A Real Nice Problem to Have

Reflections on dealing with the challenges of a growing 4H club:

http://robtimmins.blogspot.com/2011/01/real-nice-problem-to-have.html

Iowa 4-H’ers Get Health Care Reform ‘Civics Lesson’ While Attending National 4-H Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Health care reform protests on Capitol Hill gave four Iowa 4-H’ers a live-action civics lesson and a glimpse of history being made. The youth, Iowa’s delegates to the 80th annual National 4-H Conference, observed Americans sharing their voices during protests on Capitol Hill March 20 prior to passage of the health care reform bill March 21.
“Being in Washington, D.C., during the passing of the health care bill was historic because it demonstrated our first amendment rights. It also showed that we, the people, have the civic duty to protest if we do not agree with the system,” said Iowa delegate Grant Bargfrede, 18, of Ankeny.

Added Sara Rockow, 18, of Fort Dodge, “I was able to observe this historic event because of 4-H. 4-H has given me many opportunities to grow as a leader and a citizen.”
The other Iowa delegates who attended the conference from March 20-25 were Emma Christianson, 18, Lake Mills, and Natalie DeBerg, 18, Burlington. ISU Extension 4-H Program Specialist Annette Brown accompanied the youth.

Christianson said, “Attending National 4-H Conference taught me a lot about citizenship. I learned how important it is to be an active citizen by voting, communicating with your legislators or doing service learning to better your community. If we as citizens can do this, we can really make a difference.”

DeBerg added, “I learned about the importance of citizenship and that contributing to one’s community and state is vital for the growth of Iowa 4-H.”

The Iowa delegates also had the opportunity to meet with their legislators to discuss state 4-H programs. They met with Sen. Tom Harkin, Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Dave Loebsack and advisees for Rep. Tom Latham and Rep. Leonard Boswell.

Some 300 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the country, Canada and Puerto Rico gathered to exchange ideas, gain knowledge to share back at home and develop recommendations to help guide the future of 4-H programs nationally and in the their communities, Brown explained.

This year’s theme, “.COM -- Citizens on the Move,” focused on citizenship and youth civic engagement, she said. Through conference sessions and facilitated discussions, delegates learned and shared information on current trends and issues relevant to 4-H and youth programs, building effective partnerships, creating innovative 4-H programs, expanding the use of technology, working with diverse groups and impacting community needs.

The conference delegates also discussed how 4-H programs could further engage in citizenship efforts and develop young people to meet the challenges of the future. The recommendations were delivered to U.S. Department of Agriculture and 4-H officials.

The Des Moines Register and Monsanto sponsored the Iowa youth’s trip.

Bunk Beds Needed

A family in Polk County has recently taken on a few new additions to their home. Apparently the kids have come from a pretty rough place, and this family is in need of some bunk beds in order to make room for all the kids that are now under their roof. If anyone has or knows of anyone who can donate some bunk beds please contact the family by the means listed below.

Thanks,

Phil

Bob and Connie Probasco are the couple looking for the bunk beds. Their email address is rjprobasco1951@yahoo.com. Home phone number is 2(eight)7-3531.

Clothing Selection Workshop

An opportunity has surfaced to assist our 4-Hers to better understand how they can make clothes work for them. We will be talking about styles, shapes, colors… all those things that can help a person emphasize the “good” about their body shape and de-emphasize the “not-so-goods,” which we all have. This is NOT a “sales event” but an opportunity to learn why some things look great on one person and not so good on another and options for what we can choose instead. We’ll have door prizes and other give-aways and lots of fun trying on clothes!

RESERVATIONS NECESSARY!!! Limited enrollment – so, make your reservation NOW!

