Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

I (Theresa) will be on maternity leave starting December 16-early March. In the interim please contact Kathy Weinzierl kweinzie@illinois.edu regarding any questions you may have about 4-H!

We are sad to share the news that Sandy McGhee will be retiring at the end of the month. Sandy has had a long career with Extension! Well wishes may be sent to smcghee@illinois.edu. If you have questions regarding programs that Sandy has coordinated, please contact Cathy Blunier, Youth Development Educator serving our tri-county unit at cblunier@illinois.edu.

Office Closure for Holidays

The McLean Extension Office will be closed from 5 pm on December 23 – 8 am on January 3.

New! 4-H Program Fee/Club Challenge Update

There is a statewide $20 Program Fee assessed for each 4-Her and Cloverbud. In McLean County, the McLean County Extension Foundation offers support to cover $10 of that fee. 4-H members are responsible for the remaining $10. Many of our clubs work together by doing fundraisers to collect these funds. Check with your club leader to see how your club will be handling the Program Fee.In June, 4-H clubs will be assessed fees for the number of club members they have for the year. Funds raised through the program fee pay for things like project manuals, accident insurance, training for leaders, and state and regional programs and initiatives. If you have more questions about the fee please contact Cathy Blunier at cblunier@illinois.edu.

New! State 4-H Records Judging Help Needed

We are currently recruiting individuals to assist with the scoring of our State 4-H Award Applications on Saturday, January 28 in Champaign. We primarily target volunteers and former State 4-H Award Winners. The State 4-H Office covers mileage, lunch, and if judges live farther than 1-1/2 hours from Champaign, the hotel for the night of January 27th.. We try to recruit 30-35 judges for the 1 day judging in January. The morning starts with orientation at 9:00 a.m.. Judges are divided up into teams to cover the eight program award areas. Judging of most areas is generally completed by early to mid-afternoon; however larger areas may take until late afternoon. Judges cannot have any personal ties to applicants -- relatives, 4-H leaders, or providing assistance to them in preparing their applications. So please be attentive to who you recruit for these positions! Judges need to complete a Judge's Preference form as to award areas that they are willing to cover. If you are interested, please contact Deb Stocker at dstocker@illinois.edu or call 217-333-0910.

New! Information from the November 30 4-H Leader Meeting

Thanks to those that attended the Nov 30 4-H Leader Update! We want to find the best way to communicate with you. Please see the following links for more information that was shared from the leader update.

• Activity Planning Checklist
  When planning a 4-H Activity this resource may come in handy.
• Developmentally Speaking
  Gives a quick overview of the ages and stages of youth development.
• Experiential Learning Model
  When planning 4-H project workshops, 4-H volunteers use this model for learning.
• Helping You Help Youth - 4-H Project Workshop Planning
  A state resource on planning project workshops.
• Insurance Informational Sheet
  An overview of the different options for insurance.
• Recent Workshops by McLean 4-H Clubs
• Risk Management Plan

New! 2011 North Central Region 4-H Volunteer e-Forum a Success!

The North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Specialists planned and implemented the 2011 North Central Region 4-H Volunteer e-Forum. This replaced the face-to-face forum previously hosted by an individual state. The forum consisted of three two-hour sessions conducted on the Iowa Adobe Connect System. All twelve states in the North Central Region participated in the program. Sessions were held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. CST on Nov. 7, 17, and 22. State specialists presented the seven different sessions focusing on the themes of Positive Youth Development, 4-H Program Management, and New and Emerging Curriculum. The topics under PYD included The Teen Brain: A Work in Progress and Quality Matters: In Chocolate and 4-H Programs. The 4-H Program Management topics included Keeping Your Cool While Working with Youth and Reducing the Risks of 4-H Club Meetings. The final session featured Get Connected in Your 4-H World, 4-H Science, and Community Service Learning. Monsanto was a sponsor of the program. The sessions have been archived and are available for download at http://4h.uwex.edu/ncrvd. In addition, the NC Volunteers Specialists are working to provide DVD's to each Unit of the 3 sessions – which they might use at 4-H local leader trainings in the county in the future.

New! Research Opportunity for Leaders

Jonathan Sivier, who teaches the rocket workshops at 4-H Learn & Fun Day for us is doing a project for the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) to develop materials for teachers who are interested in using model rockets in their class rooms. In addition to school teachers this will include leaders from the 4-H as well as other youth groups such as scouts. HE would like to make contact with 4-H leaders who would be willing to give their opinions and suggestions for what should be included in this program. In addition it would be great to find a teacher or two interested in trying out the program once we have something put together. You can contact Jonathan at jsivier@illinois.edu.

New! Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification

This program is no longer mandatory for State Fair exhibition. However, the website should be available February 1, 2012. All State Fair beef, sheep, swine, horse, dairy, meat goat and poultry exhibitors are encouraged but not required to complete QA&E Certification via this site.

New! 4-H Projects at Shelters

I'd like to draw your attention to a disturbing trend that I've discovered related to 4-H small animal projects. I work closely with several rural animal shelters, and have learned that it is not uncommon for small animals, especially rabbits, to be taken to animal shelters after the 4-H project and fair season have ended. Animal shelters often run on extremely limited resources, and any incoming animal puts even more strain on the situation. While some of the animals may find happy endings through adoptive homes, it is the harsh truth that some may be euthanized, or may live for extended time in conditions not suitable for long-term health and wellbeing. Furthermore, this behavior is not in line with the ideals of positive youth development and teaching of responsibility, for which the 4-H program is known and respected.

By making you aware of this problem, I am hoping that you can please help me fix it. As we educate our 4-H families, let's make sure they realize that commitments to the animals don't end with the fair season. If a family is not able to provide the animals with lifelong care, then hopefully they can be guided to select a project that doesn't involve a living being.

Thank you very much for reading this, and for your consideration.

Amy Fischer, Ph.D.

Companion Animal Biology & Humane Education

New! Illinois Leader – December/January

https://my-s.extension.uiuc.edu/documents/78101711101110/December%202010-January%202011.pdf

New! 4-H Scholarship Application Changes

We would like to announce that slight revisions have been made to the Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership and Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship Applications. Both applications are due, postmarked by March 1, to the State 4-H Office.

