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Purdue Extension Martin County Blast January 30, 2023

 

COOKIES AND CANVAS EVENT – SIGN UP NOW!

 

The Martin County 4-H Jr. Leaders are presenting a Cookies & Canvas Event! The painting experience will be led by Mya Miller, Miss Martin County 2022 and 4th Runner Up Indiana State Fair.  

 

When: Sunday, February 26, 2023

Time: 2 pm EST

Location: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Community Building, 2668 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN

RSVP:  by Friday, February 17th to 812-295-2412 or by visiting the Martin County Purdue Extension Office.

Walk ins will be accepted on the day of the event as long as enough supplies are available. No guarantees if not registered by February 17th so please register early!

$10 per person donation, includes all painting items and refreshments. Provide requests for accommodations or special dietary needs request by February 17th to 812-295-2412. 

 

4-H CLOVER CALL PODCAST:  MARTIN COUNTY HIGHLIGHTED

 

The January Clover Call podcast ( https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/podcasts/clover-call-podcast.html) highlights some of the 2022 Indiana 4-H Volunteer Awards of Excellence recipients, including 4-H Volunteer Rhonda Sanders! In the podcast, awardees share some of their volunteer activities related to the 4-H program.

 

Nominations are open for the 2023 Indiana 4-H Volunteer Award of Excellence. Visit the Volunteer – Volunteer Recognition tab on the 4-H Website for more information: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/volunteer/recognition/index.html

 

2023 AREA 3 LIVESTOCK CLINIC

Join us to learn about 4-H livestock projects and how to improve your showmanship skills and husbandry practices!

WHEN:  Saturday, February 25, 2023

TIME:     9:00 am to 3:00 pm

WHERE:  Warrick County 4-H Center – Alcoa Building

COST:  $5.00 per member (No cost for Warrick County 4-Hers)

RSVP:  Call or Text: Elizabeth Butcher – 812-202-5552 or Jessie Hope – 812-686-5155

LUNCH: Fazolis - Spaghetti, Fettuccini and Breadsticks

Topics include: 

Networking:  Meet fellow 4-Hers from across Area 3

Stock Selection:  Learn what to look for in stock when selecting your show animals.

Nutrition/Animal Health:  An industry expert will discuss the most important things to focus on when feeding livestock.

Showmanship Techniques:  Everything you need to know to be successful in the show ring

 

Whether your project is big or small, this workshop will give you the information you need to submit proposals confidently.

NOTE:  If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Wendy Cuiksa at 812-462-3371 prior to the workshop.

 

Lawrence County 4-h Rabbit Renegades Open Rabbit Show MARCH 10 & 11, 2023

WHERE:  Lawrence County Expo Hall 

COST:  $4 pre-registration per rabbit per show

REGISTRATION:  Email to tnisley@comcast.com 

INFORMATION:  Please contact Keri Barker: Phone:  812-276-1428  Email:  kbarker185@msn.com 

This is for Single All Breeds O/Y on 3-10-23 and Triple All Breeds O/Y on 3/11/23  

Unlimited Specialties

There will be a silent auction and concessions. This show helps support the Lawrence County 4-H Rabbit Club 

 

2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR – FRIDAY, JULY 7 TO TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

 

2023 INDIANA STATE FAIR – JULY 28 – AUGUST 20, 2023 Closed Monday & Tuesdays

 

Upcoming sessions of the 4-H VOLUNTEER Leader Training Series

All are invited to the following Professional Development 4-H Volunteer Leader Training Series.  Current leaders and prospective new leaders are targeted, ANYONE AND EVERYONE with an interest is welcome to attend! RSVP requested but not required: Dena Held at heldd@purdue.edu or 812-295-2412. Each session is stand alone, so attend one, some or all!

 

Thursday, February 23, 2023 6 pm

Thursday, March 9, 2023 6 pm

Thursday, March 30, 2023 6 pm

 

Location: Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds, Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, IN

 

Adult Volunteer Enrollment and Certification

All adult volunteers must re-enroll to obtain certification for 2022-2023 programming season. Enrollment opened October 1, 2021. Please log onto http://v2.4honline.com and complete your profile. If you have any questions, please call 812-295-2412 or email heldd@purdue.edu

 

VOLUNTEER opportunities

Have you ever thought about a talent you have or a talent you want to develop alongside youth in the 4-H Program?  Purdue Extension & Martin County 4-H is seeking adults to work to MAKE THE BEST BETTER through 4-H programs. Contact Dena to explore how to work together in this way.  No matter how much time you have, volunteering with 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Currently, 4-H Club Leaders are needed for All Terrain Vehicle Program, Shooting Sports and STEM/Robotics. Various content specialist and general volunteers are also needed.