Please pass this information on to all your Intermediate & Senior 4-H girls! (Sorry, the store doesn’t carry sizes for our younger 4-Hers or for guys. L)


Diana Sosalla
4-H Volunteer Coordinator
ISU Extension, Polk County
1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A
Altoona, Iowa 50009
Phone: (515) 957-5772
FAX: (515) 967-6164
www.extension.iastate.edu

Internship Opportunity in Marion County

Good Afternoon,

I am sending you information about an internship opportunity with the Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District, Office of Surface Mining, and South Central Solid Waste Agency. Applicants must be fulltime college students that are freshman or sophomores working towards a degree in an agricultural or environmental field of study. The internship is through the Marion County NRCS office in Knoxville, IA. The job description and application are available on the Marion County Extension website: www.extension.iastate.edu/marion/news/nrcsintern.htm . Please share this information with anyone that may be interested.

If you have any questions about the position please contact Jay Jung at the Marion County NRCS Office:
Jay Jung, USDA-NRCS, District Conservationist
1445 Lake Dr.
Knoxville, IA 50138
641-842-5314
jay.jung@ia.usda.gov

Thanks!!!

Kim Davis
County Youth Coordinator
ISU Extension - Marion County

Valentines to Deployed Units

Friends,

If you have clubs asking for addresses to send Valentines to deployed units, go to http://www.iowanationalguard.com/PublicAffairs/Duty/DeployedUnitAddresses.htm for unit addresses.

Thanks!

Chris

Ms. Chris D. Gleason, MPA, CHES
4-H Program Specialist
AYDP State Military Liaison
Operation: Military Kids Project Director
Iowa 4-H Youth Development
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3630

Essay Contest

Dear Colleagues,

I wanted to pass along information regarding an essay contest that 4-H’ers from across the state might be interested in entering. The contest is a wonderful opportunity for 4-H youth to highlight their incredible communication/writing skills and their understanding of civic issues. For over 25 years the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, Iowa Department of Education, and the State Historical Society of Iowa have co-sponsored this statewide essay contest for 6-9 grade students.

Essay Focus:
Students are encouraged to choose a woman, preferably from Iowa, from any historical period, past or present, and write about the accomplishments of her life and how she has made a difference to the student and to society in the social justice and civil rights arena. Although Iowa women are preferred and encouraged, the subject of the essay may be a woman from another state or another country.

Timeline:
Essays and entrance forms must be e-mailed to women@iowa.gov no later than Friday, January 29th, 2010.

Awards:
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winner in each of the 6-7th grade and 8-9th grade divisions (first place - $100, second place - $75, and third place - $50). Special awards are given to the best essays on women in science and engineering. All winners will be honored in a ceremony at the State Capitol and introduced in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

For more information, please link to http://www.women.iowa.gov/about_women/womens_history/essay_contest.html

All the best!
Keli
***********************************************
Keli Tallman
4-H Youth Development Program Specialist
Iowa 4-H Youth Development
Extension 4-H Youth Building, ISU
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
ph: (515) 294-0688

4-State Beef Conference--Lewis, IA Jan. 12 at 9:30 am

Overview:

The 4-State Beef Conference is designed to provide beef cattle interests in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska a regular update on current cow-calf and stocker topics. The conference is a forum of specialists from four of the nation's leading beef cattle land grant universities.
Brochure

To register online or for more information go to: www.extension.iastate.edu/feci/4StBeef/

Topics:
Whole Herd Health: Common Health Problems Dr. Richard Randle Associate Professor, Vet & Biomedical Sciences University of Nebraska
Mineral Nutrition Dr. K.C. Olson Associate Professor, Cow-Calf Nutrition and Management Kansas State University
Factors Affecting Sale Barn Prices Karl Harborth Extension Livestock Specialist Kansas State University Extension
Replacement Heifers: Buying vs. Raising Dr. John Lawrence Extension Livestock Economist and DirectorIowa Beef Center, Iowa State University

January 12
9:30 a.m. Armstrong Research Farm53020 Hitchcock AvenueLewis, Iowa
3:30 p.m. Community Building 335 Clay Tecumseh, Nebraska
January 13
9:30 a.m. Eiberger Building4552 Hwy 169King City, Missouri
3:30 p.m. Jackson County Fair building5th & DakotaHolton, Kansas

Note: All four meetings have the same topics, just different times and locations.

