Opinion

4-h deadlines near

Monday, February 21, 2011

Youth grades three through 12 are welcomed to join 4-H and are reminded that the deadline to enroll is April 1. Some projects have earlier deadlines; so get signed up now if you are interested in joining 4-H this year. The 4-H program is more than the important lessons learned from showing livestock or farm activities that come to mind with most individuals. There are more than 50 projects that include shooting sports, scrapbooking, photography, sewing, aerospace, ATV safety, small engines and model building crafts. The enrollment form is located on the Purdue Extension Putnam County website listed below. The 2011 Handbooks are now available online, via CD or $3 by hardcopy in the Extension office.

Besides the project features of 4-H, there are many trips, awards and scholarship aspects. The 4-H Science Workshops occur during June and cover a variety of topics ranging from aerospace-computer science-electric-engineering-entomology-food science-plant science-animal science and finally veterinary science. The animal science portion covers nine species and includes aquatic science. The veterinary science workshop has both a large and a small animal option. There are three options of horticulture, agronomy and mission to Mars in the plant science workshop.

Also there is 4-H Roundup where 4-Her's learn leadership development and team building activities. There is sponsorship for these workshops to assist with at least half of the registration fees. Most of these workshops are three-day events that occur at Purdue, West Lafayette.

Therefore, regardless of whether one is a Purdue fan, one can experience being on a large university campus and gain that valuable experience. After having a sponsor paying half of the fee, the cost for most of these events are $85 or less. The state band and state chorus workshops have slightly higher fees but are also additional options for 4-Hers.

Any 4-Her interested in the 2011 trips, awards or other workshops must complete an interest form requesting to attend by April 15. To have increased opportunity for sponsorship, please have your application into the Extension office by April 1.

Those 4-Hers in grades seven to 12 are also eligible to join Junior Leaders. The next meeting is March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Junior Leaders is a project where youth return the favors of others who have gone before them in terms of providing assistance and encouragement to younger 4-Hers. This special group may apply to become camp counselors, serve as junior superintendents during project judging at county fair, and most importantly learn by conducting community service projects and solving community problems in a team atmosphere. Leadership development roles are provided.

Meetings have already started and congratulations to the officers who have been elected as follows: Co-presidents, Madison Marsteller and Shea Mahoney-Sutherland; Vice-president Bailey Goff; Co-secretaries, Lauren Johnson and Jake Robertson; Co-treasurers, Jessie McKean and Josh Miller; Recreation and Song Leaders, Joey Lamon, Collin Pennington and Kristen Rudolph; Historians, Riley Sutherlin and Kady McKean; and Parliamentarians, Katie Plasters and Adie Millican.

Congratulations to all of these officers. The wonderful feature of Junior Leaders, unlike many adult organizations, is that individuals do step forward seeking the officer roles rather than being coerced!

Check our website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are eastern time.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 21---- Back to Basic Novice Guide to Farm Animals session on Cattle, 6 p.m.

Feb. 24---- Program Planning meeting for Ext. Homemakers at Extension Office 7 p.m.

Feb. 26---- Putnam County Master Gardener Advanced Training Seminar - Fairgrounds

Feb. 28---- Extension Office Open House, 4-7 p.m.

Feb. 28---- Back to Basic Novice Guide to Farm Animals session on Chickens , 6:00 p.m.

Mar. 1---- Growing "Green" Vegetable Culture Class starts (PARP Credit Available) 9:30 a.m.

Mar. 5---- Putnam Extension Homemaker Garage Sale, Fairgrounds

Mar. 7--- Back to Basic Novice Guide to Farm Animals session on Horses, 6:00 p.m.

Mar. 10---- Junior Leader Meeting, Fairgrounds, 7-8 p.m.

Mar. 12---- Putnam County Ag Day Breakfast/Farmfest, Fairgrounds, 8 a.m. -- Noon

Mar. 14--- Back to Basics: Novice Guide to Farm Animals session on Swine, 6:00 p.m.

Mar. 14 ---- EH Leader Lesson "Exploring Fruits & Vegetables," Extension Office, 1 p.m.

Mar. 16---- Cat Poster/Project Workshop, Extension office, 6:30 p.m.