 

Parents, family and adult friends of 4-H members are often a natural fit to help with programming and is one way to spending quality time with the youth in your lives!

 

MARTIN COUNTY SEEKS ATV LEADERS: TRAINING APRIL 1ST  

 

The 2023 4-H ATV safety skills assessment training will occur Saturday, April 1 at the Putnam County 4-H Fairgrounds. Pre-registration is required through 4-H Online. The $25.00 registration fee includes training materials and lunch. 4-H adult volunteers will be reimbursed their Indiana OHV/ORV safety certification fee. Indiana 4-H skills assessment and Indiana OHV/ORV certifications do not require renewal. The training flyer is attached and available on the 4-H ATV Safety web page.  

 

AREA 9 LIVESTOCK JUDGING INVITATIONAL CONTEST APRIL 18, 2023

WHERE:  Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds

TIME:  10:00 am EST

REGISTRATION:  9:30 am to 10:00 am EST

COST:  $10.00 Per youth participant

FOR INFORMATION:  Contact Ashlee Davis – davi1730@purdue.edu or Mercedes Brunton – brunton@purdue.edu

 

HORSE CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS - SPRINT 2023 DATES

4-H Horse Bowl and Hippology Contest – March 25th at Purdue University, West Lafayette

4-H Horse Communications Contest- April 13th held Virtually

4-H and FFA Horse Judging- May 6th at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds

 

4-H Academy @ Purdue

 

bit.ly/in4hacademy

  • Wednesday June 7th – Friday June 9th
  • Purdue University, West Lafayette
  • grades 9-12 completed
  • 15 career exploration workshops available
  • Registration deadline May 15th : to ride Area III bus, deadline is March 31
  • 4-H Academy @ Purdue is a program held at Purdue University specifically designed to offer hands-on, exciting opportunities to learn about a diverse selection of subjects and careers. During this conference previously known as 4-H Science Workshops, participants will meet and learn from professors, graduate students and other experts in their respective fields and participate in interactive activities and experiential learning. Participants stay in a Purdue University Residence Hall for two nights while exploring the Purdue University campus and meeting 4-H members from across Indiana. 4-H Academy @ Purdue is open to all youth grades 9-12.

State 4-H Band & Chorus wORKSHOPS

 

bit.ly/inband4h; bit.ly/in4hchorus

  • Saturday June 24h – Monday June 26th
  • Purdue University; perform during 4-H Round-Up
  • Grades 9-12 completed
  • Registration deadline June 1st
  • The State 4-H Band​ workshop is three days in length. Youth will improve their instrumental skills as they prepare for a concert band performance Monday evening during 4-H Round-Up. Any youth who has completed grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 may apply. 4-H membership is not required. Selection is made by the State 4-H B
  • The State 4-H Chorus​ workshop is three days in length. Youth will improve their vocal and choreography skills as they prepare for a show choir performance Tuesday evening during 4-H Round-Up. Any youth who has completed grade 9, 10, 11, or 12 may apply. 4-H membership is not required. Selection is made by the State 4-H Chorus Director and Coordinator.​ and Director and Coordinator. 

 4-H Round-Up

 

 bit.ly/4hroundup

  • Monday June 26th -Wednesday June 28th
  • Purdue University, West Lafayette
  • Grades 7-9 completed
  • Registration deadline June 1st: to ride Area III bus, deadline is March 31
  • 4-H Round-Up is an exciting opportunity offered to youth who have completed grades 7, 8, and 9. Attendees have an opportunity to explore a variety of careers by attending classes created just for Round-Up attendees at Purdue University. Participants will get a taste of college life and will live in a Purdue Residence Hall for two nights. Youth have an opportunity to meet others from across the state and further develop their leadership skills. Recreation events are planned in the evenings and blocks of free time allow attendees the opportunity to build friendships on their own.

