Read the June Extension Newsletter - http://tiny.cc/v1s1q

• Ecology Action Center Action News http://tiny.cc/baqox
• Read the June/July Illinois Leader online here: http://tiny.cc/o72dy

4-H Memorial Day Parade – Come one come all!!

The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 30. The 4-H clubs of McLean County are invited to meet on East Front Street at 8:15 a.m. near Station 220 (Central Station Cafe). Bring members and your club banner if you have it, wear 4-H shirts (if available) or patriotic shirts, comfortable shoes, sun screen, and make arrangements for transportation after the parade ends around 10:30 a.m. at Miller Park in Bloomington. Call June Jacobs, 275-8562 or email to daju04@netscape.net and let her know you plan to be there. Floats will also be accepted.

2^nd PQA Training set – June 16, 6-7:30 pm, Extension Office – Pre-registration REQUIRED!

Swine exhibitors that missed the April training who wish to compete at the Illinois State Fair must complete PQA training. Online registration: http://tiny.cc/nrpua

International Exchange Student Program --- Hosts Needed ASAP!!

The 4-H Japanese Exchange Program in Illinois will be home to approximately 60 Japanese youth and adult chaperones arriving in Illinois on July 21 for a one-month homestay. Host families can access application materials that can be completed online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/international.cfm For additional information please contact Miriam Rosenbohm, 4-H Japanese Summer Inbound Coordinator at 309-697-4041; rosenbohm07@comcast.net.

Care Packages for Soldiers – HCE needs items!

Leatha Poshard HCE Member sends care packages month to troops overseas. Her supply of items is nearly gone. Please ask your 4-Hers to collect these items: Peanut Butter, Crackers, Pop Tarts, Power Bars, Nuts/raisins, Dried fruits and canned fruit, Jello snack packs/ Puddings, Ramen Noodles, Snack cakes. Instant oatmeal/Individual cereals, Tuna in a pouch/ Chicken in a can, Jerky, Hard candy (no chocolate for summer), Powdered individual drinks, (coffee tea, fruit drinks), Batteries, Phone cards (AT&T is a good one), Disposable Cameras, Flip flops, Socks Black, Writing paper, envelopes & pens, Playing cards, Frisbees, Squirt Guns, Travel size Kleenex, shampoo, shower soap, Sanitizers, lotion, Mouthwash, Sunscreen, Tooth Brush, Paste, Dental floss, Eye drops, Chapstick, Aspirin/Tylenol, Small packages Clorox wipes, Glade stick ups. Please take them to the Extension Office 402 N. Hershey, Bloomington. If you need more information please call Leatha 309-452-9164. Thanks to everyone who has participated in this project.

McLean County Pork Producers Scholarship 2011

What: The McLean County Pork Producers are offering monetary scholarships for young pork producers/show-men/show-women in McLean County. Who: Any McLean County High School senior who has raised or shown hogs for at least 5 years and/or is a member of a family who areactive members of the McLean County Pork Producers may apply. When: Applications are due to JC Zimmerman by June 1, 2011 will be notified by July 1, 2011 and at the 2011 Barrow Show at the McLean County Fair. Monies available: Money will be divided into separate scholarships. Total monies available: $1500 ** Students may not apply again if they have won this scholarship in the past. Scholarship link: http://tiny.cc/xuczt

Film Fest 4-H – open to all 4-H videographers

FilmFest 4-H provides a venue for 4-H members to express their creativity, demonstrate their filmmaking skills, and generate even more enthusiasm for 4-H digital filmmaking in their home state. This exciting festival is a showcase of films, seminars, workshops and receptions. Attendees will be exposed to advanced filmmaking techniques from industry professionals, network with fellow 4-H filmmakers, discover new techniques & ideas, and celebrate their successes. Final deadline – June 1, 2011: $15 entry fee. http://4h.missouri.edu/go/events/filmfest/

Attention Horse Exhibitors: Illinois State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Ethics Test Due June 9, 2011 - http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/

State Judging Contest Changes & Dates

• Livestock Judging – Monday June 20^th, Stock Pavilion, 8:30 am registration, seniors will give 3 sets of oral reasons, $10 fee for seniors to cover lunch.
• Horse Judging – Tuesday June 21 in the Stock Pavilion on campus.
• Poultry Judging – Has moved to the state fair on Thursday August 11^th in the Orr building from 8:30 to 11:30 am.
• Dairy Judging – Has moved to the state fair on Saturday August 20^th in the Livestock Center
• Meats Judging – Saturday August 27^th in the Meats Lab on campus
• For more information please go to this link: http://tiny.cc/r84px If you are interested in participating please contact the Extension Office by June 3.

