DecJan08

The Leader

Trumbull County 4-H News

December / January 2008

A Word From Michelle

 It seems like we say it every December, but gosh…where did the year go? 2007 was a fun year in 4-H and I would like to thank every person who helped with the newsletter during the year.  Thank you to Ryan & Gayle Jackson, Terry Parry, Laura DePizzo, Norma Duff, Karen Mitchell, Darla Garlock, Debbie Miller, Rachel Miller, John & Vicki Danso, Shirley Walters, Deb Thornton, Lauren Thornton, Tammy Wells, and Courtney Wells.  The newsletter wouldn’t get to our 4-H families without your help!  I would also like to extend a thank you to Warren Kiwanis for the grant we received last month to help support our 4-H program.  Please take a moment to say “thank you” to those who have made a difference in your life this year.

Sincerely,

Michelle Adkins, 4-H Youth Development

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

OHIO TEEN CONFERENCE - FEBRUARY 16, 2008, 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

GREATER COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER

Cost (including Luncheon Meal): $25.00 per person

All Teen 4-H Members are welcome to attend!

Nearly 100 Workshops will be offered! Participants will have an opportunity to meet and interact with other teens and to hear from nationally known speakers.  Registration materials are available now! Pick them up at the OSU Extension Office, or download them from:    http://trumbull.osu.edu/4-H%20Youth%20Development Registration is due January 31st.

INTERESTED IN TRANSPORTATION?

Again this year, we are securing a tour bus to transport interested youth, advisors, and adults to the Ohio Teen Conference.  The cost to each participant will be $15.  If you would like to go to the conference and are interested in riding on the bus, please contact the OSU Extension Office ASAP to reserve a spot on the bus.  Advisors ... If you would be interested in chaperoning this event, please contact the OSU Extension Office ASAP!

OHIO 4-H VOLUNTEER BANQUET

The 2008 Ohio 4-H Volunteer Recognition Banquet will be held March 8th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Columbus Convention Center.  This is a time of recognition and professional development for volunteers.  Many different educational sessions will be held throughout the day.  Cost for each participant is $30.  If you are interested in attending, contact Michelle at the OSU Extension Office.  Registration materials will be available soon and will be due Feb. 15th!

 2008 TRUMBULL FAIR DATES

The 2008 Trumbull County Fair will be held July 7-13, Monday through Sunday.  Animals and exhibits must be in place by Monday afternoon this year, not Tuesday.  Watch future newsletters for more information about the Trumbull County Fair. 

OLDER YOUTH 4-H OPPORTUNITIES & AWARDS

Are you interested in applying for, or learning more about, 4-H State and Local Awards, Trips, or Scholarships?  Then please see the complete list of Older Youth Opportunities & Awards information in this newsletter or visit the website: http://trumbull.osu.edu, click on 4-H Youth Development, click on 4-H Forms & Applications, then click on Older Youth Opportuniites.

4-H TRACTOR SAFETY PROGRAM

The 4-H tractor safety program will begin again for 2008.  If you are interested in participating in the 2008 tractor safety program, contact Michelle at the OSU Extension Office for an application.  Cost will be $10 per participant, which will cover the 4-H activity fee.  The tractor safety book is provided by a mini-grant through the USDA.  Registration materials can be obtained from the OSU Extension Office and are due by Tuesday, January 8th.  

TRUMBULL 4-H ANGELS FOR SALE

There are 10 Trumbull County 4-H angels left to be sold.  They would make great gifts for loved ones or your 4-H friends.  Each angel measures 6" high x 1.5" wide x 1.75" deep and sells for $10.  If you would like to purchase one, please stop by the OSU Extension Office.  Proceeds from the angel sales will go towards the 4-H Endowment Fund.

4-H CAMP NEWS

Interested in being a Trumbull County 4-H Camp Counselor?

If you are between the ages of 14 and 19 (by 1/1/08), we encourage you to consider being a camp counselor for a week!  You must be committed to completing all training requirements before camp and to fulfilling all your duties during camp week.  For more information and an application, contact Michelle at the Trumbull OSUE Office (637-2437) or download the application from: http://trumbull.osu.edu, click 4-H Youth Development, click 4-H Forms & Applications, then click on 2008 4-H Camp Cousnselor Application.

4-H NEWS FOR ADVISORS AND MEMBERS FRIENDLY REMINDERS FROM THE 4-H STAFF

NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING

There will be an advisor training on Monday, March 10 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm for all advisors who have joined the 4-H program in the last 3-4 years.  We will discuss advisor responsibilities, club management issues, species rules and responsibilities, project judging, and many other areas of 4-H.  This is also a great refresher training for experienced volunteers.  Please bring your questions and dilemma’s – we’ll also have an informal discussion on any problems you have experienced or opportunities that you see.  Please see the enclosed flyer for more information and registration. 

