CLOVER POWER Pike County 4-H Newsletter August/September 2008 Dear 4-H Families, Leaders, and Volunteers, Thank you so much to the 4-H families and volunteers who adapted so well to the unusual circumstances of the 2008 4-H shows. This summer, the Pike County fair was cancelled, but thanks to the outstanding people involved in the 4-H program, the shows went on with only a few minor changes. A big THANK YOU goes to all of the members, parents, leaders, livestock sale committee members, superintendents, judges, judges helpers, trophy and award sponsors, sale buyers, and all volunteers who helped make the Pike County 4-H shows a success. We appreciate all that you do to support the 4-H program. Now that the county fair is over, it’s time to work on 4-H records. Records are a way to show you have successfully completed your project work and a way to win awards at the 4-H Achievement program on November 1. Records are due into our office be 4:30 p.m. on September 3. Check out the important information and deadlines inside this newsletter. The new 4-H year begins on September 1, 2008 for new and continuing members. To be eligible for 4-H membership this year, youth must be 8 years old by September 1, 2008 or entering third grade and cannot be 19 years of age by Sept. 1. Youth between the ages of 5 and 7 may join a Cloverbud group. The Clover publication and enrollment forms will be available soon for you to choose your 4-H projects for the coming year. Have you written your thank you notes yet? Trophy and cash award winners and 4-H Sale participants, PLEASE take the time to write a thank you note or make a personal visit to the donor to express your appreciation for their support of the 4-H program. Addresses were attached to trophies and award envelopes. Let our donors know how much they are appreciated. Looking forward to another great year, Kelly Pool Youth Development Educator Cheri Myers Community Worker-4-H & Youth Inside this issue 4-H Records Information……………………………………………….2 Achievement Night Awards…….………………………………………3 4-H Spotlight, Federation……………………………………………….4 New Projects, Leader Corner…………………………………………...4 Food Demonstration Recipes, Events, Food Drive…………….……… 5 Fundraiser Information………………………………………………… 6 Calendar of Events……………………………………………………...6 4-H Records Wondering how to win awards at the county and state level? To be eligible for awards, you must turn in the following by 4:30 p.m. on September 3: 1. Illinois 4-H Member Record-aka- the permanent record 2. One 4-H Story for each curriculum areafor example: Achievement-(Includes all project work during the member's 4-H career) Animal Science (Beef, Swine, Cats, Dogs, etc.) Community Involvement (Citizenship, Intercultural, etc.) Environment & Natural Resources (Entomology, Wildlife, Natural Resources, etc.) Record TipsIt is important to turn in a neat, complete record. Try to write, print, or type very carefully. Put your records in a folder with your name clearly marked. All members should have received a free folder from the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Leadership involvement includes activities that you have been in charge of-for example-Federation programs, any type of talk or presentation, teaching a younger 4-H member. Participation includes activities and programs that you attended. We have examples of how to fill out the permanent record, livestock records, and 4-H stories in the office. There is also an Award and Recognition Guide available in the office which gives information on all awards available in the summer shows and Achievement program. Powerpoint-Getting Records into Shape available at: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/staff/records04.ppt Food, Nutrition, & Health (Food, Health) Home & Family (Child Development, Clothing, Interior Design) Engineering & Technology (Computers, Woodworking, Electricity, etc) Personal Development (Visual Arts, Leadership, Phtography, etc.) Plants and Soils-(Horticulture, Crops, Soils) More information on curriculum areas are on page 59 of the Illinois Clover. 3. Livestock Records (these MUST be turned in if you sold an animal in the 4-H Livestock Sale this year and want to sell next year.) 4. State Award Recognition Those members 15 and over by September 1, 2007 may apply for state awards at this time, also. A state award includes a trip to National 4-H Congress. Call the office if you need assistance with your record applications or need permanent records or livestock records. Application available at http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/opps/90221.pdf 2 4-H Achievement Night Program is November 1 DUE INTO THE OFFICE BY OCT. 15: 1. Club of the Year applications. 2. Standards of Excellence report-(Clubs receive patches for their banners by filling out this simple form that was given out at fall leader meeting.) 3. Club scrapbooks for the county scrapbook contest. 4. Treasurers books (these are required to be filed each year) and Secretary books. 5. Key award nominations for members who are at least 16 and have met all of the criteria for 2 years as listed on page 55 of the Illinois Clover. 6. Darlene Schroeder Home Economics awardbased on project achievement in the Home Ec. area, 4-H participation, and leadership. Winner receives a silver, engraved tray 7. 