Happy New Year! I hope that everyone is off to a great start to 2009! I hope that everyone enjoyed the holiday season, and is ready for a fun and exciting year.

It will be getting busy in the 4-H World and we need your help and input! 4-H Workshops will be organized, along with 4-H Week themes and activities. I would like everyone's help and ideas this year!!!!!!! Be getting those 4-H week theme ideas into the office, so the Federation can vote for this year's theme!!

There are several important dates coming up that you should add to your calendars. Be sure to look inside of this issue, so you don't miss out!

All 4-H'ers 12 years and older are invited to each months Federation Meeting. We usually meet on the third Thursday of each month. The Federation is a great way for 4-H members to get involved in planning county wide events. It is also a time to have fun with fellow 4-H'ers and do different things you might not otherwise do. If you have any questions, give the Extension Office a call.

Be Safe this Winter!

February 12, 2009

7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office

On Thursday, December 4, 2008, Presley Hatfill called the meeting to order with Paige Hatfill leading the American Pledge and Jodi Koester leading the 4-H Pledge. Kyle Spurgeon made a motion to approve the secretary's report and Melissa Koester seconded the motion. Motion carried. There was no treasurer's report.

In old business, we discussed the nursing home door decorating which will be done on December 5, 2008, We also discussed the Christmas candy/craft/Project Linus workshop which will be held at the Calvary Tabernacle Church in Toledo at 9:00 a.m. on December 13, 2008. Melissa Koester made a motion to close old business and Jodi Koester seconded the motion. Motion carried.

In new business, we discussed 4-H week, which will be March 7-14, 2009. We also talked about the weigh-in dates for livestock projects. Beef will be on February 14, 2009 from 8-10:00 a.m., at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. Swine will be on April 18, 2009, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Sheep will be on the same date from 10:30-11:00 a.m. We also discussed doing an aerospace project. We decided to participate in the Angel Tree Christmas project at the Cumberland County Health Department. We will pick tags for one boy and one girl. Jodi Koester made the motion to participate and Kyle Spurgeon seconded the motion. Motion carried. The 4-H Federation will also be helping at Don's retirement open house on December 18, 2008, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Sunrise Youth and Community Center in Newton.

Ryan asked for donations of wrapping paper for a gift wrapping workshop. We also discussed raking leaves and asked for volunteers to do the last yard on December 12 after school, weather permitting

The Federation also decided to give $80 to Jaylynn Maxey's trip to Chicago for a leadership conference. Kyle Spurgeon made the motion that we give the money and Melissa Koester seconded the motion.

We also decided that the check signers would be the treasurer, Melissa Koester, Lance Moses, and Paige Hatfill. Jodi Koester made the motion to have these three be check signers and Kyle Spurgeon seconded the motion.

Presley Hatfill, Jodi Koester, Paige Hatfill, and Kyle Spurgeon were volunteered to review the 4-H Federation Constitution and By-laws. Kyle Spurgeon made the motion and Courtney Schumacher seconded the motion to accept these volunteers. Motion carried.

Melissa Koester made a motion to close new business and Courtney Schumacher seconded the motion. Jodi Koester made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Kyle Spurgeon seconded the motion.

The next meeting will be on January 8, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office in Toledo.

Respectfully submitted,

Lance Moses, Secretary

Important Reminder!!!!! 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 cancelled and rescheduled . The Extension Office will try to notify radio stations in such an event.

The Extension Office will be closed Monday, January 19th. This is in observance of Martin Luther King's Birthday.

All clubs worked hard this year in participation of the Pantry Scavenger Hunt! I would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for their donations of items, It will help the community out during tough times. You have once again shown how great it is to be in 4-H!

WAY TO GO!!!!!

Club Point Totals:

Liberty Hill Rangers - 4,510
Cumberland County Clovers - 835
Work & Play - 650
Hurricane Hustlers - 535
Roslyn Rangers - 300
Springpoint Rebels - 35

*Most clubs donate to other organizations throughout the year as well!*

The items collected were divided and sent to the food pantries in Greenup, Toledo & Neoga.

Liberty Hill Rangers were the winners!!!!

Attention all 7th and 8th grade students. You need to keep February 21 & 22, 2009 open for the 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference! All 7th and 8th grade 4-H members should receive a packet of information for this event. Registrations done online must be done by January 16, 2009. If you register by paper, the Extension Office must receive it by January 14, 2008. If you have any questions, please call Ryan at the Extension Office at 849-3931 or email to rstaley@illinois.edu. I will be attending the conference, so I will be able to take a few with me. I will be sending out a letter with more details closer to the event.

Sunday, January 18, 2009 will be the Skating Party at the Silver Star Skating Rink in Mattoon. The fun filled evening will last from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Come join you fellow 4-H'ers along with Coles County 4-H'ers. All expenses will be covered by the 4-H Federation. But be sure to sign in at the Cumberland County table when you arrive!!!

