McLean County 4-H and WJBC teamed up during National 4-H Week to present "Credits for the Clover"! To listen, click on the following link, scroll to the bottom of the WJBC webpage and choose the date of the podcast. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/blogs/eb200/index.html

Read about the most recent 4-H activities in the online edition of the McLean County Extension Newsletter: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25461.pdf

Recognition of Excellence Ceremony, November 7, at 3 pm, Astroth Community Education Center, HCC

All McLean County 4-Hers and their families and leaders are welcome to attend. 4-Hers will be recognized for the following awards: First Year Outstanding, 5 Year Pledge, Leadership Achievement (16 year Olds), County Curriculum Awards, Club Curriculum Awards, State Award Winners, Mosbacher & Holder Scholarship, Alumni, Hall of Fame, Leader of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. 4-Hers who will be recognized received a letter with a green invitation postcard. All others receive a blue postcard. Please note the year of the event says 2020 on it, oops, we made a mistake, and it is this year! There is no RSVP for this event, but we hope that all award winners will attend if schedules allow.

Team Youth Meets again on November 12, 6:30-8 pm LOCATION WILL BE RELOCATED

The service learning project for team youth is to learn more about the Gulf Oil Spill and how it affected the environment and animals. Help them do research soon by participating in an online survey. Sign up for our next meeting: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5052

4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting – November 13 location TBA

We are looking for a few 4-H leaders and maybe experienced parents and 4-Hers to assist new families in learning more about 4-H and what to expect in their first year. Please contact techamb@illinois.edu. Location is being relocated due to a schedule conflict at the Extension office. Please stay tuned for more information.

GIS Day at the Government Center in Bloomington, November 17

More information: http://mcplan.org/education/GIS_Week_2010_AgendaFinal.pdf

4-H GPS Spin Club

The club held its second meeting in October. Participants enjoyed a quick demo, some laptop time with Google Maps, navigating from point A to B and looking at coordinates. Attendees even searched for "the Hidden Cache Container" on site. Steve Sewell is the leader and his contact information follows: steve.sewell.gyoi@statefarm.com Next Meeting: November 13; Saturday; 9am – 3:45; Comlara Park: GPS/Geocaching Program -all day work shop taught by Steve. $12 for materials, and lunch provided by Comlara Park. (Note: This event is open to the public) Registration Required - Deadline: Wednesday, November 10

To register call 309-726-2022 Ext. 221

Officer & Leader Training, November 20, Washington IL

Get excited about the first ever JOINT Leader and Club Officer training on November 20th from 8:45 to 12:30 at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois. Club officers and leaders will participate in workshop sessions including topics such as: Parliamentary Procedure, Making Meetings Fun, Involving Others in Your Club, Youth and Adult Partnerships and much more. Leaders will have two separate sessions while officers are having training followed by a joint session where officers and leaders will be combined for the final breakout. There will also be a opening keynote by Dr. Denise Legvold, 4-H Program Leader that you won't want to miss! This workshop is FREE for 4-Hers and Leaders, we hope McLean County is well represented!!

Officers—register online at: http://tinyurl.com/officertrng

Leaders—register online at: http://tinyurl.com/leadertrng

St. Louis Rams 4-H Game day update

The St. Louis Rams-Kansas City Chiefs game is sold out (for Dec. 17)! In order to accommodate any 4-H family who calls in from here on out, the Ram's are offering the same deal for the December 26th game against the San Francisco 49ers. (The $35 ticket includes the t-shirt and a $10 food and drink voucher, and orders of 10 or more get an additional voucher.)

• (Last name A-M) Contact David Kinsey at 314-425-0509 or dkinsey@rams.nfl.com
• (Last name N-Z) Contact Matt Honerkamp at 314-425-0517 or mhonerkamp@rams.nfl.com

Award Writing 101 Telenet Training, December 7, 7 pm

Participate in this informative one hour telenet to get the ideas for filling out award-winning 4-H applications, scholarships and more! There will be time to ask questions about the state 4-H award applications and share suggestions with others. To register contact Judy Schmidt 309-694-7501, ext.229, schmid7@illinois.edu . Register by December 1.

4-H Learn & Fun Day 2011

HELP MAKE LEARN & FUN DAY A SUCCESS – WE NEED MORE WORKSHOPS!!

The event is back for its 25th year on January 29, 2011 at Heartland Community College. Last year we had over 180 youth and over 50 volunteers participate in this event! We are looking for creative, fun hands-on workshops targeted to youth ages 8-14. If you would like to lead a workshop at Learn & Fun Day please fill out the Presenter Workshop Form: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25166.pdf (fillable PDF) You may receive follow up contacts from 4-H volunteers. Details about Learn & Fun Day are available online. Workshop Information for Presenters for more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25167.pdf

Workshops can be lead by youth, adults, or youth and adults together. We need over 50 workshops to offer to our 4-Hers this year. The more options to choose the better! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 309-663-8306 or techamb@illinois.edu. Turn in the form ASAP!

Save the Date! – Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign

National 4-H has entered into a nationwide partnership and will be running another Paper Clover campaign November 5-14 with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stores. Stay tuned for more information, we'll be looking for 4-H clubs to host a booth on the weekends.

More information: http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/promotional-toolkits/

Awards for Older 4-Hers

Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates 4-H Premier LCP Award

Open to 4-H members 17 and above by December 1. The two-tier awards program includes plaques for the top ten scoring members and invitations to the 3-day intense Premier 20 Youth Leadership Conference in April. Application: http://tiny.cc/bifzz PLEASE NOTE THE MCLEAN COUNTY DEADLINE IS JANUARY 3, 2011. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS A DIFFERENT DEADLINE THAN WHAT IS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION!

