Our new 4-H year is well underway and you all should have had your first meetings of the year with old friends and hopefully some new ones too. Everyone is excited to welcome new members and catch up with old friends. We have already had some great workshops this year and have some more fun planned for the near future. Don't forget that if you have a special interest and would like to participate in or host a workshop on that subject, we are always looking for new and interesting ideas for 4-H activities. Please remember that it is very important to call the office and register for your events, whether it is a Federation meeting, fun night, an outing or a workshop. Our leaders and guest presenters work very hard to put these events together for you and if we don't know you are coming we may have to cancel events and then we all miss out on great opportunities. Have fun choosing new projects for the year and diving into new experiences. It is going to be a great year!

- Susan Houska, Community Worker

Congratulations to the following 2009-10 Federation officers for 4-H.

President- Melissa Munster

Vice President – Rachel Houska

Secretary – Hannah Remmert

Treasurer – Autumn Winder

Recreation Leader – OPEN

Reporter – Sophie Remmert

- Susan Houska, Community Worker 4-H

Monday, November 2^nd is the deadline to order publications for a delivery date of

November 17^th. Next publication order deadline is January 4, 2010.

Please join us on November 17^th for the Leader and Federation officer Youth Partnership Workshop at the Extension office; 6:30 p.m. Please call the office to attend 762-2191. (Federation Point)

We will be having our Federation meeting on December 8^th at the Extension office, 6:00 p.m.

Let's get together on December 8^th at 7:00 p.m. to spread some holiday cheer. Join us for a night of crafts and snacks. Please call the office at 762-2191 by November 24^th to sign up so we have time to buy supplies. Parents are always welcome to stay and help. Cost is $4.00 per member. (Federation Point)

Cloverbuds are wanted! Jan Wenke is the leader of this new "Cloverbud" club. It is dedicated for youth ages 5-7 and it is guaranteed to be fun, informational and a great club for a first time 4-Her.

Connie Gyorr is the leader of the new horse club "Jolly Ranchers" in Monticello. They are looking for new members and are open to anyone interested in all 4-H projects.

To find out more information about these new clubs or starting your own club contact the Piatt County Extension office at 217-762-2191.

The first 4-H club was founded in 1902. However, it was actually a 3-H club, representing "Head, Heart, and Hands". It wasn't until 1911 that the 4th "H" was added: "Health"