We have had a good Extension summer with lots of activities. Once again, the Master Gardeners organized a delightful Garden Walk. The profits from this event provide the supplies for our community gardens.

The Champaign Extension Education Foundation provided fun for youth and adults during the 4-H livestock expo by providing watermelon eating contests and a sweet corn boil. If you are not familiar with the financial support the Foundation provides for Extension programs, contact the office for a Foundation brochure.

We experienced our first pilot of combined livestock shows with Macon and Piatt counties. Evaluation surveys have been sent to 4-H participants and parents.

- Marilyn Brengle

You provided my children with a terrific 4-H poultry experience. We all had a blast! The park setting in Monticello met the needs of my children (5yr.–12yr.) and my poultry (shade). When they weren't showing, the kids played in the park, made new friends from the other two counties, researched rabbits and begged Mom to take one home, played games, and won prizes.

Thanks to you they want to expand our chicken numbers and keep their award winning duck, Aflac, who is at times vicious (he even bit the judge!). I loved the tri-county experience. We saw and learned about many breeds of rabbits and poultry we had never seen before.

Way to go! You did a terrific job!

- Parent of Philo 4-H Friends 4-Hers

We congratulate Veronica Lawrence on being selected as a "Class of 2006" inductee for the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame! The Illinois 4-H Foundation established the 4-H Hall of Fame last year to provide an opportunity to annually recognize exceptional 4-H alumni, 4-H volunteers and former 4-H staff that have a track record of extraordinary career achievement or exemplary service to 4-H.

Mrs. Lawrence was nominated by Champaign County because of her 29 years of service to 4-H. Mrs. Lawrence, leader of Champaign Mixed Clovers 4-H Club, is recognized for her commitment, encouragement, and development of a positive environment for youth to become life-long learners.

- Karyn Mendoza

There are several life decisions each of us needs to make, but frequently we put them off because they make us feel uncomfortable thinking about death. Such decisions may be what to put in your will, who should receive some of your family treasures, what measures you want taken to have your life extended, or who will make your financial and medical decisions should you become unable to do so.

Most people are aware that a will distributes your property and assets after you pass away. There are also important decisions to be made before you die in case you are unable to make them.

These additional documents include naming someone to make your medical decisions (Power of Attorney for Health Care) and financial decisions (Power of Attorney for Property). You will be signing a separate document for both. In addition, a Living Will, stating whether or not you want everything possible done to prolong your life, should be completed.

After you have these papers signed, talk to all family members to tell them what you decided regarding your Living Will and the Powers of Attorney (POA). Give copies of your Living Will to your doctor, hospital to put on file, and members of your family. The person designated as your Power of Attorney for Health Care should also receive a copy of the Living Will.

Often life and death issues can be uncomfortable for families to talk about, but open communication and written preferences can do much to unite the actions of family and legal representatives who are responsible or emotionally connected to you. It can be a relief to both the family members and you when decisions have been communicated and legal documents have been signed.

September

11 Marketing Club, 7 p.m.

11 Unit Council, 7 p.m.

12 4-H Cultural Club, 6:30 p.m.

14 Leader's Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

October

1-7 National 4-H Week

1 4-H Olympics and Bar-b-que

7 4-H Workshop Day

9 Unit Council, 7 p.m.

22 Achievement Celebration, Hawthorn Suites, Champaign

23 Youth Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

24 4-H Livestock Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

28 Make a Difference Day!

November

7 4-H Horse Committee, 7 p.m.

11 4-H Cultural Club, 6:30

13 Unit Council, 7 p.m.

20 4-H Leader's Meeting, 6:30 p.m.