January 2021 Newsletter
4-H Record Books
Just a reminder that 4-H Record Books are due in the county office tomorrow, January 15. If you need a green record book cover, they are available at the office. Beginner (age 9-12), Intermediate (age 13-15) and Advanced (age 16-19) record books should be turned in SIGNED, with a COVER, and DIVIDERS for each section. *Ages are as of January 1, 2021.

We know this has been a crazy year. Just do your best. If you need help, contact our office. We look forward to reading about your 2020 4-H experiences!
Community Service Challenge
During each month of 2021, we will be challenging our 4-Hers to venture out into their community to lend a helping hand. January's Community Service Challenge is to donate to a local food pantry. Food pantries usually get lots of donations during the holiday season, but there are people in our communities that need food year-round.
We hope you’ll participate in the monthly challenges and share what you do! Email photos to smwilson@uaex.edu or share on social media using the hashtags #PrairieCo4H and #CommunityServiceChallenge!
Wildlife Habitat Virtual Practice
Register now for the virtual Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) Practice Session on Saturday, January 30. There is no cost, but registration is required.

The in-person February 20 field day is cancelled, given the number of COVID-19 cases. A virtual field tour may be offered as a replacement.
The State 4-H WHEP Contest will be April 30. A decision about whether it will be in-person or virtual will be forthcoming.

Register by January 15 through the Arkansas 4-H Enrollment and Events System.
4-H Essay Contest
What does the Arkansas 4-H Center mean to our 4-Hers? Let’s find out by urging them to submit an essay celebrating the 40 Anniversary of the 4-H Center.

Members can submit a written or video essay explaining what their visits to the 4-H Center have meant to them.

The first-place winners in each category (Junior ages 9-13 and Senior ages 14-19) will win a gift card for $125 and a certificate of recognition!
Volunteer Trainings

Arkansas 4-H will be hosting a Southern Regionwide 4-H Virtual Volunteer Conversation on January 19 at 6:00 p.m. Topics include conducting service learning in a socially distant environment and tips on reaching diverse audiences. This is open to all 4-H volunteers and professionals. Please take advantage of learning what is working in surrounding areas. Register at the Volunteer Training Website or at https://bit.ly/3npw6oz.

Registration is now open for the Arkansas 4-H Volunteer Forum to be held virtually on Saturday, January 30. Please check out the website under Volunteer Training to register: 
COVID-19 Update

Even with 2020 in the rear-view mirror we are still limited to mostly virtual interactions. We are still in Phase II until March March 31, 2021. Please bear with us while we try to plan meetings and events with limits of 10 or less.
Congratulations to our Award Winning Members

Peyton W., Weston H., and Noah H. were the winners of our 1st annual Gingerbread House Contest!
Prairie County Extension Service | 870-998-2614 |www.uaex.edu/prairie
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, contact your County Extension Office ( or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.