RICHLAND COUNTY CLOVER NEWS            

                                   February 2008                                                                                                                  

Dear 4-H Volunteer:

Enrollment pick-up was last week and over half of the clubs in Richland County have already picked up their clubs materials.  If you have not picked up your enrollment information, please stop by the Extension Office soon.  With the newsletters and other pertinent information being available online, I am sure it makes it more convenient for you to get the information out to your members.  

If you had a chance to glance over the 2008 4-H Family Guide, you will see that there are several new or revised project books this year.  However, the State 4-H Office has notified us that it may be mid to late February before some of these books are available.  So, please be patient with us when you come in to pick up these new books and they are not available.  The books are on order and we should be one of the first counties to get them when they are available. 

As you begin your 2008 4-H year, please remember that the staff at the Extension Office are very willing to help you - - all you have to do is ask us! 

Best of luck in 2008, at this point it looks like another busy and productive year ahead for 4-H.  Set attainable goals and work together with parents and youth to accomplish those goals.  

Sincerely yours,

Judy Villard, Ph.D

Extension Educator

4-H Youth Development &

Extension County Director

Prepared by:  June Tilton, Administrative Secretary

The Ohio State University, The United States Department of Agriculture, and County Commissioners Cooperating

Important Dates and Activities for February                                                                                                   

February 1 - Registration deadline for Ohio 4-H Teen Conference (Columbus)

February 8 - DEADLINE: Turkey nomination due in Extension Office (member deadline)

February 11 - Rescheduled 4-H Committee, Longview Center, 6:30 p.m.

February 12 - Volunteer Certification, Longview Center, 6 p.m., “Developing a Good Club Program”                                                            

                        Barnraisers, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

February 14 - New Volunteer Training, Longview Center, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

February 15 - Registration deadline for Ohio Volunteer Conference (Columbus)

February 16 - Ohio 4-H Teen Conference, Columbus

                        Plowboy Prom, 4-H Center, Columbus, 6:30-11 p.m.

February 18 - Camp Counselor Training, Longview Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

                        JL Club, bowling, Park Lanes, 12-2 p.m.

February 19 - Dog Committee, Longview Center, 6 p.m.

February 22 - DEADLINE - Turkey nomination (advisor)

February 23 - CARTEENS, Longview Center, 8:15 a.m.

                        Volunteer Certification (must attend entire CARTEENS program 9-11 a.m.)

February 26 - Youth Safety Council/ Mock Crash Coalition, Longview Center, 8 a.m.

                        Sr. Fair Board, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

February 28 - Super Clinic, Longview Center, 6:45 – 8:45 p.m.

February 29 - Early Enrollment deadline (Bonus Points for Banner)

April 1 - ABSOLUTE FINAL DEADLINE FOR JR. FAIR ENROLLMENT (4-H, FFA, & Girl Scouts) for fair participation

Enrollment Information                                     

The 2008 Richland County 4-H Jr. Fair enrollment is moving right along. The enrollment deadline for 4-H will be March 14 with a bonus deadline of February 29 for banner score sheet points.  The absolute final deadline to enroll for fair participation (4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts) including all additions and deletions, is April 1, 2008.  If you have not picked up your enrollment material, please stop by the Extension Office soon.

Market Turkey Nomination                                                                                         

The 2008 Market Turkey Nomination letter went out to the 2007 market turkey exhibitors last week.  We have enclosed a copy of the turkey nomination in this newsletter (organizational advisors ONLY).  If you have someone new to the turkey project area, please call the Extension Office with their name or you can make a copy of this nomination and give it to them.  The nomination deadline is February 8 (members) and then as always, advisors have an additional two weeks to verify that all nominations are turned in and that deadline is February 22.  The pick-up date for the turkey poults is March 26 here at the Extension Office from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

2008 Super Clinic Schedules

The annual Super Clinics are scheduled for February 28 and March 2.  These clinics are for your benefit.  They are open to anyone and offer something of interest for everyone who attends.  There will be breakout sessions of various topics and then everyone comes together for officer installation near the end.  The February 28 clinic will be held at the Longview Center from 6:45 – 8:45 p.m.  The March 2 clinic will also be held at the Longview Center from 2 – 4 p.m.    If you would like to help with these clinics, please feel free to give Sandi or Judy a call to offer your assistance.  We can always use the help.  The proposed agenda is attached.

