As some of you may know, there is a new face in the office these days. My name is Ryan Staley, the Program Coordinator. I will be working with 4-H/Youth and Family Development. I am originally from Crawford County and I grew up on a grain/livestock farm in rural Annapolis. While in 4-H I did numerous projects, but the most memorable ones were sheep, woodworking and crops. These were some of the best times in my life and I gained a huge knowledge of leadership. After completing 11 years in 4-H, I attended college. I have a degree from Lincoln Trail College and an agriculture business degree from Lakeland College. I just got married this year to Jennifer (Spencer) Staley and we currently reside in rural Sullivan. I enjoy college basketball, John Deere, NASCAR and many other things.

I have a passion for the 4-H program and everything that it offers. Therefore, if you need any help or have any questions, please call me. I have an open door and phone! I am also open to many new ideas for workshops, fair and many other things. Bring them before me and we will try to work with them.

Now that you know a little bit about me, we need to get down to business. There are several things coming up this month that needs to be posted on your calendars. First on the list is the Candy Making/Craft Workshop/Project Linus on the 1st. There is a Federation meeting on the 13th, and anyone is welcome to attend! Don't forget about the food pantry scavenger hunt! Keep up the hard work on collecting the items on the list.

I will be making club visits in the next few months. Let me know when your next meetings will be and I will make plans to attend. There are some things that need addressed and this will be a great opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.

I want to wish each and every family a Very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!!!

Best Wishes

- Ryan Staley

December 13, 2007

Toledo Village Hall 7:00 p.m.

Meetings are generally held the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Toledo Village Hall.

Monday December 24 thru Tuesday January 1, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Happy New Year!

Christmas Trees
Christmas Tree Walks at the Sumpter Township Library (849-2072) (Dec. 6-20 can be put up after November 17) and Greenup Public Library( 923-3616) (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 trees 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.

Nursing Home Doors
Christmas Door Decorating Contest at the Cumberland Nursing Center in Greenup will again be 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. We encourage the doors to be decorated by the first week in December.

Military Boxes
Last year, the Federation participated in a Military Gift Box project. This year we are going to do it again. This is what we have chosen 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. 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.

Here is a web site that you can go to get ideas for what to send. http://www.operationmilitarypride.org/packages.html

If you have any questions or have addresses contact the extension office.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 1, 1:00 p.m.

We will be holding a candy making workshop and craft day and Project Linus on Saturday December 1, 2007 for all interested 4-H members and/or parents. Invite a friend, grandma, grandpa, or other guest. This event will take place at the Calvary Tabernacle Church on South Missouri Street in Toledo.

There is no charge for the workshop, but we need to know who will attend so we can purchase supplies.

Call the Extension Office by Monday, November 30 to register.

President
Hey my name is Paige Hatfill. I am the 2007-2008 Federation President. I am a Junior at Cumberland High School where I am involved in FFA and Archery. I have been in 4-H for 9 years in Cindy Moses' 4-H group. She saved my life once (literally). I'm not very good at these things but hopefully over the next year I will get better. Some things about me: my favorite color is green. My favorite animal is a cow. When I grow up I want to get a degree in criminal law and one day become a police officer. The projects I take in 4-H are woodworking, child development, and vet science. Over the next year I hope to become a good example for the younger kids in 4-H. My goal is to become a good leader for the Federation. I am looking forward to working with Ryan in his first year here.

Vice-President
Hi my name is Lance Moses. I am the 2007 vice president. I was also the 2006 president. I will try to serve the needs of the president when help is needed. I will also try to help serve the members the best I can. I am a junior at Cumberland High School. I am also a member of the Cumberland FFA. I currently work for on a hog farm.

Secretary
Hi I'm Michelle Niebrugge. I'm your 2007- 2008 Federation Secretary. I have been in 4-H for 10 years. In the past, I have held positions as Recreation Co-chair, Treasurer, and Vice President on the Federation Board. I am actively part of the county 4-H participating in a wide variety of activities that we do. Projects I take every year are Sewing, Visual Arts, Interior Design, Public Speaking, and Swine. I currently attend Teutopolis High School were I plan to graduate in December and continue my education at Lake Land College in the spring. Activities I partake in at school include Art Club and Volunteens. Classes I am taking include Art III, College Algebra, P.E., Living Environments, Speech, and Consumer Economics. I plan to transfer to Illinois State University in the fall of 2009 after completing an associate in Speech Communications to major in Public Relations. I enjoy hanging out with friends on the weekends, 4-wheel riding, horse riding, and crafts. When I'm not in school or with friends you can find me working at Niemerg's Steakhouse or Mid America Motorworks. I hope to see you at a meeting or activity in this upcoming year. Thanks. Love Tons. Michelle

Treasurer
Hi! My name is Houston Moses. I will be your 2007-08 treasurer. I have previously been your recreation chairperson and your reporter. My 4-H projects include dogs, swine, beef, woodworking, poultry, and welding. My favorite activities are hunting and fishing.