Regional Livestock Judging Contest, June 10, ISU Farm

McLean County Extension will once again host a livestock judging contest on Friday, June 10. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the contest will begin at 9 am at Illinois State University Laboratory Farm 25578 ISU Farm Lane Lexington. All participants will be charged $2 to defray the cost of plastic boots, and will need to bring the completed ISU Farm Visitor Pass with them on contest day! For more information contact Brian Lambert at blambert@illinois.edu or 309-663-8306.

Edgar County Preview Show (beef) Sunday, June 12, 2011

Edgar County 4-H Fair grounds Paris, IL (New Show Ring) o Show starts at Noon o Weigh-in Saturday evening 6:00p.m. 8:00p.m. and Sunday morning 8:00a.m. 10:00a.m. o Enter through county fairgrounds south entrance

~ Bedding provided ~ Generators recommended ~ Food available Contact: Clint Ormiston 217-251-5575

Stock Show U – June 14-15 (for Beef exhibitors)

Stock Show University is a FREE educational clinic open to all stock show youth and adults, compliments of Sullivan Supply. We will be hosting clinics at shows and homes across the country, including Beef Expos, major shows, Junior Nationals as well as local area shows; all FREE of charge! Flier: http://tiny.cc/tfmwm

Equus 4-H Club Open Horse Show, June 17-19

For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/21kkk

Conservation Youth Day, June 18, FREE, Comlara Park

Learn about conservation by participating in the following activities: fishing, wildlife habitats, forestry, natural resource, and plants and soils from 1-4 pm. More information: http://tiny.cc/nynfc

McLean County Farm Bureau 2nd Annual Golf Outing, Monday, June 20, 2011

Prairie Vista Golf Course, 9:30 a.m. Shotgun start, Limited to first 128 Golfers, Golf Cart Included, Ribeye dinner to follow after outing, Raffle and Prizes as well, $85.00 per Golfer. To sign up, contact Marie Denzer (309) 275-8531.

Western Illinois 4-H Horse Show, June 25, Monmouth IL

For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/munsw

Have you received a copy of your fairbook yet?

Fairbooks are distributed to 4-H families through club leaders. Most club leaders do this at monthly meetings. If you missed your May meeting, you can wait until June's meeting or call/email your 4-H leader and see if you can arrange for a pick up time. If you want to read the fairbook online click here: http://tiny.cc/2011mcfbook

Remember: Fair entries are due by July 1. This is a different form than what you just completed to enroll in 4-H.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN COMPLETING FAIR ENTRIES

Cooking 101-401: Exhibitors can only enter classes for the level that they are enrolled in (by May 1). Example: Enrolled in Cooking 401? You can exhibit one entry in each of the exhibit classes for all of the classes listed under Cooking 401 in the fairbook.

Geospatial: Exhibitors can enter one Geospatial class and one Geocaching class only.

Shooting Sports: Exhibitors enrolled in Archery and Shotgun do not have an exhibit opportunity under Shooting Sports this year. (Exhibit opportunities will be added in the future as more instructors are certified and the program grows.)

Food Demonstrations: Exhibitors can enter a food demonstration as long as they are enrolled in any Foods, Nutrition and Health Project.

Public Presentations: The style of Public Presentations will be somewhat different, as it will be in the auditorium. 4-Hers will be waiting off stage with 3-4 judges at the helm ready to judge different 4-Hers for their speaking abilities. This will allow for a quick turnaround of speakers.

Robotics: Because of the new Robotics project curriculum, the exhibits have changed to align with the new titles and content of the curriculum. One thing to note, you can only exhibit in the project you are enrolled in. However, 4-Hers can enroll in all three levels if they have the interest. The curriculum is not written in a skill or age based series.

If you have questions about your entries, please ask your 4-H Leader. If they are unsure of the answer then contact the Extension office. If you are unsure of what you enrolled in, your 4-H leader can get a list of your projects for you.

TILT Applications Now Available

Applications are due July 1. We will date each application as it arrives into our office. The 2011 TILT group will be limited to 20 members. Applications can be emailed to smcghee@illinois.edu, and can also be mailed to 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, IL 61704. Questions? Please call the Extension office at 309-663-8306 and ask for Sandy. We look forward to your participation as a TILT member! http://tiny.cc/2z33r