Registration Detail
$25 Registration Fee
January 8, 2010 Deadline

The fee includes a meal and a copy of the conference proceedings.
Call or email to register :

Iowa--Clint McDonald 712-644-2105

or register online via PayPal at www.extension.iastate.edu/feci/4StBeef

New Iowa 4-H Website

The new Iowa 4-H Web site makes it easier for Polk Countykids and teens to connect with 4-H and Iowa State University Extension online. The site, www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/, includes an interactive map to help kids and teens connect with 4-H, project links, games, event calendars, an interactive networking site for members and more, explained Shelly Greiving. Find a 4-H Club uses interactive Google Maps to help kids find 4-H contact information within their county. This feature will be expanded over the next few months to include links to all Iowa 4-H clubs.

Project Pages include links, exhibit ideas and community service ideas for each 4-H project area.
“Kids and teens can get involved in these projects, right now, right here in Polk County, ” Shelly said. Why 4-H features current 4-H members and why they have chosen 4-H. Roll over each of their photos to see their quotes about the impact 4-H has had on their lives.

Teen Network is a ning site specifically for teens (ages 13-18) who are in 4-H to connect, network, share photos and videos and talk about their 4-H experiences. It’s a community with content generated by 4-H youth for 4-H youth. Teens must be 4-H members to participate in this social network. The new 4-H site also includes an expanded search feature and information for parents, teachers and 4-H volunteers, Shelly added.

For more information about 4-H, contact the Iowa 4-H office of ISU Extension. 4-H in Iowa is administered through the ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development program and headquartered on the ISU campus in Ames.

Contacts :Shelly Greving, Iowa 4-H Foundation Marketing Coordinator (515) 294-1607, shellyg@iastate.edu
Laura Sternweis, Extension Communications and External Relations, (515) 294-0775, lsternwe@iastate.edu

Fundraiser at Bass Pro Shops

Hello!

I have a great way that Bass Pro can help your non-profit and/or cause this Christmas season. You provide the volunteers and the donation canister and we will provide you and your 3-4 volunteers wrapping paper, boxes, bows, tissue paper, tape, and an area with a couple tables to set it all up on. Then you offer our Customers “Free” Gift Wrapping for donations. You would also be welcome to bring a banner and/or literature about your organization to hand out. I’m in the process of making a big sign that says something like, “Free gift wrapping provided by________. If you would like to support our cause with a donation we appreciate it!”.

I will be signing groups up for 1-2 days each on a first come, first serve basis. My goal is to get every hour we are open from Black Friday to Christmas Eve signed up for. At this moment here are the dates that are NOT AVAILABLE to sign up for.

November 27th-28th and December 12th-13th.

Please email me with a 1st choice set of 2 days and a 2nd choice set in case the first is taken. Also, please note that any of the volunteers you may bring MUST be 18 or older.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me!

Tiffany DeLarme
Promotions/Events
Bass Pro Shops #43
1000 Bass Pro Drive NW
Altoona Iowa 50009
tdelarme@basspro.com

Hunter's Safety Course

Reminder for Hunter Safety Class

This note is a reminder of the hunter safety class scheduled for October 28th, 2009. The class is scheduled from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at the Dragoon Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, 4857 NE 110th Avenue, Elkhart, IA.

Directions:
From I-35 take the 1st Ave Exit to Ankeny. Go east on 1st Ave to NE 46th Ave. Take NE 46th Ave north to 110th Ave. (Gravel Road) Take 110th Ave east about two blocks. The Dragoon Chapter clubhouse is on the south side of the road.

You can get a map by accessing the web site for the Dragoon Chapter. The site is:

http://www.ankenyikes.org/newsletter.html

All participants must have taken the online hunter safety class accessed through the DNR website. The online class is located at the following web site http://www.hunterexam.com/usa/iowa.

For more information contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources,
502 E. 9th street, Des Moines , Iowa 50319-0034 www.iowadnr.com.

