--mobile.jpg)
(the latest news is available for download as a printable pdf at the bottom of this page)
January 15th, 2021
Weekly 4-H Update
Dear 4-H Families:
Annual Enrollment Target Date for Members & Volunteers – TODAY – January 15th
Today is our target date for enrollment, but we will not deprive any young person the opportunity to participate in 4-H if they do not complete their enrollment by today, so don’t worry about a thing! We want to reach as many youth in our community as possible! For enrollment information, go to http://bit.ly/2021PorterCo4H. (Further, tomorrow is the weekend and our office will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, so really, don’t worry about a thing because we won’t even be looking at 4HOnline until Tuesday! So relax, take your time, and get your enrollment done as soon as you can.)
Critical Annual Enrollment Information for 4-H Adult Volunteers:
While we will never deprive anyone of the opportunity to be involved in 4-H, a target enrollment date is necessary for a variety of administrative reasons, such as to ensure that our volunteers complete their annual requirements BEFORE they begin interacting with youth for the program year. Therefore, we have asked volunteers serving in any role (leader, superintendent, 4-H Council member, committee member, etc.) to complete their enrollment and training by January 15th. However, since it’s Friday, and Monday is a holiday, and you may have more time over the weekend, please complete your annual requirements by Tuesday, January 19th. At that point, those who have not completed their enrollment and training will be required to re-complete all initial screening paperwork, which includes references.
Welcome Angel Leuck Back to the Extension Office
Many of you may remember Angel Leuck who previously worked in our office with our Health & Human Sciences and Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educators. I am pleased to announce that Angel has returned to our office, this time in the role of 4-H Operations Manager! Please reach out to Angel at amleuck@purdue.edu and give her a warm welcome to our 4-H program!
Porter County 4-H Photo Contest
The 4-H Photography Project is offering a monthly photo contest for all Porter County 4-H members (you don’t have to be in the Photography project to participate). Each month a new prompt will be posted in the Photography Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/779770095538450) and shared via email. This month’s challenge is “Portrait vs. Landscape” and is due by February 15th. Everything you need to know is attached to this message. For more info and to learn more about the 4-H Photography project, join their Facebook group or reach out to Project Superintendent Lela Hewlett at lmhteacher@frontier.com. (Download the pdf version of the news below for the referenced attachments.)
Poultry Orders
The Poultry Project is excited to welcome back all our poultry enthusiasts for 2021! Attached to this message you will find further information on ordering your birds. Orders for Turkeys are due 2/28/21, Roasters are due by 4/1/21, and Broiler orders are due 4/30/21. If you have any questions, please contact Poultry Superintendent Russ Gluth at 219-462-7748 (home) or 219-746-4906 (cell). (Download the pdf version of the news below for the referenced attachments.)
4-H NFPA Fluid Power Action Challenge – Build a Hydraulic Mechanism
The 4-H NFPA (National Fluid Power Assoc.) Fluid Power Action Challenge is a team learning event that challenges youth in grades 6-8 to solve an engineering problem using fluid power. Each team will learn about design and build a hydraulic mechanism! Learn more at http://purdue.edu/4HFluidPower. Registration deadline is January 29th. 4-H Council will cover the challenge registration fees of any enrolled Porter County 4-H members. Contact me right away at joangrott@purdue.edu if you’d like to put a team together… a team must include 2-4 youth and one adult mentor (if not already a 4-H volunteer, mentor must complete the necessary steps to become a 4-H volunteer).
4-H Council – No January Meeting
While the 4-H Council typically meets the third Tuesday of odd-numbered months, there will be no January meeting, due to lack of agenda items. If you ever have any questions or business for the 4-H Council, don’t hesitate to reach out to President Julia Waltz at juliawaltz12@gmail.com.
Youth Mental Health First Aid – for Adults Who Interact with Youth
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a program for individuals who work with youth… like 4-H volunteers and parents! We have the opportunity, if interest exists, to host a virtual session offered on a Saturday in March for local adults. The course is a six-hour course with two hours of pre- coursework and can count for continuing education credits. If you or someone you know (think teachers, youth pastors, scout leaders, etc.) would be interested in participating, please let me know right away! If I get several responses, we will schedule the program. The facilitators require at least ten attendees for the program to be offered. Let me know your interest at joangrott@purdue.edu and learn more about the program at http://extension.purdue.edu/mhfa.
Scholarship Opportunities for 10th-12th Graders & Class of 2020 Grads – due January 25th
Indiana 4-H has several scholarship opportunities available. Information, applications, and submission instructions are available online at https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/scholarships.aspx. Applications are submitted through 4HOnline, and members must be enrolled and program fees paid for 2021 in order to submit. 2020 Grads interested in applying should contact me at joangrott@purdue.edu to have your 4HOnline account activated.
Sincerely,
Joan M. Grott
Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development