Copy
Your monthly Story County 4-H Newsletter.
View this email in your browser

Greetings Story County,

My name is Jess Soderstrum and starting January 2nd, I am your 4-H County Youth Coordinator.

I grew up on a beef cow-calf farm outside of Boone, Iowa. I was a 4-H’er in the Luther Livewires 4-H club from 4th grade to senior year of high school! While in 4-H, I participated in the Pen of 3 Beef project, showed market steers and breeding heifers, sang in Share the Fun,  was a member of the County 4-H Council, and was involved in several other project areas. 4-H heightened my interest in agriculture, introduced me to many amazing people, and ultimately shaped my career goals!

Upon graduation from Boone High School, I went on to further my education at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. I graduated with an Associate’s degree in Animal Science. I started at Iowa State University the following fall, earning a Bachelor’s of Science. During college, I was lucky enough to be the Summer Assistant for Boone County Extension for two consecutive summers. This experience led me to seek a career in Extension.

I couldn’t imagine my life without 4-H, and I am so excited that I get the opportunity to work with the great 4-H’ers and their families in Story County! I look forward to learning and growing the Story County  4-H program.

See you in 2019!

Jess

Events Calendar


December
7  Officer Training in Boone
15 Beef Weigh in 8am - 11am
24 Office Closed
25 Office Closed
31 Office Closed

January
1 Office Closed
17 4H 101
20 County Council
30 DuPont Grant due to state office

 
Important Dates!!!

December 15     Beef Weigh-in
March 30            Communication & Clothing Events
May 11               Sheep & Goat Weigh-in
May 15               Animal ID Deadline
June 1                Bucket/Bottle Calf Weigh-in 
June 15              Fair Entry Deadline
July 20-24           Story County Fair
4-H Enrollment for 2018-2019 

Don’t wait to enroll
Just a reminder that the 4-H enrollment fee INCREASES to $50 on January 1st, 2019 and the Clover Kid fee INCREASES to $15. To be able to approve your livestock at weigh in you must be an enrolled member. To be eligible to participate in the Story County Fair you must be a registered by May 15th, 2019.

There is a help sheet on our website that will guide you through the process. If you need further assistance in getting enrolled please contact the office and we will be glad to help!                     
                                                                                
                                                                   

Coming soon:  STEM-Lit Go!  Kits available for check out!
Each kits comes with most of the supplies you need to fill a meeting!  All kits come with two books relating to the subject and snack ideas!  Pictured is the Sound All Around Kit.  Included in this kit are rhythm sticks, 2 books, rulers, 8 note handbells, handbell music, and rubber bands for music making.  Kids learn about sound, rhythm, vibrations, and pitch.  At the end of the experience, face off with an instrument design challenge to see what kind of music they can make with every day materials such as boxes, jars, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, tape, and string!

Contact Mary at the office for more info!
 

 

 


Beef Weigh In
Remember beef weigh-in is set for December 15th, 2018. All 4-Hers planning to show a market beef project must weigh-in their animals at this time. Weigh-in will begin at 8:00 am and end at 11:00 am.  There will be an $5 fee to nominate animals for State Fair &/or AKSARBEN.  Weigh -in info will be promptly added to 4-H Online by county staff then families MUST verify that info no later than February 1st.
 

 

 


YQCA
YQCA is required for all youth that plan to show livestock, excluding horse & dog.  This online training has replaced FSQA.  Log in to https://learngrow.io/ and use your 4H Online username and password to complete your training.  If you believe your FSQA is still valid or have any questions or need help, please contact the office.  
 

 

 

Teen Superintendent
If you are interested in serving as a Teen Superintendent at the 2019 Story County Fair please contact the extension for an application. All applications are due DECEMBER 30th, 2018. You may select to apply to be a Superintendent for a static and/or livestock department. Responsibilities include assisting the adult superintendent, set up and clean up at the county fair, and general assistance during the fair event.
State 4-H Recognition Day
State 4-H Recognition is the process in which senior 4-H members in grades 9-12 can apply to be selected for special statewide opportunities such as awards and trips. The purpose of this event is to provide an avenue for youth recognition, and to provide young people with an opportunity to practice and grow leadership, communications, and college and career readiness skills through application and interview activities.
Please note, the processes related to State Recognition Day has changed. If you have participated in the past, you will find that the following changes have been made and may be helpful to know about in advance of applying.        
  • Application deadline 11:59PM  February 1, 2019
  • Interviews March 30, 2019, 9AM-3PM, ISU Campus
  • The online application process has been moved to 4HOnline.
  • Applications for each opportunity are in a fillable PDF format to facilitate a smoother process for writing, reviewing and revising prior to submission.
  • One, one-page resume per youth is the only supplemental material requested in addition to your application(s).
  • Project area awards and Iowa 4-H Reporters are both offered as a written-application-only process (no in-person interview required).      
  • Interviews for SESS Ambassador, National 4-H Conference, National 4-H Congress and State 4-H Council will be limited to a pre-determined maximum number and those will be determined through the written application round. Interviews will now be 20 minutes long instead of 10.
  • More information can be found at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/recognition-opportunities

 
Workshop Volunteers

Do you have knowledge you would like to share in a certain project area? We are looking for volunteers to help with upcoming 4-H workshops. If you are interested in helping with a workshop please contact the office. Please feel free to also share ideas you may have for workshops, or what you would like to see. 

Upcoming 4-H Workshops 
                                                                                              
May 6- Animal ID workshop

June 6- Fair Entry Workshop 

If you would be interested in helping with any of the workshops listed above please contact the office at (515) 382-6551. 