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Key Award

This state recognition is for older 4-H members and rewards those who exhibit outstanding 4-H leadership, community service, and service as a mentor. A member may receive this recognition once during their 4-H career.

Applicants must be 4-H members, 16 to 18 years of age by September 1 of the 4-H year in which they are applying. Each Extension unit may submit a maximum of three applications for award consideration each year. Awards are presented at the Illini Summer Academies in June. Application: http://tiny.cc/oawj2 PLEASE NOTE THE MCLEAN COUNTY DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2011. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS A DIFFERENT DEADLINE THAN WHAT IS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION!

Fundraisers & Service Opportunities

Cookies for Soldiers

Help McLean County's HCE (Home & Community Education) ladies send 600 dozen cookies to soldiers overseas! If you love to bake cookies and want to send them to the troop's pleas drop them by the Extension Office on Monday November 29 from 8-4:30 pm ONLY. Bring them in bulk and they will pack them. They will be shipped on November 30. For more information contact Leatha at 309-452-9164. Please note the Extension office is closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday before the 29^th.

Operation Santa, a project of Citizen Support for America's Military (a tax exempt charitable organization www.citizensam.org or www.operationsanta.info ), is the largest stocking effort in America. The stockings are handmade by volunteers in all 50 states and all contents are donated, including 25,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Volunteers will spend 2 weeks filling and packing the stockings in Peoria, Bloomington, and Decatur, Illinois for shipping. Everything must be shipped by Thanksgiving to arrive in time for Christmas. Our postage costs will be around $100,000 and all donations go directly to this expense.

Checks can be sent to:
Operation Santa
7131 N. Knoxville Ave., Suite C
Peoria, IL 61614

You can use Pay Pal on either web site www.citizensam.org and www.operationsanta.info.

Get your 4-H License Plate

Show your support of Illinois 4-H by purchasing your own 4-H license plate. $25 of every plate will go to support 4-H programming in all 102 Illinois counties! Go to www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu to get the Specialty License Plate Form, print it and mail in their check for $25.00 to the Secretary of State's office (These $$$ goes to 4-H). Once we have 1500 commitments/forms, we will be able to finalize the design of the plate and they will begin production. (Even if you don't want to get the plate for your vehicle— you can still support the cause and help us get to our 1500 commitment form minimum by sending in the form and $25.00)!

Take the National Rocketry Challenge

It's time to form your own rocket team and learn to launch. Registration is now open for the 2011 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC), the world's largest rocket contest challenging participants to compete for $60,000 in prizes and scholarships. Participation is limited to the first 750 teams who register by November 30. This year's challenge is to design, build and fly a model rocket containing a raw egg that reaches an altitude of 750 feet, stays aloft for 40 to 45 seconds, and returns the egg unbroken on a parachute. The team's qualification entry flight must be launched by April 4, 2011. Students in grades 7-12 in any U.S. school or non-profit youth organization are eligible to compete. The rocket contest gives future engineers the opportunity to demonstrate their math and science skills by designing a real aerospace product. To download the TARC Handbook, Rules and registration form to get started with your 4-H Rocketry Team, visit Team America Rocketry Challenge. http://www.rocketcontest.org/

SET Information Resources

Geography Awareness Week is Nov. 14-20. It is an annual opportunity for families and schools to engage in fun, educational experiences that draw attention to Geo-Literacy and the importance of geographic understanding in ensuring our nation's economic competitiveness, national security, environmental sustainability, and the livability of our communities in the 21st century. The 2010 theme is Freshwater – which complements the 2010 4-H NYSD experiment. 4-H is a member of the My Wonderful World coalition led by National Geographic. Resources for youth, teachers and parents are available at http://www.mywonderfulworld.org/gaw.html. GIS Day is celebrated on Wednesday of Geography Awareness Week (Nov. 17, 2010). GIS Day resources and a listing of GIS Day local events are found at http://www.gisday.com/.

NSF Report: Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators: Identifying and Developing Our Nation's Human Capital - The National Science Board recommendations to help ensure a legacy of continued prosperity and a renewed aspiration towards equity and excellence in U.S. STEM education. The PDF report and Executive Summary are available at: http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/stem/innovators.jsp.

Earth Science Week Resources: Earth Science Week, Oct. 10-16, is conducted annually by the American Geological Institute in partnership with NASA and other sponsors, is to encourage students, educators and the public to explore the natural world and learn about geosciences. This year's theme is Exploring Energy, and NASA is offering a variety of multimedia products and educational activities designed to improve understanding of energy resources and the role of energy in Earth's climate system. Educational resources and videos can be found at http://climate.nasa.gov/esw2010/.

SET Grants and Awards

GIS Software Grants for 4-H Clubs: Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) has announced the 2011 application for GIS software grants for 4-H clubs. This year three types of grants are offered: "Getting Started" with ArcExplorer Java Edition for Education (AEJEE) for clubs new to GIS, GIS club grant with ArcGIS 10 and a new State or Regional ArcGIS 4-H Educator Train the Trainer Grant to conduct GIS training for 4-H staff and volunteers. Application deadline is Dec. 1. Applications and supporting information can be found at http://www.esri.com/industries/k-12/4-H/index.html.

