Deadlines fast approaching...

• January 28 – Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference Registration deadline
• January31 – The Great 4-H Debate Conference Registration deadline
• February 1 – Illinois Horse Trials Registration deadline
• February 22 – 4-H Technology Academy Registration Deadline

Upcoming Events...

Learn & Fun Day January 26, at Heartland Community College

Want a teaser for a 4-H project that you are thinking of taking? Want to learn more about the projects you have already signed up for? Have a friend who might like learn about sportsfishing, India, dogs, theater, butterflies and/or robotics? If so, then Learn & Fun Day is for you! McLean County 4-H is hosting a workshop day for (all) McLean County youth ages 8-18, with emphasis focus on 8-14 year-olds – there are several workshops for ANY age! There will be a special Cloverbud session! The forms will be mailed in early December with a deadline of January 10! Spots for classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis. Cost will be $10 per member and includes a gondola lunch. The forms will be available online for download.

4-H Night with Peoria Rivermen, January 26

All 4-H members, families, and supporters of 4-H are invited to spend January 26^th with the Peoria Rivermen. Tickets can be purchased for a special discount and there is a pre-game hockey 101 clinic for youth at 5:30. Orders must be placed by January 14^th. Flyer is included and available online at: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/events/08peoria_rivermen.pdf.

4-H Technology Academy, March 8, Workforce Development Center, HCC, 9-3 pm

4-H Electricity school has been offered every other year for 4-H members to learn the skills they need to complete 4-H projects and increase awareness of electricity. This year with the new 4-H projects in the Engineering & Technology curriculum area the day is expanding to include computers, GPS/GIS, solar power, wind energy and robotics. Registration forms will be available online at our website under 4-H & Youth, Additional Resources. This hands-on educational event will be at the Workforce Development Center at Heartland Community College. Mark your calendar for March 8^th and sign up by February 15. Registration information will be mailed with Learn & Fun Day information.

Opportunities for Members...

4-H Backdrop Poster Contest

Who Can Participate:Any McLean County 4-H member.

Purpose of Contest: Design a backdrop that can be used for photographs each year for the Horse Arenaat the Interstate Center.

Paper Size for Contest: 8.5 x 11

Color of Design: Please use black, white or sketched, but please do not use paint.

Entries are to be turned in to the Extension Office by: Friday, March 7th, 2008

A committee will select the winning artwork, which will be transformed on tothe backdrop in time for use at the 2008 McLean County Fair. The winner will have their poster placed and used as the backdrop at the Fair. Laurie French has volunteered to take the winning artwork and transfer the graphics to the backdrop.

Got Game? Kids who just wanna have fun! 12-14 Youth Conference

This conference is for those who want the opportunity to connect with peers, develop life skills such as team work, cooperation, sportsmanship, conflict resolution and leadership in a fun, hands-on setting. In other words, this conference is for YOU!!! Come and experience activities that will achieve all this and more!! Fun & games included at no additional charge. Cost: $55 County Registration Deadline: January 15. Registration forms available online at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/4hyouth1122.html

The Great 4-H Debate, February 15-16, in Springfield IL – Attention High School Teen 4-Hers!

4-H'ers from across Illinois are invited to converge in Springfield to debate bills and learn about the legislative process. The Great 4-H Debate is for all high school age U of I Extension 4-H youth development program participants who are interested in learning about how Illinois state government works.

During the two-day event, youth will, learn persuasive speaking, learn how to find information on the legislative process, develop an understanding of the legislative process, and meet people from other areas of the state. Besides all the work, participants will tour the Illinois Capitol and have fun at the dance Friday night.

This conference is open to high school age youth in the East Central, West Central and Southern Extension regions. Registration fee for the conference is $55. The deadline for registration is January 31, 2008. Lodging will be at Lake Springfield Christian Academy. Delegates will need to bring bedding, towels, and toiletries in addition to clothing. For more information check out the website & you can register online: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/greatdebate/index.html

Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference, February 25-26, Champaign IL

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team plans and coordinates this event for the 4-H members who attend. Participants go to a variety of workshops - focusing on building delegates' skills and knowledge as young leaders in their local 4-H clubs and county 4-H programs.

