GRATIOT COUNTY

214 East Center Street

Ithaca, Michigan 48847

(989) 875-5292

Fax: (989) 875-5289

Katie Eisenberger

Extension Educator

4-H Youth Development

mccuneka@msu.edu

www.msue.msu.edu/gratiot

Deidre Iciek

Fair Coordinator

diciek@co.gratiot.mi.us

www.gcffy.org

Edited by Lori Mikek,

MSUE Office Manager

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

Project 4-H: Top CHEF

January/February 4-H Club Community Service Challenge

YOUR CHALLENGE: 1. Collect non-perishable food items 2. Deliver food items to Project 4-H Winter Camp on Saturday, February 9, 2008

by 11:30 a.m. (One leader and one member must be present) 3. Club with the most food items will receive a furnished pizza party at your

March meeting.

All items will be donated to the Community Café.

Project 4-H: Top Chef will be held Friday, February 8 through Sat-urday, February 9 at the First Presbyterian Church in Alma.

As part of our c o m m u n i t y s e r v i c e project, we’re asking all campers to donate non perishable food items to Community Cafe. Cost is $30 for 4-H members and $40 for non-4-H members. Reg-istration forms can be found in this Clover Cov-erage. They are due by Friday, January 25. A $10 late fee will be charged up to five days after the deadline.

COUNSELORS— 4-H members 15 and older are encouraged to serve as a camp counselor. You will help set-up, assist with

campers and their activities, attend sessions, clean up and provide a positive atti-tude. This is a wonderful way to receive volunteer hours!

CHAPERONES—

The new 4-H Hous-ing Policy makes it manda-tory that youth can be

housed with unrelated adult chaperones aged 21 and over (age as of date of event) at overnight 4-H events as long as the youth-adult ratio is at least two youth to one adult and the adults have been through the Michigan State University Extension Child Well-Being Volun-teer Selection Process.

Chaperones at 4-H overnight events are re-sponsible for serving as role models for youth and for guiding youth behav-iors. Only adult chaper-ones and youth of the same gender can be housed to-gether.

This means we need dads to spend the night! Please consider ex-periencing winter camp with your son or daughter.

CLOVER COVERAGE 2008 January/February

Camp Date:

Feb 8 & 9

Registrations Due:

Jan. 25 by 4:30 p.m.

Large Livestock Lit.

Still Exhibit Section

There are a lot of changes happening in the still exhibit area.

BARN EXHIBITS: All exhibits will be displayed by clubs, instead of departments. This means your club will decorate their own area! Clubs will receive a table and two divider walls, with showcases dis-tributed on a first come first serve basis as they turn in barn security times. Clubs can start decorating on the Wednesday before fair. Sunday, the exhibit barns will be open to only exhibitors. Once judging is over, clubs will have time to organize their display. Take time during your up-coming winter meetings to dis-cuss how you will decorate. As a tip, form a decoration committee consisting of one or two adult leaders and several members to oversee decorations. And re-member, decorations should en-hance, not overpower your exhib-its. Your area is to display your hard work.

Fair Pre-Registration Deadlines are as follows:

Beef February 1

Feeder March 15

Horse May 1

Swine May 15

Sheep May 15

Fair ear tags are available for pur-chase at the MSU Extension Of-fice for $1.00. Registration form and picture of ear tag in the ani-mal’s ear must be submitted by the deadline.

Forever 4-H—It’s the new Michigan 4-H logo, being unveiled this month. For the 2008 year, in celebration of the 100th anniversary year of Michigan 4-H Youth Develop-ment, we are adding a special “Michigan 4-H: 100 Years and Growing” emphasis to the “4-H forever” graphic.

In 4-H, the possibili-ties are endless! 4-H forever captures a timeless 4-H state of mind that is continually learning, growing and applying knowledge to “make the best better.” 4-H forever is all about programs that help guide youth to-wards successful tomorrows. 4-H forever is about young people who care about their clubs, their commu-nities and their world. 4-H forever also describes the caring volunteers who make a long-term difference in the lives of youth.

See how many creative ways you can talk about the “forever” im-pacts that 4-H can make!

Page 2 CLOVER COVERAGE

Katie’s Notes—Michigan Turns 100!