Recreation Co-Chair Persons
Hi! My name is Jaylynn Maxey. I am your 2007-08 recreation co-chair person. I have been in 4-H for 4 years. I enjoy reading in my spare time. I take llamas, beef, & goat projects regularly. I hope to be a good recreation-chair while I'm in the federation office.

Hi, my name is James Cox. I live with my mom in Greenup. I have one brother, Darren Pease and one sister Bobbie Jo Cox. I am a junior at Cumberland High School. I am a member of the Cumberland High School student council. I have been a 4-H member for 9 years. I belong to the Liberty Hill 4-H club. I enjoy therapeutic horseback riding. I have been riding for eight years. I have a cat named Tux and I have shown him at the fair for the last eight years. I have a flower garden. I enjoy planning the layout and planting the bulbs but I don't like to pull weeds. My favorite things to do are watching cooking shows on the Food Network and going out to eat.

Reporter
Hello! My name is Presley Hatfill and I am serving as your 2007-2008 Federation Reporter. I attend Cumberland Middle School where I am a Cheerleader for the 8th Grade Basketball team. This year I hope to become a good reporter and assist the other officers when needed. I am looking forward to working with Ryan during his first year here.

The Illinois Department of Ag. is requiring a Livestock Premises Identification Number for exhibition at ALL 2008 county, state, 4-H and FFA fairs in Illinois. A Premises ID number is needed for entry of any beef, sheep, swine, dairy, goats, rabbits, poultry, horses, and llamas for these shows and will be required on the State Fair entry forms for Jr. and Open shows.

The premises ID number is to identify the location where the animals are produced, housed and/or raised. If animals are kept on a family farm, in order to exhibit, the farm will need to be registered. If animals, including owned or leased horses, are kept at another location (i.e. boarding stable), in order for the members to exhibit those animals, the owner of that stable would need to register the premises and provide the number to the members for their entry forms. Members are NOT to register premises themselves without permission from the owners of the location.

You can find more information on the Illinois Department of Ag. Website:http://www.agr.state.il.us/premiseid/. You may also call 1-866-299-9256 for a paper form. When registering online, you will be immediately issued the Premises ID number. When mailing in a paper form, you may need to allow 3-4 weeks to be issued a number. The registration is free!

If you have any questions or need more information contact the Extension Office.

We like to hear what's happening! Email me at rstaley@uiuc.edu

Please note that the 4-H Federation is sponsoring a skating party, Sunday January 20, 2008, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Silver Star Skate Center in Mattoon.

Skate rental will be paid by the Federation. You may also bring your own skates or roller blades.

This will be in conjunction with Coles County

Cookbooks for Sale

HEA Cookbooks $10.00

We also have 4-H Beanie Bears.

These would be great gifts for Everyone.

It's that time of year again. In the event that ANY SCHOOL that serves Cumberland County cancels or dismisses school early due to bad weather conditions, 4-H events will be canceled and rescheduled also. The Extension Office will try to notify radio stations in such an event.

The format of the camp will be a little different this year. The camp will be in two parts.

The first session will be March 28-29, 2008 at a hotel in Effingham. This will include hands on demonstrations on species, breeds, feed and ethics.

The second session will be June 19, 2008 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds. At this time the participants will have the opportunity to handle the animals themselves and learn the correct way to show their animal.

Be sure to mark your calendars for this event, and look for additional information in the upcoming newsletter.

If you have any questions or suggestions or ideas please contact Ryan at the Extension Office.

Cumberland County 4-H Week will be March 2-8th. I would like every club to send me at least three themes. Suggestions for the theme can be sent to the Extension Office and will be passed on to the 4-H Federation. The theme ideas will be voted on at the January 10th Federation meeting.

