Tuesday, December 30, 2008

I recieved the following e-mail recently, if anyone knows who these things belong to please contact her. Thanks.


Dear Mr. Heckman and Associates,

I am trying to find a lady that was in 4-H. I know that this may be a very difficult task because I do not have her name, club or years she was in 4-H.

I recently purchased a nice jewelry box from the Goodwill Store on N. W. Urbandale Drive. Upon inspecting it at home, three 4-H pins fell out from behind a little nook as well as two bracelets. There was also a tiny bit of cash.

I would very much like to have this lady contact me so I can return her treasures. Do you have a newsletter that you could advertise this problem? If some lady can describe the jewelry box, jewelry and money she thinks is gone forever, she gets it back. Goodness, she could be one of your fellow staff members!

Thank you for you assistance or suggestions.

Nola Hewus

hewus62@msn.com

515/279-9836

Des Moines


Thursday, December 4, 2008

Community Service Opportunity with Heart Connection Children Cancer Programs

Adopt a Family: If you are interested in adopting a family of a child with cancer that is facing financial challenges this holiday season, please contact Channon@childrenscancerprograms.com.

Holiday Tree Takedown: The Heart Connection is looking for volunteers to help take down our holiday tree at Valley West Mall on December 30th from 6 am to noon. Every year we are fortunate to be able to have a tree at the mall to raise funds to help pay for programs like summer camps and parent support groups. If you are able to help take the tree down, please contact brecka@childrenscancerprograms.com.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Boer Goats Opportunity

Polk County Extension makes no guarantees or endorsements of third party products.


Good morning,
I just wanted to inform you that I have a high percentage boer spring doe kid and a yearling doe that would make great show prospects. They were both exposed to a really nice boer billy. I bought them in hopes of starting a breeding program, but I can't fit them into my sheep operation with my "certified scrapie free" status. I guess I should have looked into this earlier. Anyway, if you know of anyone interested in two really nice show prospects that are possibly bred, let me know. They would make a great starter group. Pictures available via e-mail.

I also have a group of older nannies that are pregnant, that I also need to sell them.

Thanks,
Mark Werner 515-402-3076

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Another Community Service Opportunity

Hello Iowa Homeless Youth Center Volunteers:

How are you? I hope well when this email finds you. I am trying something new. I want to share with you that I have started a Reggie’s Sleepout volunteer team on the www.reggiessleepout.org website. I want to thank you for your time and talents and sharing them with Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. Your time and talents allow us to expand our programming and stretch our resources.

I would like your support for Reggie’s Sleepout! There are two ways you can help out in 2008 and help make this event a success!

First, you can help out by volunteering at the 2008 Third annual Reggie’s Sleepout. Attached is the Reggie’s Sleepout volunteer sign-up. This form can be emailed back to me or faxed to me at 515-266-8377. You can also sign up as a volunteer by going to the website at www.reggiessleepout.org and “clicking” on the button on the left hand side “ Register to Volunteer”.

Second, you can join the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Volunteers team by going to the website. If you are not starting your own team, I would like for you to consider being on the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Volunteers team. You can join this team by going to www.reggiessleepout.org, click on button on left hand side titled “Register to Sleepout” and follow the instructions. Click on “Join a Team” and scroll down and click on Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Volunteers team.

Volunteers can do incredible things. A $5 dollar donation will allow Iowa Homeless Youth Centers to purchase basic food needs such as bread, eggs, milk, and juice on a weekly basis for young people living at the Buchanan and Lighthouse facilities.

Your donation will be matched by the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation for every dollar you give up to $50,000. This is the second time he has offered the matching challenge grant.

I hope you will consider your time and a little of your financial resources to make the third annual Reggie’s Sleepout a memorable event!

Hope to see you there.

Another Community Service Opportunity

Hello Iowa Homeless Youth Center Volunteers:

How are you? I hope well when this email finds you. I am trying something new. I want to share with you that I have started a Reggie’s Sleepout volunteer team on the www.reggiessleepout.org website. I want to thank you for your time and talents and sharing them with Iowa Homeless Youth Centers. Your time and talents allow us to expand our programming and stretch our resources.

I would like your support for Reggie’s Sleepout! There are two ways you can help out in 2008 and help make this event a success!

First, you can help out by volunteering at the 2008 Third annual Reggie’s Sleepout. Attached is the Reggie’s Sleepout volunteer sign-up. This form can be emailed back to me or faxed to me at 515-266-8377. You can also sign up as a volunteer by going to the website at www.reggiessleepout.org and “clicking” on the button on the left hand side “ Register to Volunteer”.

Second, you can join the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Volunteers team by going to the website. If you are not starting your own team, I would like for you to consider being on the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Volunteers team. You can join this team by going to www.reggiessleepout.org, click on button on left hand side titled “Register to Sleepout” and follow the instructions. Click on “Join a Team” and scroll down and click on Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Volunteers team.

Volunteers can do incredible things. A $5 dollar donation will allow Iowa Homeless Youth Centers to purchase basic food needs such as bread, eggs, milk, and juice on a weekly basis for young people living at the Buchanan and Lighthouse facilities.

Your donation will be matched by the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation for every dollar you give up to $50,000. This is the second time he has offered the matching challenge grant.

I hope you will consider your time and a little of your financial resources to make the third annual Reggie’s Sleepout a memorable event!

Hope to see you there.