It is encouraged that you use the website to find additional information and updates that occur throughout the 4-H year.  http://richland.osu.edu

Ohio 4-H Week & Poster Contest

Please remind your 4-H members about the annual 4-H Week Poster Contest for 2008.  All 4-H members 8 years old and in the third grade as of January 1, 2008 and older may participate.  Cloverbuds may make posters to promote 4-H in the community, but they are not eligible for the contest.  Note:  this is in accordance with the state guidelines for Cloverbud members (no competitive activity).

Posters must be on display by Sunday, March 2 and remain on display until Saturday, March 8 (entirety of Richland County/Ohio 4-H Week).  Youth who want to enter the county poster contest must have their entry (minimum size 14 x 22) into the Extension Office by Friday, March 14.   Each poster must contain the following information:  a) Richland County 4-H; b) promotion of the 4-H program and/or membership (i.e., projects, activities, fun, community service, personal development); c) name, age as of 1/1/08, and the location where the poster was displayed on back d) who to contact for more information (Ohio State University Extension, phone 419/747-8755).  Selection of winners will be by age division and take place in early April. There will be three categories:  Junior (9-11 year olds), Intermediate (12-14 year olds), and Senior (15-19 year olds).  Note:  Winning entries must meet all requirements listed above.  There will be three placings:  1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place in each of the three categories listed above.  The 4-H Committee has sponsored a monetary award for these winning categories in the past. 

Public Speaking Clinic                                                                                                  

Do you have members who need to enhance their public speaking skills and gain extra coaching for the Public Speaking Contest?  If so, please let them know about the Public Speaking Clinic to be held in April (exact date and time to be announced later) at the Longview Center.  Many helpful tips will be shared that evening.  This clinic also counts as one more opportunity to obtain volunteer certification (active status credit for 2008).

Project Book Policy

All members are required to have a completed project book and/or written record for 4-H project completion and evaluation.  When pulling project books, advisors and/or members are asked to pay for the project books (lump sum) before leaving the Extension Office.  Preferred payment is by check, made payable to “OSU Extension Richland County”.   The cost per book (for most projects) is $5 unless otherwise listed.  NOTE:  some books have a slightly higher price (printed on the #950 order sheet).   As noted in the January newsletter, there is an expected price increase later in the year.  If you have questions about the cost of a project book, please feel free to contact the Extension Office to check on a price.  In 2008 it is going to be a requirement that all members purchase new project books each year.  With the exception of some of the more expensive horse project books.  If this is a hardship on some families, please let us know at the Extension Office and we will work with you on the payment of these books.  Call the Extension Office if you have a question as to whether a new book needs to be purchased.

REMINDER TO ALL 4-H CLUBS

To all clubs in 2008, when you turn in your enrollment please don’t forget about the $1/per member and advisor participation fee to be turned in at that time.  This fee will be used to help finance award trips, older youth trip, camp scholarships, achievement pins, etc.  Thank you for your support.  This fee is paid to the 4-H Committee not the Extension Office, so if you can make two checks that would be helpful.  Thanks!

Help the Sr. Fair Board Ladies Auxiliary                                                       

The Ladies Auxiliary has a very important role in what goes on at the Richland County Fairgrounds.  It is with their financial assistance that a lot of things have been repaired and improvements made to the fairgrounds.   4-H’ers 13 and older, parents and/or advisors who would be willing to help in the cafeteria before and during the fair should contact Pat Wells through the fairgrounds (419/747-3717) to offer your assistance.  This is a good way for 4-H to improve the relationship between 4-H and the Senior Fair Board.  Let’s show them we are willing to help wherever they need help.  The ladies also need help serving at other functions throughout the year.  Please call Pat to volunteer.