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and are looking forward to a fantastic year in 2008! This will be my last Clover Coverage as our new members will be starting in January. Although I will still be involved with Leaders’ Council on an “at large” basis, you can look forward to the direction of our newest members. Please join me in welcoming Sherry Koch, Terri Brecht, Liz Richardson, and Emily Krenz and our youth repre-sentative Amanda Fisher to Lead-ers’ Council!

As always, planning for our fundraisers is a year round event. If you would like to donate items to our raffle or pancake breakfast, please contact Katie at

Leaders’ Council Corner

the MSUE office. Items we need each year include: coffee, plastic “silverware”, orange juice, paper towels, butter and syrup. If you have an idea or a donation for our raffle, please let us know.

Remember, the money raised by our fundraisers support camps and scholarships for the kids, along with the awards ban-quet and kiddies day at the fair. I have spent a wonderful two years working with Leaders’ Council. Thank you to all who have sup-ported us!

Caryn Jenkins Retiring President

A little bit of Michi-gan History:

We began our journey in Iowa and Ohio where in 1902 local school educators connected with their respective agricultural colleges to start a program to teach young farm

children the basics of home and farm management. Michigan got on board six years later (in 1908) and started boys corn clubs in Muskegon and Mason Counties.

For the next 30 years, the 4-H movement gave birth to the clover as corn, sheep, poultry, canning, cake baking and livestock clubs were started across the country. These clubs would eventually link to the National Cooperative Extension Ser-vice system, which was formed in 1914 under the leadership of the United States Department of Agri-culture (USDA).

Small Animal Spot

We would like to con-gratulate Emily Cole on her cash award she received from Metzer Hatchery for her Duck Project. We will again be ordering ducks from this hatchery so watch the Clover Coverage for details. If you would like to order ducks or geese please call Cheri Jessup at 842-5415 There will be a pick your chick and identify that bird at the Family Farm and Home in the spring. Details to follow in the next Clover Coverage. We are planning a small clinic which will be held at the Small Animal Barn. It will cover what class your projects are to be entered in and a small showman-ship class. Watch for details in the Clover Coverage. If you have any questions about your small animals you have or want help choosing a pro-ject, you can call any superinten-dent from the Small Animal Barn and they will help you. The 4-H dog program will begin obedience classes in March. These free classes are held at the K-9 Training Center next to Redbird Pet Food Center on Mon-day evenings. For more informa-tion, contact Denise Beckmann at 463-1770.

The State 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show is Saturday, January 26 at the MSU Pavilion. Entry fee is $2.75 with on site registration beginning at 6 a.m. It is open to all 4-H Members ages 9-19 as of Jan. 1, 2008.

Isabella County 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show will be held on February 23 at West In-termediate School in Mt. Pleas-ant. Register on show day. For more details call Angie Coldwell at (989) 828-6229 or Tammy Brecht at (989) 828-6394.

G r e e t i n g s h o r s e friends. I hope you are all staying warm. I am getting the information for

all the area horse shows and will have a list for the next Clover Coverage. I will also send it to the horse leaders before March so you can start planning early. I can’t wait to start horsin’ around again!!

I want to remind you of the 4-H horse benefit clinic on Sat. Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Horsin’ Around

at the MSU pavilion. The actual clinic starts at eleven, but there will be vendors and tack sales for the whole day. There is also a quarter horse show going on that weekend. If you are suffering from cabin fever come on down to the pavilion and enjoy the day.

I hope you are enjoying some barn time with your wooly equine buddy.

Becky Hirschman,

Horse Superintendent

January/February 2008 Page 3

4-H State Awards & Mark Of Excellence Packets Available

Contact the MSUE Office to receive your packet.

4-H State Awards—age 13 and up

Mark of Excellence—7th & 8th graders

Exploration Days Packets will be available the first week in March

Exploration Days dates: June 18-20, 2008

Michigan Week Youth Photo Contest

Youth (age 9 to 19, as of Jan. 1, 2008; both 4-H and non-4-H) are invited to submit their photos of Michigan historic sites to the pres-tigious “Michigan Week Youth Photo

Contest.” This contest gives youth a chance to showcase their photo-graphic talent and to help document Michigan history through photogra-phy. Youth, can enter up to two pho-tos which can be two different per-spectives of one historic site or two different historic sites. Submission deadline is February 15, 2008.

There are thousands of sites in Michigan! You can photograph buildings (like firehouses or schools), structures (like bridges), areas (like neighborhoods or fairgrounds) and objects (like monuments).

