November/December 2011
Klamath Clover Co-Op
Klamath County 4-H Department
Your 4-H Newsletter Has Arrived!!
4-H Staff
Jed Smith
Misty Buckley
[email protected]
[email protected]
Agents and Office Staff
Willie Riggs
Stacey Bennett
Brian Charlton
Jewel Haskins
Karen Hottman
Darrin Culp
Patty Case
Jamie Fitch
Chanda Engel
Claudia Tosh
Trisha Nagorski
Jordan Rainwater
OSU Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center
3328 Vandenberg Rd., Klamath Falls, OR 97603
phone: (541) 883-7131 ● fax: (541) 883-4582
Website: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/kbrec/
Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Family and Community Health, 4-H Youth, Forestry
& Natural Resources, and Extension Sea Grant programs. Oregon State University, United
States Department of Agriculture, and Klamath County cooperating. The Extension Service
offers its programs and materials equally to all people.
Jed’s Journal
Once again the holiday season is upon us, and what a joyous and
wonderful time it is indeed. This is a time to also show the community
how caring and compassionate 4-H members and their families are.
Remember to pass on good will and cheerful thoughts this season to
those you meet through your walk of life. Let us also remember to do
this in care of our animals as well, when it is cold outside a smidgen
more energy for them keeps them warm and happy and I am sure in
their own critter ways they truly appreciate it.
Though we are in the winter months with all that entails there are a
number of things your club might be up to. There may be opportunity
to hold fundraising events or community service. Likely, project work is
a bit slower this time of year and that opens the door to the service
and fundraising part of the program. Remember these fundraisers can
be to help 4-H’ers fund your way to events such as High Desert
Leadership Retreat, the 2012 Rendezvous at the Ranch Youth
Leadership Retreat, or OSU 4-H Summer Conference 2012. If you have
not previously thought about these programs please give them a think
this month and consider participating; information is always available
from me on these events — just shoot me an email or give me a call.
As I am writing, I am also reminded of current enrollment in the
program for 2011-2012 and we are still down in numbers just a bit.
That being said as 4-H members and leaders and/or parents this is a
great time to mention the program to friends and peers, welcome them
to the 4-H family this year!
May each and every one of you have very happy holidays!
JED
“Some men’s words I remember so well that I must
often us them to express my thought. Yes, because
I perceive that we have heard the same truth, but
they have heard it better.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
Safe Programs for Youth
As OSU Extension volunteers and staff, we are partners and mutually dedicated to the
goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of all young people associated with OSU
Extension programs. To achieve this, certain safeguards should be in place. The
following are some of the practical guidelines to help protect everyone involved with
Extension programs involving youth.
Safe Environments
Establishing a safe environment requires that we…
select appropriate staff and/or volunteers to work with youth,
establish effective safety guidelines and policies,
provide education (for participants and supervisors),
plan safe places and maintaining safe situations, and
apply local, state and federal law that relate to OSU Extension programs.
Staff and volunteers can help young people maintain safe spaces by asking them to:
Use a “buddy” system to provide group safety when they are not in the presence
of a supervisor.
Report suspected bullying, ‘secret’ initiations, physical or mental ‘hazing,’ so it
can be stopped quickly.
Establishing Safety Guidelines
Adult staff and volunteers who are responsible for youth are expected to use good
judgment and apply the following guidelines consistently. These guidelines help
ensure a child’s safety, as well as protecting staff, volunteers, and the organization’s
reputation.
At minimum, adults work in pairs (2-deep supervision) when working with youth
to provide broad support and to ensure sufficient supervision during an
emergency.
Avoid being alone with a single youth.
Work with young people in reasonably open places where others can observe or
approach at any time (e.g., open-door policy).
Always respect the privacy of youth.
Never discipline children using physical punishment or fail to provide necessities,
such as food, water, or shelter.
Avoid inappropriate conversations or words in areas where youth might
overhear.
Do not lodge one volunteer (adult or teen) with one unrelated child. *
* If there is an exceptional set of circumstances and an chaperone is assigned
lodging with youth, then multiple youth must be present, and exceptional care
must be taken to provide privacy for youth.