LMW 4-H Night with the Cornbelters – July 22

Come and meet 4-Hers from Livingston and Woodford while you watch local baseball! A petting zoo and fireworks after the game!! $5.00 DISCOUNT FOR 4-H MEMBERS, LEAD CROWD IN 4-H PLEDGE, PRE-GAME PARADE IF 300 OR MORE PAID TICKETS FOR 4-H, OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OFF LAST YEAR'S PRIZE WINNING PROJECTS OR GIVE A SNEAK PEEK OF THIS YEAR'S FAIR EXHIBITS ON CONCOURSE! If you wish to bring a 4-H exhibit, please contact Kathy Weinzierl at 309-663-8306 or email kweinzie@illinois.edu. Orders must be turned in by July 8 to receive discount for 4-H members. See flier online here: http://tiny.cc/5f7r5

Ice Cream Sundae Booth – Fair

Clubs are asked to volunteer for the sundae booth sponsored by Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Association. When four 4-Hers and two adults that volunteer for a shift the club will receive $50. This is a great way to get funds for the Club Challenge for program fees. The booth is open the duration of the fair. Simply fill in the appropriate times by or before July 23, 2010. For paper version of this form: click here.

4-H Share the Fun Hosts Needed

4-H Share the Fun has been hosted by 4-Hers for the past several years. We are currently looking for interested 4-H members who would be willing to plan out the details of the event and emcee the program. This is a great leadership opportunity for 4-Hers who may have an interest in public speaking and/or theater. Having a 4-H Leader/parent or two to assist would be great also! Help make Share the Fun a super experience for those who come to watch clubs have fun doing skits together on Thursday night of the Fair!! Please inquire to Theresa by June 1.

4-H Flower Bucket Contest for 4-H Clubs

The Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni group is once again encouraging clubs and individuals to bring 5-gallon bucket flower planters to the McLean County Fair in 2011. These flowers will be used to direct people to Cloverleaf Hall. Buckets will be judged by a committee of Alumni members. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Buckets are often available at restaurants or gardening shops.

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.

Mark your calendar! National 4-H Science Experiment – October 5

4-H National Headquarters and National 4-H Council are pleased to reveal that the 2011 National Science Experiment is Wired for Wind, an in-depth look at renewable energy technologies in the form of wind-power. www.4-H.org/NYSD

2011 North Central Region Volunteer e-Forum – Save the dates!

The e-forum will be held for the first time ever on November 7, 17, and 22, 2011. Each evening there will be a two hour session from 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. CST. There will be a different theme for each evening: Positive Youth Development (Nov. 7), 4-H Program Management (Nov. 17), and New & Emerging Curriculum (Nov. 22). There will be 3 topics offered each evening. All 4-H leaders from across the North Central states will be invited to participate. Stay tuned for more information.

Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team (YLT)

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team (YLT) is open to 15-20 older 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni. The group helps coordinate and assist with various regional and statewide 4-H activities. Team members are involved in planning and implementing the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC); assisting behind the scenes with events such as Illini Summer Academies and Illinois State Fair; serving as the training team for the Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) program; serving on various statewide 4-H committees and boards (i.e. Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee, Recognition for Excellence Committee) and assisting with 4-H curriculum reviews, among others.

Applications for this elite group are due June 17. Members will serve the 2011-2013 term. Interviews will be held during the June ISA or at the State Fair). Information is available at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sylt.cfm

Mind your rules for Illinois State Fair livestock entries

Exhibiting livestock at the Illinois State Fair junior show is a wonderful learning experience IF you follow all the rules. Don't be disappointed show day because you missed one of these important deadlines.

Horse Show Ownership/Lease Paperwork & Photographs – 4-Hers who wish to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Junior Horse show must complete papers of ownership and photos due to local offices by May 2. Deadline for offices to send paperwork for state horse show is May 15.

SF Jr. Horse Show Entries– 4-Hers who wish to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show must complete entries by June 9. Entries may be sent directly to State Fair by the exhibitor.

Quality Assurance & Ethics –4-Hers wishing to exhibit beef, sheep, dairy, goats, swine, poultry and horses must complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics test. Deadline for horse exhibitors is June 9; all others must be completed by June 15. If you have not completed QA&E Certification by that date, you will not be allowed to exhibit at the State Fair. Ethics training is available online at: , http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/

Livestock and Dairy Entries–4-Hers wishing to exhibit livestock or dairy at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show must send their entries to the state fair office by July 1

DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·June 9: State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Quality Assurance Test due
• ·June 15: Quality Assurance & Ethics testing due for all other livestock entries.
• ·June 15: PQA certification due
• ·July 1: State Fair Junior Livestock and Dairy entries due.

Get more information from your county Extension office today.