• If you are providing information to 4-H members who are high school seniors or college freshman, PLEASE make sure that they have the 11/2011 revised copy of the applications. These are posted on the portal (Awards, Scholarships & Recognition = Scholarship Applications) and are posted on the Scholarship page of the 4-H website. All applicants MUST be currently enrolled 4-H members in order to apply for these scholarships.
• The primary revision to the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship application is the notation of the change of address for the State 4-H Office. We cannot guarantee that applications sent to the old address will reach us in time for judging, so it is imperative that the new address be used.
• The revisions to the Livestock Scholarship application also include the change of address. However, the criteria for this scholarship has been changed and worded for more clarification: Applicants must have been enrolled in a Livestock Project a minimum of 3 years during their involvement in the 4-H program; must be pursuing a college degree related to the agriculture industry; AND plan to be actively involved in the agriculture industry after graduation (such as farming, teaching, large animal veterinarian, etc.)
• Both applications now include a type-in .pdf format for the 1st and 2nd pages of the application. The remaining portion of the application includes open-ended questions as in the previous applications and members can format the pages as they wish.

Important Items for Leaders from the Family Emails

New! Livestock Ownership Dates for Illinois State Fair

Livestock ownership dates for the Illinois State fair will be mailed to all past and current 4-H members enrolled in livestock projects in January/February. The information will also include McLean County exhibition ownership dates and deadlines. Please watch for this mailing.

New! Chicken Exhibitor Update

The McLean County 4-H Show Committee has approved that the young birds (such as pullets, and cockerels) may be hatched on December 1, 2011 or after. This also pertains to the waterfowl and miscellaneous poultry classes as well. This does not mean that birds have to be hatched in December, it is just an option. All exhibitors need to be aware of the maturity time of their specific breeds. Some birds take longer mature, so this will help those breeds. Other breeds will go through a molt near 1 year of age. This is something to consider when hatching birds for next year's show. Also, this rule change will only be for the McLean County Fair. Other shows may require the birds to be hatched during that year, so please read all of your rules for other shows, and do not expect them to be the same as McLean County's fair. Please contact the Extension Office if you have questions at 309-663-8306.

4-H Volunteer Training Topics Offered Via Toll-Free Teleconference System in January – March

Illinois 4-H is offering six different volunteer training sessions via the Extension toll-free teleconferencing system. All 4-H volunteers are welcome to register and attend. Join with other volunteers from across the state for an evening of learning, idea sharing, and fun!

Positive Youth Development/BIGM – January 24

Communications within a 4-H Club – February 2

Behavior Management – February 8

Risk Management – February 13

Parental Involvement – February 28

Community Service – March 6

Sessions will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will last one hour. Participants may listen toll-free from their own home phones. Registration information will be available from your local Extension office in early December. Print materials for the sessions will be mailed directly to volunteers once they have registered for a specific topic and date. There is no fee to register. Please contact Sheri Seibold at sseibold@illinois.edu or 217-333-0910 if you have additional questions. In addition, there are four online volunteer training courses that are available for

4-H leaders which can be accessed 24/7 on their own computer. These include Volunteer Orientation, Parliamentary Procedure, Program Planning, Public Presentations, and Working with Committees.

McLean County 4-H Volunteer Orientation & Screening, 2/20/11

This 4-H Volunteer Orientation and Screening program registration is for parents, leaders, fair superintendents, 4-H leaders - any and all 4-H volunteers. Date: Monday, February 20, 2012 Time: 6:30-8:30 pm Location: Extension Office - 402 N. Hershey Rd., Bloomington, Il

Why should a volunteer attend?

• To explore the many varied opportunities available to 4-H Youth through county and state 4-H programs
• To learn of how to lend your essential and invaluable support
• To meet with other new volunteers who are willing to lend their time and effort to one of the largest youth development programs in McLean County
• To secure and submit the required paperwork for volunteer screening

The U of I Extension State 4-H Office requires youth to be with screened volunteers at ALL times at 4-H events. Please help us ensure that all 4-H youth in McLean County are with caring adults who are concerned about their safety, and have been screened. The screening process involves a CANTS check (child abuse and neglect), a criminal background check, and personal references; the screening process is effective for five years (at the end of which the volunteer is assisted in submitting another set of papers for another five years).

Sign up online here: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6050 Bottom of Form

4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting, March 31, 10-11:30 am

Attention new 4-H families! We are excited about your first year in the McLean County 4-H Program.

Learn more about the 4-H program on March 31 from 10-11:30 am at the at the Extension Office, 402 N Hershey Rd. Bloomington. The program provide information to parents and youth regarding the 4-H project opportunities, the upcoming 4-H show/fair and what it takes to have a great 4-H experience! 4-Hers will complete several activities and learn more about 4-H! Register online so that enough volunteers and materials will be available:

https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6131

Important! Enrollment Reminders

Please keep in mind that the 4-H Member/Leader Enrollment Form (aka WHITE SHEET) must be signed by the 4-Her, Parent and 4-H Leader. Also we MUST have a Project Enrollment Form (aka GREEN SHEET) turned in with the 4-H Member/Leader Enrollment Form for a 4-Her to be re-enrolled in the program. Remember, 4-Hers can add/drop projects ANYTIME between now and May 1. After May 1 they can no longer add projects for fair exhibition.

Here are links to the forms online:

White Sheet: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40629.pdf

Green Sheet: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/40628.pdf

Volunteer Training

This 4-H new volunteer course provides 4-H leaders with basic information about committees, advantages to utilizing committees within the 4-H club, types of committees, how to select and orient committees, committee reporting procedures and club action steps.Finally the course shares two videos that highlight examples of standing and special committees used by clubs. Ten tools to assist clubs in the effective use of committees are included in the related resources section of the course and on the Illinois 4-H web page. These can be downloaded and distributed by leaders. http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hc/

END OF THE YEAR REMINDERS

Club Challenge Funds Due

4-H Club Challenge forms were mailed out June 10 with all forms with payment due July 1. If your club has not paid yet, please do so ASAP.

HELP NEEDED!!! 4-H New Year Packet Assembly

We are in need of a few good 4-Hers, parents or leaders to assist with New 4-H Year Packet assembly. Last year 4-H Leaders from The Best of All 4-H Club helped and it was greatly appreciated!! The dates for assembly are flexible between 3-5 pm August 22-25. We need people to count out Clovers and Folders and stuff them in to bags for 4-H Club leaders to pick up at the 4-H Leader Celebration. Email techamb@illinois.edu if you are interested to set up a time to help.

