1625 adventureland drive, suite a • altoona, iowa 50009 ......1625 adventureland drive, suite a...

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • July 2019 Issue

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran, or other protected classes. Direct inquiries to the Diversity Advisor, 515-294-1482, [email protected].

IN THIS ISSUE

Focus: Deadlines and

announcements.

Events: Upcoming events

within Polk County 4-H and

across the state.

Spotlight: Club features,

highlights, and events.

Animal & Livestock News:

Updates for livestock and

animal exhibitors.

Polk County Fair: Information

for Polk County Fair Exhibitors.

Attention Leaders: Information

on leader meetings, trainings,

and other related topics.

Calendar & Contact: Calendar

listing of events, meetings,

workshops, and deadlines and

how to reach us.

Iowa 4-H Regulations and

Guidance: Updated information

on policies under review.

4-H Advisory Board

Scholarship: Link to the 4-H

Advisory Board Scholarship

application.

2019 POLK COUNTY FAIR Join over 600 youth involved in Clover Kids and 4-H as they showcase their learning at this year’s Polk County Fair from July 17-22 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. With 71 clubs, there are a many unforgettable moments ahead, especially with the theme: unFAIRgettable! Below are some things you won’t want to miss!

Kick-Off BBQ and King-Queen Coronation | Wednesday, July 18 The BBQ is from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the 4-H Building. The King-Queen Coronation begins at 7:00 p.m.

Communication Event | Thursday, July 18 The communication event is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. in the 4-H Building. Stop by and listen to youth speeches and participate in some make and take activities.

Fifth Annual Clover Dash 5K | Saturday, July 20 at 8:30 a.m. Early registration ends, TODAY, July 1! To learn more and to register, visit the Polk County Clover Dash website

King Arthur Baking Contest | Saturday, July 20 There are youth and adult divisions. The entry form is available at

the Polk County Fair website.

Stop by the fair – free admission and parking – to see the kids’ projects, animal shows, and participate in fun events! Head over to Polk County Fair website for the complete fair schedule.

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/regulations-and-guidance

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/regulations-and-guidance

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScT8RrFjFEnyZ165Vv9kIgcVc4OKCoAdx3wl1nJRYN0pxeF4A/viewform?usp=sf_link

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScT8RrFjFEnyZ165Vv9kIgcVc4OKCoAdx3wl1nJRYN0pxeF4A/viewform?usp=sf_link

http://www.polkcountcloverdash.org/

http://polkcountyfairiowa.com/forms.html

http://polkcountyfairiowa.com/schedule.html



FOCUS

Keep up with deadlines and announcements related to Polk County 4-H.

Upcoming Deadlines

July 1

All Polk County Fair Entries are due.

All State Fair entries are due.

Livestock ID’s are due for rabbits and poultry in 4-H Online to be able to exhibit them at the Polk

County or Iowa State Fair.

2019 Fair Dates

Polk County Fair | July 17-22, 2019

Iowa State Fair | August 8-18, 2019

Apparel Order Check out our apparel order form at the end of Clover Power! We are selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps,

and more. Order forms and payments are due to the Extension Office by July 23, 2019 by 5:00 p.m.

Wanted: 4-H Workshops

We are looking for adults and/or youth who are interested in sharing their skills with other 4-Hers.

If you have something that you would like to share please contact Madisen.


http://[email protected]



Polk County Fair Queen Fundraiser As being Polk County Fair Queen my goal was to raise money for a special needs camp. With this I have designed T-shirts, Hoodies, and Crewnecks to sell for Camp Courageous. Camp Courageous is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides year-round recreational and respite care opportunities for individuals with special needs. The camp is run primarily on donations, without government assistance, formal sponsorship, or paid fundraisers. The vision of Camp Courageous is to inspire a world where individuals with special needs are empowered with courage, to look beyond their current capabilities and explore their world with confidence. On an annual basis, Camp Courageous serves over 9,000 individuals with special needs. To order shirts you can go to the website!


https://polkcountyqueen.itemorder.com/



EVENTS Check out upcoming events to be held within Polk County and across the state!

