4-H Shooting Sports – April 30 – 9-10:30 am

• Spots are still available for this Saturday's Air Rifle Training – Level 1.
• Please register at: http://tiny.cc/vju8t

SPEAKING FOR ILLINOIS 4-H: May 14

• A final reminder that the deadline for the May 14^th SFI4-H Training is May 4^th!
• For information about the program for 4-Hers age 14+ go to: http://tiny.cc/s4il4h2
• Register online here: http://tiny.cc/7vuhn .

We have been getting excellent comments from previous SFI4-H trainees who have been contacting their legislators this spring for Extension and 4-H. They have been using the skills taught and information provided to talk to county board members and state legislators about the value of 4-H programs.

Gabrielle and Rebecca have been speaking to their county board members and have been invited to give a speech for the county board. They have been having great success with local contacts, and will now be spending more time on the state contacts.

~ Will Co. SFI4-H parent

I am writing to you to let you know that I was able to have one phone call with Senator ____ and another with Representative ____. Both of them were very pleased to talk with me about the importance of 4-H and extension, they also said that the funding was tight but that they would try to keep us funded.….. They each mentioned that they had heard from several 4-Hers and that it was great to see young people be involved in these types of activities. Later in the week, I was invited to attend an open house …. with Representative _________. Another SFI4-H'er and her family were also able to attended. We were both able to speak directly to him about 4-H and Extension. He also said that he supports the program and will do his best to keep us funded……..I just want to thank you for the training and support that enabled me to do this, although I was nervous my training helped me feel confident and prepared for the visit and phone call.

~ Macoupin County SFI4-H Member

­­­­­­June 27-29, 2011 University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana - Consider the Illini Summer Academies!

• This 3-day event provides Illinois teens new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois campus; study potential careers or build their leadership skills; and meet youth from across the state. As of right now, Art & Design is FULL and has 1 person on the waiting list. Ag & Biological Engineering and Veterinary Medicine each have one space left before they are full. Other Academies still have several spaces left. Registration is open until May 25 or until Academies are full, whichever comes first.
• Register online: http://tiny.cc/isa2011

The 4-H Show & Fairbook is online!

General Information

• Front Cover
• 4-H Show Committee
• Welcome
• Contents
• Admission/Map
• New for 2011
• Calendar of Events
• 4-H Activities
• Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Activities
• Show Rules
• 4-H Champion Showcase
• Livestock Health Rules

4-H Livestock

• A-Beef
• B-Dairy
• F-Sheep
• G-Swine
• I-Poultry
• I-Rabbits
• R-Horse
• U-Goats

4-H General

• 4-H General Rules & State Fair Information
• A-Animal Science (Includes Lamas)
• B-Community Involvement & Global Awareness
• C-Engineering & Technology
• D-Environment & Natural Resources
• E-Food, Nutrition & Health
• F-Home & Family
• G-Personal Development
• H-Plant Science

Junior Show

Save the date! Memorial Day is May 30^th and McLean County 4-H & Alumni are invited to participate in the parade. The parade entry is sponsored by the Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Association. Plan to attend, to watch or walk & have your 4-H t-shirts on!! More details coming soon.

We want to clarify the HORSE forms that need to be turned in to our office and those that are turned in directly to the Illinois State Fair Jr. Department.

If you are going to show at the McLean County fair ONLY:

• Turn in this form to our office with color photos of the horse by April 30
• http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/15800.pdf

If you are going to show at the Illinois State Fair Jr. Horse Show:

Illinois Horse Ownership/Lease Form --> Turn in to Extension

• Horse lease forms, both State and County, are to be delivered to the McLean County Extension Office on or before April 30.
• Link to form for state: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/236.pdf

Illinois State Fair Jr. Horse Show Entries --> Turn into ISF Directly with Fee Payment

• Illinois State Fair Premium Books are now available online at http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/ along with all of the species entry forms and the Junior Exhibitor Card Form. State Fair Exhibitors need to mail their Junior Exhibitor Card Form, the individual Junior Species Entry Form(s) Horse Entry Form, and all applicable fees (see Exhibitor Card) DIRECTLY TO THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR ENTRY DEPARTMENT (P.O. Box 19427, Springfield IL 62794-9427) postmarked by June 9 for horses and July 1 for all other junior livestock. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE EXTENSION OFFICE.
• Please let me know if you have questions. We want to help ensure that the correct forms are turned in to the correct places at the correct times.

Good Luck to 3 McLean County Robotics Teams!!

