4-H Program Contact Information

• 4-H Program Coordinator: Zaire Parrotte - [email protected] - 517-543-4420
• 4-H Online enrollment questions: Please reach out to Sara Corr, Eaton’s support staff, at 517-543-2310 or [email protected]
• Newsletter additions: Zaire Parrotte
• You can also reach out to Roxanne Turner, District 8 supervisor (including Eaton), at [email protected] or 517-546-3950.

Extension office hours

The Extension office is open generally from 9am - 5pm and closed from noon to 1pm, Monday through Friday.

We may be closed occasionally due to the availability of staff. Please be patient with us if we are closed on short notice! You are always welcome to call the office to check hours prior to making the trip. Our phone number is 517-543-2310.

The Extension office will be officially closed November 23rd and 24th.

Save the Date - Upcoming County Meetings

4-H Council: Monday January 8th at 7pm, in the PMR

• Open to all regardless of project area! Every club is encouraged to send at least 1 volunteer and 1 youth to every Council meeting.
• This meeting will feature officer elections (youth and Gold level volunteer board), awards and banquet updates, and programming ideas for the upcoming year.

Jr Livestock Association: Monday December 11th at 7pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the beef, dairy beef/feeders, sheep, and swine project areas.
• This meeting will feature office elections (youth board), and sale committee discussion

Horse Development Committee: Wednesday December 13th at 6:30pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the horse project area
• Meeting Agenda TBD

Small Animal Association: Thursday December 7th at 7pm, in the PMR

• Open to all youth and volunteers in the poultry, rabbit/cavy, and goat project areas
• This meeting will feature office elections (youth board and species representatives) and wrap-up from the 2023 sale

Dog Committee: Wednesday, November 8 at 6:30pm, in the PMR

• Meeting Agenda TBD

Reminder: Thank Yous

This is a reminder that per the sale rules in JLA's bylaws, all youth who sold in the JLA sale must turn in thank yous or verify they are sent with the Extension office before you will be allowed to pick up your check.

If you have not done so already, you can let us know you've sent them in a couple of ways (any of these methods are OK):

• Turn in the thank you cards (stamped and fully addressed) to the Extension office (NOT the fair office). Please make sure to visit the inside of the office - cards dropped in the mail box outside the door get mixed in with our other outgoing mail and don't get checked off the list!
• Submit proof of mailing by emailing a photo of your thank you cards getting mailed, show a photo of your cards being mailed on your phone when you pick up your check, or show the postage receipt.

If you have questions, please call the office!

Sale Checks: PICK UP BY NOVEMBER 10th

If you sold in the 2023 4-H Jr Livestock Association or Small Animal Association Sale, checks are now available for pick up from the Extension office! You must pick up your check by November 10th. Any checks left after that will be donated to JLA.

The Extension office is open generally from 9am - 5pm and closed from noon to 1pm, Monday - Friday.

We may be closed occasionally due to the availability of staff. Please be patient with us if we are closed on short notice! You are always welcome to call the office to check hours prior to making the trip. Our phone number is 517-543-2310.

Things to know before picking up your check:

Checks are not mailed.

• We will verify on our list that you've turned in your thank yous. This is a reminder that per the sale rules in JLA's bylaws, all youth who sold in the JLA sale must turn in thank yous or verify they are sent with the Extension office before you will be allowed to pick up your check. If you have not done so already, you can let us know you've sent them in a couple of ways (any of these methods are OK):
• Turn in the thank you cards (stamped and fully addressed) to the Extension office (NOT the fair office). Please make sure to visit the inside of the office - cards dropped in the mail box outside the door get mixed in with our other outgoing mail and don't get checked off the list.
• Submit proof of mailing by emailing a photo of your thank you cards getting mailed, show a photo of your cards being mailed on your phone when you pick up your check, or show the postage receipt.
• If you are in the following groups, please check with your advisor/leader before coming to pick up your check: VFW Dynamos, Olivet FFA, Springport FFA and Maple Valley FFA
• Youth or a representative (parent/guardian) can pick up their sale check. You will be asked to sign for the check.
• If you have questions, please call the office!