Illinois State Fair – Superior Young Producer Information

1. The Superior Young Producer Award (SYPA) contest will be open to any youth 14 years of age or older and who are a current bonafide IL 4-H or IL FFA member conducting project work in the species area for which he/she is entering the SYPA competition. The 4-H age is determined as of September 1, 2010. FFA member eligibility is up to and including the summer immediately following graduation from High School.
2. Participants do not have to be exhibiting animals at the IL State Fair in order to participate in the SYPA contest.
3. The SYPA contest will be held during the Illinois State Fair, Springfield, IL.
4. The contest will consist of the three following phases: skillathon, management test, and judging and/or meats ID.

For registration form go to page 42 of this link: http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/premium/junior.pdf

Support Getting 4-H License Plates on the Road: It's a 4-H Club Challenge

How cool would it be to see 4-H clovers driving down the road! In order to begin production of a 4-H specialty license plate, we must first get $25 from 1,500 Illinois drivers who have a current license plate on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/4-Hclubchallengeresources

Regional/State Upcoming Events

• June 9, 2011 State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Ethics Test Due
• June 15, 2011 QA&E Certification Due
• June 27-29, 2011 Illini Academies
• July 1, 2011 State Fair Livestock Entries Due

GPS/GIS Online Resources from Extension

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

4-H Legislative Connection

I don't think there are enough words to describe the impact of this year's Legislative Connection. Members of the 4-H Youth Leadership Team and the Speaking for Illinois 4-HTeam came to the Capitol over a three day period of time to spread the word about 4-H and University of Illinois Extension. The organizational skills of both Deb Stocker and Bill Million to plan the event, then keep track of all the 4-Hers while they were in Springfield are beyond extraordinary. You would have had to see it to believe it! Every legislator had some type of contact with a 4-H member during the three days. It was moving and impressive to watch the older ones instruct and assist the younger members at the Capitol. Numerous legislators, staff and members of the general public commented on their green shirts, and some even stopped them to take their picture. I'm sure some of the pictures will show up on Facebook, websites and legislator's offices! Representative Monique Davis recognized the 4-Hers in the House, and Senator John Sullivan recognized them in the Senate, and then took them on to the floor of the Senate for an "official tour and picture."We can be proud of these young folks, and my respect and affection for them is beyond expression. We were joined all three days by Extension President Jerry Hicks, on Wednesday by Extension Partners Legislative Chair Jeanne Harland, and on Thursday by State 4-H Director Denise Legvold. Chancellor Bob Easter made a brief visit to the Capitol on Wednesday as well, heightening the visibility of University of Illinois and U of I Extension. Looking at these young people, there could be no doubt in anyone's mind that dollars invested in Extension produce results. Pam Weber, Extension Partners

Extension Council Update

Thank you to the members of the McLean, Livingston and Woodford County Extension Councils for their dedicated

service to Extension in our three counties. The last official county specific council meetings will be held in June. After the June meetings, six members from each council will become part of the new tri-county council. Board officers will be elected, and program area committees will be formed. Committee membership will include board members, Extension Council members and other individuals representing the three counties. Anyone who is interested in serving on an Extension Council program committee is encouraged to contact County Director Cynthia O'Neill for more information.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN COMPLETING FAIR ENTRIES

• Cooking 101-401: Exhibitors can only enter classes for the level that they are enrolled in (by May 1). Example: Enrolled in Cooking 401? You can exhibit one entry in each of the exhibit classes for all of the classes listed under Cooking 401 in the fairbook.
• Geospatial: Exhibitors can enter one Geospatial class and one Geocaching class only.
• Shooting Sports: Exhibitors enrolled in Archery and Shotgun do not have an exhibit opportunity under Shooting Sports this year. (Exhibit opportunities will be added in the future as more instructors are certified and the program grows.)
• Food Demonstrations: Exhibitors can enter a food demonstration as long as they are enrolled in any Foods, Nutrition and Health Project.
• Public Presentations: The style of Public Presentations will be somewhat different, as it will be in the auditorium. 4-Hers will be waiting off stage with 3-4 judges at the helm ready to judge different 4-Hers for their speaking abilities. This will allow for a quick turnaround of speakers.
• Robotics: Because of the new Robotics project curriculum, the exhibits have changed to align with the new titles and content of the curriculum. One thing to note, you can only exhibit in the project you are enrolled in. However, 4-Hers can enroll in all three levels if they have the interest. The curriculum is not written in a skill or age based series.
• If you have questions about your entries, please ask your 4-H Leader. If they are unsure of the answer then contact the Extension office. If you are unsure of what you enrolled in, your 4-H leader can get a list of your projects for you.