Community Service Opportunity

Holidays with The Heart Connection:Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help with gift wrap at Valley West Mall. We still have quite a few shifts open from the day after Thanksgiving until the day before Christmas! If you are interested in volunteering for a 4-6 hour shift, please contact brecka@childrenscancerprograms.com .We will be taking down our holiday tree on December 31st from 6 am-noon at Valley West Mall. If you are interested in helping with tree takedown, please contact brecka@childrenscancerprograms.com . Club Hope of The Heart Connection: Our final meeting of Club HOPE in 2008 will be Tuesday, October 21st. Club HOPE is a support group organized by parents, for parents and other adult caregivers of kids who have ever received a cancer diagnosis. All are welcome, regardless of the child's age or the treatment outcome. The meeting will be from 6:30-8:30 at the West Des Moines Learning Resource Center, and we will talk about coping with the holidays, among other things. Children's activities will be provided, and kids are encouraged to wear costumes for a Halloween celebration. Snacks will also be provided. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to brecka@childrenscancerprograms.com . Volunteers for children's activities are still needed for this meeting, and encouraged to dress up for Halloween as well-please contact Brecka if you are interested in volunteering! Walk 2 the Beat: Get your walking shoes on and join The Heart Connection for the 3rd Annual Walk 2 the Beat on Saturday November 1st at Westdale Mall. Grab your family, friends, and co-workers for this family-friendly event that includes a 5k fun-walk, live entertainment, kids' activities, and refreshments. For more information about participating or forming a team for Walk 2 The Beat, contact Channon at channon@childrenscancerprograms.com . Cancer survivors and friends are invited to join the Young Survivors and Friends team!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa 4-H youth are competent, confident, caring and connected, and exhibit strong character. And now there is nationwide research to prove it.
A recent Tufts University study shows that 4-H’ers contribute more to their families and communities, achieve higher grades in school and are more likely to go to college than youth who are not in 4-H, or even youth who participate in other out-of-school programs.
In addition, youth involved in 4-H lead healthier, more productive lives, are less likely to suffer from depression and are less likely to participate in at-risk behaviors like drinking and smoking, said Iowa State University Extension youth development specialist Keli Tallman, who leads program evaluation and research for the Iowa 4-H Youth Development program.
“These positive aspects continue with 4-H youth long-term — throughout their adolescence — and likely will continue into adulthood,” Tallman said.
Iowa 4-H’ers agree. According to former Palo Alto County 4-H’er Kara Strand, a current Iowa State University student, “Now I realize that 4-H really was shaping me into the person I am today. I met lifetime friends, gained leadership and communication skills, and learned about responsibility, interviewing and organizational skills. I would never replace my 4-H years for anything because they have shown to be very valuable to me now that I am in college.”
Added ISU student Krista Frazee, of Montgomery County, “Through 4-H activities, I have learned the qualities and attributes that it takes to become an effective leader and team member. 4-H has helped prepare me for life after high school and college in ways that no other organization could.”
The Tufts study is the first-ever longitudinal research measuring the characteristics of positive youth development. Researchers polled more than 4,400 youth involved in a variety of after-school activities and 2,800 parents from 34 states to measure the impact personal and social factors were having on young people’s development. After years of research, they concluded that exposing youth to high levels of positive youth development — like those found in 4-H — will help kids develop competence, confidence, character and compassion for others. In addition, youth will have better and more sustained connections with peers and adults and will be more likely to contribute to their communities, their families and themselves.
Tallman noted three key findings of the long-term effects of 4-H participation:
Youth who spend more time in 4-H are more likely to experience positive youth development and contribute than peers involved in non-4-H programs.
4-H youth are 3.5 times more likely to contribute to themselves, their families and their communities, and 1.5 times more likely to show the highest levels of positive youth development.
Involvement in youth development programs like 4-H increases a young person’s potential of doing well. The study notes that the odds of 4-H youth in eighth grade expecting to go to college are 1.6 times higher than the odds for comparison youth.
But none of the findings surprised Tallman.
“Each year we receive numerous stories of Iowa 4-H’ers contributing to their families and communities,” she said.
For example, a Butler County 4-H’er took time away from cleaning up his own family’s total loss from the Parkersburg tornado to sand bag near Clarksville to help prevent flooding, said Kendra Crooks, ISU Extension youth development specialist who serves Butler County. “He wanted to be able to assist others in need and help them prevent damage despite the hardships he and his family were personally experiencing from their total loss of family home, farm, vehicles and business.”
4-H’ers in northwest Iowa gathered art supplies for kids in after-school programs in Cedar Rapids that had been devastated by the 2008 floods. “Some of the supplies are being used to support art therapy as a way to address the affected young people’s frustration, anger and fear after the flooding,” said Ann Torbert, an ISU Extension youth development specialist who serves the Cedar Rapids area.
The Cedar Rapids Girl Scouts and The Arc, an organization that works with children with special needs, lost supplies and equipment when the building they share was flooded. A 4-H family in Des Moines spearheaded the collection of donations and gathered supplies to replace much of what was lost, Torbert said.
The Tufts research also supports data from the 2007 Iowa 4-H Youth Citizenship, Leadership and Communication self-assessment, Tallman noted.
“Iowa 4-H club members most commonly indicated that 4-H helped them gain citizenship skills by being involved in service learning projects to improve their communities. They gained leadership skills by setting their own goals, and they gained communication skills by learning to express their ideas and speaking and writing effectively,” she said.
Gov. Chet Culver has officially proclaimed Oct. 5-11, 2008, as National 4-H Week in Iowa. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, serving more than 6 million young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. One quarter of Iowa’s young people are involved in 4-H. In Iowa, 4-H Youth Development is headquartered at the Iowa State University campus in Ames. For more information about joining 4-H, contact your Iowa State University Extension county office at www.extension.iastate.edu/ouroffices.htm or see www.extension.iastate.edu/kidsteens/.
-30-Contacts :
Keli Tallman, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-0688, ktallman@iastate.edu
Laura Sternweis, Extension Communications and External Relations, (515) 294-0775, lsternwe@iastate.edu

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Community Service Opportunity

4-H Million Trees Project
4-H clubs and members are invited to participate in the 4-H Million Trees (4HMT) project. Members of the Belmont and Pacifica (California) 4-H Clubs launched the 4HMT project, a large-scale service-learning project with the goal to plant 1,000,000 trees across the United States to beautify America, absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, and combat global climate change. The project founders hope that every one of the approximately 90,000 4-H clubs and units in the U.S. will participate in this community service, and plant at least a dozen native trees in their areas during the current 4-H year. They hope that clubs will accept their invitation and adopt the project so members can enjoy the satisfaction of joining with millions of fellow 4-Hers to make a big difference in the world.
4HMT is supported by National 4-H Headquarters and the Arbor Day Foundation. To learn more about 4HMT, or to register as a participating club, visit the 4HMT web site at http://www.4hmilliontrees.org/

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Central Area Council continues to form.

