Letter to Families

Now that we have had our first dose of blustery winter weather we hope that you are staying warm and able to enjoy this winter holiday season. This time of year is very busy as 2011 comes to a close and we look toward planning for a new year. Please take the time to look over the newsletter, especially the upcoming dates, for opportunities to participate in many 4-H activities.

With winter upon us and the weather on occasion being unpredictable, we may have to cancel an event so please call the extension office if you have any doubt if the event has been cancelled or if the office will be closed. If the office is open we will let you know, however, if the office is closed due to the weather there will be a recorded message indicating a cancelled event for the day. The Winter Weather Preparedness information from the National Weather Service has an informative website that helps you plan for winter weather issues. http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/?n=winter

We hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season. We look forward to another positive year in 4-H with our 4-H families.

Sincerely,

Janine Heidtke, 4-H Program Coordinator

Kelly Sadowski,4-H Community Worker

Happy Holidays from the Extension Staff:

James,Brenda,Kelly,Janine,Brian,

Mary,Karen,Doris,and Diane

Enrolling in Your 4-H Club and Projects for 2011-2012

We will be re-enrolling last year's members and enrolling new members in 4-H during the next couple of months. Your re-enrollment materials were available from your 4-H club leader during the month of October. Here are a few things to remember and be aware of:

*The enrollment form for individuals who were members last year (i.e. 2010-11) will be pre-printed. Be sure to check all of the information on the form for accuracy. Make any changes in colored ink (NOT BLACK). Be sure to have your parent sign the enrollment form – especially as it pertains to 4-H Foundation, photo releases, and the youth behavior guidelines. New members will have to complete the information form and project list.

*Project enrollments don't carry over from year to year. You have to enroll in projects each year. So, you need to make project selections to enroll in for the current year (i.e. 2011-12). All returning 4-H members must be enrolled in at least one project by December 1 (you can still add/delete projects after this date). By enrolling in December, that gives the Extension Office staff an opportunity to update all of your information (i.e. address, phone number, email address, age, grade in school, etc.) and get new members added so they can receive information from the Extension Office. Currently, we are operating with the information in last year's database.

*The final project enrollment deadline (March 30, 2012) is the final date in which youth can add projects to be eligible for exhibiting them in the 4-H portion of the 2012 McHenry County Fair.

*When selecting projects, be sure to watch the age recommendations on the level you are selecting. Projects are designed for specific age groups. They are written to support that developmental level of children. If it's time to move up a level, do so – especially if you have been in that project for several years. You may not enroll in multiple levels of a project area (i.e. Woodworking I, Woodworking II, and Woodworking III). Pick the project level that best fits your age and abilities.

*Project books are ordered for the entire club and not by individual members. Ordering project books is handled by a volunteer in your 4-H club – it may or may not be the leader of your club. To let that volunteer know which project books you need, clearly mark the circle on the project selection form. This should be done for each project you are enrolled in and want the book for. The 4-H/Extension Office submits book orders to the State 4-H Office, orders are filled on campus, and then sent to the local Extension Office to be picked up by the volunteer submitting the order.

*Enrolling in projects does not automatically sign you up to participate in the 4-H portion of the McHenry County Fair. In the spring, a pre-printed fair entry form will be distributed to 4-H members at a club meeting. The fair entry form will match your project enrollment (i.e. the exhibit opportunities you are eligible to sign up for are the ones related to the projects you are enrolled in). The fair entry form must be returned to the Extension Office by Friday, June 1st, 2012. The 2011 fairbook was available to 4-H families online. It is still available at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lm/downloads/39737.pdf

***Keep in mind the rules and exhibit guidelines may or may not change for 2012 (changes for 2012 will be posted in early April 2012).

*It is the responsibility of the 4-H member (not the club leader) to complete the necessary paperwork to enroll in 4-H and projects and to meet the established deadlines. Please note, your 4-H leader may set earlier deadlines for the club so that they can meet deadlines at the 4-H/Extension office. If you have questions, please don't be afraid to ask your 4-H leader or contact the Extension Office. There are no dumb questions. We would much rather you ask than be disappointed come fair time.