NSTA Faraday Science Communicator Award: The Faraday Science Communicator Award will recognize and reward an individual or organization that has inspired and elevated the public's interest in and appreciation of science. The individual will not be a classroom teacher, but will work in, or have developed a compatible setting for science communication. The organization will facilitate and provide exemplary opportunities for science communication to the public. For more information visit: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx#faraday.

The 2011 Thacher Environmental Research Contest, sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, challenges high school students (grades 9-12) to conduct innovative research on our changing planet using the latest geospatial tools and data. Entries are due April 11, 2011. Cash awards are presented for top project entries. Visit www.strategies.org/ThacherContest.

Holiday Community Service Opportunities

Salvation Army – 829-9476: There are many opportunities to help with a range of volunteer responsibilities available throughout the months of November & December – some of those are listed below. Should you want further details, contact Joyce Glasscock, 829-9476, ext. 203.

Bell Ringing: Volunteers are needed as Christmas Bell Ringers beginning Nov 19 through Dec 24. Volunteers are needed Mon-Sat, 10am-8pm. Individuals, clubs, church groups, sororities, fraternities, civic groups, etc. are welcome. Those interested can sign up to be a bell ringer over the Internet; go to www.ringbells.organd click on Bloomington. You will receive a confirmation via email. If you can't sign up on-line, call Andrea Raycraft, 829-9476, ext. 204.
Food Drives: The Salvation Army relies on help from the public with food donations for their

holiday assistance program. Any group wishing to host a food drive can contact Andrea Raycraft, 829-9476, ext. 204 for pickup and drop-off times.
Coats for Kids & Families: Donate new or gently used coats, hats, mittens or gloves to the Salvation Army through Dec 10. Items can be dropped off at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Center for Health at Ft. Jesse, Starbucks at Veterans Pkwy/Washington and The Salvation Army (611 W. Washington). Items will be distributed to children and families who are in need of clothing.

WJBC – Brotherhood Tree – 829-1221: For donations, only new gifts are accepted and can be for children or adults. Each gift should be wrapped and marked with age and contents. Checks are also accepted, along with donations by Paypal (www.wjbc.com). Donations are accepted the day after Thanksgiving (Nov 26) through Wed, Dec 15. For more information or to volunteer, call 829-1221 and ask for Janae or look online at www.wjbc.com.

Home Sweet Home Ministries – 828-7356: HSHM is also looking for families, individuals, or groups to adopt a needy family and provide Christmas presents for them. Contact Sabrina Burkiewicz at 828-7356 x215 or sburkiewicz@hshministries.org.

Book Showers for Literacy – 888-9884: Hold a Book Shower at your organization, club, school, or church to collect new children's books that will become holiday gifts for underprivileged children. Cash donations will be used to purchase new books. Donations of used children's books in good condition are also accepted. The used books will be distributed to social service agencies that work with low-income families, the homeless, and children at risk. The STAR Literacy Program is accepting new and used books, as well as cash donations, Mon through Fri, from 9am to 4pm. STAR Literacy Program is located at 905 North Main Street, Suite 2, in Normal. Beginning Nov 1 through Dec 20, the Children's Rooms at both Bloomington and Normal Public Libraries and the Children's Discovery Museum will accept book donations. For more information, call Sheila Diaz at 888-9884 ext. 247.

Children's Foundation – Adopt-A-Family – 827-0374: Business groups, families, or individuals can adopt-a-family for Christmas. Donations of gifts, household items, and money are appreciated. (This program serves only the families receiving services through The Children's Foundation.) Contact Katie Allen at the number above or at kallen@childrenshomeandaid.org for more information.

Operation Christmas Child: During the week of Nov 15-22, Samaritan's Purse invites residents to turn old shoe boxes into gifts of hope for children around the globe. Here's what you do: Find an empty shoe box, decide whether your gift will be for a boy or girl, choose an age category (2-4), (5-9), or (10-14), fill the shoe box with a variety of gifts (for small gift ideas, visit their web site), print out the appropriate label provided on their website, place it on the TOP of the box, and enclose a $7 check made out to Samaritan's purse (OCC on the memo line) or make your donation online with the EZGIVE option provided on their website. This donation goes toward the cost of international shipping. Please place a rubber band around the shoe box before dropping it off. The Bloomington drop-off location is: Cross Pointe church of God, 3101 Airport Rd, Bloomington 61704. Drop-off hours for that week are Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 7 pm, Friday 5 pm – 8 pm, Saturday, 1 pm – 4 pm, Sunday, 1 pm – 2 pm & Monday from 9 am – 10 am. If you cannot drop off during the times listed, or if you would like more information, please call 1-800-410-7659 or visit the website at www.samaritanspurse.org.

ISU Leadership and Service Office – Holiday Helper – 438-7346: ISU students, faculty, and staff can be a Holiday Helper for one of the needy children of the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington/Normal, Catholic Charities, Unity Community Center, and/or Western Avenue Community Center. Contact the Leadership and Service Office, Nov 1-Dec 1, to receive the name, age, and size of a child to sponsor. Simply spend at least $30, though no more than $40 per child, and take the gifts, unwrapped, to the Leadership and Service Unit, Room 206, Bone Student Center, at the corner of University and College. For further information call the above number and ask for Alison Kessinger.

Toys for Tots – US Marine Corps Reserves – 826-5588: New toys are collected and distributed to needy McLean County children through community holiday assistance programs. Monetary donations are very much appreciated, as well. Donated toys can be dropped off Nov 2 through Dec 21at the drop-off boxes in Toys R Us or Eastland Mall. The Steering Committee needs volunteers to serve on the committee for the seasonal toy drive. Contact Matt Drat, matt@mcleantoysfortots.org, or call the number above.

