Another month has flown by, and hopefully your 4-H year is off to a GREAT start! Most clubs have received their packets with re-enrollment forms, 4-H Clovers, livestock records, project forms and much more. Be sure that when you receive all of you new forms and papers, to put them in your binders to ensure you are organized and that you do not lose them.

I am very pleased that as of Oct. 25th Cindy Moses, Connie Koester, Janet Blade and Roger & Corinne Swingler will be participating in the VALUED Volunteer Program! These volunteers will gain knowledge to take back to their clubs. I hope they enjoy themselves and enjoy their time with the sessions.

It was great to see everyone out at the Fall Bash. We elected new officers. I would like to congratulate each one on their new office roles and I look forward to working with them in the next year!

It is that time of year to start planning workshops. I am in need of help in this area! If you have any suggestions for a workshop please let me know or let your club delegate know. I am seeking hands-on projects that can increase the participation levels in various project areas. If you have a talent, skill or hobby that you would like to share with 4-H, give us a call!

November 9, 2008

We will be watching a movie at the Karesotes Theater in Mattoon. Then we will be partaking in pizza at Villa Pizza in Mattoon. The meeting time will be dependent on what movie is chosen. A card will be sent out closer to time that will have a meeting time. I hope that everyone can make it and enjoy an afternoon with friends! We will be having a short meeting!

The October meeting was held on October 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Hatfill. The American Pledge was led by Jaylynn Maxey and the 4-H Pledge was led by Zach Moses. The secretary's report was read and was approved by Jodi Koester and seconded by Melissa Koester. The treasurer's report was then read and approved by Zach Moses and seconded by Lance Moses. Old business was opened by President Hatfill. Those items discussed were when and where the fall bash was to be held. They were reminded that they received 1st place for their float at the Greenup Fall Festival. They also went over their nominations for officers and asked if there were any other participants that needed to be placed on the ballot. They also were reminded to start collecting items for the Pantry Scavenger Hunt. Old business was closed by Presley Hatfill and seconded by Melissa Koester. New business was then discussed. Those items were E & R Committee delegates, Decorating a tree at the library and a door at the nursing home, the December workshop, setting goals for the new year, achievement program duties, t-shirts and community service. New business was then closed by Charley Ault and seconded by Jaylynn Maxey. It was then decided that the next meeting would be a movie and pizza at Mattoon. The meeting was adjourned by Jaylnn Maxey and seconded by Charley Ault.

Thank you to everyone that attended the Fall Bash! It was chilly, but we enjoyed a game and good food. During the Fall Bash we elected new officers and they are as follows:

President
Presley Hatfill

Treasurer
Melissa Koester

Vice President
Paige Hatfill

Reporter
Zach Moses

Secretary
Lance Moses

Recreation Chairs
Charley Ault
Courtney Schumacher

Congratulations to the newly elected officers. I hope that you enjoy your new journey and it should be another fun filled and exciting year in the 4-H Federation!

If you are a 4-H'er that is at least 17 by December 1 and is not 19 by September 1 of this year, you are encouraged to apply for the LCP Award. The purpose of this award is to reward members for outstanding leadership, citizenship, cooperation and professionalism during the past year. Each county may only submit 2 applicants for the state judging. If you are chosen at the state level for this award you will be recognized at the Illini Summer Academies. You will also have the opportunity to attend the IL Farm Bureau & Affiliates Premier 20 Leadership Conference. If you wish to complete this form and represent Cumberland County, please contact Ryan at the Extension Office.

Attention all 7th and 8th grade students. You need to keep February 21 & 22, 2009 open for the 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference! It will be a great time of meeting new people, learning leadership skills and having fun! More information will be posted in upcoming newsletters.

We will again be doing the military boxes to send to the troops that are serving our country over seas. We are needing current addresses of soldiers from the Cumberland County area. We will be putting the boxes together at the December Federation Meeting. Please have the addresses to Ryan at the Extension Office by December 5th so we can get the boxes and address labels made.

The Federation will be offering services to those that are unable to take care of their yard during this time of year. The service is offered from November 1st through 21st. If you or someone you know is needing this service, please call Ryan at the Extension Office to make an appointment. We will be taking calls on a first call, first served basis. This is the Federations way of giving back to the community for what they have given to 4-H!

Mark your calendars for Saturday December 13th at 9:00 a.m. We will have our Candy making and Craft Workshop. It will be held at the Calvary Tabernacle Church. As part of the craft, we ask that those attending bring old Christmas cards. Bring 10 cards with you. We will also be working on some blankets to donate towards the Project Linus Community Service Project. The Federation will be offering a Gift Wrapping Service from 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. Anyone is invited to come to the workshop and help wrap gifts!

Club Leader's are highly 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 list is a great item to have.

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!

You may also email them to: rstaley@illinois.edu

Sunday November 16, 2008

At 2:00 p.m.

Christ the King Parish Hall

Greenup, IL

Each club should bring their banners with them. Also, each club should select one representative to present the banner. We will be having a presentation of the banners at the beginning of the program. The representative should know: club name, club enrollment number, how long the club has been existent and the club leader's name(s).

The 2008 ESRI GIS Grant is now available for 4-H clubs to apply for. If you are interested or would like to have more information, log onto www.esri.com/industries/k-12/4-h/grants.html.

The deadline for application is Monday, December 1, 2008!! This is a great way for clubs to receive help for their community service. And what better way to help the community than through new technology!

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. 13)

· 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!

Mark your calendars now! 4-H'ers 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 youth that are involved with 4-H and those that are interested in learning about how Illinois state government works.

During the two day even, 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 Reps.

Besides all the work, participants will meet new friends across the state of Illinois and have fun at the dance Friday night. Details for the conference are being finalized. Therefore, look for more information in upcoming newsletters!

4-H'ers ages 10-13, are invited to participate in the 3rd annual Multi-County 4-H Livestock Camp, March 6 & 7, 2009 at the Fairfield Inn and Extension Office in Effingham, IL.

While attending camp, 4-H members will be getting Back-To-The Basics learning more about their livestock project. Instructors will give hands-on learning session on 4-H Livestock Records, show ring ethics, and much more. They will also learn about various careers and opportunities.

Camp is open to 4-H members from Clark, Clay, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Jasper, Richland, Fayette, Edgar, Shelby and Lawrence Counties.

The camp registration fee is $40 and those materials will be available in early January. For more information contact Ryan at the Extension Office.