Greetings 4-H Families!

We made it to August! Thank you all for bearing with our office, Jr. Fair, Senior Fair, etc. as we all made several changes to comply with state and county health orders in these strange times to keep our 4-H families and volunteers safe. While it wasn’t the year we had planned for, we are thankful for a 4-H family that is flexible and resilient and the many volunteers that stepped up to help make it happen for our youth!

As we move into the tail end of the “4-H season” and start planning for 2021, watch for some fun things to come your way this fall to engage our youth! We are still implementing mostly virtual programs as far as club and county activities go to ensure the safety of our families and volunteers. Our office will remain open to the public on Monday’s from 7:30am-4:00pm and we all can be reached via phone or email Tuesday-Friday.

Again, thank you all for your perseverance. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Yours in 4-H,

Frances Nicol

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development.

In this issue:

• Thank You Note Reminder
• Jr. Fair Results
• Special Interest Project Judging Information and Award Pick Up
• Farm Bureau Fair T-Shirts Available
• Extension Office Hours
• 2021 Junior Fair Board Applications due September 1
• End-Of-Year Award Applications due September 30
• In-Person 4-H Event Guidelines Reminder
• Oho 4-H Teen Leadership Council Applications due August 14
• Ohio 4-H Project Showcase submissions due August 15
• Ohio State Fair Virtual Fun
• Ohio Youth Skillathon Results

COUNTY 4-H UPDATES

Thank You Notes

Now that fair is over, please make sure that you take the time to write a thank you note to the sponsors of your awards and buyers. It is very important to show appreciation to these supporters! While you are at it, feel free to write a letter of appreciation to others that helped make your 4-H year memorable and possible. This could be your parents, club leaders, volunteers and fair, and older youth member, etc.

The buyers list from the 2020 Jr. Fair Livestock Sale is available here!

Remember, the sponsors of awards and buyers did not have to do this for you. Please do these thank you notes in a timely manner to show your appreciation!

When writing a thank you note, remember to include the following:

• Greeting (Dear ____,)
• Express your gratitude (Thank you so much for sponsoring ___ award OR thank you so much for all your help with my project)
• Discuss Use (Say something nice about what you got and how you will use it/what it means to you!)
• Grace (Thanks again for your support)
• Regards (Sincerely)

For additional help writing a thank you note and to see a sample, click here!

Jr. Fair Results

Congratulations to all who exhibited at the 2020 Madison County Jr. Fair! To view results from livestock classes and special interest awards, as well as the project showcase for special interest, click the links below!

• Special Interest Award Winners
  • Special Interest Project Showcase
• Livestock Show Results
• Showman of Showman, Scholarship, and other Fair Awards
• Equine High Point Awards

*There are some awards that need claimed in the Extension Office. If you are waiting for a banner/plaque, please call ahead to make sure it is in before making a trip to the Extension Office!

Special Interest Project Results and Showcase

Didn’t get a chance to see all the special interest projects on display? This year, we created a virtual display for our projects!

Click here to view the awards list as well as the showcase by project area!

*If you have not already picked up your award for honorable mention, outstanding, or outstanding overall, you can do so at the Extension Office on Monday’s from 7:30am-4:00pm or work with your club advisor.

Farm Bureau T-Shirts

Madison County Farm Bureau has FREE t-shirts for all Jr. Fair exhibitors!  See the photo for the sponsors that made it possible!

There are extra shirts available in the Extension Office for those who have not yet received one. They are available on a first come, first serve basis and they may not be in your size. You can pick up shirts at the Extension Office on Monday’s from 7:30am-4:00pm or work with your club advisor.

OSU Extension Office Hours

The Madison County Extension Office is now open to the public! We are open Monday for open hours (no appointment needed) from 7:30am-4:00pm and Tuesday-Friday by appointment only. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment at least 24 hours in advance.

2019 Jr. Fair Aglympics

Junior Fair Board 2021 Applications Available – Due September 1

Time to start thinking about 2021! If you are a teen and interested in helping make decisions about the Jr. Fair and serve your community, apply now to be a 2021 Junior Fair Board member!

Applications and information on meeting dates and expectations are available at go.osu.edu/madcojfb. Applications are due September 1st to the Extension Office or emailed to madisoncountyjfb@gmail.com or nicol.115@osu.edu.

End-Of-Year Award Applications and Forms available – Due September 30th

2019 4-H Honor Members

Want to be recognized for your 4-H accomplishments? Nominate an outstanding member or friend of 4-H? All end of year award applications are due September 30th to the OSU Extension office or emailed to duffey.2@osu.edu. Awards are annouced at the end of year banquet in December. You can find all the forms below or linked to our website here.

• Jr Honor Member Award (Ages 8 and in the 3rd grade to 13 years)
• Teen Honor Member Awards (14 & up)
• Cloverbud Member Activity & Participation Sheet (Ages 5 and in Kindergarten to 8 years)
• Outstanding 4-H Member Nomination form
• Volunteer Honor Award (Adult Volunteers)
• Community Service Award and suggestions for community service projects
• Honor Club (For advisors)
• Friend of 4-H Award

In-Person 4-H Meeting Update

*Remember that according to state mandates, all Ohioans must wear a mask in public, including all 4-H events. Review the state guidelines for more information on exceptions. While the state mandate is for those 10 and up, we expect our 4-Hers to wear masks at in-person events as well.

