As I sit thinking about the past month, I find myself happy that Spring has officially arrived but I am still waiting for the warmer weather and sunny skies! We have been very busy at the office as I'm sure most of you are too. The Cumberland County 4-H Week was March 3-8. The week began with a window display preparations and a movie night. The 4-H Dance was held on the 3rd, but bad weather unfortunately shortened the evening. However, the following are the newly crowned 4-H Royalty: Tyler Stephens, Springpoint Rebels-King, Paige Hatfill, Cumberland County Clovers-Queen, Ty Swingler, Springpoint Rebels-Prince, and Tara Stephens, Springpoint Rebels-Princess. Also, all of the Cumberland County clubs created a window display throughout the county. Hurricane Hustlers received 1st place with Cumberland County Clovers in 2nd and Work & Play in 3rd. Congratulations to the Royalty and the window display winners! The week ended with the leaders' banquet which was held at Town & Country Restaurant in Neoga. Over 50 leaders and guests were present and enjoyed any evening of fellowship and food. Awards were also presented to the leaders and junior leaders for all of their hard work and service to the program.

The "Welcome to the Real World" program has been conducted at Cumberland and Neoga High School. This program reaches the sophomore class introducing them to "real world" decision making opportunities that could face in the future. Nearly 150 youth participated in the program with around 30 local business representatives and volunteers. Topics such as writing a check, credit/debit cards, home and auto purchase, utilities, insurance and everyday miscellaneous expenses were discussed. A huge thank you goes out to the school staff and the volunteers that made this program possible!

I hope that everyone gets out and enjoys the upcoming springtime!!

April 10, 2008 7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office

If you have never been to a meeting, come see what the Cumberland County Federation has to offer!! You won't be disappointed!

4-H member enrollments are due in the Extension Office by the 4-H Leaders no later than June 1, 2008; for members who plan to exhibit at the Cumberland County Fair. Members may be added or dropped from membership at anytime, but after June 1, 2008, they are not eligible to show at this year's show.

All youth must be 8 years of age or in third grade by September 1st of 2007 in order to enroll or exhibit.

Cloverbud members are not eligible for premium but may display their project at any of the 4-H shows.

If you have any questions about enrollment, please contact the Extension Office at 849-3931 or by email at cumberland_co@extension.uiuc.edu

4-H'ers in the Horse & Pony project who plan to show are the 4-H Equine Challenge Show or the Illinois Jr. Horse Show must have ownership/lease papers on file at the Extension Office by May 1. The 4-H County Horse Show ownership papers must have all the above paperwork in the office by June 1.

Please include two photos, one for each side of every horse/pony you may ride in the shows.

See leasing information in the Fair Handbook.

Charley Ault - April 8 - Liberty Hill Rangers
Tyler Walk - April 9 - Roslyn Rangers
Raymond Hingson - April 9 - Springpoint Rebel
Tara Stephens - April 19 - Springpoint Rebels
Kyle Deters - April 20 - Springpoint Rebels Cloverbud
Victoria Ault - April 28 - Liberty Hill Rangers
Cole Sappington - April 28 - Liberty Hill Rangers

All Market Swine for the 4-H Fair have to be tagged to be eligible to show. This can be done one of two ways. They can be tagged by your local veterinarian on the farm or at the April 12th weigh-in. You can come in to the Extension Office to pick up your tags if you do not wish to attend the weigh-in. This is to help with prevention of spreading diseases from farm to farm. When you get your tags you will get a form that must be signed by the Veterinarian by April 12th and returned to the Extension Office by April 16th.

If you do not choose to tag your swine on the farm, you need to come to the weigh-in on Saturday April 12th from 8:00—10:00 a.m. The weigh-in is only for Market Swine.

If you have any questions, call Ryan at the Extension Office at 849-3931.

A child's first and most influential role model is the parent. The behaviors, feelings and attitudes of parents shape their children's character, their sense of right and wrong, and their values.

Character is defined by what we do, not what we say or believe. The Josephson Institute of Ethics states that "Character is revealed by how you behave when you think no one is looking." Character determines who we are, how we live, and what we give back to our community.

How do we instill good character in our children?