• Genetic Robopet Disasters
• Jonathan Kothe, Joshua Kothe, and Sam Scheltens
• McLean-Linden Lead'em
• Thaddeus Hughes, Will Short, Bryan Applington, Daymen Applington, and Jayson Applington
• Terrible Termites
• Aaron Miller, Tim Miller, Ben Miller, David Miller, and Mitchell Kreutzkampf

National Volunteer Week: Celebrating People in Action: April 10-16

...it's about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.

...it's about demonstrating to the nation that by
working together,
in unison, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals.

...it's about taking action, encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change—discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to foster positive transformation.

Volunteers are the way we get things done. 4-H leaders teach young people early by the example they set. Although we appreciate our leaders every day of the year, we really take time during National Volunteer Week to say "Thank You."

Legislative visits keep 4-H fresh in folks' minds

We all know how important state funding is to 4-H and the University of Illinois program. The State 4-H office has organized three specific times for 4-H families to share the 4-H story with their legislators. The first week was in March. The next opportunity to share will be April 18-22 when legislators will be in their home offices again. We will be encouraging 4-Hers, 4-H volunteers, 4-H alumni, 4-H clubs to write a postcard or letter. We even have new 4 H marketing postcards or letterhead to help you make a GIGANTIC IMPACT.

The Final Week, May 17-19, will include Speaking For Illinois 4-H members and Youth Leadership Team 4-H members making legislative visits at the capital. In addition, we will be identifying 4-H alumni who work at the capitol and providing them with lapel pins to be worn during the week. Although we won't be having local clubs attend as in past Legislative Connections, you will be represented very well in these trained 4-H members.

Pick up 4-H postcards at the Extension office and plan today when your 4-H Club will write and send postcards to your area representatives. Four postcards will be included with the fairbooks that 4-H leaders will pick up on April 30.

Upcoming Shooting Sports Events on April 30

Register now for the April 30 4-H Air Rifle-Level 1, offered by state certified 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Instructors. The Class will be offered once that day: 9-10:30 AM - for new participants & first time shooters

Participation will be limited to 20 participants, on a "first registered = first served" basis. If, after registering, you find that you are unable to attend, please call Sandy at 309-663-8306 (ext. 204), or email to smcghee@illinois.edu In this way, we can insure that all 20 spots will be filled the day of the sessions.

Air Rifle Level 1 Registration Link: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5535

Register now for the April 30 4-H Air Rifle-Level 2, offered by state certified 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Instructors. The Class will offer two time choices that day: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM.

Only youth who have participated in 4-H Air Rifle Level 1 may attend. Participation in each session will be limited to ONLY 10 participants per session, on a "first registered = first served" basis. If, after registering, you find that you are unable to attend, please call Sandy at 309-663-8306 (ext. 204), or email to smcghee@illinois.edu In this way, we can insure that all 20 spots will be filled the day of the sessions.

Air Rifle Level 2 Registration Link: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5606

GPS-Geocaching Event, April 30 @ Comlara Park

GPS SPIN Club leader Steve Sewell will teach youth how to use a Global Positioning System unit, and then go out and find some "hidden treasures" (Geocaches). There is a non-refundable $15 fee for participants ages 12 and older. GPS units and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register call 309-726-2022 Ext. 221 or register online: http://tiny.cc/z2si2

Illini Summer Academies

June 27-29 - University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

This 3-day event provides ANY Illinois teen new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois campus; study potential careers or build their leadership skills; and meet youth from across the state. ISA is open to ALL Illinois high school youth ages 14-18 by Sept. 1, 2011. Register online today (early registration deadline is TODAY regular registration deadline is May 17: http://tiny.cc/isa2011

Looking for Lincoln Geocache

The 4-H Looking for Lincoln geocache container was placed and activated a week or so ago. 4-H GPS SPIN Club leader Steve Sewell has sent out regular reports, and when you visit the geocaching.com website discover some WONDERFUL comments by people who have already found it--and have also learned about Lincoln in the process.

You do not have to be logged on to view comments and details about the geocache. You can paste the URL listed below into your browser to go directly to the link for 4-H Looking for Lincoln in Bloomington/Normal.