In circumstances when a child is ill, effective supervision to keep the child safe may
vary from the guidelines listed above. However, safe supervision must always include
the child’s right to privacy to the extent possible.
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
Recognition Night Wrap-Up
Thank you to everyone who made the 4-H Recognition Night a success!
Several people volunteered to help ahead of time and quite a few even
pitched in without planning to because they saw something that they
could do to help. It takes a lot of people each doing just a little bit to
pull an event like this together so we thank each person who played a
part. We were also pleased to see so many in attendance - of course
the promise of a delicious dinner with meat by Yummy’s Cowboy
Cuisine might have had something to do with that! This is the kind of
event we hope everyone will attend because it is important to receive
the recognition that you have earned during the year and also to
recognize the accomplishments of others who have worked equally
hard at their projects and to offer a heart-felt thanks to the volunteers
who make it all happen for the youth.
Next year we want to make it even bigger and better so we are going
to start now with the planning! If you would like to be on the planning
committee, please contact Misty. This is not only an opportunity to
have a voice in next year’s event but also a neat leadership opportunity
for members.
Again, we know many people helped out and even if we didn’t happen
to see you in action we truly thank you for your contribution!
If you have not yet written a thank-you note
to Yummy’s, it would be a good idea and
they would probably really appreciate
hearing from those who were able to
partake of the fine meal. Please send a nice
note to: Yummy’s Cowboy Cuisine, Norm &
Virginia Small, 19750 Cheyne Road, Merrill,
OR 97633. It is very important to remember to show our gratitude
to those who support the program!
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
Ag Council of America
Calls For Essay Contest
Submissions
The Agriculture Council of America
(ACA) calls on 9th- to 12th-grade
students to submit an original, 450word essay or a two-minute video
essay about the importance of
agriculture.
This year's theme is "American
Agriculture: Feeding the Future, Filling the Gaps" and the deadline is
Feb. 1, 2012. The ACA asks teachers and parents to encourage student
participation. The theme presents an opportunity for students to
address how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing
population.
Entrants may choose to either write an essay and/or create a video
focusing on how today's growers are overcoming challenges to provide
a safe, stable food supply and sustain the significant role agriculture
plays in everyday life.
The national written essay winner receives a $1,000 prize and roundtrip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration
of Ag Dinner held March 8 at Whitten Patio at the USDA. During dinner,
the winner will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well
as join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal
agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag
celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the
winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.
For more information, visit http://www.agday.org/media/pr1.php.
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
National 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest
Essays are due in the State 4-H office by February 1,
2012. The 4-H Beekeeping Essay is a great opportunity
for 4-H members to research and write about honey
bees. Cash prizes of $750, $500 and $250 will be
awarded to the 3 top National winners. The essay theme
for 2012 is "The Results of Honey Bee Pollination in my Community.”
Contest details are located at http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/4hbeekeeping-essay-contest. 4-H members can also use the information
they gather to make an educational display for the fair. Essay
contestants are not required to be enrolled in a 4-H beekeeping
project so everyone can participate in this opportunity!
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
Are you a runner?
As is always the case with 4-H, the program is
always investigating new directions that youth
could go within the program. Columbia County
4-H has started a running club, the 4-H Striders
among other things to promote healthy living
and positive choices. For those of you 4-H’ers
that may be runners or for those of you who
have friends that might be interested that may
be outside the 4-H program here is a very real possibility. We are
going to gather information from interested parties for the creation of
a 4-H youth running program in Klamath County. If you are interested
at any level with this sort of thing please contact your local 4-H Agent
at [email protected] and look for an upcoming planning
meeting in the near future to get this project off and running!
PROJECT-RELATED VIDEOS
A new series of project-related videos has been completed. Online
videos can be accessed most easily at
http://vimeo.com/oregon4h/videos (all videos) or
http://www.youtube.com/user/Oregon4H (most
videos). Check it out and see if there are videos that
relate to your project area or other topics that might
interest you. In the YouTube site you can subscribe
to Oregon4H so that you will be notified when new
videos are added. The variety of videos offered is
pleasantly surprising so take a few minutes to visit
these websites and scan what is offered. 4-H is always seeking new
ways to reach out to you!
