To all of the 4-H members, parents, leaders and community volunteers who helped with the 2009 4-H Shows, we would like to send a big THANK YOU! Many of these people volunteered their time to help set up shows, work in the food stand, clean up after shows, run projects, be superintendents, judges, cooks and much more. These people make the fair possible. Please make sure if you see one of these great volunteers, that you thank them.

The new 4-H year begins on September 1, 2009. To be eligible for 4-H membership youth must be 8 years old by September 1, 2009 or entering the 3^rd grade and cannot be 19 years of age before September 1^st. Youth between the ages of 5 and 7 may join a Cloverbud group. Enrollment forms and a copy of the new Illinois Clover will be available soon.

Thanks for a great year and we are looking forward to another,

Peggy Hampton, Youth Development Educator

Karen Rentz, 4-H & Youth

On Friday, July 31^st from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. anyone interested in sewing should come to the Extension office. We will be sewing small drawstring bags that will help benefit the birth to three program provided by the Regional Office of Education. These bags will be used for books and activities for small children. Adults and youth are welcome to attend. All the material and thread are provided. Some sewing machines will be available, or you may bring your own. You can come for an hour, or stay for the whole day. Any help is greatly appreciated. If you are able to attend, please let Karen or Peggy know by calling the Extension office.

All 4-H Records will be due to the Montgomery County Extension office by Friday, August 28, 2009. This is a little later than last year due to our day at the State Fair being later this year. Record forms are available at the Extension office or on our website. Youth may fill out the county form or the Illinois State Record form. Either is acceptable. Records are a great way to keep track of all your accomplishments throughout your 4-H years.

We will be holding an Expansion & Review meeting on August 11^th at the Montgomery County Extension office at 6:30 p.m. Any 4-H member, parent, or volunteer is welcome to attend. We will discuss the 4-H program for the past year as well as suggestions for opportunities for the upcoming year. If you would like to attend, please contact Peggy at 532-3941.

The 2009 Achievement ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 4^th at the Montgomery County Extension office. We will have the achievement ceremony followed by a wiener roast and games for the whole family. Please mark your calendars now!

This year a program fee of $20 will be assessed to each 4-H member. A portion ($6) will go to the State 4-H Office to be applied to 4-H activities at the state level. $14 will stay in the county to help with costs such as insurance, 4-H manuals, postage, etc. The good news is that the profit from the 4-H food stand will be applied to the $20 fee and we are working with the Montgomery County 4-H Foundation to help with the expense also. Stay tuned for more updates.

Please take a few minutes to write your local legislators and let them know how important the 4-H program is to you and your family. You can include photos of your projects or information about the projects you completed and how well you did at the 4-H Shows. Let them know what impact 4-H has on your life.

Representative Betsy Hannig, 239-E Stratton Office Bldg., Springfield, IL 62706, (217)782-8071

Senator Deanna Demuzio, M106 Capital Building, Springfield, IL 62706, (217)782-8206