Richland County

4-H CLOVER NEWS

March, 2008

Dear 4-H Volunteer: 

SPRING is just around the corner!  Or so the calendar says.  With all the ice and snow we are having, it is going to be great when we no longer have to deal with it.  Along with Spring it’s time to turn our thoughts to the new 4-H year and enrollment deadlines.  The club Enrollment Deadline is March 14 with April 1, 2008 as the absolute final deadline.  No enrollment (for fair participation - 4-H, FFA, Girl Scout) will be accepted after the April 1 deadline. 

March 2-8 is “Ohio 4-H Week” and we would be interested in knowing what activities your club has planned to celebrate this event.  Also, 4-H Week posters need to be out in the community during this week to promote 4-H.  Posters are due in the Extension Office by March 14 for competition.

Special thanks to all who helped with the Super Clinics.  Without your help, this educational program could not take place.  It takes many people to bring this program together.  Each year it is our desire that youth, volunteers and parents come away from the clinic with many new and helpful ideas for their clubs.  With your help, this year’s clinics were successful in fulfilling these goals.  Both sessions were successful in providing the education to those in attendance.

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 MARCH                                         

March 2-8 - Ohio 4-H Week

March 8 -  State Volunteer Conference & Recognition Luncheon – Columbus

March 10 - Camp Counselors, Longview Center, 5:30 p.m.

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

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

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

March 14 - DEADLINE:  Club Enrollment due in Extension Office

                   4-H Week Posters due in Extension Office  

March 17 - Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

                   Jr. Leadership Meeting, Longview Center, 7 p.m.

March 18 - 4-H Dog Committee, Longview Center, 6 p.m.

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

March 26 - Pick up turkey poults, Longview Center, 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

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

March 28 - Pre-registration for Dog Expo, Columbus

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

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

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

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

Enrollment Information 

The 2008 Richland County Jr. Fair enrollment is moving right along. The enrollment deadline for all Jr. Fair organizations, including 4-H is March 14.  The absolute final deadline to enroll for fair participation (4-H, FFA, Girl Scouts) including all additions and/or deletions, is April 1, 2008.

Market Turkey Pick-Up                                                                                         

The 2008 turkey poult pick-up date is March 26 at the Extension Office from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  Please be sure to bring a container for your poults and be ready for them when you get them home.

2008  Super Clinic Make-Up Date

If you were unable to attend either of the 2008 Super Clinics you have an opportunity to attend the next 4-H Committee meeting as a make-up officer and advisor training session.  The meeting will be April 7 at the Longview Center.  Their will be a brief orientation beginning at 6 p.m. for those who missed the Super Clinics.  You will then be expected to stay for the entire 4-H Committee meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will last about one hour.  If you plan to attend this meeting, please call the Extension Office and have your name added to the list.   4-H club officers should also name the office they hold when calling in.

Attention Horse Advisors

In 2008 the member deadline for the horse registration will be May 15 with advisor deadline for changes or additions to be June 1.  The horse registration fee in 2008 is $20/per horse payable at the time of registration.  In 2008 there will be NO sharing of project horses.   If you have questions, please contact the Extension Office or see 2008 Horse Guide.

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, and 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.  From qualified entries there will be three placings:  1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place in each of the three categories listed above.  The 4-H Committee will sponsor a monetary award for these winning categories. 

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).  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, county events, 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.  If you missed the first testing, the final testing will be offered 1 hour prior to the beginning of the QA training on April 1 (testing at 6 p.m.) training to begin at 7 p.m. 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 (you can take the test the following year again if you do not pass this year).  Please call the Extension Office if you have questions about this new process. 

If you plan to attend the April 1 QA testing, please call the Extension Office to pre-register. 

The test should take approximately 30 minutes.

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.  

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.

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 21(NOTE:  date change from calendar) at the Longview Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.  Many helpful tips will be shared that evening. 