ACTION NEEDED!!! 4-H Club End of the Year Paperwork

Illinois 4-H Club Group Applications - due August 26

Form can be found here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/launcher.cfm?ID=5962

My 4-H Project Records & Standards of Excellence & Achievement Forms

All 4-H members are asked to achieve the Standards of Excellence for their age group. One of those standards includes completing a 4-H record. Forms are available for download here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/4hexcellence/719.html

4-H Club Leaders may ask for these forms to be turned in to them before August 31. The above forms do NOT come to the Extension office. They have a form that must be completed by August 31 to turn into the office stating if 4-Hers have achieved their Standards of Excellence.

Standards of Excellence Member Assessment – in packet that was mailed in July

This form determines if 4-H members have achieved the IL 4-H Standards of Excellence for members. 4-H members must meet these minimum requirements to receive awards such as: First Year Outstanding, Project Achievement, Service Achievement, 5 Year Pledge. It is ABSOLUTELY necessary for this form to be in our office by August 31.

Illinois 4-H Award Application – Due August 31

4-Hers who are ages 12+ are recommended to complete this application in addition to the My 4-H Project Records and Standards of Excellence & Achievement forms. This form can be downloaded here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw/downloads/15017.pdf Remember: It must be signed by a 4-H Leader, Parent and 4-Her before turning in to the Extension Office on or before August 31.

Illinois 4-H Club Standards – Due August 31

4-H clubs have standards that they are to achieve just like 4-H members. Clubs that complete 11 of the 14 standards will receive a patch for their banner. This is a checklist and is very easy to complete. Form can be found here: http://my.extension.uiuc.edu/documents/257071911071107/clubstdex.pdf

Mosbacher 4-H Educational Scholarship – Application on or before due August 31

The Mosbacher Scholarship provides approximately $1,000 to $1,500 selected current 4-Hers who have completed high school and will attend an accredited college/university or technical school this fall. The award recognizes 4-H activities, citizenship, leadership, and community involvement. The scholarship was created in 1971 to recognize Eugene Mosbacher's twenty-fifth anniversary as McLean County Agricultural Extension Adviser. The Mosbacher 4-H Educational Fund provides the scholarship which has been awarded to over 100 4-H'ers in 40 years. Application can be downloaded here: http://tiny.cc/mosbacher

Holder Scholarship – Application due on or before August 31

The George E. Holder Scholarship is available to past and present 4-H members from McLean County who are entering their second year in the College of ACES at the University of Illinois. Mr. Holder (Class of 1927), a McLean County native and farmer, began his family farming business in the late 1930s and remained active in the operation until his death in 2000 at the age of 95. To date, seven $1,200 scholarships have been awarded by the Elizabeth Davis Holder Foundation held at the University of Illinois Foundation. Application can be downloaded here: http://tiny.cc/holder

McLean County 4-H Leader Celebration – August 30

ALL 4-H Leaders, Project Leaders and other 'screened leaders' that work directly with the McLean County 4-H program are invited to attend the 4-H Leader Celebration on August 30 at 6:30 pm at the Extension Office.

• Come celebrate 4-H's "New Year's Eve Eve" of the New 4-H Year!
• Each 4-H leader may bring one guest.
• Desserts home made by 4-H members.
• Leaders celebrating their 1st, 5th, 10th, 20th, 30th and 45th years of service will receive special recognition.
• Dinner is sponsored by U of I Extension-McLean County.
• RSVP online, or by calling the office at 309-663-8306.
• 4-H Records & other "End of the Year" items will be accepted.
• "New Year" Packets will be distributed.

Please RSVP online by August 26 so that we can have enough food! https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5802

HELP NEEDED!!! 4-H Records Judging – September 6-7 – Volunteers Needed!

We are in need of at least 15-20 adults to assist with records judging. It is important that you judge areas that you have not helped 4-H members with their records. Times for judging are Tuesday, September 7 from 4:30-8 pm and Wednesday, September 7, from 8:30-5 pm. If you are interested in volunteering please register online and let us know what areas you CAN judge and what areas you CANNOT or have no interest in judging. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!! Register online here: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5796

4-H Leader Update – June 8

Join your fellow 4-H Volunteers for the 4-H Leaders/4-H Volunteers Update! We will meet at the Extension office on June 8 from 6:30-8:30. Here is our agenda:

• How to market your 4-H club!
• What is a club booth? How do we do one?
  • Susan Hartzold, Curator of Collections and Exhibits of the McLean County Museum of History will share ideas on "marketing your 4-H Club" and practical ways to do this through displays and club booths.
• How to use social media with your club.
  • Bring your laptop or tablet/pad and practice
• Share your best marketing tools
• Start planning for National 4-H week now!
• Sign up for 4-H program committees

Register online here: http://tiny.cc/jmrtr

Congrat's to Kathy Schultz (Towanda 4-H)who registered online before we could even advertise!

Club Attendance Forms

Organizational Leaders will receive an email tomorrow regarding the Club Attendance Form. According to State 4-H Policy: "A youth that enrolls in a 4-H club/group, but fails to attend any meetings or other activities sponsored by the club, cannot be viewed as a 4-H participant or member. Therefore, the youth is not eligible to take part in 4-H exhibitions, receive 4-H premiums or other 4-H awards and recognitions." Leaders will mark a YES or NO for the youth, who are enrolled as members of your club, have attended at least one meeting/activity. Those marked NO, will not be allowed to exhibit at the county fair. This form is due by June 22! Please adhere to this deadline.

Club Challenge – Program Fee Statements

Club Challenge statements explaining this year's program fee for 4-H cloverbuds and members will be coming by mail to Organizational Leaders by the end of next week. These forms and payment will be due by JULY 1. Youth in multiple clubs will be assessed through their "primary" club as noted on their Enrollment form. Please communicate with your 4-Hers in the future to assist them with which club is their "primary" club. If errors are discovered please contact Theresa at the office when the assessment is received.

Campus Approval for Summer Events involving Contracts

Reminder: Any 4-H event that requires Proof of Insurance from the University AND has a contract must be signed by the University. The contract will need to be sent or faxed to our office to be forwarded and will take over 30 days to complete. Please be aware of this turn around. Examples of situations would be horse shows and possibly for club meeting location agreements. If you have questions please let contact our office.