More info: http://tiny.cc/l4lcashe

4-H Shooting Sports Training

Adults helping with 4-H shooting sports clubs must be certified through the University of Illinois' Shooting Sports Training Program. Adults must attend 15-18 hours of training conducted by National 4-H Shooting Sports instructors. The next training will be May 13-15, 2011 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. For more info contact McLean Extension @ 309-663-8306 or email smcghee@illinois.edu

Go & Grow 5k and walk

Gear up for a brand new 5K Race & family fun event! The IAA Foundation presents its First Annual 5K Grow & Go to celebrate Illinois farm families and the important role they play in putting food on your table! Learn more about our roots in agriculture while supporting a great cause! Proceeds from this race will benefit Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, a program providing free resources to teachers in an effort to help students make the connection between food, fiber, fuel & farming! More information online here: http://www.iaafoundation.org/iaaf/Events/growandgo.htm

Special awards for 4-H clubs that participate:

The IAA Foundation needs YOUR HELP to make our 1st Annual 5K a success. Form a team, volunteer or raise $$ to support IAITC and you might earn a VIP Party with the Cornbelters! Team with the most points: (Any ties will be broken with a drawing) * Wins a VIP trip to a Normal Cornbelters Stadium * Exclusive suite access from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board More information about 4-H club rewards here: http://tiny.cc/gogro5k

4-H MISSIONS IN SPACE

During the 4-H Missions in Space camp, you'll go on a simulated Shuttle Mission, see what life is like on the Space Station and go through some of the work astronauts go through in their training. The camp is open to anyone who will be in the 7th, 8th or 9th grades in the fall 2011. Cost of the trip is $360. Register online at http://extension.illinois.edu/go/space . First payment will be due June 24.

Special note to you: This is a big update! Please read all of it carefully. I just had a conversation with a 4-H leader this morning about how the 4-Her in her club couldn't find what they were looking to do in the 4-H project list (The Clover). I suggested to her that they enroll in Public Presentations. Public Presentations is the perfect way to showcase your 'do your own thing' type of exhibit or thing you do. Exhibit options include an illustrated speech and/or demonstrative speech. You'll have 4-6 min or up to 10 min to talk about what you make, do or say. Let me know if you have questions.

Read the Extension Newsletter online: http://tiny.cc/aprilextnews

Global Youth Service Day – April 16

Get involved!!! Collect: find your old glasses (take to Specs Around Town), gather food pantry goods (take to Western Avenue), and box up books for the Book Bike (take to WBRP office or MidCentral Community Action).

You can win $1000 for the local not-for-profit of your choice by answering 30 questions about our community. Deadline is April 13 at noon. Click here.

Horse Exhibitor Forms – MUST be on file in the Extension office by April 30!

All horse exhibitors must complete a Horse Ownership/Lease form in order to exhibit at the McLean County 4-H Show in August. Photos must also accompany each form for each horse that may be exhibited.

Horse exhibitors who plan to show at the Illinois State Fair Jr. Show must also fill out the Illinois 4-H Certificate of Horse Ownership/Lease form in addition to the county form.

County Form: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/15800.pdf

State Form: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/236.pdf

4-H News Blog Updates

4-H Great Debate – McLean Co. Represents!

Hippology Team @ Regional Contest

Robotics Project Curriculum UPDATE

Because the curriculum was still under development when the Clover was printed last summer, the descriptions are incomplete and in some cases misleading. Two important notes:

· Project levels: The 2010-11 Clover lists these as Robotics 1, 2, and 3 – indicating advancement from beginner to more advanced knowledge. This is incorrect. Each curriculum (outlined below) starts at a beginner level and includes opportunities for building more advanced skills/understanding. 2011 Illinois 4-H State Fair Guidelines include three class levels within each of these three robotics curricula.

· Required equipment: Each of these curriculum requires access to different materials. As with any other 4-H project area, members are responsible for finding access to these materials. In some cases, individual counties may have resources in place to support members – such as loaning Lego Mindstorm kits.

Thank you for your support and understanding as we try to introduce the latest, cutting-edge curriculum opportunities within our IL 4-H program.

è Current DRAFT copies of the curriculum are in the 4-H office and will be distributed to 4-H club leaders for pick-up for those members already enrolled in one of the different areas. If you or one of your 4-Hers wishes to switch levels for any reason please notify us by MAY 6.

For details on each robotics curriculum click this link: http://tiny.cc/11robo

Legislative visits keep 4-H fresh in folks' minds

We all know how important state funding is to 4-H and the University of Illinois program. The State 4-H office has organized three specific times for 4-H families to share the 4-H story with their legislators. The first week was in March. The next opportunity to share will be April 18-22 when legislators will be in their home offices again. We will be encouraging 4-Hers, 4-H volunteers, 4-H alumni, 4-H clubs to write a postcard or letter. We even have new 4 H marketing postcards or letterhead to help you make a GIGANTIC IMPACT.

