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HERE GROWS

4-H Clinton County Connection

Winter Issue

2nd Quarterly Newsletter: December, January, February 2018

Minnehaha/Mohawk DeWitt Clover Kids

Club Chili

Cook Off

Winners!

DeWitt Hustlers

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4-H Member Re-Enrollment Deadline— December 1

The 4-H and Clover Kid member re-enrollment deadline is Friday, December 1. The re-enrollment fee will increase from $40 to $50 for 4-Hers and $25 to $35 for Clover kids on December 2. If you have re-enrolled in 4honline, but have not yet paid, you will not be charged the late fee, however members are only active in 4hOnline when payment has been received. To re-enroll, go to www.4hOnline.com You will need to log in with your 4hOnline email and password and click ‘Enroll for 2017-18 4-H Year’. Club Leaders are also required to re-enroll, each year.

Step by step enrollment instructions >>> http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/page/4honline-information-families-and-leaders

4-H Club Yearly Programs — Due December 1

Each 4-H and Clover Kids Club is required to submit a Yearly Club Program of Activities to 4-H Program Manager, Brianne Johnson by email at briannej@iastate.edu or by sending to the Clinton County Extension office by December 1. Yearly Club Programs will be reviewed and authorized. Activities with increased risk, such as fundraisers, trips, winter sports, hayrack rides, etc. will require additional Special Activity Insurance (.30 cents per member with an $8.00 minimum). Notify Brianne no later than one week prior to the activity so that Special Activity Insurance can be secured. A template for the Yearly Club Program may be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/page/volunteer.

Market Beef Weigh-In — December 9

This year’s Clinton County Beef Weigh-in will be held at the DeWitt Vet Clinic (2419 260th Avenue) on Saturday, December 9 from 8:00 am-1:00 pm. We have established time slots for clubs to keep the wait time at a minimum. Members must be active (enrolled and dues paid) before weigh-in. The cost per county fair animal ear tag is $2.00. State Fair animals are $6.00 (includes USDA ear tag and retinal images). If participating in a breed class, please designate the animal’s breed and tattoo on the ID sheet at weigh-in. Or you may enter registration number (must be the animal’s number, not the sire) and tattoo yourself in 4hOnline before February 1st. No market animal’s information may be altered after February 1st. The animal’s papers must be presented at Club Show check-In and tattoos must match. Animal must be tattooed before check-in at the Club Show. No fresh tattoos allowed. Extension staff will enter all information in to 4hOnline the week following weigh-in. 4-H families are required to verify that their animal’s information is correct on their ID form the day of the weigh-in and are strongly encouraged to verify in 4hOnline. Animals not verified in 4hOnline by February 1, 2018 will remain as-is and information may not be altered. To verify your animal’s information is correct, you will log in to your 4hOnline account and go to the ‘Animals/Livestock’ tab to view your animals and click ‘verify’ if the animal’s information is correct. If there is a mistake, please contact Brianne Johnson at the Clinton County Extension office before February 1 to correct the mistake. Market beef verification directions are found at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/page/4honline-information-families-and-leaders

8:00am- DeWitt Hustlers, Mohawk/Minnehaha, DeWitt FFA 9:00am- Northeast FFA, Goose Lake Jr. Feeders

10:00 am- Cal-Wheat FFA, CW Jr. Ag, Equine Fever 11:00 am- Orange Future Leaders, Delmar Hot Shots, Deep Creek Americans

12:00pm- Charlotte Jr. Producers, Welton Jr. Farmers, Iowanna

December

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Dupont Pioneer Community Improvement Grants

DuPont Pioneer Seed Grants are available for the 2017-201784-H year are . The objective of these grants is to stimulate local 4-H clubs in Iowa to plan and carry out community improvement activities by providing “seed money” needed to make the projects successful. Applications are due to Clinton County Extension and Outreach Office by Jan. 16, 2018, then forwarded to State 4-H Office no later than Jan. 30, 2018. Decision letters should be sent by the end of March. The application and more information may be found at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/pioneergrants

County 4-H Fruit Sales Fundraiser—Starts January 22

We will be offering the Fruit Sales fundraiser again this year! 20% of the profit will go to the Clinton County Endowment Fund to help supplement the cost of 4-H Enrollment Dues. This year the Endowment is supplementing $5 per member enrolled by December 1st. 80% of the profit goes to the 4-H Club to pay for educational programs, activities, workshops, or 4-H club supplies. Many clubs choose to pay part of the 4-H members’ enrollment fee. *New this year: It is the Club’s responsibility to unload fruit boxes and help their club member’s pick up their orders. 1. All Clubs participating in this fundraiser MUST designate ONLY ONE Adult from their club who is responsible for

unloading fruit boxes off the truck and sorting their club’s boxes on March 9th from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm at the Fairgrounds Auditorium.

