Dear 4-H Families:

I am very pleased to report that Jodi Baumgartner has joined our Extension staff in the role of Community Worker, 4-H Youth Development. Jodi replaces Melinda Charbonneau who assumed a secretarial role in our office this past winter.

Jodi grew up in Stephenson County 4-H and has worked summers and short-term stints for their office. She is a die-hard 4-Her with a wealth of experience and we feel lucky to have her on our team.

Most everything you need to know to be successful this fair season and into the fall is located elsewhere in this newsletter or in your 4-H Fairbook. Please be sure to read things over carefully, and ask if you have any questions! Pay particular attention to the fair reminders page in this Hotline. Note that discounted admission tickets for the Ogle County Fair will be on sale at the fairgrounds the week of July 23.

Best wishes for a wonderful fair experience,

Debbie Moser

Unit Educator

Youth Development

The last fairgrounds workday is set for July 21^st from 9:00 a.m. – noon. Help out at the Fair Association and earn a free pass for special events at this year's fair. Call the Extension Office at least two days ahead of time to sign up. If it's raining, call the fair office at 732-6962 and leave your name and number. They will call you back and let you know if it has been cancelled.

If you have helped at one of the fairground workdays, the passes you earned will be available at the Ogle County Fair Office (not the green 4-H office). You will be required to stop by and sign for them. Do not rely on your leader to pick these up unless you have made arrangements with them.

Three rabbits are for sale to a good home. Please contact Angela Reigle at 732-3671 for information.

One of our 4-H alumni has lots of rabbits for sale. All are show stock and would make great pets. Breeds include: Mini-lops, Holland lops, Polish Netherland Dwarfs, Mini Rex, Dutch (all colors), and Lion Heads.

She also gives English and Western riding lessons for all ages and experience levels. Learn to ride for show or leisure. $20 per hour. She will come to you either during the week or on weekends.

Blast N Run is a 5 year old registered Thoroughbred gelding who needs a new home. He is a dark bay with a star on his forehead. Has done both English and Western work. Will require a semi-experienced rider. Has been around dogs, cats, goats, and rabbits. He is extremely gentle and sound with experience in barrel racing, trail riding, and some minor jumping.

For info on any of these items, call Jennifer at 815-218-2451.

National 4-H Week, October 7-13, is a great time to recruit new members and invite current members to re-enroll in your 4-H club. All 4-H clubs are encouraged to promote 4-H through window displays in local businesses, posters, media releases, and other special events and activities. Now is the time for clubs to start planning activities. If 4-H clubs would like to order anything from the National 4-H Council, we will be placing an order August 31^st.

High school graduation doesn't mean Illinois 4-H program involvement has to end. Collegiate 4-H Clubs are one of the recognized student organizations on several college campuses including University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Illinois State University, Bloomington; and Olney Central College, Olney, Illinois. As Collegiate 4-H members, students experience a unique sense of identity on campus and are involved in group projects, social activities, and community outreach. The Collegiate 4-H program also contributes to the personal development of confidence and leadership skills. Collegiate 4-H is open to all college students who wish to be part of the 4-H tradition. Current members come from a wide range of academic departments. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Pat McGlaughlin at (217)333-0910.