Dear 4-H Family:

Hi 4-H'ers and 4-H Families! Wow do we have lots of changes happening with Fair and other 4-H shows this year!

As we get busy planning all of our 4-H Shows, we are continually trying to layout what will work best for all

involved! We know not every show date and time is what EVERYONE wants, but we are dong the best we can with the changes in dates of the Fair. We are VERY excited about the Fair dates in July mainly because we won't be competing with school and because we will actually have time to do some summer programming for our 4-H'ers!

We are working with the Freeport Park District to plan 5 weeks of Summer Day Camps this summer and as we get details, we will forward them to you! Some of our camp counselors are applying to be Day Camp Counselors too, so you might even be able to see them more too!

Please bear with us as we work to handle all of the changes and know that we are trying to do the best for veryone! Also, feel welcome to give us your suggestions and ideas too!

See you soon!

Peace, Kim

Super Saturday, March 28th Once again we are offering a wide variety of workshops that will be both informative and fun! Registration is underway and you will find the registration info included in this FOCUS. Registration and payment must be to the Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. on March 13th. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 28th. Session sizes are limited and will fill up quickly, so choose the workshops that you would like to participate in and return them with the participant fee (that includes lunch), plus any fees listed for particular sessions. The sooner your registration is received in the office, the better chance you have of getting your first choice in workshops. Again this year we have added sessions for Cloverbuds to our Super Saturday! Cloverbuds will have an opportunity to attend sessions from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. So, check it out!!

Stephenson County 4-H & Extension Foundation Pork Chop Fundraiser

Tickets are available NOW from any 4-H leader or Ext. Office. Advance tickets are $7, which includes 2 pork chops, potato salad or chips, cheese, applesauce, drink & homemade dessert! Hot dog meals will be available at the door for $3. There will be a Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle too! All proceeds to benefit Stephenson County 4-H & Extension Foundation & stay in the county.

Your 4-H Staff Are:

Kim Christman

Unit Educator

Youth Development

Julie Miller

4-H Extra Help, Ext. Staff

Other Extension Staff are:

Margaret Larson

County Director

Barbara Curry

Family Nutrition Program

Coordinator

Beverly Haselhorst

Educational Programs

Coordinator

Nikki Keltner

Ag & Natural Resources

Program Coordinator

Kera Baumgartner

Extra Help

Phone: 815-235-4125;

Fax: 815-232-9006

Email:

stephenson_co@extension.uiuc.edu

Website:

http://stephenson.extension.uiuc.edu

Stephenson County Day

at the Illinois State Fair

is Aug. 16, 2009!!

Federation News

We met on January 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. The roll call question was, "What is your favorite thing to do in the winter?" Some of our answers included: reading a good book, drinking some yummy hot chocolate or tea, and going hunting. Our recreation activity for the meeting was learning about friendships, old and new, we also each got together with a group and drew a perfect friend. We then made friendship bracelets. Overall, the recreation activity was excellent! Upcoming Dates : Cloverbud Committee Meeting on Feb. 16 at 6:30 Federation Winter Trip has been changed to Feb. 18, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Freeport due to scheduling issues.

Northern IL Leadership Conference will be March 14th and 15th Super Saturday – March 28 4-H Camp – June 8th to the 12th If you have any questions regarding Federation events, please call Kim at 815-235-4125.

Written by:

Sarah Wilhelms, 4-H Federation Secretary

Just a reminder, adults, interested in possibly

attending the State Fair with the State Fair

Trip or in the dorms, must go through the volunteer

screening process now. Volunteers

must have submitted their paperwork by May

1st. Those that have not applied by May 1st,

will not be able to stay in the dorms.

CLOVERBUDS

The Cloverbud Party is scheduled for March 11, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. at Highland Community College in the Cafeteria. This year's party theme is Super Heroes Saving the Planet!!!! There will be games, food, and fun for all! All Cloverbuds should have received an invitation. The Federation Cloverbud Committee has been working hard to make this event a fun one for our Cloverbuds, so please take time to attend!!! RSVP by Wed. March 4th, 2009 at 235-4125

ANIMAL PROJECT DEADLINES

The practice of leasing animals to show in 4-H is only permitted for horses, ponies, and dogs. Be sure to be ware of all lease/ownership deadlines! All 4-H'ers who intend to exhibit animals at the 2009 Stephenson County 4-H Livestock Shows must abide by the following animal ownership, lease, and registration deadlines:

May 1st

Horse Leases & Registration Papers

Horse Ownership to Ext. Office

June 1st

Meat Goat Kids

Meat Goat Yearlings (not in milk)

Breeding Beef

Beef Heifer & Bucket Calves

Dairy Goat Kids

Pygmy Goats

Dairy Goat Yearlings (not in milk)

Dog Lease & Ownership to Ext. Office

All Swine

Breeding Rabbits

Swine Ear Notch Forms to the Ext. Office

Grade Dairy VIP/ID forms to Ext. Office

Registered Dairy or Transfer papers to Ext. Office

June 25th

Breeding Sheep

The following is information for premiere animals showing at the State Fair: Beef--Steers must be weighed and tattooed on or between January 31st and March 15th, 2009, to be eligible for the Illinois State Fair. All beef animals must be castrated prior to tattooing. Each exhibitor may nominate a total of 10 steers for the State Fair Open and Jr. Premiere Classes. To qualify, carcasses must grade at least low select, have a yield grade lower than 4.0, and weigh 900 lbs. or less. Stephenson County 4-Hers' steers must be weighed and tattooed on February 7, 2009, at the county Beef Weigh-In.

Swine--Swine must have been farrowed on or after February 15, 2009. Both purebred and crossbred swine are eligible. Each exhibitor may nominate a maximum of 25 barrows at the time of tattooing. Swine must be castrated before they are tattooed. Barrows must be nominated, ear notched, and tattooed before they are 35 days old. Swine cannot weigh more than the equivalent of 1.0 pound per day of age when tattooed.

All swine must be tattooed by April 15, 2009. Please contact Julie Miller at the Extension Office if you need swine weighed and tattooed for this program!

Sheep--Lambs for the 2009 Illinois State Fair Jr. and Open Premiere Shows must be nominated, weighed, and tattooed between March 15 & May 15, 2009. All premiere wethers must be owned no later than May 15th. An exhibitor may nominate a total of ten wethers. Lambs must have been castrated prior to tattooing for the wether classes at the State Fair. Sheep will need to be weighed and tattooed at one of the assigned locations. Please contact the Extension Office for a list of locations and dates for tattooing.

Stephenson County will NOT be a weigh-in and tattooing site for sheep this year!

Meat Goats-- Wethers, born on or after October 1, 2008, should be registered and tattooed in name of exhibitor only by May 15, 2009. Ownership dates for Kids and Yearlings not in milk is May 15, 2009.

Let's go Camping!

Hey, future campers, are you ready for this year's

4-H Summer Camp? The dates for Stephenson

County are June 8th - 12th at Camp White Eagle,

in Leaf River. Camper ages range from ages 8-15,

from all over Stephenson, Ogle, and Lee Counties.

Campers sleep in cabins with qualified,

responsible, caring, and most of all FUN

counselors!! Each day campers choose

"camptivities" that they want to go to including:

Archery, Arts and Crafts, Canoeing, Swimming,

Crate Stacking, Recreation, River Walks,

Challenge Hikes, Rock Climbing, and more!!

Evening activities include, but are not limited to:

opening and closing campfires, talent show,

impromptu skits, relay races, scavenger hunts, and

night hikes. Prices for camp were included in the

mailing you received last month, so be sure to

check it out or call the Extension Office if you

need another form or go online for an application

at: www.extension.uiuc.edu/stephenson.

Let's have a strong showing from Stephenson

County!!

Volume 09, Issue 01

Camp White Eagle

Page 3

SOuL Counselors!!!

Stephenson County is pleased to announce that we have 9

exceptional youth selected to be camp counselors for the

2009 SOuL Camp at White Eagle! These 9 will be working

hard the next 5 months to make this year's camp a major

success!! Serving as counselors for Stephenson County are:

Kalli Berning Meggie Berning Josh Bolen

Morgan Curry Erin Ebbesmeyer Jacob Eden

Maggie Hooper Mollie Miller Rebecca Ryman

39th Annual Mineral, Gem & Fossil Show

Stop by the Monroe High School from 9 a.m.—5 p.m.

on March 28 & 29th, 2009, to see 10 dealers in

minerals, fossils, gems, & jewelry, speakers,

educational exhibits, hourly door prizes, great food,

and a terrific "Fish Pond" for the kids!

Get ready for judging!

Carroll County annual Livestock Judging Contest will be

March 14, 2009, at the Carroll Co. Highway Building 1/4

mile west of Mt. Carroll, on the south side of Rte. 64.

This is a livestock contest only, no dairy. Registration is

from 8-8:45 a.m. and contest starts at 9:00 a.m. There

will be 3 rings of each species, 1 production ring in each

species, 10th ring will be a questions class. There is no

charge for 4-Hers to participate. Please pre-register by

March 5, but walk-ins are welcome. Adults are needed to

help with scoring, ringleaders, etc. If you have any questions,

call Leanne Rahn, Community Worker, 4-H & Youth,

University of Illinois Extension, Carroll County Office at

815-244-9444 or email: lrahn@illinois.edu

Dairy Judging Team

Dairy judging practices in Stephenson County will begin

the end of April. If you have questions, or are interested

in participating, contact Jason Meier at 275-2869.

CLOVER CHALLENGE

Are you 15-18 years old?

Have you successfully completed all levels of your project

area?

Do you want to continue to study in your chosen project

area?

If you can answer "yes" to each of these questions, then

Clover Challenge may be the option you need! Clover

Challenge is an advanced study unit for state

4-H projects (not county projects). This is an option only

after the 4-H member has successfully completed all other

levels in a particular curriculum area. To assist members who

enroll in Clover Challenge, a Clover Challenge Agreement,

which each member must fill out, can help the member

design his/her project. For more details, and a copy of the

agreement, contact the Extension Office.

CLUB WEBSITES??

Does your club have its own website or are you thinking of

designing one? If so, please be sure to contact the Stephenson

County Extension Office for some guidelines you

need to be aware of and follow for doing this.

We are pleased to launch the new Illinois Vegetable Garden

Guide website that has been revised by James Schmidt,

Extension Specialist, Home Horticulture/4-H. The site

includes information about growing & caring for a successful

garden, insect & disease problems, a directory on growing

specific vegetables, & how to exhibit vegetables at the fair.

Great info for our new Fair dates!!

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.

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 atOakley Court. Our meetings are on the first Monday of the month at Community Reformed Church at 6:00 p.m.

Submitted by: CJ Burmeister

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

If you were not able to attend the Poultry Clinic, please stop in the Extension Office and pick up some good information. We have information on chickens, waterfowl (ducks and geese), turkeys, and pigeons. We hope to see you at our next clinic in May, to be held at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

& ETHICS TRAINING

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

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 esources, 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.

LABO Host Families Needed

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.

Brittany Koch Scholarship

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.

Darrel Miller 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

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 linicians 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 outhdown 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!