Youth 9th – 12th grades can be part of the effort in forming a Central Area 4-H Council. An area council is like a county council but it is made up of 4-H youth from an area of seventeen central area counties.

To keep the momentum in forming an area council a fall retreat is planned at the State 4-H Camp near Madrid, November 8th – 9th , 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 a.m.. Since the area council is just getting organized you do not need to apply. However, if you are interested in being a part of an area council contact the Extension Office at 515-957-5771 for registration information.

Registration deadline is October 24th and cost $10. The registration fee covers lodging and meal. Once you are signed up a confirmation letter will be sent.

If you have questions feel free to contact Jeff Macomber, 4-H Youth Field Specialist, at 515/993-4281 or jmacombe@iastate.edu

Monday, September 22, 2008

An opportunity to have a Veterinary Student present to your 4-H club.

V-SMART, the Veterinary Student Mixed Animal Recruitment Team, is a student run organization started at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. V-SMART’s primary goal is to show students the opportunities available in veterinary medicine. V-SMART hopes to recruit, guide, and mentor students towards pursuing a career in veterinary medicine with and emphasis on agriculture and animal production, especially in Iowa.
V-SMART is looking for opportunities to present to students across the state. With our interactive presentation, our group outlines:
· Life as a mixed/food animal veterinarian
· The future outlook of the veterinary profession
· The education and prerequisites for applying to veterinary school
· The reasons why being a veterinarian is such a rewarding career
If you would be interested in having V-SMART give a presentation to your 4-H clubs, teen councils, animal science clubs, county fairs, or at any relevant event, please contact us at vsmart@iastate.edu or reply to this e-mail to schedule a presentation time. We are available to give presentations anywhere in the state and throughout the year; however, breaks in our semester, (such as early in the week of Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break) are ideal times for our group to give presentations. V-SMART can also go to career fairs and other career-related activities your community may have.

Thank you,
Abbey Canon and Emily Meggers vsmart@iastate.edu

Thursday, September 18, 2008

4-H'er Wanted for part time Gardening Work

4-H'er in the SE Polk Area wanted for a few hours per week to do general gardening work. Interested parties should inquire with Monte Matthews at (515) 262-1481

***Polk County Extension does not make any guarantees or assumptions of responsibility for the vetting of help wanted adds. ***

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

New Polk County 4-H Cooking Project Club

Now recruiting for the Cookin' Clovers.

Club Leader, Kelle Sickerson, is looking for no more than a baker's dozen 4-H'ers who are interested in the Food & Nutrition project area for a monthly project meeting at the Polk County Extension Office in Altoona. Membership will be for limited to Juniors and Intermediates only. Meetings will be 3rd Tuesdays at 6:00 PM with possible field trips besides. The first meeting will be October 21st and will be an informational meeting with a small project, and the next meeting will see the election of officers and will begin a routine.

If you are interested please contact Kelle Sickerson at CookinClovers@gmail.com .

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Horse Training Clinic to be Held in Adel

Horse Training Clinic
By Jim Orman
Saturday, October 11, 10am
Held at Two Notches Ranch 2579 330 St. Adel, Iowa

Indoor Facilities are Available; Event Will Be Held Rain or Shine

All proceeds will go to support the 2009 Dallas County 4-H Horse Project

Jim has over 15 years of experience recently been named the
2008 River Valley Lodge/SK Quarter Horses Colt Starting Challenge Champion
He will also be giving a colt starting demonstration during the clinic

Four horses will be accepted for this 6 hour hands on clinic

Registration Fee: $75 for horse and rider ($35 if a Dallas County 4-H’er)
A $25 deposit is required to hold registration slot. Registration is on a first come first serve basis.
Spectator Fee: $7 per adult; $3 9-18 years of age; Dallas County 4-H’ers are free
Lunch will be available for purchase

For Registration or Questions Please Contact Laura Rowe at LauraRowe_165@hotmail.com or call 515-249-1943

Thank You to Jim for donating his time and skills and to Two Notch Ranch for donating
their facilities. Without their support this event would not have been possible.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Boone County Cattle Selection to be held in Dallas County

Folks, Our 4-H beef committee has assembled a 4-H beef project selection clinic scheduled for very soon--- Sept 27. We are hoping to get a flyer to you via email this afternoon and ask that you share it as you see fit with your beef exhibitors and committee. This is a heads-up message- if you want to get prepared to get something in the mail asap. The clinic will actually be in Dallas County- just west of Perry.

I do realize the timeline is very tight- our committee completed the organizing late last night and this morning.

More to come later- I hope!