The Baby Fold's Christmas Wish List Program – 451-7202: The Baby Fold needs help from individuals, families, organizations, and church groups to fulfill the wish lists of the children they serve (only) – boys and girls from prenatal to 18 years of age. There are several ways to help: Fill the wish lists of one child or several children by purchasing items specifically for them; purchase a variety of items the Baby Fold can use to help a variety of children; purchase gift cards for older children as gifts; make a monetary gift to help with last minute purchases and buying the most necessary items; and/or volunteering time in December to help track, inventory, sort, shop for, and distribute the many gifts. Wish lists are available now. Gifts can be dropped off Dec 3 and Dec 6-9, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm, at TBF's drop-off location at Lakewood Plaza, 1407 N. Veteran's Parkway Suite #6. To help out, or for more information, contact Dawn Maxey at the number above or tmaxey@thebabyfold.org

The Pantagraph's Goodfellow Fund – 820-3210: The Goodfellow Fund works in cooperation with local social service agencies to assist families in need. Monetary donations from community residents are what fuel the fund. Please mail donations to: The Pantagraph Goodfellow Fund, PO Box 1800, Bloomington, IL 61702-1800. Donor names can be listed in The Pantagraph starting Thanksgiving Day. Should you need further information, contact Julie Chilton at the number above.

Center for Hope Food Pantry Network/CHAP – 452-8240: The Center for Hope and CHAP are now accepting donations of unwrapped new toys, craft items, books, games, ceramics, blankets, gift wrap supplies, and greeting cards for their Joy of Giving event. Volunteers are needed to help the children while they shop, make their cards, and wrap their gifts. Please call 452-8240 to sign up.

4-H Premium Checks

Members who have not yet cashed their fair premium checks should do so soon! The void date is October 20^th. If your family has not received their premium checks, then check with the Extension Office at 663-8306.

***Be sure to read the ***'d items they are important upcoming events that all 4-Hers can participate in!

Happy 4-H Week

Listen to Forums on WJBC this week by 4-Hers and volunteer Karen Carrigan! Thanks to Ann Clary, Michaela Maris, Taylor Thomas and Sam Schuler for sharing their 4-H experiences with the public! To listen click this link: http://wjbc.com/WJBCForum/tabid/6852/Default.aspx Scroll to the bottom of the page for more 4-H week forums.

2010 National Science Experiment: 4-H2O
Join us on October 6th for the third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, where youth across the nation examine one of the most important issues facing our nation today—water quality. These young scientists will discover and explore the powerful effects of carbon dioxide on our natural water sources in 4-H2O, the 2010 National Science Experiment.
Resources Are Now Available Online and You can find everything you need to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day online at www.4-H.org/NYSD. The site provides all the tools you will need to begin a comprehensive scientific exploration and plan an exciting science event in your community.

McLean County has three of these kits that were given to us with funding provided by Caterpillar Foundation. We encourage 4-H clubs to check out the kits and have members participate in the science experiment!

4-H Eco Challenge Game

IBM has partnered with National 4-H Council to create the 4-H Eco Challenge!, an online interactive game for middle school and high school youth that teaches how daily choices impact the planet and guides young people on a journey to making a difference. This three-level game challenges users to test their knowledge of environmental issues by determining which actions are most eco-friendly for their home, neighborhood and community. Players will think critically about environmental issues including water use and quality, transportation, pollution and waste management.

TILT Halloween Party, October 30, Extension Office

Looking for a way to meet other 4-H Teens and celebrate Halloween/Harvest Days? Put this date on the calendar and attend the countywide Halloween Party hosted by McLean County's 4-H Leadership Team, TILT. Save the Date: Saturday, Oct. 30, 6:30-9:00 PM at the Extension Office. Costumes encouraged, but optional.

***Recognition of Excellence Ceremony, November 7, at 3 pm, Astroth Community Education Center, HCC

Invitations and letters to award winners went out yesterday and some will go out on Monday. All McLean County 4-Hers and their families and leaders are welcome to attend. 4-Hers will be recognized for the following awards: First Year Outstanding, 5 Year Pledge, Leadership Achievement (16 year Olds), County Curriculum Awards, Club Curriculum Awards, State Award Winners, Mosbacher & Holder Scholarship, Alumni, Hall of Fame, Leader of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. 4-Hers who will be recognized received a letter with a green invitation postcard. All others will receive a blue postcard. Please note the year of the event says 2020 on it, oops, we made a mistake, and it is this year! There is no RSVP for this event, but we hope that all award winners will attend if schedules allow.

Recognition of Excellence Ceremony Assistance Needed

Calling 4-Hers, parents, leaders and speakers! We are looking for assistance with the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony. We need speakers, greeters, check-in assistants (teens), line-up assistants (adults) set-up, tear down and script writer, script assistant, and technical assistance. We are looking for a minimum of 15 speakers.

The Recognition of Excellence Ceremony is November 7 at 3 pm. All volunteers will need to arrive no later than 2 pm. If you are interested please sign up here: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5012

***4-H Hippology Kick-Off, October 26, Extension Office, 7-8:15 pm

Do you love Horses? Practice and improve your knowledge and skills of all things horse related by participating in 4-H Hippology/Horse Bowl. Owning or leasing a horse is not necessary just a genuine interest in learning more about horses, horse science, physiology and health. If you have more questions about the program contact volunteer coaches Jill & Bill Schenk at jillnbill90@msn.com. Sign up online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=4976.

Team Youth Meets again on November 12, 6:30-8 pm at the Extension Office

The service learning project for team youth is to learn more about the Gulf Oil Spill and how it affected the environment and animals. Help them do research soon by participating in an online survey. Sign up for our next meeting: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5052

***Officer & Leader Training, November 20, Washington IL

Get excited about the first ever JOINT Leader and Club Officer training on November 20th from 8:45 to 12:30 at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois. Club officers and leaders will participate in workshop sessions including topics such as: Parliamentary Procedure, Making Meetings Fun, Involving Others in Your Club, Youth and Adult Partnerships and much more. Leaders will have two separate sessions while officers are having training followed by a joint session where officers and leaders will be combined for the final breakout. There will also be a opening keynote by Dr. Denise Legvold, 4-H Program Leader that you won't want to miss! This workshop is FREE for 4-Hers and Leaders, we hope McLean County is well represented!!

• Officers—register online at: http://tinyurl.com/officertrng
• Leaders—register online at: http://tinyurl.com/leadertrng

4-H Learn & Fun Day 2011

The event is back for its 25th year on January 29, 2011 at Heartland Community College. Last year we had over 180 youth and over 50 volunteers participate in this event! We are looking for creative, fun hands-on workshops targeted to youth ages 8-14. If you would like to lead a workshop at Learn & Fun Day please fill out the Presenter Workshop Form: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25166.pdf (fillable PDF) You may receive follow up contacts from 4-H volunteers. Details about Learn & Fun Day are available online. Workshop Information for Presenters for more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25167.pdf

Workshops can be lead by youth, adults, or youth and adults together. We need over 50 workshops to offer to our 4-Hers this year. The more options to choose the better! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 309-663-8306 or techamb@illinois.edu. The Presenter Workshop Forms are due by October 30, 2010.

Save the Date! – Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign

National 4-H has entered into a nationwide partnership and will be running another Paper Clover campaign November 5-14 with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stores. Stay tuned for more information, we'll be looking for 4-H clubs to host a booth on the weekends.

More information: http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/promotional-toolkits/

Save the date!

The 3^rd Annual IL 4-H State Robotics Challenge will be in April 2011 (tentatively scheduled for April 23^rd). Details on the challenge for this year will be released Feb. 1^st . 4-H Foundation has committed to providing scholarships to the top two jr. teams to attend FIRST LEGO League as well as a scholarship to the top sr. team to attend National 4-H Engineering Challenge.

4-H Project Curriculum Update

Robotics Curriculum - The curriculum is designed for youth in grades 4 – 12. There are three tracks, consisting of three levels. The 3 tracks are: Virtual Robotics, Junk Drawer Robotics and a Platform Track.

Interior Design Curriculum – Explore the rules of remodeling and design with this new colorful book! You'll be in an episode of Trading Spaces or Design on a Dime with this curriculum.

Cooking 401 – The last in the Cooking series, this book covers advanced skills for older very experienced 4-H cooks. Combines former project areas of Exploring our Food Heritage, International Foods, and touches on Candy Making. The Cooking 101-401 projects are meant to be taken over your entire 4-H career. We recommend that 4-Hers take Cooking 101 for a minimum of two years.

Awards for Older 4-Hers

Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates 4-H Premier LCP Award

Open to 4-H members 17 and above by December 1. The two-tier awards program includes plaques for the top ten scoring members and invitations to the 3-day intense Premier 20 Youth Leadership Conference in April. Application: http://tiny.cc/7g4rb PLEASE NOTE THE MCLEAN COUNTY DEADLINE IS JANUARY 3, 2011. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS A DIFFERENT DEADLINE THAN WHAT IS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION!

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Key Award

This state recognition is for older 4-H members and rewards those who exhibit outstanding 4-H leadership, community service, and service as a mentor. A member may receive this recognition once during their 4-H career.

Applicants must be 4-H members, 16 to 18 years of age by September 1 of the 4-H year in which they are applying. Each Extension unit may submit a maximum of three applications for award consideration each year. Awards are presented at the Illini Summer Academies in June. Application: http://tiny.cc/oawj2 PLEASE NOTE THE MCLEAN COUNTY DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2011. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS A DIFFERENT DEADLINE THAN WHAT IS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION!

Free online courses for 4-Hers and 4-H Leaders

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hc/

• 4-H Volunteer Orientation
• Session helps new volunteers understand the roles and responsibilities of the 4-H Organizational Leader, Project Leader, or Activity Leader. It also helps leaders understand how they fit into the larger picture or 4-H and University of Illinois Extension.
• Public Presentations: Plan, Prepare, Practice, and Present
• Public Presentations will provide resources (fact sheets, evaluation tools, etc) and activities for teaching youth how to effectively plan, practice, and present public speeches and demonstrations.
• Parliamentary Procedure
• This session helps volunteers and members understand the basic rules of parliamentary procedure and the basic order of business of a club meeting. It also helps outline the role of officers in a 4-H club.

Parliamentary Procedure Quiz for 4-Hers!

Parliamentary Procedure refers to rules that help us maintain order and ensure fairness in business meetings. The rules ensure that everyone has a chance to participate, be heard, and help the group reach decisions. Review the rules of order and then test your knowledge online! FYI – It doesn't work in a Firefox browser: http://urbanext.illinois.edu/who/inside.html

Vote for your Favorite Story

Tractor Supply is having a contest and needs your help. There are 10 stories posted online and they are asking everyone to vote for their favorite. http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/storeevents/4h_contest?cm_mmc=Email-_-Ecom-_-20101006_nonbuyers-_-contest

Fundraisers & Service Opportunities

Cookies for Soldiers

Help McLean County's HCE (Home & Community Education) ladies send 600 dozen cookies to soldiers overseas! If you love to bake cookies and want to send them to the troop's pleas drop them by the Extension Office on Monday November 29 from 8-4:30 pm ONLY. Bring them in bulk and they will pack them. They will be shipped on November 30. For more information contact Leatha at 309-452-9164. Please note the Extension office is closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday before the 29^th.

