January/February 2005

From the Extension Office

Here it is — a new calendar year yet we’re almost half way through our 4-H year. I can hardly believe all that is going on. Beyond supporting the community clubs, we are also busy trying to bring our youth development resources to schools and other youth organizations, providing teacher trainings, and collaborating with other organizations to address issues effecting youth in DuPage County. Here’s a few highlights.

Community Clubs

• Enrollment is winding down, but soon it will be time to start registering for all kinds of events. An article inside this issue will help you understand the upcoming deadlines.
• March 4 will be the annual International Night so I am sure you’re all busy with your club exhibits. Volunteer help is needed. Please talk with your club leader for more details.
• Dog training will begin on Thursday, January 13. Special thanks to our trainers for dedicating their time and talent. Don’t forget the show on March 19.
• Committees have been meeting to discuss changes to the 2005 exhibit opportunities including the fairs and animal shows.

Learning Enrichment
We just revised a guide of our learning enrichment resources that are available to schools, other youth organizations, and 4-H clubs. Among the resources are numerous kits that have everything you’ll need to do activities relating to science, intergenerational understanding, and more.

• February 24 will be an Incubation & Embryology training for teachers. During this 3-hour training, teachers will learn how to hatch chicks in their classrooms.
• March 4 is a countywide teacher institute day. We have invited staff from UIC to come to share their expertise on social and emotional learning, a topic of importance given the new social and emotional learning standards that will soon be part of the State Standards.

Community Activities

• In January, Christine and I will begin taking 4-H activities to three resource centers in DuPage County. We are very committed to bringing 4-H to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
• January is also a big month as we will be conducting three focus groups with youth. The purpose of the groups is to learn how to make 4-H even better by understanding what attracts and keeps youth involved in organized activities.
• Presentations are an important way to let others know about all our offerings. In December, we presented at the Latino Service Providers Network. In January, we will present at the Character Development.

Coalition.

• In January, I will attend a regional task force meeting on childhood obesity that is being coordinated by the Lake County Health Department.

So as you can see there is a lot going on. It’s truly exciting to see all the possibilities.

Sincerely,
Christina Foster
Unit Educator, Youth Development

DuPage County 4-H News

Clothing Day Project Day Reminder
Just a reminder to all of you who would like to participate in the clothing project day scheduled for Saturday, January 29. The “Sewing Basics” class will meet from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DuPage County Extension Office, Suite A. Please bring a sack lunch. If possible, participants are encouraged to bring a sewing machine, a bobbin, thread, a #10 or #12 needle, and shears. Parents are welcome. Through live demonstrations and many hands-on activities, you will learn how to:

1. Use your sewing machine
2. Use your sewing tools
3. Do interfacing and pressing techniques
4. Read your pattern envelope and guide sheet
5. Lay out your pattern and work with different types of fabric. In the afternoon you will make a simple half apron! This workshop is presented by the Clothing Committee. For more information and to reserve a spot, call the Extension office.

Enrollment & Registration Deadlines
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your 4-H calendar. In the upcoming months, there will be many enrollment and registration deadlines that must be met in order to participate in events such as the dog training, dog show, mini fair and county fair.

Often there is confusion between enrollment deadlines and registration deadlines. So, please read on.

To summarize, through enrollment we recognize you as a 4-Her and know what project books to send you. Through registration we know you want to participate in a 4-H event or activity. For example, if you want to take the dog obedience classes this winter you need to enroll in the dog project and complete the dog obedience class registration paperwork. So to ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities, make 4-H Happenings sure you know when your project(s) can be exhibited. Please see your November 4-H Happenings Newsletter for the 2004-05 DuPage County 4-H Project Exhibit Schedule for details. Below are some highlights.