OSU Pre-Vet Day

If you are in high school and exploring the career of veterinary medicine, the Ohio State University is hosting a Pre-Vet Day, Saturday, April 12.  There will be two sessions - - one session in the morning from 9 a.m. until Noon and one session in the afternoon from 1-4 p.m.  Each session will feature an overview of what it takes to get into vet school and a tour of our campus.   Also on April 12th, the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine will be holding an open house to explore what a veterinarian really does and how to become one.  For more information or to register for Pre-Vet Day call (614) 688-4659, e-mail tyson.46@osu.edu or visit the website at http://cfaes.osu.edu/visit. 

Trophy Sponsors Needed 

Would your club or an individual in your club be interested in sponsoring a trophy in 2008?  The awards available and needing sponsors are:  Jr. Team Demonstration, Intermediate Team Demonstration, Sr. Team Demonstration,   Best of Show Talent Show, Reserve Best of Show Poultry, Sr. Breeding Beef Showmanship, Novice Breeding Beef Showmanship, Sr. Poultry Showmanship, Jr. Fair King 2^nd Runner Up (medal), Grand Champion BBR Beef Steer, Sr. Style Review Model, and Jr. Style Review Model.  These awards are $15 with checks made payable to RC Jr. Fair Board.  If you are interested and would like your name in the 2008 Jr. Fair Book, please call the Extension Office by March 18 with a commitment for one or more of these awards. 

2008 Poultry Youth Clinic

If you are interested in the poultry project and/or have a small poultry flock you would benefit by attending the 2008 Poultry Youth Clinic to be held at Fisher Auditorium, OARDC, Wooster.  The clinic is March 29 beginning at 8:15 a.m. with registration.  There is a charge for the clinic which includes lunch.  If you have interest in this educational opportunity, please call the Extension Office for a registration form.       

*** 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 March 29 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 March 10 at the Longview Center from 5:30-7:30 p.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. The state requires that each counselor have 24 hours of training to be a certified counselor.

Junior Leadership Club Meeting

The Jr. Leadership Club will meet on March 17 beginning at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be at the Longview Center.  Please remember that the JL Spaghetti Supper is March 29 at the RRLC from 5-7 p.m.  You will be given tickets to sell and will be asked to sign up to help that evening and bring cakes or pies.   This is a fund raiser for your benefit to attend camps, older youth trip or other activities that have a cost to them.  Also, you earn extra money if you work, bring cakes and/or pies.  Keep in mind the Jr. Leadership Club meets every third Monday of the month.  Note:  Any 4-H member can earn credits (money) toward the Older Youth Trip by selling tickets for the Spaghetti Supper.  Contact the Extension Office for details.

Ohio 4-H Sea Camp

If you are a 4-H’er and are 13-18 years old, you have the opportunity to attend 4-H Sea Camp July 17021, 2008.  The cost for camp is $375.  This is a great learning experience.  For more information contact the Extension Office.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

March             2-8       Ohio 4-H Week

                                    Ohio 4-H Week Posters displayed throughout community

                        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.

                                    Animal Ed Committee, 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

In honor of Ohio 4-H Week. . . . . . March 2-8, 2008

Then and Now in 4-H...

• 1902, one 4-H club in one Ohio county, today, 4-H is in every Ohio county, in every state in the United States and in more than 80 countries worldwide.
• 30 4-H projects in the 1920’s were your choice, today, over 200 4-H projects are offered in the 4-H Family Guide.
• 3,650 members in 42 Ohio counties were enrolled in 4-H in 1916 and nearly 300,000 members in 88 Ohio counties currently.
• 663,000 Ohioans were involved in 4-H by 1952, today one in every six Ohioans is a 4-H alumni with more than 45 million 4-H alumni nationwide.
• 47,453 youth participated in 4-H school programs in 1975, today more than 100,000 school students participate in 4-H in the Classroom Programs.
• Ohio 4-H camps were established in 1919, these camps serve nearly 60,000 youth today.