Interested in attending a state or national 4-H workshop, camp, or other event? Don't forget - Eaton County 4-H has many scholarships available to help cover the cost of the events! For more information about scholarships, visit the link in the button below or contact 4-H staff.

GIRLS' STEM DAY! - November 18th

MSU Engineering Building, 428 S Shaw Lane, Room 1340

Girls’ STEM Day is an annual event in the fall hosted by Michigan State’s Women in Engineering Recruitment and K-12 outreach office.

Each year, approximately 150-200 5th − 8th grade students with chaperones attend our in-person event. Students are introduced to STEM topics through hands-on experiences with various activities related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This year, the event will take place in person in the MSU Engineering Building and Anthony Hall on November 18!" from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Register here - https://www.egr.msu.edu/forms/forms/women-engineering/msu-girls-stem-day

2024 Host Family Applications Open!

If you or your family is interested in hosting this summer, we invite you all to come join the fun and apply to host a student for 2024! Michigan 4-H will be having 14 Japanese youth and one Chaperone available in 2024 for interested families opening their home and hearts by hosting! 

Currently they are scheduled to arrive in Grand Rapids, MI July 21^st and depart August 16^th to meet host families. A host family needs to complete the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs online application, have a youth to match as a host brother/sister (be within 3 years of age), be Michigan 4-H adult Gold Volunteers, participate in an interview and home visit process. 

Applications to host can be found at www.states4hexchange.org

For more questions, reach out to Jan Brinn - [email protected] or John Wurm - [email protected]

4-H WILD SPARTANS SERIES!

Join 4-H staff as we take a look into life working with fisheries and wildlife! This month’s 4-H Wild Spartans Series will jump into the world of breeding and caring for amphibians and reptiles.

Join us on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 6:30pm EST for “Froggin' around - careers in the exotic animal industry.” You will meet Zach Brinks, Vice President of Live Operations at Josh’s Frogs. You’ll learn about his work, and the education and career path he followed to get there. Youth will be encouraged to ask questions to learn more through a live Q&A.

This free series is open to 4-H and non-4-H youth ages 12-19 years. Monthly sessions will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm EST.



Pre-registration is required: https://events.anr.msu.edu/wildspartans20232024/

NOVEMBER 28: Giving Tuesday!

Online

Join the #GivingTuesday movement — a global day of giving – and support 4-H! From 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. EST, Michigan 4-H supporters are invited to participate by giving their support financially or helping spread the word. 

Michigan 4-H has a goal to raise $5,000 to grow 4-H county endowments in a 24-hour period. County 4-H endowments provide a perpetual source of income for county 4-H programs and every dollar is an investment in 4-H! 

https://mi4hfdtn.org/giving-tuesday/

Michigan 4-H License Plate Proposed!

On Tuesday, September 26, legislation was unveiled that if passed, will create a new fundraising license plate that would generate support for Michigan 4-H. State Reps. Matthew Bierlein, of Vassar, and Reggie Miller, of Van Buren Township, sponsored the legislation which would allow for the creation and sale of a Michigan 4-H plate through the Secretary of State.

The plans would create the 4-H fundraising plate and establish regular disbursements from the license plate sales to the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Led by a board of trustees, the foundation works in partnership with MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development to support programs to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.

The bills were referred to the Michigan House Committee on Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure. On October 11, Michigan 4-H Foundation Director Abbey Miller and MSU Extension Associate Director Dr. Deanna East testified before the committee in support of the 4-H fundraising license plate legislation.

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series: Youth Engagement in 4-H Experiences

November 21st, 2023 12:00PM - 1:00PM - Zoom

A webinar series that will provide Michigan 4-H volunteers with a variety of learning opportunities to help them grow as a volunteer and support the Michigan 4-Her's. There will be a minimum of 6 topics offered throughout the year, with each topic offered twice as a daytime and evening option. Everyone who attends at least four of the webinars in person will receive a certificate at the end of the series. This session is: Youth Engagement in 4-H Experiences during the session leaders will learn strategies to increase the level of youth engagement in their 4-H experiences.