• Mini Fair (April 16, 2005)
  Project Enrollment Deadline: February 2, 2005
  Event Registration Deadline: April 4, 2005
• Dog Show (March 19, 2005)
• Project Enrollment Deadline: February 2, 2005
• Event Registration Deadline: March 7, 2005
• Horse Clinic (June 16-17, 2005)
• Horse Show (June 25, 2005)
• Project Enrollment Deadline: April 4, 2005
• Ownership/Lease Deadline: May 2, 2005
• Event Registration Deadline: June 6, 2005
• Clothing Judging and Fashion Revue (July 20, 2005)
• Project Enrollment Deadline: April 4, 2005
• Event Registration Deadline: June 27, 2005
• County Fair Judging Events (July 25-27, 2005)
• Project Enrollment Deadline: April 4, 2005
• Animal Possession Deadlines: January through June - varies per species; See below
• Event Registration Deadline: June 27, 2005

Animal Possession Deadlines

In addition to enrollment and registration deadlines, 4-H members who plan to exhibit animals must also take possession of their animals by certain dates. These dates represent the latest date in which a 4-H’er takes ownership and responsibility for the care of their animal. Below are the deadlines for each animal species.

January 1
Beef, performance cow
Dairy, cows
Goats, milking doe

February 1
Beef, steer

May 1
Goats, Kids and yearling
Horse and pony
Poultry
Rabbits

May 15
Sheep, wethers

June 1
Beef, heifers
Dairy, calves
Sheep, breeding
Swine, barrows
Swine, breeding
Swine, gilts

4-H Calendar for 2004-2005

Please realize that while every effort is made to be accurate and up-to-date, sometimes events and/or deadlines will change. Therefore, please use this calendar as a general guide. When events are revised, which may involve a change in date, time, location or other details, updates will be made known in future newsletters, to leaders, and hopefully soon to the website. If you are ever in question, please contact the DuPage County Extension Office.

If you are aware of an event and/or deadline that is not on this calendar, please notify Christina Foster at the Extension Office as soon as possible.

Enrollment means you are signing up to study a certain project area. Registration means you are indicating you want to take part in a specific event. Please note: Many deadlines are absolute—meaning we are not able to accommodate late comers regardless of the circumstances. Please understand that there are many parties involved in most events, and the deadlines are in place to assure that all the details are handled in a timely manner. In some cases, deadlines are defined outside the DuPage office, and therefore we are unable to make exceptions. So please make sure you met these deadlines.

Footnotes:

1. By this deadline, 4-Hers must be enrolled in projects that they plan to show at either the Dog Show or MiniFair .
2. This deadline is for clubs who have members who would like to participate in events such as fairs and animal shows. Clubs may join after this date, however, they would not be eligible to participate in certain events.

Pork Quality Assurance Training: Required for Swine Project Members

Those of you planning to exhibit and/or sell your swine at either the DuPage County Fair or the State Fair must complete a Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Training. Unlike the QAEC (see below), this training must be repeated each year you exhibit. This requirement is the result of increasing demand from packers to assure quality pork products. The training will be offered April 6, 2005 from 5:00 – 6:30 pm at the DuPage County Extension Office. Call the Extension office to reserve your spot. This will be the only training offered so please mark your calendars.

Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification Training: Required for New Animal Project Members

If you plan to exhibit an animal other than dogs, cats, or small pets at the DuPage County Fair or State Fair, you must complete the Quality Assurance and Ethics Certification Training. If you have completed this training in the past and are on the approved list, you will not need to re-certify. This training is available on-line starting February 1 at http://qaec.outreach.uiuc.edu. It can be completed at your convenience. However, it must be completed by the following deadlines: June 15 for State Fair horse exhibitors; July 1 for all other animal exhibitors. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. The site will be closed after July 1 and no other options will be available. The site also takes some time to get through, as there are several downloads.

Once on-line you will be asked to register yourself by giving your name, birth date, county residence, and the name of your 4-H club. When you do this you will receive an ID number. After completing the registration, you will continue through the training that covers six areas: Introduction, Benefits, Purpose, Care, Medicine, and Affidavit. After each section you will take a short quiz to test your knowledge. Don’t worry if you can’t complete the training at one time. With your ID number, you can go back and pick up where you left off. When you do finish, a certification can be printed for verification.