Twelve photos will be se-lected to tour Michigan for one year as an exhibit. Eighteen photos will be selected as regional-winning photos. All 30 photos will be on the State of Michigan’s Web site. For more infor-mation, contact the MSUE Office or go directly to the 2008 Michigan W e e k W e b s i t e a t www.michigan.gov/michiganweek. In the left column, under “Michigan Week,” click on “Youth Photo Con-test.”

Page 4 CLOVER COVERAGE

Babies at Gratiot Medical Center were wel-comed into the world by a Baby’s First Christmas or-nament presented by the mentors and mentees of the Alma Explore Men-tor PLUS program 4-H Peer mentors. Mentors and men-tees worked to make 100 orna-ments for both the OB ward and the patients in the Gratiot Medi-cal Center Rehabilitation Center.

Currently mentors in the Mentor PLUS program are Alma College and Alma High School students. The mentor program

would like to expand and recruit community members to be men-tors. Mentees are Alma students in grades forth through ninth. Mentors and mentees have been meeting for the last nine months participating in community based

4-H Peer Mentoring Program Happenings service learning projects and at-tending Explore After School Program activities.

To become a 4-H Peer Mentor and share your experi-ences with a student, contact Susan Smoker, Explore Program Director at 463-3111 ext. 6295 or ssmoker@almaschools.net

Funding for the Mentor PLUS program is a collaboration between 4-H Peer Mentoring, Alma College and the Alma Pub-lic Schools Explore Program in coordination with Michigan Cam-pus Compact and funding by a Corporation for National and Community Service Learn and Serve grant.

Michigan 4-H has always had a commitment to keeping young people physically and emo-tionally safe, and this commitment continues with the upcoming im-plementation of the new Youth-Adult Housing Policy for 4-H Over-night Events.

Beginning January 1, 2008, the mandatory Youth-Adult Hous-ing Policy will apply to all Michigan 4-H–sponsored state-, regional-, multi-county-, county- and club-level overnight events where adults are housed with youth. This in-cludes workshops, events, fairs, camps, exchanges, overnight trips and lock-ins. The core of the policy focuses on instances where young people are housed with unrelated adults and states that “youth can be housed with unrelated adult chaperones aged 21 and over (age as of date of event) at 4-H over-night events as long as the youth-adult ratio is at least two youth to

Michigan 4-H Housing Policy one adult and the adults have been through the Michigan State Uni-versity Extension Volunteer Selec-tion Process.”

“This policy was developed to help ensure the well-being of both youth and adults involved with Michigan 4-H,” said Cheryl Booth State 4-H leader. “The policy aligns with our second 4-H Guid-ing Principle that states that we will provide programs in which youth are physically and emotion-ally safe.”

Once the policy is in place, parents and guardians will need to sign and return a “4-H Overnight Housing Parent/Guardian Permis-sion Form” before their children can attend any 4-H overnight event. This form will provide infor-mation about the overnight event and states that a child may be shar-ing lodging with an unrelated adult (aged 21 and older) who has been through the MSU Extension Volun-

teer Selection Process and with at least one other youth.

“As we move toward the policy’s implementation date, it’s important for people to understand that the policy will apply to all 4-H–sponsored overnight events,” Booth said. “This includes any event that has an affiliation with 4-H through the use of the 4-H name or emblem and that involves a rep-resentative of 4-H – this could be a 4-H staff member or a 4-H volun-teer. It will be important for 4-H club leaders to keep this in mind as they plan overnight experiences for their groups.”

Information on additional aspects of the policy, including guidelines for youth-adult ratios and housing unrelated older and younger youth, is available through your county MSU Extension office or at the Michigan 4-H web site at (http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/).

January/February 2008 Page 5

Awesome news! In 2008, for the first time ever, 4-H mem-bers will be able to compete in free-style obedience at the Michigan State 4-H Dog Show.

Never heard of freestyle? Most people call it “dancing with dogs.” 4-H member Sophie Benja-minsen, 15, calls it “your own mini-show where you are both the stars.” Quite simply, freestyle obedience is a dog and handler performing to music. Take obedience, rally and agility training and add music, cho-reography and artistry, and you get freestyle. You can compete in levels ranging from beginner to advanced and in several divisions including heel, freestyle, older dogs, brace, pairs, team, and dogs and handlers with disabilities.