Summer Club Events

Does your club have events planned that you want other clubs or the public to know about? Email the details to me at techamb@illinois.edu and I'll post them on the Extension Blogs, Facebook & Twitter!

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. Leaders, please encourage 4-H members that want to explore items not currently exhibit opportunities or projects to talk about them in a Public Presentation. Let me know if you have questions.

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

Oh, the Places You'll Go…in 4-H!!

Want to learn more about the 4-H Records process? As a leader 4-Hers and parents will come to you with questions, why not have the correct answers? Our First Stop on our journey is April 26 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Heartland Community College. Register online here: http://tiny.cc/4hohtheplaces

~An email will be sent next week directly to 4-H families members promoting this event.

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

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

WE need 4-H Clubs/Families to sign up!!!

Tractor Supply Company – Paper Clover Fundraiser, April 15-25

Mark your calendars to shop at TSC April 15-25 to support National 4-H and McLean County 4-H! Mclean County was the top fundraiser in Illinois last year and received a check for over $200! The money was given to the Ardent Tillers 4-H club who worked the booth in the store. They donated it back to Extension asking for the funds to be put towards Fair expenses. Have your club assist with manning the booth. It takes just a few à 1 adult and three-five 4-Hers. The shifts last about two hours and include welcoming guests and sharing with them that they can purchase a clover for a $1. For more information please contact Emily Lilienthal at 309-824-5658.

TSC Clover Card – Get it now!

Register for your card to get special offers and new from TSC available exclusively to 4-H families.
The TSC Clover Card is a great way to celebrate the new partnership between Tractor Supply and 4-H! Each use of the card shows TSC the value of 4-H customers and, more importantly, enters your 4-H club for chance to receive gift cards from Tractor Supply. Each month, TSC will randomly select five transactions made with the Clover Card. The local club associated with each of those cards will receive a $500 Tractor Supply Gift Card. Remember; each swipe of the card gives your club a better chance to win gift cards from TSC! The TSC Clover Card offers special deals to those in the 4-H community — parents, guardians, volunteers and leaders — and provides chances to win TSC gift cards for their club. Apply online here: http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/storeevents/4h This is a trial promotion that ends June 30.

FREE Ceramics, Craft Items for 4-H Clubs for Workshops etc.

Eileen Grotbo former 4-H leader, superintendent, parent and current judge has over 1000 ceramic, bisque items to 'give' to 4-H clubs and members. Lots of ornaments, craft ribbon, angels, and paper michae materials. She wants to offer these to 4-H clubs/4-H leaders who wish to use them with 4-Hers for workshops and exhibit ideas etc. Contact Eileen at 309-962-8140 or eileengrotbo@hotmail.com.

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

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!

Science Video Challenge

National 4-H Council, National 4-H Headquarters, and University of Arizona 4-H Youth Development, invite all 4-H professionals, staff and volunteers to produce their own digital video for front-line educators and volunteers to better implement 4-H science programs. The purpose of this contest is to build a vault of films to show great 4-H facilitation and learning in practice. We seek films that will help others know what inquiry-based learning looks like in real life. As the saying goes--A picture is worth a thousand words.

We are looking for bold, creative, and exciting videos to help educate facilitators about how to implement 4-H science and illustrate inquiry-based learning approaches to helping youth learn and master science content.

STEP 1 - Create your own 3-5 minute video.

STEP 2 - Check out www.4-h.org/videochallenge for contest guidelines and more resources

STEP 3 - Submit - Complete your entry form and release forms and submit your video up to April 1, 2011 - deadline.

Illinois State Fair Club/ Action Presentations

Action presentations need to appeal and draw the attention of the general public. Hands-on activities are desired. Club/groups may not sell items; these presentations are for educational purposes only. Handouts may be provided by the club/group. Individual activities within the display should last long enough to attract the attention of the general public, but not be exceedingly lengthy (approximately 10 minutes). Groups may wish to have extra youth available who can promote the group's activities, encouraging families with young children to come to the 4-H area. It is estimated that we will have 2 "action" times each day – from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. To have your club apply to have a booth click this link: http://tiny.cc/9r0v0

Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team

Now is the time to start recruiting older 4-H members to apply for YLT. Promotional brochures and applications should be available late March on the 4-H website. Youth must be 16-19 years of age before September 1, 2011 in order to apply for the 2011-2013 term. Applications will be due mid-June for interviews during ISA or August 1 for interviews during State Fair. Currently McLean County has three 4-H members on the YLT: Aleska Barkoviak, Allison Parks and Blair Phillips.

4-H Missions in Space

Space Camp is a camp for any youth who will be enrolled in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades in the fall 2011 ( 4-H membership is NOT required ). Highlights of the four-day program: Astronaut Training! Simulated Shuttle Mission! Sp IMAX® Shuttle Launch! Space Station Simulators! Lodging in Space Habitat! Museums! Besides, participants will meet youth from across the state and enjoy the bus ride as well as movies and games on the trip to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama www.spacecamp.com. Lots of learning! Lots of fun! Cost is $360. Registration deadline is June 24. Please have anyone interested in attending register online here:

Science of Flight

The Science of Flight experiment focuses on the four forces of flight: lift, gravity, thrust, and drag. The lesson contains background information for the facilitator along with two challenges for youth to participate in. This experiment is economical to deliver as needed materials include: plain paper (8" x 11"), scissors, paper clips, pencils, and a tape measure. As a friendly reminder, a goal of Science Excited calls for older 4-H members teamed with an adult volunteer delivering this experiment to 4^th-7^th grade youth audiences and collecting/submitting impact data using the attached form (one form/group). If your 4-H club is interested in doing this experiment, please contact our office.

International Opportunities

Host families are needed for the 4-H Japanese Exchange Program. Illinois will be home to approximately 60 Japanese youth and adult chaperons arriving in Illinois on July 21 for a one-month homestay. Host families can access application materials that can be completed on the computer 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.

Illini Summer Academies – Become a Super Teen

Youth can take part of this wonderful opportunity if you are a currently a 8th to 12th grade student in Illinois. The Illini Summer Academies are scheduled for June 27- June 29 on the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana campus. Additional information and on-line registration can be found at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm Please encourage your teens to attend! A direct email will be sent to all 4-Hers who are eligible to participate.

Join 4-H in Answering the President's Challenge

As part of 4-H's involvement with the Let's Move campaign, 4-H National Headquarters has started a group to take the President's Challenge together - and you and you're family are invited to be part of it! The President's Challenge is for one million Americans to complete the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). 4-H is answering this call by setting a goal to have 100,000 4-H members and their families complete their PALA. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award recognizes those individuals who log their recommended physical activity for six weeks, five days a week (60 minutes for youth, 30 minutes minimum for adults). Signing up for the 4-H group is simple. All you have to do is register. It's quick, and there's no cost to participate!

HOW TO JOIN:
1) Go to http://www.presidentschallenge.net/login/register_individual.aspx
2) Fill out the registration form.
3) When you arrive at your personal dashboard page, click on the groups tab and join the 4-H group.

· Your Group ID Number: 96548

· Your Group Name: National 4-H Program

4) After registering, start logging your activities. As you log activities you'll be able to track your progress toward winning a President's Challenge Award or Medal.

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

---> Help with the New Member Meeting/Find Out Party – I am looking for a 4-H club or a leader and a few experienced 4-Hers to lead a hands-on activities and speak about experiences in 4-H. If interested please contact me ASAP – techamb@illinois.edu

Sharin' of the Green – St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 12, 10 am – Noon

Break out your shamrocks and gold coins, because the first annual Sharin' of the Green - St. Patrick's Day Parade is taking over Uptown Normal on March 12 at 10:00am. The parade route will be from the United Methodist Church on School St., to North St., around the circle, to Beaufort St. and conclude at Linden. St. Participants include the McNaulty Irish Dancers, Prairie Thistle Bag Pipers,Tin Lizzies, local Irish bands, and mascots from the Cornbelters, Prairie Thunder and the Extreme!

4-H New Member Meeting

Please share the date with your new members in your club! March 19 is the 4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting from 10-11:30 am. All 4-H families that may have questions are invited to attend. Hands on activities for the 4-Hers while the Adults get a quick course in how to support their 4-Her! RSVP online: http://tiny.cc/findoutparty

~An email was sent directly to 4-H families of 1^st year members promoting this event.

Oh, the Places You'll Go…in 4-H!!

Want to learn more about the 4-H Records process? As a leader 4-Hers and parents will come to you with questions, why not have the correct answers? Our First Stop on our journey is March 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Heartland Community College. Register online here: http://tiny.cc/4hohtheplaces

~An email will be sent next week directly to 4-H families members promoting this event.

4-H Dog Obedience/Dog Agility Classes Set!

• When: Monday Evenings April 4-July 11, No class May 30, July 4
• Location: Interstate Center
• Time: Beginner Obedience 6-7:00pm
• Advanced Obedience 7:15-8:15 pm (anyone who has shown in obedience)
• Dog Agility 6-7:00 pm
• Fee: $10 for 12 week class session
• Must bring: Copy of current rabies vaccination for 4-H staff to keep
• Instructors: McLean County Fair Dog Superintendents

April 4 - All 4-Hers and dogs should come from 6:00-7:00pm.

Obedience participants - Both the 4-Her and the dog should be present for registration. Your dog's lead and training collar will be checked. If you do not have a lead or training collar, recommendations will be made and some will be available for purchase. Note- Advanced Class -if you attended classes with us last year, AND you don't need to order equipment, you may come the first night of class (April 11) and sign up then.

Agility participants – Dogs and 4-Hers should come for registration and class information.

Please call Kathy at the Extension office 663-8306 with questions.

Community Improvement Grant Opportunities for 4-H Clubs

Farm Credit Services of Illinois has announced a Community Improvement Grant program that provides grants in the amount of $250 for 4-H clubs in their 60 county service territory, located in central and southern Illinois. The focus of the Community Improvement projects should be the development and implementation of meaningful projects to better local communities. Additional details about the grant process and the actual grant application is located at the Farm Credit Services of Illinois website at http://www.fcsillinois.com/HCGrants.html. The deadline for application submission is March 31, 2011.

Tractor Supply Company – Paper Clover Fundraiser, April 15-25

Mark your calendars to shop at TSC April 15-25 to support National 4-H and McLean County 4-H! Mclean County was the top fundraiser in Illinois last year and received a check for over $200! The money was given to the Ardent Tillers 4-H club who worked the booth in the store. They donated it back to Extension asking for the funds to be put towards Fair expenses. Have your club assist with manning the booth. It takes just a few à 1 adult and three-five 4-Hers. The shifts last about two hours and include welcoming guests and sharing with them that they can purchase a clover for a $1. For more information please contact Emily Lilienthal at 309-824-5658.

TSC Clover Card – Get it now!

Register for your card to get special offers and new from TSC available exclusively to 4-H families.
The TSC Clover Card is a great way to celebrate the new partnership between Tractor Supply and 4-H! Each use of the card shows TSC the value of 4-H customers and, more importantly, enters your 4-H club for chance to receive gift cards from Tractor Supply. Each month, TSC will randomly select five transactions made with the Clover Card. The local club associated with each of those cards will receive a $500 Tractor Supply Gift Card. Remember; each swipe of the card gives your club a better chance to win gift cards from TSC! The TSC Clover Card offers special deals to those in the 4-H community — parents, guardians, volunteers and leaders — and provides chances to win TSC gift cards for their club. Apply online here: http://www.tractorsupply.com/content/storeevents/4h This is a trial promotion that ends June 30.

Science Video Challenge

National 4-H Council, National 4-H Headquarters, and University of Arizona 4-H Youth Development, invite all 4-H professionals, staff and volunteers to produce their own digital video for front-line educators and volunteers to better implement 4-H science programs. The purpose of this contest is to build a vault of films to show great 4-H facilitation and learning in practice. We seek films that will help others know what inquiry-based learning looks like in real life. As the saying goes--A picture is worth a thousand words.

We are looking for bold, creative, and exciting videos to help educate facilitators about how to implement 4-H science and illustrate inquiry-based learning approaches to helping youth learn and master science content.

STEP 1 - Create your own 3-5 minute video.

STEP 2 - Check out www.4-h.org/videochallenge for contest guidelines and more resources

STEP 3 - Submit - Complete your entry form and release forms and submit your video up to April 1, 2011 - deadline.