The Final Week, May 17-19, will include Speaking For Illinois 4-H members and Youth Leadership Team 4-H members making legislative visits at the capital. In addition, we will be identifying 4-H alumni who work at the capitol and providing them with lapel pins to be worn during the week. Although we won't be having local clubs attend as in past Legislative Connections, you will be represented very well in these trained 4-H members.

Pick up 4-H postcards at the Extension office and plan today when your 4-H Club will write and send postcards to your area representatives.

Upcoming Shooting Sports Events on April 30

Register now for the April 30 4-H Air Rifle-Level 1, offered by state certified 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Instructors. The Class will be offered once that day: 9-10:30 AM - for new participants & first time shooters

Participation will be limited to 20 participants, on a "first registered = first served" basis. If, after registering, you find that you are unable to attend, please call Sandy at 309-663-8306 (ext. 204), or email to smcghee@illinois.edu In this way, we can insure that all 20 spots will be filled the day of the sessions.

Air Rifle Level 1 Registration Link: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5535

Register now for the April 30 4-H Air Rifle-Level 2, offered by state certified 4-H Shooting Sports Air Rifle Instructors. The Class will offer two time choices that day: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM.

Only youth who have participated in 4-H Air Rifle Level 1 may attend. Participation in each session will be limited to ONLY 10 participants per session, on a "first registered = first served" basis. If, after registering, you find that you are unable to attend, please call Sandy at 309-663-8306 (ext. 204), or email to smcghee@illinois.edu In this way, we can insure that all 20 spots will be filled the day of the sessions.

Air Rifle Level 2 Registration Link: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5606

GPS-Geocaching Event, April 30 @ Comlara Park

GPS SPIN Club leader Steve Sewell will teach youth how to use a Global Positioning System unit, and then go out and find some "hidden treasures" (Geocaches). There is a non-refundable $15 fee for participants ages 12 and older. GPS units and lunch will be provided. For more information or to register call 309-726-2022 Ext. 221 or register online: http://tiny.cc/z2si2

Beekeeping/Entomology Supplies

Available to the first interested 4-Her (at no charge)...4 Bee feeders, 1 bee Blower with tuscuma motor, Aluminum extracting pan, Cap, Helmet and Suit, Beeswax. Contact: Barb Danforth @ 309-838-5070

Looking for Lincoln Geocache

The 4-H Looking for Lincoln geocache container was placed and activated a week or so ago. 4-H GPS SPIN Club leader Steve Sewell has sent out regular reports, and when you visit the geocaching.com website discover some WONDERFUL comments by people who have already found it--and have also learned about Lincoln in the process.

You do not have to be logged on to view comments and details about the geocache. You can paste the URL listed below into your browser to go directly to the link for 4-H Looking for Lincoln in Bloomington/Normal.

More info: http://tiny.cc/l4lcashe

4-H Shooting Sports Training

Adults helping with 4-H shooting sports clubs must be certified through the University of Illinois' Shooting Sports Training Program. Adults must attend 15-18 hours of training conducted by National 4-H Shooting Sports instructors. The next training will be May 13-15, 2011 at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. For more info contact McLean Extension @ 309-663-8306 or email smcghee@illinois.edu

Go & Grow 5k and walk

Gear up for a brand new 5K Race & family fun event! The IAA Foundation presents its First Annual 5K Grow & Go to celebrate Illinois farm families and the important role they play in putting food on your table! Learn more about our roots in agriculture while supporting a great cause! Proceeds from this race will benefit Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, a program providing free resources to teachers in an effort to help students make the connection between food, fiber, fuel & farming! More information online here: http://www.iaafoundation.org/iaaf/Events/growandgo.htm

Special awards for 4-H clubs that participate:

The IAA Foundation needs YOUR HELP to make our 1st Annual 5K a success. Form a team, volunteer or raise $$ to support IAITC and you might earn a VIP Party with the Cornbelters! Team with the most points: (Any ties will be broken with a drawing) * Wins a VIP trip to a Normal Cornbelters Stadium * Exclusive suite access from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board More information about 4-H club rewards here: http://tiny.cc/gogro5k

Support our Troops – HCE Fundraiser @ Chili's

The Month of April is Chili's Month. HCE will get 10% of the tab for postage for the "Comfort Boxes" for the soldiers. Let us all go to Chili's for lunch or dinner. If you need a coupon please contact a HCE member or Leatha 309-452-9164.