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 Shooting Sports Clinic – May 21

Register now for the May 21 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. Registrations will be taken through May 19. 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. Register online here: http://tiny.cc/p25vp

Quilts for Kids - McLean County HCE, May 27, 12 to 4:30 pm

Would you like to learn to sew or can you sew already? Would you like to use your talents to help others that are more unfortunate than you? Are you willing to devote time to help out? McLean County Association of Home and Community Education has set up a workshop to make "Quilts for Kids" and we would like your help. The program is to make quilts to be given to the Neonatal department at a hospital. At the workshop you will cut out squares that would be sewn together into quilt tops. If you can sew a straight line you have the talents that are necessary because all of the sewing will be done on machines using straight stitching. You will need to sew together 16 squares to make the quilt top. Those sixteen squares would then have to be outlined by a narrow and then a wide border. The workshop will be held on May 27 at the Farm Bureau building on Hersey in Bloomington. The class will be held from 12 to 4:30. If you can attend even an hour, we would love to have you. All you need to bring is one yard of 100% cotton material (do not wash it). If you have a machine you can bring, please bring it. If not, come anyway as we will have several machines that you could use. Parents and other adults are also welcome.

If you have any questions, contact Eileen Norin, HCE Cultural Enrichment at eenorin@gmail.com or phone at 309-533-1135.

4-H Memorial Day Parade

The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 30. The 4-H clubs of McLean County are invited to meet on East Front Street at 8:15 a.m. near Station 220 (Central Station Cafe). Bring members and your club banner, wear 4-H shirts (if available), comfortable shoes, and make arrangements for transportation after the parade ends around 10:30 a.m. at Miller Park in Bloomington. Call June Jacobs, 275-8562 or email to daju04@netscape.net and let her know you plan to be there. Floats will also be accepted.

McLean County Pork Producers Scholarship 2011

What: The McLean County Pork Producers are offering monetary scholarships for young pork producers/show-men/show-women in McLean County. Who: Any McLean County High School senior who has raised or shown hogs for at least 5 years and/or is a member of a family who areactive members of the McLean County Pork Producers may apply. When: Applications are due to JC Zimmerman by June 1, 2011 will be notified by July 1, 2011 and at the 2011 Barrow Show at the McLean County Fair. Monies available: Money will be divided into separate scholarships. Total monies available: $1500 ** Students may not apply again if they have won this scholarship in the past. Scholarship link: http://tiny.cc/xuczt

Regional Livestock Judging Contest, June 10, ISU Farm

McLean County Extension will once again host a livestock judging contest on Friday, June 10. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the contest will begin at 9 am at Illinois State University Laboratory Farm 25578 ISU Farm Lane Lexington. All participants will be charged $2 to defray the cost of plastic boots, and will need to bring the completed ISU Farm Visitor Pass with them on contest day! For more information contact Brian Lambert at blambert@illinois.edu or 309-663-8306.

Equus 4-H Club Open Horse Show, June 17-19

For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/21kkk

Conservation Youth Day, June 18, FREE, Comlara Park

Learn about conservation by participating in the following activities: fishing, wildlife habitats, forestry, natural resource, and plants and soils from 1-4 pm. More information: http://tiny.cc/nynfc

McLean County Farm Bureau 2nd Annual Golf Outing, Monday, June 20, 2011

Prairie Vista Golf Course, 9:30 a.m. Shotgun start, Limited to first 128 Golfers, Golf Cart Included, Ribeye dinner to follow after outing, Raffle and Prizes as well, $85.00 per Golfer. To sign up, contact Marie Denzer (309) 275-8531.

Western Illinois 4-H Horse Show, June 25, Monmouth IL

For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/munsw

State Judging Contest Changes & Dates

• Livestock Judging – Monday June 20^th, Stock Pavilion, 8:30 am registration, seniors will give 3 sets of oral reasons, $10 fee for seniors to cover lunch.
• Horse Judging – Tuesday June 21 in the Stock Pavilion on campus.
• Poultry Judging – Has moved to the state fair on Thursday August 11^th in the Orr building from 8:30 to 11:30 am.
• Dairy Judging – Has moved to the state fair on Saturday August 20^th in the Livestock Center
• Meats Judging – Saturday August 27^th in the Meats Lab on campus

For more information please go to this link: http://tiny.cc/r84px If you are interested in participating please contact the Extension Office by June 3.

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

LMW 4-H Night with the Cornbelters – July 22

Come and meet 4-Hers from Livingston and Woodford while you watch local baseball! A petting zoo and fireworks after the game!! $5.00 DISCOUNT FOR 4-H MEMBERS, LEAD CROWD IN 4-H PLEDGE, PRE-GAME PARADE IF 300 OR MORE PAID TICKETS FOR 4-H, OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OFF LAST YEAR'S PRIZE WINNING PROJECTS OR GIVE A SNEAK PEEK OF THIS YEAR'S FAIR EXHIBITS ON CONCOURSE! If you wish to bring a 4-H exhibit, please contact Kathy Weinzierl at 309-663-8306 or email kweinzie@illinois.edu. Orders must be turned in by July 8 to receive discount for 4-H members. See flier online here: http://tiny.cc/5f7r5

Ice Cream Sundae Booth – Fair

Clubs are asked to volunteer for the sundae booth sponsored by Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Association. When four 4-Hers and two adults that volunteer for a shift the club will receive $50. This is a great way to get funds for the Club Challenge for program fees. The booth is open the duration of the fair. Simply fill in the appropriate times by or before July 23, 2010. For paper version of this form: click here.