*If you or your child has an accomodation needing a communicator masks (see through) please contact the office so we can make arrangements!

Read below for a reminder on the in-person meeting guidelines:

We’re happy to share we’ve received approval from Ohio State University leadership to resume in-person 4-H club meetings and activities starting immediately. This is welcome news for our 3,039 Ohio 4-H clubs across the state. Ohio 4-H clubs that choose to begin meeting in-person must follow the guidelines listed below to promote the health and safety of our 4-H community, as we face the challenge of COVID-19.

Clubs choosing to meet in-person should provide virtual connection options for members who have that preference. Please note that in-person 4-H club meetings, activities and other events may be suspended at any time if local, state, federal, and/or university authorities issue new restrictions. 4-H meetings and activities can only be held in person if Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidelines can be followed.

The Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidelines provide expectations for all members, volunteers, and their families while participating in 4-H club meetings and activities. County and Independent Fairs work closely with Ohio 4-H / The Ohio State University, but are separate entities and follow different guidance. When 4-H members and volunteers participate in Junior Fair animal activities, they follow guidance from these local partners, as Ag Societies have the responsibility for the Junior Fair. 4-H non-livestock project judging that takes place during the fair is conducted by OSU Extension and must follow Ohio 4-H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidance.

The Madison County OSU Extension office is open to the public on Monday’s, 7:30am-4:00pm, and by appointment only Tuesday-Friday. We will continue to send information to you via 4-H Online emails and social media. You will also find the guidelines, a tip sheet and resources at ohio4h.org/families/stay-connected. Ohio 4-H teen leaders are developing video tutorials to assist educating club members on the in-person meeting expectations and will share those as they are available. When possible, we encourage OSU Extension programs, meetings, and events to meet virtually.

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 3 – 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30pm

August 5 – Junior Fair Board Meeting, 6:00pm

August 14 – Teen Leadership Council Applications due

September 1 – Jr. Fair Board applications due

September 7 – Extension Office Closed – Labor Day

September 30 – Honor Club Apps, Community Service Club Awards, Jr. and Teen Honor Member Forms, Outstanding Member Nomination forms, Cloverbud, Volunteer Honor Form, and Friend of 4-H Nomination forms due

STATE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES

Be sure to check Ohio4H.org for the most recent state 4-H information and follow the “Ohio State – 4-H Youth Development” Facebook page!

Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council – Applications due August 14, 2020

Looking for a way to gain more leadership experience at the state 4-H level? Consider applying for the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC)!

The Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council (TLC) is a statewide group of 4-H teens and young 4-H alumni that provides a youth stakeholder perspective in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Ohio 4-H programming. In this process, council members develop knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations needed for future success.  Council members share advice and recommendations to 4-H professionals in order to improve, strengthen, and expand the Ohio 4-H program.  Members also make recommendations regarding opportunities for Ohio 4-H teen programming. They serve as a sounding board for Ohio 4-H program direction.

Madison County current has 2 members, Olivia Rinesmith from Fairfield Rascals and Luke Furbee from Eager Achievers!

Individuals must be 14-18 as of January 1 of the year of application to apply for council member, committee member, committee chair, and officer positions.  All materials must be submitted on August 14, 2020 (application, two references, signatures, and program fee)

Applications and more information for this group are now available online at: go.osu.edu/TLC.  

Ohio 4-H Project Showcase!

This summer we invite 4-H members in good standing to submit a photo of themselves with their 4-H project for display in an online project showcase. You’ll be asked to share what you liked about the project and one new thing you learned. Parents will also need to sign their approval for youth to participate.

Here’s more:

• Select your favorite project – one per person
• Send a great photo – at least 2 MB
• Photos will be display after September 8 at ohio4h.org

Submit your photos by August 15 at go.osu.edu/4H2020Showcase. Questions? Contact Sarah Longo at longo.79@osu.edu.

Ohio State Fair Anywhere!

The Ohio State Fair cannot be replace – but they are working to give you a little taste of your fair favorites from afar with “Ohio State Fair Anywhere: An Online Experience.” Keep following @OhioStateFair on social media from July 29 through Aug. 9 for LOADS of Fair fun – like tons of Fair food recipes! Read about what you can expect here. All content will be shared on ohiostatefair.com/anywhere

Ohio Youth Skillathons

Registration has closed for the online Ohio Youth Skillathons. For those participating, don’t forget to show proof of your score (70% or higher) at Vallery’s Farmhouse Bakery in London to redeem a free cookie!

Congrats to those that have completed skillathon so far: Results for each day can be found here: ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-youth-skillathons (click on each species for results by county and placings)

• Callie Jenkins, Born in a Barn – Dairy, Horse

Dog, Poultry, Swine, Beef, and Rabbit Skillathons take place this coming week!