I came across this information that I would like to share with 4-H families. It is the results of a two-year study by Cornell University, which extols the virtues and impact of the 4-H program.

PATH TO BETTER GRADES AND BEHAVIOR: JOIN 4-H SAYS CORNELL STUDY
According to a two-year Cornell University study, young people who participate in New York state 4-H clubs do better in school, are more motivated to help others and achieve more than other kids who both do and do not participate in other kinds of group programs and clubs. Members of 4-H are also more educationally motivated, have higher levels of self-esteem, place more emphasis on having a value system and communicate at more of an adult level, says the study.

The findings from the study on how 4-H clubs make a difference in young people's lives are based on a survey of almost 3,200 fifth-through 12^th-graders who are members of 4-H in 50 New York counties, including New York City. Research shows that the more opportunities young people have to develop their capacities in positive ways, the less likely they are to engage in problem behaviors and the more likely they are to engage in positive, pro-social behaviors. Importantly, researchers found that the longer young people are members of 4-H, the better they fare. Those in 4-H clubs for more than one year reported getting better grades and caring more about how well they did in school, and reported higher levels of involvement in community service projects and more time in volunteer work than those in 4-H less than a year.

Although the above study was conducted in New York State, it would be fair to assume that similar findings would be found here in Illinois. One should be thankful that a strong 4-H program exists right here in Cumberland County, thanks, in large part to the many people who volunteer their time and effort.

- Don O. Frederick, Unit Leader Jasper/Cumberland Unit

Thursday, October 13, 2005 turned out to be quite an evening as 4-H members, leaders, guests and staff came together at the Parish Hall in Greenup, Illinois.

Thanks to Hurricane Hustlers and Liberty Hill Rangers, folks arrived to a room decorated with a Beach Theme. Members of these two clubs greeted people in a manner set to the tropics, donning grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts.

There were several in attendance and it appeared a good time was had by all.

Many awards and recognitions were presented by Extension Staff and Extension supporter

First Year Member Awards were presented to:
8–11 Year Old - Katie Carl, Jaylynn Maxey , Ray Nippe , Trisha Nippe, Kiersten Russell of Cumberland County Clovers, Breanna Robey of Horse 'N' Around, Lacey Hornbeck and Kyle Steeleof Hurricane Hustlers, Charley Ault, Brittany Deters, Justin Deters and Nick Lustig of Springpoint Rebels, Emma Althoff and Riley Walk of Work and Play.

12–14 Yrs Old – Chelsey Light, Brittany Day, Harley Nippe, Trevor Nippe, Shawna Schreier, Sydney Stults, Cumberland County Clovers Kesia White of Horse 'N' Around Matthew Stults, Wade Steel, Hurricane Hustlers, Jillian Deters, Erick Holkenbrink, and Austin McWhorter of Springpoint Rebels, Bailey Platz of Work and Play.

15–19 Year Old – Erica Walters-Creek of Cumberland County Clover.

Medals of Honor were presented to:
In the 15 to 19 year old category, Allison Wendt, Springpoint Rebels in Personal Development, Jason Koester, Springpoint Rebels in Mechanics and Technology, Plants and Soils, and Small Animals and Rosa Swingler of the Springpoint Rebels in Large Animals,

In the 12 to 14 Year Old category, Kristin Moses of Hurricane Hustlers received the Medal Of Honor in Food and Nurtirtion, Home and Family, Personal Development , and Large Animals, Food and Nutrition – Jodi Koester, Springpoint Rebels in the area of Food and Nutrition and Home and Family, Lance Moses, Cumberland County Clovers, Mechanics and Technology , Derek Walk, Roslyn Rangers, Plants and Soils Houston Moses, Hurricane Hustlers, Environmental and Natural Resources, Cherode Sowers, Hurricane Hustlers, Small Animals – (Animal Sciences)

In the 8-11 years olds category, Michael Baker, Roslyn Rangers, Mechanics and Technology , Kara Swingler, Springpoint Rebels, Personal Development , Samantha Jackson, Cumberland County Clovers, Environmental and Natural Resources , Melissa Koester, Springpoint Rebels, Plants and Soils, Erin Walk, Roslyn Rangers, Food and Nutrition, Courtney Schumacher, Springpoint Rebels, Home and Family , Bethany Deters, Springpoint Rebels, Large Animals (Animal Sciences) , Courtney Schumacher, Sprinpoint Rebels, Small Animals (Animal Sciences).

