When I first began my job here in the Jasper-Cumberland Extension Unit, I explained that because I am a storyteller people are often skeptical about things that I say. Therefore I am certain that some people will not believe this announcement; I will soon be leaving the Jasper-Cumberland Unit to become the County Director of the Crawford County Extension Unit.

Crawford County is not far away and chances are good that I will visit those of you in Cumberland County for many years to come. When I do drop by for a visit or to assist with an Extension program somebody will probably say something like, "I haven't seen you around in a long time, have you been on vacation?" I will say, "I work in the Crawford County office now." Then, they will laugh and say, "You storyteller!"

But it's really true. I have enjoyed my time here in Jasper and Cumberland Counties, and I will miss each and every one of you. I will be especially interested in coming back year after year to witness the speeches during the general show. In addition, I might even return in my polyester suit and play the part of "Crazy Larry" the slick car salesman at the Welcome to the Real World program.

It is a shame that you did not throw me in the water tank at last years' fair. You will not have the opportunity to do so this year. When you get the urge to throw me in the tank, simply find Tonya and throw her in! Don't forget to ask to borrow her cell phone first so she won't have that excuse again.

See ya soon.
Joel

- Joel Brumley, Unit Youth Educator

Make sure that you have all of your records up to date before you come to the Fair.

Aug 4, 2007, at Greenup Fairgrounds after Cleanup

Saturday, August 4th

Please set this day aside for this important task. Many energetic volunteers are needed during the pre-fair efforts to spruce up the 4-H areas at the fairgrounds. Among the many important jobs to do on the 4th are:

• Mowing and trimming
• Setting up pen areas
• Painting and repairing the show ring and wash rack areas
• Cleaning the Shake-Up stand area
• Giving the Miscellaneous Building a bath
• Anything else that needs to be done

This is an important task, so please volunteer. The appearance of the 4-H areas reflects and represents the entire 4-H program All help will be accepted! A "Club Clean-Up Award" will be presented at the 4-H Auction to the club with the most members/ volunteers working on Clean-Up day.

Wear your old clothes and bring your gloves, rakes, shovels, weed eaters, and lots of energy. A light lunch will be provided by the 4-H federation for those working.

4-Hers have you ever thought about entering some of your projects in the Art Hall at the Cumberland County Fair. It's Easy to do. Just get a Copy of the County Fairbook and see all the classes available we have some new classes this year for any one under 18 years old.

Needle work, sewing. Computer generated art, painting, photography. Woodworking, collections, plastic models, handmade greeting cards or any other craft you made do .

Entries are taken at the Fair Secretary's office until 6 p.m. on Sunday August 19

Why don't you give it a try !

The deadline for leaders to turn in records, to the office, is September 7th, so complete the work on your records and turn them in to your leader. This shouldn't be a lot of work as you had to have quite a bit of these records filled out in order to show. Take the time and turn them in to your leader no later than September 7, 2007 (or date designated by your 4-H leader).

We are going to start something new this year!!! We are going to have game night on Sunday Night. This will start after the Horse Show. The Federation will serve hotdogs, Chips and Drinks. If you would like you could bring other sides and deserts. The games will be in the show ring and out on the grass east of the Show ring. If you have a game you like to play BRING IT. Call me and let me know what you are bringing so we do not have all of the same Games.

Here are some games that will be there

• Frisbee
• Washers
• Dodge ball
• Kickball

Let's have a great time playing together. Invite your friends. Let's show them how much 4-H can be fun!

This year we would like Clubs/ Families or Individuals to help donate Bottle water for the Firefighters. Saturday night is the demolition Derby and we donate the water for them because of all of the help they do for the community. So if you would like to donate bottled water, that would be great. They go through about 4 cases of water that night. A Case of water is going to cost around $6.00 this year. If you, your family or club with like to help out with this please contact Tonya at the Extension office.

Remember to take time to say "Thank You" To the sponsors of the trophies following the 4-H shows. Saying the words are nice but taking the time to write a short note is the best to way to show your appreciation. These notes help our sponsors realize that the sponsorship really means something to you. (It helps make them more interested in sponsoring next year.) Last but no least you will probably feel pretty good about the extra effort it takes to write a short note. Just a simple "THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING THE TROPHY" is all it takes.

Auction Sellers also need to remember to write a "Thank You" note to the buyer for purchasing your animal.

If you need thank you notes or need help write a note please come by the Extension office we will be GLAD to help you.

Greetings. I am a former 4-Her from Effingham County. Because I can no longer take care of them, I am selling my dairy goat herd. I have 3 registered American Toggenburgs for sale to a good 4-H home. They have National grand champion bloodlines including the 1997 ADGA National Grand Champion show doe. I am asking $100 for each of the 3 goats and I can be contacted by the email address and number below for more information.

Becky Dial jazzy_dawg_85@hotmail.com 217-536-5457

There was once a boy who won ribbons, mostly blue, came home from the Fair with a big trophy too. With a voice glad and proud he said to his Dad, "tis the best year that I've ever had."

Said his very wise Dad, "Son, I'd like to hear why you think that this was such a very fine year."

"Just look at the ribbons that hang on my wall, and think of the money I've made since last fall, from premium checks and a big auction price, you can't help but think cash and ribbons are nice." But the man said, "My son, you're not thinking right. Blue ribbons, 'tis true, are better than white; but ribbons will fade and trophies grow old, money's soon spent and fame soon grows cold.

The important things, son, are not ribbons or pins, and sometimes it's really the loser who wins; now here are the things most important, it's true your 4-H experience has accomplished for you. You've seen how a business meeting is run. This knowledge will help you in years to come.

You've conquered the fear of addressing a crowd, you've learned how to stand up and talk nice and loud. Patience you've learned in your projects too, as well as your skills that will always help you. You've learned the fine feeling it gives you to lend a glad helping hand to a stranger or friend. You've learned to cooperate with majority rule, to give in with grace and not be a fool, who must always have his own way, be it club, work, school or play. You've learned how to lose without making a "commotion", you know the judge judges to his best notion.

You've learned how to win without boasting too loud, a kid can lose friends if he's overly proud. These are the things most important to you. You'll remember and use them all your life through. They'll help you become a mighty fine man, they'll do more for you than a prize ever can".

--Anonymous

It's Summer again so that means county fairs, corn dogs and of course the 2007 4-H CAN Make a Difference Food Drive at the Illinois state Fair. Food collection stations will be at all entrance gates, information booths and also various locations throughout the fair grounds. So if you are going to the State Fair to bring along a can, box or bag or non-perishable food. All donations go to local food banks, pantries and shelters. This year with families tightening their belts due to raising energy costs. It is more imperative than ever to lend a hand to those who truly need it.