With this communication, I want to provide you with an update on programming for the month of April. At this time, all events previously scheduled to be held during April are either postponed or cancelled, with the hope that May might bring a bit of normalcy, and allow us to return to our usual hustle and bustle. Not knowing the timeframe for this interruption, there are a few items that I want to point out – but ask that you fully review the March 18th Update, which is included here.
ENROLLMENT.
Enrollment will continue… We have extended the Licking County 4-H Enrollment Deadline to MAY 1st. We ask that all advisors continue their work to reach out to new families, and to follow-up with those who might have made contact to request information. Assure them that the year will continue, at the very soonest opportunity. We need to keep them connected… Consider finding a way to hold virtual meetings, even if it’s a conference call! Try to assist returning members as needed, encouraging them to move forward with enrollment. For the time being, we will continue to send updates to ALL families, but we will slowly transition to communicating to those who are enrolled in specific projects. As you have enrollment questions, be sure to reach out to Adrienne at anderson.1410@osu.edu. We can also provide assistance in setting up virtual meetings, if you ask!
- ADVISORS: If you have families that are new to your club – and have not yet entered the 4honline system, please know that YOU need to send this update to them… We are only able to distribute to those who have logged in to 4honline during 2019 and 2020, as a means of spreading the word as widely as possible! Thank you!
LIVESTOCK PROJECT / HARTFORD FAIR UPDATE.
In light of this programming interruption, adjustments have been made to some livestock possession deadlines, as well as guidelines pertaining to Quality Assurance. Please know that Quality Assurance is still required of all members, but the training window has been extended to July 1st. Review the Hartford Fair Update letter very carefully. As questions arise, please be sure to reach out to me via email. mccutcheon.46@osu.edu
- OHIO STATE FAIR: Please note that OSF market livestock possession dates do NOT correspond with updated Hartford Fair guidelines. OSF dates fall just prior to our June 1st deadline, and you should adhere to OSF guidelines for any livestock that will be shown within OSF Junior Fair classes.
OFFICE CLOSURE.
As of Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 4:30 p.m., the Licking County Extension Office (as well as all Extension Offices statewide) are closed. All staff are working from home for the coming days, until we are cleared to return to our office facilities. Please know that we will continue to move forward with planning for spring / summer events and activities, and are available to answer your questions! While closed, you will not be able to purchase project books or utilize the livestock skillathon kits. Please know that we apologize for this inconvenience, but appreciate your patience and positive thoughts! We are as anxious to get things back to normal as you are! I promise!
Let’s keep 4-H moving forward, as best we can! Keep connections among your 4-H club families, and help one another move forward with project work over the coming days. This extended time at home may be a blessing to some who already picked up books and are taking advantage of some down time to get things done! …for others, we’ll need to provide additional support as meetings commence and judging grows near. Either way, we can make it happen – as long as help one another!