Illinois State Fair Club/ Action Presentations

Action presentations need to appeal and draw the attention of the general public. Hands-on activities are desired. Club/groups may not sell items; these presentations are for educational purposes only. Handouts may be provided by the club/group. Individual activities within the display should last long enough to attract the attention of the general public, but not be exceedingly lengthy (approximately 10 minutes). Groups may wish to have extra youth available who can promote the group's activities, encouraging families with young children to come to the 4-H area. It is estimated that we will have 2 "action" times each day – from approximately 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 11:00 – 4:00 p.m. To have your club apply to have a booth click this link: http://tiny.cc/9r0v0

Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team

Now is the time to start recruiting older 4-H members to apply for YLT. Promotional brochures and applications should be available late March on the 4-H website. Youth must be 16-19 years of age before September 1, 2011 in order to apply for the 2011-2013 term. Applications will be due mid-June for interviews during ISA or August 1 for interviews during State Fair. Currently McLean County has three 4-H members on the YLT: Aleska Barkoviak, Allison Parks and Blair Phillips.

4-H Missions in Space

Space Camp is a camp for any youth who will be enrolled in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades in the fall 2011 ( 4-H membership is NOT required ). Highlights of the four-day program: Astronaut Training! Simulated Shuttle Mission! Sp IMAX® Shuttle Launch! Space Station Simulators! Lodging in Space Habitat! Museums! Besides, participants will meet youth from across the state and enjoy the bus ride as well as movies and games on the trip to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama www.spacecamp.com. Lots of learning! Lots of fun! Cost is $360. Registration deadline is June 24. Please have anyone interested in attending register online here:

Science of Flight

The Science of Flight experiment focuses on the four forces of flight: lift, gravity, thrust, and drag. The lesson contains background information for the facilitator along with two challenges for youth to participate in. This experiment is economical to deliver as needed materials include: plain paper (8" x 11"), scissors, paper clips, pencils, and a tape measure. As a friendly reminder, a goal of Science Excited calls for older 4-H members teamed with an adult volunteer delivering this experiment to 4^th-7^th grade youth audiences and collecting/submitting impact data using the attached form (one form/group). If your 4-H club is interested in doing this experiment, please contact our office.

International Opportunities

Host families are needed for the 4-H Japanese Exchange Program. Illinois will be home to approximately 60 Japanese youth and adult chaperons arriving in Illinois on July 21 for a one-month homestay. Host families can access application materials that can be completed on the computer 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.

Illini Summer Academies – Become a Super Teen

Youth can take part of this wonderful opportunity if you are a currently a 8th to 12th grade student in Illinois. The Illini Summer Academies are scheduled for June 27- June 29 on the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana campus. Additional information and on-line registration can be found at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm Please encourage your teens to attend! A direct email will be sent to all 4-Hers who are eligible to participate.

Join 4-H in Answering the President's Challenge

As part of 4-H's involvement with the Let's Move campaign, 4-H National Headquarters has started a group to take the President's Challenge together - and you and you're family are invited to be part of it! The President's Challenge is for one million Americans to complete the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). 4-H is answering this call by setting a goal to have 100,000 4-H members and their families complete their PALA. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award recognizes those individuals who log their recommended physical activity for six weeks, five days a week (60 minutes for youth, 30 minutes minimum for adults). Signing up for the 4-H group is simple. All you have to do is register. It's quick, and there's no cost to participate!

HOW TO JOIN:
1) Go to http://www.presidentschallenge.net/login/register_individual.aspx
2) Fill out the registration form.
3) When you arrive at your personal dashboard page, click on the groups tab and join the 4-H group.

• Your Group ID Number: 96548
• Your Group Name: National 4-H Program

4) After registering, start logging your activities. As you log activities you'll be able to track your progress toward winning a President's Challenge Award or Medal.

4-H Leader Update - Saturday Special

Plan to attend February 5, at the Extension Office from 10 am - Noon...

Join your 4-H peers as you explore the North Central Regional Leader Forum that took place last fall in Michigan! 4-H Leaders Karen Carrigan, Alisa Clary and Tammy Stewart will share hands-on activities, hand outs and resources you can use with your club members at your next meeting (if you so wish)!! We'll also explore Positive Youth Development and BIG-M.

Please respond with your attendance online so we can have copies of the handouts for everyone: http://tiny.cc/saturdayspecial

As always, our goal is to have a minimum of ONE representative from EACH 4-H club in our county…that would be over 50 in attendance! Do you think we can do it? Help make it happen!

From the 4-H Volunteer Leader Education Committee

Ever feel EMBARRASSED to ASK a question at a Leaders Update meeting? Or feel like you SHOULD KNOW something but you don't, AND you don't even know enough to know WHAT to ask, or WHOM to ask? Or maybe you wish you had MORE INPUT into what you did during the Leader's Update meetings. Or wish you HAD TIME to pick another leader's brain so you wouldn't need to reinvent the wheel all of the time?

Well, maybe a "Community of Learning" is just the thing to help you lead more effectively. Maybe small group meetings held somewhere close to where you live or work will help you and the other leaders in your "community" share information, answer questions and get refueled! Please fill out this survey if you are interested in piloting this new method of communication: http://tiny.cc/4hcommlearn

Illinois 4-H State Fair Online

All 4-H members have the opportunity to share what they have learned about their enrolled 4-H project through a video or map exhibit online. All exhibitors eligible to participate in awards luncheon and "Illinois 4-H Film Festival and Map Gallery" at State Fair, Springfield, IL, August 20th. Industry speakers, club action presentations, and more. Prizes for winning exhibits. Learn more about this at 4-H Leader Updates!!

Purpose and goals of online 4-H exhibition:

• 4-Hers develop their skills using technology to teach others
• State Fair Showcase and recognition event with career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities
• Public display of 4-H innovators
• Online conference judging
• Interactive website and chance to see what other 4-Hers are doing

Making Friends Through 4-H

Abraham Lincoln once said, "The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." This has long been an accurate reflection of peer relationships in the teen years, but studies show that friends have a significant influence on younger children as well. Read more…

Save the Date!

4-H Day with the Cardinals is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis! More information to come soon.

Organizational Leader Reminders

Club Recognition Packets

If you did not have someone pick up your club's recognition packet, please do so as soon as possible. If you have questions or find errors please email Theresa @ techamb@illinois.edu.

