March 2016
4-H Trivia Night! 4-H Federation will be hosting a 4-H Trivia Night on 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 Federation: (Open to all 4-Her’s in 8th-12th grades) Join them on April 7, 2016 and
May 12th at 6 p.m. at the Springfield Extension Office.
In this issue:
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Local News pg 1-4
Educators Corner pg. 3
Clover Spotlight! pg. 4
State News pg 5-6
Foundation News pg. 6
Metro VOM pg 7
Calendar pg. 8
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 before April 1 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 and be registered by March 31st. Participants will have 5-8 minutes on stage to demonstrate
their talent. Performers will need to be checked in from 1-1:30 p.m. with a brief walk-through before the show!
4-H International Night! 4-H International Night returns April 28th, 2016
6:30-8 p.m. 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! In an effort to avoid “repeating
countries” and have as many countries represented as possible, countries will be
claimed on a first come, first serve basis. To register and “claim” your country of choice, contact Kathryn Long
kelong@illinois.edu with the following information: Club Name and list of
Members presenting, First Country of choice, Second Country of choice, &
Group Contact (Name, phone number, and email).
Presenters must register by April 14th.
Presenter information: Each group will present on the country of the choice
in regards to its history, culture, traditions, and/or more! Be as focused or as
broad as you desire. Set-up will be from 5:30-6:15, event begins at 6:30,
Thursday April 28th. Groups will be provided with one table for your display
and supplies (if more is needed please request ahead of time) The program
will be “carousel style” allowing visitors to move freely between tables. Someone will need to supervise the
station at all times and be available to talk about their country. We encourage members to “take turns”
presenting and visiting other stations. You are encouraged to provide a “taste” of your country for people to
sample. (Please have all ingredients listed clearly beside dish to avoid allergies) Recipe cards are always a good
idea to hand out as well. Get creative! Make a song, dance, display boards, costumes, have an activity for
visitors to do… it’s up to you how you want to show what you have learned! If you have an idea and need
accommodations or space to do it, please make requests a.s.a.p.
*The 2016 4-H Showbook is online on the website under “4-H Shows” tab!*
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
March 2016
***Unit 16 4-H Horse Show --- SHOW CHANGES***
The 4-H Horse Show will include Sangamon, Menard, and Logan county exhibitors and will be held
Sunday, May 29th, 2016 at Refuge Ranch in Rochester, IL. Show bills will be mailed directly to members
enrolled in the Horse and Pony projects. The completed show bill and all other required paperwork
will be due to the Sangamon County Extension office by 4:30 p.m. on May 9, 2016
(All other show registrations are due June 1)
NEW Members! 4-H Show Orientation: Are you new to the 4-H Show? On Thursday, May 19, there
will be a 4-H New Member Show Orientation from 6 to 7 pm. at the Springfield Extension office for Sangamon
and Menard 4-H members. Attendees will have the opportunity to: ask questions about completing their entry
form for County Show and turn it in; watch a mock conference judging and ask questions about the process (all
general project exhibitors are required to conference judge at the 4-H Show); and ask any question they may
have that are Show related. A schedule of events will also be available. Please register online by May 17th.
Online ethics certification required for everyone taking 4-H animal projects: 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 before the show 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. This rule applies to 4-H members who exhibit live animals AND
poster exhibits. The website is located online at: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/qaec/ .
4-H Pollinator Workshop: If you love butterflies, bees and lady bugs then this is the workshop for you.
U
of I Extension will offer a Pollinator workshop on Wednesday, April 6, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the U of I Extension,
700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield. Participants will learn about conservation of the Monarch butterfly and
pollinators that have great importance in every ones daily life. Horticulture Educator, Jennifer Fishburn, will
teach participants about pollinators and how you can start a pollinator pocket garden at your house. This
workshop is free and open to youth ages 8-18 and parents are encouraged to attend as well. Pre-registration is
required and online.