4-H records selected to advance to state competition were Jodi Koester, Springpoint Rebels– Food, Nutrition and Health and Home & Family, Allison Wendt , Roslyn Rangers – Personal Development, Jason Koester, Springpoint Rebels – Mechanics and Technology, Plants and Soils, and Animal Sciences (Small Animals), Rosa Swingler, Springpoint Rebels – Animal Sciences (Large Animals).

Members listed according to the Standards of Excellence forms turned in by club leaders.

8 to 11 Year Olds category were:
Josh Flood, Presley Hatfill, Samantha Jackson, Jaylynn Maxey, Zach Moses of Cumberland County Clovers, Cody Hornbeck, Lacey Hornbeck, Heath Green of Hurricane Hustlers, Charley Ault, Austin Justice, Eathan Marti and Jacob Sappington of Liberty Hill Rangers, Ashely Deters, Brittany Deters, Jillian Deters, Justin Deters, Olivia Deters, Jarrad Flach, Becky Walk, Erin Walk, Christopher Walk and Natalie Walk of Roslyn Rangers, Clayton Apke, Bethany Deters, Seth Flach, Alex Holkenbrink, Eric Holkenbrink, Ryan Holkenbrink, Melissa Koester, Nick Lustig, Alex McWhorter, Austin McWhorter, Jackie Niebrugge, Benjamin Schabbing, Joey Schabbing, and Courtney Schumacher , Kara Swingler, Scott Wendt, Laura Wente, Dani Will, Jason Will, Travis Will and Amy Zumbahlen of Springpoint Rebels, Destry Potter and Riley Walk of Work and Play.

12 to 14 year olds category were:
Josh Carlen, Lacey Eggers, Jill Flood, Kenny Flood, Paige Hatfill, Chelsey Light and Lance Moses of Cumberland County Clovers, Paige Holsapple, Cherode Sowers, Megan Woolever of Hurricane Hustlers, Gabriel Light, Valerie Marti, and Cole Sappington of Liberty Hill Rangers, Brock Barnick, Kayla Barnick, Derek Walk, Nick Walk, Taylor Walk, and Tyler Walk of Roslyn Rangers, Jodi Koester, Michelle Niebrugge, Jenessa Schabbing, Nichole Schabbing, Sarah Wendt, and Kevin Will of Springpoint Rebels, Halie Kastl, Tyler Potter and Madison Walk of Work and Play.

15 to 19 year olds category were:
Erica Walters-Creek of Cumberland County Clovers, James Cox, Lucas Light, Lindsay Vanatta of Liberty Hill Rangers, Kyle Althoff, Jason Koester, Lindsay Schabbing, Rosa Swingler, Becky Niebrugge, and Duane Swingler of Springpoint Rebels and Jon Lawyer, Nicholas Lawyer , Phillip Spencer, Kayla Spencer and Josh Pugh of Work and Play.

llinois 4-H Key Awards were presented to:
James Cox, Lucas Light, Kyle Althoff, Jason Koester, Lindsay Schabbing, Rosa Swingler, Duane Swingler, Jon Lawyer, Nick Lawyer , Josh Pugh, and Phillip Spencer.

This award is presented to 16-18 year old members achieving all 9 standards for the second year

Cindy challenged several members to step up to the podium and participate in the Public Speaking contest. They met her challenge and she in turn was there to present the awards for their efforts .

Public Speaking awards went to:
Jason Koester, Springpoint Rebels, Paige Holsapple, Hurricane Hustlers, Lance and Zach Moses, Cumberland County Clovers, Michelle Niebrugge, Springpoint Rebels, Courtney Schumacher, Springpoint Rebels.