4-H Equine Challenge Show

Saturday, June 11 at the Rock 'N A Ranch, Charleston IL. This popular event for all ages of 4-H'ers awards the top five ranking teams with awesome prizes such as belt buckles, saddle carriers, bag chairs, hat cans, jackets, etc. Registration information is available here: http://tiny.cc/r4dpc

McLean County 4-H Show & Fair Update

Food Demonstration

4-H food demonstration clinic for Tuesday, June 28 from 6-8:30pm. The food demonstration judging will be here in the auditorium this year on Saturday, July 23 with check-in at 9:30 am and judging beginning at 10 am.

Volunteer at the Ag Education Exhibit

Share the story of agriculture with consumers. The exhibit started in 2009 and has reached over 10,000 people. Hands on interactive displays and activities keep consumers coming back for more. If you would like to volunteer please contact Anna at the Mclean County Farm Bureau: 309-663-6497 or anna@mcfb.org. Volunteers are needed to make this event a success!

Can't get enough of the Illinois State Fair?

Then, enter in these NEW Illinois 4-H State Fair Classes.

These classes are open to any 4-H youth who were 10-18 years of age on Sept. 1, 2010. You do not need to be enrolled in Geospatial Technology (Mapmaking) or Filmmaking Video to participate. There is no county selection process, so ANY AND ALL 4-H members may submit their entries online. There is no limit to the number of entries you make. The only requirement is you must be enrolled in a state 4-H project related to what you're uploading. For example, if you are taking a foods project, you may wish to prepare a video of you making cookies; or you may wish to prepare a Google map marking the location of all the food pantries in your town.

My 4-H Project Map

Exhibit a map you created which relates to any state 4-H project in which the member is enrolled. (Project must be listed in the 2010-2011 Illinois 4-H Clover.) (Check the Geospace Project Manual for help on creating a map.)

The map should include at least two layers of data that share information related to the selected 4-H project area (i.e. clothing, theatre arts, etc.). You must register your intent to enter on the "Illinois 4-H State Fair Online" website by August 1. You must upload your map to the same website by Noon on Friday, August 12.

Public display and on-site recognition will be held on Saturday, August 20 at the state fair. The website and procedures for posting entries will be provided to local Extension offices by early summer. Cash awards will be presented to overall winner(s). This class is not eligible for State Fair Premiums.

My 4-H Project Video

Exhibit a video you created which relates to any state 4-H project in which the member is enrolled. (Project must be listed in the 2010-2011 Illinois 4-H Clover.)

The video should be no longer than 5 minutes in length. Videos are to be original and a result of the member's current year's work. Judging will be based on the member's demonstrated knowledge of the 4-H project area, though some demonstrated skill of filmmaking may be considered. It is appropriate for someone else to do the video taking of the member demonstrating their project knowledge. All videos should comply with copyright regulations and display an image that is appropriate for 4-H audiences. No time or date should be imprinted on the video footage. All videos should include an opening title screen, as well as closing credits which include date of production, name of video exhibitor and research sources if appropriate.

You must register your intent to enter on the "Illinois 4-H State Fair Online" website by August 1. You must upload your video and/or map exhibits to the same website by Noon on Friday, August 12. Exhibits will be judged and feedback posted online by Thursday, August 18.

Public display and on-site recognition will be held on Saturday, August 20 at the state fair.

All members who submit at least one exhibit are eligible to participate in the free awards luncheon in conjunction with this 1^st 4-H Film Festival and Map Gallery event. The website and procedures for posting entries will be provided to local Extension offices by early summer. iTouch and FLIP camera prizes will be presented to overall winner(s). This class is not eligible for State Fair Premiums.

Golden Clover, Emerald Clover and Special Clover Awards

The McLean County Farm Bureau is now accepting nominations for the annual Golden Clover Award.

Since 1982, the Golden Clover Award has been presented during the McLean County Fair to individuals who have provided outstanding contributions to McLean County 4-H and the McLean County Fair. Over the years 76 people have been honored with this award.

There are three different guidelines for the Golden Clover Award which are:

Golden Clover: A recognition for a person who is retired as an active 4-H volunteer OR one who is of retirement age and still active in 4-H or the fair, but who has spent many years volunteering and providing outstanding contributions to McLean Co. 4-H and/or the McLean County Fair, and not previously recognized

Emerald Clover: Recognition for a person who is deceased, regardless of age, who would had not won but been eligible for a Golden Clover nomination because of service done on behalf of 4-H and/or the McLean County Fair.

Special Clover: Are cognition for a person who is not eligible as a volunteer for the Golden Clover Award, but worked for 4-H and the fair as staff or on the periphery, such as a fair manager, security, Extension staff, etc., and whose work contributed to the success of 4-H and the fair. This person is also of retirement age.

All nominations must be received before May 15. Form available here: http://www.mcfb.org/goldenclover/index.html