Would you like to learn freestyle obedience? Members of

the World Canine Freestyle Organi-zation (WCFO) will be teaching free freestyle clinics for 4-H mem-bers and volunteer leaders in 2008. The regional clinics will be offered across Michigan for easy access and fun for everyone. Please sub-mit a completed 4-H Freestyle Obedience Regional Training Reg-istration form by January 15, 2008. The form is online at http://www.youngexplorers.net/Statefreestyle. You will be contacted after that date with details about the clinic nearest you.

V i s i t http://www.youngexplorers.net/Statefreestyle to learn more about Michigan 4-H freestyle obedience. There you’ll find out all about the upcoming freestyle obedience com-petition at the 2008 Michigan State 4-H Dog Show. You’ll also find

video of the freestyle demonstra-tion at the 2007 State 4-H Dog Show, training tips and competi-tion rules. You can sign up for an online training and discussion group, see photos of dogs and han-dlers in costumes, learn about in-ternational video competitions and watch more than 35 freestyle vid-eos from all over the world!

Questions? Contact Denise Massey, State 4-H Companion Ani-mal Committee member and 4-H freestyle obedience coordinator, by phone at 269-303-5407 or by e-mail at massey49055@yahoo.com. To find out more about the Michi-gan 4-H dog project, visit http://web1.msue.msu.edu/cyf/youth/aniscipr.html#Companion or contact Jake DeDecker, program leader.

New Dog Freestyle Obedience Project

animals. Meet 4-H'ers who have developed outstanding veterinary science projects and gain ideas to help others start their own vet sci-ence projects. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Beef, Sheep & Swine Teen & Adult Volunteer Workshop

February 23–24 If you're inter-ested in beef cattle, sheep or swine projects, this workshop is for you. You'll learn about animal health, management, care and nutrition. In addition, you can sharpen your livestock judging and evaluation skills. By sharing ideas and inter-acting with others, you'll find ways to improve your county 4-H live-stock program. The workshop also offers ways to enhance your com-munication and teaching skills and learn about the many opportunities available for those interested in beef cattle, sheep or swine projects. Open to adult and teen volunteers aged 13 and up.

4-H Teen Citizenship, Leader-ship & Service Conference January 26–27 This exciting con-ference brings together teens from across the state to learn citizenship and leadership skills and ways to use those skills to make a differ-ence in their communities through service. This conference has ses-sions for both 4-H and non-4-H members. Registration information includes specific tracks that teens and adult volunteers will attend through the weekend. Open to teens aged 14 and up and adults.

4-H Veterinary Science Teen & Adult Volunteer Workshop February 22–23 Explore animal systems and learn about animal health by sharing information and experiences, asking questions and quizzing veterinarians about their skills. You can also participate in hands-on demonstrations that teach you how to help members recognize healthy, sick or injured

Sign Me Up—Kett. Center Workshops Shooting Sports

January is the month to ap-ply for spring turkey permits.. On January 13, Michigan Bowhunters is holding a rabbit hunt at the Pine River Recreation Club in Elm Hall. Registration is from 9-10 a.m. and the hunt is from 10-2 p.m.

On January 19, Michigan Traditional Bowhunters will be hold-ing their rabbit hunt at the Pine River Recreation Club in Elm Hall. Contact Rick McKenna 833-7530.

Looking for Outdoor Recrea-tion ideas for your next club meet-i n g ? C h e c k o u t http://www.michigan.gov/dnr, click on Education & Outreach, then click on Teacher’s Resources. You can also contact Rick McKenna with Pine River Recreation Club for additional ideas and hands on learning activi-ties.

Make sure to look out for more Shooting Sports programs this spring!

On the following page is a wonderful opportunity for clubs to start reaping the rewards of the par-ticipation fee. Since half of the par-ticipation fees remain in our county, a portion of them are going towards a county grant program.

Proposals must be educa-tional and developed by youth. Please submit this form to: Gratiot County MSU Extension, 214 East

4-H Club Grants—DUE February 1 Center Street, Ithaca, MI 48847 by February 1.

Monies will be handed out up to $500. The grant must meet the requirements and be considered an educational opportunity. If your club receives a grant you will receive half the money at the time of approval.

If you have any questions please call the MSUE Office.

Ten students, repre-senting public and alternative high schools in Gratiot County participated in a four session,

once a month leadership program geared to identify, develop and em-power future leaders of Gratiot County by increasing leadership skills and connecting youth with positive adult role models.