If you don’t have access to the Internet, please contact the DuPage Extension office to make arrangements to satisfy this requirement.

DuPage County Teen Night

By Christine Birns

As many of you may have heard, 4-H Extension Staff held a teen night at the Extension Office on December 1. The meeting gave 4-H teens an opportunity to meet me (Christine Birns), the new 4-H Coordinator, Christina Foster, and other 4-H teens throughout the county. After getting to know one another, we discussed the benefits of being involved in a club such as 4-H. We also talked about how Extension can better adapt 4-H programming to meet the needs of DuPage County teens. The idea of a teen group was proposed and created much excitement. The teens suggested that the group focus on leadership opportunities, service learning, collaborating with 4-H teens in other counties, and planning field trips. So what do you think? If you’re a teenage 4-H member, would you be interested in participating in a teen group? We’d love to hear your thoughts. We’re planning another Teen Night sometime in February, so we hope you can join us and bring your ideas. We’re open to a variety of suggestions, but need your participation to make it work. Stay tuned for details.

Get Up and Move!: 4-H Activities To Improve Childhood Health and Fitness

By Sheri Seibold

The prevalence of overweight children in the United States is increasing at alarming rates. Today 25 – 30 percent of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese. The National Health Examination Survey data shows a 98 percent increase since 1960 in the prevalence of severe obesity in children ages 6 – 11 and a 64 percent increase in adolescents 12 – 17. From 1986-1998, the number of non-Hispanic white children who were overweight doubled from 6 – 12 percent. One in five African-American and Hispanic youth are overweight. According to the Journal of American Medical Association, this is a 120 percent increase in their 12-year study.

Trends today show that diets are falling short of the mark, desirable physical activity levels are not being met, obesity rates are skyrocketing, and adult diseases are showing up in children. Children are consuming higher percentages of calories from high fat foods and sodas. According to the Cigna Corp., children spend 14 hours per week watching television and children ages 12 – 14 average 7 hours per week playing video games.

Now more than ever, initiatives like Get Up and Move! are important to help children get 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Check out the monthly educational materials for use by 4-H clubs/groups on the Illinois 4-H web site at http://www.4-h.%20uiuc.edu/opps/move.

Scholarships

2005 Legacy of Leadership Scholarship Due March 1
The Legacy of Leadership Scholarship is available to current 4-H members who are high school seniors or in an approved post-high school educational program (junior college, 4-year university, trade school), or in their last year of 4-H membership.

"We're excited to offer college scholarships to 4-H members," said Rod Stoll, Director of Development for the Illinois 4-H Foundation. "The scholarship program provides us an opportunity to reward Illinois 4-H'ers who have a proven track record of leadership in their club and county and who demonstrate the potential to be future leaders in our state and country."

Applicants must have been enrolled in the 4-H program a minimum of 5 years. The $1000 scholarship is merit-based and may be used for expenses for further education programs, including trade schools, junior colleges, colleges, or universities. Once a member has been awarded the Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, they are ineligible to reapply. Complete applications must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2005. Additional information about the scholarship is available at http://www.4-H.uiuc.edu/foundation or by contacting the DuPage Extension office.

Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship Due April 15
Five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded annually to Illinois high school seniors who plan to enroll as full time students in agriculture or agriculture-related studies and be committed to pursuing a career in agriculture or an agriculturerelated field. Winning applicants will be notified by May 2, 2005 by letter from the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer. Scholarship funds may only be used towards the student’s tuition, books, and/or room and board by the institution. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Office of the State Treasurer or calling the DuPage Extension office.

State, National, International

Horse Sense 101: Basics of Horse Ownership

Kishwaukee College and DeKalb Extension office are pleased to present a one-day workshop for both horse owners and for those considering horse ownership. The Workshop will take place Saturday, January 29 at the Kishwaukee College Conference Center. It is designed to help you make wise decisions prior to purchasing a horse and to educate you about proper choices should you already own a horse.