Save the honey bees! Honey bees and other pollinators play an important role in the agricultural
ecosystem. These pollinators are under stress from a number of factors: pests, disease, lack of habitat and
more! Your 4-H club can do its part to help sustain and increase honey bee populations by participating in the
Growmark/FS Pollinator Program to promote bee health! Learn more and sign up @ http://bit.ly/1nYDS9L. The
deadline to register is almost here… March 31! Ask our office for a copy of the program brochure.
Show us that you’re up for the challenge! 4-H Food Challenge SPIN Clubs: Do you like to
whip up your own recipes? Do you have a flair for the dramatic? Do you dream of competing in one of those
reality show cooking competitions? Why not join the 4-H Food Challenge Spin Club. The 4-H Food Challenge
lets you work with a team of your friends to create a healthy food dish for a panel of judges. We’ll give you the
raw ingredients and it’s up to you and your team to create your food masterpiece and present it with a creative
flair for the judges. Take the challenge and get a group together or come on your own to compete in this new 4H spin club. In addition to the confidence you’ll gain making creative dishes without a recipe, you could win
prizes and awards for your presentation and your dish. Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Register for
one of the two locations and set of dates at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/
Logan County Extension Office on April 7, 21 and May 5 from 6-8PM
Sangamon County Extension Office on April 13, 27 and May 11 from 6-8PM
The final competition will be held on May 14th from 10-Noon at the Logan County Extension Office.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 2
March 2016
Paper Clover Campaign returns in April: Dates for the Spring Paper Clover Campaign, held in
conjunction with Tractor Supply Stores and National 4-H Council, will run April 13 to April 24. During that time,
patrons may make contributions to their local 4-H programs at any Illinois TSC store. The campaign runs twice a
year. Last fall, more than $894,000 was raised nationwide for 4-H.
Sign Language SPIN Club (at Logan County Extension Office, 980 N. Postville Drive, Lincoln, IL)
Can you imagine communicating without words? Come join us for the Sign Language SPIN club to find out
exactly how to do it! You will learn BASIC skills of a new “language” to communicate silently with your friends
and/or family. This club will be held on Mondays from 6:30 – 7:30 pm for six weeks beginning Monday, April
4th and ending Monday, May 9th. No charge for 4-H members and $10 for “new to 4-H” members to
attend. Register by March 29th at our website http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms
Lincoln College students to lead Theater SPIN Club!! A SPIN club focusing on Theater is scheduled
to take place at Lincoln College, Johnston Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturdays, April 16th, 23rd, and
30th from 1 – 3 pm each session. LC Theater students will lead the club through various drama activities
including improvisation games, mask making, puppetry, scenic build/painting, makeup & costuming. Cost $5 for
current 4-H members and $15 for “new to 4-H” members (please bring CASH payment at first session) –
maximum accepted will be 15 youth. Register by April 5th on our website: web.extension.illinois.edu/lms
Nature Explorers 4-H Spin Club: Excite your senses of wonder in this on-going nature based spin club!
Nature Explorers grades 5-9 will use their senses in open-ended investigations of nature through science, art and
field trip observations. Each month, we’ll explore an exciting and new topic ranging from exploring weather at
the National Weather Service in Lincoln, discover what plants grow Native to Illinois, dig into the world of
geology, what is the quality of your H2O to navigating through nature with a GPS and compass. Mark your
calendars for March 8, 29, April 12, 26, May 10, 24, June 7, July 12, 26, August 9, 23, September 13, 27, October
11, 25 and November 8, 22 from 4-5PM at the Logan County Extension Office at 980 N Postville Drive, Lincoln.
Register at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/
Educator Corner ~ Carissa Akpore
Spotlight on 4-H! The 4-H pledge originated in the U.S., and was written by Otis Hall of the Kansas
State College of Agriculture. It was officially adopted by the American 4-H program at the first National 4-H
Camp in June 1927. At the request of several states and on the recommendation of 4-H members attending
National 4-H Conference (formerly National 4-H Club Camp), the pledge was changed in 1973 to include
"my world." Their addition is the only change ever made to the 4-H pledge. The addition of “my world” to
the pledge was extremely significant. This recognized the fact that 4-H and its work was spreading across
the globe. Today, 4-H can be found in every county in every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto
Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. Army and Air Force
installations worldwide. 4-H and 4-H related programs also exist in more than 80 other countries around
the world.