4-H alumni nominations-given to a former 4-H member who is a deserving individual who gives time and commitment to 4-H and the community. Applications are available in the office. Awards available at the 4-H Achievement program Junior Leader pins and certificates (Leaders submit the names of their Junior Leaders) Project Medals and Blue awards for curriculum areas: Achievement; Animal Sciences; Community Involvement & Global Awareness; Environment & Natural Resources; Food, Nutrition, & Health; Home & Family; Engineering & Technology; Personal Development; Plants & Soils. 1st and 2nd year members who turn in records are recognized. (Outstanding members are chosen) Trophies for Leadership, Citizenship, Public Speaking, Food Demonstrations, Dairy Judging, Forestry Judging, Horse Judging, Outstanding Conservation Project. Club Dairy Month Promotion (cash awards). Top Secretary and Treasurer’s awards (submit books for judging by Oct. 15). Fairbook cover contest winner (chosen from entries submitted in March). Club scrapbook award (cash award for top scrapbook-entries due Oct. 15). National 4-H Week club window display contest (cash awards). Determined Detroiters Matt Swartz Memorial award (based on club records turned in). Pittsfield Producers Traveling Trophy (based on club records turned in). Cloverbuds who fill out records. Darlene Schroeder award (Application in office-due October 15). If a donor is available: Animal Science Award Jackets- an award for the top 4-H members in Animal Science projects. Member must be 14 years of age or over at the time of Achievement night. The awards are based on: 1. Participation in county and state fairs, clinics, workshops, judging, showmanship contests, attendance at club and county-wide events. 2. Knowledge of project. 3. Records, livestock record-keeping (if applicable), 4-H Member record, and a well-written 4-H story about their project. Award winners receive a wind jacket pull over which identifies the species in which they won their award. Awards areas- Beef, Swine, Sheep, Goats, Horses, Poultry, Rabbits, Dairy, Dogs, and Cats. Club Recognition Patches for turning the following into the office: club program, club officer roster, Standards of Excellence Form. Electricity Achievement Award; Electricity School Patches and Certificates. Club of the year (Forms available in the office-due Oct. 15). Illinois Dairy Breeders Awards (HolsteinFriesian Association) Key award (For members 16 yrs. of age and over who have met the nine leadership standards listed on page 57 of the Illinois Clover.) Club Intercultural award for utilizing the state 4-H culture kits or other intercultural programming. 4-H Member Alumni award (presented to members who completed their last year of eligibility). 4-H Alumni award (Anyone may nominate a deserving community individual. Forms in office). CALL THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AWARDS. 3 4-H Spotlight Congratulations to the 2008 Pike County 4-H Foundation Scholarship winners: Jenna Guthrie-Independent Member Carrie Hill-Pittsfield Producers Jennifer Moore-Milton Raise-Its Danielle Baughman attended the Veterinary Medicine Illini Summer Academy at the University of Illinois campus in June. She was sponsored by Two Rivers FS. Jenna Guthrie and Carrie Hill instructed a Horse Clinic at the Pike County Fairgrounds. Thank you to those who came to the Fairground Work Day on Saturday, July 12. Jenna Guthrie placed first in the Judging phase of the Horse Superior Young Producer Contest. The contest was held during the Jr. Horse Show in July. Almost fifty 4-H members read ads at WBBA radio station to promote 4-H shows and sale. Andy Woods will be participating in the ADM Master Showmanship contest at the state fair. 4-H Federation Attention, 4-H members in 7th grade and up-join us at the fall kick-off meeting on Tuesday, September 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Hall in Pittsfield. Join the Feds for a good time while participating in leadership opportunities. New 4-H Projects New projects for 2008-2009 are: Computer Science Intro and Levels 1-3 Dairy Goats Levels 1-3 4-H Cooking 201 (Intermediate level) Welding 4 Leader Corner Records due September 3 Please check with your members to make sure they have completed their 4-H records. Call the office with any questions. Club Awards Has your club had an outstanding activity or program this year? Your club can receive awards and recognition for their accomplishments. Applications are available at http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/opps/90231.doc Deadline for submission to the Pike County Extension office is August 12, 2008. Club Floats The Pittsfield Fall Festival Committee is looking for groups that would like to enter a float in their parade which is Saturday, August 30 at 1:00. Call Bobette Clowers at 217-370-9846 or Morgan Hill at 217-370-2561 for more information. Sew Cool in School This is a program that offers specially priced patterns, free classroom materials, and other supplies that you could use for sewing project groups. Call the office for the school code then log on to www.sewcoolinschool.com Recycling Center September 6 Pittsfield Producers October 4 Griggsville 4-H Club November 1 Milton Raise-Its Closed in December and re-opens in April. National 4-H Week-October 5-11, 2008 Please promote this event in your community. There will be a window display contest held that week. As soon as the theme is finalized, it will be sent to leaders. Leader Birthdays August 1 Lori Clendenny September 7 Kim Motley September 8 Lori Berquist September 11 Robert Berquist September 12 Cindy Prentice September 17 Laura Reis September 