It is looking like the weather is going to be cooling off, and autumn is officially here. It is time for the farmers to be out and about harvesting this year's crop. Therefore, we need to be aware of them on the roadways. Be patient and allow plenty of room for navigation of your vehicle and for their large equipment. Also, it is important for the famers to practice safety. Farming is one of the most dangerous jobs. That is why it is important to keep safety in mind at all times.

Everyone is invited to the Fall Bash. There is more information inside this issue of the newsletter. Be sure to invite your friends and family to enjoy the afternoon/evening!

New clovers, folders and enrollment forms will be available from your local club leader starting October 16th. Be sure to look through the clover to check out the new projects available this year.

We hope that everyone enjoys the new 4-H year and if you have any great workshop ideas or other programs that we can conduct, please call us. Have a GREAT month and enjoy the fall season!!

October 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office.

The Federation will be making final plans for the Fall Bash. We will also be program planning for the upcoming year. It is very important that if you have an idea for a program to bring it with you for discussion. We hope that everyone can make it!!!.

There are several opportunities available for Cumberland County 4-H'ers. If you are interested in any of the times below, we will make it happen. If you are a parent and would like to help organize a team, please let the Extension Office know.

Would you like to be a part of:

1. Horse Bowl & Hippology Team

2. Livestock Judging Team

3. Horticulture Team

4. Electricity Skill-A-Thon Team

5. Dairy Quiz Bowl Team

6. Forestry Team

7. Poultry Team

What a great way to use your skills and knowledge in your area of expertise! Also ask your friends to be a part of the TEAM!

A new 4-H year has begun. Your leaders will be receiving their packets in mid October. Therefore after that you should be getting your re-enrollment and project forms. If you are a returning member, it is your responsibility to make sure that the information is correct and sign the form. If you are a new member, you will need to fill out an enrollment form. Everyone is required to fill the project form out. Please fill in the box, do not put a check mark or "x" in the box! This information is important so that we may get you into the database for the new year. This is also important, so that we can get you on the mailing list and to verify that we have the correct address for your residence.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Jodi Koester, member of the Springpoint Rebels and 4-H Federation, has been selected as a part of the Youth Leadership Team of the State of Illinois 4-H. She will help conduct the Jr. Leadership Conference, and other statewide events. She was selected to represent the East Central Region by completing an application being chosen and then going through an interview at the State Fair. We are so proud of Jodi and wish her well. Just think, this could be you!! If you would like to have this opportunity, Ryan and Jodi would be glad to help you!

Everyone should be receiving their premium checks in the mail. Be sure to get them cashed as quickly as possible. They will be VOID after November 23rd!! If you feel that you have been omitted in getting your check or premium, please contact the Extension Office, ASAP!

When: Sunday, October 26, 2008
Games & Activities Begin at 3:00 p.m.
Supper begins at 5:00 p.m.

Where: Toledo Reservoir

Why: To enjoy games and have fun!

Everyone needs to bring a filled covered dish for everyone to enjoy. Meat, drink and table service will be provided. Hope to see you there!!!

In case of bad weather, it will be moved to the Toledo Village Hall

These are the Culture Kits that are available to us for the rest of the year. If your club wishes to reserve one, please call the Extension Office.

Those available are:

Africa Brazil (mini)
Norway
Great Britain (mini)
Netherlands
Turkey

Of course there are several different kits that are available. Ask your club leader for more details, if you think of something you would like to have.

Please be sure that we have the correct mailing address for your residence. If you have moved we need to have it changed to ensure that you are getting the newsletter and other mailings on a timely manner. Also, if you would like your child to get the newsletter while they are away at college, please give us their address and we would like to keep them informed too! It is also important for us to know if you are receiving the newsletter late. We always get the newsletter out the first week of the month, sometimes earlier. Therefore, if you don't get them around that time, please let us know. Most of the information in the newsletter is time sensitive.

Each Club is encouraged to begin their donations for this years scavenger hunt. This is a great opportunity for the club to get involved and help out the community. 4-H'ers need to bring items to their club meeting or to any 4-H sponsored event from now until December 12, 2008.

Events Include:

· Achievement Night (Nov. 16)

· Candy/Craft/Project Linus Workshop (Dec. 6)

· November & December Federation Meetings

Don't forget to bring items to your club meetings as well!

Items need to be in the Extension office by December 12, 2008. Items should be full size products. Trial size will only receive half points. The 4-H Club who accumulates the greatest point value will receive a gift from the 4-H Federation. Items will be delivered by the Federation to the food pantries throughout Cumberland County.

POINTS

Toothpaste 20
Toilet Paper 15
Deodorant 20
Lotion 20
Shampoo 20
Conditioner 20
Toothbrush 15
Kleenex 10
Bar of Soap 15
Diapers 30
Baby Wipes 15
Dish Soap 10
Laundry Detergent 20
Canned Meat 15
Feminine Products 15
Boxed Food Items 10/item
Canned Food Items 10/item

Even in our community there are individuals that suffer from hunger. Most of us do not realize what it is like to be hungry for more than a few minutes. 4-H'ers are always great at stepping up to the plate and help those in need. Let's make this year another success!

This year the program will be on November 16th at Christ the King Catholic Parish Hall in Greenup beginning at 2:00 p.m. Everyone should plan to attend to help support your fellow 4-H'ers and others that volunteer throughout the year. Hurricane Hustlers and Liberty Hill Rangers are co-hosting this year's events. Come have a good time and support your club on November 16th!

**Clubs, don't forget to bring your banners!!!**

Club leaders & Club Reporters, we highly encourage you to send in your club news! We would like to put your information in the newsletter and on the calendar! This is a great resource if someone calls the Extension Office to join 4-H, and we can give them the information they need! You may also email rstaley@illinois.edu about your news!

The Cumberland County Clovers 4-H Club would like to invited you to their meeting on October 13, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be at the Lillyville Church Hall with guest speaker Randy Hurt from the Cumberland County SWCD. He will be talking about how important conservation is and maybe will help give you ideas for next years 4-H project!!

On October 24, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. at the Toledo Christian Church there will be a program on Splenda. Beverly Combs, Food and Nutrition Educator from the Effingham Center will be the speaker and will provide information and helpful hints on how to cook with Splenda. If you are diabetic or know someone that is, please plan to attend this program!! You may register by calling the Extension Office at 217-849-3931.

Since this is the time of year to enjoy a delicious fruit, the apple, here is an easy tasty treat that anyone can enjoy!

Stuffed Apples

1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk

1/4 cup crushed cereal 1/4 cup corn syrup

Apples washed and cored

Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, dry milk, crushed cereal and corn syrup. Stuff the filling into the center of the apple where the core was. Slice into circles. This will stuff 4-6 medium apples. Enjoy!

These are some very interesting facts about apples. Take a look and share with your family and friends!

1. Apples can be red, yellow and green.

2. Roses and apples are in the same family.

3. There are around 7,500 different varieties of apples.

-2,500 of those are grown in the USA

4. Apples have no salt, fat or cholesterol

5. Apples are very healthy until sugar, butter, etc. are added to them.

6. It takes approximately 36 apples to produce 1 gallon of apple cider.

7. Apples float in water because they are 27 % air.

8. Apples have Vitamin C, that helps keep the doctor away.