The weather is getting colder and the leaves are changing, bringing us to the conclusion of a busy and hopefully fantastic summer! It also means we are ready to begin another adventure as the 2009-2010 4-H year gets underway!

This newsletter is packed full of information about enrollment deadlines, ownership deadlines, upcoming programs, and much more! Please take some time and look it over, as it is a great resource with tons of information for families.

Wishing you all the best,

Debbie Moser and Jodi Baumgartner

If you're planning to attend a 4-H event this fall/winter, but driving conditions are questionable, call the Extension office before coming! We will notify WRHL radio station (AM 1060, FM 102.3) of cancellations.

The Extension office will be closed November 26 & 27 for Thanksgiving. The office will also be closed December 24 - January 1. The office will reopen on January 4.

If your son or daughter is enrolled in 4-H this year and is away at college, we will be happy to send issues of the 4-H HOTLINE to them if you contact the office with their mailing or e-mail address.

U of I Extension has developed a number of fun, interactive, and ….YES…educational websites just for kids! These can be excellent tools for enhancing project work.

They include:

The Adventures of Herman (Vermiculture)

The Great Plant Escape

Let's Talk About Insects

The Great Corn Adventure

A Walk in the Woods

Riding the Winds With Kalani (Weather)

The All-star River Explorers

Trees are Terrific

Shake, Rattle, & Slide (Quakes, Volcanoes, Glaciers)

Dr. Arbor Talks Trees

Exploring the Secret Life of Trees

Secret Agent Worms (Water Conservation)

Out on a Limb: A Guide to Getting Along

Claude's Got the Scoop On Soil

Tree House Weather Kids

Fun Food: From Apples to Zucchini

Visit the following website to get started:

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/schools.html

U of I Extension offers a number of web resources for teens and adults. While these are not as "fun" and interactive as those listed above, they are packed full of very helpful information that can be used as project support or to provide lessons for younger members. Sites include:

Animals: Past & Present

Knowing Your World (Environmental Ed)

My First Garden

A Guide to the Business of Babysitting

Healthy Hopping (jump rope stunts, rhymes)

Sports & Nutrition: the Winning Connection

Strategies for Empowering Youth

Character Development

Weather One

Sports & Nutrition: The Winning Connection

Visit the following website to get started:

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/state/schools.html

4-H Fair premium checks were mailed for 2009 4-H Fair exhibitors. If you were one of the recipients, please be sure to cash your check – big or small – as soon as possible! Checks are void after 60 days. If you have any questions about your premiums contact Cathy Anderson at 815-732-2191.

4-Hers, ages 12-18, are encouraged to make the global connection by participating in a 4-week homestay exchange in Australia or Costa Rica or a 4-8 week homestay in Japan. Through the 4-H international exchange programs, 4-Hers become part of a host family in another country. They gain first hand knowledge of their new country as they work alongside host siblings and parents to experience daily life, culture, special customs, and traditions. 4-Hers who travel to Costa Rica will participate in a week-long camp sponsored by the 4-H programs in those countries. 4-Hers who travel to Australia will live with host families on a working farm or ranch. Japanese exchanges have a couple of different travel date options. For more information about these opportunities, contact the Extension office, 815-732-2191.