In the area of Club recognition, Standards of Excellence, patches were awarded to clubs that met 11 of the 14 standards. Those clubs were: Cumberland County Clovers, Hurricane Hustlers, Liberty Hill Rangers, Springpoint Rebels, and Work & Play

Those clubs receiving certificate for Club/Group reports recognition were:
Cumberland County Clovers, Hurricane Hustlers and Springpoint Rebels . Springpoint Rebels also received a State Award Certificate.

Two clubs received a certificate in recognition of thier efforts to promote Dairy.
Those clubs were Cumberland County Clovers and Springpoint Rebels.

This year the FAIR CLEAN-UP AWARD went to Hurricane Hustler's 4-H Club. Counting club members, leaders and volunteers, they had over 100% participation at the fairgrounds for clean-up day.

Cumberland County SWCD sponsors the Conservation Award.
This year Randy Hurt , Resource Conservationist presented this award to Josh Pugh of Work and Play.

The 2005 Club Attendance Award went to Springpoint Rebels 4-H Club. This was based on the 2004-05 4-H enrollment and the attendance at Achievement Night.

Each year awards are presented to individuals or businesses for their time and efforts in supporting 4-H.

PARTNER-IN-4-H AWARDS were given to:
Billie and Wes Chambers, Toledo Democrat, Toledo, Illinois, and Lloyd Flood, father to Nancy Moses, leader of the Hurricane Hustlers and Grandpa to Kristin and Houston Moses, members of the Hurricane Hustlers. Lloyd was also a former 4-H leader.

Don O. Frederick, Unit Leader presented these donors with certificates of recognition for their donations to the 4-H Foundation.

4-H Foundation Donors were Liberty Hill Rangers 4-H Club, Lisa Miller,Toledo, Illinois and Thelma Bishop, Greenup, Illinois.

Don Frederick presented several members with snow globes in recognition of their efforts in attending 4-H camp. Those receiving honors were:
Amanda Baker, Michael Baker, Kayla Barnick, Ashley Deters, Jacob Dust, Shelby Holsapple, Paige Holsapple, Shae James, Kristin Moses, Jacob Sappington , Coleman Sappington, Becky Walk , Christopher Walk, Madison Walk, Natalie Walk, Riley Walk, Travis Walk, Trevor Walk , and Scott Wendt.

Mini – Campers received a thermal lunchbox and snow globe. Those attending Mini- camp were Joey Schabbing, Laura Wente, Kara Swingler, Melissa Koester, Danielle Will, Courtney Schumacher, Erin Walk, and Amy Zumbahlen.

This year, the Outstanding 4-H Secretary Award was presented to Jodi Koester of Springpoint Rebels. Paige Holsapple of Hurricane Hustlers received 2nd place in this area.

"I DARE YOU" AWARDS were presented to Adara Deters, Springpoint Rebels, Kyle Althoff, Springpoint Rebels, Lindsay Schabbing, Springpoint Rebels, and Kristin Moses of Hurricane Hustlers.

There were six 4-H members receiving the award for being Completion members in 2005. Those members were: Adara Deters, Roslyn Rangers, 11 years,Becky Niebrugge, Springpoint Rebels, Duane Swingler, Springpoint Rebels, 9 years, Blake Sponsel, Horse 'N Around, 4 years, Amber Stoke, Horse 'N Around, 7 years and Nick Lawyer, Work and Play, 12 years.

Each year one 4-H member is chosen to receive the CHAD SWINGLER MEMORIAL AWARD. This award is presented to an individual that shows strength and determination in their live. Springpoint Rebels 4-H Club Sponors this and this years recipient was Joey Schabbing.

OUTSTANDING 1^ST YEAR MEMBER award was presented to Jaylynn Maxey of Cumberland County Clovers, with 1st Alternate going to Austin McWhorter of Springpoint Rebels.

