November
- 23 - 4-H Committee, 7 p.m.
- 30- New Member Party, 7-8 p.m.
- 26-27 - Thanksgiving Holiday, Extension office closed
December
- 24-Jan 3 - Christmas Holiday Observed, Extension office closed
January
- 18 - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, Extension office closed
- 24 - 4-H Federation Mtg., 2:30 p.m.
February
- 1 - 4-H Committee Mtg., 7 p.m.
- 12-13 - 4-H Great Debate, Springfield
- 12-13 - 12-14 Conference: Who Did It?: CSE, Nauvoo Ill.
- 20-21 - Jr. Leadership Conf., Carlinville
New Member Party
First and second year 4-H members are invited to attend the New Member Party on Monday, Nov. 30 from 7pm – 8pm at the Extension Office. This is a great party to attend for those 4-H families that are still learning about the 4-H program. Topics to be discussed include the 4-H calendar year, local, county, and state 4-H program opportunities, and project selection. Please register by November 25.
Small Engines Special Interest Club
Back by popular demand, a special interest club focusing on small engines will begin in January and will meet every Monday from 5:30pm – 6:30pm., tentatively scheduled at the Gillespie High School.
This club, led by Veryl Reiher, will cover identifying the parts of a small engine and how they work and also teach how to overhaul a small engine. Space is limited. To register by contacting the Extension Office by Dec. 21. Cost is $10 for 4-H Members and $20 for Non-4-H members.
4-H Night with the Peoria Riverman
On Saturday, January 16, at 7:30pm, the Peoria Riverman Hockey Team will be hosting the Rockford Icehogs at Carver Arena for a fun night of hockey. David Henrie, AKA "Justin Russo" from Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place will be on hand signing autographs free of charge from 6:30-9:00pm.
The cost is $15.00 for the Lower Bowl and $10.00 for the Upper Bowl. For more information, please contact the Extension office.
4-H Great Debate: Feb. 12–13, 2010
What: The 4-H Great Debate is an event to meet 4-H members from around the state and have a great time while they learn about the Illinois legislative process and persuasive speaking skills. Teens prepare for and then debate mock bills in the Illinois House of Representatives. Games and music are also a part of the weekend.
When: Fri., Feb. 12 & Sat., Feb. 13, 2010
Where: Springfield (Illinois Capital & Lake Springfield Christian Assembly Camp)
Who: Illinois high school youth
Cost: $60.00 (County scholarship - $15 after attending debate)
Registration deadline: January 22
Contact the Extension office if you would like more information on this conference.
Junior Leadership Conference
This statewide leadership conference is coming to Carlinville for 2010. On Feb. 20 – 21, the 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference will be held at Lake Williamson. This conference is for 7th & 8th graders from around Illinois to learn leadership, citizenship, and teamwork through hands-on activities. The cost for this conference is approximately $90. Scholarships worth $25.00 are available for first-time attendees. County 4-H members will receive $20 scholarship after the conference. To register go to: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=3773 For more information, contact the Extension office.
National 4-H Conference
There may be open positions for high school youth ages 15-19 to attend National 4-H Conference March 20 – March 25, 2010 at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD. This is a working conference where participants work with other 4-Hers from around the country to address environmental, social, or economic issues and develop a program to address these issues when back in Illinois. In addition, participants meet with federal legislators and talk about 4-H. Sightseeing is limited. The cost for participants is approximately $500. Scholarships are available. The registration deadline is Dec. 1.
International Opportunities
Have you ever considered traveling to or hosting a student from another country? If so, you might be interested in learning more about the 2010 4-H International Opportunities. There are outbound opportunities for high school youth to Australia, Japan, and Costa Rica. There are both short-term and long-term hosting opportunities with a student from Japan, Costa Rica, and Australia. Please contact the Extension office by Dec. 1 for more information.
4-H Committee Meeting
Monday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m.
The 4-H Committee will meet at the Extension office to discuss Achievement Night feedback, County Fair dates, and 4-H policies.
