4-H launch a chance to meet leaders, enroll, learn about projects Feb. 17

Whether you like cooking, sewing, crafting, growing or showing, 4-H has something for you. To learn more about the local 4-H program and the Putnam County Fair, come and join the Purdue Extension Putnam County staff at the 2013 Putnam County 4-H Launch to find out where you fit into the 4-H Program.

The Purdue Extension Office will be hosting this open house like event on Feb. 17, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. in the Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. During the event you will be able to visit with many of the volunteer 4-H Leaders, clubs displays, 4-Hers, and other volunteers like those who are superintendents who oversee the animal and other project areas. While visiting you will learn of the many programs the 4-H program offers during the County Fair. 4-H program manuals and 4-H enrollment forms will be available. At the 4-H Launch, you will be able to learn about projects by meeting those who conduct workshops, serve as judges or have specialty backgrounds in various project areas. Staff and Superintendent Volunteers can help 4-H families in understanding manuals, livestock forms and enrollment processes. There is something for everyone!

If your child is already involved in the 4-H program it is encouraged he or she attend to learn about other projects, manuals and club leaders. For example, there will be 4-Hers who will be sharing about their trips to Washington DC, Roundup, 4-H Camp, etc. so more become knowledgeable about the many 4-H opportunities beyond exhibiting projects at the local fair.

Also there will be poster sleeves, poster foam board and other items available for purchase so 4-Hers can get started with their projects early. This will help accommodate those who cannot make it into the Extension office during regular business hours.

For more information on the wide variety of opportunities or to participate as a 4-H member or club, please contact the Purdue Extension Office at 653-8411.

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. 11 -- Farm Management Program, Clay County, 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 14 -- Ext. Homemakers County Council meeting, Ext. Classroom, 11:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 -- Bi-State 4-H Judges and Leaders Clinic, Cloverdale KNOY Center, 9 a.m.

Feb. 17 -- Putnam 2013 4-H Launch, Fairgrounds, 2-4 p.m.

Feb.19 and 20 -- Certified Livestock Producer Program, Knoy Center 5-8:30 p.m.

Feb.23 --"Beyond the Garden Gate" Master Gardener Advanced Training Fairgrounds 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Feb. 28 -- Private Applicator Recertification Program (PARP), Putnam Fairgrounds, 1-3:15 p.m.

March 1-2 -- Indiana Small Farms Conference, Danville