Apply for the LCP Award

This award is sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates for older 4-H members in Illinois. The purpose of the award is to reward members exhibiting outstanding leadership, citizenship, cooperation, and professionalism during the past 4-H program year (September 1, 2010-August 31, 2011). Although all members can apply, the program is designed to recognize and promote achievement in the agricultural industry. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by December 1, 2011, and cannot reach their 19th birthday of the year they submit the application. Each county may select two winners who are then nominated to the state level selection process. County winners will receive a certificate; state winners receive a trip to the Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliates two-day Premier 20 Leadership Conference (scheduled for April 25-27, 2012). For more information or an award application, contact the Extension Office. Applications for the county selection process are due Friday, December 16.

Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference

7^th and 8^th grade 4-H members (and you can bring a friend) are invited to attend the Jr. Leadership Conference February 25-26 in Urbana. This weekend event provides junior high delegates a look into leadership development and opportunities within the 4-H program. This conference is planned, implemented, and evaluated by the Illinois State 4-H youth Leadership Team. Great way to meet and interact with other youth from across the state! The theme this year is "Find the Clue to the Leader in U". Registration begins on November 15, 2011 – January 30, 2012. More information and registration is available at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/juniorleadership.cfm

Volunteer E-Forums Scheduled

Join with other 4-H volunteers across the north central states to learn cutting edge information that will help you work with your 4-H club members. One topic will be held on each of the following dates: Monday, November 7, Thursday, November 17, and Tuesday, November 22 at our McHenry County Extension Office on McConnell Road. Each session will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Session topics include: Positive Youth Development, 4-H Program Management, and New & Emerging Curriculum. Watch your email for more information soon!

Purchase an Illinois 4-H License Plate

Show your support of Illinois 4-H by purchasing your own 4-H license plate or purchase one to give as a gift. A portion of every license plate sold will go to support 4-H programming in all 102 Illinois counties! Visit the website at www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu.

McHenry County Fair News

Next year's fair has been scheduled – the dates are Aug 1-5, 2012, at the fairgrounds in Woodstock. Please see the 2011-2012 calendar of events for more important dates regarding the fair and judging.

Illinois State Fair News 2012 Dates Announced

The dates for the 2012 Illinois State Fair have been set … Friday, August 10, through Sunday, August 19, 2012. The state fair junior horse show will be held July 24 through July 29. Mark your calendars and save the dates now!

Animal Possession Deadlines Listed

4-H livestock and other animal exhibitors must have owned and personally cared for their project from the latest starting date for the project. Listed below are the animals and their latest starting date.

Beef, Performance Cow January 1

Dairy, Cows January 1

Goats, Milking Doe January 1

Beef, Steer February 1

Goats, Kids & Yearling May 1

Horse & Pony May 1

Poultry May 1

Rabbits May 1

Sheep, Wethers May 15

Beef, Heifers June 1

Dairy, Calves June 1

Sheep, Breeding June 1

Swine, Barrows June 1

Swine, Breeding June 1

Swine, Gilts June 1

***4-H'ers must be enrolled in the appropriate project by no later than June 1, 2012, and have their animals in their own possession by the deadlines listed above. If you have questions, please contact the Extension Office.

Window Display

Thank you to the 2 clubs in our county that participated in the annual Window Display during the National 4-H week in October! We would like to award the Cross County Farmers and the Green United Clever Clovers for their "live" demonstrations of promoting the 4-H program! Both Clubs will receive a check in the amount of $30 to use for their clubs. Thank you for going the extra mile to promote our programs!

Tag Day

Thank you to the Milk Center 4-H club and leader Dawn Bilmahier for hosting a "live" demonstration at the Tractor Supply Co store in Harvard to promote 4-H and accept clover donations to help support their club. The Milk Center raised $134 that will help finance their members' dues. From the county, the club received a special 4-H clover patch and "Tag Day" Patch for their club banner.