NAE4HA is working on a 4-H Stories project. They would like to create a 4-H Stories book much like the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. They would like to have stories from every state and at this time do not have any stories from Illinois. Dan Tabler, former Maryland Extension staff member is serving as the Editor. The stories may come from staff, volunteers, or members. The stories should be at least three pages double-spaced. For more information or to submit stories, contact Dan Tabler at dtabler@umd.edu.
The Extension office will be closed Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 24-Jan. 3 in observance of the Holidays.
Attention All Leaders
The beginning of the 4-H year marks the time we ask all leaders to submit a copy of your drivers license and insurance card to the Extension office. We also need this material from any 4-H volunteer or parent who might drive 4-H members (other than their own children) to meetings or events.
In addition, if it has been five years since your last volunteer screening, you will receive new forms in the mail. Please complete and return these forms in a timely manner. Completion of these forms is mandatory for your leader status.
Premium Checks
Please cash your premium checks as soon as possible. Leaders, please remind your members.
Staff News
After nine years of service, Extension Secretary Annette Cole will be leaving the Macoupin County office. Annette's last day will be Dec. 11. She has taken a position in the Extension Regional Office in Springfield. This is a wonderful opportunity for Annette and we will miss her greatly. She has been a great asset to our team and worked hard for the 4-H program in Macoupin County.
Just so everyone is aware, Kate Harding, 4-H Coordinator, will be off from December 7- January 7 due to work hour restrictions related to her job title/description. Paula Robinson, County Director, will be available during the month of December for any 4-H program needs.
On Sunday, October 11, Federation members gathered at the home of 4-H Federation Sponsor Lisa Coorts in rural Carlinville for a weenie roast. The night was filled with fun, food, and friends.
2009-10 4-H Federation officers were elected on this night. Your new 4-H Federation officers are as follows: Alyssa Cole-President, Ashley Brim-Vice President, Rebecca Wolff-Treasurer, and Danielle Cole-Secretary. Look for future information regarding other 4-H Federation activities.
The next Federation Meeting will be Sunday, January 24, at 2:30 at the Extension office. All county 4-H members 13 years and older are welcome to attend.
Quilt Raffle Winner
Bob Fulton of Worden with his two daughters, Miranda and Lydia, won the Quilt Raffle at the 2009 4-H Achievement Night at the K of C Hall in Carlinville. The beautiful, pastel quilt was donated to the Macoupin County 4-H Federation by Mary Jane Thomas of Carlinville. Proceeds from the quilt raffle totaled $550 and will help fund 4-H Federation activities including the 4-H program fees.
Premier LCP Award: Dec. 1
The deadline for the Premier LCP award is Dec. 1. This is a scholarship for 4-H members 17 – 19 years old. Check out the October 2008 newsletter or call the Extension office for more information.
Anti-Meth Coalition Community Service Mini-Grant
The Macoupin Count Anti-Meth Coalition seeks community partners to develop and implement community and family-friendly events to provide children with drug free events and activities while promoting healthy personal choices. The coalition is providing six grants up to $500 to Macoupin County organizations to conduct a program or activity for county youth sometime during Feb. 2010 through Aug. 2010. For detail or an application, contact the Extension office.
Club Reporters & Historians
Part of your role as a reporter or historian is to document what your club does. You can do this through writing news articles and taking pictures during your meetings or special trips. The Extension office would like to receive updates from you about what your club is doing. If you send us reports and pictures, we will post them to the Extension website to help show off your club.
Community Service:
- Consider serving food to the homeless or at a nursing home.
- Collect canned goods for a local food pantry.
- Collect gloves and hats and donate them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
- Present a holiday program at a local nursing home.
- Make homemade holiday cards for area senior citizens and nursing homes.
On Friday, November 13, 4-H members gathered at the KC Hall in Carlinville to celebrate this year's 4-H achievements. The following members, clubs, and alumni were recognized for their accomplishments. A photo scrapbook page is included in this newsletter and Achievement Night photos are featured on our website at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/macoupin/. Congratulations to our award winners and honorees.
