Dear 4-H Families:

One year down and another year is just beginning. It is hard to believe that the summer break for our youth is already over and school has once again started. We hope all of you had a wonderful 4-H year and that you participated in a number of 4-H events, including the 4-H Show and Fair. We were so very proud of all of the exhibits you prepared at the 4-H Show, and the quality of animals you showed and the 4-H Fair. As you prepare for the next 4-H year we hope you will set your goals a little higher, as you strive to "Make the Best Better."

Sincerely,

Johnna B. Jennings, Unit Extension Educator, 4—H Youth Development

jbjennin@illinois.edu

and

Nicole Groezinger, Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development

groezing@illinois.edu

All club officers and junior leaders are invited to the 4-H Officer Roundup at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building on Saturday, October 17 to Sunday October 18. The training will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and will conclude at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Club secretaries and treasurers should plan to arrive at 6:30 p.m. so we can have a short session with them about their club responsibilities. We will be staying overnight in the Farm Bureau building. There will be lots of team building games, officer training, and time to get to know and have fun with other DeKalb County

4-H'ers. This is a great way for club officers to get together and begin planning activities for the new 4-H year. The Jr. Leader/Officer Training costs $5.00 per person which will include snacks and breakfast. For a registration packet stop by the Extension office or call (815) 758-8194. The registration materials will also be available on the DeKalb County Extension website at:

www.extension.uiuc.edu/dekalb.

Beginning with enrollment for 4-H members in September 2009, a $20 per year 4-H Program Fee will be applied to all members of community clubs, special interest groups, Cloverbud groups, and after school programs. Most of the fee will stay locally and be used by the county program to help 4-H support costs. Six dollars will be forwarded to the State 4-H program to provide educational, technical and logistical support to maintain the 4-H program at all levels.

Clubs or groups may choose to do fundraising or collect donations to offset the 4-H Program Fees for their members.

In addition to the $20 program fee, DeKalb County will still maintain the $2 per project fee.

If you have questions please call the Extension office.

Award & Record Book Judging will be on Tuesday, September 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Auditorium. For this meeting the Extension office will provide pizza and pop, but each club must provide at least one adult volunteer. The club's volunteer(s) can be 4-H parent(s) or 4-H club leader(s). Club leaders should call the Extension office with the name(s) of the individual(s) by Friday, September 25. We will be starting at 5:30 p.m. with pizza and an orientation. Everyone needs to be at the orientation so we can review how to judge the records as consistently as possible. The more volunteers we have to work on this judging process the better, as there are a lot of forms to review. As the saying goes "The more the merrier."

Top 15% Award

(for members in 4-H for 4 years and more)

Again this year we will be judging record books for 4-H'ers with four year or more years of experience. This is an award for overall 4-H performance during the member's most recent 4-H year. 4-H'ers are nominated by their organizational club leader for this recognition. Those 4-H'ers being nominated must submit their project record sheet and the 4-H activity sheet for the current year. These sheets should be placed in the 4-H'ers green folder, listing the name and club on the outside of the folder.

Once judging is complete, winners will receive a letter inviting them to a IceHogs game in Rockford on Saturday, November 14 at 7:05 p.m.

Top 15% Award

(for members in 4-H for 3 years and less)

This recognition is designed to encourage 4-H youth with three years or less experience to apply for award recognition. This is an award for overall 4-H performance during the member's most recent 4-H year. 4-H'ers are nominated by their organizational club leader for this recognition. Those 4-H'ers being nominated must submit their project record sheet(s) and the 4-H activity sheet for the current year. These sheets should be placed in the 4-H'ers green folder, listing the name and club on the outside of the folder.

Once judging is complete, winners will receive a letter inviting them to the Top 15% Award Party which will be held Friday, November 13. The night will include pizza, games and a movie.

We would like to thank all of our 4-H members, parents, leaders and superintendents who volunteered their time during the past few months to help us in conducting the 4-H General Project Show and 4-H Fair. These opportunities went well only because of the wonderful support we get from all of you in making them happen. One of the true blessings with this organization is all the support and help people give in conducting the numerous 4-H events that happen during a 4-H year. Thanks again for your time, friendship and support...we really appreciate it!!!

The 2009 National 4-H Week theme will be "Celebrate 4-H" This is a great time to celebrate 4-H and spread the good word. 4-H promotion is very important during this time of year and will help us start our 4-H club year by recruiting new 4-H'ers. This is a great time for you, individually, or with your club to be involved in one or more promotional projects.

Materials are posted online at: www.4-HBrandNetwork.org.