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:

December 1– Candy Making/Craft Day/Project Linus workshop, Calvary Tabernacle Church , 1:00 pm

December 13 - Federation Meeting 7 p.m., Toledo Village Hall

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

Items need to be in the Extension Office by Friday, December 14, 2007. 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
Feminine Products 15
Boxed Food Items 10 per item
Canned Food Items 10 per item

Each year the 4-H Federation sponsors various 4-H workshops. The actual planning of the events is done months 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 or email rstaley@uiuc.edu.

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 or rstaley@uiuc.edu

Mark your calendars for June 15-19, 2008. The dates are not definite yet, but we will keep you updated on specifics. We just want you to keep these dates open! This is Cumberland County's requested week to attend 4-H Camp near Monticello, IL.

Remember...4-H Camp scholarships are available from the Cumberland County 4-H Federation. You need to attend a Federation meeting to request funding.

The November 8, 2007, 4-H Federation meeting was called to order by President, Paige Hatfill. Lance Moses led the American Pledge and Jaylynn Maxey led the 4-H Pledge. Club roll call was taken. Jaylynn Maxey read the secretary's report. Houston Moses made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Kristin Moses seconded the motion. Motion carried. The treasurer's report was given and placed for financial review.

Under old business, newly elected officers were introduced. The Achievement program was reviewed and reported that everything went well. Houston, Lance and Kristin Moses were reminded to stop by the bank to sign a new signature card.

Those present were reminded that the Pantry Scavenger Hunt items are due by December 14th. Each 4-H Federation officer was reminded that they should do a short biographical sketch for the newsletter.

Under new business, nursing home door decorating and tree decorating for the libraries was discussed. It was decided to use a Santa and his Elves theme.

Project Linus was discussed and it was decided to hold a workshop in conjunction with the December 1, candy making and craft day.

It was announced that a 4-H Skating party has been set for January 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Silver Star Skate Center in Mattoon. This will be held jointly with Coles County.

At the December Federation meeting, we will be having a culture night. We will be learning about cultures from France, Italy, Thailand, China, Quatamala, the Phillipines and possibly South Korea.

On December 8, Nancy Moses will be holding a meeting at her home for those interested in taking dog obedience this year. This will be a simple informational meeting to get 4-H'ers started. More sessions will be scheduled for later in the spring.

The meeting was adjourned to pack boxes to send to the military. The next meeting will be

December 13, 7:00 p.m., at the Toledo Village Hall.

More than 1,100 4-H delegates from across the nation will gather in Atlanta, Georgia for National 4-H Congress from November 23 – 27, 2007. Illinois will be represented by 31 teens this year .

National 4-H Congress offers states an opportunity to send outstanding 4-H youth to this event and provide them with an expanded educational experience through seminars, community service projects, and tours sponsored by local and national 4-H program donors. Highlighting this year's event will be presentations by Dan Thurmon, Jonathon Sprinkles, and Miss America 2007, Lauren Nelson. All Congress delegates will participate in special cultural programs such as the International Dinner & Dance and a night at the Atlanta History Center. Other educational experiences during National 4-H Congress include delegate participation in workshops focusing on cultural differences, team leadership development, and the power of youth. Several delegates will have the opportunity to tour locations around Atlanta, such as CNN, the Georgia World Congress Center, Turner Field (home of the Atlanta Braves), Cyclorama, The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and more.

Cumberland County is proud to have Jodi Koester representing us at the conference! We want to wish them a safe and fun trip. Keep watch in next months newsletter on information pertaining to her trip!

Congratulations, Jodi!

An annual ritual of the beginning of the 4-H year is the election of the club officers and the planning of the club program for the year. While it is important for those elected to learn about their roles and duties, it is also necessary for all members to assume their responsibilities to the club. The club business meeting is part of a regular club meeting. The business portion of the meeting should last 30 minutes or less. The business portion provides the opportunity for individual members to learn about the methods of making decisions and the effect of decisions upon the group, learn effective methods of conducting business using parliamentary procedure, and develop leadership skills involved in serving as an officer or committee chair. Members need to learn parliamentary procedure skills so that they can participate fully in the business meeting. Each member should learn how to answer roll call, address the chair, make a committee report, make and second motions, discuss motions and vote on items of business. There are several ways that members and learn these skills.

If you need help or want to enroll in training contact the Extension Office or email

rstaley@uiuc.edu.