 
 

Scholarship Opportunity
The Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarship applications for the 4-H scholarship program are available November 20, 2018 through February 1, 2019.  4-H members are strongly encouraged to read and follow the helpful hints and instructions that are on the 4-H Foundation Scholarship webpage. Applications can be submitted online. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarship Coordinator Mary Clancy by email or phone (712) 830-1321.

 



                                                  

National Youth Summit on Agri-Science
Youth in grades 9-12 can apply now to be a part of a state delegation attending the 2019 4-H National Youth Summit on Agri-

Science in Washington DC, January 10-13. To apply to be a part of the state led group, please complete this online form. For more information on the program visit the National 4-H website or contact Maya Hayslett



                                                  
4-H 101 (new member night)

Each month we will have a meeting, with each meeting having a different topic of discussion. Any and all 4-H youth are welcome to attend, along with youth who are interested in 4-H or Clover Kids but have not yet enrolled.  Listed below is a list of meeting dates. All meetings will be held in the meeting room at the Extension Office.  Please feel free to contact the office with any questions you may have regarding these meetings.
  • January 17
  • February 21
  • March 21
  • April 18
  • May 16
  • June 13
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the office. 

DuPont Pioneer Seed Grant – Information

For Iowa 4-H Club Community Improvement Projects

 
 
We are pleased to announce that DuPont Pioneer is offering support for the Seed Grant Program for Iowa 4-H club community improvement projects. 
 
Materials
The program is outlined in a publicity brochure and this document available online with the application and application tip sheet at, www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/pioneergrants.  Contact Haley Jones at 515‑294‑1519 or hjones@iastate.edu, if you have questions. 
 
Objective
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.
Amount of Grant
Pioneer will provide up to $5,000 to selected 4-H clubs in Iowa.  Awards will be made directly to the clubs through the Iowa 4-H Foundation from DuPont Pioneer as soon as selections are made.  Grants will range from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $500.
Application
Local clubs are asked to submit their application to the county Extension office by January 16 (suggested county deadline).  A county staff member must review all applications submitted from the county’s clubs, write appropriate comments where indicated, and sign below their comments.
DuPont Pioneer Seed Grant completed applications and support letters should then be sent to the State 4-H Office by January 30, 2018 to: DuPont Pioneer Grants, 4-H Youth Development, Extension 4-H Youth Bldg-ISU, 1259 Stange Rd, Ames IA 50011-1002. 
Award
Final decisions will be made by a committee of volunteers and staff members.  All applicants should receive letters by mid-April.  If awarded a grant, a check from the Iowa 4-H Foundation will accompany the letter.  A copy of the letter will be sent to the adult leader and county Extension staff member named in the application. 
Report
After the community service is complete, each club receiving a grant must submit a report.  Details will be outlined in the award letter.  Submit the report to the county Extension office no later than October 2.  County Extension offices should then mail the reports to the State 4-H Office.  Included in this report should be at least one photo of the activity, newspaper clippings, project details, and volunteer numbers as outlined in the award letter. 

 
Winter Weather Closings

There may be times when we need to close our office or cancel programs because of winter weather.  If that happens we will make announcements as best as we are able using email, our website, and Facebook.

No School Day Youth Programs

 
 
Register for any of these fun program opportunities!
A day of fun, friends, learning and skill development activities!

 
Oop! I Grew Up: Insight to all the Grown-Up Things! Grades 9-12
Young adults from Story, Boone, and Hamilton County will learn how to make the transition from high school a little easier!  Budgeting, nutrition, clothing care, and see Ames with Cy-Ride. 
December 27, 2018 from 9:30 am -3:30 pm at the Hy-Vee Club Room in Ames
 
Making . . . STEM Connections! Grades 4-8
Design and create a felted character with a story, create a simple circuit, and more!  Lunch included.
December 28, 2018 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm at Story County ISU Extension and Outreach, Nevada
 
Ricochet: A Leadership Adventure!  Grades 5-8
Students explore five dimensions of leadership through activities as well as identify a community and create and an action plan to implement.  Participants bring a sack lunch each day. Fee $25 per person.
January 3 & 4 from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm at Gilbert Community Center
 

Making . . . STEM Connections!  Grades K-3
Design a character and story, explore music, games, and more!  Lunch included.
January 11 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Ames
 
Making . . . STEM Connections Grades K-3
Design a character and story, explore music, games, and more!  Lunch included.
January 14 from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm at Story County ISU Extension and Outreach, Nevada

On Their Own & Okay Grades 4-6
Through activities and conversation, participants will explore family rules, avoid boredom, safety, emergencies, and make snack and a light supper. 
January 21 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm at Huxley Public Library
 
On Their Own & Okay Grades 4-6
Through activities and conversation, participants will explore family rules, avoid boredom, safety, emergencies, and make lunch and a snack. 
February 15 from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm at Roland Public Library
 
COST: $25 per program ($10 each addition sibling) due with registration to Story County ISU Extension & Outreach one week before corresponding program
The fees for service will be used to offset direct expenses and to support the 4-H Youth Development County Extension Program            


Registration information is available at www.extension.iastate.edu/story
The fees for service will be used to offset direct expenses and to support the 4-H Youth Development County Extension Program
 
Questions? Contact Mary Wilkins, Youth Outreach Coordinator, 515-382-6551, mwilkins@iastate.edu
 
Additional programs offered in partnership with youth groups, libraries, schools, etc.             

Twitter
Facebook
Website
Email
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Ross Wilburn, Diversity Officer, 2150 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, 515-294-1482, wilburn@iastate.edu.

Copyright © 2018 ISU Extension and Outreach, Story County, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
PO Box 118, Nevada, IA 50201

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
 






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
ISU Extension and Outreach, Story County · 1421 S. Bell Ave · Suite #107 · Ames, IA 50010 · USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp