Happy almost-New Year 4-H families and volunteers! The January Newsletter is coming to you a tad early this year :)
It feels great to be returning to the County Youth Coordinator role. I will miss the school and community programs through my previous role but I am excited to focus on serving you—4-H members and volunteers.
Thank you for being patient through our office reorganization and into this new season. We are all trying to do what is best for Clinton County.
If you or someone you know are looking for a new job in 2023, check out our current posting for an Office Coordinator! This person will help support the 4-H program. Learn more on our website.
I have some catching up to do and I’m confident the rest of the 4-H year will be great!
Thank you for your support and happy 2023!
Amanda Rau
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Upcoming Events
1/2: Extension Office Closed
1/TBD: Fruit Sales begin
1/28-29: Winter Plunge Camp
July 19-21, 2023 will be the Clinton County Fair!
Key Deadlines
TBD: Fruit Sale deadline
1/31: Market Beef identification through 4hOnline
Regular Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
*Office closed Jan. 2nd.
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Looking for Camp Counselors
4-H members aged 16+ who are interested in overnight camp opportunities like Winter Plunge and Junior Camp can still attend camp as a camp counselor! Primary duties are to help supervise younger youth and participate in activities as a role model. Reach out to Amanda at clinton4h@iastate.edu for more details. The super short application is available under “Winter Plunge”
Market Beef Identification
Market Beef exhibitors MUST identify the market beef they weighed in on December 17 through 4hOnline by January 31, 2023. ID sheets and instructions will mailed to 4-H families January 3. Members will also received an email with directions.
4-H members identifying animals for the Iowa State Fair must indicate if the animal is a purebred AND have retinal image box checked by the January 31 deadline!
Need help? Reach out to Amanda at clinton4h@iastate.edu.
If you are also a FFA member and will be exhibiting your beef as a FFA member, please confirm with your advisor on identification for county and state fair.
Youth Farm Safety Class to Begin Jan. 15
A farm safety certification course will be sponsored by the Clinton County Farm Bureau for young people ages 12 and up. Items such as ATV/UTV safety, equipment, animal and grain bin safety will be covered during the eight week course. Classes will be held Sunday afternoons, beginning on January 15 at 12 p.m. at the Clinton County Farm Bureau office, 514 8th St., DeWitt. Lunch will be provided. Cost of the course is $15 to cover the cost of materials. For students to pass the course they are required to have 24 hours of classroom time and to pass a driving test.
Contact the Clinton County Farm Bureau at 563-659-5134 or clinton.county@ifbf.org for preregistration or more information. Sign-up deadline is Jan. 11.
Drone Learning Camp—Registration Open Jan. 15
Who: 10 youth in 7th or 8th grades
When: March 14-16th
Where: DeWitt
Cost: $30
We are excited to bring this camp to Clinton County with the generous support of the Iowa 4-H Foundation! This camp will fill fast—only 10 youth will be allowed to register. Registration will open on January 15. Youth must be able to attend all three days!
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Clinton County Clover Kids News |
Club Enrollment Snapshot
As of 12/23, here’s our Clinton County numbers:
· 139 Clover Kids
· 257 4-H Members
· 57 Volunteers
Upcoming Club Meetings
As always, please confirm with your club leader for the most up-to-date information!
· Cal-Wheat CK - check with leader
· Delmar CK - check with leader
· DeWitt CK - check with leader
· Elk River Eagles CK - 1/5 at 5 pm @ Faith Lutheran Church
· Goose Lake CK - 1/11 from 4:30-5:30 at Northeast Elem. Cafe
· Grand Mound CK - 1/19 at 6:15 @ GMCC
Fair Activity Highlight - Pet Show
Clover Kids members can participate in a ton of different ways at the Clinton County Fair. One way is at the pet show!
Types of pets youth could bring include fish, birds, cats, dogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, or other pets that weigh less than 30 pounds. Youth could also bring a stuffed animal to experience what it is like to talk with a judge.
Clover Kids should write or draw answers in the pet report booklet, available online, before judging day. This helps the judge have discussion with the Clover Kids member.
Recipe of the Month—Make Fruit Pizza Video
Looking for a fun snack, dessert or dish to take to a party? Try a fruit pizza. It's simple, and can be made just the way you like it. Video tutorial for fruit pizza.
Activity of the Month—Slippery Slopes
We are exploring gravity by learning about a fun winter sport, skiing! Download the activity for free.
You’ll need pipe cleaners, craft sticks, wax paper, aluminum foil, OR any materials you can make work for this activity. This one focused on the STEM project area.
