March, 2011 Clover Reporter PO Box 790 Stevenson WA. 98648 Phone 509-427-3932 Website http://skamania.wsu.edu/ Next Leaders Council Meeting, Mon., April, 2011, Rock Creek Center 6:30 PM Remember! Leaders Council is for EVERYONE! If you re a leader, assistant leader, youth leader or just curious you are welcome to attend Leaders Council Meetings! They are OPEN. Please take an interest in these meetings as they are a very important component to keeping 4-H thriving in Skamania County. ~Livestock weigh-in~ Saturday, April 9, 2011 9 AM 11 AM No Mandatory Meeting! ~Equine Riding/Training Clinic~ Saturday, April 16, 2011 This event will be open to everyone with or without a horse and will cover the basics of Dressage, Trail and Jumping. Details and registration form below. Mark your calendars now! VOLUNTEER REPORTING NOW MUST BE DONE ONLINE! Even if you have had problems with the website in the past, please try again. The state is making this MANDATORY in order for your club to continue to be chartered!! http://ext.wsu.edu/testvolunteer/logon.aspx Congratulations The percentage of Skamania County Volunteers reporting their hours is the second highest in the state! Let s go for HIGHEST! Thank you!!! INSIDE Learning and Leadership Volunteer Hour Reporting Club Financial Reports MANDATORY Leaders Council Events KYG Delegation Photo Forest Youth Success Livestock Information/Documents State Information/Fair News Skamania County Fair
LEARNING & LEADERSHIP Leaders Council is planning a Super Saturday in June. Recently you were sent a survey. PLEASE take a few moments and fill it out. The results will determine what clinics will be offered at Super Saturday. We also need to know who is interested in helping out, putting on a clinic (as an individual or a club), or just doing some of the behind-the-scenes work. PLEASE ATTEND THE NEXT LEADERS COUNCIL MEETING WHETHER YOU ARE A LEADER OR MEMBER. Important decisions regarding Super Saturday, the fair, trophies, and fund-raising will be discussed. As always, thank you so much for all you do! VOLUNTEER HOURS REPORTING Why Do Volunteers Need to Report Hours in This System? We at WSU Extension could not have an educational impact in local communities without the work done by volunteers. For this we thank you very much! So why do we ask you to do even more for us and report the details of your work? Well, both WSU and the State of Washington look after the well-being of volunteers by requiring workers compensation insurance for every volunteer. This pays for medical treatment in the event that you are injured while working as a volunteer. Washington State law requires that all volunteers working in support of WSU programs are covered by worker compensation insurance. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industry uses the dates and number of hours that volunteers work to determine the amount of insurance that must be purchased to adequately cover our volunteers. To be in compliance with State Law, WSU Extension has developed an online tool to facilitate collection and analysis of volunteer contributions. The system will be sequentially launched to each WSU Extension volunteer-based program. Go to: http://ext.wsu.edu/testvolunteer/logon.aspx 1) User name is your email if you can t get in at this point, send me an email and I will add you to the database. Most leaders are already added, but it is possible that a few were missed. 2) The password is ~ Password! ~ case sensitive and use the! 3) Fill out personal information 4) Click on Volunteers on the left column under Home 5) Click on Enter Activity 6) Select from menus/date/hours. Estimate if you need to! 7) Log out on the top right
Treasurer Report: Each Club MUST fill out and send in the following report even if you did not have funds! OVERDUE NOW! Thank you very much.