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.

Mark your calendar! National 4-H Science Experiment – October 5

4-H National Headquarters and National 4-H Council are pleased to reveal that the 2011 National Science Experiment is Wired for Wind, an in-depth look at renewable energy technologies in the form of wind-power. www.4-H.org/NYSD

Have you ever wanted to do more? Here it is!

Ever wonder who plans the state programs and events– much of that is done by the Youth Leadership Team. Now is your time to apply for this AMAZING leadership group.

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team (YLT) is open to 15-20 older 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni. The group helps coordinate and assist with various regional and statewide 4-H activities. Team members are involved in planning and implementing the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC); assisting behind the scenes with events such as Illini Summer Academies and Illinois State Fair; serving as the training team for the Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) program; serving on various statewide 4-H committees and boards (i.e. Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee, Recognition for Excellence Committee) and assisting with 4-H curriculum reviews, among others.

Applications for this elite group are due June 17. Members will serve the 2011-2013 term. Interviews will be held during the June ISA or at the State Fair). Information is available at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sylt.cfm

2011 Illinois Governor's Volunteer Service Awards

On April 6, 2011, the Governor of Illinois announced the 2011 Volunteer Service Awards. Illinois Extension/4-H is proud that two 4-H members from Effingham and White counties, one 4-H leader from Peoria County, and one Extension volunteer from Monroe County received these awards. Check out their stories at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/news/

Mind your rules for Illinois State Fair livestock entries

Exhibiting livestock at the Illinois State Fair junior show is a wonderful learning experience IF you follow all the rules. Don't be disappointed show day because you missed one of these important deadlines.

Horse Show Ownership/Lease Paperwork & Photographs – 4-Hers who wish to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Junior Horse show must complete papers of ownership and photos due to local offices by May 2. Deadline for offices to send paperwork for state horse show is May 15.

SF Jr. Horse Show Entries– 4-Hers who wish to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show must complete entries by June 9. Entries may be sent directly to State Fair by the exhibitor.

Quality Assurance & Ethics –4-Hers wishing to exhibit beef, sheep, dairy, goats, swine, poultry and horses must complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics test. Deadline for horse exhibitors is June 9; all others must be completed by June 15. If you have not completed QA&E Certification by that date, you will not be allowed to exhibit at the State Fair. Ethics training is available online at: , http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/

Pork Quality Assurance Certification– 4-Hers who exhibit swine at the Illinois State Fair must have passed the required PQA certification. Check with your local office.

Livestock and Dairy Entries–4-Hers wishing to exhibit livestock or dairy at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show must send their entries to the state fair office by July 1

DATES TO REMEMBER

• June 9: State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Quality Assurance Test due
• June 15: Quality Assurance & Ethics testing due for all other livestock entries.
• June 15: PQA certification due
• July 1: State Fair Junior Livestock and Dairy entries due.

Get more information from your county Extension office today.

Illinois State Fair – Superior Young Producer Information

1. The Superior Young Producer Award (SYPA) contest will be open to any youth 14 years of age or older and who are a current bonafide IL 4-H or IL FFA member conducting project work in the species area for which he/she is entering the SYPA competition. The 4-H age is determined as of September 1, 2010. FFA member eligibility is up to and including the summer immediately following graduation from High School.
2. Participants do not have to be exhibiting animals at the IL State Fair in order to participate in the SYPA contest.
3. The SYPA contest will be held during the Illinois State Fair, Springfield, IL.
4. The contest will consist of the three following phases: skillathon, management test, and judging and/or meats ID.

For registration form go to page 42 of this link: http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/premium/junior.pdf

Support Getting 4-H License Plates on the Road: It's a 4-H Club Challenge

How cool would it be to see 4-H clovers driving down the road! In order to begin production of a 4-H specialty license plate, we must first get $25 from 1,500 Illinois drivers who have a current license plate on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/4-Hclubchallengeresources

Regional/State Upcoming Events

• May 7, 2011 4-H Day with the Cardinals
• May 13-15, 2011 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Training
• May 14, 2011 Speaking For Illinois 4-H
• May 17-19, 2011 Visit your legislators!
• May 25, 2011 Illini Summer Academies Registrations Due
• June 9, 2011 State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Ethics Test Due
• June 15, 2011 QA&E Certification Due
• June 27-29, 2011 Illini Academies
• July 1, 2011 State Fair Livestock Entries Due

Read the May Extension Newsletter online here: http://tiny.cc/i5iil

Congrats to the 80 McLean County youth that will be attending 4-H Memorial Camp June 26-30!!

