Febmar08

The Leader

Trumbull County 4-H News

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2008

A Word From Michelle

The ground is frozen, the air is cold and the world seems like it is at a stand still.  But not our 4-H program!  The county is buzzing with activity as clubs form again for another year and new faces are welcomed into our 4-H program.  Before we know it, spring will be here with all its activities and laughter.  As we prepare for another 4-H year, please be sure to read through this newsletter carefully.  There are lots of opportunities and information 4-H families and advisors should know.

I would like to let you know that the 4-H Advisory Committee is working hard to put together a Trumbull 4-H cookbook and we need your help!  Enclosed in this newsletter is a recipe template.  Please take a minute to share your favorite recipe with us and have it printed in our new cookbook.  Completed cookbooks should be ready for purchase by fair time.

Sincerely,

Michelle Adkins, 4-H Youth Development

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

 4-H PROJECT JUDGING

We are still trying to secure a date for 4-H Project Judging.  Please keep you calendars open for the end of June.  As soon as a date and location has been set, club advisors will be notified.  An email will be sent, as well as the date will be posted on the Trumbull County 4-H online calendar (http://trumbull.osu.edu, - 4-H Youth Development, - County 4-H Calendar).

INTERNATIONAL 4-H PROGRAM

The Ohio International program brings in 100 plus Japanese exchange students for short, three and a half week visits with families around the state.  You can be one of these host families!  There are very few strict requirements to host these students.  The kids simply come and become another member of the family.  Dates are not set as of now but it will be from mid July to mid August.  What could be a more memorable way to spend part of your summer?  For more information or a presentation to your group, contact Laura DePizzo at 330-637-7384 or LDePizzo@embarqmail.com.  Remember that this is a 4-H sponsored program but is open to all in Ohio, not just 4-H members.  I look forward to hearing from you!!

4-H PROCLAMATION DAY

Help us get the word out about 4-H in Trumbull County!  We will be visiting the Trumbull County Commissioners on Thursday, March 6th at 10:30 a.m. proclaiming the week of March 3 – 9 as Trumbull County 4-H week.  If you are interested in supporting 4-H Proclamation Day, please contact Michelle Adkins at (330) 638-6783.

Ohio 4-H CENTER NOW OPEN!

It’s been a long time coming, but the new Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center is now open!  One of the first workshops to be held there will be a 4-H Project Mini College on Saturday, May 3rd from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.   This workshop is for youth and adults and will cover the arts & sciences projects.  You will learn from expert instructors, participate in hands-on activities, and make connections to college departments.  If you are interested in learning more about this workshop, contact the OSU Extension Office.

CLOVERBUD OPPORTUNITIES

The Touch of Class Cloverbud group, otherwise known as the Little Bits, would like to invite all cloverbuds to their meetings this year.  They are opening up their meetings to include areas other than horses.  If you would like to visit one of the Little Bits’ 4-H meetings, or get more info, please contact the Little Bits’ advisors – Lori or Joseph Perticone at (330) 889-3517.  Here is their meeting schedule for 2008 (all meetings will be held at the Perticone residence at 784 Bristol Champion Townline Rd. NE in Bristolville from 1-3pm).

           Sat. Feb. 9                     Sat. March 8              Sat. April 12    

           Sat. May 10                    Sat. June 14              Sun. July 6

SHOOTING SPORTS CAMP

There is shooting sports camp being held for youth interested in learning about shooting sports.  The camp for youth aged 9-12 yrs ($150) will be July 25-27 and the camp for youth aged 12-18 yrs ($250) will be held July 13-18.  Both camps will be held at Canter’s Cave in Jackson, Ohio.  Scholarship money is available for those interested in going.  Contact the OSU Extension Office for more information.

4-H DAY AT CEDAR POINT

Friday, June 27th 4-H families will receive discounted gate prices to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.  Prices are:

Students (K-12th grade)   $31.00

Adults                               $34.00

Junior/Senior                     $14.00

(Junior = 3yrs & under, Senior = 62 yrs & up)

4-H families need a 4-H membership card to take advantage of the discounted gate price.

SUMMER SIZZLE

The annual Summer Sizzle will be held Saturday, August 9th.  This is an opportunity for the organizations housed in the Trumbull Agriculture & Family Education Center to welcome the community and showcase all the programs and services that are available.  4-H is helping with a petting zoo, so if you would like to help put together a petting zoo, contact Michelle at the OSU Extension Office.  We are also invited 4-H clubs to do hands-on activities at Summer Sizzle as well.

4-H CAMP NEWS

It's time again to begin thinking about the Trumbull County 4-H Camp. Camp Counselor applications have been turned in and we have a record number of applicants – a total of 30!  The following youth have applied to be 4-H camp counselors:

Nina Baumgartner                       Monica Boorn

Megan Brainard                           Jenna DePizzo

Jamie Doran                                Joshua Estes

Kirsten Hacker                            Zachary Heavener

Sarah Holland                             Keri Kazimer

Joshua Kramer                            Michael Marshall

Katie Mathews                           Amber McMinn

Angela Montgomery                   Shannon Montgomery

Vincent Murphy                          Sam Peigowski

Alyson Pierce                             Lindsey Ritenour

Nicholas Rolfe-Crawford            Marcy Rufener

Travis Sapp                                Thomas Shay

Sarah Smith                               Joseph Spletzer

Adam Thiry                                Courtney Thornton

Lauren Thornton                       Terry White

Watch future newsletters for an announcement of camper applications and camp scholarship applications. In the meantime, please mark your calendars for July 27th - August 3rd at Camp Whitewood. The cost for 4-H camp is $200.00 per camper.

Trumbull County Fair News

2008 TRUMBULL FAIR DATES

The 2008 Trumbull County Fair will be held July 7-13, Monday through Sunday (Monday is a free day – full admission will be charged starting Tuesday)  Animals and exhibits must be in place by Tuesday afternoon this year..  Watch future newsletters for more information about the Trumbull County Fair.

ATTENTION ALL 4-H COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND SPECIE CHAIRS!

2008 Junior Fair Ribbon Order & Event Registration Forms. If you have not yet worked with the Jr. Fairboard on ordering ribbons and scheduling events during the fair, please make sure you do this soon.  Questions regarding the order procedures? Contact Jan Solomon at 330-824-3337 or email solojan@aol.com.  All judges’ names and information should be submitted to the Jr. Fairboard as soon as possible so contracts can be completed and judges can be approved!

Cloverbuds

Plans are in the works for a third Cloverbud Barn Tour at this summer's fair. We plan on take the "buds" on a short visit to each of the barns to get an up close view of the many animals in our fair. Keep your eyes open for more information to come.

Cloverbuds will also have a chance to participate in additional activities during the Fair, such as a stuffed animal dress up, show & tell, and more fun events!  For a complete listing of cloverbud activities and registration forms, please contact the OSU Extension Office or visit (http://trumbull.osu.edu, - County Fair, - Jr. Fair Animal Rules & Registration Forms), then select Cloverbuds.  All cloverbuds must submit a registration form so we have an accurate count.  Registration forms are due July 1st.

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, animal 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 this flyer for more information and registration.

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. 

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

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 or by picking one up at the OSU Extension Office.

Club Treasury Reports & AUDITS Past Due

If you club has a treasury, you MUST submit a treasury report and audit annually to the Extension Office.  The form can be obtained from the Extension Office.  When you submit your treasury report & audit, please include a copy of your 4-H club’s constitution so it can be on file as well.

2008 Ohio 4-H Week

The date for Ohio 4-H Week is March 3 - 9, 2008. Please make a note of this date on your calendar. Now is the time to start planning some activities with your club to help promote 4-H during that week.

Here are a few ideas:

• Have each member invite a friend to a club meeting.
• Put up a window display at the local library or school.
• Make up an announcement that can be used in the local schools.
• Put up club fliers at local businesses
• Target our 4-H materials for 10-12 year old youth.
• Do a speech for a class or community group.

4-H ADVISORY COMMITTEE

4-H ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The committee is starting another year with new members and new officers.  The 4-H Advisory Committee has several sub-committees that plan various 4-H functions.  This year, the Education committee has been busy planning a training for all new advisors.  All seasoned advisors are also welcome to attend. (see flyer)  The awards committee has also spent lots of time reviewing the older youth opportunities applications and selecting winners for scholarships, trips, and other opportunities.  Watch the next newsletter to learn more about the Trumbull County 4-H Advisory Committee

4-H Advisory Cookbooks

The 4-H Advisory Committee is working hard to put together a Trumbull 4-H cookbook.  Here is a recipe template.  Please take a minute to share your favorite recipe with us and have it printed in our new cookbook.  Completed cookbooks should be ready for purchase by fair time.

4-H Livestock & Horse News

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.  All trainings will be held at the Fairgrounds.

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.  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.