Quality Assurance Training in 2008

In 2008 the Extension Office is trying something new.  If you are an exhibitor who is 16 and older (January 1, 2008) you are eligible to take the QA test.  On March 6 at 7 p.m. those eligible (16 yrs. old +)  can come to the Longview Center and take a test, score at least 75 and this “test out” is good for three years (you should not have to attend another QA session).  However, if you do not pass with the 75 score, you must then attend one of the QA sessions scheduled below (you can take the test the following year again).  Please call and pre-register for this test and/or call the Extension Office if you have questions about this new process.

However, the State of Ohio does require that all Market Livestock, lactating dairy cow or goat exhibitors must complete the “Quality Assurance Training” (for those under the age of 16 who did not “test out” and get a passing score).    In 2008 the first such training session will be April 1 from 7-8 p.m.  The second training will be April 19 (this is a Saturday) at 9 a.m.  The third and FINAL training will be May 8 from 7-8 p.m.  All sessions will be held at the Longview Center.   You must have this training complete or you will not be permitted to show or sell your livestock.  If you have questions or concerns please contact the Extension Office.  Quality Assurance Training must be complete by July 1, 2008 or you will not be able to show or sell your animals at the 2008 fair.  There are other clinics that will count toward QA training.  Please check with the Extension Office for these other opportunities or the website http://richland.osu.edu.

*****Although not required, it is strongly recommended that parents attend this quality assurance training with the youth.  

Interested in Beekeeping?

The Richland County Beekeepers will be sponsoring a Basic Beekeeping Workshop.  If you have someone interested in this project, this workshop might be helpful to them.  For a $30 registration fee, which covers 3 class sessions, a hive tool, bee veil, basic beekeeping book and a one yr. membership to the Richland County Beekeepers Association, this could be very educational.  Classes are February 19, March 4 and March 18 at Kingwood Center.  Please contact the Extension Office for more information on this workshop.

Tack Sale

The Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center is having its Annual Tack Sale, March 8 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Historic Raemelton Riding Hall.  If you are interested in participating please contact Raemelton at 419-756-0040.  February 25 is the last day to register for a booth. 

Cedar Point 4-H Days

Just a reminder that “4-H Day” at Cedar Point will be June 27, 2008.  Please remember that if you want to attend this day, someone from your group must have a membership card from Richland County 4-H to purchase tickets.  Ticket prices will be $31 for students (K-12), $34 for adults and $14 for Juniors (ages 3 & older, under 48”) and $14 for Seniors (ages 62 & over).  Regular gate price is $42.95.  Mark this date on your calendar.

Animal Education Committee

Would you like to be a part of this committee?  If you have interest in a particular species and would like to be involved in the clinics, interview judging or other activities involving that species please give Duane Rader a call and let him know of your area of expertise.  Maybe, you just want to get more involved with livestock and the youth of Richland County. The organizational meeting will be Monday, February 11 in the Longview Center beginning at 7 p.m.  If you cannot make it to the meeting on February 11, but would be interested in serving on this committee, please let Duane know.

OLDER YOUTH NEWS

Want to be a CARTEENS Instructor?

The invitation is still open to become a 4-H CARTEENS instructor.  CARTEENS instructors assist in teaching safe driving information to juvenile traffic offenders.  Their purpose is to help youth make better decisions for themselves and others on the roadways.  The CARTEENS programs are generally held on the last Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  All older youth (preferably age 14 and older) are invited to come and help with this program.  Our next CARTEENS program is February 23 at the Longview Center from 9-11:00 a.m.  Instructors need to arrive at the Longview Center by 8:15 a.m.  Please call Sandi if you are interested in this program.

Junior Fair Board to Meet

The Junior Fair Board will meet March 31 in the Longview Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.   Several months have passed since the last meeting so the agenda will have lots of important items to discuss and share.  Please plan to attend.  If for some reason you are unable to be there, please call the Extension Office (this will give you an EXCUSED absence).

Camp Counselor Training

There will be a Camp Counselor Training session on February 18 at the Longview Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Make-up time for counselor training hours can be scheduled at any time, particularly during school spring break.   To schedule make up time, please call the Extension Office to schedule something.