"We lay a foundation by building character in the home," says Milly Kaiser, University of Illinois Extension family life educator. "The groundwork includes three basic conditions: being a good role model, providing a warm and caring environment, and setting and enforcing clear limits."

One of the biggest influences in a child's life is the example set by the parents' behaviors, feelings and attitudes. Old sayings like "walk the talk"; "practice what you preach"; and "actions speak louder than words" are foundational when it comes to teaching character in the home.

Kaiser says the strongest impact on character development is when parents use both direct teaching and role modeling. For example, hearing a parent stress the importance of telling the truth and then seeing that parent consistently tell the truth will leave a lasting impression. If what parents say and do is different, children become confused.

The second condition that influences character is a child's environment. Children need a home setting that provides warmth, support and unconditional love in order to develop a positive self-worth and trusting relationships.

Steven Reuben, author of Children of Character, A Parent's Guide, states that unconditional love means "that we love them for who they are, not for how they act from moment to moment. It means children are worthy of our love simply because they are our children, not because they are 'good' or 'obedient.' And when correction is needed, we focus on the behavior, not the child. A parent might say for example, "I love you, but I don't like the hitting."

Setting and enforcing limits is the third condition for building character. Children learn security when limits are set and enforced with consequences. A child learns that life is predictable. "When I do this, this will happen" helps children choose how they want to behave.

When setting limits, make sure they are clear, simple, reasonable and positive. If children learn that we enforce limits every time, the experience of learning what happens when they make good choices can increase their self-discipline.

"Everything we do or do not do sends a message about our character," says Kaiser. "As parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and other influential adults in a child's life, we are constantly teaching through our actions."

-Source: Milly Kaiser, Extension Educator, Family Life

April 2008 Secretary's Notes

The March Federation Meeting was called to order with the American Pledge led by Jodi Koester and 4-H pledge led by Presley Hatfill. There were 11 members present and 3 adults. The secretary's Report was read and approved by Lance Moses and Jodi Koester. The Treasurer's Report was read with and it was approved by James Cox and Jaylynn Maxey. Old business was discussed. In old business 4-H week, the 4-H BBQ, Project Workshops and Club Visits were discussed. Old business was closed with approval by James Cox and Melissa Koester. New Business was opened. In New Business PQA, Poultry and Rabbit Workshops, Summer Academies, 4-H Day with the Cardinals and 4-H camp were discussed. It was closed with approval by Jaylynn Maxey and Lance Moses. The Meeting was adjourned with approval of Michelle Niebrugge and Houston Moses. At the end of the meeting, members worked on decorations for the leaders' banquet. The next meeting is scheduled for April 10^th, 2008 at 7 pm in the Extension Office.

-Michelle Niebrugge, Federation Secretary

Youth Pork Quality Assurance demonstrates the dedication of America's youth pork producers to assuring consumers that they are purchasing pork that is safe, of high quality and produced in a responsible manner. All youth Exhibiting swine at the county and state fair are required to participate in the National Pork Council's Youth PQA Plus Program.

Youth must be certified by July 1, 2008 to exhibit at the fairs.

The PQA ID is required on entry forms.

We have set two dates-one will be "testing only" and the other will be an educational class. Training will be as follows:
April 15, 2008 Educational Classes for Ages 8-11 or older youth who do not want to take the test out option.
April 17, 2008 Testing Only Meeting for Ages 12-18

These meetings will be held at the Calvary Tabernacle Church Hall in Toledo. They will both begin at 6:30 p.m.

Watch the mail if you are one of these individuals!

FYI: Jasper County will be conducting their PQA training on April 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Youth Center in Newton. This will also include an Adult PQA training. The second training will be on April 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. This will only be for youth training and testing.

I would like to thank everyone for the cards, food, flowers, memorial afghan, visits, phone calls, thoughts and prayers during the loss of my father.

Although this was a very devastating time, we know that all things happen for a reason and it's not for us to decide why. We can see many positive things that have come through our loss.

My father loves to sing, thus the music note border.

Thanks again for everything our 4-H families have done.

Harve, Cindy, Lance and Zach Moses

When: Saturday, April 12, 2008

10:00-11:00 a.m.

