1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • October 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

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.

Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents,

volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive

youth development opportunities offered by 4-H.The theme for this

year’s National 4-H Week, Opportunity 4 All, is a campaign that was

created by National 4-H Council to rally support for Cooperative

Extension’s 4-H program and identify solutions to eliminate the

opportunity gap that affects 55 million kids across America. With so

many children struggling to reach their full potential, 4-H believes that

young people, in partnership with adults, can play a key role in

creating a more promising and equitable future for youth, families

and communities across the country. In 4-H, we believe every child

should have an equal opportunity to succeed. We believe every child

should have the skills they need to make a difference in the world.

Polk 4-H will observe National 4-H Week this year by highlighting

some of the inspirational4-H youth in our community who are working

tirelessly to support each other and their communities.

Join us in wearing 4-H apparel, or the color green throughout the

week!

Polk County 4-H is excited to participate in the Iowa 4-H Foundation

Giving Day! What does that mean? On October 6th, we will have 24

hours to raise money for our local 4-H programs. Join us as we

invest in our youth and their future! Help us Grow Iowa 4-H! Donate

through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • October 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

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

Mindful Teen Workshop Series Polk County 4-H is happy to offer Mindful Teen: From Surviving to Thriving in a Busy World as a virtual fall

workshop series. This program is 6 hours over the duration of 6 weeks where youth and facilitators meet to learn

about mindfulness practices in a safe environment. This workshop series will begin on Tuesday, October 20, from

4:30-5:30 pm and go through Tuesday, November 24. Thanks to a grant from the Iowa 4-H Foundation, this

workshop is free to all participants, to register use this jot form. Check out our flyer attached at the end of Clover

Power, and if you have questions contact Megan.

Enrollment 2.0 is OPEN! 4-H Online as we know it has gone through a large update recently. We are excited for the new 4-H Online 2.0, and we think you will find it more user friendly as well. To access the website, visit 4-H Online 2.0, and use the same email and password that was associated with your original 4-H Online account. You can also find a help sheet located on the Iowa 4-H page to assist you with the registration process. Please reach out to Megan or Marci if you have any questions and they will be happy to help you!

Healthy Living Ambassador Applications Open

Youth leaders are being sought for the 2020-2021 Healthy Living Ambassador role. If you have a local teen interested in nutrition, health, food security issues, and mental wellness, please encourage them to apply. Deadline is Sunday, Oct. 18. Visit the Healthy Living Ambassador page for more information on the position and the link to apply.

Looking for Outstanding Youth Nominations

The Iowa 4-H Foundation needs your help to identify 4-H youth for the 2021 Legacy Awards Contributing Youth Award. The award will be given Friday, February 26, 2021 at the Foundation Gala in Des Moines. Nominations are due Oct. 16. Questions? Contact Melanie Oeltjenbruns

Service Banner Club If you club was able to participate in service events this year, we would love for you to log your hours to be eligible for a Service Banner Club Button.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • October 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

EVENTS

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

Virtual Office Hours

Are there questions you have about Polk County 4-H? Do you want to learn more about different events and topics? We are happy to Introduce Polk County 4-H Virtual Office Hours starting in October. These virtual office hours will take place the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm. There will be a short informational presentation each month, then the floor will be open to any and all questions you have about Polk County 4-H. The link to join each month’s Virtual Office Hours will be shared in this section of the monthly Clover Power, on our social media pages, and if you are interested in receiving the link to our Virtual Office Hours via email, please fill out this form. The October topic will be 4-H Online 2.0.

Polk 4-H: What You Need to Know The 4-H world can be confusing! Even if this isn’t your first year, you may still find yourselves with questions and not knowing where or how to find the answers. If this is the case, we want you to join us for our upcoming event Polk 4-H: What You Need to Know. This will be an informational meeting about the Polk County 4-H program where we will walk you through a program year, and provide details related to deadlines, events, awards, and more. Please join us virtually on Thursday, October 22 at 6:30 pm. Connection information will be in the October Clover Power. We will be recording this presentation as well, so it can be viewed later by anyone unable to attend.