Junior Leadership Club Meeting

The Jr. Leadership Club will meet on February 18 for a bowling excursion at Park Lanes from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m.  Please bring money for shoes, bowling and snacks.  Please invite other 4-H’ers age 13 and older to attend.  The Jr. Leadership Club meets every third Monday of the month. 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

February        1          Deadline to register for the Teen Conference, Columbus

                       8          Deadline:  Market Turkey Nomination & money due in Extension Office (Member deadline)

                       11        4-H Committee, Longview Center, 6:30 p.m.

                                    Animal Education Committee, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

                        12        Volunteer Certification, Longview Center, 6 p.m.

                                    Barn Raisers, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

                        14        New Volunteer Training, Longview Center, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

                        15        Deadline to register for Ohio Volunteer Conference, Columbus

                        16        Ohio 4-H Teen Conference, Columbus

                                    Plow Boy Prom, 4-H Center, Columbus, 6:30-11:00 p.m.

                        18        Camp Counselor Training, Longview Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

                                     JL Bowling, Park Lanes, 12-2 p.m.

                        19        Dog Committee, Longview Center, 6 p.m.

                        22        Deadline:  Market Turkey Nomination & money due in Extension Office (Advisor deadline)

                        23        CARTEENS, Longview Center, 8:15 a.m.

                                    Volunteer Certification credit, if volunteers attend entire session of CARTEENS (9-11 a.m.)

                        26        Mock Crash Coalition/Youth Safety Council, Longview Center, 8 a.m.

                                    Sr. Fair Board, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

                        28        Super Clinic, Longview Center, 6:45-8:45 p.m.

                       29         BONUS:  Early Enrollment Deadline in to the Extension Office

March             2          Super Clinic, Longview Center, 2-4 p.m.

                                    4-H Committee meeting, immediately following Super Clinic

                        2-8       Ohio 4-H Week

                                    Ohio 4-H Week Posters displayed throughout community

                        4          Extension Advisory Committee, Longview Center, 11:30 a.m.

                        6          Quality Assurance “Test Out”, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

                        8          State Volunteer Conference & Recognition Luncheon, Columbus

                        10        Camp Counselor Training, Longview Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

                                    Awards Committee, Longview Center, 6:30 p.m.

                        11        Barn Raisers, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

                        14        DEADLINE:  4-H Enrollment due in Extension Office

                                    Richland County 4-H Week/Ohio 4-H Week  Posters due in Extension Office

                        17        JL Club Meeting, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

                        18        Dog Committee, Longview Center, 6 p.m.

                        25        Sr. Fair Board, Fairgrounds, 7 p.m.

                        26        Pick-up Turkey Poults, Longview Center, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

                        27        Mock Crash Coalition/Youth Safety Council, Longview Center, 8 a.m.

                        29        CARTEENS, Longview Center, 8:15 a.m.

                                    4-H Spaghetti Dinner, RRLC, 5-7 p.m.

                        31        Jr. Fair Board, Longview Center, 6:30 p.m.

April    1          FINAL DEADLINE:  Jr. Fair Enrollment due in Extension Office                                      

                                               

JUDY’S CORNER                                                                      

                                       4-H IS . . .

M en and women working with boys and girls ages 8-19

A real life down-to-earth experience for both city kids and country kids

K ids – the future leaders of America!

I ndividual, talents and interest – recognized and cultivated

N ew leaders and members with fresh ideas.

G oal setting and achieving.  It builds self-confidence.

T ime spent helping others.

H ours spent at club meetings, learning and sharing.

E nthusiasm, it’s contagious – kids have plenty of it!

B eing your best possible self – A goal worth reaching!

E verywhere, for everyone, it has something to give.

S uccess, realized by leaders and members working together

T eam spirit – the product of many 4-H club activities.

B ecoming self sufficient, it’s what 4-H teaches.

E cology – a must in today’s generation.

T aking time to do it right.  Saves time later.

T eaching others at county and state fairs, it’s rewarding.

E nergy conservation – important today – and tomorrow.

R eaching new goals, it will “make the best better!”

Written by Bill Van Houter – adapted from “Clover Communicator” - - Lorain County Extension April, 2005