Where: Cumberland County Fairgrounds

PREMISE ID'S MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE WEIGH-IN

To be nominated to show at the Illinois State Fair you MUST have your sheep electronically tagged at a designated site throughout the state. Coles County will be offering this weigh-in in our area on May 3, 2008 from 10:30 AM - Noon at the Coles County Fairgrounds There are other sites available if you can not make it to Coles County. The cost is $2.00 per EID tag, which must be paid on the weigh-in day. Please call the Extension office with any questions or if you need more information about other weigh-in sites.

The Illinois 4-H Leadership Convention is now the Illini Summer Academies! Come explore college programs and career opportunities with University staff, professors and graduate students in the areas of:

• Leadership
• Aerospace Engineering
• Horticulture
• Applied Health Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine

The Illini Summer Academies are open to Illinois high school students ages 14-18 by September 1, 2008. Some Academies have additional age restrictions.

June 26—28, 2008
University of Illinois,
Champaign/Urbanae

For more information & to register, visit:
http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/events/annual004.html

Academies will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited!! Registration will close when an Academy is filled or May 23, whichever occurs first. There are scholarships available to attend this awesome experience! If you are interested, please call the Extension Office at 849-3931 to get your registration form!

4-H members requiring QA &EC will have the opportunity to complete it on the web. The web certification is the only approved method for 2008 and future years as approved by the Illinois State Fair Jr. Livestock Advisory Committee.

4-H'ers are required to only take the training once for the State Fair.

You must complete this if you are showing beef, dairy, horses, sheep, swine, goats, poultry, cats and dogs! However, you only have to take this if you are a first time livestock exhibitor!!!!

Not only is this a requirement for the State Fair but also for the Cumberland County Fair. The website is http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec/ It will be available until June 9, 2008 for horses and July 1, 2008 for beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats and poultry. If you have any questions, please call the Extension Office at 217-849-3931.

Camp will be held on June 8-12 at the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, IL. The camp offers a quality summer camp experience. It is open to all youth ages 8-16 years. You will be able to meet new friends and enjoy programs that everyone is sure to enjoy! If you need a registration form, please call the Extension Office at 849-3931. All forms must be completed and turned in by May 16, 2008.

There will be scholarships available through the Cumberland County 4-H Federation. Call the Office for more details! HURRY!!! There are only 6 spots left! If you know anyone that is interested, please let them know about this great opportunity!!!

Don't forget to be registering for your Premise Identification Number! This is required to show at the county and state fairs. You may apply online or by mail.

Animals that must have them are beef, sheep, swine, rabbits, poultry, dairy, goats and horses! You may apply for your Premise ID online at http://www.agr.state.il.uspremiseid/

Please contact the Extension Office with any questions you might have.

Are you a new to 4-H camp? Would you rather try a shorter version of the week long program? If so, try the 4-H Mini Camp program especially designed for youth ages 8-12 years. Campers will arrive June 4th at 2:00 p.m. and depart on June 6th at 6:00 p.m. For more information log onto the 4-H Memorial Camp website at http://4hmemorialcamp.extension.uiuc.edu or call the Extension Office at 849-3931.

The first part of the Multi-County Livestock camp was held on March 28-29 in Effingham. Cumberland County had 8 members present and they were: Jaylynn Maxey, Tyler Potter, Destry Potter, Preston Potter, Zach Moses, Ty Swingler, Levi Swingler, and Katie Bell. They had a great time meeting other 4-H'ers from other surrounding counties and gaining experience and knowledge on either beef, swine or goats. The next session will be June 19th at the Jasper County Fairgrounds where they will be participating in hands-on activities about showroom ethics, how to handle an animal and much more!

ATTENTION CARDINAL FANS!! The exciting day in St. Louis is set for Saturday May 17, 2008. The registration form and schedule is included in this newsletter. The forms need to be postmarked by April 7, 2008. Don't miss out because this is sure to be a great day for the CARDINALS! They will be playing the Tampa Bay Rays with the game starting at 12:10 p.m.

