If you plan to show at the 4-H Fair this year, this ID number must be on file at the Extension Office by July 1, 2008. This applies to all livestock animals including beef, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, llamas, alpacas, poultry and rabbits.

If you have questions regarding this new requirement, please contact the Extension Office at (815) 986-4357 immediately.

Website: www.agr.state.il.us/premiseid

The 4-H Dog Show is now scheduled for Sunday, August 3, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.

Banners are due in the Extension Office by WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2008 in order to have time to hang them in the 4-H Building before setup and judging day. Entry form is in this newsletter.

Winnebago County Fair–August 12-17, 2008

Illinois State Fair–August 8-17, 2008

The 4-H Federation is sponsoring the sale of the Winnebago County Fair MEGA PASS. $18 will buy you admission to the fair and unlimited rides from open to close on the midway. You pick the day you want and ride all day! Tickets will be available for sale at the Extension Office from July 12th - August 12th.

The North Main Rustlers 4-H Club gathered this month, and created Easter cards for our troops over seas. The group also gathered non-perishables for the troops for them. The food will be sent through the M&M Ministries at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Rockton. For more information on how to join a 4-H group, please contact the Extension Office at 815-986-4357.

Seward Determination 4-H Club hosted the 4-H Basketball event which was held on March 15th. We had over 40 members play and many more watching and enjoying the event. Please check out the photos on our website:

www.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago

(7) African ducks, (1) Chinese Goose and several cross-bred ducks are available for adoption free of charge to a 4-H home. Please contact Denise at (224) 489-6645. She is located in Stillman Valley.

The Winnebago County 4-H Foundation & Extension is hosting a wine and cheese "Friend Raiser" event at the Aldeen Golf Club on MAY 1, 2008 from 5:30-7 pm. This would be a great opportunity to meet socially with other 4-H supporters and Gardening Enthusiasts, and also to meet new people who may want to get involved in our great organization and join the Extension Family. Everyone is Welcome. More information to come...

Raising money for Foundation is a "WALK IN THE PARK"

Sunday - May 4, 2008 (afternoon)

Watch for more info, including pledge sheets and registration. Also, we hope to sell baked goods and possibly plants at the walkathon. 4-H pies are always a big hit, so get your rolling pins ready! We will be asking each club to donate pies/baked goods. We are hoping Master Gardeners will come through as they have in the past with great plants/flowers for us to sell.

Both of these events are great opportunities to make 4-H more visible in the community. We hope you will consider attending!

In order to promote 4-H and let the public see what the 4-H program is all about, we are again offering each 4-H Club the opportunity to have a club table in the 4-H Building during the County Fair this year. This is a great time to show pride in your club and demonstrate the fun activities and events in 4-H. If your club is interested, please contact Stacy at the Extension Office for more information at 815-986-4357.

The Winnebago County 4-H Federation meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Extension Office at 6 pm.

All 4-H'ers 13+ are invited to attend and become part of our great group. The 4-H Federation plans the Family Fun Night at fair every year and also offers scholarship opportunities for 4-H related workshops and seminars.

We do fundraising and have a lot of fun getting together and sharing ideas on how to promote the 4-H program in Winnebago County.

We welcome new members and encourage you to attend!

~ NEWS ~

The 4-H Federation held a "Game Night" on Saturday, March 15th. This was a pizza party and we played Twister, Mancala, Guess Who, Yahtzee, Monopoly, Uno, Foosball, Spoons, and Dance Dance Revolution. Prizes were awarded for top scores and everyone had a great time. Check out the photos on our website:

www.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago

Trophy sponsorship letters will soon be going out to past trophy donors. New and additional sponsors are needed for both livestock and general project areas. We are asking our 4-H'ers as well as their parents for help in locating new sponsors.

If your child has a special project interest, perhaps you could help by asking different businesses or individuals if they would be interested in sponsoring a trophy in that category.

Trophy donations are $20 each - please let the Extension Office know of the names and addresses of possible new sponsors. We will take care of getting a sponsorship letter out to them.

MONDAY - JULY 28, 2008

We will be doing setup of the 4-H building on this day and will need the help of many volunteers to assist with the unloading of lumber and setting up of saw horses, wood planks and cinder blocks for the display systems for the 2008 fair.

We hope you will be able to help us out on that day!

The enrollment forms have been entered and project manuals ordered. Please check with your leader if you have not received your project books yet. REMEMBER TO RECYCLE - Gently used or unused current manuals are always welcomed back to the office to be recycled and used again. Please contact Stacy at the Extension Office if you have any questions about project manuals or resource materials available for projects.

