As we begin the new 4-H year, families are wanting to get the jump on enrolling in 4-H for the year.  For this year only, we will not be enrolling thru 4-H Online until the middle of November due to 4-H Online coming out with a new version.  The new version will be more user friendly.  Stay tuned for more information and tutorials on how to enroll in 4-H.

The Paulding County Junior Fairboard has announced that they are extending their deadline for applications to join the Paulding County Junior Fairboard.  The application can be found by clicking on the link below.  To join, members must be in good standing with a youth organization in Paulding County and be a high school student.  Applications are due no later than November 6^th and can be completed and e-mailed to Michael or sent to the address on the application.

2020-2021 Paulding County Junior Fairboard Application

Ohio 4-H has announced the changes to the project line-up for 2021.  Below are the list of changes to the projects we currently have.  Projects that are not listed here have no changes from last year.  For questions regarding these new, revised/replaced, or discontinued projects, please contact Michael.  If you were planning on completing one of the discontinued projects for the year, we can work on making the project a self-determined project for 2021.

2021 Summary of Ohio 4-H Publication Changes

Looking for the dates for the Paulding County Fair for 2021?  Look no further…we have the answer right here.  The Paulding County Fair will take place June 12^th thru the 19^th.  Put these dates on your calendars now and plan to be a part of the Paulding County Fair in 2021!

All 4-H Clubs in Paulding County will be starting to hold their 4-H meetings for the new year within the next month.  If you have not heard information from your advisors, please check in with them to be sure you do not miss your meetings.

In order to have our in-person 4-H meetings to start the year, we have some policies that are in place.  These include everyone wearing masks (not an option), no more than 50 people in attendance at a meeting, no refreshments that are shared within the club, and ZOOM will be an option for any family that does not feel comfortable participating in-person.  If the Paulding County Health Department determines that in-person gatherings need to be limited, Paulding County turns red on the state COVID-19 map, or Ohio State University limits in-person programming, we will return to ZOOM for our meetings.

I know that wearing masks is a controversial issue in Paulding County.  It is up to us to do our part to continue to be in-person for meetings.  The end of the 4-H Pledge states “for my club, my community, my country, and my world”.  If masks are able to keep one person safe from COVID, we should be doing it.  If you have questions about wearing masks, the policy that we are required to follow, or our protocols for in-person 4-H meetings, please contact Michael to discuss further.

Project Central is an easy way for 4-H members and project helpers to preview Ohio 4-H project books and resources. Take a closer look at a book, find out what others have to say, and share your experiences.  To take a closer look at a book you are interested in, all you have to do is click on the picture of the book and it will give you a preview of what the project has to offer.  If you have not used this resource to browse for your next project, I highly encourage you to do so.  This is a great resource that is not used as much as it should be.  To visit Ohio 4-H Project Central, visit: https://projectcentral.ohio4h.org/

The 2021 Ohio 4-H Family Guide has been released for the new 4-H year.  This updated book lists all of the projects that 4-H youth in grades 3-12 (ages 8-19) are eligible to complete.  The link below will take you to the Ohio 4-H Family Guide where you will be able to choose your next project.

Link to Ohio 4-H Family Guide: https://ohio4h.org/sites/ohio4h/files/imce/Resources/books_resources/e1000%20Family%20Guide%202021%202020-1001.pdf

Link to Flip Book Family Guide: https://fliphtml5.com/bbwun/qpwy

Have you downloaded our new app?  If not, why?  This is a great resource that has everything you will need in one place.  Please take a minute now and download this new resource to keep updated on all things 4-H and Paulding County Extension related.  Click on the link below to download the app today!  While you are thinking about it, share this info with everyone you know.  Our app has something for everyone.

To download for Apple products: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1527286535 or search for Paulding County 4-H in iTunes.

To download for Android products: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.paulding.county4h or search for Paulding County 4-H in Google Play.

Ohio 4-H requires that youth participate in a minimum of 6 hours of 4-H programming per year in order to be considered a 4-H member.  In Paulding County, this equates to a minimum of 4 club meetings per year.  Being in 4-H is a commitment of your time and talents and it is expected that all youth comply with this rule.  Advisors are asked every year to confirm that youth have participated in the minimum number of meetings.  Failure to do this will result in not being able to participate in the Paulding County Junior Fair as a 4-H member.  If you have specific questions regarding this minimum requirement, please contact Michael.

Being a 4-H Club officer is a very rewarding responsibility that must be taken seriously.  Advisors and fellow 4-H Club members count on the officers to take their role seriously.  For starters, club officers need to participate in the officer training.  The dates for officer training in Paulding County are:

President and Vice President – November 16^th from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm via ZOOM

Secretary – November 23^rd from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm via ZOOM

Treasurer – November 19^th from 7:30 to 8:30 pm via ZOOM

News Reporter – November 19^th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via ZOOM

Health Officer – November 16^th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via ZOOM

Safety Officer – November 23^rd from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via ZOOM

Recreation Officer – November 24^th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm via ZOOM

Once training is complete, it is critical that officers create their plan for completing their responsibilities and attend all of the club’s meetings in order to lead the club in the right direction.  The officer team must be willing to meet with the advisors before each club meeting to discuss the topics of the meeting and ensure that all officers are prepared for the meeting.  If you are not able to attend one of the scheduled meetings, contact should be made well in advance with your advisors as well as the other officers of your club so planning for your absence can take place.

The 4-H Officer positions of Secretary and Treasurer have additional responsibilities of keeping accurate records for the 4-H club.  Officer books for these positions are required to be completed and turned in the first week of August every year.  This allows for an informal audit to take place as well as the grading of these officer books.

If you have questions about the officer positions or what is required of them, please contact your club advisor or Michael.  You should have all of your questions about an officer position answered BEFORE your club’s election.  The links below will take you to videos that have been produced that explain the roles of each 4-H Club Officer position.

President: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGlUfd80P8&feature=youtu.be

Vice President: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f25ozy84vQ&feature=youtu.be

Secretary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro3QgJdeqQ4&feature=youtu.be

Treasurer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZJc7-_4qKI&feature=youtu.be

News Reporter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNs5nQqOybs&feature=youtu.be

Health Officer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfSXbrJ2W6g&feature=youtu.be

Safety Officer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkm69VYak6E&feature=youtu.be

Recreation Officer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V_zH3D-NPw&feature=youtu.be