Registration is full, and closed for this year!

Congrats to McLean Co. Horse Judging Teams

The teams representing McLean County really did well at the Black Hawk East contest on April 27. The Jr. team won with Krista Colthurst, Blazing Saddles as top individual. The two senior teams did well also taking first and third. Top individuals were: Rachel Riddle, Katie Grabow and Courtney Wright all of Blazing Saddles.

Congrats to McLean Co. Robotics Teams

Mclean County 4-Hers did well at the State 4-H Robotics competition on Saturday, April 15 in Champaign. The Terrible Termites won the competition! Congratulations to all of the 4-Hers and adults who coached the kids!!

Six clubs were represented by 13 youth.

Genetic Robopet Disasters

Jonathan Kothe - Downs Top Notchers, Joshua Kothe - Downs Top Notchers, Sam Scheltens - Towanda 4-H

McLean-Linden Lead'em

Thaddeus Hughes - Linden Lead'em , Will Short - Linden Lead'em - GPS SPIN, Bryan Applington - Linden Lead'em, Daymen Applington - Linden Lead'em, Jayson Applington - Linden Lead'em

Terrible Termites

Aaron Miller - Stanford Silver Stars, Tim Miller - Stanford Silver Stars, Ben Miller - Stanford Silver Stars, David Miller - Stanford Silver Stars, Mitchell Kreutzkampf - Home Team

Paper Clover Campaign at TSC

Special thanks to the following groups for selling paper clovers at Tractor Supply: Ardent Tillers, Greenleafers and TILT

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 Shooting Sports Clinic – May 21

Register now for the May 21 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. Registrations will be taken through May 19. 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. Register online here: http://tiny.cc/p25vp

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 .

4-H Memorial Day Parade

The Memorial Day Parade will be held Monday, May 30. The 4-H clubs of McLean County are invited to meet on East Front Street at 8:15 a.m. near Station 220 (Central Station Cafe). Bring members and your club banner, wear 4-H shirts (if available), comfortable shoes, and make arrangements for transportation after the parade ends around 10:30 a.m. at Miller Park in Bloomington. Call June Jacobs, 454-5484 or email to daju04@netscape.net and let her know you plan to be there. Floats will also be accepted.

McLean County Pork Producers Scholarship 2011

What: The McLean County Pork Producers are offering monetary scholarships for young pork producers/show-men/show-women in McLean County. Who: Any McLean County High School senior who has raised or shown hogs for at least 5 years and/or is a member of a family who areactive members of the McLean County Pork Producers may apply. When: Applications are due to JC Zimmerman by June 1, 2011 will be notified by July 1, 2011 and at the 2011 Barrow Show at the McLean County Fair. Monies available: Money will be divided into separate scholarships. Total monies available: $1500 ** Students may not apply again if they have won this scholarship in the past. Scholarship link: http://tiny.cc/xuczt

Equus 4-H Club Open Horse Show, June 17-19

For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/21kkk

Conservation Youth Day, June 18, FREE, Comlara Park

Learn about conservation by participating in the following activities: fishing, wildlife habitats, forestry, natural resource, and plants and soils from 1-4 pm. More information: http://tiny.cc/nynfc

McLean County Farm Bureau 2nd Annual Golf Outing, Monday, June 20, 2011

Prairie Vista Golf Course, 9:30 a.m. Shotgun start, Limited to first 128 Golfers, Golf Cart Included, Ribeye dinner to follow after outing, Raffle and Prizes as well, $85.00 per Golfer. To sign up, contact Marie Denzer (309) 275-8531.

