fair, but here's a few items for you to keep in mind.

This year's General Project Judging will once again be held on Saturday morning, July 21 at the Martinsville Fairgrounds. The Dog and Cat Show will be held on Saturday at 12:00 pm following general judging. This includes all general projects except foods and the bicycle rodeo.

A mandatory meeting for all Livestock Exhibitors will be held Sunday evening, July 22, 9:00 pm at the Livestock Show Arena. Plan to attend!!

Remember that Clark County Day at the State Fair is Friday, August 10. All general projects will be conference judged on that day. (4-H'ers must be in attendance to participate). Be sure that you have a copy of the 2012-2013 4-H Handbook. If not, stop by the office or ask your leader for a copy.

DON'T FORGET TO WORK ON YOUR PROJECT FORMS & RECORDS

DON'T FORGET TO WORK ON YOUR PROJECT FORMS & RECORDS

4-H'ers should complete a Project Workshop Form for every project for the end of the year records. However, all general projects exhibited on Saturday morning of the 4-H Fair need to have this completed form accompany your project for judging. Many of you need multiple forms/records which should be available from your 4-H leader, the Extension Office, or on our website under the 4-H section.

Livestock News

STATE FAIR ENTRY DATES - The State Fair Books and Entry Forms are now available on the web at http://agr.state.il.us/isf/premium/. Copies are also available here at the Extension Office. Junior Horse entries are due to the IL State Fair Entry Office by June 8. All other Junior Livestock entries are due to the IL State Fair Entry Office by June 29. Be sure to include the entry fee amounts for each animal along with your entries. Please send to the following address: IL State Fair Entry Dept, PO Box 19427, Springfield, IL 62794-9427

Any 4-H'er 10 and over by September 1, 2011 may exhibit livestock at the State Fair. You do not have to be a county winner to exhibit.

RABBIT GROOMING WORKSHOP – A Rabbit Grooming Workshop will be held at the Edgar County 4-H Fairgrounds Show Ring on Saturday, June 16 beginning at 9:30 AM. This workshop is being led by Lindsay Hewitt. Please call the Edgar Co. Extension Office at 465-8585 to pre-register.

VET CHECKS AVAILABLE – Dr. Christy Stone of Crestline Veterinary Service (and one of our own 4-H moms) has offered to hold a Vet Check on Saturday, June 23^rd from 2-5 PM at the Martinsville Fairgrounds. This would be for any animal needing health papers for the fair, blood draw for swine, horses, etc. You don't have to make an appointment, just come during that time! Payment should be made to Dr. Stone that day when services are rendered. Thanks Dr. Stone!

POULTRY CLUB TO MEET FOR MOCK SHOW JUNE 26 - The Poultry Club has been meeting and has schedule a Mock Poultry Show for Tuesday, June 26^th at the Clark County Extension Office at 6:30 PM. Bring a bird from home if you'd like and plenty of questions! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get together with others who have the same interest as you and to find out more about your Poultry project. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting! For more information ( Terri Kellum at 826-5503.

PORK QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING – ALL ISF exhibitors must either attend this yearly training or "test out". If you are unsure if you are qualified, please call the Clark Co. Extension Office at 826-5422 before June 15^th.

STATE QUALITY ASSURANCE & ETHICS

State Fair bound livestock exhibitors are NOT required to complete the QA & Ethics certification this year, but WILL be REQUIRED to have this certification in 2013 in order to exhibit at the IL State Fair. The below web site is currently open for you to complete this certification http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/. You will ONLY have to complete this QA&E training one time. Reminder ~ the Clark Co. QA&E is STILL required to show at the Clark Co. 4-H Fair, it's a one-time training for 1^st and 2^nd year showmen held every other year. The county training will be offered in 2013.

ATTENTION GOAT & SHEEP EXHIBITORS!

