Important Updates ...

Here are some important Waseca County 4-H updates for you:

There will be NO “Prep Session” tonight (June 22nd) at 5:30 pm in the 4-H Building. There will also be NO painting tonight – we will be painting on Saturday, June 26, starting at 10 am instead.

Summer Adventures – Don’t forget to register for our fun summer adventures! Registration brochures are posted online or available from the Extension Office.

4-H Camp – If you attended 4-H Camp (or will be attending 4-H Camp Wed – Friday) here is a reminder on how you can get your camp reimbursement scholarship:

• Attend the Waseca County 4-H Federation meeting on Monday, June 28 at 6 pm at the 4-H Building. The camp attendees will lead the group in a camp song – come with ideas of what song you want to sing. Each family should bring a dish to share – beverages, silverware, utensils, and napkins will be provided.
• If you can’t attend the meeting, you can write a brief article on the things you did and learned at camp, or else make a scrapbook page or poster also telling what you did and learned at camp. If you choose to do the article, poster, or scrapbook page, please turn those in to the Extension Office by July 6th.
• Call Amy with questions – 507-835-0604.

Arts-In – This year’s Arts-In theme is “TV Land” and will perform several TV show theme songs. It was difficult to find practice times that everyone could make so more practices were scheduled knowing that some people will miss some. However everyone who wants to be in the show must be at the first practice or make sure you let director Steve Scheffert (507-835-3951, 507-461-5331, Back40ty@gmail.com) know before the first practice. Friends are welcome and you don’t have to be in 4-H to be in Arts-In. Here is the practice schedule - all practices are at the 4-H building from 8:30am to 10:30am (except the last one)

• Friday, June 25 First practice
• Monday, June 28
• Tuesday, June 29
• Wednesday, June 30
• Thursday, July 1
• Friday, July 2
• Tuesday, July 6
• Wednesday, July 7
• Friday, July 9
• Tuesday, July 13 from 8am-10am (dress rehearsal)

Silent Auction – We will be having a Silent Auction during the 2010 County Fair instead of the Dollar Auction. Each club is asked to provide a basket for the Silent Auction. Baskets should be brought to the Extension Office/4-H Building by Monday, July 12th at 5 pm. The basket can be any theme you would like – you can also put as many baskets on the auction as you wish. Clubs will receive 100% of the proceeds from their basket. Bidding for the Silent Auction begins Tuesday, July 13th at 10 am and will end at 2 pm on Sunday, July 18th. Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony at 3:15 pm on Sunday, July 18th.

Federation Picnic – EVERY 4-H family is invited to attend the 4-H Picnic on Monday, June 28th at 6 pm in the 4-H Building. Bring a dish to pass – beverage, silverware, plates, and napkins will be provided. (Federation Board meeting to follow the picnic)

Livestock Superintendent’s Meeting is scheduled for July 1st at 7 pm at the Extension Office. All livestock superintendents should attend!!! We’ll be covering important county fair information.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Subject to change – refer to the Waseca County 4-H Blog, Facebook Page, or Extension Website for up-to-date information

• June 22 – Recycling Rendezvous Summer Adventure, 1-4:30, 4-H Building
• June 23-25 – Youth Camp at Camp Patterson
• June 24 – Horse PDC Meeting, Fairgrounds
• June 26 – Painting in the 4-H Building, 10 am
• June 28 – Federation Picnic, 6 pm, 4-H Building
• June 28 – Federation Board Meeting after Picnic, 4-H Building
• June 29 – Prep & Paint Night, 5:30, 4-H Building
• July 1 – Make-up showing of required “Horses, Kids, & Ethics” Video for horse project members, 6:30 pm, Extension Office
• July 1 – Livestock Superintendent Meeting, 7 pm, Extension Office
• July 6 – Ambassador Work Day, 9 am to 4 pm, 4-H Building
• July 6 – Mandatory Livestock Exhibitors Meeting, 6 pm, 4-H Building (Barn Set-Up to follow)
• July 6 – 4-H Building Set-Up, 7 to 9 pm, 4-H Building
• July 7 – Ambassador Work Day, 1 pm to 6 pm, 4-H Building
• July 7 – 4-H Building Set-Up, 6 to 8 pm, 4-H Building
• July 7 – Entry Day Volunteer Meeting, 8 pm, 4-H Building
• July 8 – Food Review, Fashion Review Judging, 1 pm, 4-H Building
• July 10 – Dog Show (Showmanship, Obedience, Rally ), 9 am, Fairgrounds
• July 12 – Horse Show, 9 am, Outdoor Arena
• July 13 – General Project Judging, 10 am to 4 pm, 4-H Building
• July 14 – July 18 – 2010 Waseca County Fair!

Welcome, Kristen!!!