New Member Open House

Club News

The Quad C's 4-H Club in Spring Grove had a very successful Horse Show in September. With only 5 members they were able to put on an entire Open Speed Show on September 17^th to benefit The Community Food Pantry, Richmond IL; Mainstay Therapeutic Riding, Richmond, IL; Hooved Animal Humane Society, Woodstock, IL and Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society, Woodstock, IL. Over $1800 was divided between the 4 Charities as well as several boxes of food that was collected at the show. In November we will be helping the National Association of Women in Construction Lake/McHenry County Chapter with creating care packages for the Troops over Seas for the Holidays.

County Recognition Banquet

The McHenry County annual recognition banquet was held on Saturday, November 5^th at 6pm. The banquet was a wonderful time to honor leaders for their hard work and dedication to the 4-H program and it's youth as well to recognize the youth – ages 12-18 that have completed their "Standards of Excellence" in the last 4-H year. Awards were also handed out to those who submitted their 4-H records to the county extension office for state judging, scholarship winners, alumni 4-Hers, and club key awards. We would like to thank everyone who participated in 4-H this year, competed at the County Fair, completed their 4-H records, and supported the 4-H program in McHenry County! We are very lucky to have a strong 4-H program that continues to grow every year!

Ambassadors

The 4-H Ambassadors of McHenry County are taking part in a wonderful opportunity this holiday season to promote 4-H through the Christmas Tree walk in the Woodstock opera house. Thousands of people tour the trees at the Opera House each Holiday Season……we are hoping to spread the word of the 4-H program in McHenry County.

The Ambassadors are asking each of the clubs to submit one ornament (or more if they feel inclined) that contains the name of their club as well as the possibly something depicting what their club is about or centered around. This is not mandatory, but would be a good way for not only 4-H to be represented but for your individual club to be recognized as well. The club only needs to supply the ornament and the Ambassadors will do the rest. We look forward to your ornaments!

We will be decorating our 4-H tree during the week of November 21^st – Please have your ornament(s) to the Extension Office by Friday, November 18^th.

Sincerely,

Rachel Siddons and Hannah Rinn

McHenry County Ambassadors

**Please respond to let us know if your club will be participating in this county-wide promotion of 4-H.

Horse Committee News

Horse Project Orientation

Hippology Contest

The annual McHenry County Hippology Contest will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the extension office, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock. The event tests a 4-Her's knowledge of horses, including breeds, colors, anatomy, nutrition, diseases, tack and more. Participants will take a short written test and visit "stations," looking at displays and answering questions. Ribbons will be awarded in three age divisions. This is a committee-approved clinic.

Poultry Clinic

January 14, 2011, from 1-3pm at the Extension Office. All 4-H members enrolled in Poultry should try to attend this clinic. Valuable information will be given to help you in your project area and provide help for showing/judging at fair. Please register at the McHenry County web site so that we know how many are in attendance so that we can plan accordingly.

Ukrainian Workshop

On Saturday, January 28^th, from 10am-12pm come to the Extension Office to learn the artistic skill of Ukranian Egg decorating. Please sign up and pay the $3 fee online on our website or at the Extension Office before the workshop. The fee covers the cost of eggs for the event.

A pysanka is a Ukrainian Easter egg, decorated using a wax-resist (batik) method. The word comes from the verb pysaty, "to write", as the designs are not painted on, but written with beeswax. Molten wax is applied to the raw egg with a stylus called a kystka. Once the egg is dipped in numerous dyes and covered with layers wax, the wax is removed and the brightly colored egg is revealed.

Club Programming Reminders

As your club moves forward in planning this year's program of work there is something that needs to be taken into consideration, Risk Management.

