Achievement Night was last weekend and I had so much fun there. I feel so honored when so many people come to Achievement Night. I know that in reality Achievement Night is meant to honor the 4-Hers and Volunteers (and I hope everyone feels honored), but I consider it an honor for families to spend an evening with me.

I also feel honored that the Federation members volunteer to announce the awards. Making a formal presentation like that is not the easiest thing to do, but my wonderful Federation members are willing to take on the challenge. Thanks everyone!

Take a look at the back page for a couple of photos from that night. They are two of my favorites from the evening. The look on Collin Morris' face as he is looking up to Thomas Downey is priceless. Brock Doyle's green outfit is priceless too. Thanks to him and Dominic Smoode for being great sports in our Green Relay.

- Anita Wilkinson, 4-H Program Coordinator

ALL 4-H project enrollments are due by February 1, 2010.

Livestock and General projects are due at the same time.

The 4-H Show Registration deadline remains July 1st.

The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents is collecting 4-H stories from the entire 4-H family including members, volunteers, staff, donors, and others. The stories will be used to create a 4-H Stories book much like the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. The committee is looking for stories from all 50 states sharing positive personal experiences on the value of 4-H, activities/events, learning experiences, etc. The stories should include information about the setting/situation and approximate time frame. The author's name, address, and contact information needs to be included. The stories should be at least three double spaced pages. Stories should be sent as an email attachment to Dan Tabler at the University of Maryland at dtabler@umd.edu. Stories will be accepted until 12/31/09. The book will premier at the 2010 NAE4HA Conference. Books will be sold to counties in case lots of approximately 24 in mid November 2010. Proceeds will benefit the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

November

17 - Federation Meeting, Airport Lacon, 7 p.m.

18 - Bell Plain Hustlers, mtg., 7:30 p.m.

19 - Shopping Online Computer class

21 - Officer Training, 9 a.m., Washington

26 - 27 - Extension Office closed, Thanksgiving

December

9 - Microsoft Word Computer class, level 1

10 - Microsoft Word Computer class, level 2

16 - Bell Plain Hustlers mtg., 7:30 p.m. Pizza Party

24 - 31 - Extension Office closed, Christmas

January

4 - Extension Office reopened from Christmas break

18 - Extension Office closed for MLK, Jr. Day

20 - Henry Guys & Gals meeting, Computer lab

20 - Bell Plain Hustlers mtg., 7:30 p.m.

27 - Saratoga Leadaways mtg., 7 p.m.

February

1- ENROLLMENT DEADLINE

24 - Saratoga Leadaways mtg., 7p.m.

27 - Clover Clinic, ICC

March

1 - Association Meeting, 7p.m. Ext. Office

6 - Beef Weigh In, 9 a.m. Marshall Cty. Vet office

17- Bell Plain Hustlers, 7:30 p.m.

24 - Saratoga Leadaways mtg., 7p.m.

April

21 - Bell Plain Hustlers, 7:30 p.m.

28 - Saratoaga Leadaways mtg., 7 p.m.

May

3 - Association Meeting, 7 p.m.

19 - Bell Plain Hustlers, 7:30 p.m.

26 - Saragota Leadaways mtg., 7 p.m.

31 - Extension office closed, Memorial Day

June

23 - Saratoga Leadaways Pool Party

July

1 - 4-H Show REGISTRATION Deadline

7 - County FAIR begins

12 - 4-H SHOW begins

August

13 - IL State Fair begins

25 - Saratoga Leadaways mtg., 7p.m.

30 - Association mtg. & Show Eval dinner, 6 p.m.

The 2009-2010 4-H Clover is now available in print or online at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state4h/projects/

The Clover lists all of the state sponsored 4-H projects available. Here are the new projects for this year:

Leadership 1 (new book)

Bicycle 1, 2 & 3 (new books)

4-H Cooking 301 (replaces Fruits & Vegetables, Dairy Foods, and Breads and Cereals)

Vegetable Gardening (new books; replaces "Horticulture project books)

Veterinary Science 1, 2, & 3 (new books)

Filmmaking Studio (this is an online project only)

Wind Energy (group project only)