Thanks,

Rich Wrage
Boone County ISU Extension Education Director
603 Story Street
Boone, IA 50036
515-432-3882 ph 515-432-3883 fax
www.extension.iastate.edu/boone
rwrage@iastate.edu

National 4-H youth Science Day


On October 8, 2008 the 4-H Youth Development Program is launching the first annual 4-H National Youth Science Day to help build America's future science, engineering, and technology workforce. The National Science Experiment, the designated science activity of 4-H National Youth Science Day, will focus on the environment and will use science principles to teach youth across the country about the importance of water conservation. Click here to learn more about4-H National Youth Science Day and the National Science Experiment.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Bingo Caller Needed

Courtyard Estates, an assisted living community in Bondurant, is looking for a volunteer to serve as their Friday night Bingo Caller. They are looking for young energetic people who could help for one hour a week from 6-7 PM. Interested 4-H'ers can contact Maria Saycocie at 957-8399

Citizenship Washington Focus Trip

Citizenship Washington Focus Trip for 2009!
Dates have been secured for June 6-13th
CWF delegates will learn about the democratic process and their role as citizens while they experience our nation's capital.
Get the inside scoop about how government really works from prominent guest speakers.
Attend bill writing workshops, a national issues forum, mock elections and congressional sessions that prepare you for leadership now and in the future!
Did we forget to mention that you will have LOADS of fun and make new friends from all over the country?

To get the best possible priced tour for our 4-H youth, 4-H members will need to register and make their first payment by November 17th, 2008. Further discounts will be available for those who pay their registration fee early.

Cost: $1,327.50 by November 17th, 2008; $1,427.50 after November 17th

A full brochure will be out soon for promotional purposes. The registration form, a news release and payment options summary are attached.

Don’t let your 4-H families miss out on this great opportunity!

Marc Peterson
Youth Field Specialist, 4-H Youth Development
Iowa State University Extension, Polk County
1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A
Altoona, IA 50009
Phone (515) 957-5780
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/kidsteens.htm

4-H Discount Tickets

4-H Discount events
Don’t forget to check the Iowa 4-H Foundation website (www.iowa4hfoundation.org) to find 4-H discounts to events around the state. If your club is interested in attending events at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines or the Iowa State Center in Ames, look on the website for event dates and prices. The event schedule for the fall includes the 2008 World Gymnastics Tour, Walking With Dinosaurs and Celtic Thunder among many others.

State 4-H Horse Judging Contest

The State 4-H Horse Judging Contest that was originally scheduled in June, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1st at Jester Park in Granger.

For counties who registered teams back in June: Email me if you still are planning to attend, if the participants are still the same, and you can just re-submit your entry fee.

For other new counties wanting to enter a team, information, rules, and entry forms can be found in the Livestock Handbook, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/Agriculture/livestockhandbookhorse.htm

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Mike
Mike AndersonState 4-H Ag Program CoordinatorIowa 4-H Youth DevelopmentExtension 4-H Youth Building, ISUAmes, IA 50011-3630ph: (515) 294-8617fax: (515) 294-1047mikeande@iastate.eduwww.extension.iastate.edu/4H

Ukrainian 4-H Pen Pals?

From: Deborah Lake
International Programs Manager
Iowa Council for International Understanding

I enjoyed the Polk County Fair this year. I had a group here from Ukraine and we visited. I had someone who is in charge of her regions 4-H in Ukraine. They are interested in finding pen-pals with 4-H groups here in the US. If you know of anyone who may be interested in this type of project, please let me know and I’ll get you Anja’s contact information.
Thanks,

Deborah Lake


She has since sent the contact information for anyone interested in pursuing this opportunity. It is posted below.


Ganna Dmytrenko
President, Kherson regional “4H movement in Ukraine”
52, Rabochaya str., Kherson, Ukraine, 73001
Tel: 8 (0552) 49-40-48
e-mail:
aniadmitrenko@rembler.ru
www.gromada.ks.ua



Suburban Spirits 4-H Club Open House

Suburban Spirits 4-H Club and Clover Kids Open House

Sunday, September 14th
4:30 p.m.
St. Augustine’s Parish Hall Basement
4200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA

Park on the east side of the church (42 and Grand). Next to the parking lot is a garage which has steps to a basement. Take those steps to the basement of the parish hall. If you have trouble finding us, call my cell at 422-0449.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Horse Judging Contest

Host: John Finarty Quarter Horses
Date: Saturday, September 13
Sign up: 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Place: Clark County Fairgrounds, Osceola, Iowa
*Contest begins at 9:30 a.m.
4 classes of Quarter Horses
*Junior Division-up to 8th grade
1 set of questions will be asked
*Senior Division-9-12 grades
1 set of reasons to be given
This event will be held in conjunction with his production sale. The sale will start at 1:00.

Contact Allison Angle at:
Twin Cedars School-(641)-944-5243
Or
(641)-938-2111
aangle@twincedars.k12.ia.us
Please register to Mrs. Angle by Friday September 5th
Please bring your family and stay for the sale

Community Service Opportunity

FESTIVAL OF TREES AND LIGHTS
BOOK TREE
Thank you for helping us put books in the hands of every patient at Blank Children’s
Hospital!
¨ We accept donations of NEW, developmentally and culturally appropriate books.
¨ The primary need is for books for children from toddlers to middle school, although
books for older children are also needed.
¨ Please, no books about sensitive issues like divorce, abuse or death.
¨ Deliver the books to the dock at Capital Square on 5th Street between Walnut and
Locust Street in downtown Des Moines during business hours October 1-24.
Books must be received by October 24st to receive recognition during Festival and be
included in the Book Tree.

If you have questions, please call the Festival Office at 241-6494.
One book
can become a part of
One miracle
that can happen to
One child
of the more than 10,000 children
Blank Children’s Hospital serves every year!
The Festival of Trees and Lights is seeking
books for children who are patients at
Blank Children’s Hospital. Child Life
Specialists help young patients pass the
time by reading to them. In addition each
child chooses a book to take home and
enjoy!
Groups who donate at the 100 or more books will receive special recognition on
signage next to the Book Tree at the event.
Plan to attend the Festival of Trees and Lights, November 26-30, 2008, at the Polk
County Complex on 5th & Grand in Des Moines to see the 18 foot Book Tree!