Book Drive

There is a current need for children's books for a program offered through Iowa State University

Extension and Outreach, Polk County. This program, Raising School Ready Readers, is a workshop

designed to help families learn how literacy knowledge and skills develop in young children and what

they can do to support their child’s growth.

We would like to provide children’s books for class participants to read at home, but we need your help!

If your club would like to help by donating new children's books you will receive your first service button

as well as have the potential to win a 4-H club swag bag! Books can be brought into the Polk County

Extension Office. Please make sure to include what club they are from!

Also, if you have a preschool aged youth and are interested in the Raising School Ready Readers

program as a participant, please contact Megan for additional information.

Regional Chili Cook-offs Iowa 4-H Youth Development is partnering with ICS Chili to bring a fun and new cooking competition to

youth. The ICS World Championship Chili Cook-off® will take place September 7-8, 2019 in Ankeny, IA.

Youth participating in a 4-H regional “Pop-Up” competition will be eligible for the international contest.

There’s still time to participate! Register for one of the three remaining "Pop-Up" Cook-off locations.

Each event begins at 8:00 a.m. with check-in at 7:30 a.m. unless noted differently. A $10 registration fee* is

due to the local extension office.

July 13 - Spencer (Clay County) at Farmer’s Market in Spencer

August 24 - Decorah (Winneshiek County) at Winneshiek County Fairgrounds

August 25 - Sioux City (Woodbury County) at Southern Hills Mall

For more information or to register visit the Iowa 4-H Chili Cook-off website. *registration fee is waived for enrolled 4-H members


http://[email protected]

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/chili-cook-offs



Polk County Intermediate Trip

Polk County 4-H’ers entering 6th-8th grade in the 2019-2020 academic year are invited to join youth

from Dallas, Madison, and Warren counties for the 2019 4-H Intermediate Trip to Minneapolis. The Trip

includes exciting and educational visits to area attractions including the Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium,

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Target Field Tour and Twins game, among many others! Check out

the 4-H Intermediate Trip flyer for full itinerary and details.

Space is limited to the first 45 youth with completed registration. You can begin the process by

registering for the 4-H Intermediate Trip 2019 online. Payment and additional required forms are due

August 2, 2019.

Please reach out to Madisen Gaskin, [email protected] or 515-957-5771, for more information

about registration financial assistance options.


https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/polk/R13%20Intermediate%20Trip%202019%20Flyer%20-%20FINAL.pdf

https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0lxvvGrv2tt1YUt




SPOTLIGHT

Take a peek at what our local Clubs are doing! If you’re interested in submitting a Spotlight feature,

please fill out this form or contact Megan Freel at [email protected] or 515-957-5763.

Johnston Forevergreens 4-H Club The Johnston Forevergreens 4-H Club met at the Crown Point Community Center in Johnston on June

23, 2019. The meeting was called to order by President Samantha Hilbert. There were 9 club

members present. For our presentations, Lucy Schmidt shared a biography of Ella Fitzgerald and

Jayna Lamping showed us how to make flowers out of paper plates. For snack we had water, sugar

cookies and apple Go-go Squeezes. The club had a former 4-Her out to help each of them practice

presenting one of their upcoming county fair projects, which all clubbers are anxiously looking forward

to. The clubs next meeting will be August 25th at 2:00 p.m. and will be a year-end celebration. - Claire

Moorman, reporter


https://forms.gle/XoX92YYGFpay5Bij8




ANIMAL & LIVESTOCK Stay connected with Polk County 4-H Animal and Livestock news, deadlines, and requirements.

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA), formally FSQA, is a required certification for all youth

who exhibit the following animals at the county or state fair:

Cattle – breeding, market and dairy

Swine – breeding and market

Sheep – breeding and market

Goats – breeding, market and dairy

Poultry

Rabbits

EVERYONE'S certification will expire before the fair! Below are training options for the 2019 fair

season:

Face to face class options: (certification is good for one year)

– Please note that the face to face option will cost $3/youth – payable online only.