You do not have to bring any equipment to the class. You must bring the voucher indicating you have completed the on-line class and seek a hunter’s certificate. There is no additional charge/cost for the practical aspects class.

If you will need any accommodations because of a disability such as assistance reading, wheelchair assistance, etc. please contact the lead instructor before class begins. (Lead instructor: brian.hood@lfgplanners.com


Everyone will be handling firearms during the class. The firearms, ear protection and eye protection will be provided. You do not have to bring a firearm to class. Please don’t bring a firearm.

Your hunter safety certificate will be provided to you before you leave the class. This will require a Social Security number. Come prepared to provide it, as the computer system (ELSI) used to issue hunting licenses in Iowa requires this number.

Please sign up for the class via the DNR websight www.iowadnr.com

Upcoming Boer Goat Seminar and Sale

There will be a free seminar on Boer Goats and a Boer Goat sale Satuday November 21st at 1:00 at the Iowa State Fair Grounds. The topics that John Edwards will be discussing will just be general health, feeding and proper management of your goats. More info about John Edwards, founder of E.G.G.S. can be found on his website www.eggsboers.com John and Jackie Edwards are one of the first to bring the Boer Goat into the United States and are a wealth of information about reproduction, health and management of the boer goat.

We are very excited to have them in Iowa for this seminar which is free and open to the public.

Maurice & Kim Erwin
Lamoni Farms
Cattle~Hogs~Boer Goats
641-223-0023
www.lamonifarmsboergoats.com

Give the Gift of Grain to Benefit Iowa 4-H

Crop producers who want to support Iowa 4-H Youth Development have another option besides writing a check or donating cash. They can give the gift of grain. Giving grain is a viable option for donating to the 4-H program through the Iowa 4-H Foundation, said Albert Grunenwald, the foundation's associate director. Self-employed farmers who donate grain to the Iowa 4-H Foundation not only benefit youth across the state, but also reduce their self-employment tax and increase their income tax savings, Grunenwald explained.

The grain must be placed in the Iowa 4-H Foundation's name to be sold by the Iowa 4-H Foundation, Grunenwald stressed. Farmers are welcome to transfer the grain at their local elevator, co-op or grain merchant.

For specific instructions on how to donate grain to support 4-H, contact Grunenwald at (515) 294-4780 or abgrunen@iastate.edu.

DON’T MISS: Iowa 4-H Day at the Iowa Speedway

Ever dreamed about going to a race at the Iowa Speedway? Well now you can. For a mere $15, we’ve made it affordable for all 4-H families, volunteers, friends, supporters and staff to attend. In addition to admission to the race, every ticket comes with $5 in Rusty Bucks for use at the concession stands as well as admission to the Billy Currington Concert.
We had such great response from the Iowa State Women’s Basketball game (more than 900 people), we thought we would offer another 4-H Day for youth to connect with 4-H’ers from across the state. On September 19, 2009 you and your family, friends, club and county are invited to attend the USARPro Cup Series. ASA Late Model Series is celebrating its Seventh Anniversary season in 2009 and prides itself on grooming prospective future racing stars as they make their way up the proverbial racing ladder.
To purchase tickets, download the form at http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/DOC/Events/4HDay2009OrderForm.doc
NOTE: This offer is open to anyone and everyone. (Shelly Greving)

Let’s Get Motivated! For Free!

Zig Ziglar, Terry Bradshaw, Colin Powell, and Laura Bush are just a few of the special guests speaking at the Get Motivated Seminar on Thursday, September 17 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The 4-H program has FREE tickets for anyone who contacts us and wants to attend this exciting and motivational event! This seminar is from 8 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. and has been praised and acclaimed by CNN, USA Today, TIME, PEOPLE, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. To get your tickets, e-mail shellyg@iastate.edu. Find more information at www.getmotivated.com. (Shelly Greving)

Festival of Trees and Lights

Dear Friend,

My name is Leah Churchman and I would like to introduce myself as Chair of the Book Tree Committee for this year’s Festival of Trees and Lights which will take place at the Polk County Convention Complex (5th & Grand) November 25-29. I am writing to share my family’s story about our experiences with the services Festival supports and to ask for your help in filling the Festival’s Book Tree with new books that can be given to young patients throughout the year.