State Fair Exhibit Hall Workers

 

purdue.ag/in4hehw

  • End of July through completion of Indiana State Fair
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Workers must be at least 14 years old at the time of work
  • College students are welcome to apply
  • Application due April 15th
  • Youth are afforded an opportunity to work at the Indiana State Fair as an Exhibit Hall Worker​​. Duties include checking-in non-animal 4-H exhibits, preparing exhibits for display to the public, record keeping, interacting with fair attendees, assisting with a variety of state fair events, and releasing exhibits. Workers will develop team work, customer service, record keeping, and other work-related skills through this temporary employment opportunity. 
  • Exhibit Hall Worker are expected to reside on-site in the reserved dormitory space. This is a minimum wage-earning employment opportunity.​

Indiana 4-H Leadership Summit 2023

 

purdue.ag/in4hsummit

  • Saturday October 21st
  • Youth grades 8th-12th and adult volunteers
  • Educational breakout sessions & scholarship & volunteer award recognition

National 4-H Youth Congress 2023

 

purdue.ag/national4hcongress

  • Friday November 24th – Tuesday November 28th
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Grades 9+
  • Application due May 1st
  • National 4-H Congress​ is one of the premier experiences for 4-H members across the country. For more than ninety years, 4-H members have been gathering to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of 4-H at this event. National 4-H Congress provides a life-changing experience for youth to meet other 4-H members from across America, as they participate in educational workshops focusing on diversity, cultural experiences, leadership, team development, and of course having fun! 4-H members in grades 9-12 may apply. Eight to ten selected applicants will comprise Indiana's delegation. 

Career Development Events

 

purdue.ag/4hcde

  • Competitive events throughout the year that allow youth to showcase their knowledge in 15 different subject areas. Most Career Development Events offer both individual and team entries.

Subject Areas include:

Consumer Decision Making  

Crops  

Milk Quality and Products ​

Dairy Cattle Judging  

Entomology  

Forestry  

Hippology  

Horse Judging  

Horticulture  

Livestock Judging   

Livestock Skillathon  

Meat Judging  

Poultry Judging  

Soil Judging  

Wildlife Habitat ​​

State 4-H Junior Leader Conference

 

Facebook:  @4HSJLC; purdue.ag/4hsjlc

  • Tuesday June 13th - Friday June 16th
  • DePauw University
  • Grades 9th-12th completed
  • Registration due May 15th
  • The Conference is planned by a 14-member Jr. Leader Council.

 

  • STATE 4-H JUNIOR LEADER CONFERENCE IS FOR

Those who want to learn new leadership skills for themselves and others.

Those willing to share the knowledge they gain with those at home.

Those who want to meet new friends from around Indiana.

Those who want to have fun!

  • While at Jr. Leader Conference, youth participate in:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Skill Sessions

State Park Group meetings

General Sessions

Skits/Talent Show

Recreation

Banquet and Dance

Installation Ceremony for Jr. Leader Council

Citizenship Washington Focus

 

purdue.ag/4hcwf

  • Dates: July 1-7, 2023
  • Washington D.C.
  • Grades 9th-12th completed
  • Registration deadline March 15th
  • This one-time trip is an exciting experience for 4-H members and other youth to go to the nation's capital and learn more about the meaning of citizenship. Listening, learning, sharing, receiving, caring and touring combine to provide a deeper respect and understanding for our American heritage and the principles, processes and structures of the U.S. government. Young people acquire increased motivation and skills for dealing with contemporary social issues and for taking leadership in community development, government affairs, and related projects when they return home. Each delegate will take part in workshops on contemporary issues and topics such as international affairs, human relations, government, ecology and conservation, family life and dating, community development, drama and creative expression, economics, agricultural policy, leadership, and careers. In addition, advanced training sessions are scheduled to provide in-depth concentration on one topical area such as community development, heritage, economics, politics, environment and ecology, human relations, communications, family life and dating, advanced citizenship-seminar policy, and others of current interest.”