Goat and sheep exhibitors – don't forget that all goats and sheep to be exhibited at the 2012 Clark County Fair MUST be accompanied by a CVI (Certified Veterinary Inspection) within 30 days of the 4-H Fair along with an Owner's Statement. All goats and sheep must have some form of identification (tag or tattoo).

STATE JUDGING CONTEST - GIVE IT A TRY!

What is the State Judging Contest? It's an opportunity for 4-H'ers to test their knowledge in the subjects listed below.

The following dates have been set for the state contests at the different locations.

Livestock Judging – Mon, June 18, Reg. @ 8:30-9:30 AM, contest at 10:00 AM, U of I Stock Pavilion

Poultry Judging – Thurs, Aug. 9, Contest @ 8:30-11:30 AM, ISF, Orr Building

Dairy Judging – Sat, Aug. 18, Reg. @ 8:30-9:30 AM, Contest @ 10:00 AM, ISF.

If you are interested in any of the State Judging Contests please register with us one week prior to the contest at the EO at 826-5422.

SUPERIOR YOUNG PRODUCER AWARD

The Superior Young Producer Award program is being offered once again at the Illinois State Fair. This program is designed to emphasize the educational aspects of raising and showing livestock in the junior shows at the fair.

A $1000 scholarship and plaque will be given to the "top 5" individuals overall, in each specie. Junior show participants 14 & older in the livestock categories of beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, and swine may apply to compete. Horse participants must be 16 years of age to compete. Phases of the competition include a skillathon, a written exam, live animal judging and a showmanship contest (varies from specie to specie). Check out the State Fair information for age requirements and information.

Cartha's Corner

¨ 4-H HORSE CAMP HELD – Several 4-H'ers attend 4-H Horse Camp at the Martinsville Fairgrounds last weekend! There were great clinicians, games, food and a whole lot of fun learning. A HUGE THANK YOU to Karie Cook, Lisa Dashiell, Ruth Stewart, Florence Conner and many others who helped over the weekend!

¨ SADDLE-UP FOR ST. JUDE BENEFIT RIDE & BEAN SUPPER – Forty-eight

riders and wagon drivers including 4-H'ers, parents and guests participated in the St. Jude Children's Hospital Benefit trail ride on May 12 from the Martinsville Fairgrounds to Moonshine Store. 4-H'ers and guests donated and collected over $1100 for the benefit!! A BIG THANKS to Karie Cook and her MANY helpers for preparing the Bean Soup for the Friday night St. Jude Benefit kick-off, the Clark County 4-H Jazz Band and Willow Creek Praise Band for their wonderful musical entertainment for the crowd. A GREAT time was had by all! This was a fantastic community service and we appreciate the community's support.

¨ Thanks to those of you who have volunteered to donate a trophy! If anyone else is interested, please let the office know. Cost is $25.

¨ The Martinsville Ag and the Clark County Fairs are approaching. The Martinsville Ag Fair will be held July 8-14 and the Clark County Fair will be held July 29-August 4. Remember these fairs provide some excellent opportunities to show livestock and general exhibits. Support our fairs through your participation!

¨ Jessica Zellers and Abi Snyder are both headed to Washington, DC this June. Jessica for the Youth to Washington trip sponsored by EnerStar Power Corp and Abi for the Washington Focus Trip. Have a great trip girls!!

¨ Emily Crews, Hannah Jones, Lauryn Rees, and Abi Snyder will be participating in the Illini Summer Academies at the University of Illinois at the end of June. This opportunity lets the 4-H'ers explore the campus, study potential careers and build their leadership skills. It is also a great opportunity to meet youth from across the state.