The Illinois 4-H Foundation has grant monies available for 4-H clubs to support community outreach efforts. The grants that are available are: 4-H Community Improvement Program and 4-H Community Health Improvement Program. Both categories must be complete and sent to the State 4-H Office by January 30, 2009. If you would like to receive an application or to ask more questions about this opportunity, please contact the Extension Office!

This year Cumberland County's dates for 4-H Camp is June 7-11, 2009. The cost to attend is $160.00. More information regarding camp will be in future newsletters! There will be scholarships available through the 4-H Federation. Those requirements will be decided at the next Federation Meeting.

The Great 4-H Debate is a conference for 4-H'ers from across Illinois who 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:

· Learn persuasive speaking

· Learn how to find information on the legislative process

· Develop an understanding of the legislative process

· Meet people from other areas of the state

Besides all the work, participants will meet youth from across the state and enjoy games and music on Friday night. The 2009 Conference will be February 13-14, 2009. Register now at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2217 This conference is open to Illinois 4-H youth. Registration fee for the conference is $60. The deadline for registration is January 23, 2009. Lodging will be at Lake Springfield Christian Academy. Delegates will need to bring bedding, towels, and toiletries in addition to clothing.

There will be a Goat Seminar on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Express in Mattoon. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the program running from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be speakers there discussing goat health issues, nutritional needs of goats, and grooming for the show-ring. The seminar is sponsored by Ottertrail Feed & Supply of Charleston. RSVP at 217-345-3000 or at ottertrailfarm@att.net

Cumberland County 4-H'ers have the opportunity to participate in the 3rd annual Multi-County Livestock Camp. It will be held on March 6 & 7, 2009. Check in will be Friday at 7:00 p.m. and head for home on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Everything will be held at the Fairfield Inn and Extension Office in Effingham, IL. The cost for the camp is $40.00 per participant, which includes a hotel stay, 2 meals, snacks and camp materials. The camp is open to 4-H'ers 10-13 years of age. You'll learn more about your livestock project with hands-on activities on 4-H Records, Show Ring Ethics, and Quality Assurance. There will also be a Livestock Judging and Quiz Bowl Contest. All livestock exhibitors will be sent registration forms, so if you do not receive one, please contact Ryan at the Extension Office. All registration are to be due at the Extension Office no later than February 6, 2009. This camp is a great time, so be sure to attend!!!!

BEEF: February 14, 2009 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

SWINE: April 18, 2009 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

SHEEP: April 18, 2009 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

All first time 4-H Livestock exhibitors must complete a "Quality Assurance and Ethics Clinic" prior to exhibiting a livestock project at the Cumberland County Fair. 4-H members exhibiting at the State Fair must comply and complete the online training as well! This training is available online only, for both the County Fair and the State Fair. If you need assistance or internet capabilities, please contact the Extension Office.

This scholarship is available to current 4-H members who are high school seniors or in an approved post-high school facility. Members must have been enrolled in 4-H for a minimum of five years. Scholarships will be for $1,000 and will be paid directly to the scholarship recipient upon receipt of proof of enrollment in an approved post-high school educational program. You may only be awarded this scholarship once. Some of the application requirements are: a complete application, two letters of recommendation, contact information on individuals who wrote recommendations, 4-H enrollment, and official transcripts. For more information or an application, please call Ryan at the Extension Office. This could be a great way to help your educational career!

WHEN: MARCH 14-15, 2009

WHERE: Holiday Inn, Rockford, IL

This conference is open to all Illinois 4-H'ers 13-18 years of age by 3-1-09. More information about the conference will be available on Dec. 3rd at: http://extension.uiuc.edu/boone. All registrations must be received by Jan. 28, 2009. If you wish to have more information, please call the Extension Office or email rstaley@illinois.edu.

Cumberland County 4-H Week will be February 28 –March 7. This year's theme has been set and will be "The Magic Of 4-H." Please note there has been a change of dates!! More information will be in next month's issue of the newsletter

We are looking for new and fun ideas for this years 4-H Week! If you have any suggestions, please let your clubs Federation Delegate know, or call the Extension Office! This week is designed to spread the word about 4-H and to help inform the community of what the program has to offer!

WHEN: Thursday, January 15, 2009

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Extension Office

We will be discussing upcoming events and plan events for the coming year. I hope that each of you can make it! It is very important to have full input from all club leaders!

Clubs have submitted their newly elected club officers. These individuals hold very important roles in their 4-H Club, and we felt it important to share who the leaders of the clubs were. If your club has not submitted this form, please take the time to do so.