The 2008 Fair Program Book (which outlines the rules and regulations for exhibiting projects at the County Fair) is being updated and will soon be sent out to the printers. These program books will be available (1 per family) sometime in late April. They will be distributed to families through your 4-H Club Leader.

New member and add/drop project deadline is May 1, 2008.

The State 4-H Office and State Fair Jr. Department Advisory Committee have incorporated conference judging back into the State Fair. They have done so -- with the understanding that ALL Extension Units will be assisting with providing judges, superintendents, and project assistants to help with this task.

Each county will have a day where their State Fair Delegates bring their own projects down to Springfield to be judged in front of a project judge, have their project on display for the day and then return with them later the same day.

Winnebago County Judging Day for General Projects at State Fair is Monday - August 11, 2008.

What this means for our county is that ALL projects selected for STATE FAIR will be back on display during our County Fair. All Winnebago County State Fair Delegates taking their projects to the state level will be required to return their projects to our county fair (4-H Building) on Tuesday - August 12, 2008 by 4:00 p.m.

State Judging for Fashion Revue, Formal Speech, Extempore Speech, & Demonstrations will be conducted in Springfield on Friday - August 8, 2008.

State Judging for Illustrated Speech, Original Works, and Bicycle Rodeo will be conducted on Saturday - August 9, 2008.

State Judging for Oral Interpretation and Food Demonstrations will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2008.

This form is due to the Extension Office by July 1, 2008

NAME: ________________________________________

CLUB: _________________________________________

4-H AGE: _________________________ (AS OF 9/1/07)

PHONE #: ______________________________________

I am registering to compete in the following classes:

_____ Decorated Cookies

_____ Decorated Cupcakes

_____ Cake Decorating (1st Year)

_____ Cake Decorating (2nd Year)

______Cake Decorating (3rd Year)

______ Food Demonstration

Judging to take place on Thursday, July 10th beginning at 2:00 p.m.

NO WALK-IN'S -- MUST BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE.

Banners will be judged at the Fair by committee and by the Public for a special "People's Choice" Award.

(Banners must be at least 3' x 5', but no larger than 4' x 6')

CLUB: __________________________________________________

CONTACT NAME: _________________________________________

PHONE #: _______________________________________________

2008 THEME - "The Future is in our 4-H Stars"

Banners will be judged on meeting size requirements, originality, and how well it promotes the 4-H mission and theme.

Registration Form due to Extension Office by July 1, 2008.

Banners are due at the Extension Office on Wednesday - July 23, 2008.

On SATURDAY, July 19, 2008 all judging will be done for your Public Presentation and Performing Arts projects. Public Presentation Judging will begin at 1:00 p.m. and Performing Arts will begin immediately after or at 3:00 p.m. (whichever is later). Check-in times are 15 minutes before.

You must be enrolled in the Communications Project of Public Presentation or Performing Arts Project to participate. You must also submit the attached confirmation form by July 1, 2008. A description of both the public presentation and performing arts projects are below:

PUBLIC PRESENTATION

Formal Speech–Formal Speeches (without props or aids) must be 4-6 minutes in length and done by an individual member. Formal speeches provide information to the audience.

Illustrated Speech–Illustrated Speeches (with visual aids) must be 4-6 minutes in length and done by an individual.

Extempore Speaking–Exhibitors must be present 45 minutes before their assigned time to select their topics. Topics will relate to events of state, national or international importance. Exhibitors will draw three topic options for their speech from a large number of topics. They will immediately select one of these three topics for their speech. Participants will have 45 minutes to prepare a 4-6 minute speech. Resource materials are the responsibility of the exhibitor.

Demonstration–Demonstrations may pertain to any topic except Food/Nutrition (which will be done at the Food Demo judging in July). Demonstrations may be presented by an individual or a team of 2. Exhibitors are responsible for furnishing all equipment and supplies needed. Demonstrations must be 8-10 minutes in length.

Oral Interpretation–May be humorous or dramatic interpretation, oratorical declamation, prose reading or verse reading. Material may be read or memorized. May be done by an individual or a team of no more than 3 members. Interpretation must be 4-6 minutes in length.

Original Works–Member may present any type of original works (i.e. comedy, storytelling, original poetry, radio segment, etc.) May be done by an individual or a team of no more than 3 members. Works must have been written by one of the team members. Segment must be between 4-6 minutes in length. Original work presentations are designed to entertain an audience.

PERFORMING ARTS

Theater Arts I, Play the Role–Exhibit one of the following items: Portfolio of activities completed during the current year, OR a Display illustrating a drawing/photograph of a clown character created by the exhibitor, OR a Display illustrating a picture story developed by the exhibitor.

Theater Arts II, Become a Puppeteer–Exhibit one of the following items: Portfolio of activities completed during the current year, OR a Display on the history of puppets or puppetry in different cultures, OR display a puppet created by the exhibitor, OR display a story wheel and play adapted or written for puppets.

Theater Arts III, Set the Stage–Exhibit one of the following items: Portfolio of activities completed during the current year, OR a Display that includes sound, props and costume charts appropriate for a selected scene from a story or play (limit of 8 items), OR display a scenic design model to depict a scene from a script, OR a Display illustrating a character with make-up drawn or colored in. Include a photograph of a person wearing the make-up and information on the character's personality or part in the play.

LIVE Performance (Theater Arts I, II, or III)

(No State Fair Opportunity for Live Performance)

Exhibitor will perform a live performance (song, skit, musical instrument, etc.). All performances must be "G" rated. All live performance members will be required to sign up for a performance time on stage during the County Fair in August–(Not be judged–just to entertain and have fun!).

CONFIRMATION FORMS FOR BOTH PUBLIC PRESENTATION AND PERFORMING ARTS MUST BE TURNED INTO THE EXTENSION OFFICE BY JULY 1, 2008.

PUBLIC PRESENTATION CONTEST CONFIRMATION FORM

JUDGING 1:00 P.M., SATURDAY - JULY 19, 2008, Winnebago County Extension Office–1925 S. Meridian Road

(Form Due in Extension Office by JULY 1, 2008)

MEMBER NAME: __________________________________________

Age: ________ CLUB NAME: _______________________________

Category (formal speech, original works, etc.) & Name of Presentation

__________________________ / ___________________________________

__________________________ / ___________________________________

__________________________ / ___________________________________

JUDGING 3:00 P.M., SATURDAY - JULY 19, 2008, Winnebago County Extension Office –1925 S. Meridian Road

(Form Due in Extension Office by JULY 1, 2008)

MEMBER NAME:____________________________________________

AGE: _______ CLUB NAME: __________________________________

CLASS TITLE (Theatre Arts I, II, or III) ________________________

Please Check (one box or both) _____ Display _____ Live Performance

PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTION (song, skit, etc.): _________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

The 4-H Cat Show date is set for Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds in the St. Mary's Building.

All 4-H'ers intending to show a cat at the fair this year should attend at least one of the cat clinics being offered at the Extension Office. Vaccinations will NOT be available at the clinics - you must have your own vet take care of this prior to the 4-H Cat Show. All cats must show current year proof of vaccines - please bring this record with you to the Cat Show.

CAT CLINICS will be held on April 29 and June 12 at 7:00 p.m. here in the Extension Office. Please call (815) 986-4357 to reserve your spot.

The 4-H Dog Show is set for Sunday, August 3, 2008 at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds–Building 2.

All dog enrollment, leases and pictures are due into the Extension Office by May 1, 2008.

Dog Clinics and practice times will begin in June and be held at Machesney School on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. For questions regarding dog classes, please contact Barbara Madison at (815) 885-2842.

Monday–May 19, 2008 - 6:00 p.m.

Machesney Elementary School - Gym

DOG CLASSES AT MACHESNEY ELEMENTARY PARKING LOT

6:00–7:00 P.M.–OBEDIENCE

7:00–8:00 P.M.–SHOWMANSHIP

JUNE 9, 16, 23, 30 - JULY 7, 14, 21, 28

DOG SHOW REHEARSAL - TO BE ANNOUNCED

Dog Care Booklets (4-H project) will be due on General Projects Day Judging - August 1st.

All swine members intending to show in the Production Barrow Show must contact Rich Beuth at (815) 541-8641 to arrange to have their swine weighed by May 15th.

Poultry has been added to the Ethics List -- All poultry exhibitors must take the online ethics course.

All 4-H'ers intending to exhibit horses, beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats and poultry AND have not taken this training in the last 4 years for their species, must complete the training by June 1, 2008.

This program is available at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec/

If you have any questions or are not sure if you have taken this training for your species yet, please call the Extension Office at (815) 986-4357. We will check the database for you.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY 4-H HORSE SHOW is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds. If your horse is leased, you must turn in your signed lease agreement and 2 photos (1 of each side) to the Extension Office to participate in the Winnebago County 4-H Horse Show. Deadline is May 1, 2008. Helpers will be needed on the day of the show to assist with trophies, ringmaster and setup. Please contact Lori Campbell at 335-7027 if you can help.

If you are planning to show at the State 4-H Horse Show, all members must turn in their registration forms, lease agreements and 3 photos (one from each side and the front) to the Extension Office by May 1, 2008.

ETHICS TRAINING MUST BE COMPLETED FOR HORSE PROJECT MEMBERS BY JUNE 1, 2008 -TRAINING SITE: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec

NEEDED FOR 4-H SHOW–COGGINS TEST FOR HORSES: All Illinois equine 12 months and older participating in an advertised equine event–a show, rodeo, exhibition, trail ride or horse fair that is posted or media promoted, shall be accompanied by a negative test for equine infectious anemia/E.I.A. (Coggins/Elisa) conducted within one year. This includes all horses being sold, traded or leased within Illinois.

Also remember that any horse taken over a state line must have a valid veterinarian health certificate as well as the above papers. This permit is available by calling the Illinois Department of Ag at (217) 782-4944 and are issued at no charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please visit www.horsemenscouncil.org for more information.

We will be having a Sr. and Jr. Horse Committee meeting on April 17^th at 6:30 p.m. This will be a PIZZA PARTY at the Winnebago County Extension Office located at 1925 S. Meridian Road. There is NO COST for the Party – PIZZA and SODA are being provided by the Horse Committee.

We will be discussing the upcoming 4-H Project Show on August 2^nd at the Fairgrounds. We will also be looking for ideas on what type of clinics you would like to see happen in Winnebago County. Former 4-H'er - Paige Heinke will be speaking with kids on the different opportunities available. In the past we have had Vets, Farriers, and Horse Trainers speak at events. We have also toured Vet Hospitals, taken a trip to Medieval Times, and went to a Lipizzaner Farm in by Chicago. You just have to tell us what you would like to see and do and we will do our very best to make it happen. There are a lot of things available, we just need ideas and interest from you.

This meeting is open to ALL 4-HER'S AND THEIR FAMILIES INTERESTED IN THE HORSE COMMITTEE – YOU DON'T NEED A HORSE TO PARTICIPATE.

You need to pre-register for the Pizza Party with Lori Campbell at 815/335-7027 by Monday, April 14^th with the number attending, so that we get enough pizza and soda.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL AT THE MEETING!

Are you interested in horses? You don't need a horse to participate in Horse Bowl.

Please join our Horse Bowl Group as we meet every Saturday afternoon (1-3 pm) at the Cook House at Lockwood Park. This is a fun way to get to know all about horses.

For questions and more information, please contact Barb Frampton at (815) 964-8552.

Consider doing the "Horseless Horse" project. This project requires you to put together a poster display relating to something you have learned in the Horse project (Horse I-V). This poster display will be judged on General Projects Day on August 1, 2008.

Share your harvest with the hungry. Consider planting an extra row or two in your own garden this year and donating those vegetables to the Plant-A-Row program. There are many drop off locations around the Rockford/Roscoe area. Please call the Extension Office to find a location near you. Donations are also accepted at the Extension office daily from 8 am - 4 pm.

The Plant-A-Row Committee is looking for help in preparing and planting the Extension Office Community Garden. If you would like to help with this project, please contact Shirley Thompson at (815) 964-4818.

Help is needed to staff the Roscoe Farmers Market location this summer. This drop off location operates from 10 am - Noon on Thursdays beginning July 3rd. If you would like to help at this location, please contact Deb Shimondle at (815) 519-1262.

Over 10 tons of produce was donated to the Plant-A-Row program in 2007. We hope to exceed that amount this year and with your help we will reach our goals!

The Expansion & Review Committee is looking for new members. This committee meets 3-4 times per year and assists in planning, evaluating, and recommending 4-H educational experiences, methods, and programs that meet the needs and interests of local youth. This group also helps insure a balanced program in ways that provide equal access and opportunity for participation by all potential youth in Winnebago County. If you are interested in serving on this committee or know someone who might be a good candidate, please contact Stacy at the Winnebago County Extension Office as soon as possible at (815) 986-4357.

Ten $2,500 scholarships are awarded annual to Illinois high school seniors who plan to pursue a college degree and career in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Scholarship recipients are selected by a panel of Illinois agriculture agency representatives. Winners are notified in writing by the Treasurer's Office prior to May 30, 2008 and honored at the Illinois State Fair.

Applicants must be a high school senior with a 2.75 GPA in 2007-2008, a resident of Illinois, accepted at an accredited higher education institution in Illinois and pursuing an agriculture or agriculture-related major.

Applications must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2008 and must be submitted with an essay identifying the reason(s) you want to pursue and agriculture-related field. Please contact the Extension Office to obtain an official application or visit www.treasurer.il.gov.

Volunteers are also needed to help out in the Extension Office on a periodic basis. If you would like to help copy and collate our monthly 4-H newsletter, please call me at (815) 986-4357. I will put your name and phone number on my list of volunteers to call when I need some extra help in the office.

Thanks! Stacy