March 29 - April 4, 2008
National 4-H Center, Chevy Chase, MD

What IS National 4-H Conference?
National 4-H Conference is a working conference. Delegates attend workshops and discuss issues in teams to suggest future programming for 4-H on a national, state, and local basis. Delegates meet with federal legislators on Capitol Hill to discuss the impact of 4-H and Extension programming in their areas.

Once the Illinois delegation returns home, delegates and adults are expected to report to the State 4-H Staff and Youth Leadership Team on the conference AND commit to one year of work on a special project. This project may be a carry-over project from previous years or may be a new project of the delegates' design.

Who Can Attend?
4-Her's ages 15-18. Delegates must be 15 by January 1, 2008 and cannot be 19 by the trip.

Important Deadlines
December 7 – Applications and recommendations due (postmarked by)
January 4, 2008 - $350 participant fee due
January 11, 2008 – Last day to cancel and receive participant fee refund

12-14 Youth Conference

Contact the Extension Office for Registration

Event Title	"Got Game" Kids Who Just Wanna Have Fun!! 12-14 Youth Conf.
Date & Time	February 8-9, 2008 (5:30 PM - 2:00 PM )
Location	Olson Conference Center - Western IL University West Adams Macomb, IL 61455 (McDonough County)

If you are in the 7^th or 8^th grade mark your calendar for a day of fun and learning on January 26, 2008 from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Hamilton County Courthouse basement. The day will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Participants will enjoy lessons, mixers, team building activities, community service and a dance. All participants will be taking the Matrix System personality evaluation. This will give you a better understanding of why you think the way you do. Mark your calendars now for this date and invite a friend to join! Contact the Extension Office for more information.

The purpose of the IL Pork Ambassador/Intern program is to provide an opportunity for a young person to serve for one year as the official youth representative of the IL Pork Producers Association and to work as a part of the IPPA staff during the summer of such year. The selected Ambassador/Intern could receive up to $4,500 in scholarships from IPPA and the National Pork Board plus a $500/month stipend (to be used for housing/travel expenses) during the three summer months they work in the IPPA office. Application deadline is December 17, 2007. Applications are available at the Extension Office.

The Illinois 4-H Foundation has grant monies available for 4-H clubs to support community outreach efforts. The funding for these community related projects comes from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., and Country Insurance & Financial Services. Please note the following timeline:

• Club Grant Application Deadline: January 4, 2008
• Club Grant Application Announcement: February 2, 2008

Note: individual clubs may apply and be considered in both categories; however, each club can be awarded funds in only one of the two granting categories. While the Illinois 4-H Foundation recognizes that many clubs do multiple projects, they also hope to award the available monies to worthy projects in as many different clubs as possible. Applications are available at the Extension Office.

If you have a passion for photography or just love taking pictures, this contest is right up your alley. Effingham Equity is once again putting on the "Agriculture-Farm Life is the Best" 2008 photo contest. There is a limit of one entry per individual and you must be a current 4-H member. The photos need to have been taken during 2006 or 2007 and illustrate the contest theme. The deadline for the contest is August 1, 2008. There will be eleven winners with a $50.00 prize and their photos will be displayed at the Effingham Equity Corporate office. There will be a grand prize winner and they will receive $100.00 along with their local 4-H group. Their photo will also be displayed at the corporate office.

For further information and forms call the Extension office. And don't forget the photos MUST illustrate the theme!

This conference will be held on March 8-9th, 2008 at the Holiday Inn in Rockford, Illinois. Come have an adventurous time and meet fellow 4-H treasure seekers from other counties. It's going to be an action packed event! This conference is open to Illinois 4-Hers 13 years and older. If you would like to enjoy this day, call the Extension Office for more information! You have to be registered at the Extension Office by January 21, 2008. The workshops are first come, first served, so you need to contact us as soon as you can!

February 23-24, 2008

Holiday Inn at Urbana, IL

This is event is open to 4-H members only in the 7^th or 8^th grade as of September 1, 2006. The theme this year is "Green Means GO!." The registration fee for this event is $95.00. There is scholarships available for 4-Her's who are attending for the first time. Scholarship deadline is January 2, 2008. Registration is on first come first serve basis. On-line registration will be available at http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/events/annual013jlc.html. Registration deadline is January 28, 2008. There is a limited amount of space at this conference so register early. If you have any questions please contact the Extension Office.

There will be an informational meeting to 4-H'ers interested in dog obedience projects. Nancy Moses will give you tips that will help you with your projects. This is will give you a head start for on working with your project during the winter. The meeting will take place December 8, 2007. It will be at Nancy's house at 9:00 a.m. If you have any questions about your project bring them with you to the meeting.

