Christian County 4-H Newsletter 4-H OFFICER TRAINING WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER SATURDAY, JANAURY 21ST 9:30 11:30 A.M. LINCOLN LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1 LINCOLN LAND DRIVE LITCHFIELD, ILLINOIS Officer s Training is open to all 4-H officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Reporter & Historian) in Unit 18 Christian, Jersey, Macoupin & Montgomery Counties. Officers will learn: About their duties & ways to make the job easier Fun ways to involve all 4-H members Parliamentary procedure Call your local Extension office to register or e-mail the 4-H staff in your county. Registration deadline is January 18th. For Parents shopping is available while you wait! Litchfield has a Super Wal-Mart, Rural King, Tractor Supply, Hallmark, Aldi s, Glick s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and more! 2012 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR NEWS!!! General Projects will be shown on Friday, August 10th for Christian, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery Counties. The majority of the exhibits will be in the Expo Building due to loss of space in other buildings. There will be morning and afternoon judging in order to accommodate the projects. Due to a lack of space, some projects with low enrollment numbers will not be eligible for state fair. These projects are Service Learning, Be the E!, Clothing Decisions, Financial Champion & Consumer Savvy, Club/Group Action Presentations, Public Speaking in Extempore Speaking & Demonstration, and Geospatial (there will still be a State Fair online class My 4-H Project Map ). January 2012 Montgomery County Extension #1 Industrial Park Drive Hillsboro, IL 62049 Ph: 217-532-3941 Fax: 217-532-3944 Christian County Extension 1120 N. Webster Street Taylorville, IL 62568 Ph: 217-287-7246 Fax: 217-287-7248 Macoupin County Extension #60 Carlinville Plaza Carlinville, IL 62626 Ph: 217-854-9604 Fax: 217-854-7804 Jersey County Extension 200 North Lafayette, Suite 6, 2nd Floor Jerseyville, IL 62052 Ph: 618-498-2913 Fax: 618-498-5913 STAFF Amanda Cole, County Director acole1@illinois.edu Peggy Hampton, 4-H Youth Development Educator phampton@illinois.edu Jodi Heberling, Christian County 4-H Program Coordinator heberlin@illinois.edu Judy Benz, Macoupin/Jersey County 4-H Program Coordinator benz@illinois.edu Kate Harding, Macoupin County 4-H Coordinator harding@illinois.edu Elisha Hughes, Montgomery County 4-H Program Coordinator ehugh2@illinois.edu University of Illinois US Dept of Agriculture Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
2012 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR LIVESTOCK NEWS Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification is no longer mandatory for IL State Fair exhibition but is highly encouraged. Junior show entries for the 2012 IL State fair may be sent directly to the fair from the exhibitor and must include the entry fees. Horse Ownership/Lease forms with pictures are due May 1st to the Extension office Horse Entries for the IL State Fair are due June 9th to the State Fair office in Springfield All Livestock Entries for the IL State Fair are due July 1st to the State Fair office in Springfield Dog Entries for the IL State Fair are due August 1st to the State Fair office in Springfield. Premise Identification numbers will be required for all Jr. Dept. barrow entries to the IL State Fair. 4-H MEMORIAL CAMP AT MONTICELLO, ILLINOIS Enjoy five days of fun and adventure at 4-H Camp. Youth between the ages of 8-16 are encouraged to look at what camp has to offer swimming, canoeing, rock wall climbing, volleyball, leather tooling, arts & crafts, ceramics, softball, fishing, orienteering, basketball, archery and a team challenge course. Dates for Camp: June 5-9th Jersey and Macoupin Counties June 17-21 Christian County July 14-18 Montgomery County Cost: 4-H Members $160 Non 4-H Members $175 Check out the excitement at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/index.cfm Hold the Date!! 4-H Day With the Cardinals Saturday, May 12th 6:15 p.m. game with the Braves Pre-Game Celebration begins at 4:00 p.m. More information will be coming! 2012 Pork Quality Assurance Dates All youth who wish to exhibit swine at the Illinois State Fair must attend and pass the Pork Quality Assurance & Ethics training. The trainings for Unit 18 are listed below: Christian County February 20th 2:00 p.m. Christian County Extension Office Jersey County February 20th 2:00 p.m. Jersey County Extension Office Montgomery County April 9th 2:00 p.m. Montgomery County Extension Office 2012 JR. LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FEBRUARY 25 26TH FIND THE CLUE TO THE LEADER IN U Jr. Leader Conference registration is open to 7th and 8th grader 4-H ers. Participants will search for the aspects of becoming a great teen leader, explore skills in forensic and food sciences, and find the actor in themselves. In addition, mixers, teambuilding, and just plain fun is being built in so you can meet new friends from across the state. JLC will be held February 25 26th at the Holiday Inn in Urbana. You can bring a non-4-h friend along too if you like. Registration deadline is January 30, 2012. Information, scholarship application, and registration info can be found on the Illinois 4-H website at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ state4h/events/juniorleadership.cfm. Payment and final paperwork must be postmarked by February 1. Cost of the weekend is $125 which includes hotel, 3 meals, insurance and supplies.