October 2009

It is hard to believe that fall is here already. We had several members turn in award applications! I am so proud of you. Remember to put Recognition Day on your calendars. It is a chance for all the members to be recognized for their achievements this year. Each club will be recognized and the new clubs will be introduced.

We have started the new 4-H year. Some of the clubs have already met and others are just getting started. Please remember to let me know if you or your club is doing something special so that I can salute your efforts in my around the county section.

County Fair Dates for 2010

The county fair has set their fair dates for next year. They will be July 6-10th. Keep watching the newsletter for updates.

National 4-H Week

National 4-H Week is October 4-10th.

This year's theme is CELEBRATE 4-H.

Please make an effort to promote 4-H within your community. I know some clubs are doing window displays, other are doing a tell a friend about 4-H drive, wearing 4-H t-shirts to school, etc.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to teach others all the value assets of the 4-H program.

If you something special let me know, or take a picture so that we can feature your club in the next newsletter.

4-H Halloween and Costume Party

Hocus Pocus, pumpkin, and stick

Web of spider and apple dip.

Breath of dragon, bark of dog,

Meow of cat, and oink of hog!

In this cauldron I do mix

A recipe for Halloween tricks.

Follow directions, letter and rhyme

To make sure you get there on time.

4-H Halloween Costume Party

Saturday, October 31st

7pm-midnight (or whenever your parents sign you out)

At the University of Illinois Extension office

Lots of fun activities, food, movies, dance, etc

Call Paige if you need more information!

Attendance/Participation Policy

In order to participate in the 4-H fair exhibition:

A 4-H community club member must attend a minimum of three (3) meetings and each

Community club shall have a minimum of six (6) meetings each program year member Attendance at a county wide 4-H meeting will count towards their required three (3) meetings.

Each 4-H member shall give a talk or demonstration, either individual or with a partner.

Each 4-H member shall participate in at least two (2) of the following county activities each year.

-Project workshop

-Fair grounds clean up days – June 12, 2010 from 8am- noon and/or June 19, 2010 from 8am-noon

-Fair preparation – Individual or club will work the Extension staff to help organize and prepare for the fair. This would be working in the office or fairgrounds depending on the priority of tasks.

-Preparation for 4-H Recognition Banquet held November 1, 2009. This would include setting up, cleaning up, or getting donations. Contact Paige at the office for further details.

Vermilion County Independent Study Member

Attendance/Participation Policy

In order to participate in the 4-H fair exhibition:

1. An independent study 4-H member must complete the independent study agreement at the time of enrollment.

2. Each independent study member must have a minimum of 6 monthly contacts with the

mentor. Mentors may be a club leader or Extension Staff person. Contacts may be

in person, through written correspondence, telephone conversations, or via email.

Contacts may include information on 4-H work planned or accomplished.

Each 4-H member shall participate in at least two (2) of the following county activities

each year.

- Project workshop

- Fair grounds clean up days – June 12, 2010 from 8am- noon

- June 19, 2010 from 8 am-noon

- Fair preparation – Individual or club will work the Extension staff to help organize and prepare for the fair. This would be working in the office or at the fairgrounds depending on the priority of tasks.

- Preparation for 4-H Recognition Banquet held November 1, 2009. This would include setting up, cleaning up, or getting donations. Contact Paige at the office for further details.

Recognition Day

Recognition day is Sunday, November 1st at 3:30 pm. This year we will be having it here at the office. We hope everyone will make an effort to come and recognize all the outstanding Vermilion County 4-H members. We will also be recognizing those 4-H members who filled out award applications and crowning our 2009-2010 royalty.

The federation will provide the meat and drinks and we would like for everyone to bring a dish to share.

All the clubs will be recognized. Everyone who filled out an award application will be recognized as well. Make sure that you come and be a part of this special day!

Thanks for your help in making this another successful recognition day.

Thanks for helping make this day great for our GREAT 4-H Members!

Federation

The next federation meeting will be October 15th at 6pm. Please note the time change. This is an important meeting as we get ready for Recognition Day. If you would like to be a part of Federation please feel free to come. We would like representation from every club. Having club representation is the way for everyone's voice to be heard. We have lots of neat stuff planned for this year, so come be a part of it.

Fair Ads

I have already handed out the fair ad forms to the club leaders at the leader meeting. I am giving you ample time to sell ads this year in an attempt to help your club defray the cost of the per member program fee. Fair ads are an excellent way for members to be out in the community telling people the importance of 4-H and also making a little money for your club. Fair ads will be due January 15, 2010, but don't delay in getting out there and getting this project done.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

September 1—New 4-H year starts

October 2—Award applications and Royalty Applications due

November 1—Recognition Awards Banquet

January 15—Re-enrollments due

Project enrollments due

Fair ads due

April 1—New enrollments due

Project add/drop due date

Program fee—$20.00 per member due

May 1– Horse ID papers due

June 4– All fair entries are due

June 12– Fair clean up day

June 19– Fair clean up day

June 26– General projects judging at the office

July 1– State fair livestock entries are due by noon

July 6-10 -Vermilion County fair

These are not the only dates you may need, but these are definite and ones you may put on the calendar now.

These dates are not the only important ones this year, but these need to be put on your calendar.

Attention 4-H leaders:

If you did not attend the leader meeting on either of the dates held, or come in yet to pick up your new enrollment forms, you may do so at any time. They are ready to go. If the office hours are not a convenient time for you to pick up the materials just call me and I will set up a more convenient time for you to pick them up. It is important that you get them picked up so that the members have the information that they need.

Please encourage at least one delegate from your club to come to our federation meeting. It is hard to represent all the clubs if you don't have participation from everyone.

A big thank you to all those 4-H members who took the time to fill out award applications. Everyone who filled out an application will receive something for their effort. GREAT JOB!!!