Virtual Officer Training- 2 Nights This year officer training will look a little different, but we are still excited to host an event for the officers of Polk County 4-H! Join us on 2 nights this year to learn more about Parliamentary Procedure and your office positions. Each night will consist of a 30 minute Parliamentary Procedure activity and a 20 minute break out for the office positions. View the schedule below and sign up to attend here. If you are just interested in learning more about Parliamentary Procedure, feel free to sign up and select ‘Just Parliamentary Procedure’ as your officer position. Night 1- November 12, 2020 6:30-7:00 Parliamentary Procedure 7:10-7:30 Photographer/Historian 7:40-8:00 Secretary/Reporter 8:10-8:30 President

Night 2- November 19, 2020 6:30-7:00 Parliamentary Procedure 7:10-7:30 Recreation Leader/Other 7:40-8:00 Treasurer 8:10-8:30 Vice President

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

Sewing Workshop Join in on a virtual discussion on the sewing and needle arts project area on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10am – 11:00am. Talk with a few knowledgeable Polk County 4-H Volunteers on sewing machine basics, project area tip sheets, goal setting, and have some question/answer time. If you are interested in attending this FREE virtual workshop, sign up here.

Polk County 4-H and FFA Fair Association Meeting

The Polk County 4-H and FFA Fair Association will hold their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 7:00 PM, Mitchellville Community Center, masks are encouraged. Directors for each of the four districts of the county and at-large members will be elected for 3-year terms in accordance with the bylaws. Any registered voter in Polk County is eligible to vote for Fair Board members. The October Polk County Fair Board meeting and election of officers will follow at 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in holding a position on the Fairboard, please contact Nominating Committee Chair Shawn Von Stein at svsVonstein@gmail.com.

On Their Own and OK

During this time when many parents are working from home or families are isolated at home, they may have more opportunities to help their children build skills. On Their Own and OK is tailored for parents and children in fourth through sixth grade. Registration is online and families have until Oct. 12 to sign up, says Brenda Welch, 4-H program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The four-week program will begin on Oct. 22, and each week participants will receive directions via email for a hands-on family learning experience using materials typically found at home. They’ll also receive a free parent guide to help support their children staying for short amounts of time on their own. To register for this hands-on learning experience to help parents teach their children how to gain confidence in staying home alone, please sign up online at https://form.jotform.com/202684836288064.

County Award Ceremony We know you are all looking forward to the Annual Awards Ceremony, we are too! This year it will be a little different, but we are excited to still offer recognition. Details are still in the works, but please continue to hold November 8, at 2 pm on your calendars. We will provide details as soon as we have them ironed out.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

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 meganmae@iastate.edu or 515-957-5763

CONGRATULATIONS Madisen and her husband, Kenny, welcomed their new baby girl, Rory Joan Gaskin, on August 29, 2020. The Gaskins are excitedly adjusting to life as a family of 3, plus their dog, Rondo! Madisen will be on maternity leave until January 4, 2021. Should you need anything you would have contacted Madisen about, please reach out to Megan or Marci and they will be happy to help.

Golden Eagles Club Meeting The Golden Eagles had their September meeting outside for the members who could attend in person, and used Zoom to include those members who could not. It was a lovely night to be outside.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

Urbandale 4-H Club The Urbandale 4-H Club held their kick-off hybrid meeting on September 13. Many members were able to meet in person and others joined via ZOOM. Our guest speakers (also via ZOOM) were members of the Urbandale Fire Department who spoke about home safety awareness.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

ANIMAL & LIVESTOCK

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

CHANGE OF DATE for Horse Project Ride Nights

Due to a conflict, 4-H & FFA ride nights at Prairie Rose Arena in Elkhart will be the second Tuesday of

the month for October-December. Yes, this coincides with regular ride night- if you're a horse project

member, you can come and ride for free on the second Tuesday of the month.