2. At least one adult is also responsible for working the Club’s Fruit Order Check-out Table when members come to pick up their orders from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. All club orders must be picked up by the end of the evening and it is the Club’s responsibility to take the orders that are left. 4-H members should attend to help their fellow 4-H members load their boxes.

3. Email Brianne Johnson at briannej@iastate.edu with your Club’s adult helpers’ names. Starting January 22, you can sell, sell, sell! You will receive your forms from your Club Leader. Sales forms are due to The County Extension office by February 16, 2018. All fruit orders must be picked up between 3:00 pm–6:00 pm on Friday, March 9. Have fun selling for a great cause!

4-H Judge’s Training in Clinton County— January 27

If you are interested in judging non-livestock exhibits at county 4-H fairs, attend this training! This training is designed to prepare individuals for 4-H exhibit and event judging. Participants will be equipped with information and resources to be utilized in evaluating exhibits, educating others and encouraging 4-H’ers. Any individual interested in becoming a 4-H exhibits judge and current judges who are interested in a refresher or would like to expand their areas of judging should attend. Training will be held on January 27 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Clinton County Extension office. Pre-registration is required before 1/22/18, rsvp at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/4-h-exhibit-judges-training-clinton-county

January

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Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships— Due Feb 1

Funded by donors through the Iowa 4-H Foundation, scholarship awards range from $500 to $10,000! Applicants may apply for numerous scholarships by completing one online application available at iowa4hfoundation.org/scholarships. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on February 1st. Visit the County Website for list of scholarships and descriptions : http://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/clinton-county-4-h-recognition

Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships— Due February 1 Clinton County Theisen’s Scholarship-Due February 1 Clinton County Tubbs Scholarship-Due February 1 Jackson-Clinton County Dairy Promotion Scholarship -Due March 25 Clinton County Endowment Scholarship -Due April 1 Tom Olson Memorial Beef Scholarship -Due April 1 Iowanna Jrs Scholarship -Due April 1 Jeanne Rogis Memorial Scholarship– Due April 1

State 4-H Youth Council

The State 4-H Youth Council is a group of high school students who work directly with Iowa 4-H Youth Development staff to represent the 4-H program across the state of Iowa. Members speak to local 4-H groups, represent 4-Her’s ideas to staff, and work in committees to plan the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, 4-Hers for 4-H campaign, and much more! You must be a sophomore or a junior in high school to apply. Kristen Flathers from the Minnehaha Club is the 2017-18 Regional Youth Council Representative. She would be happy to answer any questions that you have about this wonderful opportunity! More information is available at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/page/recognition-opportunities All applications and materials must have been submitted via electronic submission by 11:59 PM on February 1.

Babysitting Basics—February 23

Clinton County Extension will be offering a Babysitting Basics course for all youth completing 5th grade and above on February 23rd, 2018 9:00 am–3:00 pm at the Extension office. The course will cover all that you need to have a successful babysitting business. We will cover responsibilities of a baby-sitter, what employers expect, how to care for children of different ages, games and play ideas, basic first aid, and safety and how to handle emergencies. Registration: Due February 21, 2018. The course is limited to 25 youth. Registration will close when the class is full. Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/babysitting-basics-training for online registration. Cost: $25, ($20 for 4-H members) covers Babysitting Basics workbook, lunch, snacks, play-time goody bag, and small first-aid kit.

Bucket Bottle Workshop—February 26

Bucket Bottle Superintendent Linda Wiese will be hosting a Bucket Bottle Workshop on February 26th from 6:00 –7:00 pm at the Clinton County Extension Office. Clover Kids and 4-H members are welcome to attend. RSVP by calling the Extension Office at (563) 659-5125.

February

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March

Come support Clinton County 4-H by participating in a fun-filled night of trivia, or stop by for dinner and the cake auction! All proceeds are 100% used for youth scholarships for Clinton County 4-H members! Clubs are encouraged to donate cakes for the cake auction fundraiser. If you or your Club are interested in donating a cake, please email Lindsey Tague at ltague@iastate.edu. We value your support!

