Once again this summer, we have our amazing Master Gardeners available at the office to answer all sorts of gardening questions. Master Gardeners are available every day between 9 -11 a.m. Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who can answer questions regarding vegetables, insects, flower gardening, lawn care, shrubs, etc. You can contact a Master Gardener at 815-235-4125.

The Superior Young Producer Contests will again be held during the Illinois State Fair. Exhibitors must enter and show at the Illinois State Fair Junior Department in the respective specie area in order to be eligible for the scholarship award. Awards include: $1000 scholarship and plaque to the "top 5" individuals overall in each species. Species include: BEEF, DAIRY, HORSE, SHEEP, AND SWINE. Complete rules and regulations can be found in the Junior Department Premium Book on the Illinois State Fair website: www.illinoisstatefair.info

Please remember that there is more to 4-H than the blue, red, and white ribbons. Grand Champion ribbons and trophies are nice, but there is much more than a ribbon gained from being in 4-H. As shows come and go, please evaluate your learning! Did you enjoy the project? Did you challenge yourself? What improvements could you make for next year? Did your project turn out how you envisioned it would? 4-H is about learning by doing. What you put into the 4-H program will determine what you gain! Take advantage of the many opportunities 4-H has available!

If you enjoy the outdoors, children and learning, please read on.

Part-Time: 0-30 hours per week. Busy months with school groups are April, May, September and October. Occasional weekends and
evenings.

Responsibilities:
1. Lead outdoor education programs for grades Kindergarten through 6th.
2. Work with staff to evaluate, develop and improve education programs.
3.Occasionally staff the Nature Center during public open hours and special events.
4. Potentially lead in-school Traveling Naturalist programs for school visits and other groups (seniors, daycares, special events, etc.)
5. Other duties as required by the Outdoor Recreation Supervisor.

Salary Range:
Hourly wage $7.50 - $10.00

Send application and resume by August 10, 2007. If you would like more information, please call Jennifer Gomolka at 815-235-6114 ext. 107.

Thank you SO MUCH to the many, many volunteers who helped before, during, and/or after the Ag Breakfast. Over 3,400 people were served breakfast! The volunteer hours involved were HUGE, and we appreciate each and every one who helped in any way! Those who made coffee cakes in advance are also MUCH APPRECIATED! This event could not be possible without all of you!

Thank You,

Barb Curry, Volunteer Chairman

A huge thank you to the representatives from the following clubs that worked to either set-up for General Project's Day or stayed afterward and helped clean up! We couldn't have done it without you and our words of appreciation really don't do justice for all the thanks that we owe you! THANK YOU to the following clubs and their volunteers!!

Set-up: Clean up:

Lena Live Wires Pearl Valley Rangers

Snappy Snazzers Country Cuzins

Winslow Clovers Freeport Fantastics

Harlem Helpers Lena Lucky Clovers

Rainbow Rangers Davis Rockets

Pearl City Hornets Whiz Kids

German Valley Golden Eagles

Thank you General Project's Day Helpers!!

Thanks to all the youth that helped serve donuts, juice, and took pictures of champions! Thanks to Bonnie and Johnathon Campbell, LeAnne Scheid, Pam & Rebecca Ryman, Jacob Barr, Sabrina Lewis, Annie King, and Heidi Raab. You guys are the best!

A BIG THANK YOU TO DENISE HAYUNGA FOR, ONCE AGAIN, HELPING WITH THE STATE FAIR TABLE!!!

Jake Antos

Ashley Arbogast

Cassandra Burmeister

Jenna Canon

Elizabeth Clay

Rachel Clay

Abigayle Endress

Melcum Folk

Kalena Foust

Melissa Golz

Jalen Holman

Brenna Krug

Tiffany Kruzel

Laura Lochowitz

Heather Lott

Kelsy Miller

Rebecca Moest

Allie Person

James Priewe

Garrett Rodebaugh

Miranda Rodebaugh

Lillian Schierloh

Ross Simler

Cory Snetcher

Tyler Thomas

Cody Wichman

Lindsay Willson

Clubs conducting "June is Dairy Month" promotional campaigns are responsible for submitting "Dairy Month Evaluation Forms" to the Extension Office by August 31. Don't forget!