October 14

November 10

December 8

Horse Exhibitor Meeting

Come with your ideas, your concerns, your feedback for the horse program - clinics, buckle show,

county fair. Sunday October 25, 6 p.m. at Prairie Rose Arena in Elkhart.

Attention Current and Former 4-H and FFA members

The Animal Rescue League (ARL) is starting a new volunteer program, helping staff with horse behavior modification. It is a lot of socializing and gentling, teaching ground skills, and in general preparing horses for future training. If you’re interested please contact Emily Scholtec at the ARL escholtec@arl-iowa.org.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

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.

For November, submit by 10/28/20 For December, submit by 11/28/20 For January, submit by 12/27/21 For February, submit by 1/27/21 For March, submit by 2/24/21

For April, submit by 3/28/21 For May, submit by 4/26/21 For June, submit by 5/25/21 For July, submit by 6/27/21 For August, submit by 7/28/2

4-H Meetings May Resume with CAUTION

Beginning June 1, clubs will be allowed to meet in person so long as proper social distancing and safety practices are being followed. Leaders should provide adequate spacing so that families/individuals have a minimum of 6ft between, have ample hand sanitizer available, do not serve any food, and encourage the use of masks. Be clear in communication to club members and family that if anyone is exhibiting symptoms, they and the whole family, should stay home. It is highly discouraged for these meetings to be required so as to respect families’ level of comfort with this situation. We also encourage club leaders to provide video or call in options for members to be present in the meeting should they be unable to attend. If you are unsure about anything regarding meeting in person, please get in touch with the Extension Office. Please note that our office is closed to the public and we can be reached via phone or email.

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

CALENDAR

October 1-3 Leader 1-on-1’s 1 County Award Applications Due 1 Clover Dash 5K Scholarship Applications

Due 1 Lifeskills Award Applications Due 4-10 National 4-H Week 6 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 7 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 13 County Award Interviews 5:00-9:00 pm 15 County Award Interviews 5:00-9:00 pm 21 Fair Board Annual Meeting 7:00 pm 22 Polk 4-H: What you need to know 6:30 pm

November 3 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 4 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 8 County Awards Ceremony 2:00 pm 12 Club Officer Training 6:30 pm 18 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm. 19 Club Officer Training 6:30 pm 26-27 Office Closed, Happy Thanksgiving!

December 1 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 2 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 16 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm TBD Beef Weigh-in 8:00-11:00 am 24-25 Office Closed, Happy Holidays!

January 1 Office Closed, Happy New Year! 5 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 6 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 18 Office Closed

20 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm

February 1 State Award Applications Due 1 Scholarship Applications Due 2 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 3 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 17 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm 18 Annual Volunteer Training 1:00–3:00 pm or

6:30–8:30 pm

March 2 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 3 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 17 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm 19 YQCA Training 1:00 – 3:00 pm 26 YQCA Training 6:00 – 8:00 pm

April 6 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 7 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 17 Swine tagging 8:00-11:00 am 21 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm 22 Leader Meeting/ Leader Fair information

Meeting 1:00–3:00 pm or 6:30–8:30 pm

May 1 Sheep and Goat Weigh-In 8:00-11:00 am 4 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 5 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 15 Livestock ID’s due in 4-H Online 15 Last Day to Enroll in 4-H 15 Polk County Fair King and Queen

Applications Due 19 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm

1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A • Altoona, Iowa 50009 • 515-957-5760 • September 2020 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, extdiversity@iastate.edu.

31 Office Closed

June 1 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 2 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 16 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm 19 King and Queen Candidate Interviews

July 1 Polk County & Iowa State Fair Entries Due

to Extension Office

4 Office Closed 6 Virtual Office Hours 6:30 pm 7 County Council Meeting 7:00 pm 10 Clothing Event 14 Fair Board Meeting 7:30 pm 17-23 Polk County Fair

August 12-22 Iowa State Fair

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

meganmae@iastate.edu

515-957-5763

Madisen Gaskin

County Youth Coordinator

mgaskin@iastate.edu

515-957-5771

Marci Vinsand

County Youth Coordinator

vinsand@iastate.edu

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.