The year 2005 was the first year for this award.
OUTSTANDING OVERALL 4-H MEMBER AWARD was presented to Lance Moses of Cumberland County Clovers with 1st Alternate going to Josh Carlen of Cumberland County Clovers.

The Cumberland County Extension Office would like for all 4-H family and friends to join us in welcoming our newly hired Community Worker, Tonya Eich.

We feel Tonya will be an asset to this office and our programs that effect 4-H members, families and volunteers.

Tonya will begin her new job November 14, 2005.

If you think your 4-H premium check is incorrect, please let Cindy know as soon as possible and it will be re-evaluated and changes made if necessary.

Each year the 4-H Federation sponsors various 4-H workshops. The actual planning of the events is done month's in advance. If you have any ideas or suggestions for a workshop contact the Extension Office or let your club delegate know. We are seeking hands-on projects that can increase the participation levels in various project areas.

If you have a special talent, skill, or hobby that you would like to share with 4-H, give the office a call.

During the week of Thanksgiving, National Family Week will be celebrating it's 37^th year. The theme is Connections Count. As you gather with your family or special loved ones this year, Patti Faughn, Family Life Educator with University of Illinois reminds you to take time to reflect on and celebrate your connections with each other. Are there places you've been together, things you've accomplished together, history or hard times you've lived through together? What do you appreciate in each other? Maybe it's the way you make time for each other. Maybe it's just the little things you know to do for each other. How do you keep your connections strong in our fast pace society?

Here are some suggestions for celebrating the connections you have with your family:

• Celebrate with a special dinner. Prepare a menu that includes at least one favorite dish of each family member. Include the children in preparing their favorite dish. If cooking is a chore, go out to a favorite restaurant. End with a toast for something you appreciate in each other or something special done for each other over the past year.
• Take turns telling a favorite family story or memory.
• Ask each one to share at least one thing he or she loves to do. Decide if some of these activities would be fun to do together as a family.
• Take time to plan together a special vacation for the coming year.
• Looking over the past year, share your high and low of the year.
• Looking at the coming year, share a concern and an excitement.
• Join hands in a prayer of thanksgiving or singing a favorite song.
• Play a game, work a puzzle, or take a walk together.
• Build a campfire and roast hot dogs or marshmallows.
• Prepare and enjoy a favorite snack.
• Have a talent show and videotape the participants. Make copies for everyone.
• Celebrate your family's history. Visit old neighborhoods or places you grew up as a young child. Learn about your family's roots.
• Have a potluck meal inviting your relatives. Ask everyone to bring a favorite dish and a favorite photograph or story. After the meal, have a time for sharing your memories. Don't forget to share special memories of those who have died.
• Write, call or visit elderly family members who are unable to join you. Take or send them a gift or card. Share any impact they have had on your life. Have them tell your family what life was like when they were growing up.

Taking the time to celebrate your family can enrich your connections with each other. Family members will remember these times, and you will be creating traditions for future generations.

The census data reports more variety in the make-up of families than ever before. Regardless of how a family is defined, research shows that people in families are healthier, both mentally and physically, than people not in families.

Families with healthy relationships are especially beneficial. Families identified as being strong tend to have some of the following qualities that pull the members together and keep them working as a team especially when things are difficult, according to Patti Faughn, University of Illinois Extension educator, family life.

Active maintenance of a positive, healthy marriage or relationship (when applicable)
Shared views on childrearing, financial goals, and financial management
Caring, supportive expressions of love in both words and actions
Family rules that are agreed upon by family members
Being together in both work (chores) and play (planned), instead of only leftover time
Family time that gives each a sense of belonging
Communication (learning to listen, ask questions, pay attention to nonverbal messages and work toward understanding) and collaborative solutions to conflicts
Flexibility and acceptance of change
Making ordinary routines, like meals and bedtime, into shared priorities
Spirituality as a guiding force that bonds the family together
Shared responsibilities
An interest and concern for the happiness of others
Humor as a way to relieve tension and bring closeness
Respect for each other's privacy and belongings
Allowing a difference of opinions or interests
Taking time to care for and re-energize own needs
Respect for each other's privacy and belongings
Allowing a difference of opinions or interests
Taking time to care for and re-energize own needs

During National Family Week, Nov. 20-26, families can consider how they can build relationships within the family. Look at the activities you are involved in, suggested Faughn. Are they necessary? Do they pull you together as a family or push you further apart? Do you rush through your day without really connecting with others? Is your family getting the time and attention they need?

