By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On August 11, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles had their last meeting for the 2024-2025 4-H year. They discussed how fair went. Each member presented one of their projects. David Bagwell talked about his photography project. He had taken a picture of a unique log in the family yard. He captured the perfect angle and centering with his photography skills. Finn Slattery discussed his whittling project. He made a very cute mushroom. Lydia Sherburne presented her food science project. She had made three recipes for fruit drinks that were low in sugar and had to make advertising and marketing ideas to sell her drinks. Kaden Lingbeck presented his Longhorn hen, Blanca. Blanca received Grand Champion Mediterranean for 4-H poultry and the open show. The judge said that he could find nothing wrong with her. She was the most perfect chicken he had seen in a while. Afterwards they celebrated with ice cream and favorite toppings. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club is a very active club that enjoys community service projects. If you are interested in 4-H and would like to be in an active club, please call Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. Pictured is Kaden Lingbeck holding Blanca and Finn Slattery petting Blanca.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club members were busy being judged and working at the Ogle County Fair this year. The members were involved in showing their animals, clothing, general projects, foods, horticulture and photography. All the members did a great job. Some of the members were around the fair volunteering their time as well. They helped in the Children’s Farm during the fair and with cleaning up the Children’s Farm on Sunday.  Another member helped with the judging by handing out ribbons at the rabbit judging. Some of the members worked in the Exhibit Building, setting it up for the fair, helping in it during the fair and helping with the cleanup process on the last day. They still managed to have time to enjoy the fair as well. If being active in the fair is something that sounds fun to you, joining 4-H is a great way to do that. The projects are fun as well as educational. If you would like to know more about 4-H or the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. Pictured is Kolton Motszko enjoying the fair.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On July 14, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club had their monthly meeting. Lorna VanBrooklynn and Sharon Nordman, representatives of the Merry Martha Club came to talk about their group and to donate a check to the group from money they received at their recent quilt auction. The Merry Martha Club is a group in the Leaf River area that gets together to make quilts and socialize. This group auctions quilts off each year. With the money they receive they give back to the Leaf River Community by donating the money to local groups in the Leaf River area. The 4-H club had another special speaker, Chantel O’Rorke, that night who discussed nutrition. The group also talked about everything they needed to do to get ready for the upcoming Ogle County Fair. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. Pictured are Kolton Motszko, Finn Slattery, David Wehler and Lorna VanBrooklynn.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club reporter

On June 29, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club visited the Williams’ Dairy Farm for National Dairy Month. On their arrival a new Lineback calf had just been born. The 4-Hers were introduced to a variety of dairy cattle along with some meat cattle. They learned what the cows are fed and saw how the milking process happens. Besides seeing the cows, they also visited the goats, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, cats and one dog. They finished the tour enjoying ice cream sandwiches. June is National Dairy Month. This celebration was started in 1937 as National Milk Month. It is a great way to meet local dairy farmers, talk about the types of dairy products, try dairy recipes and tour different dairy facilities from local dairy farms to ice cream shops.  It is a yummy month to celebrate. For more information on the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. Pictured are Nickie Lingbeck, the new calf, Finn Slattery, Kaden Lingbeck, David Wehler and Lydia Sherburne.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On Tuesday, June 24 the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club helped at one of the Ogle County Mini-Food Centers by cleaning out the center and throwing away any old food. This mini-food center is located in Oregon. The mini-food centers were created to help people, who have limited access to food, have an option to healthy choices of food that have been donated by people and other organizations in the community. The Ogle County Health Department received a grant from the CDC in 2022 to help our community fight food insecurity which a portion was used to develop these mini-food centers. Pictured are Lydia Sherburne, David Bagwell and Kaden Lingbeck.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On Sunday, June 8, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club participated in the Leaf River Summer Daze Parade. Leaf River Daze is a fun event in Leaf River with a market of vendors, tractor pull, fireworks and other fun activities. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club also helped Friday, June 6 with the Leaf River Lions’ grill out just before the fireworks. They helped serve on the line. Pictured are Kaden Lingbeck, David Bagwell, Kolton Motszko, Finn Slattery and Kenlie Motszko.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club reporter