While learning new things to take back, you'll also be having a great time meeting other junior high delegates at the other special events that are planned. Special entertainment, a speaker, a dance, and loads of fun will keep you smiling and motivated to go home and try all the things you learned!

The conference is open to Illinois 4-H members who are currently in 7th or 8th grade. There is a limit to how many people can attend, so register early! It's first-come, first-served -- We can only take the first 125 Junior High members who register! We even have some scholarships that are available.

The 2008 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference is February 23-24. 4-H Scholarship applications (for those attending for the first time) are due January 7. Registration will be taken until full or January 28. For more information look online: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/events/annual013jlc.html or read the enclosed flier.

Students Involved with Technology Conference, February 16, Heartland Community College

The B/N Educational Alliance & State Farm are presenting the 7^th SIT conference. Youth from 3^rd – 12^th grades are welcome to present & participate in this event. The fee is $18, there are some scholarships available. See more information in the flier or go to the website: http://www.sitconference.org/

4-H Skating Party, February 2, Skate-N-Place, 4-6 pm

Jr. Federation will be hosting the 4-H Skating Party at Skate-N-Place on Saturday, February 2^nd from 4-6 pm! The entire facility has been reserved JUST for 4-Hers and their friends and family! All 4-H members, cloverbud members, leaders, parents, alumni and their friends are welcome to attend. Pack the rink with GREEN & WHITE! Cost $5 per person $1.00 for skates.

4-H Meat's Judging Contest, April 10, Morton

Do you enjoy meat? Can you identify the retail cuts? Test your knowledge of meat at the multi-regional meat's judging contest on April 10^th at Rocke's Meat Haus in Morton. The contest starts at 6 pm, check-in will begin at 5:45 pm. Youth interested need to contact Theresa at the Extension office for registration by April 4^th.

Oral History of Illinois Agriculture

The Illinois State Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library are working on an oral history of Illinois agriculture. They are looking for young people (junior high to high school ages) to interview, especially 4-H and FFA members who are considering careers in agriculture. It can be an ag-related career, not limited to farming.

The museum wants to compile a list of names by December-early January so they can select individuals to interview. The videotaped interviews will become part of an exhibit at the museum and online exhibit. They also want to develop a "Hall of Agriculture" but don't have a definite timeline.

In addition to 4-H members, they're also interested in talking to people involved in the horse industry.

Here is the contact information to submit a name or volunteer to be considered for an interview:

Dr. Robert E. Warren, Illinois State Museum, curator of anthropology.

His e-mail is warren@museum.state.il.us. People who don't have email may call Leslie Cline at 217-785-0037.

Federation Meetings set for the rest of the 4-H Year!

Date Program	Place	Time
January 28 – TBA	TBA	7 pm
February 25 – Midwest Food Bank	Midwest Food Bank	7 pm
April 28 – Workforce Development	Heartland Community College	7 pm
May 19 – Cinco De-Mayo Party	TBA	7 pm
June 23 – Challenge Course	Lake Bloomington	TBA

Legacy of Leadership Scholarship

Current 4-H members who are high school seniors or in their last year of 4-H membership are encouraged to apply for the 2007 Legacy of Leadership Scholarship. The application deadline for this merit-based award is March 1, 2007. Scholarships may be used for expenses for further education programs, including trade schools, junior colleges, colleges, or universities. Additional information and an application form may be found at the Extension Office or at the U of I Extension 4-H website at http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/events/scholar.html.

Theater Arts Project Members – Kids on the Block Puppet Troupe

Volunteer opportunity: Kids on the Block puppet troupe

Start/end dates: Ongoing – but anticipate most shows will be during school year

Skills needed: Enthusiastic, like to work with children, able to memorize scripts, able to manipulate puppets, and able to carry materials. All volunteers must be 14+ and complete a volunteer application. Drivers must have valid license and insurance.

Duties: Attend initial training, attend regular practices, memorize scripts, transport materials to and attend community education events.

Hours: Hours will vary greatly depending on requests for presentations. Practices to be set by troupe members. Presentations should last approximately 2 hours.

Anyone interested should contact Marianne Cavanaugh-Wozniak at LIFE Center for Independent Living 309/663-5433 or marianne@lifecil.org.