Warren County Open Dog Agility Show

September 27, 2008
Warren County Fairgrounds

This fun-filled day will begin with two agility workshops for those who have never done agility before. There will also be a FUN agility show after the workshops. The schedule for the day is below:

8am Sign-up for the workshops
9-10am Agility workshop for 4-12 graders
10-11am Agility workshop for 18yrs. and older
10:30am Sign up for the agility show
11:30am Agility show begins

The fee is $15 for the day per dog and handler. Each additional dog is $2.
Please, no puppies under 6mo. old or dogs in heat. For questions please contact Cindy Gillenwater at 961-0162

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

4-H Volunteer Training Opportunity

2008 North Central Region Volunteer Forum
Are you looking for a fun training and networking opportunity for 4-H volunteers and staff? The 2008 North Central Region Volunteer Forum is scheduled for November 6 – 8, in Columbus, Ohio. Every year, over 400 4-H volunteers, youth, and staff from twelve states gather to learn new and practical ideas to help their clubs through fun, hands on workshops. Iowa volunteers who attend Forum tell us they return re-energized and with new skills and ideas to help them have a successful club year.

Information about the Forum can be found at http://www.ohio4h.org/ncrvf/ Click on Registration Booklet to check out all the details. Registration deadline is October 24. Register early to get your first choice of workshops!

Mail in registrations can be made by clicking on the Registration Booklet link, printing out the registration form and mailing with a check. Credit card payments are only accepted via the online registration system.

Scholarship money for the forum is available to those volunteers who attended either the 2007 or 2008 Iowa State Volunteer Retreat. There is also scholarship money available for 4-H volunteers from the Southeast Area through a memorial fund. Contact Chris Gleason about scholarship availability. (Chris Gleason, cgleason@iastate.edu )

Thursday, August 21, 2008

FYI

YOUTH CLINIC
The ISU volleyball team's free clinic Aug. 23 (10 a.m.-noon, Lied Center) is for students eighth grade or younger. The clinic will include autographs, pizza and a ticket to the Sept. 12 match against Iowa. Participants need to RSVP with the name and age of the attendee by phone (4-4870) or e-mail (cy@iastate.edu). A free intrasquad scrimmage follows (1 p.m., Hilton).

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Reminder

State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
Saturday, Aug. 23rd
ISU, Kildee Hall

Entry Deadline: August 1 to State 4-H Office

Rules:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/Agriculture/documents/lhlvstkjudgingdescription.pdf
New for 2008: Individuals will be allowed (i.e. counties that do not have enough kids to make a team, or counties that want to bring extra kids)

Entry Form:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/Agriculture/staff/Documents/lvstkjdgent.pdf

Mike Anderson
State 4-H Ag Program Coordinator
Iowa 4-H Youth DevelopmentExtension 4-H Youth Building, ISU
Ames, IA 50011-3630
ph: (515) 294-8617
fax: (515) 294-1047
mikeande@iastate.edu

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Oppurtunity for Youth Service on the SIYAC Committee

Statewide Organization Continues Representing Youth in Iowa
Promotes Working with Legislators and Youth Civic Engagement

Des Moines, IA – With a goal of making the voice of youth heard in the State of Iowa, the State of Iowa Youth Action Committee (SIYAC) is now recruiting for its 8th year of fulfilling that purpose. SIYAC works with legislators, state agencies, and other statewide organizations to raise ideas & questions relating to youth issues SIYAC members and their constituents face.

“SIYAC is the voice of the youth in Iowa. It is youth empowerment, a powerful, positive force for positive changes in Iowa.” –Jeralyn Westercamp, SIYAC Chair

The State of Iowa Youth Action Committee or SIYAC (pronounced sigh-yak), is a committee that was chartered into existence in May of 2001 by Governor Tom Vilsack. SIYAC members are chosen through an essay and interview process each spring and come from all parts of the state. This year SIYAC is expanding from 16 to 21 members and is still accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year. SIYAC is seeking applicants from western Iowa, northeast and southeast Iowa as well.

This past year, SIYAC focused on ways to reduce the rising rates in childhood obesity. Their work in partner with other health-related entities saw the passage of the Healthy Kids Act which requires the Department of Education to adopt rules establishing nutritional content standards for foods and beverages sold or provided on school grounds in public and non-public schools. The bill also requires students to engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day. In 2008-2009, SIYAC is excited to continue their partnership with the Iowa Department of Education in the sponsoring of a youth forum focusing on the promotion of physical activity and healthy behaviors. Past successful partnerships resulted in mandatory guidance counselors in every school district, anti-bullying legislation, lowering the age of poll workers to sixteen, and state-wide keg registration. SIYAC continues to work towards strengthening local youth civic engagement efforts.

“Iowans benefit when all youth are engaged and contributing in their communities. Experiences and connections children and youth have growing up affect their success in school, work, and life. SIYAC provides experiences and connections members and hopefully legislators will remember for the rest of their lives.” – Amy Croll, former SIYAC State Coordinator.

SIYAC is currently recruiting members from specific geographic locations for the 2008-2009 school year. Applications can be found at http://www.icyd.org/images/stories/SIYACApplication2008.doc. The deadline for 2008-2009 applications is August 8th, 2008. For more information, contact Bryan King at Bryan.king@iowa.gov

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Agriculture Day at the Science Center of Iowa

Hi there! Just following up in regards to our Saturday, August 9th Agriculture Special Event at The Science Center of Iowa. I wanted to extend the offer to some of your 4-H kids who would be willing to share their Ag knowledge/projects with kids and parents from 10-12 on Saturday August 9th in our Founders Hall area. This would be an informal setting where participants could come up and interact and learn what they have been working on through 4-H. Let me know if this is something 4-H would be interested in! Thanks!

Brian Waller

Brian C. Waller
Special Projects Coordinator
Science Center of Iowa
401 W. MLK Jr. Parkway Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-274-6868 xt. 238
Fax: 274-3404
brianw@sciowa.org


4-H Alumni Day at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa State Fair
4-H Alumni Day

Thursday, August 7th, 2008
4-H Exhibit Building

There will be a reception throughout the day, starting at 9:00 a.m. for 4-H Alumni. Stop by, reconnect, and reminisce about your days in 4-H!