Our 2010 Summer Intern is here! We would like to welcome Kristin Spinler to our Waseca County 4-H staff for the summer - Kristin started her duties on June 1st and will be with us through the middle of August. Her duties include planning day camps, assisting with County Fair duties, helping at Arts-In, and much more! Here is what Kristin has to say ...

Hello! My name is Kristin Spinler I am currently a junior at South Dakota State University majoring in Agricultural Education with an Animal Science minor. I was a Steele County 4-H member for twelve years, where I participated in the Poultry, Goats, Swine, Crops, Crafts, Food and Nutrition projects and I was also a Club Officer (many times.) I live on a primarily cash crop farm, but we have goats, pigs, calves, and chickens as 4-H projects. In my spare time I love spending time outdoors and hanging out with friends and family. Below are some interesting facts about me!

• I can snap my toes
• I think Boer Goats are the cutest animals alive
• My favorite food is Pasta
• I push the snooze button at least 4 times in the morning
• I drive a Ford Taurus (aka the Tortoise)
• My favorite movie is "Love and Basketball"
• I have a Waseca phone number, I have a Morristown address, and my house is in the Medford School District

I am really excited to be working with Waseca County 4-H this summer! I look forward to meeting you all!!!

1st Annual Spring Fundraiser a HUGE Success! THANK YOU!

I would like to take a moment to thank the many people who helped out with and participated in Waseca County 4-H’s Spring Fundraiser on May 15, at the 4-H Building on the Waseca County Fairgrounds.

Thank you to the 4-H Fundraising Committee of Paula Kaupa, Raelynn Barbknecht, Shelby Barbknecht, Jackie Barbknecht, and ShaLee White. Without their creativity, organization, and dedication, the fundraiser wouldn’t have happened. Credit also needs to be given to the hardworking 4-H members and families who helped the day of the event and for all their efforts leading up to the event with organizing garage sale items, selling breakfast tickets, and spreading the word about the fundraiser.

I would also like to thank the community members who brought in donations for the garage sale. We weren’t sure what to expect, and the donations we received greatly exceeded our expectations! We heard so many compliments about the size of our sale and the quality of the items on the sale. Without the donations, we would not have had such an impressive sale – thank you! Thank you also to the many shoppers who stopped by the Garage Sale – we appreciate your business very much!

The Petting Zoo was a great success and we enjoyed having so many kids and families stop by to visit the animals. Thanks to the people who lent us their animals - Tom & Julie Sommers, Jeff & Jennie Johnson; Wes, Joy, and Emily Riihl, Raelynn and Jim Barbknecht family, McKenzie & Paula Kaupa, and Courtney Dobberstein. The Waseca County Fair Board deserves a thank you also for allowing use of the buildings on the fairgrounds.

We are excited to use the proceeds from the fundraiser for scholarships to leadership trips and camps, continuing our 4-H Adventures and Afterschool programs at little to no cost to participants, and educational opportunities for 4-H members such as Project Workshops and Projects in a Box for clubs to use at their meetings.

This year’s fundraiser was a huge success and without the community behind us, we could not have done it. Thank you again for your tremendous support! We have already begin planning next year’s fundraiser and hope to add to the breakfast, Garage Sale, and Petting Zoo to make the event even bigger and better. Look for the 4-H Garage Sale again next year during the Waseca City-wide Garage Sale Weekend.

Prep & Paint Nights

Waseca County 4-H was the recipient of a “Picture It Painted” Grant through SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation). This grant allows us to receive free paint from Valspar for the interior of our 4-H Building. Our goals is a more attractive 4-H Building!

Help paint the interior of the 4-H Building! To ensure we get the project done, we will be having “Prep & Paint Nights” every Tuesday in June (with the exception of June 15th - that week’s “Prep & Paint” will be held June 14th.) From 5:30 to 6:30 pm we’ll cover different county-fair related topics that will help you prepare for the county fair. The sessions will be hands-on! They will be great for new 4-H families and experienced families too! From 6:30 pm to 9 pm, we’ll be painting away!! You won’t need to bring anything … Just show up in clothes that can get dirty and we’ll put you to work! We’ll have lots of snacks and goodies to eat while we paint.

25 Purple Ribbon Club pts awarded for each prep session you attend, 25 pts for each painting session

COUNTY FAIR PREP SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE:

June 1 – 4-H Project vs. Fair Exhibit - 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 4-H Building
Is there a difference between a 4-H project and what you bring to the fair? There sure is! And this session will help you know the difference between the two. You will learn how to set good goals for your projects and how to turn those goals into successful fair exhibits!

June 8 - Completing the Fair Registration - 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 4-H Building
Confused by all the rules, papers, and how to enter your exhibits? Get all your questions answered. Bring your fair registration form with you!