To find out more information about 4-H around the world go to http://www.national4hheadquarters.gov/about/4h_atlas.htm The addition of “my world” in the pledge also signifies how
interconnected our world has become. It is important that our 4-H‟ers understand that they are connected
to the larger world in many ways. First, they can turn on any television and know what is happening across
the globe instantly. The internet has further connected us to information, access, products and services. Our
world has become smaller and globalization has made our youth become a greater part of that world. 4-H is
one place youth can continue to grow in their understanding of “their world”. It was written into the pledge
to remind us that what we do is important to not only our club, our community and our country but also to
our world.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 3
March 2016
Your 4-H adventures
can be featured too!
Submit articles,
photos, stories,
videos, etc. to
Kathryn Long
kelong@illinois.edu
Clover Spotlight!
 Members of “The New Adventures 4-H SPIN Club” focusing on Exotic animals had a
wild time learning about nocturnal animals like the Bush Baby and the Fennec Fox at
one January meeting.
 On MLK day these 4-Her’s didn’t sleep in but yet provided service to others at the
MLK Annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast where they served and conversed with
the homeless and community. Over 60 volunteers served over 125 people.
 4-H Spark Tank: Spin off of the television show SharkTank. These 4-Her’s “Preserving
the Lasting Memory of the Lincoln Colored Homes” as their project for community
change. On January 24, 2016 the Spark tank kids did a run-through presentation at
UIS for community leaders such as lawyers and alderman to help them better
prepare for the actual presentation. Their Spark Tank presentation was awarded
$1,000 to begin working on their project.
 Breana Rees, Brooklynn Wieland, and Rachel Fishburn represented Sangamon
County at the Illinois State “Livestock on ICE” Conference where they learned about
leadership and team building through exciting hands-on opportunities built around
the science and disciplines of livestock production and exhibition.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
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March 2016
METRO 4-H Pizza Ranch Fundraiser: Take a break Bring your family out for Dinner at the Pizza Ranch
on Thursday March 24, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.! The Sangamon County Metro 4-H’ers are doing a Community
Impact fundraiser to go towards their programming activities. 15% of each ticket will go towards our
programming efforts. Please share with Family and Friends. Thank you in advance for your support!
4-H Camp: 4-H Summer Youth Camp registration is “marching” along with over 527 youth already signed up
for a week-long summer camp session at 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello! Current year 4-Hers will continue
to receive a huge $40 “early-bird” discount through the end of March, so get word out! In only mid-February the
4-H Camp is already over 50% of their way toward their goal of registering 1,024 youth for an awesome week of
summer learning and fun. 4-H Camp is open to all youth ages 8-16 from throughout Illinois.
NEW 2017 Inauguration Citizenship Washington Focus: Experience the
2017 Presidential Inauguration up close and personal as part of the NEW 2017
Inauguration Citizenship Washington Focus program! Illinois is hoping to send 12 youth and 2 chaperons to this
special week in January, 2017. This program will contain some of the same factions as the summer CWF
program, but is shorter in time and will include a full-day of Inauguration events, including an evening dinner
cruise and dance. 4-H members will need to be 14-18 years of age January 1, 2017 in order to attend. Previous
Focus delegates are not eligible to register for this trip.Presently we are planning for the delegation to fly to
Washington, D.C. on Tuesday morning, January 17 and return Saturday, January 21. We are working on costs
and funding assistance from the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Registration for this event will open March 1 so keep
your eyes open for more information! At this time, we are still planning to offer a summer Citizenship
Washington Focus trip in June, 2017. web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/citizenshipwashington.cfm.