4-H Project Enrollments

Please keep those enrollments coming! Be sure to have the 4-Her, Parent and a 4-H leader in your club sign each form. 4-H Cloverbuds do not complete a green Project Enrollment Form. We hope to have Robotics materials in the next month or so.

4-H New Member Meeting

Please share the date with your new members in your clubs! March 19 is the 4-H Find Out Party/New Member Meeting from 10-11:30 am. All 4-H families that may have questions are invited to attend. Hands on activities for the 4-Hers while the Adults get a quick course in how to support their 4-Her! RSVP online: http://tiny.cc/findoutparty

Oh, the Places You'll Go…in 4-H!!

Want to learn more about the 4-H Records process? As a leader 4-Hers and parents will come to you with questions, why not have the correct answers? Our First Stop on our journey is March 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Heartland Community College. Register online here: http://tiny.cc/4hohtheplaces

4-H Leader Update – November 17 – Past Handouts

The handouts from the 4-H Clubs 101 portion of the last leader update have been uploaded to our website. Here is the link for download: http://tiny.cc/clubresources. The first page is a checklist of things that EVERY club MUST do. * This document was updated to add one form that was due October 30. The second page is what every club should and could do. The third and fourth pages list different things happening by month for Leaders, Members and extra opportunities for both as the year continues. If you have questions about these pages, please let me know.

Organizational Leader Reminders

Club Audits were due October 30

If your club has not turned in your club audit sheet please do so ASAP. Letters will be going out to 4-H Organizational Leaders reminding them that we cannot re-enroll any members until that sheet is on file with our office.

Club Recognition Packets

If you did not have someone pick up your club's recognition packet, please do so as soon as possible. If you have questions or find errors please email Theresa @ techamb@illinois.edu.

Assistance Needed: Learn & Fun Day Committee

We are looking for adults who are willing to help with Learn & Fun Day planning and execution. We'll need a volunteer coordinator or two and some assistance with the day minimum. If you are interested in helping with this, please email techamb@illinois.edu.

Have a great Thanksgiving! We are Thankful for all you do for our 4-Hers in McLean County!!

4-H Leader Update – November 17 – This Wednesday!!

Join some of the 300 4-H Leaders in McLean County as together we take a short evening to experience:

"4-H Clubs 101 & A Refresher Course (for the rest of us)".

• Explore the Clover! (How does a 4-Hers project enrollment affect their 4-H Show Exhibit Entries at the McLean County Fair?)
• Learn of New 4-H Projects available in this 4-H New Year
• Discover how your 4-H Treasury and Club Audit help to build 4-H Leadership Skills
• Determine the "Bare Necessities" for your 4-H Club
• Plan for good communication between your 4-H Club and the 4-H Office
• Share "best practices" across 4-H Clubs
• Consider assisting other 4-H Leaders in piloting "Communities of Learning" – (a new concept to provide 4-H Leader support)
• Take Home materials to assist you in leading your 4-H Club

To register: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5126

Organizational Leader Reminders

Club Audits were due October 30

If your club has not turned in your club audit sheet please do so ASAP. Letters will be going out to 4-H Organizational Leaders reminding them that we cannot re-enroll any members until that sheet is on file with our office.

Club Recognition Packets

If you did not have someone pick up your club's recognition packet, please do so as soon as possible. If you have questions or find errors please email Theresa @ techamb@illinois.edu.

Recognition for 15 year old 4-Hers:

I had made an error on the Standards of Excellence sheet that you filled out at the end of the 4-H year. On that form the name of the award for 16 year olds and it wound up being the same name as the award for 15 year olds. This created a data error which had the 15 year olds invited to Recognition of Excellence as award winners. We didn't realize the impact of this error until about a week or so before Recognition. Unfortunately, we had several 15 year old winners attend, and we made an attempt to recognize them as a group in the audience. I'm sure that they were confused on what was going on and I do apologize for this error. I will say that we have it straightened out in our system so it will not happen again. The 15 Year olds should have a key ring in the club packets that were available for pick-up at the banquet. 16 Year olds were recognized on stage and got a certificate, and will receive a nylon bag from their leaders in the club packets.

This was emailed to all 4-Hers we have emails for who are ages 14-19 this week:

TILT Countywide Community Service Activity, November 20, 6 pm

CALLING ALL MCLEAN COUNTY 4-H TEENS…….Don't Miss this opportunity to meet many of the other 4-H Teens in McLean County!

WHY SHOULD YOU REGISTER TODAY?

• To meet some of the many other 4-H Teens in McLean County!
• To have fun and to eat!
• To add a great community service activity to your 4-H records!
• To learn a little about IPPRI!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5116

4-H Leader Update – Next Thursday, September 30, 6:30-8:30 pm

Join your fellow 4-H Volunteers for the spring 4-H Leaders/4-H Volunteers Update! Join fellow 4-H leaders and volunteers for an update on the 4-H Program. Hands on training and fellowship on Thursday September 30 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

BARNGA: Where everything appears the same!

This interactive exercise is a "take home" to your 4-H Clubs, and will address the importance of effective communication, and the importance of knowing those with whom we are in communication. Begin your 4-H year with a strong push off of the "Starting Line!"

• Share best practices for issues that come up in 4-H Clubs.
• Get an update about Extension's reorganization
• Preview and Q & A about upcoming events this Fall and Winter

RSVP online here: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=5010

4-H Records Judging

Special thank you to: Sue Doyle, Carolyn Hansen, Susan Parrent, Pam Scott, Ruth & Tammy Stewart, Tracy Tobin, Kathy Weinzierl, Jeanie Wager and Deb Wheeler! Your time and positive support for our members will motivate them to keep improving their 4-H records! This year we had over 50 4-Hers complete the Illinois 4-H Award Application for county/state awards in over 90 award areas! Way to go 4-Hers!! Save the Date: the Recognition of Excellence Ceremony is November 7 at the Heartland Community College Auditorium, 3 pm.

