"4-H Rocks" has been selected as the 4-H theme in Hamilton County this year. The annual Achievement Night program will be held October 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton County Courthouse basement. Make plans to join us for a rockin' evening of fun and reflection. All leaders, members and CloverBuds will be recognized. Several awards and recognition will be given to deserving individuals. Please bring any finger type foods to share. The annual 4-H slide show should prove to be entertaining for all as we twist and shout about the past year. So slip on your poodle skirt, saddle oxfords, leather jackets, cat-eye glasses and bobby socks and join us for an evening for rockin' fun!

Mark your calendar for the October 1 Federation meeting at 3:30, in the Courthouse basement. We will be planning for the Flea Market, taking supplies to the food stand and cleaning the food stand at the fairgrounds. All clubs need to be represented, so please send a representative.

The annual Flea Market sponsored by the bottle club is moving from Eastside School to Hamilton County Fairgrounds. It will held October 4 & 5 from 8 to 4 p.m. 4-H has been asked to provide the food stand. So, each club will be asked to help for approximately 3 hours on either Saturday or Sunday. We will need approximately 4-5 workers at all times. The federation will provide all supplies and the money will be used to support the 4-H program here in Hamilton County. This could be a great opportunity to raise some much needed money for continuance of the 4-H program.

Work schedule:

Saturday

8-11 -- Piopolis Busy Bees

11-2 -- Funny Farmers

2-Close -- Trail Blazers

Sunday

9-11 -- Pioneer Country Kids

11-2 -- Silly Shamrocks

2-Close -- Metcalf Hustlers

Five members from Hamilton County as well as two chaperones will travel to the "windy city" to attend Discover Chicago on October 11-13. Those attending will be Stephanie Holder, Sean Paul Trotter, Caleb Burris, Eli Lueke and Sawyer Lueke. Michelle Lueke and Connie Trotter will serve as chaperones. Have a good time!

Corey Richards will attend the Southern Illinois Leadership Conference at Touch of Nature in Makanda on October 11-13. He should have fun, make new friends and develop leadership skills as he participates in dances, trust walks, mixers and games. Good Luck Corey!

The projects that were sent to the DuQuoin State Fair are now back in the office and available for pick up!

Hamilton County 4-H members took the "Best of Show" award for the second year in a row for their musical float. Dolly Parton, Elvis and Johnny Cash helped bring the theme "Music Legends of the 50's and 60's" to life. They were supported by youth in poodle skirts and jeans with white shirts. Thank you for helping to make this a success!

Make plans to celebrate National 4-H Week, October 5-11, 2008. Your club is encouraged to celebrate this special week by putting together a window or poster display in your community. Most businesses are thrilled when asked by 4-H members for use of their window space. This year's National theme is "Keeping it Green" and the county theme is "4-H Rock's!"

You can decorate your window or poster with either theme. All displays should be in place by Monday, October 6. These displays are judged and awarded prizes. The weeks schedule is:

Monday – Window and Poster Judging

Tuesday – Tell a friend about 4-H

Wednesday – Wear Green and 4-H shirts

Thursday – Thank your leader

Friday – Participate in some type of community service activity

Show your 4-H spirit by participating in National 4-H week! Call us today and let us know where your window display or posters are located.

Get this weekend on the calendars for your junior high age members NOW! The 2009 Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference is set for February 21-22, 2009. The Illinois State 4-H Leadership Team will be hosting this event at a new location-Lake Williamson Retreat Center near Carlinville, Illinois. It will be open to 4-H members currently in the 7^th and 8^th grade. More details and registration information will be available soon.

The Illinois Farm Bureau and their affiliate Companies offer a wonderful opportunity for 4-H members ages 17 and above to be recognized for their involvement in the 4-H program. The 4-H Premier LCP Award provides several levels of recognition to applicants. Each county may submit two entries. Ten 4-H members with the highest cumulative point totals receive state recognition at the Illini Summer Academies and ten 4-H members receive the opportunity to attend the IFB Premier 20 Leadership Conference in April.

Applications are now available through your local Extension office. Each Extension unit determines how they select their nominees for the state competition. Applicants must be 4-H members who are at least 17 years of age by December 1, 2008. Your local Extension office will set a county deadline; the applications sent to state competition must be postmarked by December 15.

Oct. 1; 3:30 p.m.; Federation meeting

Oct. 4; 8-4 p.m.; Flea Market

Oct. 5; 8- 4 p.m.; Flea Market

Oct. 6 4-H Week Window Judging

Oct. 7 Tell a Friend about 4-H Day

Oct. 8 Wear green and 4-H shirts

Oct. 9 Thank your leader

Oct. 10 Participate in Community Service

Oct. 11-13 Discover Chicago Trip

Oct 11-13 8 a.m. Southern Illinois Leadership Convention

Oct. 22; 6:30 p.m.; Achievement Night

Nov. 22; 11 a.m.; HEA Style Show & Luncheon

Feb. 21 –22 JLC Conference