January 2016
4-H Federation: In December, 4-H
Federation had some fun turning each
other into human “foil” statues. Join them
for the next meeting on January 7, 2016 at
6 p.m. (Open to all 4-Her’s in 8th-12th
grades) and February 4th at the same time
at the Springfield Extension Office. Our
February meeting will also include a guest
speaker from ISA to talk to our 4-Her’s
about successfully applying for scholarships and is open to all interested with a
brief meeting following.
4-H Trivia Night! 4-H Federation will be hosting a 4-H Trivia Night on
In this issue:
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Local News pg 1-4
Clover Spotlight! pg. 2
2016 Livestock info pg 4-5
State News pg 5-6
Grants/Scholarship pg 6
Metro VOM pg 7
Educators Corner pg. 7
Foundation News pg. 8
Calendar pg. 8
Friday, March 4th at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Extension Office. This event is open
to families and alumni and will be played in teams of four (adults and youth). $2 per person with all proceeds
going to the Animal Protection League. We will also be collecting items (paper goods, cleaning supplies, food) for
the APL as well. Join us for a night of fun for a good cause with trivia from Animal Science to Pop Culture!
4-H’s Got Talent! We know our 4-Her’s are talented…so come “wow” us at an all-NEW 4-H talent show!
Just like the T.V. show anything goes (Family Friendly, of course) so show us your best dance, make us laugh with
comedy, sing, play, perform magic, impressions…or whatever your talent may be. The program will be held on
the UIS campus in Brookens Auditorium on April 10th, 2016 at 3 p.m. In order to participate, register by
contacting Kathryn Long kelong@illinois.edu with your name, contact information, and your talent. An
accompanist (piano) will be available, but you must provide the music by March 31st.
ATTENTION CURRENT 7th GRADERS! LEAD: Lincoln’s Path to Leadership presented by “Looking
for Lincoln” is an all-new overnight leadership camp for those who will be entering 8th grade in the Fall of 2016.
Participants will be housed in Lincoln Hall on the Illinois College Campus in Jacksonville, IL and program includes
field trips, interactive learning and group activities. This pilot year will be FREE (room and board all provided)
and will be June 5th-10th, 2016. We have a limited number we will be able to send, so to be put on the list and
waiting list (first come, first serve) or for more information contact Kathryn Long at kelong@illinois.edu.
Express Yourself! Public Speaking Skills! Come learn about public speaking on January 30,
2016 with volunteer Susie Risser 10-12 a.m. at the Sangamon County Extension Office. Register online or by
contacting the office. Free and Open to all youth 8-18.
***STATE FAIR AGE CHANGE***
All 4-H members 8 to 18 years of age (as of 9/1/15) may exhibit at the state fair general project show
as well as State Livestock Junior Shows. More information will be available online.
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/4h.html www.facebook.com/LMS.4H
Menard County Extension Office ● PO Box 138, 420 S. 7th ● Petersburg, IL 62675
Phone: 217/632-7491 ● Fax: 217/632-2425 ● E-Mail: menard_co@illinois.edu
Sangamon County Extension Office ● 700 S. Airport Drive ● Springfield, IL 62707
Phone: 217/782-4617 ● Fax: 217/524-6662 ● E-Mail sangamon_co@illinois.edu
January 2016
Clover Spotlight!
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Madison Hanners made some international holiday favorites including a Norwegian cookie “Krumkake”,
a Mexican classic “Tamales”, and a dip popular in Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean called “Baba
Ganoush” as one of the participants at 4-H Festive Foods.
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Town and Country 4-H Club collaborated with their local library to make blankets for Project Linus
and showing of how they lend their hands to larger service!
Officer Training: Adventures Awaited club officers at this year’s 4-H Officer Training! Club Officers
learned all about leadership, their roles, and how to have GREAT meetings!
4-Her’s at the 4-H Teen Kick-Off Party on November 14th played a classic team-building game.
Having a little fun while jingle bells are rockin'! 4-H Metro Clubs made blankets and collected gifts
that they distributed at a local
retirement home with some
musical holiday cheer!
Your 4-H adventures can be
featured too! Submit articles,
photos, stories, videos, etc.
to Kathryn Long
kelong@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 2
January 2016
ARCHERY Sessions: This 4-H SPIN (Special Interest) Club focused on beginning and intermediate level
recreational archery is open to all youth ages 10-18.
Session Dates: Wednesday January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24 & March 2, 6:30 -7:30 pm.
All sessions will be held at Springfield Archery 1550 Knights Recreation Drive, Springfield, IL 62711.
Registration is required and space is limited. Cost: $5 per session (A $20 annual program fee will be
required for youth not currently enrolled as a member for the 2015-2016 4-H year.)
To register or for more info go to web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/sangamon4h/ or contact Sharon
Lounsberry at slounsbe@illinois.edu or 217-782-4617.
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Pancake Breakfast Celebration: On Monday January
18, 2016 (Martin Luther King Day) we are doing a 4-H MLK Day of Service! The MLK day of service will be a
Pancake Breakfast for the homeless from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kumler Church (600 N. 5th Street/ On the
corner of 5th and Carpenter). On this day we will be exemplifying part of the 4-H pledge “I pledge my hands to
larger service). 4-Her’s can to do a variety of things:
1. Donate
 Please contact Erica Austin at eaust2@illinois.edu to inquire about donation needs.
 Items can include coffee, orange juice, milk, creamer, sugar, sweet-n-low, cups, pancake mix, sausage
patties, syrup, butter, napkins and coffee cups.
 Items to be delivered that Sunday (17th) to Kumler between the hours of 2:00-4:00 p.m.
2. Be servers at the event. The shift that I would like for you all to come is: 7:30-9:30 a.m.
 Everyone is to wear 4-H shirts and appropriate jeans (no rips, holes, etc). I would like the cloverbuds to
help by passing out buttons to everyone, silverware, plates, and cups.
 We would like all Parents you are more than welcome to volunteer as well!
Backpack Sewing Workshop: U of I Extension 4-H, in cooperation with volunteers from the local
American Sewing Guild chapter, are offering a Backpack Sewing Workshop for youth ages 8-18 (as of
September1, 2015). The Workshop will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Extension Building located at 700
South Airport Drive in Springfield, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 (or sooner if project is finished).
Participants will make their own drawstring backpack with coordinating pockets. The workshop is open to both
youth that are already enrolled 4-H members signed up for the Sewing project, as well as new youth that would
like to try their hand at sewing. Program is free: participants need to bring the following:
 a sack lunch (drink provided),
 1 yard of a tightly woven fabric (such as lightweight denim, canvas, twill)
 1 1/2 yard of a coordinating fabric (This is for pockets and lining so cotton will be fine)(participants
might view the Simplicity pattern #1338 before selecting their fabric as this will give them ideas)
 thread to match your plain fabric
 scissors for cutting fabric
 straight pins
 If participant has their own sewing machine, bring it. However, sewing machines and other sewing
equipment will be provided including the elastic needed for the backpack, and the pattern. Participants
DO NOT need to buy the pattern.
If a participant is uncomfortable with selecting and bringing their own material, please indicate that on the
registration, and for a nominal fee, limited options for material will be made available the day of the workshop.
Pre-registration is required, and can be done online at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/sangamon4h/ or
by calling 782-4617.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 3
January 2016
4-H International Night! 4-H International Night returns on April 28th, 2016 and clubs, individuals,
and small groups are encouraged to present on a country of their choice. This year’s program will be hosted at
Enos Elementary School and will have plenty of room for more presenters! Reserve your country of choice by
contacting Kathryn Long kelong@illinois.edu with your group name, contact information, and your country of
choice. More information available soon.
2016 Livestock Information
4-H Livestock Judging/Unit 16: 4-H members in Unit 16 interested in learning about livestock
judging are invited to attend on Tuesday, January 12, at 7 pm at the Extension Office in Springfield. Participants
not only learn a lot about livestock, they develop self-confidence, public speaking skills, and friendships. The
team meets weekly to develop their skills and prepare for contests (typically 6-8 per year). If you are interested,
even if you cannot come to the first meeting, please register online:
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/sangamon4h/
4-H Beef Weigh Dates: 4-H members enrolled in the beef project, who wish to exhibit steers or
market heifers at the County 4-H Show or Illinois State Fair Junior Show, must have them weighed and tattooed.
Electronic tags are required for each steer/market heifer nominated for State Fair. 4-H members who plan to
have animals weighed need to pre-register online, at least one week before the date of the weigh-in they plan
to attend, or call the Extension Office if they can't register online. This is important so that we have enough
supplies on hand at each location. There will be two options offered by the LMS Unit. One will be 9-11 a.m.
Saturday, February 6, at Greenhaven Animal Clinic, Rte. 136/east side of San Jose; and the other will be 9-10
a.m. Saturday, February 13, at the Petersburg Veterinary Clinic. If you want to request permission to attend
weigh-in in a neighboring county, you need to go to the online registration site mentioned ASAP, and complete
the registration. One of the options on the registration will be to indicate that you would like to inquire about
the possibility of attending a weigh-in at another county. pre-register online at
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/sangamon4h/,
State Fair Livestock Program: All 4-H members 8 to 18 years of age (as of 9/1/15) may exhibit at
the state fair. Lambs for the 2016 Illinois State Fair live and premiere programs will need to be weighed,
tattooed, and tagged at a statewide location between 3/15 & 5/ 16. (Goats will also be tattooed at the same
time and location as lambs.) Dates & locations will be available in February, 2016. Exhibitors can nominate up to
10 wethers for the Illini Premiere program. An electronic identification tag will be used on each lamb, with NO
CHARGE for the tag (cost will be covered by State 4-H office), as well as tattooed and weighed. Steers will once
again be electronically tagged as well as tattooed in February (see Beef Weigh-in article for details). Members
can nominate up to 10 steers for the Illini Premiere program. There will be NO CHARGE for the electronic tag
(cost will be covered by the State 4-H office). Barrows members may nominate up to 25 pigs (do not have to
farrow them), must be farrowed on or after Feb. 10 and must be tattooed & weighed before 35 days old (& by
April 15). Call John Fulton at 732-8289 to make appointment for barrows. Appointments need to be made in
advance! Animal Ownership Dates:
Beef — Steers & Market Heifers 2/1/16, Cows 1/1/16, Heifers 6/1/16
Dairy — Cows 1/1/16, Heifers 6/1/16
Meat Goats—5/15/16 (must be tattooed for State Fair)
Dairy Goats — 6/1/16 (State Fair Milking Does 1/1/16)
Swine/Horses/Dogs — 6/1/16
Rabbits, Pygmy Goats & Poultry — Does—6/1/16; All Others—out of stock owned prior to 6/1
Sheep — Wethers 6/1/16 (State Fair 5/15/16), Breeding Sheep — 4th Monday in June (6/25/16)
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 4
January 2016
State 4-H News and Events
“Livestock on Ice” NEW for 2016: Join us for a fun-filled overnight weekend event for 4-H
members. This program provides leadership and team building activities as well as exciting hands-on
opportunities built around the science and disciplines of livestock production and exhibition. The conference will
be February 13 & 14 at the Decatur Hotel & Conference Center (4191 W US Highway 36, Decatur). REGISTER BY
1/22/16 ONLINE @ go.illinois.edu/4Hlivestock. The event is OPEN to 4-H youth in 7th, 8th, & 9th grade. COST is
$140 per participant and includes a participant t-shirt, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, and
all workshop materials. ARRIVE by 10 AM Saturday, Feb. 13; we’ll DEPART by 11:30 AM Sunday, Feb. 14.
4-H Memorial Camp: 4-H Camp Registration at 4-H Memorial Opens January 4! 4-H Members get a
HUGE $40 early-bird discount by registering on-line between Jan. 4 - Mar. 31, 2016 for any of four summer camp
sessions. Pick from June 5-9; June 12-16; June 26-30; or July 5-9. Registration is also open now for non-4-H
members to attend any camp session at 4-H Memorial Camp near Monticello. The full camp fee of $235 covers
all expenses for the greatest five days/four nights of your summer! See the 4-H Memorial Camp website for
details.See details for registration and camp at web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/summercamp.cfm
EMPLOYMENT: The summer job you’ll hate to leave: A great summer job awaits 32 camp counselors who
will work at 4-H Memorial Camp this summer. Application materials and job details are on the camp’s website!
Apply in January or early February at the latest. Call Curt Sinclair at 217-762-2741 for further information.
Like a dog with a bone….This year’s State Robotics Competition has
gone to the dogs. Teams will be challenged to design and program robots
which mimic the activities you find at a ‘dog agility’ contest. It will be a
howling good time! The state contest will be Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Champaign. More information on
website http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events
Time to go wild … Wild About Leadership: Have fun while you learn to improve your leadership and
teambuilding skills at this year’s Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference. The conference is open to 4-H youth
and their friends in 7th and 8th grade. Wild About Leadership will be held Feb. 27 – 28 at the Hawthorn Suites by
Wyndham in Champaign. Cost is $135 and covers lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Find
more information and program descriptions, and register online by Jan 25th
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/juniorleadership.cfm
The 2016 Illini Summer Academies will be held on the University of Illinois
campus on Sunday, June 26 through Wednesday, June 29. Registration will
open in March. Want to be the first to know registration information? Illini
Summer Academies is open to youth who will be in high school in the fall of 2016 or graduating seniors Spring
2016. This exciting 4-day overnight event lets students experience U of I college life while learning with
university professors about exciting college majors and careers. Learn more
web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies/
Check out more events http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 5
January 2016
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
New State Award Application and New Award Opportunities! How do you apply?
The application is available at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/sangamon4h under the Awards tab. The
application focuses on your work for the last three years of 4-H, school and community activities. The
application includes two essays one which describes the mastery in your award area and the second on the
impact you’ve made in your award area. FOR THE 2016 STATE 4-H AWARD SELECTION PROCESS, ANY 4-H
member who was 15-18 years of age on September 1, 2015 and is currently enrolled in 4-H may apply in any of
the award areas. Applications must be submitted to the Extension office by Jan. 6, 2016.
Illinois Farm Bureau and Affiliates 4-H Premier LCP Award: Open to 4-H members 17 and above
by December 1. Applications must be submitted by local Extension offices to the State 4-H Office by January 6,
2015. Each county may submit two applications to the state level. The two-tier awards program includes plaques
for the top ten scoring members and invitations to the 3-day intense Premier 20 Youth Leadership Conference in
April. Application available at https://my.extension.illinois.edu/documents/579150312151215/2015-16-4-h-lcpapplication---final.doc Applications must be submitted by local Extension by January 6, 2015.
Searching for College Scholarships? Don’t Forget Your 4-H Background!
Active Illinois 4-H members who will be college freshman or sophomores this fall are encouraged to apply for
one or both of the Illinois 4-H scholarships available. Applications for both of the scholarships mentioned below
must be postmarked by March 1, 2016 in order to be accepted for the selection process. Now is the perfect
time to start working on the applications! The applications are available on the 4-H website:
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/recognition_scholarships.cfm.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association provides a $200 cash award each year to an
outstanding member enrolled in the 4-H Veterinary Science project. Members must have been enrolled in the
Vet Science project for a minimum of three years to apply for this award. The winning member may be invited to
the ISVMA annual meeting in the fall of the year to be recognized at their event. Due January 6 to local office.
Farm Credit Illinois Community Improvement Grants - (due February 27, 2016)
Farm Credit Services Illinois Community Improvement Grant is inviting 4-H Clubs to apply for a $250 grant to
assist club members in being positive change agents by making their local communities better places to live.
Applications are due February 27, 2016. Learn more and apply online
http://fcsillinois.com/resources/community/grants/Pages/default.aspx.
Illinois 4-H Foundation providing money to help teens make a difference in their
communities: Two grant opportunities are available through the Illinois 4-H Foundation to support the
preparation of teens to make positive change in their community as 4-H advocates and 4-H mentors. Learn more
online @ http://4hfoundation.illinois.edu/grants/
(See page 8 for a new Club Grant from Sangamon County 4-H Foundation)
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 6
January 2016
4-H Metro Volunteer of the Month
Sheng Sam Qui is the November volunteer of the month. Sam is the assistant public Defender for
Sangamon County and he has been a 4-H Scholastic Achievement Leader
for 2 years. Sam is known for his creative class entitled “Suspect Radius:
Crime Scene Investigations”. Suspect Radius: Crime Scene
Investigations are the key component to justice. In Sam’s classes he
engages the youth in understanding human judgment by doing
fingerprinting, blood typing, and mocking an investigation. This class is one
of the highlights of the 4-H Scholastic Achievement Programs and has
received great evaluations! 4-H is proud to honor Sam as the November
volunteer of the month. Here are a few fun facts about Sam:
*What is your Favorite Color? Blue
*What do you like to do in your free time? I like to play sports, exercise and learn new things
*What do you like to do with your family? Have dinner and talk
* What is a goal you would like to achieve? I would like to travel to all 7 different continents
*Why do you choose to volunteer your time with 4-H? I grew up in a one parent household. Because of
this, I participated in a lot of programs with altruistic positive volunteers. I see the positive impact that these
individuals have had in my life, and this caused me to develop a desire to provide my time to the youth.
* In your opinion what is the importance of being involved and volunteering? It is important for me to
provide my time and mentorship to the next generation. As a first generation immigrant, when I grew up I had
a lot of support and without them I would probably not be in the position I am today. By setting a good
example and getting involved, I believe it will perpetuate the mindset of the youth involved and hopefully set
them on a path where they can attain their goals.
Educator Corner ~ Carissa Akpore
Yes…GPS! Destination: Healthy Living: Goal management skills are used by
almost all successful people in the world. It sure is easier to get somewhere
when you know where you are going, how you’re going to get there and what
you’re going to do when things get in way. An easy way to remember these 3 steps is: GOAL
SELECTION means that you…
…take initiative to choose MEANINGFUL, REALISTIC and POSITVE GOALS. If the goals you choose are
challenging they will help you learn and reach your full potential.
Pursuit of Strategies means that you…
… STICK TO THE PLAN by making step by step actions to reach your goals.
…work your hardest and SHOW PERSISTENT EFFORT to reach your goals.
…CHECK YOUR PROGRESS toward your goals to see if changes are necessary.
Shifting Gears means that when you are having trouble reaching your goals, you…
…SEEK HELP from others and seek additional resources.
…SUBSTITUTE STRAGETGIES by figuring out which ones are not working change your strategies.
Stretch yourself in the New Year create a personal MANTRA and place it where you will see it often.
Consider creating a mantra hashtag that you can use in your Twitter/Facebook/blog posts to keep you
in line your health goals. #Iwillbepositive or #Iwillacheive or #Iwillimprovemycommunity
University of California 4-H Youth Development Program iThrive 4 Health and Thriving
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 7
Sangamon County 4-H Foundation NEWS
January 2016
New Grant for 4-H Clubs….
Is your club looking for a small pocket of money??? The Sangamon
County 4-H Foundation might have the pocket you are looking for. We have recently started an application
process where 4-H Clubs and SPIN clubs can apply for money to be used for something in their club for up to
$500. This will be awarded as applications come in throughout the year. Each club can only apply 1 time for
each 4-H year. The club will need to turn in the 1 page application to the extension office. Please contact
Kathryn Long for the form. The Foundation has 2 stipulations: (1) receipts totaling the amount awarded must
be submitted and (2) a presentation at the annual meeting of the Sangamon County 4-H Foundation following
the completion of the project. If either requirements are not completed, additional money will not be
awarded to the same club.
Volunteer Opportunity….. The Sangamon County 4-H Foundation is holding its annual
meeting on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016 at the Extension Office. The evening will start with a potluck at 6
pm. The Foundation will provide meat, table service and drinks. We ask that families in attendance please
bring a side dish or dessert to share. There are several openings on the Foundation board this year. We are
also looking for volunteers for specific projects or committees. If you have questions, please contact a
current board member – Robbin Nickelson 415-3655; Ethan Krone 899-8979; Abby Hunt 971-1359; Angela
Gerberding 306-3119; or Otto Rentschler 836-6886. All 4-H members, leaders, and alumni are welcome to
attend this meeting.
Mark Your Calendar
See newsletter and website for registration and further details
(If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in advertised programs, please contact U of I Extension, 782-4617)
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Unit 16 4-H Livestock Judging meetings begin January 12 at 7p.m. Sangamon. Co. Office
Illinois 4-H Award Application due to office on January 6, 2016
4-H Federation (open to 8-12th grade) Jan 7 at 6p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
MLK Pancake Breakfast Jan 18 at Kumler Church (600 N. 5th Street, Springfield) 7:30-11:30 a.m.
Superintendents’ Meeting (ALL): January 28 at 6 p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
Express Yourself! Public Speaking! Saturday Jan 30 from 10 a.m to 12
Horse Committee Meeting Feb 1 at 6 p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
Foundation Annual Meeting Wed, February 3
Beef Weigh-ins (February 6 & 13) see page 4 for details
Federation and Scholarship Workshop Thursday, February 4 at 6.pm. Sangamon Co. Ext. Office
Backpack Sewing Workshop Saturday Feb 27 at Sangamon County Extension Office
 Deadline to add/drop projects to be eligible to exhibit at 4-H Show ---March 1, 2016
4-H Trivia Night (APL drive) March 4 at 6:30 p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
4-H International Night April 28, 2015at Enos Elementary School
4-H’s Got Talent Sunday April 10, 3p.m. UIS Brookens Auditorium
 Deadline to register for County 4-H shows (Will be mailed by May 1) --- June 1, 2016
Unit 16 Horse Show, tentatively June 12
Clothing Show Saturday, June 25th Sangamon County Extension Office
General Project Show Saturday July 9 Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin
(Including Animal Science Displays, Fashion Revue, and Public Speaking)
Sangamon County Livestock Shows July 9- 10 Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin
Menard County Livestock Shows July 19-23
Unit 16 Dog Show tentatively July 30, Logan County Fairgrounds
Illinois State Fair August 11-21, 2016 Illinois State Fair (Unit 16 Saturday, Aug 20, 2016)
4-H Family Fun Day and 2016-17 Kick-off (Tentatively Oct 1, 2016)
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 8