Wear green or your clover to show your 4-H pride!

Join us that evening for an Alumni Talent Show. Have a talent you’d like to share? Contact kfrazee@iastate.edu or call
515-294-1537 to enter!

Monday, June 30, 2008

A request from the Media and Joe Leisz

A friend of mine (Peggy Nitchel) from the Ames Jaycees is looking at doing a number of articles on 4-H and 4-H families in Warren and East Polk County (she’s an editor and writer with a couple of newspapers covering communities in your areas)…

Anyways, the stories she wants to profile is how the high costs of fuel and feed are affecting 4-H’ers and their families leading to the county fairs. She was thinking about those with livestock projects, but this would be a neat opportunity to share how broad 4-H is, and how transportation costs impact our other project areas – like clothing, photography, woodworking, etc. Plus, there should be a side bar about how people can help with scholarships or something. She’d also like to do a profile of a 4-H family (or families) that was affected by the flood; again we’re looking at ways to raise that long-term awareness to encourage people to help…

If you know of families that might be willing to share their stories please let me know; I can either contact them with a brief introduction, or you could do that, and we can then get the info onto Peggy. Stories would run in the next couple of weeks.

Joe Leisz
Iowa 4-H Foundation
515-291-4402
jleisz@iastate.edu
www.iowa4hfoundation.org

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Updated Show Time from the Fairboard

The decision has been made by the Fairboard to move up the time of the Advanced Cattle Feeders show from 11:00 AM to 10:00 AM on the morning of Friday July 18th at the Polk County Fair. It was discussed at the June 18th meeting at the recommendation of a 4-H member, and was approved by superintendant Mike Cory. This move was due to the difficulty that exhibitors had in exhibiting in both this show and the Livestock Judging Contest.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Show your support for 4-H with at 4-H Liscense Plate!

Support the Iowa 4-H Program through your vehicle license plate!

The Foundation and the Iowa DOT have a created an Iowa 4-H License Plate. We need 500 pre-paid orders in one year for the license plate to be issued. License Plate Applications can be found on our website at www.iowa4hfoundation.org or can be picked up at your county courthouse.


Contact Ashley Graff (agraff@extension.iastate.edu) or Alicea Murra (amurra@extension.iastate.edu) for more information regarding the Truck Raffle and the 4-H License Plate.

Community Service Opportunity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2008
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Konfrst, 515-242-3146

Call-in Programs on IPTV Thursday and Friday Address Disaster Recovery Questions
Live Iowa Public Television broadcasts feature disaster recovery efforts with opportunities for viewer calls and email questions
(Johnston, Iowa) – To help Iowans recovering from the devastating natural disasters affecting the state, Iowa Public Television will offer two call-in programs this week. On Thursday, The Iowa Journal will expand to a live, one-hour broadcast featuring experts in home repair, disaster aid, mental health, and more. These professionals will provide practical advice for Iowans, and will take questions from viewers during the broadcast. The Iowa Journal: Disaster Recovery Call-In will air at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 19.
Then on Friday, Market to Market will present an extra 30-minute program following the regular broadcast. This live broadcast, Market to Market: Disaster Recovery Call-In, will air at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, and will feature experts in agricultural issues facing Iowans answering phone and email questions.
Viewers interested in submitting questions can email them to disaster08@iptv.org any time. During the broadcasts, viewers can call (866) 282-2846.
# # #
Mary Bracken Mary Bracken Outreach & Communications Iowa Public Television 515.242.3124 mary.bracken@iptv.org
Our Mission: To educate, inform, enrich and inspire Iowans.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Premier Exhibitor Contests for State Fair beef, sheep, and swine exhibitors

Now that the State Fair is less than 50 days away, and entries are due to our office in 20 days, it is time to start focusing some attention to it. One of the things that we are promoting this year is our Premier Exhibitor Contests for our beef, sheep, and swine exhibitors. This program is designed to recognize 4-H beef, sheep and swine project members who can articulate their understanding about the future of the animal industry and their knowledge about animal production.

This contest is open to all 4-H state fair exhibitors who have completed their junior or senior year in high school.

Scholarship money is awarded in the following amounts:

Beef:
1st - $1,000
2nd - $500
3rd - $250

Swine:
1st - $1,000
2nd - $500
3rd - $250

Sheep
1st - $500
2nd - $300
3rd - $200

A composite score will be computed from the following five elements:
1. Showmanship (15%)
2. Best showring ribbon earned (10%)
3. Interview with producers, ISU Extension staff, or industry representatives (25%)
4. Exam on production (25%)
5. Skillathon (might include: reading a medication label or feed tag, identifying cuts of meat, balancing a ration, identifying feed stuffs, etc.) (25%)

All activities will take place at the Iowa State Fair

4-H’ers may compete in only one species contest per year

A contestant who has previously won a scholarship is not eligible to compete in that specie’s contest again, but may compete in another species

They can sign up on the State Fair Entry Form or at the Iowa State Fair during check-in for their species


Please help us in promoting these events. We have a great amount of scholarship money from our sponsors, and the best way to say thanks is to have a high participation level.


If you or exhibitors have any questions about this contest please contact me via email or phone @ 515-294-3187.

Thanks!

Jake




Jake Rouse
Summer Livestock Assistant
State 4-H Office
3630 Extension 4-H Bldg
Ames, IA 50011-3630
(515) 294-3187 (phone)
(515) 294-4443 (fax)
jdrouse@extension.iastate.edu

Thursday, June 12, 2008

4-H Camp Update

The following is updated weather-related camp information we wanted to share.