Illinois State Fair 4-H General Project Results

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/mclean/downloads/25207.pdf

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

4-H Learn & Fun Day 2011

The event is back for its 23^rd 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 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/

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

Community Improvement Grant

ClassB® is proud to announce their 4-H Community Improvement Grant. The grant opportunity is open to all 4-H clubs interested in carrying out a community improvement project. The purpose of the grant is to provide "seed money" to two 4-H clubs to use as a starting point for their community project. The two 4-H club grant recipients will each receive a $500 grant to use towards the community project of their choice. Grant information and the application form can be found online at www.classb.com/4-h/grants/.

Illinois Leader

The October/November issue of the Illinois Leader is available for download at this link: http://tiny.cc/dnpms

Leaders on the Go

Most 4-H volunteers are very busy people and don't have a lot of time to attend 4-H training! Leaders On the Go or L.O.G. for short is a website that accommodates their hectic schedules. Just click here for answers to some of your questions: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/4H/Leaders. The last two topics for the 2009-2010 4-H year posted on the website are: (#11 posted on the front page of the website) "Celebrating Club Success" that includes tips to help you celebrate individual member and group successes; and (#12 posted in the archives) "Evaluating Your Club" to help you evaluate the 4-H year just ending and plan for the new year just around the corner.

Popcorn Fundraiser

A possible idea for a club fundraiser: http://www.distributor.fundraising.prestonfarms.com/

Happy New Year, New 4-H Year that is…

Thank you to those that attended the 4-H Leader Celebration last night! We had a great turnout and lots of laughs and clapping. What an inspiration all of our leaders are to the 4-H program! Your time and dedication to helping our 4-Hers grow in a positive environment shows not only in enrollment numbers but, in how many 4-Hers become 4-H volunteers themselves. We added up the years of service for all of the 301 4-H club leaders in McLean County and together that is over 2455 years of combined years of service and experience helping 4-Hers "make the best better"!! There are 28 leaders that have over 20 years of service – that is 835 years of experience. Way to go guys!

4-H Records Judging

I am in need of at least 6 more volunteers to assist with Records Judging! Please sign up!!! Volunteers are being sought to assist with county Records Judging. This is a great experience to learn about 4-H records and see how youth have completed the record format. NO experience is necessary. Please do not select areas in which your children have submitted records. 4-H records will be judged on two days: Tuesday, September 7 from 8 am - 4 pm and on Wednesday from 1 pm - 8:30 pm. Please choose which day(s) and area(s) you are willing to evaluate. Register online here: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/county/survey.cfm?sID=122

End of the Year & New Year Reminder

We are missing end of the year paperwork from about 15 clubs. We will be contacting you individually, please turn in your forms ASAP if you haven't. NEW YEAR packets are available for pick-up with Fair Premium checks at the 4-H Office. Please get them ASAP so that you can get the signature sheets back to us by September 20!!! We need them for reimbursement.

Shooting Sports Training for Adults

The next scheduled Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Adult Certified training program will be held September 17, 18, and 19 at White Eagle Camp, Leaf River, Illinois – approximately 20 miles from Freeport. For general camp information and directions go to: http://www.campwhiteeagle.com/location.camp Registration for the three day training will be $110.00 per adult participant which will cover all meals, lodging, curriculum manuals, and all expendables. Registration deadline is September 3, 2010. If you are interested or know someone who is interested please contact Sandy McGhee: smcghee@illnois.edu.

COMMEMORATIIVE COINS TO HONOR 4-H – ACTION NEEDED BY SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

Throughout the nation 4-H members, 4-H alumni and International 4-H Youth Exchange alumni are spearheading an effort asking members of Congress to sponsor and support legislation authorizing commemorative coins to honor the centennial in 2015 of 4-H becoming a national program. To make it happen, we need YOUR HELP!

The legislation, which is expected to be introduced in mid September when members of the House and the Senate return from their August recess, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce special collector versions of up to 500,000 silver dollars and up to 750,000 copper-nickel half dollars with designs emblematic of 4-H and its role in the diffusion of knowledge, development of young leaders and good citizens, and leading the vision of peace through understanding in our global community.

Please send a letter and or email to your House of Representatives and to our Senator. A great way of communicating with your representatives is via their web sites. If you do not know who your representatives or senators are, go to www.congress.org . It is a non-partisan site with listings. It also has a feature that helps you compose and send a letter from the site. THOMAS is the Library of Congress web site that has information and listings of members of Congress. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ and you will find in the left column "House of Representatives" and "Senate."

For more info call Carolyn Hansen, 309-821-3443 or email her at carolyn.hansen@countryfinancial.com

Premium Checks

Premium checks from the McLean County Fair & 4-H Show are currently being picked up by 4-H organizational leaders. Your 4-H leader will contact you or you'll have a club meeting to get your checks. In order to receive your checks you or your parent/guardian must sign for them. There MAY be three different forms you need to sign, be sure you ask your leader and check all three sheets. The sheets must be signed and returned to our office by September 20. The reason for this earlier deadline is because we have to submit the forms to the Illinois Department of Agriculture for reimbursement. We are excited to announce that our Extension Foundation will be reimbursed for Fair Premiums.

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/

Last chance to get your Cookbook

"Favorite Recipes of Illinois 4-H Through the Years", includes more than 150 recipes from 4-H foods project books such as You Learn to Bake, ABC's of Food, Adventures in Cooking, It's Fun to Cook, Milk and Eggs, Meat in Your Meals, Pastry in Your Meals, and Yeast Breads in Your Meals are included in this 8/12 x 11' spiral bound cookbook. Recipes are listed by book, alphabetically, and by food category for easy reference. The cookbook costs $15.00 plus shipping. It can be ordered online at www.4hfoundation.illinois.edu or purchasing it from the Extension office. Once they are gone, they are gone.

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)!

Illinois Leader

The August/September of the Illinois Leader is available for download at this link: http://tiny.cc/n242s

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.

Leaders on the Go

Most 4-H volunteers are very busy people and don't have a lot of time to attend 4-H training! Leaders On the Go or L.O.G. for short is a website that accommodates their hectic schedules. Just click here for answers to some of your questions: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/4H/Leaders. The last two topics for the 2009-2010 4-H year posted on the website are: (#11 posted on the front page of the website) "Celebrating Club Success" that includes tips to help you celebrate individual member and group successes; and (#12 posted in the archives) "Evaluating Your Club" to help you evaluate the 4-H year just ending and plan for the new year just around the corner.

Popcorn Fundraiser

A possible idea for a club fundraiser: http://www.distributor.fundraising.prestonfarms.com/