Upcoming Events

JUNE ~

2-3 – 4-H Horse Camp, Martinsville Fairgrounds

8 – Horse State Fair Entries Due to ISF

12 – Terrific Tuesday at Lincoln Trail State Park

13 - Petting Zoo, 2:00 PM, Burnsides Nursing Home

15 – 4-H Fair Entries due to the Extension Office

17-21 – 4-H Camp, Monticello

18 – State Livestock Judging Contest

19 – Leaders Meeting, 7 PM, EO

25 – Pebble Pups Rock-Study, 6:30 PM, EO

25 – New Member Meeting, 4 PM, EO

26 - Poultry Club, 6:30 PM, EO

28 – Pebble Pups Dig-in, 6:00 PM Lawrence Gravel

29 – State Fair Livestock Entries Due to ISF

Tuesday Evenings, Dog Agility, 6:30 pm, Marshall Fairgrounds

JULY ~

10 – Clothing Judging, Extension Office

10 – Youth Committee & Livestock Supt. Meeting

19 – 4-H Fair General Building Set-Up Day

21-25 - 4-H Fair, Martinsville Fairgrounds

24-29 – State Fair Jr. Horse Show

AUGUST ~

10 – Clark County Day at State Fair

SEPTEMBER ~

8 – 4-H BBQ

2012 Clark County 4-H Fair Schedule

TUESDAY, JULY 10

9:00 AM Clothing Judging, Clark County Extension Office

SATURDAY, JULY 21

8:30 AM General Project Registration

8:30 AM Set-up Martinsville Fairgrounds – Livestock barns

9:00 AM General Project Judging

Rocket Launch – Immediately following General Project Judging

11:00 AM Cloverbud Exhibit

12:00 PM Cat Show

12:00 PM Dog Show

SUNDAY, JULY 22

2:00–7:00 PM General Project Building open for project viewing

5:00-8:30 PM Livestock Exhibits Check-In

9:00 PM Livestock Ethics Meeting for livestock exhibitors

MONDAY, JULY 23

9:00 AM Horse Show

9:30 AM Garden Tractor Driving Contest

10:30 PM Bicycle Rodeo

1:30 PM Rabbit Show

6:30 PM 4-H Family Night at the Livestock Barns

TUESDAY, JULY 24

8:00 AM Swine Show

12:00 PM Foods Show

1:00 PM Sheep Show

Goat Show ~ following Sheep Show (not before 2 PM)

6:30 PM Dress Revue, Awards Program, Food Auction

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

8:00 AM Poultry Show

8:30 AM Dairy & Beef Show

10:30 AM State Fair Delegate Meeting

11:00 AM General Projects Released

6:30 PM Livestock Auction

THURSDAY, JULY 26

8:00 AM Clean-up

PROJECT LEADERS

Are you working on your 4-H projects and have some questions? Feel free to contact our County Project Leaders, who are "experts" in the project area you need help or call Jessie or Cartha at the Extension Office.

Electricity – Bob Zellers 932-5411

Rocketry – Eleanor Markwell 932-2252

Clothing – Kim Williams 826-8557

Natural Resources – Jim Nestleroad 382-4231

Dogs and Cats – Karen Hutchens 826-6164

Foods & Cake Decorating – Lisa Claypool 889-2313

Health – Teri Brashear 826-2875

Horticulture – Rusty Nave 826-5422

Computers – Sally Rector 826-6139

Photography – Jessie Crews 826-6420

Visual Arts – Cartha Gustafson 826-5422

Woodworking – Dan Gorrell 826-2896

Poultry – Scott & Mary Applegate 932-6401

Sheep – Fred Morecraft, 826-8863; Angie Vanatta, 276-2216;

Linda VonBehren, 618- 569-3853

Rabbits – Lori Rhoads, 889-2442; Erin Wycoff, 826-2106

Beef – Jeff Lewis, 826-5512; Charles Warfel, 932-5356

Swine – Greg Strohm, 826-8856; John Goekler, 889-3339;

David Macke, 279-3629

Horses – Bob Zellers, 932-5411; Karie Cook, 618-553-7580;

Karen Hutchens, 826-6164;

Goats – Brenda Gilbert, 967-5698

Crops & Tractors – Greg Strohm, 826-8856