Due to state budgetary cuts, we are going to be sending the 4-H Newsletter and other timely information electronically. There will not be any reminder postcards or informational mailings sent by mail. A 4-H leader and member e-mail database is being created to get important information to you in a timely manner. Please send your e-mail addresses to Debbie Gaffield at gaffield@uiuc.edu so that you will be included. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given outside of the Extension Office; it will only be used for communication between Extension Staff and 4-H Members, Leaders and Adult Volunteers. It will also be imperative to keep us aware of any changes to your e-mail address since there is no automatic address change/update.

April 27 - May 3, 2008 – Take time to thank leaders and volunteers for all they do for the 4-H program in Kankakee County, as they "Inspire By Example."

County Website: kankakee.extension.uiuc.edu

County Fair Website: http://www.kankakeefair.org/

State Fair Website: http://www.agr.state.il.us/isf/

State 4-H Website: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/

If you are resigning as a club leader, member of a committee, superintendent, assistant superintendent, or from any other official position, please put it in writing and send it to the Extension Office. You may write your resignation on the top of the Re-enrollment form. Thank you.

The Extension Office is a place of information for many individuals and organizations in Kankakee County. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. We are here as a resource for our volunteers and 4-H families. We are more than happy to help you in any way we can.

Staff members have commitments outside of the Extension Office throughout the state and communities of Kankakee County, so please be patient with us as we try to help you as quickly and efficiently as we can. It may be necessary to leave a voice mail message or send us an e-mail. As a reminder, here are the names and contact information for the 4-H/Youth Development staff:

Donna Nuger – Extension 34; dnuger@uiuc.edu

Joyce L. Goodwin – Extension 32; jlgoodwi@uiuc.edu

Debbie Gaffield – Extension 24; gaffield@uiuc.edu

If you have a question, concern, suggestions or complaint pertaining to anything connected with a 4-H activity, the county exhibit requirements, procedures, or policies, or the State Fair, put it in writing, and give to Beth, Donna, Joyce or Debbie. Please do this in a timely manner, not several months after the fact. It will be taken to the proper committee to be dealt with. Written documentation will insure your suggestions are considered and that your meaning is not misunderstood.

Please see page 7 of the 4-H fairbook for procedures for protests/grievances.

Please be aware that due to the budget crisis of the State of Illinois, these funds may not be provided. After all judging data has been entered in the 4-H computer system, the 4-H premium checks will be printed. Premium checks will be mailed to 4-H'ers in September or as quickly thereafter as possible.

Be thinking of whom you would like to nominate in writing for "I Dare You", 4-H Alumni, and Friend of 4-H Awards. While participating in 4-H events and activities, it is a good time to look around for nominees for these awards. For a County Award Form, call the Extension Office or look on the county website.

The record judging process will begin in September. Adult volunteers are needed to assist with this task. Contact the Extension Office if you are able to help on the following dates:

· Friday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.

· Tuesday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-Noon & 1-4 p.m.

· Wednesday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-Noon & 1-4 p.m.

· Friday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-Noon, 1-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.