LEADERS COUNCIL Leadership Council Pres: Thomas Friedman Vice Pres: Kay Day Secretary: Sandy Haigh Treasurer: Martha Thomas Minutes for the following meetings are NOT approved. They are for information only! Minutes Leadership Council Meeting March 14, 2011 Submitted by Sandy Haigh, Council Secretary The President called the meeting to order at 6:48 pm in the Rock Creek Center. Attendees: Thomas Friedmann, Sally Mansur, Sandy Haigh, Jeannie Sizemore, Martha Thomas, Kay Day, Rosie Roth, John Roth, Billie Jo McEathron, Karly McPoil, Tina Goodnight, Martha Suronen, Cyndi Gonser, Kim Russell, Frank Russell A quorum was present. The minutes from the February 14, 2011 meeting were read and approved. Treasurers Report Martha passed out a report. Total in checking account is $3777.04. Balances for line items were read. It was voted on and approved as presented. Office Report Thanks to all the leaders who put project codes on their reenrollments. It made processing them much easier. 2011 WSSP Lambing & Management School will be March 5, April 2, and April 9. It will be hosted by Dr. Jill Swannack, DVM and Martinez Livestock and Feustel Farms. Managing Livestock Properties For Healthy Streams, Animals and Wallets will be held Sat. April 2, 9-3:30 in Lyle, WA. Cultivating Success-Sustainable Small Farming and Ranching Spring 2011 Course beginning March 31 offered by Todd Murray at Skamania County Extension. Skagit County Dog 4-H is hosting a camp out June 11 th and 12 th. NW Jr. Sheep Exposition July 15-16 Beef Weigh-In for Skamania County 4-H will be April 9 from 9-11. There will be no mandatory meeting. Sally has some record books for leaders who need them. Exhibit Hall Report No report was given. Fair Board Report
There was no Fair Board meeting. Next Fair Board meeting is scheduled for March 23. Sandy Haigh will attend and bring questions submitted to Leader s Council. Old Business No camp directors training will be offered this year. Those who attended last year will be covered for this year. The WSU Extension web site is still troublesome. The Clover Reporter cannot be put on it at this point but Sally will work on it. Sally will continue to e-mail the Clover Reporter to 4-H members. The problem with the lag time of information coming via Clover Reporter was discussed. People are getting information after deadlines pass. Sally will send specific information to leaders of various project areas. Everyone needs to keep getting their volunteer hours posted. New Business There was a discussion of how we could structure our Super Saturday to be held on June 18 th. A Super Saturday is being held in Kitsap County on April 9. Sally may go to see what it is like. The registration form for Whatcom County s Super Saturday went around for us to review. Skamania s will be held on the fairgrounds. Sally will e-mail clubs and get a commitment on what they want to contribute. Kids and adult topics should be included. Martha Suronen proposed a 16 block schedule with 4 rotations going from10:00-2:00 with 45 minute classes with 15 minute move time between classes. Sally will send out examples of topics from other counties to our clubs and see what classes they might want to offer or take part in. We will put it together over the next few meetings. The Open Buckle Series Gaming Horse Show is scheduled for July 9. An endorsement of Happy Trails 4-H Day camp was requested by Tina Goodnight after a presentation about what the camp does. It was voted and passed to endorse the camp as was done last year. The 4-H Dog Club Pups and Pals will hold a fund raiser on June 11 th at the fairgrounds to get money for a new dog walk. Horse Advisory will not contribute money to the general fund this year for other groups to use. They need the money to fund horse camp and other activities and have been the sole fundraising entity for the past several years. Other groups will have to come up with fundraising ideas to fund expenses including fair trophies. These ideas will be discussed at the next meeting. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for April 11 at 6:30 at the Rock Creek Center. Klickitat County 4-H April Showers Rabbit & Cavy Show Saturday, April 9, 2011 Show starts at 10:00am Showroom opens at 8:30am Klickitat County Fairgrounds Small Animal Building 903 Fairgrounds Road Goldendale, Washington Entries due: postmarked by April 1, late entries must be postmarked by April 4 For show information and entry forms: Go to www.klickitat.wsu.edu under Upcoming Events
6th Annual April Fools Boer Goat Weekend Hosted by the Cascade Boer Goat Association Saturday and Sunday April 2 and 3, 2010 Two ABGA Sanctioned Shows on April 2 nd Seminars and Market Goat Sale on April 3 rd Schedule: Friday: 3pm and later: haul-in, health checks and show check-in Saturday: 8am: ABGA show begins; second show to follow first Sunday: 7:30am: seminar check in; 9:00am: seminars begin; 1:00pm Sale preview and 2:00pm Sale begins Dates: Saturday, April 2 nd : Two ABGA shows; judges Ray Bolinger and Jessie Kimmel Sunday, April 3rd: Seminars and Market Goat Sale Contacts: Suzanne Rogers: suerogers360@yahoo.com or 360-600-9454 Elise Conlee: eaconlee@yahoo.com Location: Skamania Fairgrounds in Stevenson, WA Directions: Stevenson is located on Highway 14 in the Columbia Gorge about 30 minutes east of Portland. Address: 710 SW Rock Creek Dr, Stevenson, WA. See: http://www.skamaniacountyfair.com/directions.htm Most of you will take I-84 through the gorge, take exit 44 (Cascade Locks), cross over the toll-bridge Bridge of the Gods and then head a short way east on Highway 14 in Washington. Turn left off of 14 at the sign for Skamania Lodge, and follow that road to the fairgrounds (past the lodge). Arrival Info: Pens will be available after 3pm on Friday, April 1 st. Please leave your animals on the trailer until after they have been health-checked. After unloading please move your vehicle immediately so that others are able to unload near the barn entrances. Most of the pens are approx. 8 x 6. Note: if you want a tack pen, please order separately from your show animal pens. Camping: Hotels: Camping is available on the fairgrounds. Camping fees are $15 per night for no hookup and $20 per night with hookup; fees are paid to the fairgrounds directly (see attached form). No dogs allowed in the barns unless by prior arrangement with show staff. There are several hotels near the fairgrounds with varying prices. See the Stevenson options at: http://www.cityofstevenson.com/lodging.html. See the options in Cascade Locks (just across the bridge) at: http://www.cascadelocks.net/placestostay.htm. Selling Goats at the AF weekend: You are welcome to post registered Boer goats for sale with a sign on their pen if they are entered in both ABGA shows. We do not have sufficient pens to allow sales of goats not in the show (market goats can stay in pens with your show goats). Vendor Information: There will be vendor space available at the April Fools Weekend by prior arrangement. Please contact us for details info@cascadebga.org Silent Auction & Raffle Information: There will be a raffle & silent auction of donated items beginning on Saturday the 2 nd and ending at lunch on Sunday (between the seminars and the market goat sale). We appreciate all donations, and 100% of the proceeds of the silent auction go to the CBGA. Let us know what you ll be donating prior to March 22 nd, and have your donation listed in the program. Thanks!
Small Farming and Ranching Course Series Contact: Todd Murray, 509-427-3931, tmurray@wsu.edu It all starts with a plan Whole Farm Planning Course Begins with First-hand Experience from Conway Family Farms Join WSU Extension and Gorge Grown on March 31, 6-9pm at 710 Rock Dr. Stevenson WA for an introduction to the Small Farming and Ranching Course Series. The first night is free of charge and will show participants what can be expected through the completion of the course series. Participants will learn about the course series and course content. Lorrie Conway, owner of Conway Family Farms http://www.conwayfamilyfarm.com, will introduce the concept of holistic farm planning and the benefits of whole farm planning. Lorrie will give an overview of her family farm and talk about what kinds of challenges and successes you can expect to find as you develop your whole farm plan. The Conway Family has a diversified small farm located in Camas. Enrollment is beginning now, with the first course scheduled for March 31 6-9pm at Rock Creek Center, 710 Rock Creek Dr. Stevenson WA. Sustainable Small-Acreage Farming and Ranching is offered for college or continuing education credit. Classes will meet for eight weeks on Thursday evenings 6-9pm in Stevenson with weekend and additional field trips to be announced. The cost is $50 per family for the entire series or $10 per class. Scholarships are available to accommodate any needs. Commitment for participation and payment is not needed until after the first class. A course syllabus and news will be provided at http://skamania.wsu.edu/cs.html. WSU Extension and Gorge Grown are sponsoring the course. Cultivating Success is an accredited course series from a collaboration of Washington State University's Small Farms Team, University of Idaho Extension and the non-profit Rural Roots. Funding for the courses comes from the NIFA - Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program. For more details and to register, contact Todd Murray, 509-427-3931, tmurray@wsu.edu or visit us online at: http://skamania.wsu.edu For more information about Cultivating Success, visit www.cultivatingsuccess.org Todd Murray WSU Skamania County Extension PO Box 790 (Mailing) 710 SW Rock Creek Drive Stevenson WA 98648 tmurray@wsu.edu - Phone: 509.427.3931 WSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.
