Remember snickerdoodles, wheat bread, funny cake, or chocolate crinkles? Do you remember these goodies from your 4-H experience? These and many more recipes from 14 University of Illinois Extension 4-H foods project books can be found in a new "favorites" cookbook available through the Illinois
4-H Foundation.

More than 150 of your old favorites from 4-H foods project books such as You Learn to Bake, ABC's of Food, Adventures in Cooking, It's Fun to Cook, Milk and Eggs, Meat in Your Meals, Pastry in Your Meals, and Yeast Breads in Your Meals are included in this 8 ½" x 11" spiral bound cookbook. Recipes are listed by 4-H project book, alphabetically, and by food category for easy reference. To order a copy, visit the website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hfoundation/ Proceeds from the cookbook will support current 4‑H foods project resources and training for 4-H volunteers.

4-H House is currently seeking new members for the Fall 2010 semester. It is a cooperative living sorority. The 56 women of 4-H House take responsibility for preparing their own meals and keeping the house in working order. 4-H House provides an inexpensive living alternative to women who have had at least 5 years of 4-H experience. Living at 4-H House saves members over $5,000 per year when compared to living in University housing. The women of 4-H House would like to extend a standing invitation for a house tour to all female members of local 4-H programs, whether incoming freshmen or seniors, who are eligible and interested in the house. 4-H House will be holding interviewing weekends in the spring of 2010 and the application will be posted on their website, www.4hhouse.com this fall. For more information, contact Katherine Chenoweth at kchenow2@illinois.edu

A group of Extension staff from across the nation are collecting 4-H stories for a book from the entire 4-H family including members, volunteers, donors, families, and Extension staff. If you have a story to tell related to your 4-H experience, consider sharing it. Here's what they are looking for:

• Stories from all 50 states sharing positive personal experiences on the value of 4-H, activities/events, learning experiences, funny situations, etc.
• Stories about 4-H folks who have inspired, motivated and made a difference in the lives of others.
• Stories should include information about the setting/situation and approximate time frame and must include your name, address, and contact information.
• At least three double spaced pages.
• Send your story as an email attachment to: dtabler@umd.edu

Stories will be collected through 12/1/09 or until at least 100 stories are received.

sought for participation in international programs sponsored by 4-H. Apply NOW to travel next summer. A summary of the opportunities follows.

Australia Exchange

Open to youth ages 16 to 19 at the time of the exchange. 4-H members must be enrolled as of January 1 of the current program year. The estimated cost of the program is $5,500. The program is approximately four weeks in length, beginning about June 16 and returning July 15. A $900 deposit with an application is due by January 15, 2010, to participate in this exchange.

Costa Rica Exchange

Open to youth ages 15-18 at the time of the exchange. 4-H members must be enrolled as of January 1 of the current program year. The estimated cost of the program is $3,000. The program lasts four weeks beginning June 19 and concludes by July 17. A $900 deposit with an application is due by January 15, 2010, to participate in this exchange.

Japanese Exchange
Youth ages 12 to 18, may participate in the outbound program for a 4-week stay with a Japanese host family. The estimated cost of the program is $4,500. Outbound dates are about July 7 through August 5. There is also an 8-week stay option for this exchange program. The estimated cost of the 8-week is $5,400. Dates for the 8-week exchange are June 10 through August 5. A $900 deposit with an application is due by January 15, 2010, to participate in this exchange.

In addition to outbound travel, there are also opportunities to host exchange students – long or short term – from other countries. Host families are needed for Japanese youth (July/August) and for youth from Finland or Costa Rica (mid-June to mid-July). For more information about any of these programs or to obtain an application, contact the Extension Office. All youth are eligible for these opportunities. Prior 4-H membership is not required.

A special thanks to Mary Herra for the hard work she does in coordinating host families for Japanese youth coming to the United States.