Enrollment Deadlines

A big THANK YOU goes out to all the clubs that have brought in member enrollment forms with the program fee. We appreciate you getting these to us in a timely manner. Your program fee provides for curriculum, publications, insurance, and programming. 4-H is such a value for the quality of programming and the opportunities for your club members.

NOTE FOR EVERYONE! When writing out a check to us for anything, be it for enrollment payment, 4-H program payment, etc. please REMEMBER to write out the check to either University of Illinois Extension or McHenry County Extension. We received many checks for enrollment that were made out to 4-H Foundation or leader's name/club name which could not be deposited and delaying enrollment entry.

Beef Weigh-In Scheduled

Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012

Place: McHenry County Fair Grounds

Time: 8:00am to Noon

Snow date: Saturday, February 11, 2012

All beef animals and market heifers to be shown in the McHenry County Fair must weigh-in and receive tattoo.

4-H Foundation Cookbooks

The McHenry County 4-H Youth Foundation Cookbooks are still available to help support our 4-H Extension. Inside the cookbook are hundreds of wonderful prize winning and delicious recipes from McHenry County club members and friends.

The Cookbooks cost $10 and are available at the Extension Office, 1102 McConnell Road. Bundles of 6 cookbooks are also available for a slight discount. Make checks out to the McHenry County 4-H Youth Foundation. Great holiday gifts!

Special Interest Clubs and Opportunities

Creative Quilters

If you enjoy sewing and having the opportunity to explore your creativity, then Creative Quilters is for you. Join us once a month on the fourth Monday at 6:30pm at the Extension Office. For more information please contact Judy Corson at 815-338-5798 or Cindy Harris at 815-344-4815.

Tech Team Club Meetings

Please join us at the Extension office in Woodstock. Friends and family are welcome to attend! Our November and December meetings are the 3th Saturday of the month from 9:00am-10:30am. Even if you have not attended a meeting in a while, come on out and join us this month!

Clothing/Sewing Workshops

Clothing/Sewing workshops will be back this year starting in January 2012. The first workshop of the year will be Tuesday, January 24^th at 6:30pm at the McHenry Extension Office. Workshops will be held twice a month until fair time when youth are constructing fair projects and extra help is needed. Topics for workshops will be determined with the input from youth and parents on skills youth are interested in learning.

Registration will soon be on line for the first meeting on the McHenry County Extension web site.

Communication Mini Fair

One of the most important skills that 4-H members can learn is to speak in front of a group. In 4-H, members have many opportunities to practice this skill. Besides doing presentations at the club meetings, members have the opportunity to participate in the Public Presentation contest. This contest is open to all youth interested in presenting in the following categories: horse presentations, food demonstrations, formal speech, illustrated speech, oral interpretation, original work, speak of horticulture, horticulture demonstrations, artistic floral design.

McHenry County's Communications Mini-Fair will take place at the Extension Office on Saturday, February 18, 2012, beginning at 9:00am. Registration will soon be on line at the McHenry Extension web site.

Project Day

Project Day will be held on March 3, 2012, at the McHenry County Fairground starting at 9:00am. We have some excited classes available for you to participate in. Look for more information coming in January with a registration form.

Horse Share Opportunity

I would like to see if a young rider would like to help care for and ride my older quarter horse gelding. He is ride-able. I ride English. You can use my saddle and bridle. He needs more time than I have for him, but I do not want to sell him. He is gentle and easy to catch. He has a mini pasture mate that could be driven. I have ground driven her. We have the cart but missing a part to the harness. North Marengo. There is no indoor arena, outside shelter only for them. Call Lisa at 338-1026.

International Night

Save the date for March 16, 2012, at 7:00pm in Building D on the McHenry County Fairgrounds. Clubs can start thinking about which country they would like to learn more about. Remember that the Extension Office has kits on many of the countries that could be of interest. The kits have information in them to help you learn about your country.

There will be a meeting at the Extension office for clubs participating in this event on January 19, 2012, at 7:00pm. At least one member and one adult from each club need to be present at this meeting. Registration and choosing your club country will be online shortly following the meeting.