If you have any questions or need more information please contact Ryan at the Extension Office at 849-3931 or rstaley@uiuc.edu. Tickets are going fast! There are over 3,000 tickets sold out of 3,900!!!

Sunday May 18, 2008

Cumberland County 4-H will again be selling pie to the patrons of the Toledo Fire Departments Chicken Dinner during the Toledo Spring Festival Sunday May 18. It is suggested that each club donate at least nine fruit pies. Leaders are encouraged to call the Extension Office to confirm pie donations. Pies should be delivered to the Toledo Fire Hall after 10:00 a.m. on Sunday May 18. Funds raised from this event will go directly toward 4-H publication expenses, which eliminates each club having to cover these costs. If you would like to help coordinate this event, PLEASE contact Ryan at the Extension Office at 849-3931.

YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

There will be 3 different project parties planned this year! Each site will have two sessions on different 4-H projects that can be taken in Cumberland County. PLEASE mark your calendars for these now to make sure that you will be able to attend! We will be working on projects that can be shown at the Miscellaneous Show!! These will be for youth of all ages! There is only a $3.00 fee for each site.

Site # 1
Saturday April 5, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Cake Decorating & Photography
Calvary Tabernacle Church in Toledo
Register by March 31, 2008

Site # 2
April 26, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
GPS with Cache & Electricity
Lillyville Church Hall
Register by April 21, 2008

Site # 3
May 10, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Visual Arts & Natural Resources
Neoga Municipal Building
Register by May 5, 2008

Please call the Extension Office to register for each of these Project Parties!

This is open to non 4-H members too! They must have signed papers and they will also be charged $3.00 for each site! You will be participating in both activities at each site!

Due to the electrical situation at the State Fairgrounds this event has been cancelled. All options were exhausted to keep it going, but space requirements could not be met. The youth from Cumberland County that were invited will still have the chance to attend next year, along with this years superior winners. If you have any questions, please contact the Extension Office at 849-3931.

Here is another opportunity from the Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' Excellence In Agriculture Scholarship Program.

There will be ten $2,500 scholarships awarded to Illinois high school seniors who plan to pursue a college degree and career in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Scholarship funds are restricted to the payment of tuition, books and/or room and board at the educational institution. The Treasurers' Office will deposit the award into a Bright Start College Savings account accessible to the parent(s) of a scholarship winner. The application must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2008. If you want an application to fill out, please contact the Extension Office at 849-3931.

Have you started your projects yet? Now is a great time to be thinking about ideas for your projects that you will be showing at the County Fair. Be sure to complete 7 activities from your project manual to put on your project form!!!

This is a new section to the newsletter to spotlight one of our Federation Members. Each one will be randomly selected and interviewed each month. So keep watching the newsletter to see if a representative from your club is the lucky one!

This month the spotlight is on Jodi Koester. She is a member of the Springpoint Rebels and has been involved with 4-H for 11 years. Some of the projects that she has been enrolled in are public speaking, swine and foods. She says that she tries to take something different each year. She has held several offices while in 4-H. Those include holding the office of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Reporter at the club level. She has also held the President, Vice President and Secretary in the County Federation.

While juggling 4-H activities and meeting, Jodi is also extremely involved in her school. She attends Teutopolis High School where she is involved in National Honor Society, band, Volunteens, German Club, Intouch and writing club. She has received many special awards in each of these clubs and activities.

Jodi currently works at the Sigel Community Bank. She enjoys going out with friends, shopping, 4-H, going to concerts, listening to music and anything fun. Her favorite food is homemade macaroni and cheese or anything her grandma makes. And her favorite restaurant is the Olive Garden.

When asked, "If you had all the money in the world, what would you do?", Jodi answered, "Give some away, go shopping, and save some to take care of myself when I'm old."

One of several interesting things about Jodi is that she was able to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. She was there for 4 days and loved every minute of it.

Jodi plans to attend Lakeland College and then transfer to Eastern Illinois University. Her dream job is to either live in the city and work for a popular magazine or teach 2nd grade.

Jodi, is very active and has been a long time face in the 4-H program. If you happen to see her around or at the fair this summer, say "HI"!! Good luck Jodi in your future endeavors!

Next Month's Spotlight: Presley Hatfill

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