Illinois 4-H Ambassador Program

The Illinois 4-H Ambassador Program provides youth and adults the opportunity to become active partners in the marketing and promotion of their organization. Members that wish to be an Ambassador need to apply by filling out the enclosed form: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/opps/leg_ambassador_app.pdf Other opportunities on the state level as ambassadors are to help with Legislative Connection and the 4-H Can Make a Difference food drive at the Illinois State Fair.

Club Opportunities...

Prescription Drug Disposal – Community Service

Extension educators are working on developing an educational initiative to provide information to youth and their families about the importance of properly disposing of unwanted medicines and best practices for disposal. This important human health and environmental issue has been the center of national attention due to pharmaceutical use being on the rise and numerous resulting impacts.

4-H clubs can integrate this topic into 4-H Projects such as the Citizenship, Service Learning, Exploring your Environment, etc. For background information and existing resources (including an award-winning toolkit) providing content for adult audiences, please refer to our Sea Grant Web site http://www.iisgcp.org/unwantedmeds/index.htm as well as the attachment. Through the Office of National Drug Control Policy, The White House has issued a press release on WHAT EVERY AMERICAN CAN DO TO PREVENT MISUSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS (visit http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/news/press07/022007.html )

If your club chooses to explore opportunities with this issue please let us know what you do!

4-HSET Opportunities...

4-H Technology Academy, March 8, Heartland Community College

Look above for more information!!!

Registration Open for the 15^th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race From NASA

Registration is open for the 15^th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race. High school and college students design and build a vehicle that addresses a series of engineering problems similar to those faced by the original lunar-roving vehicle team. Each school may enter up to two teams. The race will take place April 4-5, 2008, in Huntsville, Ala., at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Entries must be received by Feb. 1, 2008. For more information about the competition and to register online, visit: http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov/index.html

4-H Digital Mayhem Challenge

All youth ages 8-18 in Illinois and Northeast Missouri are challenged to produce their own digital photography, digital audio, digital video or mixed media production that promotes any of the various opportunities or great things about 4-H. This is a chance to stretch your imagination and have fun learning more about digital technology. The winning entries will be used to promote 4-H. For more information, go to www.4hdmc.org where you can find the contest rules and more information. Top Entries may be used in various promotional products throughout the region. $100 Amazon gift certificates will be awarded to quarterly winners. Youth select their own theme and message. Youth need not be current 4-H members to participate. Entries will also be displayed on the "4hdmc" website.

4-H Electricity Skill-A-Thon, June 17

The 4-H Committee within the Energy Education Council, formerly known as the Illinois Electric Council would like to know of upcoming 4-H Electricity Schools or workshops that are planning the second Electricity Skill-a-thon set for June 17, 2008 during the State Judging Day activities here on campus. This year the Electricity Skill-a-thon will be open to any 4-Her who has turned 14 years of age by January 1, 2008. This age requirement follows the guidelines of the National

4-H Engineering Competition. The winner(s) of the Illinois Skill-a-thon will be invited to represent Illinois 4-H at the National 4-H Engineering event next fall at Purdue University.

Horse Opportunities...

4-H Equine Fair, February 2, Parkland College, Champaign, 9-3 pm

The Second Annual Champaign Equine Affair will be held at the Tony Noel Center/Parkland College with doors opening at 8:30 A.M. and programs from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Lunch break noon to 1 P.M. Lunch available at the center. There is a $5 admission. Great opportunities for equine lovers to gather during the winter expand their knowledge and visit. Bring along your 4-Hers and interested youth for a fun filled day.

4-H Horse Exhibitor Meeting, February 13, Extension office 6:30-9 pm

Have horse questions? Get your answers on February 13^th! The 4-H Horse superintendents will be hosting an informational meeting and tack sale for horse exhibitors. Rule changes, guidelines, and a slide show presentation are on the schedule. This is your chance to ask questions and learn more about what will happen at the 2008 horse show during the McLean County Fair.

4-H All-Youth Horse Judging Trials

Third Annual All-Youth Horse Judging Trials, held in conjunction with Illinois Horse Fair on March 1, 2008 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield, IL. The registration deadline is February 1, 2008. Open to all youth (non-collegiate) horse judging teams, the event is expected to draw more than 200 participants representing 4-H, FFA and breed association teams from around the Midwest. A $15 per person entry fee for the contest also will allow participants one-day access to all of Horse Fair's Saturday offerings, including sessions with internationally known clinicians, seminars, all-breed expo and tradeshow. Trophies and ribbons will be given to individuals and teams in two age divisions -- Juniors 8 to 13 and Seniors 14 to 18. Age is determined as of January 1 the year of the contest.

