What an odd, even weird, winter we have had this year. I can't remember having as warm a winter as we had in 2011 and so far in 2012. I know that I love the lower heating bills!!!
It has been a busy winter for the Piatt County Extension staff. We have had numerous programs ranging from "Winterizing your Horse" to I-On Diabetes. We are currently in the season for administering the Private Pesticide Applicator Tests. If you are a person who needs to either renew your license or get one for the first time, call our office. There are still several opportunities in the area to accomplish this.
Piatt County 4-H had exciting news recently. Our preliminary enrollment numbers for the 2011-2012 4-H Club year show a marked increase in 4-H enrollment. While we won't have the final enrollment numbers until April, early 4-H Club enrollment data shows an almost 30% increase in 4-H Club membership. This is absolutely awesome! The 4-H staff continues to work hard to make this the best 4-H Club year ever!
Speaking of 4-H, 4-H Memorial Camp registration is now open. If you are a 4-H Club member, you can receive a $30 4-H Foundation scholarship in addition to a $15 4-H member discount offered by 4-H Memorial Camp. Stop by or call the office for more information. Register for 4-H Camp soon, our slots are going fast.
I want to thank each of you who came out on February 11th to the 4-H Federation Spaghetti supper. The support from the community was great. I, for one, thought that the food was superb! I especially thought that the desserts were outstanding! Of course, I was asked to serve as one of the judges for the best dessert contest! I am always happy to lend my talents to judging desserts. It is always great to see our 4-Hers working hard and having fun doing so!
The Piatt County Extension staff continues to work hard to develop programs which meet the needs of the citizens of Piatt County. However, we can't do that without your input. If you have an idea for a program or know of a need in the community, please contact the office by calling 762-2191 or by emailing me at dharlan@illinois.edu. I encourage you to visit our website, http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp to find more information about local programming opportunities.
Thanks again for your support of Piatt County Extension programs.