The cost is $40 per person; $65 for two people from the same household; or $20 under the age of 18 (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Advance registration is required. January 24 is the registration deadline. A registration brochure is available by contacting the DuPage Extension office or you may call in your registration using VISA, MasterCard, or Discover at (815) 825-2086, ext. 204 or 311. Refunds will not be made after January 24. A full refund will be granted if the daylong workshop is cancelled by Kishwaukee College.

T-Shirt Design Contest
Imagine seeing your artwork in print! The State Fair Jr. Dept. Horse Show is having a t-shirt design contest. The contest is open to 4-H and FFA members who submit their entry by February 1, 2005 to the State 4-H Office. The winning artist will receive a gift certificate from Horse Quest Unlimited in Springfield and the pride of seeing their design on hundreds of t-shirts. Contest guidelines can be obtained by contacting your club leader or the DuPage Extension office.

Host Families Needed for Exchange Program
By Sheri Seibold
The summer 4-H exchange program involves Japanese youth (ages 12-16) living with a family for a month beginning July 24. Families have opportunities to learn about Japanese life and culture and share their own culture. The Japanese High School Exchange program provides an opportunity for Japanese students to spend a year attending a U.S. high school. Two host families are needed for the 2005-06 school year. Japanese students arrive in late July and return mid-June. For more information about these opportunities, contact the DuPage Extension office.

2005 Junior Leadership Conference: Leadership Round-Up

Attention all seventh and eighth graders, the Jr. Leadership Conference (JLC) is scheduled to take place on Saturday and Sunday, February, 26-27, 2005 at the Chancellor Hotel, in Champaign. This is your opportunity to meet other 4-H’ers your age who live in Illinois. Throughout the weekend, you’ll take part in challenging games, learn different leadership approaches, dance, swim, and just have FUN! Space is limited to the first 125 delegates, with the initial spaces designated for first-time attendees. The cost is $80, which includes three meals, overnight hotel stay, and all programming materials. Scholarships may be available through the Illinois 4-H Foundation; the scholarship application deadline is January 7. Registrations must be postmarked by January 24, 2005. Registration will be taken until full or Monday, January 24. Registration materials are available from your local Extension office or through http://www.4-h.%20uiuc.edu/events/annual013jlc.html.

Surf’s Up at the Northern Illinois 4-H Leadership Conference

From the Conference Brochure

Come hang with us at the 2005 Northern Illinois 4-H Leadership Conference. Clear your schedule for March 18-19 because you’ll want to be surfin’ at the Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center. We’ve planned a totally rad weekend filled with workshops, tours, and speakers.

We have brought together some outrageous workshops from around the state that will help turn your leadership potential into mad skill. And, don’t wipe out the next time you need to lead a group of dudes and dudettes – come check out our awesome returning keynote speaker, Keith Patterson.

Don’t worry, guys and gals. It won’t be all work, everyone will perform in our radical new talent show. Whether you dance, sing, play an instrument, recite poetry, or do a magical act… we’re looking for the performance artists in our group! Or, just chill with the fishes in the indoor pool, Tiki Hut/ Hospitality room, and dance.

Bring all your friends along, whether they are hodads, just beginning to lead, or big Kahunas who think they know it all. We have a gnarly two days lined up for all your surfers to ride a wave into tomorrow.

4-Hers who are 14 years and older are welcome. Contact your club leader or the Extension office for more information. Page 7 January /February 2005

2005 State Fair Changes for Animal Shows

The State Fair Jr. Livestock Committee faced a number of challenges this fall. Here is a quick summary of their decisions for the 2005 Illinois State Fair.

Horses

1. For safety reasons, NO LOCKS are allowed on stall doors at any time unless the stall contains tack.
2. (Revision to second paragraph of #7, under Additional Information for Exhibitors.) In the Land of Lincoln classes, only animals which are Illinois bred, born, and owned and exhibited by Illinois 4-H and FFA members shall be eligible to participate in classes 69301, 69302, 69401, 69601, 69602, 69607, and 69500. Please refer to the complete Land of Lincoln rules in the Jr. Department Premium Book.
3. Dressage will have an additional level. Information will be forthcoming in the Illinois State Fair Jr. Premium Book.
4. As of the 2006 Illinois State Fair, HELMETS WILL BE REQUIRED BY ALL RIDERS WHENEVER MOUNTED. (Helmets must meet ASTM/SEI standards.)