On May 28, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club worked on the garden at the Bertolet Library. They weeded the area and added flowers. This is an event that the 4-Hers enjoy doing each year. It is fun to work together for the community. For more information on the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. Pictured are Kaden Lingbeck, David Bagwell, Hazel Friday and Kolton Motszko.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On May 24, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles visited the Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford to see the butterfly exhibit. They saw a movie discussing the butterflies which talked about their lives, what they eat and how the conservatory gets the chrysalises. There was a room to see the different chrysalises. Then the 4-H group entered the conservatory that had a section fenced off for the butterflies. Each person was given a stick saturated with gatorade to attract the butterflies. It was a fun experience for everyone. Pictured are Henry Hodson, David Wehler, Finn Slattery, Kaden Lindbeck and Lydia Sherburne.

By Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On May 12, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club had their May meeting. Two talks and demonstrations were held. Kolton Motszko talked about his automata cams device. It was a helicopter that moved up and down on a landing. Hazel Friday discussed her singing voices. She practices with three types: her chest voice to sing deeply, her head voice to sing higher and her siren voice for practicing. Katie Sherburne, special speaker, talked about chemistry. She showed how metals could be distinguished from nonmetals by seeing which conducted electricity. The 4-Hers also tested the density of different liquids. Then they tossed in a ping pong ball, a golf ball and a die to see where they would sink to. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles meet the second Monday of each month. For more information on this 4-H Club, please call Nickie Lingbeck (815)275-2492. Pictured looking at the density of liquids and finding solids floating inside are Hazel Friday, Kaden Lingbeck, David Bagwell and Kolton Motszko

By Lydia Sherburne

On May 4, 2025 the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club had lunch at La Patrona Mexican Restaurant in Freeport, IL. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the chips with salsa appetizer. When the Club is busy out in the community, they are usually doing either 4-H related activities or volunteer activities. This was a nice event to sit, talk and relax. Everyone came with an appetite and left satisfied. It was a good time to be together and catch up on what everyone has been up to. Pictured on the left are Gianni Racanelli and Lydia Sherburne. Pictured are Kaden Lingbeck, David Wehler and David Bagwell.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On April 19, the Leaf River Lions’ Club held their annual Easter breakfast and Easter egg hunt. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club helped with setting up for the breakfast. They served drinks and cleaned up the dishes off the tables. 

Pictured is Gianni Racanelli gloved up and helping serve toppings on the waffles.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

April 26 is the National 4-H Day of Service. This year, Ogle County 4-H has partnered with the Ogle County Health Department to donate food to the local mini food centers that the Ogle County Health Department has started in different towns within Ogle County. Some of the items that move quickly are what many think of as basic condiments like ketchup, mustard, salad dressing and seasonings which are considered luxuries to those served by the mini food centers. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club recently collected supplies for this food drive. The collection will continue through May 1st. Donations can be dropped off at the Extension Office in Oregon. 

Pictured with the donated food supplies are Hazel Friday, David Bagwell, Kaden Lingbeck and Kolton Motszko. Others who donated but not pictured are Finn Slattery, David Wehler and Lydia Sherburne.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On April 14, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club had their monthly meeting. Bernie and Joe Gleiter were special speakers that came to the meeting. Joe Gleiter discussed the importance of cleanliness when working in the kitchen by keeping hands, surfaces and utensils clean. He explained how fast bacteria can grow on surfaces and some of the health issues bacteria can cause. Bernie Gleiter taught the 4-H group how to make salsa and guacamole. Each person was able to make their own salsa or pico de gallo. Each 4-Her sampled their salsa along with the guacamole on chips. Everyone had a lot of fun, enjoyed their snacks and learned new information. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club meets the second Monday of each month. For more information, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492.