Operation Santa, a project of Citizen Support for America's Military (a tax exempt charitable organization www.citizensam.org or www.operationsanta.info ), is the largest stocking effort in America. The stockings are handmade by volunteers in all 50 states and all contents are donated, including 25,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Volunteers will spend 2 weeks filling and packing the stockings in Peoria, Bloomington, and Decatur, Illinois for shipping. Everything must be shipped by Thanksgiving to arrive in time for Christmas. Our postage costs will be around $100,000 and all donations go directly to this expense.

Checks can be sent to:
Operation Santa
7131 N. Knoxville Ave., Suite C
Peoria, IL 61614

You can use Pay Pal on either web site www.citizensam.org and www.operationsanta.info.

Illinois Farmers Can Grow Their Communities One Donation at a Time

Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture are eligible. Farmers can enter now through Dec. 31, 2010. The program is open to all qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win. One winner will be drawn from each of the participating counties, and Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations by February 2011. The America's Farmers Grow Communities program is intended to benefit non-profit community groups such as ag youth organizations, schools and other civic groups important to America's farmers. Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com

Get your 4-H License Plate

Show your support of Illinois 4-H by purchasing your own 4-H license plate. $25 of every plate will go to support 4-H programming in all 102 Illinois counties! Go to www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu to get the Specialty License Plate Form, print it and mail in their check for $25.00 to the Secretary of State's office (These $$$ goes to 4-H). Once we have 1500 commitments/forms, we will be able to finalize the design of the plate and they will begin production. (Even if you don't want to get the plate for your vehicle— you can still support the cause and help us get to our 1500 commitment form minimum by sending in the form and $25.00)!

Share the Soy – Book Brigade

The "Share the Soy" Book Brigade is a project of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). The goal is to enhance agricultural literacy by providing all Illinois elementary school and public libraries with copies of Soybeans an A-to-Z Book and Soybeans in the Story of Agriculture. 4-H clubs that commit to the project will receive specific instructions this fall. But essentially we would ask that you contact your public library and elementary library, make arrangements to make the presentations (we will send you the books along with Share the Soy buttons you can wear to the presentations and give to librarians), send a release to your local media (shell release provided), take a picture of the presentations and send a short report back to us upon completion. Your club will receive a $50 check for your participation. For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/adi9a

4-H Day at the Dome!

4-H Day at the Dome is set for December 19, 2010. The St. Louis Rams are playing the Kansas City Chiefs in a noon game. Tickets are $50 each(they sold out of the $35 tickets), and each ticket comes with a $10.00 food and drink voucher along with a special t-shirt. Group orders of 10 or more tickets receive an additional $10.00 food and drink voucher for each ticket! Each ticket order is also entered for a chance to win one of the following prizes: (1) VIP pregame field passes; (2) Rams jersey; (3) Rams autographed mini-helmet; (4) complimentary tickets to a 2011 Rams game; and (5) a chance to participate in a Rams LIVE Game Day experience in front of the crowd! Ticket information here: http://www.stlouisrams.com/4H/

Team Youth Meets again on October 8, 6:30-8 pm at the Extension Office

The topic has been chosen! The service learning project for team youth is to learn more about the Gulf Oil Spill and how it affected the environment and animals. We'll look in depth at what really happened and will be chatting with 4-Hers and scientists and researchers along the gulf coast at a future meeting. Sign up for our next meeting: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=4952

National 4-H Week

The theme is – "Meet the Future".

Materials can be downloaded at: http://4-h.org/brandnetwork/4hweektoolkit.html

For future years, they are not planning to create new themes for National 4-H Week but will be encouraging staff and volunteers to use the 4-H National Youth Science Day as a rallying point and opportunity to showcase the great things going on in 4-H. The State 4-H Office has written up a proclamation if you wish to use it: http://tiny.cc/5gjaw

2010 National Science Experiment: 4-H2O
Join us on October 6th for the third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, where youth across the nation examine one of the most important issues facing our nation today—water quality. These young scientists will discover and explore the powerful effects of carbon dioxide on our natural water sources in 4-H2O, the 2010 National Science Experiment.
Resources Are Now Available Online
You can find everything you need to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day online at www.4-H.org/NYSD. The site provides all the tools you will need to begin a comprehensive scientific exploration and plan an exciting science event in your community.

McLean County has three of these kits that were given to us with funding provided by Caterpillar Foundation. We encourage 4-H clubs to check out the kits and have members participate in the science experiment!

TILT Halloween Party, October 30, Extension Office

Looking for a way to meet other 4-H Teens and celebrate Halloween/Harvest Days? Put this date on the calendar and attend the countywide Halloween Party hosted by McLean County's 4-H Leadership Team, TILT. Save the Date: Saturday, Oct. 30, 6:30-9:00 PM at the Extension Office. Costumes encouraged, but optional.

Recognition of Excellence Ceremony Assistance Needed

Calling 4-Hers, parents, leaders and speakers! We are looking for assistance with the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony. We need speakers, greeters, check-in assistants (teens), line-up assistants (adults) set-up, tear down and script writer, script assistant, and technical assistance. We are looking for a minimum of 15 speakers.

