Sangamon-Menard 4-H Newsletter
September 2015 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
Sangamon-Menard 4-H Shines
at the Illinois State Fair!
James C. Oller, of Menard County, is a 2015 inductee into the IL
4-H Hall of Fame. He is an alumnus and served as a 4-H leader
for 20 years. Jim is very active in the livestock area, assisting
with beef weigh-in, the livestock auction, set-up for livestock
shows, and serving as both Sheep Superintendent and member of
the 4-H livestock advisory committee. He also assists with
maintenance needed at the 4-H food stand and is a loyal
customer during the fair. In addition, Jim represents Menard
County on our Unit Extension Council. His dedication to serving
the Menard County 4-H program is truly appreciated!
(Right) Congratulations to Aaron Fishburn of
Sangamon County for receiving an Illinois
State 4-H Blue Award in Achievement.
(Left) One of the thirty-two Sangamon-Menard
4-H members representing our counties at the
Illinois State Fair, Melanie Buzzard of the
North Sangamon 4-H Club received a Superior
Rating on her Theatre Arts project portfolio
“Become a Puppeteer!”
(Left) Brandon Stickler of Pleasant Plains Clovers 4-H
Club was awarded Champion Spotted Barrow &
Champion Land of Lincoln.
(Right) Taylor Darr of the
Island Grove 4-H Club lit up
the stage with her public
speaking presentation!
For more State Fair photos go to http://web.extension.illinois.edu/board/index.cfm?boardID=217
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State 4-H Show Results: The following Sangamon-Menard exhibitors all received an Award of
Excellence: Nici Bessert (Woodworking 2), Zachary Dixon (Electricity 1), Kaleb Broughton (Natural
Resources 2), Taylor Darr (Public Speaking: Original Works) Austin Downs (Microwave Magic A), Erica
Edge (Veterinary Science), Carter Evans (Passport to the World), Aaron Fishburn (Sportsfishing 3),
Rachel Fishburn (Photography 2), Lukas Hillen (Model Rocketry), Michael Holmes
(Chalk/Carbon/Pigment), Katie Kaufmann (Photography 1), Daniel Kloppe (Electricity 2), David Kloppe
(Formal Speech), Madeleine Luna (Floriculture B), Samantha Martin (Heritage Arts), David Moldenhauer
(Vegetable Market Basket), Lana Nickelson (Floriculture D), Claire Steele (Passport to the World)
Cheyenne Stout (Woodworking 1), and Alexandria Wilcox (Chalk/Carbon/Pigment). The following
exhibitors all received a Superior Award: Melanie Buzzard (Theatre Arts 2), Donald Conner (4-H
Cooking 201), Ashtyn Evans (Health 1) Rachel Meyers (Design Decisions-Beginning), Cecilia Simpson
(Scrapbooking-Beginning), and Madison White (Photography 1).
4-H Celebrity Awards: Each day at the State Fair a Celebrity Judge awarded exhibits based on
the exhibit’s “WOW” factor. Judges were instructed to look for exhibits which made a statement: “This is
what Illinois 4-H members are capable of… or “this is what Illinois 4-H is about.” Since they didn’t talk
to 4-H members during the judging process, it was based solely on the exhibit. U of I Associate Dean and
Director of Extension George Czapar served as the Celebrity Judge on Sunday Aug 16th. Two Sangamon
County members received a “Celebrity Award.” Congratulations to Michael Holmes for Visual Arts Chalk/Carbon/Pigment and David Moldenhauer for his Vegetable Market Basket!
Illinois State Fair Junior Competition Results: For a full listing of shows’ results, go to
the state fair website at http://www.illinois.gov/statefair/competitions/Pages/CompetitionResults.aspx
4-H Float wins 1st place for NonCommercial Float in State Fair Parade!
Great Job! Thank you to all who were
part of the float-building and parade!
Leaders, Secretaries and Treasurers This is a reminder that every 4-H club must submit their
Secretary's Book Printout and Treasurer's Book Printout (if they have a treasury), which includes the 4-H
Club Annual Financial Statement, to the Extension Office at the end of the 4-H Year. Please make
arrangements to have this done by September 16. Submitting these book printouts is a state requirement,
and your club can’t be re-enrolled for the next year until the book printouts are both submitted.
Records Judging… VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! All hands on deck for records judging
this year! Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Springfield Extension office.
