A big thank you goes out to the following clubs

who donated to the Federation Christmas Boxes:

Country Cuzins

Davis Rockets

Harlem Helpers

Lena Live Wires

Pearl City Hornets

Rainbow Rangers

Snappy Snazzers

Whiz Kids

Thanks to your help we were able to sponsor two

families this year and make their holiday a little brigher

and more joyful!!

Horse Bowl & Hippology

We have volunteers ready to share horse knowledge

and have fun!, but they need 4-Her's interested too!

Call the Extension Office if you are interested in participating

in learning about horses and then competing

against others based on your knowledge!

Any youth that enrolls in a 4-H club/group, but fails to

attend any club events (meetings, tours, workshops, or

other activities sponsored by the club/group) cannot

be viewed as a 4-H participant/member. Therefore,

the youth is not eligible to take part in 4-H exhibitions,

receive 4-H premiums, or other 4-H awards and

recognitions. Don't lose out—make sure you

participate and make the most of your 4-H

experience! See Club Attendance Policy for further

information (next article).

2008-09 CLUB ATTENDANCE POLICY

We'd like to remind everyone of the attendance policy

for exhibit requirements. There is a 1/3-club meeting

attendance policy. The rule reads as follows: from

September 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, in order to

exhibit at any of the 4-H shows, the 4-H'er must

attend at least 1/3 of the club's meetings after joining

(by the enrollment deadline) and prior to specific show

dates at which the 4-H'er intends to exhibit. Each

leader will turn in a form listing those that do not

qualify to exhibit by the required deadline. Any

questions, call the Extension Office for further

clarification.

Freeport Fantastics

The February meeting of the Freeport Fantastic's was held

February 2, 2009. All enrollment forms for 4-H projects need to

be submitted as soon as possible. Everyone who attended sledding

day in January said they had lots of fun.

Cookie Day will be held on February 16, at 1:00 p.m. at Park Hills

Church. Anyone attending should bring cookie dough to bake.

Camp White Eagle will be June 8-12. Applications are available for

those who want to attend. Super Saturday for 4-H and Cloverbuds

will be March 28, 2009 from 8:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Further details

will be in the mailing coming next week. The Cloverbud Party will be

March 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Highland Community College cafeteria.

A flyer will be mailed soon with more information.

The 4-H Pork Chop Dinner Fundraiser will be Sunday, April 26 at

the Eagles Club in Freeport. Tickets are available for $7, or $7.50

at the door. Tickets for hot dogs can be purchased for $3.00 at

the door. A Joys of Gardening workshop will be Saturday, Feb 28.

4-Hers can attend for ½ price. The next meeting will be March 2,

2009 at 6:00, at the Park Hills Church. We will be having an

International Dinner, featuring the country of India. Anyone

attending should bring one or two dishes from the Indian culture,

their own table service and a beverage.

Submitted by: Nicolle Leek

Pearl City Hornets News

The Pearl City Hornets 4-H meeting was held on Jan. 5, 2009 at

St. John's Lutheran Church. Roll call was done by stating our

favorite Christmas present we received. Club dues are $3 &

please give along with T-shirt orders to Jacob Hershey. Enrollment

deadline for previous 4-H members is March 2, 2009 and

new members is April 1, 2009. Also, make sure to check folders

at every meeting for any materials you may need. Please check

the program book for refreshment and talk/demonstration

schedules.

New business items discussed are the following: We voted on

having a lock-in at the YMCA. It will be held sometime in March

or April. The beef weigh-in is Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, look for

information about it in the mail. The Furst McNess Fund-raiser

packets were handed out. All orders & money are due Feb. 2,

2009. Make checks payable to the Pearl City Hornets. The delivery

will be made at the March 2 meeting. Please share any other

fund-raising ideas you might have. This year 4-H camp will be

June 8-12. Get a head start and register today as camp fills up

fast! The Poultry Clinic is on Jan. 17th at Highland College in

Building R. The flyers will be sent home for those who are enrolled

in poultry. The practice of leasing animals to show in 4-H

is only permitted for horses, ponies & dogs. Remember that

horse & pony lease & ownership forms are due by May 1, 2009 to

the Extension Office. The dog lease & ownership forms are due

June 1, 2009. All 4-Hers who intend to exhibit animals at the

2009 Step. Co. 4-H Livestock shows must abide by animal ownership,

lease, & registration deadlines. Mark your calendars as

the Step. Co Fair will be held July 13-19, 2009. Check your newsletters

for other important information.

Submitted by: Katie Wingert

Whiz Kids Club News

In October we went to Oakley Court to make ice cream sundaes

for the residents. They really enjoyed us being there.

Also, in October, we had a hayride. It was a very cold ride,

but we had fun!

In December we had a Christmas party. We played games,

exchanged gifts and had refreshments. Another day we went

to Oakley Court Christmas caroling. Some residents liked to

sing along!

In January, we had a lock-in at CRC. We made valentines to

take to Oakley Court, played games ate and had lots of fun.

We stayed up until midnight and later. We had breakfast in

the morning, cleaned up a little and were on our way home

by 11:00 a.m.

In February, we delivered Valentine cards to residents at

Oakley Court.

Our meetings are on the first Monday of the month at Community

Reformed Church at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by: CJ Burmeister

4-H members enrolled in animal projects and planning

to participate in the Illinois State Fair with livestock are

required to participate in an ethics training via the web.

4-H members exhibiting sheep, beef, dairy, swine,

goats, and/or poultry will need to complete the ethics

training by July 1st, and the State Fair Jr. Horse Show

exhibitors must complete certification prior to June 9th.

The web certification will be the only approved method

for 2009 and future years as approved by the Illinois

State Fair Jr. Livestock Advisory Committee.

Participants are required to only take the training once

for the Illinois State Fair. Those who have previously

taken the QAEC training are still maintained on the

approved list and will not need to be re-certified.

The URL for the site will be:

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec/.

Be sure to print out the certificate at the end and once

you pass, you never need to take it again!

If you do not have access to the internet, you may

schedule a time to use our Extension Office internet.

Participants will be required to follow just a couple

steps to complete the certification. If you have any

questions regarding the 4-H/FFA QA & E certification

contact Dave Seibert, Animal Systems Educator,

University of IL Extension (309) 694-7501 Ext 224.

Science Siesta is scheduled for May 1 and 2 at the Discovery

Center in Rockford, IL. This program is for girls in 4th through

6th grade to learn more about women in the field of science.

The registration materials are coming out very soon! Sign up

fast, as up very quickly!

If you use the 4-H Clover, please be aware of the

clover use rules, and that the 4-H Clover is

protected by law. Be sure that the only lettering or

writing that is on the Clover is

the H's that are in the leaves.

Anything else, including clipart,

on the Clover is an illegal use of

the Clover. Also be aware that

the Clover colors are limited to

four colors that it can legally be

printed in, those colors are:

green, white, black, and gold. Any other color or

mixture of colors is not legal. Call the Extension

Office for more information if you plan to use the

Clover for something.

Institute of Natural Resources

Sustainability Expo

A great fieldtrip opportunity to campus for 4-Hers

interested in science careers, environmental studies,

green technologies, natural resources, and

sustainable energy! For more information visit…

http://www.inrs.illinois.edu/expo/index.shtml

2009 Illini Summer Academies

Just hanging out this summer? Come "hang" with us!

After a successful first year, the Academies are back!

We have expanded this 3-day event to provide Illinois

teens new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois

campus; study potential careers or leadership skills;

and meet youth from across the state. This event is

scheduled for June 29—July 1, 2009 at the University of

Illinois. Registration for high school delegates will open

March 1st and will be available until April 15th. Final registrations

close on May 26, 2009. To receive early bird

discount, mailed payments & medical forms must be received

by April 24th. This event is open to Illinois high

school teens, incoming freshmen to graduating seniors

for the fall of 2009. Youth must be 14-18 years old by

9-1-09.

For more information, call the Extension Office at

815-235-4125.

Stephenson County families are again looking for Host

families for the LABO exchange. Students arrive on

July 25, 2009 & leave on Aug. 21, 2009. If you are interested,

please contact Pam Ryman at 815-990-0379

or call the Stephenson County Extension Office!

Legacy of Leadership

Scholarship

The University of Illinois Extension State

4-H Office and Illinois 4-H Foundation, Inc. is

offering scholarships to current 4-H members

who are high school seniors or in an approved

post-high school educational program (junior

college, 4-year university, trade school, etc.)

Members must have been enrolled in the 4-H

program a minimum of five years. Applications

must be postmarked no later than March 1 of

the year applying. Faxed applications will not

be accepted. Please call the Extension Office

for more information or an application!

Excellence In Agriculture Scholarship

The Treasurer's Office has gone green!! Applications

are available exclusively online this year. Please visit

www.treasurer.il.gov to download the application.

The Treasurer's Office will award ten $2,500

scholarships to excellent students pursuing agriculturerelated

fields of study. The application is due by May

14, 2009! You may also call Rebecca Huston with any

questions at 217-558-6217.

Once again this year, we will be offering two (2) $500

scholarships to 4-H members that are/or will be a fulltime

college student in the coming year. The recipient

must have been at least a five- year 4-H member in

Stephenson County, past or present. They must also

have been a 4-H'er during their senior year of high

school. The scholarships will be judged and awarded

on the basis of merit, through written application. For

further information, or an

application, call the Extension

Office or stop in. Applications

are due by April 16th.

This year Brittany would have

been a college senior.

Brittany Koch Scholarship

The Darrel Miller 4-H Scholarship Fund has been

established to provide financial assistance to former

Stephenson County 4-Hers studying at a college or

university. Scholarships of $500 will be given as funds

permit.

Eligibility requirements are:

*Stephenson County, IL resident.

*Must be a former 4-Her who was active at least 3

years & who exemplifies the commitment to

community & service to others demonstrated by

Darrel Miller during his years as a 4-H leader.

*Must be enrolled in a degree program.

*Must be accepted at chosen college or university.

*Must be a full time student, 12 hours minimum per

semester.

Selection will be made by a committee made up of

members of the Stephenson County 4-H and Extension

Foundation Board, and Miller family members, based

on the questions applicants answer and their academic

transcripts. The application must be typed or computer

generated. Applications are available at the Extension

Office and the deadline is June 1, 2009.

Questions concerning the application may be directed

to Margaret Larson, County Director, at 815-235-4125

or emailed to: mklarson@uiuc.edu

Darrel Miller Scholarship

R. C. Miller Agriculture Scholarship

The R. C. Miller Agriculture Scholarship Fund has

been established to provide financial assistance to

Stephenson County residents studying agriculture

with an emphasis on conservation. Scholarships of

$1,000 will be given as funds permit. Stop by the

Extension Office for an application.

HORSE INFORMATION

Used Tack Sale: Saturday, March 21, 2009 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Belvidere South

Middle School located on 6th Street, sponsored by the Wranglers 4-H Club. This is the same

date and location as the NW Region Horse Bowl & Hippology Competition, as they planned it

that way. Bring your old saddle, bridle, halter, boots, apparel, horse supplies, etc. or anything

else livestock-related. Please have everything clearly marked with a price. There are 30

spaces available at $5 per space, and bring your own table or something to display your items.

You may call Donna Manzer to reserve your spot, ask questions or get directions at 815-544-

2878.

TACK SALE

Jan Zarn is having a tack sale again on March 22nd at Cedarville. Her phone is 297-4331 and

you may call her to find out more information and what items will be for sale.

HORSE FAIR

20th Annual Illinois Horse Fair, March 6-8, 2009 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in

Springfield, Il. Top national clinicians and equine educators join vendors offering everything

for the equestrian—recreational horsemen as well as professionals in all breeds and disciplines!

The Horse Fair offers over 140 vendors, many brands of trailers, informational opportunities,

unique horse for sale aisles, and more than 25 breed and sport demonstrations, stallion row and

parade and the All Youth Horse Judging Trials! General admission permits entry to the Horse

Fair and clinics, demonstrations, commercial exhibits and barns, only Ranch Rodeo requires a

separate ticket. For more information contact, Joy Meierhans 630-557-2575.

************************************************************************************

4-H NIGHT WITH THE PEORIA RIVERMEN!!

Where: Carver Arena

When: March 7, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. game time

What: 4-H Night with the Peoria Rivermen… Questions call Katie at: 680-3791

***************************************************************

4-H DAY WITH THE CARDINALS!!

Where: Busch Stadium

When: May 23, 2009 at 12:10 p.m.

What: 4-H Day with the Cardinals!! What a great way to start your Memorial Day Weekend!

For questions call Steve Wagoner, Extension Educator, Youth Development, University of IL

Extension, Edwardsville Extension Center, phone 618-692-9434.

Illinois Southdown Breeders Sponsor Lamb Contest

The Illinois Southdown Sheep Breeders Association is sponsoring its 16th annual essay contest and will be awarding a

Southdown ewe lamb to the winner. The contest is open to Illinois 4-H or FFA members under the age of 16 and not

currently raising Southdown sheep. The lamb, registered in the winners' name, will come from one of the quality Southdown

flocks maintained in Illinois and have a $150-$250 value. The lamb will be presented to the essay winner at the

Annual Illinois Southdown Experience held in Eureka, Illinois in June.

Southdowns are a popular 4-H and FFA project because of their pleasant disposition and ability to be kept on small

acreage. In recent years their increased size and leanness has made them attractive to the commercial breeder. They

continue to be an ideal sheep for a youth project, small farm flock or hobby. In past contests lambs have been donated

by Kurt Shattuck, Keith Carson, Kenneth Clayton, Mark & Amy Johnson, Mike & Shirley McElvain, Gale Cole, Jami Meisenheimer-

Bowman, Dave Fruendt, Mike Miller, the Jim Davis family and Brad & Rhonda Baer.

The essay should describe why the contestant would like a Southdown ewe lamb, future plans for the lamb and how they

will care for it. Essays will be judged on their content and age appropriateness. Entries should be sent to Betsy Meisenheimer,

5734 Palmyra Rd, Palmyra, IL 62674 by May 1, 2009. Please include the entrants name, address, phone number,

age and 4-H club or FFA chapter name.

Questions concerning the contest should be directed to Betsy Meisenheimer, Palmyra, IL, 217-436-2195 or meisen5@

dtnspeed.net.

4-H Tech Team

Who: Youth interested in technology (i.e. GPS, web design, multi -media, Robotics, Geocashing, etc.)

What: 4-H Tech Team

When: We will meet the 4th Monday each month @ 6:00 p.m., possibly more based on the team's projects.

Why: To be involved in building a technology based community service program for the entire Stephenson County area. If you are interested

in technology and would like to be a part of this exciting new adventure, call Kim at (815) 235-4125.

Swine PQA Testing Dates & Info

All swine 4-H project members are required to be Youth Pork Quality Assurance Certified. To do this you must

attend a clinic on one of the following dates: May 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. or June 15, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. both to be

held at the Stephenson County Extension Office. Further information will soon be mailed to all swine project

members.

Thank You!!

A huge Thanks to all the 4-H clubs who

made a square for Pam's quilt. Also, a

big thank you to Denise Hayunga for

heading this project, Barb Curry for her

time and efforts, and also to Mike Shore

and the RSVP quilters who did a wonderful

job of putting it all together! Denise

will be delivering it to Pam later

this Spring, and we just know she will

treasure all of the memories it will provide

her from the great 4-H families

here in Stephenson County!

Clip & Save Important Dates:

February:

23 Tech Team; South Lobby 6:00 p.m.

March:

2 Re-enrollment for previous 4-H'ers

11 Cloverbud Party, Cafeteria; 6:00 p.m.

21 Leader Super Saturday, Winn. Co

23 Federation Meeting; 6:30 p.m.

24 Counselor Training, Oregon, 6: 30 p.m.

28 Super Saturday, Building R, 8:30 a.m.—

2:30 p.m.

30 Tech Team; South Lobby, 6:00 p.m.

31 Leaders Meeting, South Lobby 1:30 p.m. &

7:00 p.m.

April:

1 Last chance for new members to enroll & to

add a project!