June 14* – Posters and Scrapbooks - 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 4-H Building
Are you putting your exhibit on a poster? What about in a scrapbook or binder? Learn how to put together an attractive poster. Bring your supplies and information we’ll take some time to work on your posters/booklets.

June 22 – The Judging Experience - 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 4-H Building
Are you nervous about having your 4-H exhibits judged at the County Fair? What is the judge looking for? What should you know about your exhibit? This session will answer all the questions you have about getting your exhibits judged - we will also have a “Mock” Judging Experience where you can practice with a helper! Bring one of your exhibits along even if it isn’t done
(Note - this session will only cover NON-LIVESTOCK judging - The June 29th session will be devoted to livestock.)

June 29 – Herdsman-what? - 5:30 to 6:30 pm, 4-H Building
Learn how to take good care of your animal while its at the fair, and how to keep your animal’s pen/stall looking its best during the fair. Learn what you will need to bring to the fair and get some basic tips on how to show your
animal. We’ll cover beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine in a small group setting.

No registration is necessary for the Painting Sessions - you can just show up. Pre-registration is requested for the County Fair prep sessions - register by contacting Cheryl at the Extension Office (835-0600 or cleve065@umn.edu)

Pancakes, Promotion, and other uPdates!

Here are some reminders for you on some important upcoming events!

SPRING FUNDRAISER REMINDERS

Pancake Breakfast Tickets – Every family was sent 10 breakfast tickets that they should sell. Tickets are $5 each. Ticket money and unsold tickets are due back to the Extension Office BY MAY 5TH

Promotion and Publicity – We need your help spreading the word about this fundraiser!! Here are some ways you can help:

• Flyer - There is a promotional flyer for the fundraiser on the Extension website. Please feel free to share the link (http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/Waseca) with family and friends. Be sure you click on “Publications” on the left hand side of the screen – the flyer will then be listed under “Publications” as “SPRING FUNDRAISER FLYER - May 15 - Waseca County 4-H” The fundraising committee will be working to hang flyers up at various businesses, but if you would also like to hang some up, feel free to print the flyer off. The direct link to the flyer is: http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/Waseca/news/SpringFundraiserFlyer.pdf
• Email – Also on the Extension Website is a sample email that you can use to send to your family and friends letting them know about the fundraiser. It also includes a paragraph stating our need for donations for the sale, so please help spread the word! All people need to do with their items is box them up and bring them to one of four donation nights (May 10th – May 13th from 4 to 8 pm at the 4-H Building). They do not need to price the items, they won’t need to organize the items, and they won’t need to pick up items that didn’t sell! Feel free to use the email to send out to those you know about the fundraiser. Being this is our first year doing this, we want to be sure many people know about the event – the email can be found on the Extension Website – the direct link is: http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/Waseca/news/sampleemailforpromotion.pdf
• Facebook Event – There is an “Event” set up on the “Waseca County 4-H” Facebook page for the Spring Fundraiser – If you are a Facebook account, feel free to invite your friends to the Spring Fundraiser via Facebook!

LIVESTOCK ID PACKETS & TAG PICK-UP NIGHTS -

• Livestock ID Packets are available from the Extension Office or online at http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/template/index.aspx?pID=4&countyID=83# . PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION THAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR LIVESTOCK ID PACKET.
• The only time you can get ear tags is Wednesday, April 28 and Thursday, April 29 from 3 to 7 pm at the Extension Office. YOU MUST BRING YOUR ID WITH YOU, FILLED OUT AS COMPLETELY AS POSSIBLE. No ID = No tags. Tags are $1 each.

OTHER REMINDERS -

• If you are a 4-H family in the Rabbit project and do not have a copy of the “Rabbit Standard of Perfection” book, let Amy know. We have several free copies to give to 4-H rabbit project families.
• There is a Meat Goat Project Workshop on Sunday, May 2nd at the Sankovitz residence near Waseca from 1 pm to 4 pm. See the flyer on the Extension website for more details - http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/Waseca/news/MeatGoat10flyer.pdf - Don’t forget to sign up by contacting the Extension Office!
• All families are asked to complete an evaluation of Waseca County 4-H Week by clicking on http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LQW5L9Q . Even if you did not participate in any Waseca County 4-H Week activities we would still like to have your feedback!
• Project Add/Drop Deadline – THE LAST DAY TO MAKE CHANGES TO WHICH PROJECTS YOU ARE ENROLLED IN IS THIS FRIDAY – APRIL 30TH. If you are not signed up for a project by April 30th, you will not be able to exhibit in that project at the 2010 Waseca County Fair. Also, if you have a friend or know of someone who is planning to join 4-H, encourage them to enroll by April 30th if they want to exhibit at this year’s fair.