LIVESTOCK DOCUMENTS/INFORMATION
Attention Poultry Projects! We are modifying the Market Sale poultry program for this year's fair. There will be only two categories of poultry offered for sale at the Saturday Auction. These will be Market Turkeys and Pens of 3 Laying Hens. Exhibitors will be required to purchase chicks and poults for their project from the market sale committee in May. These young birds will be several weeks in age and banded for identification purposes. We are requesting a best faith estimate of the number of birds each club will be interested in. Please remember that any and all poultry exhibits will be welcomed. Turkeys and chickens of other breeds and types will be exhibited and judged. This change only effects birds being raised for the Junior Livestock Sale. (Also see below for important information from the State Dept. of Agriculture re: ILT) Thanks, Larry Sampson/Livestock Superintendent Skamania County Delegation to Know Your Government 2011 Sen. Honeyford, Naomi Ramos, Aubrey Suronen, Martha Suronen Back: Emma Crane, Robyn Young, Debbie Crane
Forest Youth Success Building healthy youth, forests, and communities -2010 HIGHLIGHTS- In 2010 : 4.1 miles of USFS/Private boundary cleared 10 miles of trails repaired 41 acres of white pine pruning 600 trees planted and 200 seedlings watered 20 acres of invasive species removal 4.5 miles of roadside brushing 21 culverts maintained 26 wildlife structures inspected and maintained Cleared logs out of 50 feet of creek 26 wildlife structures inspected 5 sites of water testing 10 Western Pond Turtles released 11km of research plots set and flagged Working so closely with FYS has truly been a rewarding project as I am very passionate about this program, especially since it helped me gain responsibility and leadership as an adolescent. E. Waters, WSU Intern, graduate and FYS Alumni Despite living in a county that is about 90 percent forested, many Skamania County youth have few linkages to and little knowledge of the surrounding forest. With changing economies, youth also have few employment opportunities nor many chances to develop job experience. Constrained resources, forest managers and communities need help completing projects that benefit the health of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and other publicly held lands. Meeting these three challenges allows this forest youth program to be a success for Skamania County! Skamania County young adults employed by FYS Program learn-by-doing. WSU 4H Challenge programs create a safe, hands-on learning environment that achieve the following goals for the program: (1) teach the fundamentals of forest ecology and forest health management (2) Enhance and develop positive life skills to increase employability (self confidence, communication, teamwork, group problem solving) (3)Develop a sense of responsibility for the forest and Skamania County communities (4) Achieve infrastructure and ecosystem management objectives on the south end of the GPNF and nearby communities (5) Provide basic job skills while earning a minimum wage stipend to participating youth and employ local adults as crew leaders We surveyed past participants dating back as far as 5 years and found that the program has had lasting impacts on Skamania County youth. Almost 70% responded that FYS helped them acquire another job. 95% credit FYS for forming their work ethic and increasing basic job skills. Over 70% of past participants attribute FYS as shaping their career interests. Over 50% chose their college degree because of FYS. Over 90% found FYS effective for helping manage their personal finances. 98% described FYS as increasing their ability to accept future job responsibility. Program partners Work crews learn how to work with tools. Survey results capturing impacts of FYS on past program participants. The majority of responses show positive influences on job preparedness and employability.
INFORMATION FROM THE STATE State 4-H Fair News! http://4h.wsu.edu/statefair/fairnews.html
2011 Theme: "Once Upon a Fair" WE NEED YOUR HELP! We have some exciting ideas for implementing our 2011 fair theme, "Once Upon a Fair". We'd like you to bring in anything you have from fairs past-photos, memorabilia and other items you could share would be greatly appreciated. Join us in our amazing walk down memory lane! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS: Please consider being a volunteer this year. We have already starting gearing up for this year's fair and could use your help. Whether you enjoy painting, organizing, judging, setting up exhibits, distributing flyers, we have a job for you. Please contact us and let us know if you can help out. 2011 Fair Hours: Wednesday August 10 Noon to 10pm Thursday August 11 10 am to 10pm Friday August 12 10 am to 10 pm Saturday August 13 10 am to 10 pm Sunday August 14 10 am to 4 pm We hope you will join our tradition by getting involved. You can enter an exhibit, help a youngster with theirs or become one of the many volunteers who make this fair possible. The Skamania County Fair prides itself on being a less commercial fair that offers great family entertainment, an opportunity to reunite with old friends and meet new ones, and a chance to see our history and our future. Information regarding the fair is available by contacting the Skamania County Fair office: Phone: 509-427-3979 Fax: 866-295-9879 Email: fair@co.skamania.wa.us Write to: P.O. Box 790 Stevenson, WA 98648 http://www.skamaniacountyfair.com/ Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual with a disability must have an equal opportunity for effective communication and participation in public meetings. Upon request, agencies must provide auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for non-english speaking, hearing impaired, and/or large print or Braille documents for vision impaired. In determining type of auxiliary and/or service, agencies must give primary consideration to the individual's request. Those requesting auxiliary aids or services should notify the Extension Office14 days prior to the meeting by mail, telephone (509-427-3932 or 503-481-0594) or email at mansur@co.skamania.wa.us. Cooperating agencies: Washington State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Skamania County. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through you local Extension office. If you require special accommodation, call W.S.U. Extension Skamania County at (509) 427-3930 at least two weeks prior to the event.