#1 The Iowa 4-H Center has emergency procedures in place to prepare us for situations like severe weather. The Iowa 4-H Center is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) every year. They require us to have detailed written emergency procedures. Our 26 full-time summer camp staff also go through two weeks of intensive training before each summer camp season that covers our emergency procedures, CPR & First Aid training, practice drills, and the location/use of emergency equipment around camp. Rental groups and visitors at the camp also have a camp staff member assigned to their group as a host while they are here and this person is responsible for orientating each group upon arrival with our emergency procedures and are to alert them to any severe weather and assist them in following our procedures. We do not have a tornado siren at camp, but we do have other means of effective emergency communication. Each lodge at the Iowa 4-H Center is equipped with an intercom phone system to communicate emergency information. We also have three weather radios at camp that are monitored closely during the day and staff are assigned for night watch to answer phone calls, watch the weather, and put our emergency procedures into action if needed. Staff also carry portable walkie-talkie radios with them so we can reach everyone with necessary alerts. In addition we also have a large bell at camp that we ring three times in a row repeatedly to alert groups to seek shelter. If there is a threat of weather we keep groups in activities in or near buildings so they are close to shelter if the weather worsens. Our rainy day activities are quite popular and help campers pass the time while waiting inside and we try our best to keep the campers busy having fun and not worried about the weather. The staff are trained to remain calm and proceed as needed to keep the campers safe. Due to the size of our camp and the distance between buildings, our primary weather emergency shelter location is the bathroom areas of the 5 main lodges in each camp village. The campers are told to gather inside the concrete walls of the bathrooms because they are the innermost part of the buildings and away from windows. In a last resort the staff are told to stay in the cabins, get in the middle of the room, and cover the group with mattresses from the beds. The only basement we have at camp is under our health center (Cedar Lodge), but it is not designed for large groups.

#2 The Iowa 4-H Center is NOT flooded! Yes, we are wet and muddy, but not flooded. Our camp was fortunately built on high ground and we are surrounded by multiple ravines that drain all of the water to the Des Moines River and Richardson’s creek around us.

#3 The Iowa 4-H Center is open and operating as normal. Yes, there are some of our typical summer camp programs that we have to substitute with other activities, but flexibility and “camp” go hand-in-hand. For example: the creek is too high for creek walks but we have been doing day hikes in the woods and out to the wetlands or the pond instead. The river is also too swollen for river canoe trips (but Pack & Paddle camp next week is still on!), so we are canoeing on our camp pond and other local lakes instead. All other camp program areas are open for use, just please send old shoes with your campers because the trails are wet and muddy after it rains.

#4 We just had 1,111.49 tons of new gravel put on the camp road!! Getting to camp from across the state may pose a problem for some of you with road closures in various towns, but all of the roads in and out of camp are very passable and not in any threat of being closed due to excess water. The only road even close to camp that is closed is Highway 30 between Ogden and Boone and they have re-routed traffic to E-57 that is actually closer to camp. If you have concerns about road closures, please visit this DOT website: http://www.iowaroadconditions.org/. #5 The Ames day camp pick-up and drop off location will be changed from Brookside Park to Emma McCarthy Lee Park off of Ross Road if Ames closes the roads around Brookside Park again. For now, please continue to use the Brookside Park location. If we get enough lead time, we will try to email all day camp parents about road closures, but if roads are closed overnight, we will call you from the day camp vans to alert you of the location change. If you need directions to the alternative park location, please visit this website: http://www.cityofames.org/ParksRecWeb/EmmaMcCarthyLeePark.htm. NOTICE: Right before we sent this message out we were informed that Brookside Park in Ames has recently been closed due to flooding, so our Thursday afternoon June 12th pick-up location WILL BE at Lee Park today! Finally…Our staff realize the trust you are placing in us to keep your children safe while they are here at the Iowa 4-H Center and we take our responsibility very seriously. John has children of his own and I am expecting my first child in September, so we do understand the concerns you have shared with us through the calls and emails we have answered so far. If you have further questions, please feel free to call the camp office at 515-795-3338 or 515-795-2389. You are also welcome to call Traci’s cell phone number at 515-291-1093. We will be posting updates on the main page of our website at www.iowa4hcamp.com if conditions change and we need to alert you of further information.

Sincerely, Traci, John, and the 2008 Iowa 4-H Center summer camp staff

Traci Haselhuhn
Camp Program Specialist
Iowa 4-H Center
1991 Peach Avenue
Madrid, Iowa 50156
phone: (515) 795-3338
fax: (515) 795-2107
www.iowa4hcamp.com

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Community Service Opportunity

Hi, I am wondering if any of you know of any 4H groups who might like to help sell raffle tickets on the PONY EXPRESS HORSE RAFFLE? Proceeds go to penefit Easter Seals. The winner may take the horse or the $2,000 cash offer, so they almost sell themselves. Several groups do this for us, then the kids can use or turn in the hours as a community service project. I would be more than glad to attend any meetings, etc to present this to the groups and/or answer any questions that may arise. If the groups have any upcoming events between now & the state fair, it may be possible for us to bring the horse & let the group display the horse while selling tickets. Please feel free to pass this email on to any parties that may be interested, and feel free to contact me as needed.

Thanks for considering this project for us,

Carole Bailey
Pony Express Coordinator
Easter Seals Iowa
401 NE 66th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50313
cbailey@eastersealsia.org
515-309-9779

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Polk Co. 4-H Beef Producers Should take a look...