4-H Shooting Sports Spring Adult Certification Training: The Spring training for those adults
interested in joining the Certified Instructors of the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports program will be held May 6-8,
2016. The weekend training will be held at the Memorial 4-H Camp in Monticello,
web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/ those interested in attending the training should contact the local
extension office.
Become a 4-H Citizen Scientist: “Hands to larger service,” the third “H” of the 4-H pledge, is what
awaits Illinois 4-H members interested in taking science to a new level in the 4-H Citizen Scientist program.
Hands-on research: Members observe and record information on a given site, collect data from samples taken
at their site and contribute their data to the growing field of scientific research related to water quality. The
program is open to current 4-H members and volunteers, as we well as youth and adults who aren’t current
members but wish to learn how to improve their local environment. All participants will receive specialized
training at no cost and receive materials toward the project. Special instructions for 4-H members and
volunteers. 4-H members must select "payment by check" and list their organization as their 4-H club & county
so that the Illinois 4-H office can pay your registration fee. Also there needs to be at least one adult 4-H
volunteer who will be guiding the 4-H Citizen Scientist team attending the training with the team. The full 2016
Training Workshop schedule Participants are required to attend a one-day session at one of the training
locations (full list is available online.):
Saturday, May 7 at University of Illinois at Springfield, Due May 1.
Saturday, May 7 at Bradley University in Peoria, Due May 1
To register: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=wx7o69dab&oeidk=a07ebxkdyog0e28a0af
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 5
March 2016
Attention Seniors!!! 4-H Foundation Scholarships: Scholarships will be awarded in July at the
4-H Shows. More information and applications are available on the website under the “4-H
Scholarships” tab and are due by May 1, 2016. http://web.extension.illinois.edu/lms/sangamon4h/
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 looking for volunteers for
specific projects or committees. If you have questions, please contact a current board member Ethan Krone
899-8979 or Abby Hunt 971-1359.
Explore life as a college student while you’re still in high school!
REGISTER TODAY FOR ILLINI SUMMER ACADEMIES: Imagine getting to work
alongside university professors while you’re still in HIGH SCHOOL! Imagine getting to hang
out on a college campus. Imagine spending four days with kids your age from all across
Illinois. That’s what happens at Illini Summer Academies, so stop imagining it and just do
it! This program offers teens the opportunity to explore the University of Illinois campus and
many degree programs and careers. The conference runs from Sunday, June 26 to Wednesday, June 29 on the
University of Illinois campus. It is open to any youth who will be at least 14 years of age (and not yet 19) by Sept.
1, 2016 (including those not yet in 4-H) and has completed eighth grade by the time of the conference. Check
out all the information on our website @ go.illinois.edu/illini4H. Registration opens March 1 and closes May 15.
Cost varies but ranges from $200-$420. Ten $100 financial need scholarships are available from the Illinois Farm
Bureau through the Illinois 4-H Foundation for youth with a financial need. Youth can apply for the scholarship
when they register online.
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Aerospace Engineering
Ag Business
Agricultural Mechanization
Animal Science *NEW
Anthropology *NEW
Astrobiology: Yellowstone: A Window on How
the Universe Works *NEW
Chemistry
Computer Science
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Creative Writing
Digital Fabrication and Informatics
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Entomology *NEW IN 2016
Human Development & Family Studies
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Plant Science
Veterinary Medicine
Visit U of I this summer:
There are many programs sponsored by the U of I College of ACES this summer. Learn more at
www.academics.aces.illinois.edu/diversity
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 6
March 2016
4-H Metro Volunteer of the Month
Fallon Rowl is the March Metro volunteer of the month. Fallon is a middle school teacher. She currently
teaches writing and Health to 7th and 8th Graders. I have been a 4H volunteer for three years. She started off
as just a parent volunteer doing what needed to be done. Then she over the ConAgra program where she
was over the Teens As Teachers who were trained by Miss Fallon to go out into the community and educate
younger youth about health and nutrition. Currently, she is the 4-H Leader of the High
School Group, BOOM (Becoming OWN Motivation) in which she states “I am loving
every minute of it.”
Here are a few fun facts about Fallon:
 What is your Favorite Color? **My favorite color is red.
 What do you like to do in your free time? In my free time, I love to read and
spend time with my family and friends. They keep me very grounded.
 What do you like to do with your family? My family and I love to either go to the
movies or out to dinner. Anything that gives us a chance to laugh, talk, and spend
time together is what we do.
 What is a goal you would like to achieve? As I further my career in the education filed, I would also
love to open a home for teenage girls in trouble or those that are pregnant. This would give them the
opportunity to learn some life skills and get the help they need to be successful and productive.
 Why do you choose to volunteer your time with 4-H? I chose to volunteer with 4H because I
absolutely love kids! I love watching them grow and learn new things as they figure out who they are and
become their own person. If I can have the opportunity to touch just one life, then I know everything that I
strive for is not in vain.
 In your opinion what is the importance of being involved and volunteering? **I try to remind my
own children and those that I mentor that no one gets to where they are without help. The most important
thing we can do is volunteer and give back. Being involved in the community we live in gives us the chance
to help foster positive change. I think of it as another way to use my voice….if I put out positive things with
my volunteering, then positive things are guaranteed to come back!
 Is there anything else you would like to share?**I would just like to encourage everyone to volunteer
in form or fashion. Not only do you teach those that you volunteer with, but you learn so much more.
There’s no way I could ever be content without volunteering and giving back to the community.
Metro 4-H Youth Spotlight
Ana Gragg: My name is Ana Gragg and I attend Southeast High
School. This year will be my junior year. I have participated in 4H for 4
years. I enjoy being involved in this program because it brings to light
my talents and really makes me realize how much I love helping others.
4-H has brought out my leadership, engagement, and
communication skills. I would tell another to get involved in 4H
because it makes you very well rounded. You meet many wonderful
people, and some who you will always keep in contact with. Putting in
to help your community grow as a whole isn't bad nor hard. You just
have to put your mind to it and you will achieve in anything you do!
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. State| County | Local Groups | USDA Cooperating
pg. 7
March 2016
Understanding IRS regulations: Program Participants (including minors) will be required to provide
their social security number or foreign national tax ID number prior to receiving a prize, gift or award to ensure
proper IRS reporting as required by law. This sensitive information is kept confidential and handled through
security protected software (PEAR). Participants will not be eligible for prize, gift or award if social security or
foreign national tax ID information is not provided. When we receive more information, we will share what we
know. This is not a 4-H or University of Illinois directive; this is a requirement of the Internal Revenue Service.
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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 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
Metro 4-H Fundraiser March 26 @ Pizza Ranch in Springfield 5-8 p.m.
Pollinators Workshop April 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
4-H Federation (open to 8-12th grade) April 7 at 6p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
4-H’s Got Talent Sunday April 10, 3p.m. UIS Brookens Auditorium
State 4-H Robotics Competition April 23rd, UI Campus in Champaign
4-H International Night April 28, 2016 at Enos Elementary School
 Deadline to complete QAEC for all animal science projects –May 1 , 2016
 Deadline to register for 4-H Horse Show –May 9, 2016
4-H Federation (open to 8-12th grade) May 12 at 6p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
 Deadline to register for County 4-H shows (Will be mailed by May 1) --- June 1, 2016
Unit 16 Horse Show, Sunday, May 29th
June 20 State Livestock Judging Contest
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 Cat and Dog Shows July 30, Logan County Fairgrounds
June 26 - July 1 National Shooting Sports Contest
June 26 – 29 Illini Summer Academies
Illinois State Fair August 11-21, 2016
 August 20 Illinois State Fair General Project Judging Day
September 10 Shooting Sports: State Shoot Archery
September 24 Shooting Sports: State Shoot Rifle
October 1 Shooting Sports: State Shoot Shotgun
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