Wow - what a fun Saturday! The U of I Extension - Winnebago County 4-H office hosted a Visual Arts workshop called "Working with Clay" on Saturday, March 12th. We had so much fun! Judi Snyder of Freeport, IL helped us bring out our "creative inner self" and we ended up making all kinds of wonderful art sculptures. Some of these creations included turtles, dragons, houses, pigs and snowmen!

I think everyone who attended had a great time (including the moms)! I always find working with clay to be somewhat therapeutic - and a good way to relieve stress.

The next visual arts workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 26th and it will be about 3-D Mixed Media sculpture. We will be creating art from wire, wood, metal, fabric and a bunch of other materials. 4-H members - if you want to join the fun, make sure to sign up for this event on our main page under "Program Registrations". You don't want to miss it!

Hello 4-H Friends!

I am happy to report that I am back to work after a 3 month leave of absence to recover from my knee surgeries. I want to thank all of you who sent cards, prayers and warm thoughts to me during my recovery. I really appreciate all of you!

I am anxious to get back in the swing of things with the 4-H program, but the first item on our agenda is moving to our new office location. We are moving tomorrow (Feb 21st) to our new office on North Second Street in Rockford. We will be moving into the former Jr. Achievement building just south of the new Nicholas Conservatory being built by Sinnissippi Gardens. Our new address is 1040 N. Second Street and our phone and fax will remain the same.

Things may be a bit hectic for a few weeks as we get settled into our new office, but I assure you, we will still be preparing for our many upcoming programs and workshops. Speaking of workshops, I just finishing posting the registration for some upcoming 4-H Visual Arts Workshops. These workshops will be taught by Certified Art Instructor - Judy Snyder of Freeport, IL. I hope that 4-H members will find these workshops not only informative, but also lots of fun. Please encourage your 4-H members (8 years old & up) to sign up today.

Now that I am back, I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions about the 4-H program in Winnebago County. I am here to be your 4-H resource, so please don't hesitate to call or send me an email. I look foward to hearing from you!

Stacy

I just want to thank everyone that attended the 4-H Recognition Event we held at Midway Village & Museum Center yesterday afternoon. It was great to see all of the wonderful volunteers and award winning members of the 4-H program.

It was a wonderful event and I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. The food was great, the silent auction baskets were awesome and I was very happy that so many of you came out to enjoy the day with us. For those of you who didn't make it - don't worry, there is always next year.

I also want to thank you for the kind wishes and prayers sent my way as I take some time off from my 4-H job for a few months to have some much needed knee surgeries. I wish you all a very happy holiday season and may you be able to spend some quality time with your families this winter. 2011 will be here soon and I can't wait for all the exciting workshops and activities we are planning for the spring!

Take Care - I'll be back very soon!

Stacy

I don't know of a single 4-H Leader who is not busy, busy, busy, especially at this time of year with enrollments and project choices going on. The 4-H year is well underway and the Extension office is whirring with energy of the new year.

I was sent an email recently with a terrific new web resource aimed at helping 4-H Leaders that I would like to share with you. I am attaching a link to this blog entry and I hope that the 4-H Leaders and even busy parents will take a minute and check out this website. http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/4h/leaders/

Leaders on the Go (L.O.G. for short) is a website that accomodates a hectic schedule. It has answers to 4-H questions and is also a great place for mental motivation; needed to keep your spirits up and energy high.

Past topics at this website include: Member Recruitment, Recruiting Helpers, Working with Your Officer Team, Helping 4-H Members Set Goals, Helping 4-H Members find Resources and more.

Upcoming topics include: Helping 4-H Members Learn in Projects, Involving Older Youth at Teachers, Sharing Project Work with Others, Preparing for the Fair, Identifying Potential Officers and Leaders for Next Year and Finishing the 4-H Year in Style.

I encourage you to take a few moments to check it out - you won't be sorry you did.

That's all for now!

Stacy

I hope everyone finds some time this holiday season to spend some quality time with family and friends. Be grateful for the blessings in your life - I know I am.

Happy Holidays - looking forward to a wonderful 2010!

Dear Friends,

It is that time of year when we are reminded to give thanks for our blessings. My wish for each of you is that you take time to count your blessings each and every day. After all, each day is a unique and special gift and should be treated as such.

So, thank you my friends and family for sharing, caring, laughing and crying with me - I am truly blesssed to have each and every one of you in my life. Wishing you peace and thanksgiving not only at this time of the year, but all the way through, each and every day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacy

I just want to remind all those rabbit and small pet project kids out there that Jeanne & Reita will be holding a clinic for you on November 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. here at the Winnebago County Extension office.

Please call (815) 986-4357 to sign up today. Please bring your rabbit and/or hamster, guinea pig, gerbil with you to this clinic. They will be going over different breed classes and giving you helpful pointers on how to best present your animal at the fair.

Good Monday Morning!

Hasn't the weather been absolutely gorgeous the past couple of days? I love this time of year - the colors - the smells - fall is my favorite season!

As I watch the colors change around me, I realize that it is also that time of year where the 4-H program recognizes its faithful volunteers and award winning 4-H members. We are busily preparing for our annual 4-H Recognition Event, which this year will be held in a new location and on a new day.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate 4-H on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Midway Village and Museum Center. On this day we will be honoring our award winners and volunteers, watching a slide-show of the past year, bidding on silent auction items, and enjoying a dessert buffet. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required. All 4-H friends and family are invited.

Please call the Extension Office at (815) 986-4357 or register online at our website. Hope to see you there!

I'd like to thank you for checking out our new 4-H Blog. It is my intention to keep this updated on a weekly basis with the latest 4-H news and 4-H events. Blogging is all new to me, but I am looking forward to using this technology to get the word out about 4-H!

I will post important dates and events here that may not have made it into our quarterly 4-H newsletter. So please check back often and bookmark this page for an easy return.

I encourage you to contact me via email at cwiklo@illinois.edu or telephone at (815) 986-4357 with any issues, concerns or information you would like me to post on this blog site.