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM Farm Credit is pleased to announce our Community Improvement Grant program for 2012. Grants will be awarded in the amount of $250 to 4-H clubs across our 60 county region who carry out meaningful projects to better their communities. For more information and to access the application, please visit the Farm Credit website at http://www.fcsillinois.com/communitygrants.html. Please note that applications must be submitted by February 17, 2012. Decisions on grants will be made by February 24, 2012. We hope your club will consider implementing a project this year to help make your community a better place to live. Please feel free to contact Beth Bolger at beth.bolger@fcsillinois.com or 217-590-2160 with any questions. VALUED VOLUNTEER TRAINING FOR 4-H LEADERS Leader s, sign up now for one or more of the volunteer training sessions. Each session will cover a different topic. Sessions will be over the teleconference system so all you need is your phone OR a few sessions will be offered at the local Extension office. Register online unless you will be attending the session(s) offered at the Extension office registration form is included in this packet. If you have trouble registering online, contact the Extension office for help. Sessions will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. with check-in at 6:50 p.m. Sessions will last for 1 hour. Once you have registered, you will receive a packet of printed materials directly from the State 4-H Office to be used in the teleconference. This packet will also include the instructions for accessing the toll-free teleconferencing system. The packet will arrive prior to the session for which you register. VALUED Volunteer Orientation Program Telenets Positive Youth Development/BIG-M January 24 telenet only Communications within a 4-H Club February 2 offered by Christian, Jersey, Macoupin & Montgomery Counties at office (supper provided) VALUED Volunteer Training Telenets Behavior Management February 8 telenet only Risk Management February 1 3 telenet only Parental Involvement February 28 Christian & Montgomery Counties at office (supper provided) Community Service March 6 Montgomery County at office (supper provided)
SURVIVAL GUIDE TO 4-H VIDEO CONTEST New 4-H members and their families often struggle the first two years in 4-H to understand exactly what they need to do in a project area, how the club functions, the purpose of 4-H records and what to take to the fair. The goal of the Survival Guide to 4-H video contest is for experienced 4-H members and/or 4-H clubs to demonstrate a 4-H project, show a club meeting, explain the fair experience, etc. In doing so, the video will enhance the 4-H experience for our new members and families. The contest is open to all 4-H members in Unit 18 Christian, Jersey, Macoupin & Montgomery Counties. Videos should be no longer than 8-10 minutes and be uploaded to YouTube. Videos will be judged and prizes awarded. 1st Place Prize $50 worth of items from 4-H Mall or a 4-H club pizza party 2nd place Prize $30 from 4-H Mall 3rd place Prize $15 from 4-H Mall. Listed below are the categories you may select from. Club Meeting 4-H Projects 4-H Records Fair Exhibits State Fair 4-H Awards Deadline to submit a video is April 1st A entry form is available on the Unit 18 website or from your local Extension office. CHRISTIAN COUNTY 4-H INTERNATIONAL NIGHT has been set for Friday, March 30, 2012, 6:30 p.m. 4-H clubs are encouraged to select a country to research and prepare a display and/or a talk about that country. International Night has become an annual event for the last 6 years, but has been around for a long time and seems to be enjoyed by many. Foods from the different countries are prepared by 4-H members and their families. All 4-H clubs are invited to attend an International potluck meal at the Extension office and share what they have learned. Each family should contact the Extension office with the number of people planning on attending. We need to know how many seats to set up! If your club is not participating, you are still encouraged to attend with any traditional potluck dish. Christian County 4-H Fair Dates in 2012 4-H members must be enrolled in a project by APRIL 15, 2012 in order to exhibit and be paid premiums at the County 4-H Fair. Public Presentations Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 6:00 p.m. Foods Show Monday, June 25, 2012, 6:00 p.m. Clothing Show Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 6:00 p.m. General Projects Poultry & Rabbits Show Monday, July 9, 2012, Judging will begin at 9 a.m. Cat & Dog Show Monday, July 9, 2012, 1:00 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. Swine, Sheep and Goats Wednesday, July 11, 2012 starting at 8:00 a.m. Bucket Calf & Beef Show Thursday, July 12, 2012 starting at 8:00 a.m.
4-H Foundation College Scholarships applications have been mailed! If you are a senior and did not receive an application, please contact the Extension office. The application is available online. Please, read and follow all the requirements!! 4-H Foundation will be offering camp scholarships to active 4-H members in Christian County beginning February 6, 2012 allowing them to attend camp for $100. We have 30 camp slots available for June 17 21, 2012. Direct registration may be available through 4-H Memorial Camp for other weeks. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/index.cfm Due to changes in the IRS tax laws and the 4-H Foundation 501 3c status, there will be some changes in the 2012 4-H Auction. The details are still being worked out! Actual details will be out by March 1, 2012. New 4-H Auction Committee is being formed. We will be seeking out volunteers from various project areas to keep a well-balanced auction running in our county. Several of our Livestock Committee members have already joined. If you are willing to help keep the 4-H Auction working, please let Jodi know by calling 287-7246. Expansion & Review Committee and 4-H Leaders Meeting is scheduled for January 30, 2012. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a lite supper and sharing time. Our unit Youth Development Education, Peggy Hamption will be joining us and sharing many helpful 4-H club tips. Christian County Expansion & Review committee needs rebuilt. If you have ideas and concerns on how we can better improve our 4-H program, consider joining our Expansion and Review Committee! Contact Jodi with any ideas, questions or details, Please RSVP if you are able to attend. Additional Leader training opportunities in Christian County. (Additional opportunities are available online and listed under Valued Volunteers article page 3.) February 2 Communications Within a 4-H Club February 28 Parental Involvement in Clubs These training opportunities are telenets that will last 1 hour beginning at 7:00 p.m. Across the state we will gather in small groups at various Extension offices to learn how to make better 4-H club meetings and experiences. If it is more convenient for you to listen from home that can be arranged. RSVP with your plans to attend 1 week before the meeting. Soup and snacks will be shared. Steer weigh-in Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Northside Veterinary Shed (next to the Extension office). We will begin weighing at 8:00 a.m. If your steer does not have an electronic identification tag, you will be charge $3 for the tag. The Livestock Committee will be weighing, tagging, and tattooing; please plan to be in line before 9:00 a.m. When we get done, we will not wait on you if we do not know you are coming. Call Jodi at 217-820-8253 with the number of EID tags you think you will require. 4-H Cooking Class series to begin on Thursday, January 19 from 4:30 6:30 p.m. and continue meeting on Thursdays through February 2. There are still a couple of spots available. The Edinburg Warriors 4-H Club held their monthly meeting on December 4th, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Edinburg. Memorial suggestions and fund-raising ideas were discussed. Members exchanged Christmas gifts and ate pizza. Everyone helped prepare fruit baskets and deliver them to the residents at Centennial Apartments. The next meeting is scheduled on February 12, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Edinburg. The club will have a Valentine auction; members are to bring a wrapped item for the auction. Talks and demonstrations will be given by Audrey LeVault, Kristine Andruch, and Morgan Gabriel. Refreshments will be served by the Barton and LeVault families. Submitted by Adam Yoder, Reporter The Clover 4-H Club met recently at the home of Becca Wiggins. They made paper Firecrackers and filled them with candy to send to the soldiers. Becca Wiggins gave a Public Speaking presentation to show the club what she presents at her speaking engagements to get donations to support Soldiers Angels and injured soldiers that need computers for special needs. She has currently gotten enough donations to provide three computers. The club members will meet at the First Baptist Church at 9:15 a.m. on December 27, to assist with the Food Pantry. The members brought non-perishable food items to the December meeting to donate to the pantry.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION CHRISTIAN COUNTY 1120 N. Webster St. Taylorville, IL 62568 E-mail: christian_co@extension.uiuc.edu Phone 217-287-7246 Fax 217-287-7248 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TAYLORVILLE, IL PERMIT NO. 322 Address Service Requested VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Volunteers needed! We have had several of our committees members aged out of 4-H and are looking for new members to help plan and implement many of our 4-H programs. Expansion & Review Committee Make plans for the direction we want our programming to go. Should be 8-10 people from across all demographics of the county. Records Committee Plan and over see the records process, assist in finding judges, assist in planning Achievement Night and recognition for the various accomplishments members surpass. Visual Arts Committee Plan a craft workshop, assist with judging at fair. Foods Committee Cooking Classes, plan activities for the food show. Livestock Committee- 4-H Auction Committee- University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in any programs, please contact University of Illinois Extension, Christian County at 217/287-7246 University of Illinois * U.S. Dept. of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating