DeKalb County 4-H Flashes

Transcription

1 University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County 1350 West Prairie Drive Sycamore, IL Phone: Website: DeKalb County 4-H Flashes Winter 2017 It's just that easy to join 4-H Go to: IL.4Honline.com and create your family profile It s time to enroll in 4-H! Once again all enrollment is done ONLINE! Go to IL.4Honline.com and update your information from last year. Register every member or leader in your family all at once. BOOM! You re done. You can now view your official 4-H information and edit that information all year long from your computer or mobile device. Every change is tracked by who made the change and the time/date changes were made to your profile. Illinois 4-H is always looking for ways to make things easier for families and clubs. The Re-enrollment Deadline is JANUARY 15, 2018 Please go to the above website and enroll in 4-H TODAY! You still have until April 15th to drop and add projects Extension Office Holiday Hours The Extension Office will be closed the following days: Dec Jan. 1. The office will re-open on January 2. We will also be closed for Martin Luther King Day on January 15. Thank you and have a great holiday season! New this year the 4-H General Project Show will only be 1-day. All judging will be done on WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 Projects will remain on display to the public all day Thursday and the General Project Show will conclude on Thursday evening after the awards program. The entry deadline for both the General Project Show and Livestock Fair is Monday, June 18 University of Illinois - U.S. Department of Agriculture - Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of these programs, please contact the DeKalb County Extension office at (815) Page 1

2 Federation Meeting There is NO 4-H Federation meeting in January. The next Federation meeting is Monday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Building. All 4-H ers who are in at least 8th grade are welcome to attend these meetings and to get involved in planning county events and activities. The March meeting will be on Monday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Building. Save the date for a Regional Volunteer Retreat on March 3 in Rockford. This will be great opportunity to connect with other 4-H leaders and volunteers across Northern Illinois and learn lots of great ideas to use at your club meetings. 4-H teens are also welcome to attend. There is no cost to attend this retreat. More information will be shared later this winter. 4-H Leader s Meeting The next 4-H leader s meeting will take place on Monday, January 29 at 7:00 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Building. At this meeting we will be having a short training and discussing upcoming events. Each club should have at least one leader from their club at this meeting. Refreshments will be provided by the Extension office. Please let the Extension office know who is coming to the meeting by Jan. 26. Be a 4-H Buddy One of the most important things that 4-H offers is a place of belonging finding a place where you are accepted and appreciated for who you are. But that sense of belonging doesn t just happen. Club members and leaders must plan how they can be welcoming to new members. A mentoring opportunity is available to help new club members find their place in 4-H. A 4-H Buddy helps a new member feel welcome, meet new friends, and learn about 4-H activities and events. A 4-H Buddy helps a new club member discover all the things he/she can do and learn in 4-H. Being a 4-H Buddy is also a great way to start learning and practicing leadership in the 4-H club. As a mentor to new members, a 4-H Buddy must be a 4-H member for two or more years; be a good role model to other members; attend club meetings on a regular basis; and be approved by the 4-H club leader. To find out more about being a 4-H Buddy, stop by the Extension Office for a copy of the form Your Role and Responsibility as a 4-H Buddy. Page 2

3 Ski Trip: February 3 The 4-H Federation is sponsoring a 4-H Ski Trip to Cascade Mountain at Portage, WI on February 3. The skiing begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m. Transportation will NOT be provided so families are strongly encouraged to attend. 4-H Federation will be paying part of the cost of the lift ticket for 4-H members. Lift tickets are $23 for parents and non- 4-H members 13 and older. The cost of a lift ticket for a 4-H member ages 13 and older is $12. Children 12 and under receive a free lift ticket. Participants can bring their own skis/snow boards or rent them for $18. Snow tubing group tickets are also available for $12/ person. We need to know at the time we order tickets if you are interested in tubing. Group lessons are available for $10. Everyone will be on their own for dinner. There are various dinning options at Cascade so plan on bringing money. For more information about Cascade Mountain go to their website at: Registration & money is due Jan. 19 and registration forms can be found on our website at: web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/ or at the Extension Office. Super Saturday Classes NEEDED! It may seem too early to start thinking about Super Saturday, but we would like you to put some thought toward this event. The date for the H Super Saturday will be Saturday, February 17, 2018 in the DeKalb County Farm Bureau building. We would like to have 4-H members, volunteers and parents start thinking about a variety of different sessions they would like to teach or see offered at this event. In the past there have been a number of wonderful sessions that were taught by 4-H ers, parents, and community supporters. Once again we are hoping for this same kind of involvement in teaching workshop sessions. The workshops should be hands-on oriented and something both boys and girls would like to do. Enclosed with this newsletter please find a sign-up sheet for individuals to complete if they would be willing to teach a session at Super Saturday. Past involvement indicates that 4-H ers have enjoyed learning from other 4-H members, leaders and parents on a wide range of topics. We would like to have all sessions set by no later than January 12. So return the form as soon as possible. Page 3

4 Beef Weigh-Ins Individuals wishing to participate in the Illinois State Fair with a steer exhibit (Premiere program or otherwise) or in the DeKalb County 4-H Beef Efficiency program should mark their calendars for Saturday, February 3 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. for their cattle to be weighed and tattooed. Tattooing and weigh-in procedures will be conducted at Larson s Farm, which is located at Keslinger Rd., Maple Park. We will be working in the processing barn at this location. This will be the only day available for steers to be weighed and tattooed for either the State Fair or the county Beef Efficiency program so please make arrangements to attend. Online Ethics Certification All 4-H members enrolled in an animal project area are required to complete the online Quality Assurance and Ethics course one time in order to stay enrolled in an animal project area. The certification must be done if you are enrolled in one of the following projects: beef, dairy, cats, dogs, goats, horses, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. Members who don t complete the certification will be removed from the project and not be allowed to show. Anyone who has already taken the certification does not need to retake the test. The local office has a list of those already certified. The website is located online at: This rule applies to 4-H members who exhibit live animals AND poster exhibits. Sheep Project Scholarship The DeKalb County Lamb & Wool Producers is once again offering the Youth Sheep Scholarship. The scholarship is offered to youth in their 1st - 3rd year of involvement with sheep. The application must be completed and submitted prior to Jan. 15. The youth sheep scholarships are for the reimbursement of the purchase price of the sheep up to the amount of $200. Animals must be purchased from a member of the DeKalb County Lamb & Wool Producers organization and must be in place by May 1. Stop by the Extension Office for an application. Bill Susina Memorial Dairy Calf Program Long time 4-H supporter, Bill Susina passed away in Before his passing, Bill and his lovely wife decided they wanted to sponsor a program for youth interested in getting involved in the dairy cattle industry. The Bill Susina Memorial Dairy Calf Program is available to any 4-H member in Boone, DeKalb & Ogle Counties that would like to raise a dairy heifer calf. The program will provide the selected youth with a dairy calf that will come from the farm of Bill Deutsch in Sycamore, IL. The selected individual must enroll in a dairy project, and will be required to show and exhibit their dairy calf at their county 4-H dairy show. Stop by the DeKalb County Extension Office to pick up an application. Applications are due to the Extension office by March 26, Page 4

5 Livestock Possession Deadlines The following dates are the 4-H possession deadlines for livestock projects: January 1 Beef & Dairy Cows, Goats-Milking Does & Meat Does February 1 Market Beef Steers & Heifers May 1 Horses and Ponies, Bucket Calves, Beef or Dairy Calf, Market and Breeding Sheep, Dairy Heifers, Goats all other June 1 Breeding Beef Heifers, Swine - Gilts and Barrows, Poultry, Rabbits 4-H ers must be enrolled in the appropriate project no later than April 15 and have their animals in their own possession by the deadlines listed above. Beef Efficiency and Bucket Calf Class Deadlines Beef Efficiency - Once again this year, the Cattlemen s Association will allow 4-H members to use their own steers in the Beef Efficiency Contest. By using your own steer you can show it in both the efficiency class and the regular beef class at the 4-H Fair. Steers will be weighed in February 3 with the state fair weigh-in. The contest is based on rate of gain, record book, ultrasound and the live class placings. Premiums are paid in each of these areas and, the overall winner receives a monetary award of $200. NOW is the time to enroll in the Beef Efficiency Contest by obtaining an enrollment form from the Farm Bureau office. Forms are due to Farm Bureau by January 5. Bucket Calf Class - The Bucket Calf Class is a great opportunity to raise a small calf. The Bucket Calf Class is open to members 8 to 13 years and includes raising a small calf, keeping records and showing it at the Fair. Calves need to be born between Feb. 1 and April 1, NOW is the time to enroll in the Bucket Calf Class by obtaining a form from the Farm Bureau office. Please return the form to the Farm Bureau office by Jan. 5 in order to show in the Bucket Calf Class at the 4-H Fair. Record books will be distributed at an informational meeting in January. Second Year Bucket Calf Class - This is another option for the 2018 fair. Those of you who showed a bucket calf at the 2017 Fair may show it in the Second Year Bucket Calf Class at next year s fair. This will be a show class only and be based entirely on the animal. Enrollment in this class will be in June as part of the 4-H Fair entries. DeKalb-Kane Class - We will once again offer this class to 4-H members who purchased calves from local producers who are members of the DeKalb-Kane Cattlemen s Association and raised the calf. The producer will be responsible for nominating the calf and you can then show it in this class at the Fair (plus the regular beef class). Enrollment for this class will be in June as part of the 4-H Fair entries. Any question about these beef projects can be directed to Grant Miller Page 5

6 2018 General Project Show and Livestock Fair Dates DeKalb County 4-H General Project Show July 11 DeKalb County Farm Bureau Center for Agriculture DeKalb County 4-H Livestock Fair, & Horse Shows August 3, 4, & 5 Sandwich Fairground REQUIRED: Child Protection Orientation A 4-H Pledge: Keeping Youth Safe has been created to help 4-H volunteers understand the protection policies 4-H has put in place. This training discusses child abuse and neglect, how to report suspected abuse and various strategies to help reduce volunteer s risk of being accused of abuse. It also shares safety issues and expectation of working with 4-H members. All volunteers are REQUIRED to complete this training. It may be accessed at This session typically lasts 45 minutes. Volunteer Screening This is a reminder to all 4-H clubs and their leaders that the state requires all county 4-H volunteers and leaders to complete an application (volunteer screening forms). These forms are required for all individuals who volunteer in any way to help with the 4-H program. The purpose of this screening process is to protect youth from individuals who may physically, sexually, or mentally abuse them. While it is the hope that the volunteers here in DeKalb County do not fit this category, for the safety of all youth it is an important task to complete. If a club has new leaders, volunteers, or active parents, please be sure that everyone has completed the necessary paperwork and volunteer screening process. The Extension Office will be reviewing volunteer files to check that forms can be found on all volunteers. In addition, all volunteers files are updated every 5 years. If it is discovered that a form is not on file or is in need of an update, one will be mailed to the appropriate individual. These forms are a must when it comes to working with youth in the 4-H program. The office has all necessary forms, so stop by and pick some up if they are needed. Page 6

7 2018 Multi-County Dog Show Once again this year we will be joining Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties for a Multi-County 4-H Dog Show. The dog show is on Saturday, July 7 at 9:00 a.m. at the Granny Rose K-9 Enrichment Center in Dixon. In addition to obedience, there are opportuneness to show your dog in the care & grooming class, costume class, showmanship, agility and rally. More information will be sent this spring to everyone signed-up for the 4-H dog project. Welcome to 4-H Day March 10 Come and Explore Everything 4-H! Saturday, March 10 2:00-5:30 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Building Pre-registration is required by Friday, March 2 by calling the Extension Office at 815/ Try out a few project areas by doing activities in Cooking 101, Horticulture, Citizenship, Animal Science, Dogs and Visual Arts. Also learn how to make a motion and the ins and outs of 4-H club meetings. This is not only open to 4-H members but to anyone interested in learning more about 4-H. To attend you must be between the ages of 8-18 as of September 1, Parents are encouraged to come from 4:30-5:30 to learn about 4-H and what to expect in 4-H. Save the date for the first Come and enjoy an adult evening of food, fun and music on Saturday, February 17, 2018 At Five Points Pub S. Main St., Kingston, IL from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person and can be purchased from a 4-H Foundation Board member or at the DeKalb County Extension Office located at 1350 W. Prairie Dr., Sycamore All proceeds will benefit DeKalb County 4-H. Appetizers will include a nacho bar, pulled pork sliders, chicken wings, Five Points homemade fries and more. DJ and Cash Bar If you have questions call the Extension office at Page 7

8 Need cash for college - we have you covered! EXTENSION TO ACES SCHOLARSHIP Incoming freshmen and transfer students to University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences may apply for a NEW $2,500 scholarship. This year, 54 scholarships (two per each of Extension s 27 units) will be awarded. To learn academics.aces.illinois.edu/scholarships/new-students. Click on Incoming freshmen and incoming transfer students scholarship application. In Step #2, select Extension to ACES scholarship. Questions? Your local Extension staff can help you! Just ask us. FARM CREDIT ILLINOIS SCHOLARSHIPS High school seniors planning careers in agriculture may apply for a $2,000 scholarship. Farm Credit Illinois will provide 30 scholarships to youth who live or farm in one of the 60 counties in their service area. The first $1,000 will be distributed for the Fall 2018 semester, and the second $1,000 will be applied during the Fall 2020 semester. Apply online at farmcreditil.com before February 28. Are going to University of Illinois College of ACES? The college is MATCHING this scholarship, dollar for dollar! Double your money while getting a great ag education! ILLINOIS 4-H LIVESTOCK SCHOLARSHIP This $1,000 Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship is open to members who have demonstrated mastery in the livestock area and plan to continue their education in the area of agriculture. Members must have been involved in the livestock project a minimum of three years. You must have been a member for at least 5 years and attending either a 4-year university, community college, or trade school. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and college freshmen. Applications are due March 1. Download the go.illinois.edu/4hscholarships. LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP Eight $1,000 Legacy of Leadership Scholarship are offered to members who have demonstrated overall mastery and leadership in the 4-H program. You must have been a member for at least 5 years and attending either a 4-year university, community college, or trade school. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and college freshmen. Applications are due March 1. Download the go.illinois.edu/4hscholarships. Finalists must submit a video of your 4-H accomplishments. VET SCIENCE AWARD APPS DUE IN JANUARY! This award recognizes youth that have enrolled and demonstrated mastery in the 4-H Veterinary Science project for a minimum of three years. Open to youth who were on Sept. 1, Applicants must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Vet Science project. The award can only be received once in 4-H career. $200 cash prize. Applications are due in January. Download the application at go.illinois.edu/4hawards. 4-H House Cooperative Sorority Are you a female member of 4-H, and interested in attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign next year? If so, 4-H House Cooperative Sorority could be the perfect home-awayfrom-home for you while attending college! 4-H House provides an economical, fun, relaxed living environment with other girls who, like you, have been active in 4-H related activities. If 4-H House sounds like it would be a great fit for you, check them out at ww.4hhouse.com. Page 8

9 Test your teamwork & problem-solving skills All Illinois 4-H Clubs are invited to an engaging leadership and STEM project which builds teamwork and problem solving skills. H Cubed, an organization founded by 4-H members, will host a 2018 Live Division I Rube Goldberg Machine Contest on February 17 in Morris. The winner of the contest is eligible to compete at the Division I Finals and win the title: Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Division I Champion. Teams can range from 2 to 10 people age The contest is open to 15 teams, so register NOW at A Rube Goldberg Machine Contest (RGMC) is an event where students of all ages compete with the machines they have imagined, designed and created in a fun and competitive forum. The competitions encourage teamwork and out-of-the-box problem solving, in a fresh learning environment and level playing field. Remember, to compete in an RGMC all you need is a pile of junk and a great imagination! For more information, contact Anthony Warmack at anthony@homeschoolerscubed.org. Find the Clue to You! Mission: Adventure at this year s Junior Leadership Conference If you are an Illinois 4-H member in the 7 th or 8 th grade, it s time to reserve YOUR spot for the 2018 Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference! We re focusing on Mission: Adventure Find the Clue to YOU! Solve the mystery of the missing Chris Clover, examine the business world and see what it takes to start your own business, explore virtual reality, crack the forensic codes and more! Our 4-H ers fill the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference to capacity each year, and we re hoping to do the same for our 2018 event! Save the dates of February 24-25, 2018 and travel to Springfield to join us at the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield Hotel. Registration is open and fills on a first-come, first-served basis with the first 100 youth. More information and the registration link is posted on the Illinois 4-H website: go.illinois.edu/4hjlc. Adults wishing to chaperone this event must be screened by University of Illinois Extension screening procedures and contact the State 4-H Office for details. The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team creates a fun, hands-on weekend that s full of 4-H educational sessions, lots of laughter, meeting new people, and learning new things! Take the mission and find the adventure - we d love to see you there! Page 9

10 No matter how you re involved in the 4-H program, you are eligible for awards.. whether you take a variety of projects or belong to a one-project SPIN club... whether you serve as a Teen Teacher or you use your skills to promote 4-H whether you ve been a member for two years or 11 there is an opportunity for you. Application Process Applications must be submitted to the local Extension office by January 3, 2018; Applications will then be scanned and ed to the State 4-H Office by end of business on Friday, January 5, Download any of the award applications you need at: You will need to download them to your computer for them to work and save properly. All applications are in writable PDF form. Just click through the application and fill in the information. All applications must be typed, not handwritten. Save and print the completed form. Complete, sign and turn the forms into the local office by January 3. Types of State Awards Take a Bow You are Amazing DEADLINE SOON for state 4-H Awards Illinois State 4-H Award Application: Can be won only once in a 4-H member s career. Open to 4-H members who were years of age on Sept. 1, 2017 and are currently enrolled in 4-H may apply in any of the award areas. Winners choose their prize: National 4-H Congress trip (valued at $1,300), other national 4-H trip (valued at $1,000), or $1,000 educational scholarship. Apply in any or many of the following five areas: Community Service This award recognizes youth that have focused on 4-H work in service to/for others. Communications This award recognizes youth that have focused their 4-H work in the art of communicating with others. Leadership This award recognizes youth that have focused on the development of leadership skills, including offices held, committees served on, programs lead, and public presentations on behalf of 4-H. Personal Growth This award recognizes youth that have focused on personal growth through participating in the 4-H program. Project Mastery This award recognizes youth that have focused specific and diligent work in their primary project area of 4-H. (Youth may only apply for one project area choose your best) The new application primarily focuses on the last three 4-H years of 4-H, school, or community activities. Two essays are also included as part of the application focusing on Excellence in Mastery (of your award area) and Impact (of your award area). STATE 4-H KEY AWARD: This award recognizes youth wo have demonstrated excellence in leadership and a strong focus on community service and mentoring. Open to youth who were years of age on Sept. 1, Can only be won once in 4-H career. Plaque and state recognition. ILLINOIS 4-H LCP (LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, AND PROFESSIONALISM) AWARD: This award recognizes youth who have excelled in demonstrating leadership, citizenship, and professionalism in their 4-H work on a local, area, state, and national level. Open to 4-H members years of age as of Dec. 1, Can only be received once in 4-H career. Plaque and invitation to Premiere 20 Conference. 4-H VET SCIENCE AWARD: This award recognizes youth that have enrolled and demonstrated mastery in the 4-H Veterinary Science project for a minimum of three years. Open to youth who were on Sept. 1, Must be currently enrolled in the 4-H Vet Science project. Can only be received once in 4-H career. $200 cash prize. Page 10

11 Begin your global destination with 4-H Applications are being accepted for the H outbound international exchange programs being offered through University of Illinois 4-H and the States 4-H International Committee. 4-Hers years old can select to participate in a 4-week home stay to Costa Rica, Japan, South Korea or Norway. If you are interested in a longer experience abroad, the Japan program offers an opportunity to attend Japanese school for three weeks before starting a 4-week homestay. Dates of travel range from mid-june mid-august depending on the program. These programs enhance the 4-H program through international, cross-cultural experiences that enable young people to improve their leadership and communication skills, while increasing their international awareness and understanding. Delegates live with a host family where they experience family life, community activities and be immersed in the local culture of the country. With 4-H exchange opportunities, you are not just a tourist, but also a family member and expected to participate in all aspects of family and community life the program has to offer. Program costs vary depending on the country and estimated airfare. Scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to selected delegates. Adults interested in serving as a chaperon are encouraged to apply. Get more information at: go.illinois.edu/global4h. World of 7 Billion Video contest wants you Back by popular demand, the World of 7 Billion student video contest helps you bring technology and creativity into your middle and high school classes. The contest challenges your students to create a short video connecting world population growth and one of three global challenges: Advancing Women and Girls, Feeding 10 Billion, or Preventing Pollution. Students can win up to $1,000 and participating teachers will receive free curriculum resources. The contest deadline is February 22, Full contest guidelines, resources for research, past winners, and more can be found at Visit Extension & 4-H on the web at the following addresses: 4-H Online - Fair Entry Online - DeKalb County 4-H Website - Illinois 4-H Website - National 4-H Website - U of I Extension - Page 11

12 4-H Camp - Change Your Child s Life This Summer Registration for 4-H Camp 2018 will open soon!! 4-H Camp 18 is set for June 11-15, 2018 at LOMC in Oregon, IL. We will have lots of fun and exciting changes in this year as we join with Whiteside County 4-H Camp. Campers at 4-H Camp will check-in from 6:00-6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 11 and check-out from 6:00-6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 15. During camp week, youth will engage in a variety of activities designed to challenge, educate and entertain. Two or three free-choice periods will be offered daily and will include options such as hiking, nature study, arts and crafts, archery, canoeing, team building challenges, survival skills, zip-lining, swimming and GPS scavenger hunts. Evening activities will be provided by the 4-H camp counselors from the co-sponsoring counties and include campfires, a games night, a dance, and an adventure night. It s guaranteed to be a blast! 4-H Camp is open to ALL boys and girls, ages 8-14 by June 11, H membership is not required. Download a camper application or register on-line soon at: You may also call the Ogle County Extension at 815/ Slots for boys and girls cabins will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. 4-H Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see Camp registration at Camp Shaw is open. If you sign-up by December 31 you will save $75! The DeKalb County week will be June If that week doesn t work for you check out the other camps offered all summer long. For more information or to register for camp go to Leave time for THIS next summer! Illini Summer Academies will be June NEW ACADEMIES. NEW ADVEN- TURES. NEW POSSIBILITIES. Open to youth who will have completed grades 8-12 by the time of the conference. JOANN rewards 4-H members Current & lifetime 4 H members, parents of members, volunteers, and 4 H staff can save 15% off total in-store and online purchases every day with 4 H Rewards. JOANN will give a minimum of 2.5% of every eligible transaction to 4 H. Sign up BREAKING NEWS: Look for a special PAPER CLOVER activity during the month of February at JOANN stores in Illinois. Page 12

13 Club Reporters As a club reporter it is important that you write a brief article about your club meeting and special events. Those reports can be sent to the local newspapers as well as the Extension office. To be included in the 4-H Flashes drop off the article to the Extension Office or it to Nicole at: groezing@illinois.edu. So share what you are doing at your 4-H club meetings with the community and other 4-H ers! 4-H Federation Report By Jacob Dean 4-H Potluck & Recognition Night On Sunday, November 19, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. DeKalb County 4-H did their annual Recognition Night with a twist. This year instead of International Night we did a multi-club Potluck Dinner. Nicole opened the event and we all enjoyed delicious food, including pulled pork, pasta salads, chili, casseroles, and various desserts. It was a great turn out and kids and adults had fun with the 4-H photo booth. Later during the night we began announcing achievement awards around 6:45 p.m. Many members and volunteers were recognized for their outstanding achievements, including Orrin Vandeburg who has helped the DeKalb County 4-H organization for 60 years. Before we knew it the evening came to a close at 7:30 as everyone proudly posed for pictures with their awards of achievement. Shabbona Pioneers 4-H Club By Abbie Pigott On November 13, 2017, the Shabbona pioneers started there monthly meeting at 6:30 pm at the UCC church in Shabbona. We started off with the pledge of allegiance followed by the 4-H pledge. We started with old business bringing up how we got first place in the sheep & goat barn, first in the swine barn and second in the beef barn at the 4-H fair for the decorations and for hanging clean stalls. Then we were on to new business on how we needed to find a community service project to do and we came up with many ideas like doing feed my starving children, or painting the picnic tables at the Shabbona forest preserve. At the end of the meeting, all the kids were asked to make cards for the soldiers overseas for Christmas. Page 13

14 University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County 1350 West Prairie Drive Sycamore, IL (815) Return Service Requested NON-PROFIT PRSRT-STD POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #35 SYCAMORE IL Winter 2017 DeKalb County Extension Staff Vicky Broos-Unit Director Johnna B. Jennings-4-H Youth Unit Educator Nicole Groezinger 4-H Program Coordinator Araceli Lopez King - 4-H Latino Program Coordinator Connie Handel - Natural Resources Community Worker Jayeeta Chowdhury-Woodstrup - Extension Program Coordinator Caroline Collins SNAP-Ed Community Worker Rosa Borjon-Secretary University of Illinois Extension DeKalb County 1350 W. Prairie Drive Sycamore, IL Phone: Extension is open Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. closed noon - 1:00 It is just starting to feel a little more like winter after the extend fall season we had this year. Despite snow and cold (that we all know is coming) we have many activities taking place this winter and 4-H members should make special note of dates and deadlines. Within this newsletter please find a variety of 4-H programs and opportunities available to our 4-H members and their families. If you have any questions please do not ever hesitate to give the Extension office a call. We are here to help make your 4-H experience a positive one for you and your family. Take care and stay warm!! Sincerely, Nicole Groezinger Program Coordinator 4-H Youth Development groezing@illinois.edu University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in program and employment regardless of race, religion, or sex. For additional information, contact the DeKalb County Office at the above address. Dear 4-H Families: Page 14