"Identify, define, and celebrate the strengths that you see in your family," Faughn said. "No matter what stage of life your family is in, it's never too late to strengthen your family relationships. Just take it slow and easy, and don't expect change overnight.

Source: Patti Faughn, Family Life Educator, Springfield Center, 217) 782-6515 October 2005
References: Alliance for Children and Families: Family week promo packet

Cindy Moses, our dedicated Secretary,is recuperating from surgery in October. She is doing well.. If you would like to send her a card to help her with her recovery.

Cindy hopes to be back in the office soon.

The office receives a little publication known as "Bit & Pieces" the magazine that motivates the world. It is a very small booklet that has page after page of quotes by very well known authors, football players, journalists, even the everyday person. A few pages have short quips about life. I found a great bit in November, 2005 issue.

It reads: IT SHOULD BE EVERYONE'S PLEDGE

I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to large service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.

4-H PLEDGE

Tuesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Village Hall, Toledo
Cost–$2 per person to cover the cost of the booklet

Effingham Center Extension Educators Beverly Combs and Pat Hildebrand will present "Celebrate the Holidays: Make it Simple". Beverly will give several holiday recipes featuring a variety of convenience foods. Pat will share simple, inexpensive ideas for quick ways to add a festive look to packaging (gift wrapping). You will also learn about some new small kitchen ware on the market.

For further information and to register for this workshop, contact Cumberland County Extension Office, 217-849-3931.

Registration due by October 31st, 2005. You can pay for the cost of the workshop when you arrive that evening.

Community Involvement for your 4-H Club

Last year , the Federation participated in a Military Stocking Stuffer project. This year we are in the process of deciding just what we want to do to support our military men and women from our area. It has been suggested we send our area service personnel items of need. There will be more information about this effort announced at the November Federation meeting. Please feel free to suggest names of someone you know that is currently serving our country. Also, the soldiers have said they really enjoy receiving letters, so please take the time to write a letter to be enclosed with whatever we decide to send. It is always nice to be able to add a little sunshine to someone's day.

In the past we have helped with Christmas Food Basket Assembly with the Greenup V.F.W. and the Greenup American Legion. The date has yet to be determined but it usually falls on the Thursday evening prior to the week of Christmas (around the 15th). Check the December newsletter for the exact date and time.

Christmas Tree Walks at the Sumpter Township Library (Dec. 6-20 can be put up after November 17) and Greenup Public Library (all of December and can be put up anytime in November) will take place again this year. Clubs are encouraged to decorate trees for the contest displays. The Sumpter Township Library has a few tree that clubs can use, or you can use your own. Both displays are open to the public for viewing. The public votes with monetary donations for the top displays and the money generated helps fund the library facilities. Prizes are awarded to the top displays. Clubs may contact the libraries for more information.

Christmas Door Decorating Contest at the Cumberland Nursing Center in Greenup sponsored by the Greenup Nursing Center Ladies Auxiliary Club. The Auxiliary will award $25 to the first place door, $15 for second place, and $10 for third place. Any club wishing to decorate a door should contact Cumberland Nursing Home at 217-923-3186. It is suggested that ideally the doors be decorated the end of November so that the residents can truly enjoy the holiday season. Decorating the doors provides a sense of home and brings a great deal of joy to those who reside there. If the doors cannot be decorated the end of November, they should be decorated as soon as possible (first week of December) but doors can be decorated anytime before the 17th of December. Doors will be judged around the 22nd. The office has talked to the Cumberland Nursing Center and they are going to have the door decorations as usual. They have installed a new sprinkler system and plan to be able to enjoy the decorated doors.