Samantha Castillo, Ithaca, Amelia Rodrigruez, Ho-rizons, Jacob Moe and Eliza-beth Earegood, Breckenridge, Brandon Shaw and Becca Mills, Ashley, Sage Wimmer and Evan Patton, Alma, and Allison Mikek, St. Louis were chosen by their principals and counselors to participate in the 2007 Youth Leadership Gratiot program.

Youth Leadership Gratiot, a youth version of Leadership Gratiot, sought students with leadership potential who had not had the op-portunity to pursue their capabili-ties. These students may not have held offices or belonged to a club or organization, but with a little extra training would have what it takes to be a positive leader within their school and county.

Thanks to a Gratiot County Community Foundation Grant, par-ticipants toured Gratiot County learning its history and economic demographics, were introduced to

area volunteer opportunities and connected with Michigan Works! for employment programs. In addition, they gained skills in interviewing, resume building, public speaking, stress reduction and networking.

Finally, the youth captured Gratiot County’s weaknesses and strengths using a disposable camera. The students put together their own two minute presentation for the adult Leadership Gratiot participants to address the county’s needs from a youth perspective. “Learning that adults are interested in what youth think,” was one comment made by a participant when asked what was one benefit of the program.

Another student commented that after taking the program he is now, “more in touch with Gratiot County. I know how to approach the changes that can be made.”

To honor the students for their commitment to the program, a special graduation ceremony was held with school administrators and counselors present. After a motiva-tional speaker, they received a t-shirt and a framed certificate.

Before leaving, they were asked to write a letter to themselves with goals that they hope to accom-plish by the end of the school year. Every participant made a goal to take action on something mentioned in Leadership Gratiot: building their resume, volunteering, joining a group, working on presentation skills, etc.

Club Updates! 4-H EXCHANGE CLUB: On January 26 from 9 am to 9 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Alma, the 4-H Exchange Club will be hosting a 12 Hour Crop—a day filled with fun, friends and photos! For $30, you will receive a table, help unloading and loading your supplies, make and takes, silent auction items, lunch, dinner and door prizes. All proceeds will go towards travel and exchange expenses for the club’s upcoming travel to Texas. Contact Patty Macha at (989) 466-9795 by January 19.

Also on sale is the Gratiot County 4-H Window Decal for $5. It makes a great birthday gift or valentine for your favorite 4-H’er. Decals can be picked up at the MSU Extension Of-fice or from a 4-H Exchange Club member. Let’s show Gratiot County how proud we are to be 4-H’ers!!

BARNYARD BUNCH: The Barnyard Bunch 4-H club held their first meet-ing of the new 4-H year on Novem-ber 28, 2007 at the Sumner Commu-nity Center. Enrollment forms for the coming year were filled out. Cards were made by the mem-bers to send to deployed soldiers to show gratitude and support of the soldiers. The club members also challenged the Pony Express 4-H Club to a game of volleyball.

In September, the club's long time organizational leader, Karen Saia, stepped down from the posi-tion. All the members of the Barn-yard Bunch would like to thank Karen for her many tireless years of leadership and enthusiasm. The club's next meeting is planned for Sunday, January 27, 2008 at 2:00 pm at the Sumner Community Center. All existing members as well as any potential new members are encouraged to at-tend.

Youth Leadership Gratiot

Page 6 CLOVER COVERAGE

January/February 2008 Page 7

Page 8 CLOVER COVERAGE

Make Half Your Grains Whole The grain group is the first stripe on the MyPyramid for Kids and includes a variety of food made from grain, which come from cereal plants. Food from this group has complex carbohydrates that are an excellent energy source. The body needs energy to move, go, grow and do just about everything! Many grain foods, especially whole grain or enriched grain products, also supply B vitamins and iron. Whole grain or bran foods also provide fiber. Children need to eat grain foods every day and that at least half of all grains consumed should be whole grains. In general, recommended daily amounts range from 5 to 7 ounces for children aged 8 to 11.

Amounts are based on age, gen-der, and activity level. You can

v i s i t h t t p : / /www.mypyramid.gov to get specific recom-mendations for your child. Many grain foods make excellent snacks that kids en-joy. Next time your children have the munchies, offer them one of these grain

food snacks:

• Whole grain breads and rolls with lean meat or cheese

• Graham or animal crackers and milk

• Rice cakes topped with pea-nut butter and banana slices

• Cereal with milk and fruit

• Baked tortilla chips and salsa

With obesity rates sky rocketing, Gratiot county schools are “jumping in” to teach youth about making healthy life choices. Over 250 third through fifth graders participated in Jump into Food and Fitness in classrooms and afterschool settings. On any given day during the winter months, youth can be found bending and twisting to new exer-cises and learning about food groups through hands on activi-ties.

“When almost a quarter of our school enrollment of 275 signs up for the program,” says Nikkari Elementary Principal Carl Sztuczko, “that tells me there is a need for any kind of after school program.” At Nikkari, stu-dents spent two and a half hours after school one day a week for eight weeks talking about nutri-tion, exercising and making crafts all designed around food and fit-ness.

Third graders at Hillcrest Elementary in Alma and fifth graders at North Elementary in Ithaca spent class time once a week with JIFF. In class sessions included fitness activities, crafts, and nutrition exercises. As an ex-tension of the curriculum, stu-dents made food and fitness cards to encourage family members to make positive choices, as well as decorated lunch bags for the county’s Meals on Wheels recipi-ents.

JIFF is currently looking for volunteers of all ages to help teach the program in school dis-tricts across the county. If you know of someone who has a pas-sion for nutrition and loves work-ing with youth contact the MSUE Office today!

JIFF In School

Quick Tasty Bread Sticks* * Adapted from Hodges, S., (1994). Healthy Snacks. Everett, WA: Totline Publications.

Ingredients: • 4 whole grain hot dog buns • Vegetable oil cooking spray • Parmesan cheese • Garlic powder Equipment: Paring knife Ungreased baking sheet Procedure: 1. All food preparers must wash their hands with warm water and soap for 20 sec-onds before starting to prepare this recipe. Be sure that all work surfaces are clean. 2. Preheat oven to 350 °F. 3. Open each bun and lightly spray the bun halves with cooking spray. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to taste. 4. Cut each bun half lengthwise into two sticks. Place the breadsticks on an un-greased baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp. Makes 16 bread sticks.

January/February 2008 Page 9

Fair Information Notes & News from the President The fairboard members are headed to the Michigan Asso-ciation of Fairs & Exhibitions 2008 Convention in Grand Rap-ids. We will attend different edu-cational sessions, round table topic discussions, the general ses-sion and annual meeting. It is a good time to share ideas with other fairboard members from around the state. We are looking forward to a great convention.

I want to invite you all to the Winter Dinner Dance on Feb. 16. It is a good way to spend time with and take our favorite valen-tine out to dinner and dancing. It is also a good way to spend time with friends and stand around and visit. We will again be doing

the silent auction and several live auctions. If you have any items you would like to donate for the auctions either contact Deidre or drop them off at the MSUE Of-fice. The winter dance is one of our biggest fundraisers and we appreciate your support with this fun activity.

We continue to look over the fairbook and make the final changes. We would like to have the changes made by February so the fairbook is ready to go to print. We will again have entry forms available on our website.

Stay warm and I hope to see you all at the Winter Dinner Dance.

- Becky Hirschman, President

February 16, 2008 6:30 P.M. to Midnight,

Dinner served at 7:00 P.M. at the Town &

Tickets available for purchase from Fair Board Members or at the MSU Extension Office. Call 875-5292 with

any ques-

Parents: Don’t Miss out on the Fun!!!

Support the GCFFY!

2007 Stats Have you ever wondered about how many participants there are in the GCFFY and how many projects they have shown? Below is some infor-mation from the 2007 Fair Year. 2007 was a very successful year for many of you and for the GCFFY as a whole. Can’t wait to see what we can do during the 2008 Fair!!!

516 Exhibitors with 3,617

Exhibits

• 89 Clover Climbers

• 16 Dairy Exhibitors

• 73 Beef Exhibitors

• 96 Feeders Exhibitors

• 70 Sheep Exhibitors

• 55 Swine Exhibitors

• 46 Horse Exhibitors

• 8 Cat Exhibitors

• 14 Dog Exhibitors

• 7 Pocket Pet Exhibitors

• 44 Poultry Exhibitors

• 47 Rabbit Exhibitors

• 273 Still Exhibit Project Exhibi-tors

Many businesses and individu-als came together in 2007 to support the GCFFY.

• 192 Sponsors and Friends of the Fair

• 170 Large Livestock Buyers

• 98 Still Exhibit Auction Buyers

• 53 Small Animal Buyers

We were also able to enjoy some significant building and grounds improvements, such as new roofs and excavations to driveways, and probably the most noticeable, the new sheep barn pens.