What is the Festival of Trees and Lights?
The Festival is an annual event supporting the Child Life and Advocacy & Outreach programs at Blank Children’s Hospital. The Book Tree stands more than 18 feet high and holds thousands of donated children’s books which will be given to patients and family members.


What services do the Child Life and Advocacy & Outreach programs provide?
The Child Life and Advocacy & Outreach programs have a direct impact on children and their families at Blank. Child Life Specialists provide recreational, therapeutic, developmental, and educational programming for hospitalized children and their families in order to make the healthcare experience as positive as possible. The Center for Advocacy and Outreach is a statewide resource for education and information regarding children’s issues. Both of these programs are provided to everyone at no cost, and no one is ever turned away for any reason.

How do these programs directly impact families?
My family has personally experienced how important these programs are to hospitalized children, their parents, and their siblings. Due to a severe illness, my daughter, Jess, spent extended periods of time at Blank which, of course, also affected me, my husband, Drew, and Jess’ twin brother, Kade. The Child Life specialists not only ensured Jess had everything she needed to pass the long hours, but also provided Kade with books, craft supplies, toys, and trips to the playroom; planned birthday parties; dropped off holiday goodies; and made frequent visits to Jess’ room to check on her progress. Their kindness and compassion helped soften the edges of difficult situations our family faced.

Thank you for your support. We look forward to talking with you about ways you can help us fill this year’s Book Tree. In the meantime, if you have questions about the Festival or the Book Tree, feel free to contact the Festival Office at 241-6494.

Sincerely,
Leah Churchman
Book Tree Committee Chair

State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council Now accepting Applications

Strengthening Youth involvement in State Government Des Moines, IA-

With the passage and signing of HF315 this spring, the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) was formally established in the Code of Iowa. SIYAC, which originated under the aegis of Governor Tom Vilsack, consists of 15 to 21 diverse students who represent youth throughout the state. Applications are being accepted now for the 2009-2010 school year. Motivated students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. SIYAC members benefit from leadership and civic engagement experience, numerous trainings, and opportunities to network with statewide organizations, communities, legislators, and youth across the state. SIYAC members have tackled a range of issues facing Iowa’s youth, including school drop out rates, health and nutrition, teen drinking, bullying and improvement of after-school programs. As representatives of SIYAC, members are expected to identify issues and engage their communities to promote youth development and involvement. SIYAC holds quarterly meetings in Des Moines. Mileage and meal reimbursements are provided for meetings and related SIYAC activities. For more information on SIYAC and how to apply, contact SIYAC Coordinator Annelise Plooster at Annelise.plooster@iowa.gov or visit the website at www.siyac.webs.com.

Polk County 4H Photography on Facebook

I've created a page for Polk County 4H photography on Facebook. This could be a great opportunity for Polk County 4H photographers to discuss their photography projects with other 4H'ers. If you're on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polk-County-Iowa/Polk-County-4-H-Photography/90094347735, become a fan of the page, create a photo album with some of your pictures, and let other fans of the page offer their comments and critiques of your work. Let the discussions begin!

Polk County Intermediate Council is planning a fundraiser

The Intermediate Council is holding a garage sale on June 27 from 9-3. It will be held at the Polk County Extension office. We are asking for donations of things to sell. You can drop your donations off at the extension office the week of June 22. If you can't drop off, you can also contact Maggie Zimmermann at 685-2416 and I will pick up.

Also, please plan on coming to the garage sale on Saturday, June 27, to find some great bargains!

Photography Workshop

On Monday, June 22, I will be conducting a photography workshop at the Enabling Garden just south of the Altoona Hy-Vee. We will focus on floral and portrait photography. The workshop will run from 6-8 pm, with plenty of time for taking pictures during some of the best light of the day!

Click here for more information.