New Parent Meeting

There is a discussion meeting scheduled for November 29, 2012, at 7:00pm at the Extension office for parents of new 4-H members to ask questions and find out more about fair and fair exhibits. Please plan to attend. This is your opportunity to express any concerns and ask any question you may have about the 4-H program.

Registration will soon be on line at the McHenry County web site.

Foundation News

Please mark your calendars for March 17, 2012. This is the date reserved for the String Tie Affair. To be hosted at Donley's Wild West Town.

More to be discussed at our next Foundation Meeting on December 1^st at 7:30pm at the Extension Office.

2011 Scholarship winners, Kurt Woolridge and Lois Kanter.

Deanna Harmon was awarded The Sally Harrison award for her community and club service, her enthusiasm for the 4-H program, and her cooperation. Congratulations!

4-H Newsletter Deadlines and Guidelines

The McHenry County 4-H Newsletter is written every other month by the 4-H Community Worker including articles from committees, superintendents, special interest groups, and McHenry County Foundation. For 2012 we are also asking that your club reporter send us information on what the club is doing and participating in, providing us a fun overview of their activities.

Months Newsletter Arrives:

November/December

January/February

March/April

May/June

July/August

DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES DUE TO THE EXTENSION OFFICE IS THE 5^TH OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING MONTHS:

December

February

April

June

August

Articles are to be received as they are to be printed.

Articles are to include writers name, email, and phone number.

A complete article should be in one newsletter with a reminder and date in the following newsletter so families have information 3 months ahead of time as much as possible.

Articles should be sent to Janine Heidtke at jheidtke@illinois.edu

McHenry County Extension Unit prints many newsletters. Each area is given a schedule which that department has due in order to produce a quality newsletter for all.

Families and Club Leaders are asked to share family names who do not have access to a computer and need a hard copy of the newsletter mailed to them. ONLY one hard copy of the newsletter will be mailed to that family.

If the family needs another copy, we ask that that family contact the club leader to obtain another hard copy or by going to a public computer (i.e., library) to print out additional copies. Please contact Kelly at 815-338-3737 or email at ksadowsk@illinois.edu with those names.

County Alumni Awards

Two of McHenry County's past 4-H members were awarded for their success in their personal and professional lives, as a result of their participation in the 4-H program. We are very proud to have these young adults as Alumni of McHenry County and as 4-H youth volunteers!

Hannah Rinn, owner of The Blossom Shop in Woodstock and Alumni of the Community Cloverleaves 4-H club.

April Hammerand's family accepts the award for her. April Hammerand is an Alumni of the Greenwood Handi-Helpers 4-H club which lead to becoming Project Manager of the Food Coalition of Central Indiana.