Page 10 CLOVER COVERAGE

Fair Deadlines February 1 Beef Pre-Registration

March 15 Feeder Pre-Registration

May 1 Horse Pre-Registration

May 15 Swine Pre-Registration

May 15 Sheep Pre-Registration

June 1 4-H Enrollments Close

June 1 Jr. & Sr. Queen

Applications

June 15 Fair Entry Forms

June 15 Clover Climber Entry Forms

June 15 Pig Scramble Entries

June 15 Livestock Insurance Forms

June 15 Trailer Registration Forms

Be sure to give a big welcome to our two new Fair Board members!

Bill Courter:

Family: Wife Jennifer, children Jami, John, Jessica, and Jeorge

Involvement with Fair: Past exhibi-tor and Children are current exhibi-tors at the GCFFY.

Goals: Promote agriculture in a positive way, maintain the Fair for many generations to come, and would like to see the addition of new campsites.

Amy Crumbaugh:

Family: Husband John, daughter Courtney and son Calob

Involvement with Fair: Children are current exhibitors at the GCFFY.

Goals: To play a role in planning and promoting the GCFFY.

Please also congratulate Kevin Jerome and Ben Pritchard on their reelection to the Board. Scott Acker chose not to seek reelection after his term ended this year. We would like to thank Scott immensely for his ser-vice to the GCFFY.

GCFFY Fair Board Members 2008 GCFFY Fair

Board: Becky Hirschman,

President Kevin Jerome, Vice

President Kris Duflo, Secretary

Karen Weller, Treasurer

Bill Courter Amy Crumbaugh Marshall Jenkins

Darcy Martyn Karl Merchant Jason O’Boyle Ben Pritchard Carl Sztuczko

Morgan Brennan, Teen Representative

Marcy Jerome, Teen Representative

2008 Fair Dates: July 13-19, 2008

2008 Auctions Don’t forget to inform your buy-ers of the changes in the sales dates and times. Below is a re-minder of the schedule for the auctions in 2008.

• Still exhibits and food to be sold Sunday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Make sure to sign up at the Pioneer Pavilion for the Still Exhibit Auction by 1 p.m. on Sunday.

• Goats, Poultry, and Rabbits to be sold Thursday, July 17 at 5:00 p.m.

• Feeder Calves, Sheep, Crops and Swine to be sold Friday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m.

• Dairy Milk and Beef Steers to be sold Friday, July 18 at 6:00 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for you to make a personal contact to the people who come to the sale to support you!!

Tractor Safety

A t the Decem-ber meeting the fair board voted and ap-proved the

following: During fair week, only youth 16 and older can operate tractors on the fair grounds.

Tractor and Equipment Safety requires youth ages 15 and under to participate and pass a tractor safety course. Please con-tact Deidre if you are interested in taking the course.

Project 4-H: Top Chef Registration Forms Due Friday, January 25

February 8 & 9, 2008 9-13 year olds (as of Jan. 1, 2008)

Cost will cover facilities, swimming, session supplies, food and a t-shirt. It is the goal of the project workshops that each youth takes home a finished project. Camp cost is due at the time of registration. A late fee of $10 will be charged up to five days after the due date.

4-H Camper ($30) Non 4-H Camper ($40) Counselor (Free) Chaperone (Free)

Name: Address: City: State: MI Zip: Sex: M F Age: Grade: Phone: Email: 4-H Member Non-4-H Member Is your child allowed to go swimming? Yes No In case of an emergency: Contact: Phone:_____________ Relationship: Contact: Phone: Relationship: T-shirt Size: Youth Adult S M L XL XXL We need adult volunteers to chaperone during camp. We are also looking for supply donations. Please check any or all that you would be interested in helping with.

I would love to chaperone ___ Friday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m. ___ Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. ___ Over night ____ At these times: ___________________

I am will to transport youth to and from ___ swimming ___ Saturday sessions. My vehicle

has enough seat belts for ____ youth and ____ adults.

I would like to drive to the following sessions (Pick one to three of the Saturday sessions you feel comfortable “helping” with)_____________________________________________

I will donate: __________________________________________

o Email ______________________________________________ o Address ___________________________________________

Residence: ____Farm ___ Rural ___Town Under 10,000 Racial-Ethnic background: (for statistical purposes only) ____White, not of Hispanic origin ____Asian or Pacific Islander ____Hispanic ____American Indian or Alaskan Native ____Black, not of Hispanic Origin Handicapper Status: ____Emotional ____Learning ____Mental ____Physical Please name your child’s friends that will also be attending:

I understand, my child will be transported by an adult chaperone and/or school bus to and from swimming and to and from his/her sessions. Special Health Considerations: (if yes answers, please explain) 1) Are there any allergies to medications? 2) Other allergies? 3) Is the camper taking medications for any illness or problem? 4) Any special dietary considerations? 5) Any restrictions on activities? Comments: Date of last tetanus shot: ______________________________ Insurance Information: Policy holder’s name:_____________________________ Relation to camper:_______________ We have insurance with the following company:______________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ All policy numbers (please identify): ________________________________________________ In an emergency, I hereby give permission to the physician selected by the adult responsible for the group to hospitalize and/or secure proper treatment for the child named on this form. _____________________________________________ ________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Rank your top two project choices. We will try our BEST to get you into one of your top two. Remember you will only be in ONE session for the entire morning. 1. 2. Pretzel Making: Learn how to make the traditional soft German Pretzel & eat them! Rubber Stamp Food Projects: Make recipe cards, Valentine’s Day gifts, and other fun stamping projects related to food. Tracking Your Food: Experience the Great Outdoors (BRING WARM CLOTHES!) A Cut Above the Rest: Create your own cutting board in a wood shop.

Please send registration, payment & the overnight housing policy form to: Gratiot County MSU Extension, Attn: Project 4-H,

214 E. Center, Ithaca, MI 48847 by Friday, January 25, 2008. Fax: 989-875-5289 or Email: mccuneka@msu.edu

MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THE OVERNIGHT HOUSING POLICY FORM ON THE NEXT PAGE!

4-H Overnight Housing Parent/Guardian Permission Form

Parent/Guardian: Please complete the following information and return the top portion of this sheet to name/address of 4-H staff member by date. Keep the information at the bottom of this form for your records. I understand that my child ___________________________________ will be attending (name of child) _______________________________________ on ___________________________ (name of event) (date of event) at ________________________________ and that he or she may be sharing lodging (location of event) with an unrelated adult (21 or older) who has been through the Michigan State University Extension Child Well-Being Volunteer Selection Process* and with at least one other youth. By signing this form I give my permission for my child to attend this event under these lodging conditions. I also understand the Michigan 4-H Code of Conduct** expectations for adults and youth attending this event. ________________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Parent/Guardian: Keep this information for your records: Name of event: Project 4-H Winter Camp Date of event: February 8 & 9, 2008 Location of event: First Presbyterian Church, Alma , MI In case of an emergency requiring you to contact your child during the event, contact: Katie Eisenberger, (989)400-2434 *For more information on the Michigan State University Extension Volunteer Selection Process, contact your local 4-H staff member or go to http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth/cwbvsp.html **Michigan 4-H Code of Conduct for 4-H Activities: Positive behavior is a key expectation for youth and adults participating in 4-H activities – behavior that reflects trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Participants are expected to follow all workshop and event guidelines. Theft, vandalism, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol, inappropriate or threatening behavior that violates the rights of others, and other such offenses are strictly prohibited, and anyone involved with these offenses will immediately be sent home at his or her own expense. If it is determined by 4-H staff or persons in charge of the activity that the offense warrants it, the offender will be turned over to the proper authorities.

Location: First Presbyterian Church—495 Charles Ave, Alma Cost: $30 (includes box lunch, pizza supper, snacks & beverages) Proceeds to Benefit: Gratiot County 4-H Exchange Club

Saturday, January 26, 2008 Time: 9 am—9 pm

12 Hour Crop

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, Political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status. Michigan State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties cooperating. MSU is an affirma-tive-action equal opportunity employer.

Make your reservations by January 19th

Make checks payable to: Gratiot

County 4-H Exchange Club Send your payment along with

registration to: Gratiot County 4-H Exchange Club

214 E. Center St. Ithaca, MI 48847 For questions contact Patty Macha

466-9795 or dpmacha@cmsinter.net

Registration Form

Name: Phone: Address:

I will be happy to bring an item for the Silent Auction. My item is:

Make & Takes Silent Auction to be held 11:00-1:00 4-H Members there to unload and

load your scrapbooking supplies Share ideas and have a great time

with your friends Door Prizes