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ndwich Page 20"- Northwest N'fewSpapfers V?85 f air Guide Ainger: A 4-Her with a purpose Linda Ainger is an ambitious, energetic 4-Her with a purpose. Yes, She enjoys grooming sheep, hoe­ ing potatoes, and training her two-year old German Shepherd, Tasha, but in ad­ dition to "learning by doing," she's anx­ ious to accumulate money. "My years of 4-H are going to help pay my way through Northern Illinois University," she affirms. "I want to major in agricultural economics, then get a job in something related to agriculture. I'd like to be an Extension Advisor, for example -- that would be great." Linda, third member of her family to become valedictorian at Alden-Hebron high school (Class of 1965), concentrates on sheep as a main project for 4-H and open class competition. Winning in the show ring and selling animals at the 4-H auction are important sources of college funds. Today she owns 30 head of Shrop­ shire sheep, a herd built up gradually since 1978 when she bought an Oxford ewe from neighbors. Mrs. Elsie Blackburn and her son, Dale, helped her learn how to raise and show sheep. After a year, she shifted to Suffolks, then more recently to the curious and floppy-eared Shropshires. In late June she visited the national Shropshire Spectacular and while her father, George, smiled with satisfac- Linda Ainger, Class of 1965 Valedictorian at Alden- use the money from raising the herd to help pay her way Hebron High School and 10-year 4-H'er , has won through col lege . < l 2 numerous awards for her champion sheep. She plans to EVERY BOOK IN PRINT IS AS CLOSE AT YOUR PHONE (815) 338-3940 America's Finest Service Bookstore tion, Linda purchased a ram and two ewes from a highly regarded Michigan breeder at the auction. She is taking sheep on the show circuit for six weeks. The Kane, Lake and McHenry County Fairs will precede showing at the Il­ linois State Fair in mid-August. "I'll take seven or eight to the county fairs, but only a couple to the Illinois State Fair. This is my first time in showing sheep at Springfield," she elaborated. Preparing sheep for showing requires considerable time -- and patience. "I wash them, then use a dryer I bought last year to help dry them. In a day or two I begin to trim and block them, smoothing and clipping to bring out the animal's good points." She learned the technique from tips offered by George England, a sheep breeder near Cary, and the Blackburns, and by watching others. "Blocking and trimming changes -- something like the way people's hair styles change," she said. This is Linda's 10th year in 4-H. Her shining brown eyes sparkle as she regales listeners with stories about her first year showing rabbits. Gardening came next, and this has become a major project throughout the past nine years. "We choose eight vegetables and show them in the family garden class. In foods I'm taking international flavor. I enjoy nature craft I had that last year and want to improve this project." Tasha, the two-year old German Shepherd, provides a main challenge -- teach her not to chase the lambs! Her demeanor is playful but Tasha's teeth have nipped enough wool from some lambs to keep those lambs out of the show ring this summer. Dog training is a time-consuming 4-H project! She also has swine -- a pen of three. The Ainger farm has plenty of feeder pigs along with diary animals which has been the favorite of Linda's older sister, Sharon. A couple of years ago the Ainger household was royalty headquarters. Sharon was McHenry County Dairy Princess and Linda was McHenry Coun­ ty Lamb and Wood Queen. Linda was chosen Illinois Shropshire Queen for 1984, and one of her happy experiences was to attend the national show at Louisville and distribute prize ribbons. Active in three sports (besides cheerleading) in high school, Linda says basketball is her favorite. "I was point guard," she smiles. A trophy on the liv­ ing room wall proclaims hervalue to the team. She participated in band and chorus and hopes to become a member of the Marching Band at NIU. LORA AND WALLY GKIGG BOOKSELLERS IN WOODSTOCK 113 South Benton on the Beautiful Woodstock Square The Bookstore With An international Reputation For Service Submarine Also - a wide variety of hot dogs, burrgers, deli's, gyro's and salads DINE I NOR CARRY OUT6 DAYS A WEEK Mon. • Thurs. 10:30-8, Fri. 10:30-9, Sat. 10:30-6 224MAIN STREET 815/338-9792 WOODSTOCK