Western Illinois 4-H Horse Show, June 25, Monmouth IL

For more information click here: http://tiny.cc/munsw

­­­­­­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

LMW 4-H Night with the Cornbelters – July 22

Come and meet 4-Hers from Livingston and Woodford while you watch local baseball! A petting zoo and fireworks after the game!! $5.00 DISCOUNT FOR 4-H MEMBERS, LEAD CROWD IN 4-H PLEDGE, PRE-GAME PARADE IF 300 OR MORE PAID TICKETS FOR 4-H, OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OFF LAST YEAR'S PRIZE WINNING PROJECTS OR GIVE A SNEAK PEEK OF THIS YEAR'S FAIR EXHIBITS ON CONCOURSE! If you wish to bring a 4-H exhibit, please contact Kathy Weinzierl at 309-663-8306 or email kweinzie@illinois.edu. Orders must be turned in by July 8 to receive discount for 4-H members. See flier online here: http://tiny.cc/5f7r5

Ice Cream Sundae Booth – Fair

Clubs are asked to volunteer for the sundae booth sponsored by Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Association. When four 4-Hers and two adults that volunteer for a shift the club will receive $50. This is a great way to get funds for the Club Challenge for program fees. The booth is open the duration of the fair. Simply fill in the appropriate times by or before July 23, 2010. For paper version of this form: click here.

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.

Mark your calendar! National 4-H Science Experiment – October 5

4-H National Headquarters and National 4-H Council are pleased to reveal that the 2011 National Science Experiment is Wired for Wind, an in-depth look at renewable energy technologies in the form of wind-power. www.4-H.org/NYSD

Have you ever wanted to do more? Here it is!

Ever wonder who plans the state programs and events– much of that is done by the Youth Leadership Team. Now is your time to apply for this AMAZING leadership group.

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team (YLT) is open to 15-20 older 4-H members and recent 4-H alumni. The group helps coordinate and assist with various regional and statewide 4-H activities. Team members are involved in planning and implementing the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC); assisting behind the scenes with events such as Illini Summer Academies and Illinois State Fair; serving as the training team for the Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) program; serving on various statewide 4-H committees and boards (i.e. Illinois 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, Illinois Farm Bureau Youth Education Committee, Recognition for Excellence Committee) and assisting with 4-H curriculum reviews, among others.

Applications for this elite group are due June 17. Members will serve the 2011-2013 term. Interviews will be held during the June ISA or at the State Fair). Information is available at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sylt.cfm

2011 Illinois Governor's Volunteer Service Awards

On April 6, 2011, the Governor of Illinois announced the 2011 Volunteer Service Awards. Illinois Extension/4-H is proud that two 4-H members from Effingham and White counties, one 4-H leader from Peoria County, and one Extension volunteer from Monroe County received these awards. Check out their stories at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/news/

Mind your rules for Illinois State Fair livestock entries

Exhibiting livestock at the Illinois State Fair junior show is a wonderful learning experience IF you follow all the rules. Don't be disappointed show day because you missed one of these important deadlines.

Horse Show Ownership/Lease Paperwork & Photographs – 4-Hers who wish to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Junior Horse show must complete papers of ownership and photos due to local offices by May 2. Deadline for offices to send paperwork for state horse show is May 15.

SF Jr. Horse Show Entries– 4-Hers who wish to exhibit at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show must complete entries by June 9. Entries may be sent directly to State Fair by the exhibitor.

Quality Assurance & Ethics –4-Hers wishing to exhibit beef, sheep, dairy, goats, swine, poultry and horses must complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics test. Deadline for horse exhibitors is June 9; all others must be completed by June 15. If you have not completed QA&E Certification by that date, you will not be allowed to exhibit at the State Fair. Ethics training is available online at: , http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/

Pork Quality Assurance Certification– 4-Hers who exhibit swine at the Illinois State Fair must have passed the required PQA certification. Check with your local office.

Livestock and Dairy Entries–4-Hers wishing to exhibit livestock or dairy at the Illinois State Fair Junior Show must send their entries to the state fair office by July 1

DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·May 2: Horse Show Ownership/Lease papers due
• ·June 9: State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Quality Assurance Test due
• ·June 15: Quality Assurance & Ethics testing due for all other livestock entries.
• ·June 15: PQA certification due
• ·July 1: State Fair Junior Livestock and Dairy entries due.

Get more information from your county Extension office today.

Support Getting 4-H License Plates on the Road: It's a 4-H Club Challenge

How cool would it be to see 4-H clovers driving down the road! In order to begin production of a 4-H specialty license plate, we must first get $25 from 1,500 Illinois drivers who have a current license plate on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/4-Hclubchallengeresources

Regional/State Upcoming Events

• May 4, 2011 Shooting Sports Training Reservations Due
• May 7, 2011 4-H Day with the Cardinals
• May 13-15, 2011 Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Training
• May 14, 2011 Speaking For Illinois 4-H
• May 17-19, 2011 Visit your legislators!
• May 25, 2011 Illini Summer Academies Registrations Due
• June 9, 2011 State Fair Junior Horse Show Entries & Ethics Test Due
• June 15, 2011 QA&E Test Due
• June 27-29, 2011 Illini Academies Begin
• July 1, 2011 State Fair Livestock Entries Due