McHenry County 4-H Calendar 2011-2012

***Dates, times, and Locations are all subject to change…..Please watch for updates by email and on our website.

November

5 County Recognition Banquet 6pm Building D@ Fairgrounds

7 Leader E-forum 6:30-8:30 Extension Office

10 Officer Training 7:00 pm Extension Office

17 Leader E-forum 6:30-8:30 Extension Office

21 Ambassadors 7:00 pm Extension Office

22 Leader E-forum 6:30-8:30 Extension Office

22 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

24 Office Closed

25 Office Closed

28 Creative Quilters 6:30 pm Extension Office

29 New Parent Meeting 7:00 pm Extension Office

30 Livestock Superintendents 7:00 pm Extension Office

December

2 Enrollment Due 4:30 pm Extension Office

7 Project Area Superintendents 7:00 pm Extension Office

26-30 Office Closed

January

2 Office Closed

4 State Illinois Applications due Extension Office

7 Poultry Clinic 1-3 pm Extension Office

16 Office Closed

16 Ambassador meeting 7:00 pm Extension Office

19 4-H International Night

Committee Meeting 7:00pm Extension Office

21 Rabbit Clinic by Milk Center 1-3pm Extension Office

21 Dog Orientation 10-12pm Fairgrounds

21 MCYTT 9:00 am Extension Office

23 Creative Quilters 6:30 pm Extension Office

24 Horse Orientation 7:00 pm HAAS Wdstk, IL

24 Clothing workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

24 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

28 Ukranian Egg Wkshp 10-12 Extension Office

31 Clothing workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

February

4 Beef Weigh In 8:00 am Fairgrounds

11 Snow Date Beef Weigh In 8:00 am Fairgrounds

18 Communication Mini Fair 9:00 am Extension Office

20 Ambassador s 7:00 pm Extension Office

20 Key Application Due 4:30 pm Extension Office

21 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

28 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

25 MCYTT Meeting 9:00 am Extension Office

25 Horse Hippology Contest 1-3 pm Extension Office

TBA Jump-A-Jack-Thon Extension Office

TBA PQA

25-26 Jr Leadership Conference Urbana, IL

27 Creative Quilters 6:30 pm Extension Office

28 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

March

1 Dog Papers Due 4:30 pm Extension Office

2 Project Day Set Up 5:00 pm Fairgrounds

3 Project Day 9:00 am Fairgrounds

TBA PQA snow date 7:00 Fairgrounds

March (cont)

TBA Regional Horse Bowl &

Hippology Contest

16 4-H International Night 7:00 pm Fairgrounds

17 String Tie Event Union

19 Home Furnishings Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

20 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

24 MCYTT Meeting 9:00 am Extension Office

26 Creative Quilters 6:30 pm Extension Office

27 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

27 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

30 Last day for add & drop projects

TBA Regional Horse Judging Contest

TBA Rabbit Clinic

TBA Northern Illinois Leadership Conference (Rockford, IL )

April

16 Ambassador 7:00 pm Extension Office

17 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

14 Dog Clinic – no dogs 3:00pm Fairgrounds, Bldg D

23 Creative Quilters 6:30 pm Extension Office

24 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

24 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

28 MCYTT Meeting 9:00 am Extension Office

26 Leader Meeting-Fair 7:00 pm Extension Office

30 Horse Green Sheets Due 4:30 pm Extension Office

30 Home Furnishings Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

May

5 Sheep Weigh In 8:00 am Fairgrounds

TBA Regional Horse Judging Contest

20 Ambassador Meeting 7:00 pm Extension Office

21 Home Furnishings Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

22 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

22 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

26 MCYTT Meeting 9:00 am Extension Office

29 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

May/June Beef Workshop-fitting, showing, showmanship

June

1 Fair Enrollments Due

1 State Fair Horse Entries due

9 Last day for Horse Ethics Online

19 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

18 Grand Ambassador Interviews 7:00 pm Extension Office

23 MCYTT 9:00 am Extension Office

26 Sewing Workshop 6:30 pm Extension Office

26 Horse Committee 7:00 pm Extension Office

28 Unit 3 4-H events in Lake Cty TBA Lake County Fair

29 Unit 3 4-H events in Lake Cty TBA Lake County Fair

29 Livestock entry forms due Extension Office

30 Unit 3 4-H events in Lake Cty TBA Lake County Fair

July

14 Dog Fun Match TBA

15 Cat Show 2:00 pm Fairgrounds

15 Livestock Ethics Due Online

18 Clothing Judging 9:00 am Fairgrounds

20 Dog State Fair Entries Due4:30pm Extension Office

21 Dog Show TBA

26 Fair Set Up 9:00 am Fairgrounds

30 General Project Judging 9:00 am Fairgrounds

30 Visual Arts Judging 1:30 pm Fairgrounds

31 Foods/Crops/Horticultural 9:00 am Fairgrounds

31 Animal Check In

August

1 Fair Starts

2 4-H Night at Fair 7:30 pm Fairgrounds

4 Auction 12:00 pm Fairgrounds

5 Last Day of Fair

29 Records Due to Extension Office