IS YOUR CLUB ADDING NEW ADVISORS THIS YEAR?

If your club is taking on new advisors for 2007-2008, don’t forget about the application and approval process that they MUST complete before they can become new advisors!  Applications can be requested from our office any time during the year or from http://trumbull.osu.edu, click 4-H Youth Development, then click Volunteer Information ! Side Note: In order to receive a fair pass, new advisors must have the entire application process completed no later that April 1, 2008. 

4-H PROJECT BOOK ORDER PROCEDURE

All 4-H Project Book Orders must be made in writing. Forms are available through the Extension Office.  If you are not using a form, please give all the following information:  Your Name, Club Name, Phone Number, Project Book Number, Project Book Name, and Quantity.

Orders can be dropped off at the Extension Office or mailed to: Ohio State University Extension, Trumbull County

520 West Main Street, Suite 1; Cortland, Ohio 44410

Full payment must accompany all orders. 

Please make checks payable to: Ohio State University Extension, Trumbull County.  Please place club name in memo area of check.

CLUB ENROLLMENT NEWS

You don't have to wait until April 1st to enroll your club members & advisors!

Enrollment packets have been given to clubs.  Make sure you carefully follow all directions for filling out the forms.  Do Not Wait until April 1st! Have returning members and advisors update their enrollment forms during your first few club meetings, then send them in to the Extension Office. Do you have new members?  Have them fill out their forms at their first club meeting, then send them in right away!  Once we have the information on new members we can get them in our database so they start receiving the newsletter and other important information.  The deadline for early enrollment is Feb. 20.  

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO UPDATE OUR OFFICE IF YOU HAVE EMAIL, PHONE, or ADDRESS CHANGES. 

4-H MEBERSHIP AGE/GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Cloverbuds MUST be 5 years old AND in kindergarten as of 1/1/08

4-H members MUST be 8 years old AND in 3rd grade as of 1/1/08 in order to enroll in 4-H projects, raise and show animals, participate in competitive activities, etc.

Please note that both the age AND grade requirements need to be met in order for a child to enroll in 4-H. 

4-H MEMBERSHIP ACROSS COUNTY LINES

As 4-H clubs gather this winter, please remember the policy regarding 4-H membership across county lines.  The policy states: Youth must join 4-H in the county in which they reside.  If there are special circumstances, a parent can write a letter explaining those circumstances and requesting exemption from the policy.  Only after the request is approved by both counties involved, will the child be allowed to enroll in the other county. 

4-H FAMILY GUIDE AVAILABLE

The 4-H Family Guide (listing all the Ohio 4-H projects for the 07/08 4-H year) is now available at www.ohio4h.org/familyguide/index.html 

4-H CLUB OFFICER BOOKS

Officer On-line Books: All of the officer books can be downloaded from the Internet.  Go to http://www.ohio4h.org then click on “4-H Products.”  On the next screen, click on “4-H Publications.” From there you can download the following Officer Books:

4H-931 President        4H-936  Recreation Off.

4H-932 Vice Pres.       4H-937 News Reporter

4H-933 Secretary*      4H-975 Health Officer

4H-935 Treasurer*      4H-992 Safety Officer

* The secretary and treasury books have been updated and are now offered as Microsoft Word documents and are interactive.  4-Her’s can now type records directly into the record books.

4-H ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Did you know that the Trumbull County 4-H Program is guided and advised by a committee made up of volunteers? Every month an elected group of individuals gathers to discuss county policies, current issues, fund-raising ideas, and other topics of concern and interest.  Many 4-H families are unaware of everything the 4-H Advisory Committee does, including providing financial assistance for many older youth trips and camps.  The most recent activity within the 4-H Advisory Committee is the election of new members.

The new members for the 2008 4-H Advisory Committee are:  Barb Ames, Laura Depizzo, Mel Liddle, Ross Treffert, and Courtney Wells.  Continuing members are: John Danso, Norma Duff, Marcie Helberg, Jim Hughes, Gayle Jackson, Cathy Kasiewicz, Rick Kelley, Karen Mitchell, Ginny Taylor, Deb Thornton, Shirley Walters, and Tammy Wells.

