National 4-H Week: October 1-7, 2023

For more than 100 years, 4-H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. From October 1-7, we will celebrate the impact of 4‑H during National 4‑H Week. The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week is “I 💚 4‑H.” As you plan ahead for how you will mark National 4-H Week in your community, here are some ideas of you can celebrate 4-H and show all the ways you 💚 4‑H !

Wear Your 4‑H Gear — Nothing says 4‑H pride like a 4‑H tee! Dress yourself (or the entire family – pets included!) in 4‑H green and clover gear.

Shout-Out a 4‑H’er — Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4‑H’ers by shouting out one youth or an entire club on social media, in a local newspaper or other media.

Storefront Displays/Information Booths — In some communities, you can ask local businesses to display 4‑H posters, flyers, showcase the work of 4-H'ers, or host a table to share information about your local 4‑H program.

Become a 4‑H Volunteer —If you are a 4‑H alum, parent or recent 4-H ‘graduate’, you might be looking for ways to connect with 4‑H. Consider giving your time to a local 4‑H program by becoming a volunteer.

Share Your 4‑H Story — Take to social media to share a 4‑H memory, express how 4‑H shaped who you are today, describe what 4‑H means to you, post an old 4‑H photo, or shout-out your 4‑H club. 

Have a 4‑H Reunion — Gather your old 4‑H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4‑H experience or recreate a 4‑H project together!

Send a 4‑H ‘Thank You’ — We all have a reason to thank our local 4‑H staff, leaders and supporters. To show your appreciation, send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note to someone who has supported youth and made a difference.

Raise Awareness – On October 4, Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension will be hosting the first Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol. Join this exciting education and awareness event to help elevate knowledge of Michigan 4-H and share the impact of its programming across Michigan. Learn more online.

Give Back — Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing 4-H for the future. Help programs thrive by making a donation that can help support your county 4-H program.

Adapted from National 4-H Council.

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 4-H Program Coordinator, Zaire Parrotte, will be out of the office from October 17th-23rd and the Extension office may be closed during that time due to lack of present staff.

County Awards - Due October 31st!

Did you or a youth you know work hard and grow personally this past year in their 4-H projects? How about a club or volunteer that went above and beyond? Consider applying or nominating them for an Eaton County 4-H award! Award categories include:

• Young Achievers (recognition of work in a project area, ages 8-11)
• County Medal (recognition of work in a project area, ages 12-19)
• Achievement, Citizenship, and Leadership (recognition of work in each of those areas (3 separate awards), ages 15-19)
• Outstanding Teen Leader (13-19 in leadership)
• Club Community Service and Club Recreation (2 separate awards for clubs)
• "I Dare You" Leadership award (recognition of work in leadership, youth in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade)
• 4-H Key Club Award (overall 4-H career, age 15-19)
• Outstanding Leader (Gold level volunteers
• Friend of 4-H (any individual or business that supports the 4-H program)

Any youth, volunteer, and club enrolled in Eaton County 4-H for the year may apply for their appropriate category! You do not need to be in a top show ranking or show at the fair at all - these awards are based on your efforts throughout the year. Volunteers may nominate youth according to the instructions or by suggesting that youth fill out the appropriate award. Please note that some awards do not require volunteer signatures; however, volunteers may submit a paragraph of recommendation to the Extension office for youth that have submitted an award if they wish to provide additional information that may help the selection committee.

The deadline for ALL county 4-H awards is October 31st, 2023. They are to be submitted online by email to [email protected] or directly to the Extension office. Award winners will be invited to attend and will be recognized at the annual 4-H Participation Celebration awards banquet, which will be held in January 2024 (exact date TBD). You can access each award online or pick a physical copy at the Extension Office.

For more information on each award, requirements, and the application forms, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/eaton/eaton_county_4_h/eaton_county_4_h_associations_and_committees/4_h_advisory_council

Save the Date - Upcoming County Meetings

4-H Council: Monday October 9th 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 October 9 at 6pm, 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 November 2nd 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: READY FOR PICK UP

The news you have been waiting for is here! 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!

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.

November 10-12: 4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute

Brody Hall, 241 W. Brody Rd., East Lansing, MI 48825

The Michigan 4-H Spectacular Youth Leadership Institute is a lively celebration of the power of young people as leaders! Participants in this exciting, energetic, interactive Institute will participate in small and large group sessions to share and develop valuable knowledge and skills related to youth leadership, community engagement, and global citizenship. The Institute is open to current and aspiring teen leaders ages 13 and older (by Jan. 1, 2024), who seek to develop skills to serve in leadership roles in clubs, schools, communities, the state, and the world. 

• Registration and details available here. Registration Deadline: October 20th, 2023
• Cost: $175/includes meals, program materials, group transportation, and overnight hotel lodging
• Scholarships are available for those in need of financial assistance.

Contact Brian Wibby at 906-439-5065 or [email protected]

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]

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

Wealth Building-Wednesday, October 18 at 6:00 PM

• Looking for strategies to build wealth? This workshop will provide tips, tools & goal setting strategies. Learn about different types of savings and investment products. Evaluate your risk tolerance and explore investment timelines.

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, October 16th, at 7pm at Kardel Hall.