Pre-registration is required online. You will log into the website using your 4-H online

login information.

– Polk County’s face to face classes were in March. Youth are able to attend trainings in any

other county, log in to the YQCA system to see when these are.

Online YQCA class option for all age levels (certification is good for one year)

– Please note that the online option will cost $12/youth – payable online only.

– You will log in to the website using you 4-H online login information.

– Youth will have three quizzes they will need to pass with an 80% or above. If youth do not

pass a quiz they will be locked out for one hour and then have an opportunity to pass again

without paying additional fees. This can be done as many times as necessary.

There will NOT be any testing sessions or make up classes offered this year.

Poultry Requirements

Poultry testing is not required for the 2019 Polk County and Iowa State Fairs. No leg or wing bands will

be required for the fairs.


https://yqca.learngrow.io/Account/Login





Horse Clinics

Clinics for all Polk County Horse Project members will began on Monday, May 6, and will continue to go

through Monday, July 15, 6:00-9:00 p.m. each week at Prairie Rose Arena, 11045 NE 56th Street,

Elkhart. Attendance at three clinics is required for all junior horse members before they will be

allowed to come to county fair. All first year exhibitors, regardless of age, must attend at least one

clinic; further attendance may be excused at discretion of superintendents. There is no cost for any

Polk County 4-H or FFA horse project member.

Some weeks will have an emphasis but all skills may be practiced at all clinics.

July 8 Games

July 15 LAST CHANCE!! Bring your tack and we’ll have a cleaning party after we ride.




POLK COUNTY FAIR

Any and all information related to the Polk County Fair will be found here!

Important 2019 Polk County Fair Dates

Mark your calendars for July 17-22, 2019!

Entries due: July 1, 2019

Clothing Event: July 13, 2019

Shooting Sports Event: July 14, 2019

Polk County Fair Entry The 2019 Polk County Fair will only accept entries electronically. The system is currently open for

registrations and will close on July 1, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Here are a few tips and reminders to make sure

the process goes as smooth as possible:

4-H and Clover Kids will log in with 4-H Online information.

FFA members will need to create a login.

If youth are showing for both 4-H and FFA they will need to log in both ways and will have two

separate entries.

Help sheets are on the homepage of the webpage.

Entries can be paid by check, cash, or credit card online. Make checks payable to Polk County

Fair Association.

Payments must be received by July 1 at 5:00 p.m., not postmarked by July 1.

Late entries can still be made two days after July 1, but must be done at the Polk County Extension

office and credit card will not be accepted. A $50 fee per day/per youth will be assessed.


https://polkcountyfair.fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/2577



Fair Entry Help Sessions Are you overwhelmed by Fair Entry? Do you need help getting started? Join us TODAY, July 1 anytime

between now and 5 p.m. at the Polk County Extension Office. We will have a limited number of

electronic devices for use.

State Fair Entry Iowa State Fair Entries open on June 1 and they are due TODAY, July 1, 11:59 pm.

Polk County Fair Band We will once again have a band comprised of 4-H’ers play the National Anthem for the Clover Dash 5K.

If you play an instrument and would like to be a part of the ensemble please fill out this registration

form. There will be one pre-fair rehearsal which will be determined early July

Polk County Fair Book The fairbook has been updated and is live at polkcountyfairiowa.com. There are new livestock classes,

so please check the fairbook for full details. Also, all livestock numbers have changed.

4-H New Livestock Classes

Beef – Fall Steer Prospect and Senior Fall Heifer Classes

Swine – Value added carcass and no derby

Dog – Classes and descriptions have changed to align with the state fair classes

Rabbits – New breed colors

Clover Kids New Livestock

Rabbit – Animals cannot be shared between open class exhibitors


https://forms.gle/53aay4nmPi6uQRr37

http://www.polkcountyfairiowa.com/



5th Annual Clover Dash and Tot Trot Registration for runners and volunteers is now open for the 5th Annual Polk County Clover Dash 5K and Tot Trot to be held July 20, 2019. The 5K and Trot will start at 8:30 a.m. and will take place along a clover-paved trail at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

All 4-H’ers, Clover Kids, families, and friends are invited to participate in a great run with prizes, food, and 4-H fun! Clubs that have 50 percent of their club participate as a runner or volunteer will receive $50! All proceeds raised will go towards Polk County 4-H youth activities, and the race honors the memory of Joy Nikalsen, a former County Youth Coordinator.

For updates follow us on Instagram @polkcountycloverdash or on Facebook @polkcountycloverdash5K.

Entry Tags

Entry tags will be printed by Polk County Extension Office staff with the specific information provided in

Fair Entry. The tags will be available for pick up at the office after July 4 or at the fair during booth set

up, check-in, or judging day. If changes are made to your building exhibits after you have entered,

please let us know as soon as possible to print new tags. Please use detailed descriptions when

registering.

Photo Label Please use the updated photo label for every photography exhibit brought to the fair. We have provided

a Word Photo Label and PDF Photo Label.

We Need Youth Runners!

We are looking for youth to help at the Polk County Fair! We’re searching for 4-H members to serve as

Youth Runners on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Runners will help keep judges hydrated, assist 4-H staff,

run exhibits to booths, and help with other tasks as needed. Our busiest time begins at 2:00 p.m. This

is a great way to get some Silver Cord Hours! If interested youth should complete this Google form.

Communication Poster Themes 4-H is… (open to 4-H’er’s interpretation)

Join 4-H

4-H Grows… (National 4-H marketing theme)

A Universe of Possibilities (2019 Iowa 4-H Youth Conference theme)

Nothing Compares To 4-H Favorites (Iowa State Fair theme)


http://polkcountycloverdash.org/

https://iastate.box.com/v/webdoc4HP5220Word

http://iastate.box.com/v/webdoc4HP5220

http://goo.gl/forms/AUov75JKB97TJFSM2



How to Prepare Youth for the Fair

The Iowa State 4-H Office has put together a two-part video series to help staff with various topics. The

videos are excellent resources for leaders and/or parents to help youth come up with projects and how

to prepare them for the fair. We’ve provided the two-part series here: Video Part 1 and Video Part 2

Clover Kids at the Fair

Clover Kids can enter the Polk County Fair and take projects on Conference Judging Day, Wednesday,

July 17, 2019. Please note you will only pay one entry fee but can take multiple projects. Please read

the Clover Kid/Open Class sections in the fairbook on polkcountyfairiowa.com.

Projects include crafts made throughout the year and/or an exhibit created specifically for the fair. In

previous years, Clover Kids have shown judges: Lego projects, homemade jewelry, baked goods, a

coloring page, etc. The judging process is a more of a show-and-tell format with all exhibits brought by

Clover Kids judged at one time.

The Master Gardener/Clover Kid flower pot project is another project for which Clover Kids must pay

and enter by July 1. Clover Kids bring a flower pot, take it to the judge’s table, show and tell the judge

about their flower/plant, receive a dollar, and take it back to their club booth.

Clover Kids can show animals in Open Class. Please read those sections in the fairbook if you have

any questions about livestock/animals contact Marci or species superintendent.

Adult Fair Events

Adults don't forget that there are events for you to compete in, too!

Open class – Open to any youth or adult Polk County resident. There are five divisions – horticulture,

photography, fine arts, textiles, and foods. The $4 entry fee needs to be paid when exhibits are dropped

off on July 17, 9:00 a.m.-noon. Awards are ribbons only, no premiums.