Pictured: David Bagwell, Kaden Lingbeck, Finn Slattery, Bernie Gleiter, Hazel Friday, Joe Gleiter and Kolton Motszko.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On Saturday, March 29, the Leaf Soaring Eagles 4-H club held one of their talk and demonstrations activities. Each 4-Her that wants to participate in the fair judging must perform one talk and demonstration before fair time. This activity helps the 4-Her practice talking in front of a judge. Other 4-H members are there to ask questions and give support during the presentation. Kaden Lingbeck presented his variety of chickens. Lydia Sherburne talked on health, fitness, scrapbooking and food projects. David Wehler discussed his photography project and how to accomplish what he did. Henry Hodson showed his woodworking project and explained how he made it as well as what it was for.

Pictured: Henry Hodson 

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On March 22, the Ogle County 4-H Day of Dabbling took place at the Oregon Church of God. Day of Dabbling is an event that allows local youth to try different hands-on activities. Four members of the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club participated in the event. David Bagwell and Finn Slattery participated in the different classes that were available. Lydia Sherburne led a STEM Building Sets class helped by 4-H member Gianni Racanelli. Other activities that were available included crocheting, sewing, crafting, cake decorating, experimenting with cooking, drawing, photo editing and many science related classes involving geology, bugs, sound and other fun activities. Everyone who participated had a good time. 

Pictured: Finn Slattery having fun with Magna Tiles and Gianni Racanelli and Lydia Sherburne setting up for class.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On March 10, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club went on a trip to the Hough’s Maple Lane Farm. We were able to tour the area where the sap is processed. We were able to taste the sap before processing. Then we watched the sap as it boiled and tasted some maple syrup that had just been made. We learned that maple syrup only comes from North America because these maple trees are the only ones that have sweet water like sap. Trees can only be tapped when they reach a 10 inch diameter which takes many years. It takes at least 43 gallons of sap to make just 1 gallon of syrup. Real, pure maple syrup straight from the trees has many antioxidants and is a good source of calcium, iron and the B vitamin, thiamine. Once the buds on the trees start to open the maple syrup making has ended because the sap can no longer be used. Our group had fun and enjoyed the tour. If you would like more information on the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. 

Pictured front row: Hazel Friday and Finn Slattery, back row: Kaden Lingbeck, David Wehler and Henry Hodson. 

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On March 8, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club participated in the Penny Carnival. The Penny Carnival is a family friendly event that has games developed by each of the Ogle County 4-H clubs around a theme. The theme this year was Cereal-sly Fun. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles Club game was The Cereal Shoot. A table was set up to hold various sized empty cereal boxes. Each player shot a nerf gun at the boxes. They had six chances to see how many boxes they could knock down.  Prizes were available for those who participated. The 4-H club members were very busy all night. Everyone had a lot of fun. Cereal boxes were donated during the event to be given to local food pantries. For more information on the Leaf River Soaring -Eagles 4-H Club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815) 275-2492. The club meets the second Monday of each month at the River valley Complex in Leaf River. 

Pictured are Lydia Sherburne, Gianni Racanelli, David Wehler and Kaden Lingbeck.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles recently celebrated Valentine’s Day with a party during their recent 4-H meeting on February 10. They played several games. Two teams tried to stack the most Starburst candies, which were later enjoyed.. They played a dart game with a heart, which was won by Henry Hodson. They also played a type of Tic-Tac-Toe game and pinned the heart on Cupid’s arrow, which was won by Kolton Motszko. They received chocolate kiss prizes for winning the games and for sitting in a chair with a heart under it. There were also many snacks to be had. Everyone had a good time. If you are considering 4-H, this club meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 in the River Valley Complex in Leaf River. For more information on the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815)275-2492. 

Pictured are the teams for the stacking contest, back table has members Finn Slattery and Kolton Motszko, front table has Henry Hodson, David Wehler and Kaden LIngbeck with David Bagwell standing

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On February 8, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles participated in the 4-H Bowling Tournament. They met at Town and Country Lanes in Mt. Morris. These members bowled along with the leaders and family members. A friendly bowling competition was held between the parents and the youth. There was a Clover Bud Lane that allowed the children to use the bumper. Everyone had a fun time bowling together.