Ohio Beef Expo – for those attending the Ohio Beef Expo on March 14-16, you will be able to participate in a QA session at the expo.  Be sure to bring home the verification form signed by the instructor (you will get this form at the class).  This counts as completing your QA requirement for Trumbull County.

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 Lynne ALmasy at (330) 568-1427 to place your order.  Deadlines for orders are:

Geese – March 10

Ducks – March 24

Chickens – April 1

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.

DAIRY CLINIC

The Trumbull County Holstein Club is sponsoring an animal husbandry clinic for all dairy and dairy beef 4-H members.  They will also have a Quality Assurance track.  The clinic will be held at Glen-Art Farms at 5302 Price West Rd. in Newton Falls.  Need directions?  Contact Gary or Mary Smallsreed at (330) 898-8123.  The clinic will run from 11am – 2pm and lunch will be provided by the Trumbull County Holstein Club. RSVP to the OSU Extension Office by Feb. 29 if you are coming, so we can plan for food and supplies.

SHEEP DAY

There will be an open house and club lamb sale at YEO Farms on Saturday, April 12 from noon – 3:00 p.m. for anyone interested in sheep.  There will be a silent auction, lamb workshop, sheep judging contest, in addition to prizes throughout the day.  There is no charge to attend, but you do need to register by April 7th.  Register by emailing YEO Farms at info@yeofarms.com , visit them online at www.yeofarms.com, or call (330) 536-8585. Yeo Farms is located at 2704 Bedford Rd. in Lowellville, Ohio.

POULTRY CLINIC

There will be a youth poultry clinic on Saturday, March 29th at the Fisher Auditorium on the OARDC campus in Wooster, Ohio.  For more information, contact John Anderson (OSU Animal Science Dept) at (330) 263-3753 or email him at Anderson.37@osu.edu

ANIMAL REGISTRATION FORMS

If you are planning to take an animal project to the Fair this year, do not forget to fill out the appropriate animal registration forms!  Your head advisor will be getting these forms soon.  These forms must be turned in on time if you wish to exhibit an animal at the Fair.  Be sure to fill out the forms correctly!  If you fail to fill out the forms OR do not turn them in on time, you risk not being able to show at the Fair.  Head advisors should call the OSUE Trumbull Office to request the number of forms you will need.  Packets will be put together for pickup.  We can no longer mail them.  Animal rules and registration materials are also available online at (http://trumbull.osu.edu, - county fair, - Jr. Fair Animal Rules & Registration Forms)

Important Dates

February

18   Counselor training, OSUE, (10-2pm)

20   Early enrollment due

21   FCS Comm. mtg, OSUE (7pm)

26   Horse Comm. mtg., Fairgrounds, (7pm)

26   Tractor Safety, Banner Farm, (7pm)

March

3-9  Ohio 4-H Week

3    4-H Advisory Comm. mtg., OSUE, (7pm)

6    Trumbull 4-H Proclamation Day

8    Dairy clinic, Smallsreed home, (11am)

8    Ohio 4-H Volunteer Conference, Col.

10   4-H geese orders due

10   New Volunteer Update, OSUE, (6:30 pm)

11   Quality Assurance test, OSUE, (4pm)

15   Quality Assurance Program, Fairgrounds, (9 am)

15   Quality Assurance Program, Fairgrounds, (11 am)

15   Quality Assurance Program, Fairgrounds, (1:30 pm)

17   Counselor training, OSUE, (6:30 pm)

22   CARTEENS, KSU Trumbull Campus, (9am)

24   4-H duck orders due

25   Horse Comm. mtg., Fairgrounds, (7pm)

29   Dairy feeder tagging

APRIL                                                                               

1    4-H member Enrollment Due

1    4-H Chicken orders due

3    Counselor training, OSUE, (6:30 pm)

7    4-H Advisory Comm. Mtg., OSUE, (7pm)

8    Small Animal Comm. Mtg, OSUE, (7pm)

9    CARTEENS, KSU Trumbull Campus, (6pm)

14   Counselor training, OSUE, (6:30 pm)

15   Beef Heifer & Feeder registration due

22   Horse Comm. mtg, Fairgrounds, (7pm)

26   4-H Swine weigh-in, Fairgrounds, (8am-1pm)

27   4-H sheep & goat weigh-in, Fairgrounds, (1pm-3pm)

30   4-H/Jr. Fair Dairy Registration due

MAY                                                                                  

1    4-H/Jr. Fair Animal Registration Forms Due (including cat, cavy, dog, equine, goat, pocket pets, poultry, rabbit, reptile)