4-HER’S MAKING MEMORIES

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2007 VOLUNTEER AWARD NOMINEES & RECIPIENTS 

ALUMNI AWARD
Christen Clemson– winner
Dan & Pam Schwartz – nominee
Chauncy Kelley - nominee

MERITORIOUS AWARD
Ruth McCullaugh – winner
Bud Rodgers – nominee 

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Karen Mitchell – winner
Tim Page – winner
Bud Rodgers – nominee
Marcie Helberg – nominee

 2007 4-H HONOR CLUBS
Silver Claws (27 yrs)
Trumbull's Best Shepherds (20 yrs)
Touch of Class (16 yrs)
Trumbull Dairy Feeders (16 yrs)
East Ohio 4-Her’s (12 yrs)
Brookfield 4-H Friends (10 yrs)
Badger Pork Raisers (7 yrs)
Happy Hams (7 yrs)
Kinsman Busy Bees 2nd Edition (7 yrs)

Quality Assurance Training

Advisors ... Please remind your members & parents about the Mandatory Quality Assurance Training for all junior fair participants exhibiting livestock animals. Market Livestock Exhibits (any animal that produces meat or milk) include: Market Rabbit, Market & Dairy Goats, Beef, Lamb, Swine, Poultry, and Dairy Cattle (cows, heifers, feeders).

Each 4-H member planning to exhibit a market / dairy livestock animal at the Trumbull County Junior Fair must attend a program along with at least one parent or guardian. Please keep in mind that it is Fair Board Policy and Ohio Revised Code (901-19-36) Law that this training be completed for both new and returning 4-H market livestock exhibitors.

What happens if a member fails to complete the training? Any 4-H member who has not completed one of the Quality Assurance Programs will not be permitted to participate in Junior Fair with his or her projects or to sell at the Trumbull County Fair.

Remind your members & parents of the following dates!

Quality Assurance training dates have been scheduled for: Saturday, March 15th at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, or 1:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 8th at 6:00 p.m.  Parents and families need only attend one session. 

For those wishing to test out of quality assurance (available to youth aged 12 & up), you may take the test on Tuesday, March 11th from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.  All trainings and the test will take place at the OSU Extension Office in Cortland.  Please call the OSU Extension Office at (330) 638-6783 to register for the training or the test. 

SWINE WEIGH IN

All swine will be weighed in Saturday, April 26th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. 

SHEEP & GOAT TAGGING

All sheep and goats will be weighed and tagged on Sunday, April 27th from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. 

POULTRY ORDERS

As is past years, all poultry projects will be ordered through a mass order.  If you are taking a poultry project, please contact the poultry chair, Ross Treffert at (330) 240-6956 to place your order.  Deadlines for orders are:

Turkeys – February 11
Geese – March 10
Ducks – March 24
Chickens – April 1 

LIVESTOCK PROJECT MEMBERS

A reminder that 4-Her’s who are taking market livestock projects are encouraged to attend the Jr. Livestock Sale meetings.  Meetings are held the 2nd Wed of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Fair Office. (No mtg in Dec.) 

1st Year Horse Members!

A reminder to all 1st year horse members that you need to complete the 4-H Equine Ethics program before April 1st.  This involves viewing two videos, “Every Time, Every Ride” and “Horses, Kids, & Ethics”.  Members and their parents must watch the videos; read through the book, “Horses, Safety, & You: How to work with and around a horse safely”; and sign the last page of the book indicating you have read it.  The project book (#191R) can be purchased for $5 through the OSU Extension Office.  Families with multiple 1st-year members need only purchase one book and may copy the back page for each child.  4-H club leaders may check the videos out of the Extension Office. 

BEEF STATE FAIR SHOW

Any beef exhibitor wishing to participate in the beef show at the Ohio State Fair needs to submit a beef nose print card by January 15th to the livestock office at the Ohio State Fair.  If you need a beef nose print card, please contact Michelle at the OSU Extension Office.

Important Dates

December
24-25   Closed for holiday

January
1          Closed for holiday
7          4-H Advisory Comm mtg., 7pm, OSUE 
8          Tractor Safety program registration due
9          Tractor Safety program, Banner Farm, 7pm
15        Beef nose cards due for State Fair
16        Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm
18        Older youth awards applications due
19        Dairy Comm. mtg, 9:30 am, OSUE
21        Closed for holiday
22        Horse Comm. mtg, 7pm, Fairgrounds
23        Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm
26        CARTEENS, 9am, KSU Trumbull
28        Camp Counselor Orientation (new counsleors only)
20        Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm
31        Teen conference registration due

February
4          4-H Advisory Comm. mtg, 7pm, OSUE
6          Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm
12        Small Animal COmm. mtg. 7pm, OSUE
13        CARTEENS, 6pm, KSU Trumbull
13        Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm
15        Ohio 4-H Volunteer conference registration due to OSUE
16        Ohio 4-H Teen Conference
18        Counselor training (10-2pm)
20        Early enrollment due
20        Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm
21        FCS Comm. mtg, 7pm, OSUE
26        Horse Comm. mtg. 7pm, Fairgrounds
26        Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, 7pm