Pictured(L-R): Kaden Lingbeck, David Wehler, Kolton Motszko and Finn Slattery.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On December 16, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club celebrated Christmas. They had a potluck dinner that everyone enjoyed. They made homemade ornaments, played pin the nose on the reindeer and guessed the number of candies in the jars. For their present exchange the club members played musical chairs to see what present each would receive. Everyone had a lot of fun. The Leaf River Soaring Eagles meet the second Monday of every month at the River Valley Complex, 605 Main Street, Leaf River. For more information on the club, please contact Nickie Lingbeck at (815) 275-2492.

Pictured(L-R): Hazel Friday, Finn Slattery, Lucy Miller, Makhya Burris, Kaden Lingbeck, David Wehler, Henry Hodson, David Bagwell and Kolton Motszko.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club entered a Christmas tree into the Leaf River Bertolet building tree decorating contest. The tree is covered with animals, tractors and 4-H themed ornaments. Each member contributed their own decorations to the tree. The tree will be open to be viewed by the public on Saturday, December 14 at the Leaf River Lions’ Christmas breakfast at the Bertolet Building in Leaf River. 

Pictured(L-R): Kaden Lingbeck, Makhya Burris, Hazel Friday, Lydia Sherburne, Finn Slattery, Gianni Racanelli, David Bagwell and Kolton Motszko

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H members have started Christmas gifts early. The members purchased needed supplies and fun gifts for boys and girls as part of the Operation Christmas Child program. Each member hopes to bring a smile to a child’s face this Christmas. 

Pictured(L-R):Eli Peterson, David Bagwell, Makhya Burris, David Wehler, Hazel Friday, Lydia Sherburne, Finn Slattery, Kaden Lingbeck and Kolton Motszko

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club has started its community service by partnering with the Rockford Rescue Mission. The 4-H club donated supplies in greatest need for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner that the Mission supplies to local residents. Hundreds of residents attend this event at the mission. Hopefully the supplies donated will help put a dent into what the mission needs. 

Pictured(L-R): Lucy Miller, Kaden Lingbeck, David Bagwell, Eli Petersond, Makhya Burris, David Wehler, Finn Slattery, Lydia Sherburne, Hazel Friday and Kolton Motszko

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

On October 12, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles enjoyed their 4-H Kick-Off Party at the Lingbeck Farm. Three of the older 4-H members led separate STEM projects for the other members to participate in. The activities included getting a paperclip to float on water, seeing how many pennies could float in aluminum foil boat and making pinwheels. The club members played games to get to know each other better and had a potluck style meal with hot dogs and brats by Master Chef Kaden. Fun was had by all. 

Pictured(L-R): Kaden Lingbeck, Kolton Motszko, Henry Hodson, Finn Slatterly, David Wehler, Lydia Sherburne, David Bagwell, Makhya Burris and Hazel Friday.

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

The Leaf River Soaring Eagles participated in the Autumn On Parade on October 6. The club members dressed up as gnomes for this whimsical parade. On the float, the gnomes watered flowers, caught butterflies and painted as they waved at onlookers. Members pictured with the float are David Bagwell, Makhya Burris, Gianni Racanelli, Hazel Friday, Kaden Lingbeck and David Wehler. 

Pictured(L-R): Hazel Friday, Makhya Burris, Gianni Racanelli, David Bagwell, Kaden Lingbeck, David Wehler, and Rene Wehler

by Lydia Sherburne, Club Reporter

The Winnebago County Animal Service recently had an influx of cats. On Friday, September 27 about eighty cats, which were mostly kittens, entered the shelter. To help with the desperate need for food, the Leaf River Soaring Eagles 4-H Club donated kitten food to the shelter. Those who helped with this need were Kolton Motszko, Kaden Lingbeck, David Bagwell and Lydia Sherburne.