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Winter Plunge Camp
Who: 4-6th grade youth
When: January 28-29
Where: Grace Camp in DeWitt
Cost: $25.00 for 4-H members, $50 for non
About: Come explore ways to recharge your mind, heart, and body while discovering your inner warrior through arts, movement, and time outdoors! This year at Winter Plunge Camp, youth will engage in healthy ways to unplug by connecting with nature, sparking creativity, practicing mindful movement, and building positive relationships.
We're also looking for camp counselors! Youth ages 16-18 as of 1/1/23 should consider applying. Applications are due January 20.
Day Trip to the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa
Who: Youth in grades 7-11th
When: March 30, 2023
Where: Pick up in Cedar Rapids, trip to Ames
Cost: $15.00 (includes lunch)
Register: Contact Amanda at clinton4h@iastate.edu or 563-659-5125
This educational trip will expose youth to SSTFI and unleash their potential to participate in future years! Additionally, this trip experience will take youth onto Iowa State University’s campus through a campus tour from a current Iowa State University student, a visit to the Multicultural Student Affairs Center, and a hands-on experience with the Make to Innovate program. Youth will connect with current Iowa State University students as they explore campus.
Please note: Vans will leave the Linn County Extension Office at 7:30 AM and will return at 5:00 PM. School notes will be provided.
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Pioneer Seed Club Grant Application Now Open
Do you have a club project idea needing financial assistance? $50 - $500 is available to 4-H clubs for their community improvement projects through our Pioneer Seed Money grants. Applications are due to Amanda at clinton4h@iastate.edu by January 20, 2023. For application materials, tips, and more info, check out the website.
Webinar Series to help YOU apply for State Recognition Opportunities
· Jan. 4—How to Write a Recognition Day Cover Letter
· Jan. 10—How to Write a One-Page Resume
· Mar. 1—How to Prepare for an Interview
Citizenship Washington Focus Trip Open
Who: completed 9-11th grades summer of 2023
When: June 17-24, 2023
Where: Washington D.C.
Cost: $2300 (financial aid available)
Summer Interns in the State 4-H Office (Now Hiring)
The State 4-H Office is seeking applicants for the following summer intern positions: Exhibit Building Summer Program Assistant, Communications Summer Program Assistant, and two Summer Livestock Program Assistants. Position descriptions can be found on the State Fair Volunteer and Employment webpage.
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Clinton County Extension News |
Office Reorganization
On December 14, the Clinton County Extension Council finalized the last portion of the office reorganization process that started in October. As part of this, Amanda Rau will be the full-time CYC starting January 3rd. She will focus on all things related to 4-H membership, volunteers, club activities, and the Clinton County Club Show.
A new position – Ag & Natural Resources Coordinator – was created as part of the restructuring. Cris Vetter, the current Office Coordinator, has been promoted to this new position starting January 3rd. She will serve as the Master Gardener Coordinator, take care of both private and commercial pesticide trainings, and be the contact for all things Ag.
Sam Genson will remain as the County Director and will continue his regular duties. Additionally, he will oversee community and economic development and human sciences program areas.
We’re Hiring Summer Staff!
Clinton County 4-H is hiring two summer assistants for 2023! Summer Assistants will provide support for the operation of county 4-H/Youth summer activities and events, including educational presentations, clothing event, 4-H/FFA events at the county fair, and 4-H Day Camps. Apply today and learn more.
Join our team—Now Hiring an Office Coordinator
The Office Coordinator position is full-time, non-exempt, with hours from 8:30am to 5pm. If you (or someone you know!) are interested, please check out the job posting on our website.
Welcome New Council Member—Gayle Powell!
Terms for Clinton County Extension Council members begin in January every two years. Members serve for four-year terms. (Five are elected together and four are elected together.)
Gayle Powell will begin her four-year term this month. Gayle has been a very active Master Gardener member in Clinton County and has received a “Friend of Extension” award from Epsilon Sigma Phi (Alpha Mu) Chapter. Please help us welcome her to the Extension Council.
Home Gardening Webinar Series January-March
Designed for anyone who is interested in gardening or horticulture, the series aims to inspire and educate. You do not need to be a Master Gardener to attend. For more information, please reach out to Cris at cvetter@iastate.edu or visit our website.
January topics include:
Jan. 3—Growing Crops in the Cold
Jan. 10—Microgreens
Jan. 17—Harvesting and Preserving Herbs
Jan. 24—Edible Landscaping
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