Contact the Extension office for further information and directions!

The Illinois Farm Bureau is offering an award for 4-H members who are at least 17 by December 1, but have not reached their 19th birthday by September 1, of the year the application is submitted. Two applicants per county can be selected for state competition. Any 4-H member can apply, but the program is designed to recognize and promote achievement in the agricultural industry. Applicants who are selected at their county level will receive the LCP Award. Those with the highest cumulative point total will be awarded the State 4-H Premier LCP Award presented at the Illinois 4-H Leadership Convention. The final award is the opportunity to attend the Illinois Farm Bureau & Affiliates two-day Premier 20 Leadership Conference (April 23-25). Applications are due by December 11, 2007. For more information or an application, please contact the Extension Office.

The Cumberland County Clovers 4-H Club has been very busy throughout the year. One of our big projects this year was the landscaping at the Cumberland Life Center (Thanks to everyone involved in this project!). Also, a big thanks to the Hurricane Hustlers for their help in this project. Our club served ham and beans at Rural King on customer appreciation day. We are always continuing to work at Cumberland Middle School on the up keep to the courtyard. Some of the club members planted trees at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. On November 3, 2007, we hosted a Farm Safety Day at the Cumberland County Fair grounds. Guest speakers were Don O. Frederick, Carie Jansen, Jim Meyer of Norris Electric with a Live Line demonstration, Dave Schiver and Mark Shupe. A lawn mower plane train ride was provided by Billy Cornwell and hay rides were entertained by Richard Spurgeon. Music was played by Christ's Church Praise & Worship Band. Gentry's Small Engines and Cumberland County Farm Bureau also had safety displays for everyone to see. During the day ham and beans, hotdogs, chips and drinks were available. A good day was had by all. We served tacos in a bag at the annual "Shop Till You Drop Night" that was sponsored by the Cumberland PTO. Our December meeting will be held Monday December 10, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. with a pizza party and gift exchange.

Article submitted by Presley Hatfill

BEEF: Saturday, February 16, 2008 – Fairgrounds, Greenup 8 to 10 A.M.

SWINE: Saturday, April 12, 2008– Fairgrounds, Greenup 8 to 10 A.M.

SHEEP: Saturday, April 12, 2008– Fairgrounds, Greenup 10 to 11 A.M.

All potential 2007-2008 4-H livestock exhibitors must have participated in a "Quality Assurance and Ethics Clinic" prior to exhibiting a livestock project at the Cumberland County Fair. All State Fair exhibitors must comply and attend the training yearly. Cumberland County members are required to attend training once in their tenure to compete at the county 4-H level.

Pork Quality Assurance and Ethics Training
Time to TBA

December through May

Kits available this year are: Africa, Brazil (Mini), Great Britain (Mini), Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey

If your club is interested in using any or all of these culture kits, please contact the Extension Office at 217/849-3931.

President: Paige Hatfill
Vice President: Lance Moses
Secretary: Michelle Niebrugge
Treasurer: Houston Moses
Reporter: Presley Hatfill

Recreation Chairpersons:
Jaylynn Maxey
James Cox

If you haven't cashed your premium checks yet, please do so. There is a limit to how long the checks are valid. It is money that is not in your pocket!

Saturday January 26, 2008

Events Include:

• Pre-game "Hockey 101"
• Ten 4-H members chosen for the Riverman Tunnel Crew!

Tickets are $11 & $16

Order deadline is January 14, 2008

Call the Extension office to register or with questions.

February 15-16, 2008

Mark your calendar now! 4-H'ers from across Illinois are invited to converge in Springfield to debate bills and learn about the legislative process. The Great 4-H Debate is for all high school age U of I Extension 4-H youth development program participants who are interested in learning about how Illinois state government works.

During the two-day event, youth will:

• meet and work with state legislators and lobbyists
• experience the passage of bills through the legislative system have the opportunity to debate, amend and vote on bills while sitting in the chambers of the Illinois House of Representatives

Besides all the work, participants will meet new friends from across the state of Illinois and have fun at the dance Friday night.

Details for the conference are being finalized now and registration materials will be available at your local Extension Office by November 26. Registration fee for the conference will be between $60-$75. This conference is open to youth in the East Central, West Central and Southern Extension regions.

For more information about the conference and to register, contact the Extension Office.