Parents, leaders, members ages 16+, and other volunteers are welcome to come help judge.
Sangamon-Menard Leader’s Retreat: September 15th at 6:30 p.m.
We invite all 4-H leaders to please join us on Tuesday, September 15th for our Fall Leader’s Retreat. We
will be discussing enrollment for the 2015-2016 year, Awards, National 4-H week, and more!
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4-H Paper Clover Fall Promotion: Tractor Supply Co./Del's has partnered with 4-H to
support local programs through the Paper Clover fundraiser. The Fall 2015 promotion dates are October
7-18. If your club would like to participate in a fundraiser, please contact the Extension Office.
National 4-H Week and Contest: “Adventures Await” you during National 4-H Week October
4th-10th! Show off your 4-H pride in your community! We will be having a Facebook “Selfie” Contest in
honor of National 4-H Week. Take us along on your 4-H adventure by taking a selfie and sharing it! Be
sure a “clover” or “4-H” is clearly featured in the photo. You can submit one photo or them all, it’s up to
you! Take your selfie with 1) a landmark in your community OR 2) a leader of your town (mayor,
councilman, fireman, policeman, etc.) OR 3) your club doing some community service project in your
town OR 4) having fun with your 4-H club! Share your photo by posting it to the Facebook page or by
emailing it to kelong@illinois.edu. Be sure to share your reasoning or story behind the photo. Each will
count as one entry in the drawing for an awesome prize.
4-H Metro Program Sign-up Day: Want to get involved with more 4-H? The 4-H Metro
Program is having a special sign-up day where you can check out some of the great programs and
opportunities to be offered this year. Great Role models, life skills, leadership skills, exposure to STEM
and other unique FUN areas! When: Sunday September 20, 2015 Where: Ball Charter Elementary School
(2350 E. Ash) Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cost: $5 for the Entire YEAR! In 4-H we make the best better! Join
us today so you can begin your journey on being the BEST! For more information please contact Erica
Austin (Educator) 217-553-1815 or by email at eaust2@illinois.edu. For more details see the flyer on our
virtual bulletin board http://web.extension.illinois.edu/board/index.cfm?boardID=170
Educator Corner ~ Carissa Akpore
“To Make the Best Better”
The 4-H Motto is “To Make the Best Better.” It seems like a good motto, but
over the years, it is a motto that has received its share of criticism. The knock it most
often gets is the amount of stress and pressure it implies. Kids today have too much
pressure in their lives already. Why put even more on them by asking them to
improve on perfection, or so the argument goes? No question about it, young people
today, and adults too far that matter, are under a lot of pressure.
Others have suggested it implies a segregation of sorts. One State 4-H Leader
used to say something like, “Forget the best, what about the rest?” It is true that there
is a temptation when doing 4-H work to focus on the best and brightest – to play
favorites. It should never happen, but it does. This comment is a good reminder that
4-H is all about the youth.
The issue with both of these concerns is that they both miss the point. The
motto is not about grouping youth into categories (brightest, best, worst, indifferent,
etc.) or an instruction to the staff or volunteers to go out and help the best be better.
Nor is it an instruction, or pressure, to improve on anyone’s best efforts. The motto is
a lifestyle suggestion.
In 4-H, we are taught we can always improve. We always have more to learn.
We can always take things to the next level. We are taught that we can only do what
our experience has prepared us to do. We therefore make mistakes; however, we look
at them not as mistakes but as learning experiences. I have more ability today than I
did yesterday and I’ll have more ability tomorrow than I do today. Many adventures
await you in the launch of the 2015-2016 4-H year, focus on your ability to make
each learning experience better than the one that came before!
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Congratulations, 4-H Scholarship Recipients!
The Sangamon County 4-H Foundation Memorial Scholarship fund and
the Menard County 4-H Scholarship were established to provide a means
of recognizing meritorious 4-H work and furthering the education of
Sangamon and Menard County 4-H Members. In Sangamon County, two
scholarship of $1250 and one scholarship of $750 are awarded annually
to ten year 4-H members. In addition, one $750 scholarship is given
annually to a 4-H member who has completed seven, eight, or nine years
in the 4-H program. In Menard County, a minimum of one $1,500 and
one $1,000 scholarship are offered each year to 4-H members who have
completed seven or more years in the 4-H program. The scholarships are
awarded on the basis of: interest to pursue a higher education, 4-H
background, scholastic record, leadership abilities, reference evaluations,
and community involvement.
Lauren Pickrell, daughter of Joseph and Laura Pickrell of Buffalo, is a nine year member of
Tri-City 4-H Club. She is a recipient of a $750 scholarship.
Miranda Braker, daughter of Charlie and Michelle
Braker of Alexander, is the recipient of a $1250
scholarship. Miranda is a 10 year member of the
West Side 4-H Club
Luke Henebry, son of Dan and Cathy Henebry of
Buffalo, is a recipient of a $1,250 scholarship. Luke is
a 10 year 4-H member of the Tri-City 4-H Club.
Mark Thomas, son of Kevin and Nancy Thomas
of Oakford, is the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship.
Mark is a 10 year Menard County 4-H member
and in the West Menarders Ag 4-H Club.
Laura Winkelmann, daughter of Kim Winkelmann
of Oakford, and Jay Winkelmann of Springfield, is a
recipient of a $500 scholarship. Laura is a 10 year
member of the Oakford Pioneers 4-H Club
Katie Schimm, daughter of William and Cherie Schimm
of Athens, is the winner of the $1,500 4-H Scholarship
in Menard County. Katie is a 10 year member of the
Athens Prairieland Ag 4-H Club.
Connor Mobley, son of Mark & Dolores Mobley
of Divernon, is a recipient of a $750 scholarship.
Connor is a 10 year member of the
Town and Country 4-H Club.
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4-H Metro Volunteer of the Month
Grace Latimore is September volunteer of the month. Grace is a senior
at University of Illinois-Springfield majoring in English with a double
minor in Communications and African-American studies. She also works
as a marketing intern for Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region during the
summer. During the school year, she works as a Marketing and
Promotions student worker for UIS Student Life and as a writing tutor in
our library. Grace is fairly new to 4-H but has made her presence known
through her work. Currently, she volunteers faithfully as a 4-H leader for
the 4-H Scholastic Achievement Program at UIS held every semester.
Grace’s objective through this program specifically was introducing acts of community
service and the importance of giving back to the community which aligns with the hands in
4-H in pledging our hands to larger service 4-H is proud to honor Grace Latimore as
the July volunteer of the month. Here are a few fun facts about Grace:
What is your Favorite Color? Green
*What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to write, binge-watch Netflix, drink coffee, and laugh.
*What do you like to do with your family?
My dad is a pastor so I really like going to worship services with my family. I have four siblings
as well and I love any opportunity we have to come together and laugh.
* What is a goal you would like to achieve?
I’d like to earn my doctorate before I’m 30.
*Why do you choose to volunteer your time with 4-H?
Truthfully, I missed my younger siblings. We’re all growing up (two of them are in college)
and I wanted an opportunity to pass on some of the lessons I’ve learned. I believe we all had
someone (a teacher, mentor, cousin, older sister etc.) who taught us something valuable –
someone who taught us that it was okay to daydream and be ourselves. Someone who taught
us our times-tables, or taught us the importance of family and community. I wanted to give
the same investment of time and energy to our 4-H kids that I got. I wouldn’t be where I am
without that support.
* In your opinion what is the importance of being involved and volunteering?
When you take the time to volunteer and say “this project or organization is worth what little
free time I have,” you’re making a sacrifice and an investment into your community. Not only
do you help those around you, but you also make yourself a part of the community.
*Is there anything else you would like to share?
Erica Austin, our 4-H coordinator, has made the experience amazing for the volunteers and
the kids and I really appreciate that. We have just as much fun as they do. I’m looking forward
to another great year with the program!
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State 4-H News
New 4-H Year begins on October 1: The new 4-H year for Illinois 4-H will now begin
October 1. It just made sense to make the change! In the past, many families are barely finished with one
4-H year before being asked to move into the next year. Some members are still exhibiting at county or
state fair while other members are finishing award applications. Counties are rushed to recognize the
accomplishments of the prior year while they’re out recruiting new volunteers for the next year. And, we
are all rushed with back-to-school excitement. It just seems September is crazy. We felt it just made
sense to take a deep breath and give families time to enjoy the past year’s successes before launching into
the next. So, we are extending the 2014-15 year one more month through September and beginning the
NEW YEAR on October 1, 2015. The new year kickoff will now coincide with National 4-H Week
which runs Oct. 4-10.The Illinois State 4-H Office is also working on improvements to the current
enrollment process which are intended to make 4-H memberships easier to access and track for families,
volunteers and staff. Stay tuned for more details as they are available!
NEW Projects for 2016!!! We’re adding several new projects this year. Give them a try!

Food Science Levels 1 – 4 “What’s On Your Plate?” 1 – 4
Experiment with food science and learn how it affects food quality.

Put It UP! Food Preservation for Youth
Learn safe ways to preserve foods and keep food quality. Each project has beginner and advanced
learning activities including: Can My Tomatoes, Make My Strawberry Jam, Make My Pickle, Freeze
My Fruits and Veggies Dry My Fruit, and Can My Vegetables.

My Financial Future 1 – 2 “My Financial Future: Beginner” or “Advanced’
Plan for future careers, set goals, manage your finances and credit, and create spending plans.

Shopping in Style Levels 1 – 6
Learn how to create your own style, select clothing that suits your body, recycle garments, and make
smart clothing purchases.

Build Your Future
Explore potential careers, plan your own business, create a career portfolio, and analyze case studies
*The following projects will no longer be offered: Consumer Savvy, Financial Champions, Walk in My
Shoes, Microwave Magic, and Clothing Decisions.
4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Award Winner: Cristal Hill
Two outstanding 4-H volunteers were selected as the 2015 Illinois Salute to Excellence Volunteers! One
recipient, Cristal Hill, a Sangamon County volunteer, was selected as the Volunteer of the Year, serving
less than 10 years as a volunteer supporting metro programming in Springfield, Illinois. Cristal has served
as a leader and mentor to youth supporting an expanded interest in learning with a focus on Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities.
TSC 4-H Paper Clover Fall Promotion: Tractor Supply Co./Del's has partnered with 4-H to
support local programs through the Paper Clover fundraiser. The Fall 2015 promotion dates are October
7-18. If your club would like to participate in a fundraiser, please contact the Extension Office.
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Take a shot at the national 4-H Shooting Sports team: As the Illinois 4-H Shooting
Sports program grows, so does its contest. This year’s State 4-H Shoot will be held on two days in two
different locations. The state contest for archery and shotgun will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 at Brittany
Shooting Park in Bunker Hill. Registration information will be available to county Extension offices
soon. The state competition for air rifle and .22 will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at the new Central Illinois
Precision Shooters indoor facility. Participants must have passed their 14th birthday by January 1 of the
current year and may not have passed their 19th birthday before January 1 of the current year. Participants
must be currently enrolled in the shooting discipline they enter and must be in good standing in their
respective 4-H Shooting Sports Club. 4-H members may only participate in one of the following shooting
events: archery/compound; archery/recurve, air rifle; small-bore rifle; or shotgun. Top contestants may
be invited to compete on the Illinois team at National 4-H Shooting Sports contest. The Illinois 4-H
Foundation provides funding for Illinois 4-H members competing at the national contest.
National Youth Summit Series: The National Youth Summit Series
brings together some of the best and brightest students to focus on maker,
healthy living, and agri-science. Designed for high school students (grades 9 12), the Summits provide opportunities to learn technical skills, participate in
hands-on activities and workshops, learn from leaders in the field, and visit
professional and academic sites. Students attend in teams comprised of two to eight youth and are
accompanied by an adult mentor/chaperone. The themes this year include: Maker, Healthy Living, and
Agri-Science. For more information go to www.nationalyouthsummit.org
Doing things you like to do! That’s 4-H Camp White Tail! What a great
way to spend the weekend with your favorite hunting partner! 4-H Camp White Tail is an overnight
weekend program tailored to adult-child “teams” who wish to learn various skills practiced by
outdoorsman in Central Illinois. Each adult may attend with up to three youth campers which must be at
least 10 years of age. 4-H membership is not required. Earn Hunter Safety Certification as required by the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources prior to obtaining a personal hunting license. Using the 4-H
“learn-by-doing” philosophy, participants will learn skills associated with archery, rifle, shotgun, and
watercraft safety. Experience issues involving wildlife conservation, tree stand safety, game care, wildlife
calls, hunting dogs, and much more! This is more than a classroom event! The camp is held October 2425 at 4-H Memorial Camp near Monticello. Cost is $50/person and includes all supplies, lodging and four
buffet-style meals. Space is limited, so register soon. For more information visit the 4-H Memorial Camp
website @ http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/memorialcamp.cfm or call 217-762-2741.
Speak UP for Illinois 4-H:The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team is
looking for teens 14 and older to join our Speaking for Illinois 4-H (SFI4-H) team!!
Our next training for this special group is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 in Waterloo from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. and members are required to attend the entire session in order to be included on the state
roster for Legislative Connection invitations. The $10 registration fee includes lunch and all training
materials. Generous support is also provided by the Illinois 4-H Foundation to help cover costs for the
training. Registration IS OPEN: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sfi4h.cfm.
Registrations will be accepted until Wednesday, September 16. For those 4-H members who have
already taken part in Speaking for Illinois 4-H and are up-to-date on the state roster, we will be holding a
second Speaking for Illinois 4-H Level II training focusing on Youth and Adult Partnerships. Keep the
dates of January 8-9, 2016 reserved for this special training. Registration will open this fall.
Citizenship Washington Focus
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a week-long program that will provide delegates with insights
into the workings of our federal government. This opportunity offers youth delegates with an opportunity
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to tour their nation’s capital while learning about the federal legislative process and how it affects their
local communities. The next trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 9 through Saturday, July 16, 2016.
Delegates stay at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD. CWF is open to 4-H and Extensionrelated youth delegates ages 14-18 by May 1, 2016. The 2016 trip will cost delegates approximately
$1,000. Due to a generous donation from the Illinois 4-H Foundation, this is LESS than the actual
cost of this trip. (This fee may change slightly depending upon the actual number of delegates attending
and/or if additional donors are secured.) This registration fee covers bus transportation to, from, and
around Washington, D.C.; CWF programming; room and board at the National 4-H Center; and most
meals. Adult chaperones are asked to pay $500 for their trip. Adult Chaperones must be age 21 and must
have been approved by the University of Illinois Extension Volunteer Screening procedures. The online
registration program for CWF will open early October and can be linked from the CWF webpage:
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/citizenshipwashington.cfm. Space is limited.
Give Us Your Best Shot! “WATER IS” Photo Contest: The Illinois Water Resources
Center's (IWRC) "Water Is" photo contest will recognize young Illinois photographers who have captured
what water means to them, their communities, and the state. Winning images will be featured in IWRC
publications promoting the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, a new state plan to improve local
and regional water quality. http://1.usa.gov/1JUkPk7. Participants must be 17 years old or under at the
time of entry. Submissions are due by October 16. For more details see the flyer on our virtual bulletin
board http://web.extension.illinois.edu/board/index.cfm?boardID=170
Forest Fungi Project: Get involved in SCIENCE! The Lankau lab at University of
Wisconsin-Madison has created a citizen science program entitled FOREST FUNGI PROJECT. This
project was designed and initiated towards non-professional scientists and students. We designed a project
that makes contributing to scientific research easy, fun, and educational for all ages. It is simple and free!
Go to forested area and collect tree roots, soils, and take pictures of your target tree species. Please visit
our site (forestfungiproject.org) to see how easy it is for you to contribute to this national scientific
project. Email questions, concerns, and request for UPS shipping number to callsup@wisc.edu.
Mark Your Calendar
See newsletter and website for registration and further details
o Sangamon-Menard Leader’s Retreat Sep 15, 6:30 p.m. Sangamon County Extension Office
o Records Judging Day (NEED VOLUNTEERS) Saturday, Sep. 18
o New 4-H year begins Oct. 1, 2015
o State Shoot: Archery/Shotgun Saturday, Oct. 3rd Brittany Shooting Park in Bunker Hill, IL
o National 4-H Week: Oc.t 4th-10th
o Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign October 7-16
o Indian Summer Festival Oct. 10-11th, Lincoln Memorial Gardens
o State Shoot: Air Rifle/.22 Sat, Oct. 17 at Central Illinois Precision Shooting in Bloomington
o 4-H Officer’s Training, Oct. 24 10 a.m.-noon Sangamon County Extension Office
o 4-H Camp White Tail at Monticello October 24-25
o Citizenship Washington Focus 2016 July 9-16th
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