The Recognition of Excellence Ceremony is November 7 at 3 pm. All volunteers will need to arrive no later than 2 pm. If you are interested please sign up here: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5012

4-H Learn & Fun Day 2011

The event is back for its 25th year on January 29, 2011 at Heartland Community College. Last year we had over 180 youth and over 50 volunteers participate in this event! We are looking for creative, fun hands-on workshops targeted to youth ages 8-14. If you would like to lead a workshop at Learn & Fun Day please fill out the Presenter Workshop Form: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25166.pdf (fillable PDF) You may receive follow up contacts from 4-H volunteers. Details about Learn & Fun Day are available online. Workshop Information for Presenters for more information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25167.pdf

Workshops can be lead by youth, adults, or youth and adults together. We need over 50 workshops to offer to our 4-Hers this year. The more options to choose the better! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 309-663-8306 or techamb@illinois.edu. The Presenter Workshop Forms are due by October 30, 2010.

4-H Hippology Kick-Off, October 26, Extension Office, 7-8:15 pm

Do you love Horses? Practice and improve your knowledge and skills of all things horse related by participating in 4-H Hippology/Horse Bowl. Owning or leasing a horse is not necessary just a genuine interest in learning more about horses, horse science, physiology and health. If you have more questions about the program contact volunteer coaches Jill & Bill Schenk at jillnbill90@msn.com. Sign up online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=4976.

Officer & Leader Training, November 20, Washington IL

Get excited about the first ever JOINT Leader and Club Officer training on November 20th from 8:45 to 12:30 at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois. Club officers and leaders will participate in workshop sessions including topics such as: Parliamentary Procedure, Making Meetings Fun, Involving Others in Your Club, Youth and Adult Partnerships and much more. Leaders will have two separate sessions while officers are having training followed by a joint session where officers and leaders will be combined for the final breakout. There will also be a opening keynote by Dr. Denise Legvold, 4-H Program Leader that you won't want to miss! This workshop is FREE for 4-Hers and Leaders, we hope McLean County is well represented!!

• Officers—register online at: http://tinyurl.com/officertrng
• Leaders—register online at: http://tinyurl.com/leadertrng

Save the Date! – Tractor Supply Company Paper Clover Campaign

National 4-H has entered into a nationwide partnership and will be running another Paper Clover campaign November 5-14 with Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stores. Stay tuned for more information, we'll be looking for 4-H clubs to host a booth on the weekends.

More information: http://www.4-h.org/resource-library/promotional-toolkits/

Save the date!

The 3^rd Annual IL 4-H State Robotics Challenge will be in April 2011 (tentatively scheduled for April 23^rd). Details on the challenge for this year will be released Feb. 1^st . 4-H Foundation has committed to providing scholarships to the top two jr. teams to attend FIRST LEGO League as well as a scholarship to the top sr. team to attend National 4-H Engineering Challenge.

4-H Project Curriculum Update

Robotics Curriculum - The curriculum is designed for youth in grades 4 – 12. There are three tracks, consisting of three levels. The 3 tracks are: Virtual Robotics, Junk Drawer Robotics and a Platform Track.

Interior Design Curriculum – Explore the rules of remodeling and design with this new colorful book! You'll be in an episode of Trading Spaces or Design on a Dime with this curriculum.

Cooking 401 – The last in the Cooking series, this book covers advanced skills for older very experienced 4-H cooks. Combines former project areas of Exploring our Food Heritage, International Foods, and touches on Candy Making. The Cooking 101-401 projects are meant to be taken over your entire 4-H career. We recommend that 4-Hers take Cooking 101 for a minimum of two years.

Awards for Older 4-Hers

Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates 4-H Premier LCP Award

Open to 4-H members 17 and above by December 1. Applications must be submitted by local Extension offices to the State 4-H Office by January 5, 2011. Each county may submit two applications to the state level. The two-tier awards program includes plaques for the top ten scoring members and invitations to the 3-day intense Premier 20 Youth Leadership Conference in April. Application: http://tiny.cc/7g4rb PLEASE NOTE THE MCLEAN COUNTY DEADLINE IS JANUARY 3, 2011. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS A DIFFERENT DEADLINE THAN WHAT IS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION!

University of Illinois Extension 4-H Key Award

This state recognition is for older 4-H members and rewards those who exhibit outstanding 4-H leadership, community service, and service as a mentor. A member may receive this recognition once during their 4-H career.

Applicants must be 4-H members, 16 to 18 years of age by September 1 of the 4-H year in which they are applying. Each Extension unit may submit a maximum of three applications for award consideration each year. Awards are presented at the Illini Summer Academies in June. Local Extension offices must submit applications to the State 4-H Office, postmarked no later than March 1. Application: http://tiny.cc/oawj2 PLEASE NOTE THE MCLEAN COUNTY DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15, 2011. NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS A DIFFERENT DEADLINE THAN WHAT IS LISTED ON THE APPLICATION!

Free online courses for 4-Hers and 4-H Leaders

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hc/

• 4-H Volunteer Orientation
• Session helps new volunteers understand the roles and responsibilities of the 4-H Organizational Leader, Project Leader, or Activity Leader. It also helps leaders understand how they fit into the larger picture or 4-H and University of Illinois Extension.
• Public Presentations: Plan, Prepare, Practice, and Present
• Public Presentations will provide resources (fact sheets, evaluation tools, etc) and activities for teaching youth how to effectively plan, practice, and present public speeches and demonstrations.
• Parliamentary Procedure
• This session helps volunteers and members understand the basic rules of parliamentary procedure and the basic order of business of a club meeting. It also helps outline the role of officers in a 4-H club.