Rabbits

The Jr. Rabbit Show will be WEDNESDAY August 10, 2005. Beef

1. Classes will no longer be divided by hip heights rather by breeds and weights.
2. Any animals displaying repeated unruly behavior will be dismissed from the class at the discretion of the superintendent. Sheep

A new Ewe Lamb Market Class will be established. Jr. Market ewes must be tattooed and nominated at the same time as the lamb weigh and will not be eligible for the Grand Champion Drive.

Swine

1. Barrows that weigh-out during the original weigh will be allowed to re-weigh ONE time. The re-weigh request must be made immediately; the animal may not leave the ring/weigh area; and the weigh-back must occur within 15 minutes of the original weigh time.
2. The upper limit for barrow weight has been raised to 275 pounds.

Dogs

SPECIAL NOTE: There is a strong possibility of a date/ location change for the 2005 Illinois State Fair 4-H Dog Show due to State Fair programming changes. Information will be forwarded to counties when available.

Volunteer Corner

Marilyn Goodrich: Committed to 4-H for 47 Years and Still Going!

By Christine Birns, 4-H Coordinator

Marilyn Goodrich first became involved with 4-H as a member of the Happy Hour 4-H Club located in Glen Ellyn. The Happy Hour Club was made up of all girls and was considered a home economics club in which all of the members participated in projects such as cooking and sewing. Marilyn’s mother became the official leader of the club when the original leader moved out of the area. Marilyn enjoyed 4-H because she was able to spend time with her friends while expanding her knowledge and refining her skills in areas that she enjoyed. Once Marilyn was past 4-H age, she decided that she wanted to continue her involvement. For the past 47 years, she has been the leader of the Whirlybirds 4-H Club in Wheaton.

Marilyn is proud to say that she encourages her 4-H members to participate in a variety of real life learning experiences that are unique to 4-H. The Whirlybirds perform service work at local nursing homes, help out at the Lion’s Club, participate in International Night, and enter projects in the Fair. As the club leader, Marilyn encourages her members to try enrolling in a variety of different projects such as, rabbits, goats, sheep, visual arts, foods. She looks forward to Fair each year not only to view all of the projects, but also to visit with 4-H’ers and their families. Marilyn thinks Fair is a good opportunity to catch up with former 4-H’ers too! She loves to hear what past members are doing currently. Marilyn has experienced many warm moments throughout her 47 years. One of her greatest privileges was being the leader for two generations from the same family. Another of her fondest memories recently took place when a previous member of hers sought her out after 30 years to tell her what an impact she had had on him as his 4-H leader. She explained that the man walked up to her house and started reciting the 4-H pledge. After a few more hints, she realized this was a former Whirlybird 4-H’er.

Marilyn has also had quite an impact on her family in regards to 4-H. Not only is her daughter a 4-H leader, her granddaughter is as well, and her great-granddaughter is a 4-H member. Marilyn’s great-grandson plans on becoming involved in 4-H when he reaches 8 years old. This will also be the year that Marilyn will celebrate her 50 years of 4-H involvement.

Marilyn believes it is important for 4-H members to consider themselves a family. She stresses the importance of getting along with one another in order to create a bond among both the members and the parents. She feels strongly that to have a successful club, both the members and their parents need to know that the leader cares. Marilyn is truly a leader that cares. She admits to keeping all her past secretary books and looking through them to spark memories of the past. She also tries her best to keep in contact with past 4-H’ers to see how their lives have developed. Thank you Marilyn for your dedication to 4-H members, families, and events. We are so very fortunate to have such an outstanding volunteer in DuPage County. It’s not hard to understand why she was recently chosen as the northeast regional volunteer of the year. (See the story below.) Thank you and congratulations, Marilyn!