Communications Events at the Indiana State Fair

purdue.ag/4hcommunications

  • Demonstration
  • Informative 4-H presentation
  • Professional persuasive presentation
  • Public speaking
  • Youth participate at the county level as a 4-H Member in an effort to qualify for these events at The Indiana State Fair

 

National 4-H Dairy Conference

 

https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/national-programs/national-4-h-dairy-conference.html

  • Sunday October 1st- Thursday October 5th
  • University of Wisconsin- Madison
  • Grades 9th-12th completed
  • Registration deadline July 15

PURDUE FAST START FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

One way to earn admission into Purdue University is through Fast Start. Indiana Students can take the Modern States online courses for free.  Those who pass a minimum of five corresponding College Board CLEP exams and meet Purdue’s standard admission requirements are assured admission to Purdue and designated Klinsky Scholars. CLEP testing centers are now open along with online options. The Purdue Extension Martin County Office staff are available to help local students access this opportunity! 

AGRICULTURE WINTER WORKSHOPS – MONDAY NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY

 

Purdue Extension Gibson County will host Winter Workshops again this year at Gibson Southern High School. Workshops will be each Monday in February located in the cafeteria and will all start at 6pm CST/7PM EST. Workshops will cover a variety of topics relevant to local farmers, provide opportunity for discussion and continued learning.

 

Feb 6th – Weed Management Outlook by Marcelo Zimmer

Feb 13th – Farm Bureau Policy Discussion & FSA Update – Pizza provided

Feb 20th – Digital Agriculture – Drones, Data & So Much More by Mark Carter – PARP & Meal

Feb 27th – Weather, Climate & Soil Health by Hans Schmitz

 

Everyone is welcome to attend, no RSVP necessary. Call 812-385-3491 with questions or accommodation requests.

PRESSURE CANNING CLASS

When: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 12-4 PM ET

Where: VU Shircliff Humanities Bldg, Room A204 (130 E. Harrison St. Vincennes, IN)

What:

  • learn canning basics, food safety guidelines for home canning, where to find resources
  • course includes lecture, handouts and hands-on practice in the kitchen
  • participants will take home their own sample of home-canned product that they make

Cost: $25 or $40 for two people registering at the same time

Register by sending the following information to Purdue Extension – Knox County 4259 N. Purdue Rd., Vincennes, IN 47591. Make check payable to Purdue Education Fund. Sponsorships are available; inquire at 812-882-3509

If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this program, please contact Tonya at 812-882-3509 at least 10 business days prior to the event.

SRATEGIES FOR ESTATE PLANNING

 

Are you wondering where to begin when it comes to estate planning?  If so, you’re not alone.

Learn more about estate planning goals, the difference between wills and trusts, advance directives and their importance, and organizing your important documents.

 

WHEN: February 23, 2023

TIME:  6:30 to 7:30 pm

WHERE:  Owen County Purdue Extension Office

CONTACT PERSON:  Jamie Jo Lowder, Health and Human Sciences Extension Educator

        Email Address:  lowderO@purdue.edu       Ph Number: 812-829-5020

More details available at:  https://extension.purdue.edu/events/county/owen/2023/02/strategies-for-estate-planning.html

 

CAN TREE ROOTS CAUSE DAMAGE TO A HOME’S FOUNDATION?

 

Adapted from the Forestry and Natural Resources Got Nature Blog: 

https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/question-can-tree-roots-cause-damage-to-a-homes foundation/#:~:text=Answer%3A%20Tree%20roots%20can%20damage,as%20friable%20soils%20and%20mulch.

 

QUESTION:

Can tree roots cause damage to a home’s foundation? I have a 3’ in diameter pin oak tree that is within 10 feet of my house. A certified arborist took a look at it and said that he would like to use an Air Knife to expose the roots near the foundation (a walkout basement) to determine if the roots are causing damage and/or need to be pruned, or whether the tree needs to be removed since it is situated too close to the house. Before I spend $500 for them to use the Air Knife, I wondered if you thought it would be worthwhile or not necessary.

 

ANSWER:

Tree roots can damage a house foundation, with an invitation to do so. Tree roots are very opportunistic and will only grow and penetrate where it is easiest to grow such as friable soils and mulch. Typically, when roots encounter solid, impervious surfaces such as pipes, sidewalks, curbs and foundations, they are redirected laterally or up and over. However, if there is a breach or a crack nearby, they can and will exploit those voids in search of moisture. Such as sewer pipes aren’t damaged by the roots, they are just very capable of finding those leaks and moving into the moist and often nutrient-rich pipe.