19 Jamie Kelley September 20 Jerri Woods September 23 Mary Lagemann Recipes from Home Ec. Show Food Demonstrations Pesto Ravioli by Wilson Webel Pesto: 3 c. Basil 3 cloves garlic ⅛ c. Chives ½ c. parmesan cheese ⅓ c. pine nuts ½ c. olive oil Blend pesto in blender. Take a spot of pesto & a pinch of cheese & place on wonton wrapper. Wet edges of wrapper & fold into a triangle. Pinch edges. Boil for 30 seconds-1 minute. Makes 30. Mexican Layered Dip by Aubrey DeVries Two 15 oz. cans mashed refried beans ½ c. taco sauce Chopped lettuce 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese Chopped tomatoes Add to your taste: olives, onions, peppers. In a bowl, mix together beans & taco sauce. Spread on a platter. Top with lettuce, cheese, & vegetables. Apple Banana Wraps by Madalene Davis 1 small banana, peeled, 1 c. chopped apple ⅓ c. crunchy peanut butter, Four 7-8 in. tortillas Put the banana in bowl & mash with a fork. Add the peanut butter & stir with a wooden spoon. Spread peanut butter mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle with apple. Tightly roll up tortillas. Cut each roll-up in half. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hrs. Make 4 servings. Mexican Wedding Cookies by Jayme Brace 1 c unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ c. confectioners’ sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1¾ c. flour 1 c. pecans Preheat the oven to 275 º. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at low speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla. At low speed, gradually add the flour. Mix in pecans with a spatula. With floured hands, take out about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a crescent or whatever shape you like. Continue to dust hands with flour as you make more cookies. Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 40 minutes. When cool enough to handle but still warm, roll in additional confectioners’ sugar. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 3 dozen. Events Illinois Natural History Survey 150th Anniversary Celebration September 26Scientific Symposium-9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. I-Hotel in Champaign, IL. September 27Presentation by herpetologist and TV personality, Mark O’Shea. 10:00-noon at I-Hotel in Champaign. Illinois Natural History Survey Expo-noon -6:00 p.m.-Natural History Survey-1816 S. Oak St. in Champaign. All events are free but online registration is requested for Symposium and O’Shea presentation at http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/150/index.html 4-H CAN Make a Difference Food Drive at the Illinois State Fair Help battle hunger by contributing to the 4-H CAN Make a Difference Food Drive. Food collection stations will be at all entrance gates, information booths, and various locations throughout the Illinois State fairgrounds. When you visit the state fair bring a can, box, or bag of nonperishable food. All donations go to local food banks, pantries, and shelters. This year with families tightening their belts due to rising energy costs, your help is needed more than ever. Participants will receive a discount coupon for state fair food. Volunteers are also needed to help staff one of the food drive stations. Call 224/688/6637 or email kwagaho@illinois.edu if you can help. We’re on the web www.extension.uiuc.edu/pike 5 Federation Fundraiser Starts August 29 It’s time again for the annual Federation fundraiser. Now more than ever we need your help with this important 4-H fundraiser. We will be selling pizzas, cookie dough, candy, gift items and more. The funds raised will be used for 4-H educational programming in Pike County. Everyone buys pizza-so why not help support the 4-H program, too? Top salesman receives $10.00, first choice of four top prizes, Clover Cash, and up to 12 additional prizes. The top four sellers receive their choice of four prizes. Prizes will be on display in the office when you pick up your sales packet. The prize brochure allows you to earn from 1 to 12 different prizes. Cash prizes-get Clover Cash for every 10 items sold. Pizza party for top clubs. PIZZA ORDER FORMS ARE DUE INTO OFFICE BY SEPTEMBER 22. Packets will be ready after August 15. You can pick up your sales packets when you bring in your records. Products will be delivered on Saturday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Farm Bureau Hall. Please participate in this important fundraiser. 6 Calendar of Events August 8-17 Illinois State Fair 15 Pike County Judging at the State Fair 15 Deadline for Club award applications to state 4-H office September 1 New 4-H Year Begins 3 4-H Records Due into the office 6 Recycling Center-Pittsfield Producers 9 Federation 4:30 18 Federation serves at HCE dinner 22 Fundraiser forms due back in office October 4 Recycling Center-Griggsville 4-H 5-11 National 4-H Week 7 Federation 4:30 18 Fundraiser delivery-11:00 -1:00 November 1 Achievement Night-7:00 p.m. 1 Recycling Center-Milton Raise-Its 4 Federation 4:30 December 2 Federation 4:30 6 4-H Foundation Craft Show Pike County Extension Director: Jennifer Mowen Youth Development Educator: Kelly Pool Community Worker: Cheri Myers Newsletter written by: Cheri Myers If you have any questions or comments regarding this issue of Clover Power please contact us at: 217-285-5543 State/County/Local Groups/United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any programs, please contact University of Illinois Extension, Pike County at 217-285-5543