6/7/2008
AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa Beef Center is co-sponsoring a pasture walk in Milo, Iowa, in collaboration with the Iowa Forage and Grasslands Council, Iowa State University Extension in Warren County, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Warren County Cattlemen’s Association. The walk will take place June 24, 2008, at the Ohnemus Farms, located at 21392 G58 Highway in Milo, Iowa.
The event, which will begin at 6 p.m., will include speakers discussing a variety of topics and a tour of the OhnemusFarms grazing systems. Beef producers, landowners and agribusiness professionals will benefit from the discussionsled by the event’s speakers, including Duane Ohnemus, local producer; Joe Sellers, Iowa Beef Center beef specialist; and Brian Peterson and Nick Morrell from the NRCS.
Discussion topics will range from exploring methods to extend grazing, to managing grass height. Attendees are also encouraged to bring specific questions they have regarding grazing management to receive assistance from these industry experts.
Sellers, one of the event’s speakers, believes the pasture walk, and events like it, are bringing Iowans the knowledge they need at a crucial time for the beef industry. While it’s always important for those involved in beef production to learn money-saving techniques, conditions in Iowa have made this information that much more vital.
“Iowa is rapidly losing pasture and hay acres, and feed costs are rising, so it is critical to manage forages we do haveeffectively,” Sellers said.
The walk is free and attendance is open to everyone, with a meal provided by the Warren County Cattlemen’s Association. For more information, contact Sellers at (641) 203-1270 or Joy Rouse, Warren County Extension education director, at (515) 961-6237.
The Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, was established in 1996 with the goal of supporting the growth and vitality of the state’s beef cattle industry. It serves as the university’s extension program to cattle producers and is comprised of faculty and staff from ISU Extension and the colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. Together, the Iowa Beef Center’s members work to develop and deliver the latest in research-based information regarding the beef cattle industry. To learn more, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

It's official 4-H is good for kids

AMES, Iowa -- You may assume that adolescents are inherently “at risk” and try to “fix” their problems. Or you may take another perspective –- positive youth development – believing that youth have assets and can become constructive contributors to society. That’s the perspective of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development. A new national study confirms that positive youth development and 4-H get better results.
The Tufts’ 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development has found that youth involved in high-quality, structured programs during out-of-school-time, such as those offered by ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development in every county in Iowa, are more likely to experience positive youth development.
“This study confirms that youth involved in 4-H are leaders, contribute to their communities and are civically engaged, which strengthens communities,” said Keli Tallman, an ISU Extension 4-H youth development state specialist.
The Tufts’ study is a first-of-its-kind, longitudinal study measuring the impact personal and social factors have on youth as they develop. Findings reveal that all youth have the capacity to thrive, regardless of where they live, their family situations, their socioeconomic status, races and genders.
Study findings also show that quality and quantity matter when it comes to youth involvement in structured, out-of-school-time programs, Tallman said. The more often youth are involved in high-quality youth development programs, the more they and their communities benefit.
“We’re excited about this research and will be applying what we learn to Iowa 4-H,” said Chuck Morris, director of ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development. “We want to ensure that our 4-H program continues to provide opportunities that will help our youth become successful, contributing members of their communities.”
The Tufts’ study further shows that, in order for youth to experience success, communities, families and schools need to provide access to programs such as 4-H as well as provide sustained adult interaction and mentoring.
The 4-H study, conducted by Tufts University and sponsored by the National 4-H Council, involved more than 4,000 youth and 2,000 parents from 25 states to measure the impact personal and social factors have on a young person’s development.
-30-Contacts :
Keli Tallman, ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development, (515) 294-0688, ktallman@iastate.edu

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Cool Science opportunity for 4-H Clubs

VIRTUAL REALITY FOR YOU
The Virtual Reality Applications Center is resuming demonstrations of its science, technology and 3-D imagery. The first tour will be May 16 (1-2 p.m., Howe auditorium). Other demonstrations will be on July 18, Sept. 19, Nov. 14, Feb. 20 and April 17. They're open to the public, but reservations are required. Call 515-294-3092 or e-mail vrac@iastate.edu to reserve a spot.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Community Service Opportunity

There are two upcoming opportunities to get involved with Des Moines tree projects. Trees Forever will be partnering with City Arborist Skip Moore and Lower Beaver Neighborhood leader Brian Millard to plant about 45 street trees in that neighborhood on Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 pm. The planting will be along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway north of Euclid from Clarkson to Madison; bring a shovel and gloves if you have them. Meet at the intersection of Martin Luther King and Clarkson. If you have any questions please contact me or Brian Millard at Bmillarddsm@aol.com.

Secondly, Trees Forever will be working with the city’s Public Works Department, Park and Rec. department, and DNR Urban Forester Randy Cook to conduct a sample street tree inventory this summer. Three evenings of training will be held on June 16, 17, and 18. Please see the attached invitation for more information. No experience is needed, just a desire to learn about and improve Des Moines’ urban forest. Any questions can be directed to me. We would love to have you participate in both or either event. Please feel free to forward this notice to other interested groups or residents in your neighborhood. Thanks and have a good holiday weekend.


Meredith Borchardt
Program Manager and Field Coordinator
Trees Forever
319-278-1131 phone and fax

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Marion County Pony Express Horse Show Rescheduled.

The Marion County Pony Express group had to reschedule their hors show & queen contest because of wet, cold & rainy conditons. It will be held Sunday June 8th at the Marion County Fairgrounds Arena. This show will not be cancelled. In case of rain show will be moved to an indoor arena located at 1131 Lucas Street, Knoxville.

For further details please contact Inez De Moss 641-218-9177

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Used Show Box for Sale

We have a show box that our daughters had when they had 4H show cattle in 4H many, many years ago. It is not a large one but would be a nice one to start a young 4H'er off with. We only want $20 for it. The "new" owner would have to sand off the Pence name on top and give it a fresh coat of paint. It has a sliding tray inside and has two handles for easy carrying. Interested 4H'ers can call Dave or Cheryl Pence at 964-7218 (Ankeny).

Bottle Calf Available

There is a bottle calf available to a 4-H'er in need of one. It is a bull calf, and it is a red brockle face. He is sired by a registered red angus Cherokee Canyon son,and his dam was a Simmental/Hereford. He would make a good fat steer for a kid for next years market sale. If interested pleas contact Mark Warner @ 515-402-3076