Contact: Christine Heverly - [email protected]

MSU Extension Listening Session Series

MSU Extension is holding a series of public listening sessions across the state. Through these sessions, we hope to gather input to determine where the organization is, what we do well, and where there are opportunities for improvement. This feedback will be used to help shape MSU Extension’s priorities and service for years to come.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend – youth, parents, community and statewide partners, all MSU Extension-affiliated faculty and staff, and curious community members.

What to Expect:

Participants will be invited to share their perspectives and insights through a series of facilitated activities. Finally, common themes heard from participants will be identified and reflected to the entire group for each activity. If time allows, participants may be able to give additional input through worksheets. Light refreshments will be provided.

Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Walk-in registrations may be limited due to facility capacity.

Listening Session Locations and Dates:

• Nov. 28 - Detroit - 1-3:30 p.m. - MSU Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
• Nov. 28 - Troy - 6-8:30 p.m. - Troy Continuing Education Building, 1522 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48083
• Nov. 29 - East Lansing - For public attendees only, 9-11:30 a.m. - Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823
• Nov. 29 - East Lansing - For MSU Affiliated Staff only, 1-3:30 p.m. - MSU Campus, Conservatory, 1066 Bogue Street, East Lansing, MI 48824
• Dec. 11 - Marquette - 4-6:30 p.m. - Northern Center, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855
• Dec. 12 - Grayling - 4-6:30 p.m. - Kirtland College Event Center, 4800 W. Four Mile Road, Grayling, MI 49738
• Dec. 13 - Frankenmuth - 4:30-7 p.m. - Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 S. Reese Road, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Dec. 14 - Muskegon - 4-6:30 p.m. - Muskegon Community College, 221 S Quarterline Road, Muskegon, MI 49442
• Dec. 18 - Kalamazoo - 4-6:30 p.m. - Kalamazoo (location to be announced at a later time)

For more information and to register, go here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=7AB45541B5A9FF764E84F4C92F89AB4C990CEAD5C94E1F54F3B8026582DBCA3F

2023 Michigan 4-H State Award winners announced

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program recognized outstanding 4-H members during the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 22. At the event, honorees had the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their fellow 4-H Exploration Days participants.  

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members and recognizes a level of excellence in learning, leadership and service. In total, 22 4-H members from 15 counties submitted applications to take part is this year’s program.

“All of our 4-H’ers across the state are amazing but the youth honored with 4-H State Awards are some of our most accomplished,” said Julie Chapin, state 4-H leader for Michigan and director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “They have demonstrated their dedication to improving themselves and their communities through 4-H, service and more.”

Michigan 4-H State Awards were presented in 13 of the 20 available award categories that showcase the diverse array of 4-H knowledge, skills and experience. Recipients of the 2023 awards are:

• Beef Science: Caleb Souva of Branch County (junior division) and Bridget Paidl of Menominee County (senior division)
• Birds & Poultry Science: Makayla King of Van Buren County (senior division)
• Career Development: Avery Stallman of Macomb County (junior division)
• Companion Animal Science: Stellamia Aerts of Monroe County (senior division)
• Environmental Science: Amanda Towne of Van Buren County (senior division)
• Gardening and Horticulture: Katie Miller of Eaton County (junior division)
• Goat Science: Dori Stuever of Huron County (senior division)
• Leadership: Makayla Chew of Midland County (junior division) and Alexis Fisher of Monroe County (senior division)
• Rabbit and Cavy Science: Brandon Fisher of Monroe County (junior division) and Morgan Bliesener of Ingham County (senior division)
• Shooting Sports: Justin Yarger of Monroe County (senior division)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Peter Rambadt of St. Joseph County (senior division)
• Swine Science: Joseph Endres of Isabella County (junior division)
• Visual, Performing and Expressive Arts: Alana Aulph of Monroe County (senior division)

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to 4-H members who are 13-19 years old with three or more years of 4-H experience. To qualify for the award, 4-H’ers must submit a written application that showcases the learning experiences, knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through their participation in 4-H, as well as their contributions to their local 4-H programs, clubs and communities. Submissions are reviewed by the Michigan 4-H State Awards selection committee. This group of volunteers, staff members and industry experts determine which members are selected as award finalists. All applicants receive written feedback from selection committees.

