It is amazing how quick it goes from one year to the next. The new Federation year started off on the first week of the new 4-H year. We provided community support for the OSF Employee picnic at the Riverplex in Peoria. A group of Federation members led Bingo, worked kids games and did magic.

The new officers were elected at the September meeting. Forty members voted for:

President: Emily Bogner

Vice President: Thomas Downey

Secretary: Katharine Girone

Treasurer: Jay Streitmatter

Historian: Andy Schoepke

Sentinel: Bob Salisbury

The New Year Kick Off event was a Lock In at the Metro Center in Princeton. The Blue team won the team challenge. Their prize was to decide on something all of the other teams had to to. Their decision was to have the other teams sing a Boy Band song. Oh my it was hilarious. I wish you could have been there.

At the October meeting, members were challenged with a Cup Stacking Teambuilding game.

The November meeting was a program by Federation Alumni Nick Klein at the Henry Fire Department.

At the end of January, a group of members went to Cascade on a ski trip. Despite the numerous wipe outs, there were no injuries. The weekend also included team challenges in the cars (photos of one car's scavenger hunt items), dinner at Buzz's, games at the hotel and a stop at Rocky Roco's.

The February meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church. After the business meeting, the group was challenged and entertained with Improv games. The pictures are great (Thanks Kristin!) and the videos are hilarious. Great job everyone on getting out of your comfort zone and thinking on your feet.

In March, we had a lot of decisions to make during the business meeting. Some of us got a little restless and were punished to draw out of the hat. Our punishment becomes silly fun that everyone enjoys. A special thanks to the group that stayed and help cleaned up. Some of them got a little carried away and tried to throw out the President.

Oddly enough, Federation decided to have a homework night at the April meeting. Most of the group brought their homework. It was a great night of multitasking - business meeting, homework, event planning and socializing all at the same time.

One of the extra responsibilities that Federation takes on is cleaning up the 4-H sign on Rt. 29. This year a crew of guys got out the power tools and did a great job clearning out a lot of brush. The sign should be in clear view for many years.

The May meeting also included a special presentation about driving. The Red Cross presented several different safe driving simulations and a couple of mechanics taught maintainence and emergency skills.

This year's group photo was taken at one of the Conservation area's along Rt. 29. Beautiful!

The June meeting was held at the park in Washburn. After a regular meeting, we enjoyed playing on the equipment and a game of baseball. A few of us cooled off in the water sprinkler.

In June, we went on an awesome roadtrip. We started the morning at the Extension Office without a single plan in mind about where we were going. After developing a random set of rules, we set out on a course that led us to such scenic places as Spring Valley, Franklin Grove, Dixon, and Mendota. Along the way we were able to shop at a cheese factory, play on several playgrounds, eat fabulous food, shop at garage sales, and perform random acts of kindness. There are too many details of the day to write about, but the story is told in the pictures that were taken.

In July, one event was Food Stand Clean up, which involved a lot of dirt, a bit of elbow grease, and a whole bunch of water.

August started off right with a canoe trip on the Fox river.

Federation ended the 4-H year with a meeting, cookout and pool party at Erin's house.

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