For more information go to: http://www.livestocktrail.uiuc.edu/horsenet/eventDisplay.cfm?ContentID=8001

Livestock Reminders...

McDonough Co. Livestock Judging Contest, March 8, WIU Livestock Pavilion

The contest is open to any current 4-H member! Registration fee is $5.00 and covers the meal. The contest includes 9 classes: 3 beef, 3 swine, 2 sheep and 1 questions class. Pre-registration is required! If you do not pre-register, but still show up you will not be eligible to compete for individual or team placings! You need to pre-register by February 29th. Please contact Rhonda Baer, Livestock Judging Volunteer Coach at brbaer@verizon.net.

Tattoo/Weighing Dates Set

Beef, swine and rabbit tattoo dates have been set for the spring! Sheep tattoo/weigh dates will come later this winter. Please ensure that members are aware of the following:

Beef Tattoo/Weigh February 2 – 10-noon Swine Weighing March 8, April 5 – 9-noon

Rabbit Tattoo July 14 Sheep Weighing/Tattoo Coming Soon!

Livestock Premises ID – Required for Exhibition at 2008 fairs in Illinois

Leaders, please alert your members enrolled in a livestock project that a Livestock Premises Identification number will be required for exhibition at all 2008 county, state, 4-H and FFA fairs in Illinois.

Livestock Premises Identification/Registration is part of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), which is a state/federal/industry cooperative program intended to identify animal premises by assigning a unique number (a Premises Identification number) to each location where livestock and/or poultry are born, managed, marketed or exhibited. Premises registration is critical to protecting Illinois' livestock industry as it helps animal health officials minimize trace back times in the event of an animal disease outbreak. This applies to all livestock, fowl, horses and poultry -- including beef, sheep, swine, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbits, horses, and exotic hoof stock (i.e. llamas).

• A Premises ID is for the location where animals are produced and/or raised.
• The Premises ID number may or may not be registered in the exhibitor's name as it relates only to location and not ownership.
• The Premises ID number should be obtained prior to making fair entries and placed on the entry form.
• Premises registration is free and can be performed on line by at http://www.agr.state.il.us/premiseid/ or by calling 1-866-299-9256 for a paper form.
• When registering on line, the Premises ID number will be given immediately. When mailing in a paper form, you may need to allow 3-4 weeks to be issued a number.

If you do not have access to a computer or need assistance to register please call the Extension office to make arrangements. All 4-H members enrolled in a livestock project are encouraged to file a copy of their premise ID with the office.

Special Reminders for 4-H Leaders...

New Members

4-H Leaders please have your new members fill out a White Enrollment Form as soon as they join your club. We want to add them to our newsletter mailing list, and make sure they are receiving mailings about upcoming events and activities. They can fill out the Green Project Enrollment anytime before May 1, 2008. Be sure the 4-H member, parent and leader signs the form.

4-H Volunteer Orientation, February 7, Extension office, 7 pm

The next orientation for 4-H "new" volunteers is on February 7^th, at 7 pm at the Extension office. Learn more about 4-H and become a screened volunteer. Only leaders that complete the screening process will be recognized at the 4-H Volunteer Recognition Banquet at the end of the 4-H year. Please register online or call the office.

Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Association, January 10, Extension office, 6 pm

Anyone is welcome to attend; you need not be a board member. Meetings are started promptly at 6 pm and usually finish within an hour. Consider becoming a part of our group as we work to serve 4-H in McLean County. It is a minimum time commitment and very rewarding to be a part of continuing a great 4-H tradition! With budget cuts affecting state 4-H programs it is more important than ever that groups such as ours remain active in funding and serving 4-H'ers and supporting Extension staff as they seek to maintain and improve programming in our county. We welcome perspectives from 4-H'ers, parents, leaders, etc on how to best distribute available funds to 4-H related needs. For more information contact Rose Rutledge, President, rutrose@yahoo.com