Cumberland County Clovers

President: Zach Moses
Vice-Pres.: Presley Hatfill
Secretary: Paige Hatfill
Treasurer: Lance Moses
Reporter: Jaylynn Maxey
Historian: Dalton Grissom
Recreation: Dalton Grissom & Macey Maxey & Jill Flood
Federation Delegates: Jaylynn Maxey & Kyle Spurgeon

Springpoint Rebels

President: Jackie Niebrugge
Vice Pres.: Dani Will
Secretary: Courtney Schumacher
Treasurer: Bethany Deters
Reporter: Kara Swingler
Federation Delegates: Jodi Koester

Work & Play

President: Teah Beals
Vice-Pres.: Tyler Potter
Secretary: Kyndall Andrews
Treasurer: Temara Beals
Reporter: Ellie Jo Walk
Snacks: Cody & Calla Hill
Recreation: Keli Jo Bell & Emmalynn Walk

Each office holds important duties, and each of you should gain leadership skills in your position. We hope that you enjoy your office during the 4-H Year!

If you are a college bound high school senior pursuing an agriculture major or career, apply NOW for one of twenty-three $1,000 "We Understand" Agriculture Scholarships. Application Deadline is March 15, 2009! Applicants must complete an on-line registration form at www.fcsillinois.com/scholarships.html.

If you do not have internet access at home, please call the Extension Office and we will provide you with the materials you need. Selection criteria is based on academic achievement, participation, and leadership within your school and community organizations, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-based career. Please call Ryan at the office with any questions.

Does concern over the current economy have you rethinking your summer vacation plans? Does your family like to learn about new cultures? If so, University of Illinois 4-H has an opportunity for you to consider. Families have an opportunity to experience a different culture this summer without leaving their home. University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development is currently recruiting host families for 50 Japanese youth and their adult chaperons for an American homestay July 23 – August 20, 2009.

"This is a wonderful way to experience a new culture, while sharing about your own", said Bill Million, 4-H Specialist for International Programs with University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development. "Previous experience is not necessary, as we provide host families an orientation about the Japanese culture in preparation of the homestay."

The 4-H Japanese Exchange program enhances international, cross-cultural understanding between the two cultures. This opportunity provides an avenue for families and youth to improve their communication skills, while increasing their international awareness and understanding.

Japanese youth, ranging in age from 12-17, are placed in an American family with a host brother or sister. These international visitors are thrilled to be coming to the United States and look forward to learning from their new host brother/sister and their new family, while improving their ability to use the English language, said Million.

To obtain more information or a host family application packet contact Bill Million, U of I Extension State 4-H Office, 217-333-1256, or at wmillion@illinois.edu, or by contacting the Extension Office at 849-3931 or by email at rstaley@illinois.edu.

Because of dates for the Illinois State Fair and the questionable funding issues, there have been some considerable changes. The following are some of the big changes that you will see for this year's State Fair.

1. 4-H members will be limited to ONE exhibit in the 4-H Exhibit Division. This does not apply to 4-H animal exhibits; however members who exhibit livestock at the State Fair must consider judging times and potential conflicts if their animals are judged on their assigned county day.

2. Exhibits will be required to stay on display for a minimum time in order to receive premiums for the exhibit. If scheduled for morning judging, they must remain on display from check-in until 12:00 p.m.; if scheduled for afternoon judging, they must remain on display from check-in until 4:00 p.m. This is for exhibits assigned to the Jr. Home Economics Building and the University of Illinois Extension Building. Because the Exposition Building has different hours, the judging and display hours will vary from what is posted above. Morning-judged projects must stay on exhibit to 1:00 p.m. and afternoon-judged projects must stay on exhibit until 5:00 p.m.

3. All other project exhibits will be judged on the assigned county days. We will only be providing judging on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and the last Saturday and Sunday of the Illinois State Fair. The Jr. Home Economics Building and the University of Illinois Extension Building exhibit areas will be closed Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21.

4. There have been some changes to some of the 4-H Projects. Your new copy of the county handbook will show all of the changes. The new projects will also be added to the handbook with the important requirements.

We will keep you up-to-date of more/newly designed changes to the State Fair requirements. Please make sure to keep watch, because they will be important to keep you on track!

Dear 4-H families,

I'm sure most of you are aware that Don Frederick, Jasper/Cumberland county director, retired at the end of 2008. His expertise will be missed by the local citizens and his extension co-workers.

I have been asked to serve as interim county director for the Jasper/Cumberland unit until the position can be filled permanently. This temporary 30% appointment is pending final approval from the U of I provost's office, and began January 1.

I have served as Don's counterpart in Coles County for the past 11 years. Prior to that I did Family Life work in the Moultrie-Douglas Extension office and served as the 4-H Youth Adviser in Coles County. Counting some early career years in northern Illinois, I have 26 years experience with U of I Extension.

During the next few months, I look forward to meeting the

4-H members, leaders and parents of the unit. Together with the current Extension staff and the dedicated volunteers, the U of I Extension program will continue and grow in the Jasper/Cumberland Unit. Stop by the office if you are in the area—I look forward to the months ahead.

Sharon Kuhns