Roots normally grow horizontally and not very far beneath the soil surface. Sometimes when roots encounter the looser backfill soil near the foundation, they can abruptly start growing down. You may be able to locate these roots, if they exist, by excavating a foot or two down within a few feet of the foundation. If you find a suspect root, cut it off. Unfortunately, in some cases excavation down to the base of the foundation may be necessary. This may have to be done anyway to repair and stabilize it. Cutting the roots should prevent future problems, especially if a root barrier is installed to prevent re-growth.

Resources
Surface Root Syndrome, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Appraisal and the Value of Trees, The Education Store
Construction and Trees: Guidelines for Protection, The Education Store

Lindsey Purcell, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue University, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

 

bIOCHEMISTRY SENIOR HONORED FOR CAMPUS LEAERSHIP

Story by Emma Hopkins, published May 2022

Coming to Purdue Clayton Hicks had much of his academic plans figured out. What he did not bank on, however, was carrying them out in the College of Agriculture or receiving the France Córdova Leadership in Action Award. Presented to graduating undergraduate or graduate students who have demonstrated success, integrity, influence and vision in leadership roles, the Córdova Leadership in Action Award honors one male and one female student annually.

Hicks, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, always knew he wanted to go into medicine; however, that path took an unexpected direction after a campus visit.

“When I first came to visit Purdue, I had no idea there was a department of biochemistry in the College of Agriculture,” he said. “And it was actually when I came to visit the honors college that my student ambassador said ‘Oh you should check out the biochemistry program in agriculture.’”

Hicks looked at the department and decided he wanted to study with faculty doing research in all areas of biochemistry.

“Some faculty researchers are working with plants; some are working on cancer research; some are doing drug discovery; and that only scratches the surface,” he said. “I did not have a full understanding of everything agriculture includes—which is anything to do with food, anything to do with basically any living organism. Human health is part of agriculture as well. So, now I explain that to incoming students.”

One of the first leadership roles Hicks had as an undergraduate was as an ambassador for the honors college, where he spoke with prospective students. He said one of his most significant leadership roles was his position on the Purdue Foundation Student Board.

“We educate the student body about private giving and try to instill the mindset that private philanthropy and giving does not have to be a million-dollar gift,” he said. “We’re helping students understand the importance of why it is essential to give back, whether it be with your time, talent or treasure, and to find that program or the people they want to give back to after graduation or even while they’re students.”

It's not a coincidence that many of his leadership roles dealt with talking to his peers. Even back in high school when Hicks put together study groups and tutored other kids, his knack for teaching was hard to miss. That knack flourished into a passion he plans to pursue by eventually teaching and practicing medicine at a research or academic hospital.

“I guess I wouldn't have said I knew I was interested in teaching in high school, but that has always been important to me. Then coming to college, seeing the roles that TAs have in classes, I saw it as a way to give back, but also to train myself to run a classroom and get experience grading, giving lectures and running review sessions.”

As an undergraduate, Hicks took a basic biochemistry class with Professor Clint Chapple, and immediately knew he wanted to TA for him in that class specifically, even though there had never been an undergraduate in that position.

“In Dr. Chapple’s words--I was very persistent in asking if I could TA for him,” Hicks said.

Distinguished Professor Biochemistry Clint Chapple definitely remembers Hicks’ determination.

“While he completed his study abroad experience at the University of Exeter, Clayton asked about the possibility of being a teaching assistant in my BCHM 100 class. I initially didn’t take action on his request, but Clayton would not relent! After four or five requests, I got permission to add Clayton as a TA. Clayton immediately identified things he could do to help students—such as offering additional help sessions prior to quizzes and exams and providing feedback to the students on ungraded assignments. Students commented on what a help Clayton was and how he was excellent at explaining the class material.”

For Hicks, the experience was transformative, definitely worth his persistence.

“It's interesting because Dr. Chapple teaches basic biochemistry through the process of looking at diseases. Learning what's right by looking at when it's messed up or when it's not functioning correctly is a great way to learn the concepts, and I also think he just does an incredible job of explaining the concepts in a lecture setting.”

These experiences are just of few of the many Hicks has had that have also helped him gain what he calls “soft skills.”

“Soft skills are, at the end of the day, some of the most important things that you develop. All that experience I've had to develop myself as a person, as a leader, as a better friend and as a better citizen have not necessarily been learned from classwork, but from the other experiences I’ve had,” Hicks said. “People on campus truly care about students and help the next generation by raising up leaders and citizens who want to give back to their communities.”

 

 

 

 

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