William E. McAllister Scholarship Winner
Outstanding 4-H Members
- Ashley Brim
- Alyssa Cole
- Rebecca Wolff
Outstanding Agriculture 4-H Member
Outstanding Home Economic 4-H Member
"I Dare You" Award
- Keegan Gaines
- Justine Humphreys
Service Award
Alumni Award
- Clarence Christin
- Flora Glenn
- Ralph Spencer
- Deb Weinman
Illinois Hall of Fame
Past Federation President
State Blue Award/National 4-H Congress
- Ashley Brim
- Alyssa Cole
- Rebecca Wolff
Carney Memorial Leadership Award
Membership Recognition
Building on Excellence
Best Secretary Book
- Erika Conrady
- Michael Halpin
Best Historians
- Meghan Wolff/Jennifer Robbins
- Amanda Ahrens, Colleen Craft, Connor Gaines, Kaylee Gaines, Keegan Gaines, Danielle Koskie
Best Treasurers Book
- Anne Robbins
- Justine Humphreys
Best Reporters Book
- Dylan Rosentreter
- Kaylee Gaines
Best Scrapbook Page
- Tayler Cameron
- Meghan Wolff/Jennifer Robbins
Outstanding Club Award
- Clever Clovers
- Clover Cadets
- Four by Four
- Stauntoneers
Health Award
- Brighton Farmhands
- Clever Clovers
- Piasa Birds
International Award
- Clever Clovers
- Lucky Birds
- Lucky Bunch
We Care Award
- Bunker Hill Livewires
- Brighton Farm Hands
- Stauntoneers
Club with Most 1st Year Achievement Members
Dairy Promotion
- Bunker Hill Livewires
- Lucky Bunch
- Clover Cadets
- Clever Clovers
Pork Promotion
- Clever Clovers
- Four by Four
- Lucky Bunch
- Clover Cadets
The Macoupin County 4-H Program would like to extend a special thanks to Renee Young for MCing the Achievement Night program. Hats off to the Lucky Birds 4-H Club for a great job helping setup and teardown that evening. And finally, thank so much to the 4-H members who shared their talents with us:
Art Exhibits Connor Gaines, Keegan Gaines, Allison Groves, and Elizabeth Kriepe
Performers: Kaylee Gaines, Aidan Groves, Michael Halpin, and Lydia Fulton
Less is More: Holiday Hints
Holidays are intended to be times of joy, celebration, thanksgiving and reflection. Families and friends gather to celebrate and reminisce, while children wait with anticipation the treats that will surely appear.
While the holidays are a time to celebrate, they can also be stressful. Party planning, gift-giving, event attending and normal pressures of everyday life can take a toll during the holiday season. While the holiday preparations are part of the fun, it is important to take time to be well, be safe and enjoy the time spent with family and friends.
This year, during the busy holiday season, take time to pay special attention to your health and the wellness of those around you. Giving the gift of health and safety is one that is good to pass on to others.
The Center for Disease Control offers some tips for this holiday season to keep you safe, healthy and focused on enjoying the celebrations to come:
Wash Your Hands Often—Keeping hands clean is one of the most effective tools you can use to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Use soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. If you are out and about and washing your hands is not practical, rely upon an alcohol-based hand sanitizer product.
Stay Warm and Dry—Cold temperatures and damp conditions can cause serious problems, especially for infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.
Manage Stress—While the holidays can be an emotional drain, they do not need to take a toll on your health. Keep an eye on over committing and over-spending. Try to find a balance between work, home and play. Rely upon family and friends for support, understanding and encouragement. Practice good time management techniques, and try your best to keep a relaxed and positive outlook.
Travel Safely—For lots of folks, holiday celebrations mean time on the road. Remember to always use safety belts and child restraint seats appropriately every time you are in the car. Do not drink and drive or allow someone else to drink and drive. Plan travel routes well in advance, and follow speed limits.
Handle and Prepare Food Safely
Food-related illnesses are no fun, especially during the holidays. Keep your family and friends safe by washing hands and work surfaces frequently. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods. Cook foods to proper temperatures. Refrigerate foods promptly and do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.
These suggestions and more from the Center for Disease Control can be viewed in greater detail by visiting www.cdc.gov/family/holiday.
Source: Kelly Pool, University of Illinois Extension youth development educator, Pike County, (217)285-5543
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