University of Illinois Extension in Fulton County honored its volunteers and supporters with a banquet on January 28th at the Fairview Reformed Church Fellowship Hall. Approximately 80 people were in attendance.

Extension staff members Earl Allen, Janis Blout, Julia Pryor, Kevin McGuire, and Jan Hackman gave recognition to many volunteers and supporters who have helped with Extension and 4-H programs in the past year.

Those honored included 4-H leaders, council members, committee members, Master Gardeners, and representatives from cooperating boards and groups. Members of the media were also honored for their assistance in letting the public know what Extension has to offer.

State Senator Dave Koehler was in attendance, and spoke briefly to the group. The senator presented 4-H leader Virginia Barnard with a special proclamation certificate from the Illinois Senate, congratulating her on being in her 60th year as a Fulton County 4-H leader. Sponsors of the meal were Havana National Bank, Ipava State Bank, Mid Century Telephone Co-Operative, and Riverland FS.

4-H leaders with tenure of 20 years or more in attendance included Charlotte Ann Myers, Bruce and Sharon Spangler, Frances Fisher, Larry and Ruth Knott, Diane Simons, and JoAnn Block. Special recognition was given to 4-H leaders Wanda Williams, with 48 years, and Virginia Barnard, with 59 years completed as 4-H leaders.

Debbie Melvin was named 4-H Leader of the Year. Elizabeth Burton was named 4-H Volunteer of the Year.

A program of trivia questions and answers followed the awards presentations, with everyone winning useful prizes. Questions were from many topics -- some local, some political, some entertainment-related, some horticultural. The group enjoyed the humorous twist on guessing little-known information.

The Spoon River Valley Chapter of Farm Safety For Just Kids will hold its annual Farm Safety Day Camp on Thursday, June 12th, at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Havana, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is jointly sponsored by University of Illinois Extension in Fulton and Mason Counties, Fulton County and Mason County Farm Bureaus, and Cargill. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required by June 1st. Farm Safety Day Camp is for kids ages 6 and up. Parents are also encouraged to attend. For more information on Farm Safety Day Camp, or for a registration form, call 309-547-3711.