4-H Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt will again provide an opportunity for Cumberland County 4-H members and Clubs to serve their community in a worthwhile manner. Each 4-H member and club who attends one of the November or December 4-H events is encouraged to bring items on the scavenger hunt list. Items should be to the Extension Office no later than Friday, December 9th and will be delivered to the two Food Pantries in Cumberland County prior to Christmas.

See further details about this in the newsletter.

Each 4-H member who attends one of the November or December 4-H events is encouraged to bring items on the scavenger hunt list with them.

Events include:
November 10 - Federation Meeting 7 p.m. Toledo Village Hall
December 8 - Federation Meeting 7 p.m. Toledo Village Hall
TBA - Candy Making Workshop

Don't Forget To Bring Items To Your Club Meetings!

Items need to be in the Extension Office by Monday, December 12, 2005. Items should be full size products. Trial size will be worth half of the listed points. The 4-H Club who accumulates the greatest point value will receive a gift to be determined by the 4-H Federation.

Items collected will be delivered to the Neoga and Greenup Food Pantries.

POINTS
Toothpaste 20
Toilet Paper 15
Deodorant 20
Lotion 20
Shampoo 20
Conditioner 20
Toothbrush 15
Tissue 10
Bar of Soap 15
Diapers 30
Baby Wipes 15
Laundry Detergent 20
Dish Soap 10
Canned Meat 15
Boxed Food Items 10 per item
Canned Food Items 10 per item

November 11, is the anniversary of the Armistice which was signed in the Forest of Compiegne by the Allies and the Germans in 1918, ending World War I, after four years of conflict.

At 5 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 1918, the Germans signed the Armistice, an order was issued for all firing to cease; so the hostilities of the First World War ended. This day began with the laying down of arms, blowing of whistles, impromptu parades, closing of places of business. All over the globe there were many demonstrations; no doubt the world has never before witnessed such rejoicing.

In November of 1919, President Woodrow Wilson issued his Armistice Day proclamation. The last paragraph set the tone for future observances:

In 1927 Congress issued a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge to issue a proclamation calling upon officials to display the Flag of the United States on all government buildings on November 11, and inviting the people to observe the day in schools and churches...But it was not until 1938 that Congress passed a bill that each November 11 "shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and ...hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day."

That same year President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making the day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. For sixteen years the United States formally observed Armistice Day, with impressive ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Chief Executive or his representative placed a wreath. In many other communities, the American Legion was in charge of the observance, which included parades and religious services. At 11 A.M. all traffic stopped, in tribute to the dead, then volleys were fired and taps sounded.

In Emporia, Kansas, on November 11, 1953, instead of an Armistice Day program, there was a Veterans' Day observance. Ed Rees, of Emporia, was so impressed that he introduced a bill into the House to change the name to Veterans' Day. After this passed, Mr. Rees wrote to all state governors and asked for their approval and cooperation in observing the changed holiday. The name was changed to Veterans' Day by Act of Congress on May 24, 1954. In October of that year, President Eisenhower called on all citizens to observe the day by remembering the sacrifices of all those who fought so gallantly, and through rededication to the task of promoting an enduring peace. The President referred to the change of name to Veterans' Day in honor of the servicemen of all America's wars.

Excerpts from All About American Holidays by Mayme R. Krythe

Club Leaders are reminded and encouraged to send the Extension Office a copy of your meeting locations, dates and times for the upcoming year as soon as they are finalized. When individuals contact the Extension Office interested in joining 4-H, a club program is a great item to have. Clubs also receive points on the Illinois 4-H Standards of Excellence award form for providing the Extension Office a club calendar.

Club Reporters are also reminded to send in club meeting minutes and activities for the monthly newsletter. The newsletter generally is printed and sent out the last week of each month for the upcoming month. Not to mention it is a great way to share what your club is doing with the other 4-H clubs in the county.

E-Mail Them If You Wish To cmoses@uiuc.edu