In addition to a plaque, each 4-H State Award winner in the senior division will also receive a $200 cash award; junior winners receive $50 cash awards. These awards are made possible by generous donations to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

Adulting 101 September - November 2023

September 18, 2023 - November 8, 2023 Different sessions offered monthly

Are you ready to leave for college or be out on your own? Are you prepared to do adult tasks and have skills to be successful? Michigan State University Extension's Adulting 101 programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through engaging educational sessions. Each FREE session is packed full of important life skills and tools necessary to live independently.



Join us Monthly

Workplace Professionalism-Wednesday, November 8 at 6:00 PM

• What is professionalism and why is it important in the workplace? Increase your awareness of what it means to be professional and gain tips on different aspects of the work environment to consider including: shared workspace, relationships with coworkers, communicating and setting boundaries.

Contact: Katherine Jamieson



Stay informed of upcoming events, news, and more by signing up for a digest, following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or checking out our website.

This section will feature a different topic each newsletter highlighting best practices for 4-H clubs. Everyone, youth 4-Hers, adult volunteers, and families, can contribute toward making their club the best and following best practices!

Office roles and responsibilities

Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development offers teens an opportunity to develop leadership skills while preparing them for using these skills as adults. Club officer positions provide an opportunity to practice real leadership roles that impact the success of a group. The following describes the four essential officer positions their responsibilities and supporting materials to help officers be successful.

President

The president of a club presides over meetings, builds the meeting agenda, assures that the meeting runs in an orderly manner and strives to make sure all members’ opinions are heard. If committees are needed, presidents appoint committee members. Since the president is responsible for creating the meeting agenda, it is important they are familiar with the order of business. A typical meeting agenda would consist of:

• Call to order
• Pledges
• Roll call
• Secretary’s report
• Treasurer’s report
• Old business
• New business
• Announcements/leaders report
• Adjournment

Vice president

Vice presidents fill in for the president and presides over the meeting if the president is absent, therefore, the vice president must understand the roles and responsibilities of the president listed above. Additional responsibilities to consider giving the vice president includes following-up with any committees to make sure they stay on task, having them responsible for the learning portion of the meeting and serve in the role of introducing presenters or guests.

Secretary

The secretary records all of the business of the meeting and a record of each member’s attendance. Secretaries provide a report at each meeting by presenting the minutes from the previous meeting. This can be done by providing a handout or by reading the minutes aloud, and must be approved by the entire group. Once minutes are approved, they become the official record of the business that was conducted at the meeting. Secretaries should record full minutes as soon as possible after the conclusion of the meeting so that the discussion is fresh in their mind. Keep all meeting minutes in one safe place so they can be referenced as needed.

Treasurer

Treasurers are responsible for keeping track of and reporting the income and expenses for the club. Treasurers are responsible for writing checks for expenses, making any deposits into the club account, balancing the club check book, and preparing and reporting a treasurer’s report to the 4-H club. A treasury report must include previous balance from the last report, a summary of income and expenses since the last meeting. The treasurer should be prepared to answer specific questions regarding income, expenses and current balance. Managing Money Wisely is a full financial manual for 4-H treasurers.

For more information regarding roles and responsibilities of officers in clubs Michigan State University has excellent resources to assist each of the officers as well as a publication “Helping You Help Officers and Committees,” which assists volunteers in supporting officers in their roles.

Adapted from "Officer roles and responsibilities in a 4-H club" by Janelle Stewart. Find more about this article at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/officer_roles_and_responsibilities_in_a_4_h_club.

Fair board meetings

Fair board holds public meetings on the third Monday of the month. The next public fair board meeting is Monday, November 13th, at 7pm at Kardel Hall.