There will be many downloadable materials available on this website to use to help plan and provide ideas for promoting National 4-H Week.

The DeKalb County 4-H Foundation is looking for smiling and energetic volunteers to work at the NIU Football Games this fall. The Foundation is selling food at a 10 person concession stand during the NIU football games. The dates are September 12 & 26, October 3 & 31 and November 5 & 12. Volunteers need to be at least 16 years old and commit to at least one game. If you need more information or to sign-up to work call the Extension Office.

Leaders make sure you turn in your club "Ready, Set, Go Green" sheet so club laps can be reported. As of Sept. 1 the club totals are:

Division 1

Malta Mustang 4-H'ers - 84

Green Meadows - 78

Parke Victory - 57

Shabbona Pioneers - 48

Afton - 40

H-Bar-P - 24

Genoa Prairie Gems - 24

Division 2

DeKalb Choreboys & Choregirls - 41

Kingston Juniors - 30

Tilton Park Clovers - 29

Somonauk Haymakers - 18

Sandwich Town & Country Kids - 15

Esmond Echoes - 13

Hinckley Harvestors - 13

Sandwich 4-Leafers - 12

Shabbona Pioneers Saddle Club - 5

4-H Clubs are encouraged to put on their creative thinking caps and come up with a skit or performance for our "4-H Share the Fun Recognition Program." This event will be held on Saturday, November 21 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Farm Bureau theatre. This is our annual 4-H recognition program, and we hope that all 4-H leaders, members and parents will make plans to attend. An RSVP is required to the Extension office by November 16.

Just a reminder to all of the 4-H members who won plaques or awards at the 4-H Show or Fair, please send a thank you note to your award sponsor. These awards would not be possible without the sponsor's contributions and support! Award sponsors names and addresses can be found attached to the back of the plaques.

Please make sure to say thanks!

4-H Show and Fair premium checks were handed out August 25. PLEASE CASH YOUR CHECK IMMEDIATLEY SINCE IT WILL BE VOID IN 60 DAYS. Your promptness in cashing your check will allow us to complete our financial records by December.

You will note that premiums have been paid again using the X-factor. The X-factor system insures that all monies available for premiums are distributed to those 4-H members who exhibited their projects.

At the conclusion of the 4-H Show and Fair, the computer tallied a total number of X's that were awarded. The total of x's were divided into the amount of premium money available from the State Agriculture Premium Fund. Based on this tabulation the value of x was determined to be $1.93. Your premium check was calculated using this X value. The value of X changes each year based on the number of entries and available premium money.

You can help the National Soil Research Project at Northeastern University, Boston, where students are measuring the humic (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) contents of the nation's agricultural top soils. HA and FA are vital organic components of healthy soils. They retain water, act as pH buffers, improve soil texture/porosity and regulate many other soil functions. They need to double or even triple the number of samples to be analyzed. They can do that with your help! Your job will be to collect and mail a one-pound, dry soil sample to Northeastern University for analysis. Your mailing cost will be paid back if you ask.

If you would like to participate, contact g.davies@neu.edu for complete information. The Northeastern University team will publish the results and share them with you and your family on request. Your part in this great project will be something to be truly proud of!

DeKalb County had several 4-H members participate in the Illinois State Fair, and we are pleased to announce the following results:

Award of Excellence

Josie Belmont - Visual Arts

Tori Bloyd - Heritage Arts

Megan Drendel - Intercultural

Karagan Edwards - Photography

Josh Faivre - Corn

Garrison Govig - Corn

Lindsey Hellmuth - Photography

Justene Jennings - Visual Arts

Kailyn Kahl - Woodworking

John Kendall - Sportsfishing

Maria Koeppen - Visual Arts

Sarah Lehan - Walk in My Shoes

Andrew McComb - Public Presentations

Alicia McConnell Hatch - Visual Arts

Addy Miner - Animal Science

Kylie Ocker - Visual Arts

Ethan Plote - Tractor

Cindy Roberg - Visual Arts

Carrie Rogers - Exploring Our Food Heritage

Cassie Rogers - Fashion Revue

Emily Schilling - Visual Arts

Sarah Schilling - Breads & Cereals

Emily Scorzo - Food with an International Flavor Natalie Stark - Aerospace

Superior Award

Kyla Akers - Child Development

Ryan Balentyne - Woodworking

Sydney Bend - Fashion Revue

Hannah Brennan - Natural Resources

Bronwyn Burgweger - Photo Editing

Tristan Draper - Geology

Trent Englum - Geology

Lauren Frances - Journalism

Maria Gommel - Visual Arts

Jaylene Jennings - Public Presentations

Charlie Koeppen - Horticulture

Suzanne Koeppen - Floriculture

Jackie Marco - Horticulture

Malerie Meares - 4-H Cooking 201

Anna Miner - Animal Science

Krista Roby - Sewing & Textiles

Rebecca Roby - Sewing & Textiles

Maddie Schneider - Interior Design

Nicole Siuda - 4-H Cooking 201

Erin Vandeburg - Clothing Decisions

Cora Vandermeer - Interior Designs

Hannah Weirich - Food Preservation

In addition to the 4-H members listed above, DeKalb County also had other 4-H members receiving honors in the junior livestock, horse and dog shows. Listed below are the names and placings of DeKalb County 4-H members placing 11th or higher:

Angie Boesche

9th Guernsey 3 Yr. Cow

5th Guernsey Yearling Heifer

6th Guernsey Jr. Best Three Females

10th Guernsey Sr. Heifer Calf

8th Guernsey Sr. Yearling Heifer

11th Guernsey Summer Yearling Heifer

4th Land of Lincoln Guernsey 3 Yr. Cow

3rd Land of Lincoln Guernsey Yearling Heifer

6th Land of Lincoln Guernsey Jr. Best Three Females

8th Land of Lincoln Guernsey Sr. Heifer Calf

5th Land of Lincoln Guernsey Sr. Yearling Heifer

8th Land of Lincoln Guernsey Summer Yearling Heifer

1st Jr. Guernsey 3 Yr. Cow

Jr. Guernsey Grand Champion Female

4th Jr. Guernsey Yearling Heifer

1st Jr. Guernsey Sr. Champion Female

4th Jr. Guernsey Sr. Heifer Calf

3rd. Jr. Guernsey Sr. Yearling Heifer

7th Jr. Guernsey Summer Yearling Heifer

1st Jr. Land of Lincoln Guernsey 3 Yr. Cow

Jr. Land of Lincoln Guernsey Grand Champion Female

3rd Jr. LOL Guernsey Yearling Heifer

3rd Jr. LOL Guernsey Senior Heifer Calf

1st Jr. LOL Guernsey Sr. Champion Female

2nd Jr. LOL Guernsey Sr. Yearling Heifer

6th Jr. LOL Guernsey Summer Yearling Heifer

Jaylene Jennings

5th Jr. Crossbred Gilt

5th Jr. Yorkshire Gilt

5th Jr. Land of Lincoln Yorkshire Gilt

Justene Jennings

11th Jr. Crossbred Gilt

Christian Thurwanger

2nd Jr. Crossbred Gilt

8th Jr. Hampshire Gilt

7th Jr. Land of Lincoln Hampshire Gilt

Rachel Thurwanger

5th Chester White Barrow

Riley Johnson

6th Angus Steer

6th Land of Lincoln Angus Steer

6th Jr. Angus Steer

6th Jr. Land of Lincoln Angus Steer

Lucy Johnson

4th Shorthorn Steer

4th Land of Lincoln Shorthorn Steer

6th Jr. Shorthorn Steer

6th Jr. Land of Lincoln Shorthorn Steer

Chad Frost

1st Hereford Steer

Reserve Champion Hereford Steer

3rd Crossbred Steer

1st Land of Lincoln Hereford Steer

2nd Jr. Hereford Steer

1st Jr. Crossbred Steer

1st Jr. Land of Lincoln Hereford Steer

Cindy Roberg

8th Jr. Trail Class

5th Jr. Pattern Ridding

4th Jr. Handy Hunter over fences

10th Jr. Hunt Seat Equitation on the flat

5th Jr. Hunt Seat Equitation over fences

10th Jr. Hunter Hack

9th Jr. Hunter over fences

3rd Jr. Traditional Hunter under saddle

10th Jr. Western Horsemanship over 56 "

8th Jr. Western Horsemanship pony or horse

4th AQHA Novice Youth Western Pleasure

6th AQHA Novice Youth Western Horsemanship

2nd AHA Youth Trail

Danielle Neisendorf

8th Jr. Pattern Riding

3rd Jr. Hunt Seat Equitation on the flat

6th Jr. Hun Seat Equitation over fences

7th Jr. Hunter Hack

10th Jr. Hunter over fences

5th Jr. Hunter Showmanship

1st Jr. Traditional Hunter under saddle

Nicole Siuda

3rd Traditional Hunter under saddle

Dale Steinhorst

1st Jr. Gaited Horse or Pony Equitation

5th Jr. Gaited Horse or Pony Pleasure

Kendra Steinhorst

10th Jr. Dressage Training Level, Test 4

4th Jr. Traditional Hunter under saddle

1st Jr. Hunter Equitation over fences

Josie Belmont

8th Graduate Beginner Dog Show

3rd Advanced Novice Dog Show

Central IL Proud Families of Marines (http://www.operationsanta.info/) is conducting its 4th annual Operation Santa. Their goal this year is to send 35,000 homemade Christmas stockings filled with goodies to our troops serving in harm's way. Last year thousands of volunteers compiled their efforts to ship over 23,000 stockings to deployed troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Combat Support Hospitals. Contributions came in from all over Illinois as well as with several other states making it the largest Christmas drive for our Military in the Midwest/USA.

They are asking for 4-H members, parents, leaders, and volunteers to support this effort by making a stocking. Instructions for creating a stocking:

o Any fabric except knits and super heavy material

o Any print is acceptable

o Finish all seams by serger, pinking, or sew with right sides together.

o Trim is optional

o Be as creative or as simple as you like

Please do not alter from pattern size.

Click this link to download the pattern for the stocking: http://www.operationsanta.info/graphics/stocking%20template.pdf

There are several locations to drop off stockings, however all stockings must be received by October 31!

Stockings can be sent to:

WMBD/WYZZ

3131 N University St.

Peoria IL 61604

If your group does not sew, they can collect items to go in the stockings, and raise funds to ship the stockings overseas. A box of 18 costs about $30. There is more information at the Operation Santa website.

Butterick and McCall's pattern companies are offering specially priced patterns for your sewing projects. You can logon to the website at http://www.sewcoolinschool.com and then use the code #202033 and check out the patterns they have to offer.

The Illinois 4-H website has been revised recently. Please take a few minutes to check out the new sections of the site:

· About 4-H, Members

· Volunteers, Give to 4-H

· Parents, Teachers

· Cloverbuds

· 4-H Military

· 4-H After School

The Illinois 4-H website can be found at:

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state4h/

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the NIU Huskie Volleyball 4-H Night on Thursday, October 1st starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. This fun filled evening will be a great way for 4-H members to show their support for the NIU volleyball team, while also offering some great hands-on opportunities for our 4-H members. NIU staff are working to develop some educational opportunities for 4-H members to enjoy prior to the start of the volleyball game.

Enclosed in this newsletter you will find a flier from NIU with a voucher (which can be duplicated) where 4-H members and their families can purchase tickets for just $1. Clubs planning to participate will want to contact NIU's Amanda Benzine to make sure their club receives special recognition during this evening. Come out and cheer on the Huskies!

High school senior girls thinking of going to U of I next fall should consider the 4-H House Cooperative Sorority.

Membership Eligibility is as follows:

· Plan to attend or currently attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

· Want a fun and economical place to live.

· Have 5 years of 4-H membership.

For more information please contact:

4-H House

Katherine Chenoweth, Interviewing Chairperson

805 West Ohio Street

Urbana, IL 61801

Phone: (217) 344-4784

kchenow2@illinois.edu

www.4hhouse.com

"Make a Difference Day" is Saturday, October 24, 2009 and is the most encompassing national day of helping others - a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. It is an annual event, sponsored by USA Weekend, Points of Light Foundation and Paul Newman. It is the nation's largest single day of volunteering.

This is a great day to plan to do some community service with your club or on your own. There are monetary awards for the top ten best projects around the country. If you are interested in applying for the awards visit their website at: www.makeadifferenceday.com. Remember, helping your neighbor will "Make a Difference".

Beef - 1st Malta Mustangs, 2nd Shabbona Pioneers, 3rd Afton

Swine - 1st Shabbona Pioneers, 2nd Malta Mustangs, 3rd Afton

Dairy - 1st Malta Mustangs, 2nd Shabbona Pioneers, 3rd Afton

Sheep - 1st Malta Mustangs, 2nd Green Meadows, 3rd Genoa Prairie Gems

4-H helps young people develop skills for life: making decisions, communicating, thinking critically, and leading; to name just a few. In fact, a long-term study comparing 4-H members to participants in other out-of-school organized youth activities shows that:

· 4-H'ers do better in school, and are more likely to see themselves going to college.*

· 4-H'ers are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.*

· 4-H'ers contribute more to their communities.*

*Waves of the Future longitudinal research study conducted by Tufts University, 2002-2007, http://4-h.org/d/Pages/Layouts/GroupPageedc5.html