Marilyn Goodrich & Cindy Naberhaus: Northeast Regional Volunteers of the Year

Salute to Excellence is a national 4-H volunteer recognition program that presents two awards each year. Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award is for individuals who have served as a 4-H volunteer for 10 or more years at the county or state level. Marilyn Goodrich and Diane Barnes were nominated from DuPage County. Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year Award is for individuals who have served as 4-H volunteers for 10 or fewer years at the county or state level. Cindy Nauberhaus was nominated for this award.

This award is competitive at the regional, state, and national levels. Each Extension office submits nominees and then all the Extension youth staff in each region votes to determine who will advance to the state competition and represent their region. From all the nominations, we’re excited to announce that Marilyn Goodrich and Cindy Nauberhaus were selected as the northeast region winners.

Marilyn and Cindy will now compete at the state level against the winners from the other regions. The State 4-H office will select a state nominee for each of the two awards to advance to the national competition. A winner will be chosen based on the nominee's ability to positively impact 4-H youth; engage new youth in 4-H; empower youth and nurture youth/adult partnerships; create new program and fundraising initiatives; recruit additional 4-H volunteers, and personal growth from being a 4-H volunteer.

As regional winners, Marilyn and Cindy will be recognized at the 2005 Illinois State Fair. If they win on the national level, they will be recognized at the National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC April 1-6, 2005. Awardees will be asked to make a short acceptance speech upon receipt of their awards.

Congratulations and good luck Marilyn and Cindy!

Tips for 4-H Success

Setting 4-H Project Goals

By Sheri Seibold, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development - Volunteer and Staff Development

Planning For My 4-H Project Work is the title of the goal sheet for 8 -11 year olds. Illinois Project Plan is for 12 -14 year olds and Illinois Advanced Project Plan is for 15-19 year olds. Cloverbud members have their own sheets called Cloverbud Story Level I, II, and III.

4-H volunteers, parents, and junior leaders can help members set goals. Members and their "goal setting" helper should sit down and go through the project manual to see what types of learning activities are offered. They may also want to review The Illinois Clover to see the suggestions of things that can be done in the project. Finally they may want to review the county 4-H fairbook to see what are the exhibit opportunities in each project. They may want to ask for a copy of the score sheet for the project at the local Extension Office as well.

Goal setting is important because 4-H'ers have a "stake" in their learning. They can match their interests and goals. They are more likely to learn more if it is something they are interested in and members and parents can set their own pace for the work to be done.

Having a goal is like having a road map. It helps members decide how to get from where they are to where they want to go. Project goals are tools that help members look ahead to plan what they want to do. A project goal should have three parts:

• How they plan to do something
• What will happen when they do that, and
• When they will do it.

The three parts are also called 1) the action, 2) the result, and 3) the timetable. Members should check to see that each goal has the three parts and that they can be measured. Once members have written their goals, help them do a control test. Look over the goal and ask, "Do I have control over what I want to do, or does someone else? Does the action part of the goal tell what you will do? The goal will pass the control test if the action is something the member can do, rather than something someone else will do.

Goal Setting Yearly Planning Guide for Leaders, Jr. Leaders, and Parents

September - October

• Help members evaluate the past year.
• Assist members in enrolling in 4-H projects.

November - December

• Assist members in developing goals for year.
• Develop project group plans for year.

January - February - March

• Leaders check 4-H'ers progress.
• Have members write down things on planning
  sheets.
• Help members evaluate plans. Are there any changes, additions, or deletions of goals?

April - June

• Have member's record work done on planning
  sheets.
• Have member's record participation in activities
  and events on My 4-H Activities sheet.
• Provide encouragement and reminders.
• Assist members in preparing exhibits for county
  fair.
• Prepare members for conference judging.

June - August

• Check progress of work.
• Have members write work done on planning sheets.
• Encourage members to exhibit at county fair.
• Review feedback received by members from judge during conference judging.

August

• Have members complete planning sheets.
• Talk to parents and leaders about accomplishments.
• Evaluate and start planning for next year.