King Arthur Cupcake Contest – Pre-entry form is required (see PCF website to download). Entries

must be received in the Polk County Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on July 12 or you may turn a form in

at the Open Class Department in the 4-H Exhibit Building between 9:00 a.m.-noon on July 17.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-DF8ocu2TA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKVcqM7U-g



ATTENTION LEADERS

All information pertaining to leader meetings, events, and expectations.

Clover Power Submission Deadlines

In addition to email you can now submit your Spotlight and other club submissions through this

Spotlight submission form

Email submissions for Clover Power to Megan AND Marci AND Madisen especially if you send

on deadline day.

For August, submit by July 28, 2019.

Silent Auction Baskets At the Polk County Fair the 4-H Advisory Board hosts a silent auction featuring themed baskets. The

Board is currently seeking clubs that are willing to donate themed baskets and bring them to the 4-H

Building on Tuesday evening (same time as booth set-up). Clubs should type a list of items included in

the basket and include their club name on the sheet!

Money from the silent auction supports youth trips and scholarships to various 4-H events. If your club

plans to donate a basket, complete the form: Silent Auction Basket Sign Up Contact Madisen

Gaskin with questions.


https://goo.gl/forms/LxYykGSYyTobZ1hy1

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNtsQV7pctS7XPbckWmjptJjAfUJB7ZgmHAJNz8_SJV2exDg/viewform?usp=sf_link



Polk County 4-H Clubs Financial Accounts to Transition

July Update This month Paul Gibbins, Executive Director of ISU Extension, Polk County, will be contacting each club yet to transition accounts to answer questions and seek a goal for the date the club plans to complete the transition process. One question we have been asked a couple of times is if there is a fee to have an account. There is no fee for clubs to open an account and there is no minimum balance needed. Club accounts will not be allowed to go in the negative. Club leaders have a choice to receive monthly financial updates via email or U.S. mail. We realize that some may want to have that paper copy, which we completely understand. We like to have both. July Highlights

Currently there are 7 clubs with accounts in the Polk County Extension office.

Premium checks for 2019 Polk County Fair will be made out to the youth and not the club.

4-H Clubs that also have a Clover Kids club can have a single account.

Information about this process is on the Polk County website. o All forms to be used for the process are formatted to be fillable PDF’s. o Transition Guide details the process to complete the process. o A Polk County specific FAQ is available.

There is a 6-page FAQ page specifically created for Polk County 4-H clubs regarding this transition! There are more details available online.

September 1, 2019 is the deadline for all clubs to complete the transition. o Clubs without a private bank account can open an account if they wish.

Polk County Extension is committed to making this process as smooth and user friendly is possible.

Contact Paul Gibbins, [email protected] or 515-957-5777, with any questions or concerns.


https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/content/4-h-club-financial-management

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/sites/www.extension.iastate.edu/files/polk/Polk%20County%204-H%20Club%20Account%20FAQ.pdf

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/content/4-h-club-financial-management




CALENDAR

July 1 Polk County & Iowa State Fair entries

due to Polk County Extension Office

2 4-H Advisory Board 7:00 p.m.

4 Office Closed

6 Poultry Testing 8:00-11:00 a.m.

10 County Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.

10 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 p.m.

13 Clothing Event

17-22 Polk County Fair

August 8-18 Iowa State Fair

24 State Livestock & Meats Judging

CONTACT

If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out Polk County 4-H staff!

Megan Freel

4-H & Family Life Educator

[email protected]

515-957-5763

Madisen Gaskin

County Youth Coordinator

[email protected]

515-957-5771

Marci Vinsand

County Youth Coordinator

[email protected]

515-957-5770

ABOUT

ISU Extension and Outreach, Polk County offers research-based youth development programs aimed

at preparing young people for the future. Polk County 4-H and its programs empower youth to reach

their full potential through caring youth-adult partnerships; hands-on, skill-building projects; and

meaningful leadership opportunities. Go to the Polk County 4-H website to learn more.





https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/4h

1625 adventureland drive, suite a • altoona, iowa 50009 ......1625 adventureland drive, suite a...

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