#1—A big thank you to each of you who gave some time to grading records. It makes it easier when you are able to donate 2 hours. I know that some of you who brought a parent in to help, reported that they felt they had learned about the process and it would benefit their children in following years.
#2—In advance a big THANK YOU, to each of you for all your work for the Awards program. It takes many folks during their assignment for us to be so organized and makes the evening flow as smoothly as it does.
#3---A change this year, 4-H clubs will be getting the premium checks. You will need to deposit these and write out checks for each member who receives a premium. We are doing this because we had problems with the kids cashing the checks. It also gives your club treasurers a chance to gain more experience.
#4--The Festival of Trees is coming up Dec. 4 through Dec. 6. There is a slight change of times. The assignments are:
Friday, 5:30-9:00 p.m.---Friendly 4-Corners
Sat. 8:30---10:30 a.m. Jolly Trio
Sat. 10:30---12:30 a.m. Jolly Trio Clover Kids volunteers
Sat. 12:30—3:00 p.m. Northstars
Sat. 2:00-4:00--Nighthawks
Sat. 4:00-6:00—Blazing Trails
Sat. 6:00-8:00---Horseshoe Bend
Sun. 12:00-3:00—Deb Connor
#5—After the 2005 Festival of Trees, we had some folks share they thought the 4-H kids were eating too many cookies. So in 2006, we asked that you bring some cookies, nothing fancy, for inhouse, for our kids to eat. That has been working well, so I am asking the same thing for 2009. Many thanks.
#6—Just a reminder. I passed out Pioneer Grant applications at the Leaders meeting in October. Now is the time to start thinking of ideas for Pioneer Grant monies. I think you can ask for up to $125.00 for your project. If you need ideas, just give me a call.
2010 applications are due in our office by December 1st. (If your club received a Pioneer Grant in 2009, we need that report from you by November 13th).
#7---4-H enrollment forms are due back to the extension office by Dec. 1.
#8—For those of your members with the market steer and heifer projects, we are looking at Wednesday of the Xmas week vacation for weigh in time. The date is Wednesday, December 30th at the Sale Barn from 9:00-11:00 a.m. The cost is $1.50 per eartag, including the optional implant.
PLEASE, PLEASE—SHARE THIS FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITH ANY OF YOUR MEMBERS WHO MAY BE THINKING OF TAKING MARKET BEEF TO THE 2010 IOWA STATE FAIR—
We will not be registering animals for the 2010 State Fair at the Van Buren County weigh in. They are using rential imaging and our extension council has voted not to purchase the $3,000 equipment. The Davis County weigh in, at which they will be weighing and registering for the 2010 Iowa State Fair is Saturday, December 19th in the a.m.
They will allow any of our members to bring animals. However, we need to know this so we can send our county tags to them.
So members who desire to register for the 2010 Iowa State Fair Market Beef need to call our office and let us know how many head they will be bringing, and put December 19th on their calendar. I think since it is a certified scale, I will be asking our extension council to allow the December 19th date to work for our weigh in.
#9--- At this point we’re not sure about Winter Camp. Forest Lake Camp isn’t open in the winter anymore. Brenda Spurgeon is working on another trip/camp for the 5th and 6th graders. We’ll let you know as soon as we have something finalized.
#10—The county council will be holding a 4-H training on Sunday, Jan. 17th at the Robert’s Building at 2:30. This is open to all 4-Hers. We will do some time on officer training and then other recreational fun and games.
#11—We’re not sure about 4-H Legislative Day. Last year this was cancelled but we tried to include any 4-Hers who wanted to visit the capital with the Extension Council Legislative Day. We’ll let you know as soon as we know something.
#12—JOIN US SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8th for The First Annual Southeast Iowa Club Calf Sale. Tentative schedule starts at 10:30 including Judging Tips, Nutrition, Home Care, Fitting and Showmanship. A free lunch sponsored by Kent Feeds will be provided along with drawings and door prizes. The sale begins at 2:30 with the barns open for viewing Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th. Steers and heifers to fit into everyone’s budget. The sale will be held at Coley Cattle Company in Birmingham. For more information call Casey Smith (641)919-5435 or Tommy Coley (815)988-7051. 4-H Clubs & FFA Chapters welcome!!
#13---Just a reminder. Sandy’s retirement party will be held at the Robert’s Building on November 24th, 3:30-5:30.
#14—There is a special seminar on Nov. 7th at the Mahaska County Extension Office for 4-H goat members. Gary Lynch, Land O’Lakes Purina Feed will be discussing goat nutriotn basics, feeding program options and nutritional issues. Janet Sears, vet clinic will speak on goat kidding basics; “What You Need to Know about Kidding Your Does and Husbandry Techniques.”
Registration at 8:30, program at 9:00. Cost, including lunch, is s$20.00. For registration and more information please call (641)660-1388.
#15—Note from Sandy – As this is my last 4-H Newsletter to you, I want to take a moment and tell all of you a big thanks for your cooperation over the many years. It has been a real joy to work with each of you toward our common goal of promoting better life skills for our youth. I hope that many of you adults have enjoyed observing our youth mature and develop into wonderful future citizens.
4-H is a great avenue for our youth to grow in leadership and community service. Research shows that when youth are involved at an early age, they are 3 times as likely to continue volunteering in their adult life. Many thanks for providing an excellent foundation for our future leaders.
Thanks again with a deep appreciation for your hours you have donated to the Van Buren County 4-H and Youth programs.