Fundraisers & Service Opportunities

Operation Santa, a project of Citizen Support for America's Military (a tax exempt charitable organization www.citizensam.org or www.operationsanta.info ), is the largest stocking effort in America. The stockings are handmade by volunteers in all 50 states and all contents are donated, including 25,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies. Volunteers will spend 2 weeks filling and packing the stockings in Peoria, Bloomington, and Decatur, Illinois for shipping. Everything must be shipped by Thanksgiving to arrive in time for Christmas. Our postage costs will be around $100,000 and all donations go directly to this expense.

Checks can be sent to:
Operation Santa
7131 N. Knoxville Ave., Suite C
Peoria, IL 61614

You can use Pay Pal on either web site www.citizensam.org and www.operationsanta.info.

Donations for Don

"Thanks, Don!" The Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni passed out "Thanks, Don!" stickers at their 2010 McLean County 4-H Show booth. All over the fairgrounds, people of all ages could be seen sporting the greeting in tribute to retiring McLean County Extension Director Don Meyer. Meyer ended his 27-year Extension career just after the fair in August. In honor of Don's years of service to McLean County Extension, the McLean County Extension Foundation will accept donations to the Eugene Mosbacher 4-H Educational Fund in his name. The Mosbacher Scholarship was established in 1971 and is awarded each fall to selected current 4-H'ers who have completed high school and will attend an accredited college/university or technical school. Selection is based on 4-H activities, citizenship, leadership, and community involvement. To date, the scholarship has been offered to 104 4-H'ers.

Don is known for his enthusiasm for teaching, so contributions to the scholarship fund are a fitting way to recognize his leadership and his efforts to expand the opportunities offered through McLean County Extension.

Donations can be forwarded to Linda Smith at McLean County Extension office. Donations should be made payable to "Eugene Mosbacher 4-H Educational Fund" with Don Meyer in the memo line. For more information about this special honor for Don Meyer, contact Ruth Poppe at 815/945-7126 or grppoppe@verizon.net.

Crops for Camp

McLean County 4-H'ers have enjoyed the Illinois 4-H Memorial Camp for 20 years. Nearly 2000 youth from McLean County have attended the camp. Now, the dining hall is in need of restoration, and we're asking for your help. Our goal is to raise $5000, which will be matched by the McLean County Extension Foundation. Every dollar you contribute means $2 goes toward the restoration project. There are 2 easy ways to help:

1. By check, payable to McLean County Extension Foundation; (Please add "CAMPaign" to memo line.)

2. By "CROPS for CAMP", with a grain donation, through these participating elevators serving

McLean County: Alliance Grain Co., Cooksville Grain, Danvers Farmers, Evergreen FS, Hudson Grain, Prairie Central Coop, Randolph Coop, Tate & Lyle. Simply contact your elevator and request a bushel/dollar amount be gifted to the McLean County Extension IL 4-H Memorial CAMPaign. Your support of the Illinois 4-H Memorial Camp is tax deductible. To ensure a matching contribution from the McLean County Extension Foundation, please make your check payable to: McLean County Extension Foundation (please add "CAMPaign" to memo line) 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, IL 61704

Illinois Farmers Can Grow Their Communities One Donation at a Time

Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture are eligible. Farmers can enter now through Dec. 31, 2010. The program is open to all qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win. One winner will be drawn from each of the participating counties, and Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations by February 2011. The America's Farmers Grow Communities program is intended to benefit non-profit community groups such as ag youth organizations, schools and other civic groups important to America's farmers. Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com

Get your 4-H License Plate

Show your support of Illinois 4-H by purchasing your own 4-H license plate. $25 of every plate will go to support 4-H programming in all 102 Illinois counties! Go to www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu to get the Specialty License Plate Form, print it and mail in their check for $25.00 to the Secretary of State's office (These $$$ goes to 4-H). Once we have 1500 commitments/forms, we will be able to finalize the design of the plate and they will begin production. (Even if you don't want to get the plate for your vehicle— you can still support the cause and help us get to our 1500 commitment form minimum by sending in the form and $25.00)!

Share the Soy – Book Brigade

The "Share the Soy" Book Brigade is a project of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). The goal is to enhance agricultural literacy by providing all Illinois elementary school and public libraries with copies of Soybeans an A-to-Z Book and Soybeans in the Story of Agriculture. 4-H clubs that commit to the project will receive specific instructions this fall. But essentially we would ask that you contact your public library and elementary library, make arrangements to make the presentations (we will send you the books along with Share the Soy buttons you can wear to the presentations and give to librarians), send a release to your local media (shell release provided), take a picture of the presentations and send a short report back to us upon completion. Your club will receive a $50 check for your participation. For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/adi9a

4-H Day at the Dome!

4-H Day at the Dome is set for December 19, 2010. The St. Louis Rams are playing the Kansas City Chiefs in a noon game. Tickets are $35 each, and each ticket comes with a $10.00 food and drink voucher along with a special t-shirt. Group orders of 10 or more tickets receive an additional $10.00 food and drink voucher for each ticket! Each ticket order is also entered for a chance to win one of the following prizes: (1) VIP pregame field passes; (2) Rams jersey; (3) Rams autographed mini-helmet; (4) complimentary tickets to a 2011 Rams game; and (5) a chance to participate in a Rams LIVE Game Day experience in front of the crowd! Ticket information here: http://www.stlouisrams.com/4H/