Annual Spring 4-H Volunteer Training– March 15

As part of your ongoing role as a 4-H or Clover Kids Club Leader, you are required to complete one Annual Volunteer Training by July 1, each year. If you were not able to attend the fall training, there is another face to face training in the Spring on March 15 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, held at the Clinton County Extension office. Please If you are unable to attend a face to face training in Clinton County, there are trainings offered in neighboring counties and there will be an online training option available via 4hOnline, as well. Annual Volunteer Training is OPTIONAL for NEW 2017-18 Volunteers! New Volunteers are only required to attend New Volunteer Training within one year of completing the background screening process. Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm : Clinton County Cattlemen Beef and Pork sandwiches, coleslaw, potato salad and dessert. Be sure to RSVP for Annual Vol-unteer Training by calling the Clinton County Extension Office at (563)659-5125.

4-H Basketball Tournament—March 17

Are you ready for some March Madness?! Start thinking about putting your team together for the annual 4-H Basketball Tournament on March 17, 2018 at DeWitt Central High School gymnasiums. $10 per player, or $5 per player plus a donation from the team worth $25 of Gatorade, bottled water, or baked goods. All proceeds from the food stand will go towards costs of the tournament. Rosters are due to the Extension Office by March 1st. Rosters and Basketball Rules may be found at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/4-h-sports-and-recreation. Brackets will be emailed out to coaches and posted on the Clinton County website no later than March 15th.

4-H Equine Extravaganza—March 23-25

Held at Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Falls. We all know that having horses requires more than riding and jumping! Get motivated to learn more about the science behind horses at Equine Extravaganza! Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/equineextravaganza for more information.

Trivia Night Fundraiser for the 4-H Endowment Fund—March 10

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April

June 17-23, 2018, "The Best Week of Summer", Dubuque County Fairgrounds. Residential, overnight equine camp open to grades 4-12. Campers will bring their horse to camp and participate in daily activities. Space is limited! Application Deadline: March 31, 2018! Visit www.eihpc.com Or Email: EasternIowaHorseandPonyCamp@gmail.com for more information.

Dog Training for Club Show Exhibitors—Starts April 9

Dog classes for dog project members begin on Monday, April 9, 2018; obedience training is from 6:30-7:15pm, and agility is from 7:15-7:45, both at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. First year members will meet in the Fair Auditorium. First year mem-bers: please DO NOT bring your dog(s). Second year members will also meet on April 9 in the Beef Arena and will bring their dog(s) to begin training. Everyone will need to bring a copy of their dog’s rabies and DHPP (Distemper/Parvo) vaccinations to the first meeting. After April 9, classes will continue on Monday evenings until June 25, excluding Memorial Day. To be eligi-ble to exhibit your dog at the Clinton County Club Show, you must make sure you have the following completed: 1. 4-H/FFA members must attend a minimum of 7 classes and Clover Kids must attend a minimum of 5.

2. 4-H Dogs need to be identified in 4hOnline by May 15. FFA Dogs need to be identified with their Chap-

ter Advisor.

3. 4-H/FFA/Clover Kids Dogs need to submit Club Show class entry.

4-H Hall of Fame & Meritorious Service Awards-

April 20

We are now accepting nominations for 4-H Hall of Fame and Meritorious Service Awards. The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes volunteers and staff who have exhibited outstanding service to their county 4-H program. Candidates are chosen by their counties and represent both long time volunteers and Extension staff who have exemplified

outstanding service and dedication to the 4-H program. Each County Extension may select an individual or couple to induct into the 4-H Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Exhibit building the last day of the fair. The Meritorious Service Award is given to individuals who have supported the Clinton County 4-H Youth Development program and who are still currently involved. Candi-dates must have completed 10 years or more of service as of September 1 of the current year and have demonstrated innovative youth programming and leadership in the Clin-ton County 4-H program or at the state, regional, and/or national level. You may nomi-nate the same individual for both the Hall of Fame and Meritorious Service Awards. To nominate individuals for awards please complete the nomination form available on the Clinton County Extension homepage. Send nominations to Clinton County 4-H Program Manager, Brianne Johnson at briannej@iastate.edu or at 400 E. 11th St. DeWitt, IA 52742. Nominations are due April 20, 2018. More information about Clinton County Recognition opportunities may be found at:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/clinton-county-4-h-recognition

Sheep and Goat Weigh In — April 21

The Sheep and Goat Weigh-in for the Club Show and State Fair will be on April 21st from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the DeWitt Central Ag Building. Tags are $2.00 per animal and State Fair animals are $6.00.

Dubuque County Horse Camp—Apply by March 31

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Citizenship Washington Focus Trip—Deadline January 10

What does it mean to be a good citizen or a leader? Are you being a strong civic leader for your community, country, and world? Make plans to explore these topics at Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) in 2017! The trip is set for June 16-24. CWF is more than just another DC field trip. 4-H’ers learn essential civic leadership skills and leave with the tools that will allow them to bring about real change in their communities. A non-refundable deposit of $600 is due at the time of registration. To learn more about the trip, visit: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/cwf Total cost of the trip is $1700 and includes all lodging, travel, tours, and a majority of your meals. Clinton County Endowment offers scholarships for this trip. Funding request forms can be found at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/clinton-county-4-h-endowment-fund-0

2017-18 4-H Year Project Award Opportunity for 11th and

12th grade Clinton County 4-H Members!

To apply for a Clinton County 4-H Project Record Keeping Award, you must have carried the project area for a minimum of two years with your most recent enrollment in the project area occurring during the most recent 4-H year. The number of awards given in each project area will be based on the merit of the support materials. A 4-H member may receive no more than one project award in the same year and may only receive an award for the project area once. 4-H members may apply for project awards during both their junior and senior years in High School. A 4-H member may select a maximum of two project areas for evaluation during the 4-H year. Recipients of 4-H Record Keeping Awards will receive a $100 scholarship! Clinton County 4-H Project Award Applications are due by September 7, 2018 to Brianne Johnson at the Clinton County Extension office. The application form and award evaluation/criteria are available on the Clinton County 4-H Record Keeping page at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/content/4-h-record-keeping

New Opportunity for Clinton County 4-H Youth Leadership

Council Members!

County Council members have the opportunity to earn a Clinton County 4-H Strong Youth Leader Award. Points are accrued for every hour spent at an approved county 4-H activity. Awards will be given during the Fair 4-H Recognition Program. These points may also be used as ‘silver chord’ hours or community service hours for church, school or other youth programs. It’s not too late to join the group! This year they will participate in Global Youth Leadership Day; County 4-H Fruit Sales Fundraiser; Trivia Night; Conference Judging Day; and much more! Meetings will be held on the fourth Sunday of each month. Contact Advisor, Brianne Johnson for more information.

State Fair Project Transportation Update

The Clinton County Extension Office will offer free transportation of exhibits (that are not large, fragile or valuable) selected to advance to the Iowa State Fair on Conference Judging Day, such as food, photos, clothing, etc. Transportation for large, fragile, or valuable items will no longer be offered through the Extension office. It is recommended that Clubs work

together to arrange transportation for items that cannot be accommodated by the Extension office.

Future Opportunities in 4-H

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‘17-‘18 4-H Calendar December 1: Deadline to Re-enroll in 4-H; Club Yearly Program Due to Ext. Office. 9: Beef Weigh-In, DeWitt Vet Clinic, 8am-1pm 25-31: Extension Office Closed

ISU Clinton County Extension & Outreach

400 E. 11th Street

DeWitt, IA 52742

Phone: (563) 659-5125

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

January 1: Extension Office Closed 10: Deadline to register for CWF Trip 16: Deadline to apply for DuPont Pioneer Community Improvement Grant 22: Fruit Sales Begin; deadline to register for Judges Training 27: Judges Training hosted by Clinton County

A great time to look over hot sheets and decide on your projects for the year. - https://www.extension.iastate.edu/clinton/page/projects

February 1: Deadline to apply for Iowa 4-H Scholarships; Tubbs Scholarship; Theisens Scholarship; State 4-H Council Applications 16: Fruit Sales End-forms due to Extension 21: Babysitting Basics Registration Due

23: Babysitting Basics Ext. Office 9 am-3:30 pm 26: 4-H/Clover Kids Bucket Bottle Workshop, Extension office, 5:30-6:30pm

March 9: Club Fruit Order Pick Up 3 pm-6 pm, Fairgrounds Auditorium 10: Clinton County Trivia Night 4-H Endowment Fundraiser and Cake Auction, Auditorium, 6 pm 15: Annual Volunteer Training, Extension office, 6:00-7:30pm 17: 4-H Basketball Tournament 23-25: 4-H Equine Extravaganza 31: Deadline to apply for Dubuque County Horse Camp

Iowa State University Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.

Brianne Johnson County 4-H Youth Program Manager

Natalie Oberbeck 4-H Youth Educator

Morgan McGarry AmeriCorps Youth Assistant

Julia Loomis AmeriCorps Youth Assistant

Jackie Luckstead State 4-H Youth Program Specialist

Heather Coyle County Extension Program Director

Lindsey Tague Fiscal and Executive Assistant

Cindy Bartels Office Assistant

Extension and Outreach

4-H Staff