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Klamath County 4-H Enrollment
Here’s the scoop on the enrollment deadlines for this year!

Returning Member enrollment was extended to
Tuesday, December 20

Friday, January 6: New Member enrollment deadline
The enrollment fee is remaining at $30/member with a $60/household
maximum.
Failure to re-enroll by the deadline may result in reduced eligibility for
participation. New clubs are forming in Photography, Veterinary
Science, Livestock, and Living Local (gardening, sustainability, etc.) so if
your club last year didn’t work out for you but you might be interested
in another club or another project area, please give us a call so we can
assist you. If financial need is a barrier, enrollment scholarships for up
to half of the enrollment fee are available and the application is
confidential so please don’t be afraid to ask. We would rather know
you have a need so we can work with it than to miss you next year!
Rotary Livestock Loan
For those of you who are looking at a livestock project for the
upcoming year, please remember the Rotary 4-H/FFA Loan Program is
available to help if funds are an obstacle to your participation.
The Youth Market Livestock Loan was established to promote youth
livestock projects that may otherwise be financially restrictive. The
purpose is to provide an interest-free loan to be used towards
purchasing a market quality animal to raise as a project.
Please contact us if you would like an application for this program.
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
Would you like to help Maggie Porter
with her senior project?
Then come and PARTICIPATE!!!!!
Where? The Fairgrounds
 When? January 14th @ 12:00
 All you need to bring is you and your brain!
* If you are an Intermediate or Senior you can go to
State Judging!!
* Contestants are not required to be enrolled in the
Horse Project.

Spring Horse Classic (SHC) is the
state competition for the following
six events: Horse Bowl, Horse
Judging, Hippology, Individual
Presentations, Team Presentations,
and Public Speaking. This year’s
event is April 27-29, 2012 in Baker
City. Entries are due in the State Office on or before April 6. Both the
individual event entry forms and the county payment form must be
signed by the county agent.
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
DOG FAIR
Sue Newnham is this year’s Superintendent
of the Dog department. She has already
worked hard to make some positive updates
for the Dog program and one such change
will be that this year Dog Fair will take place
on Wednesday, August 8. Many people
hope this will be a move that will bring more
awareness to those participating in the Dog
project area and give the public a greater
chance to see our great kids in action!
TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS
The next New Leader Training is coming up January 10! If you know of
someone who is in the process of becoming a newly certified 4-H
leader or if you want to brush up on your knowledge, plan to join us!
If this date is just not going to work, volunteers can complete the “eLearning Course.” The e-Learning course was designed to help users
learn basic information about their volunteer duties. The course,
combined with face-to-face training and on-going learning
opportunities, demonstrate our appreciation of your volunteer
commitment. 4-H is dedicated to helping you to help us be the best
we can be for our youth.
e-Learning is composed of four modules, about 15 - 20 minutes each,
to provide basic orientation for volunteers. E ach module is interactive,
including appealing graphics, quizzes, and connected information. The
learning is self-paced and when each module is completed the
volunteer receives a completion certificate, while the local Extension
staff is notified that the volunteer has completed the module.
ANYONE can access the course at http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/
elearning-course and we encourage volunteers, parents, older youth,
or anyone who is interested to log on.
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
HEY TEENS AND ADULT MENTORS
JOIN THE FUN!
Youth Advocates for Health (YA4-H!) Trainings begin in November,
2011. The hands-on, fun, and interactive training program will provide
core YA4-H! teams (2 youth and one adult mentor) with an overview of
the YA4-H! program to prepare them to create a YA4-H! team in their
own county. YA4-H! teams will identify health-related concerns that
affect youth in their county, conduct a participatory research project of
the concern, provide health-related educational opportunities to
younger youth, and plan action to address the concern. County YA4-H!
teams will share the progress of their project on the state YA4-H!
website. Participating counties will receive a Sony Bloggie video camera
for use in the project. Get a t-shirt and water bottle too!! Just plan to
join in the fun!!!! The nearest training will be January 14-15, 2012 in
Redmond Oregon (with the High Desert Leadership Retreat).
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
Red Cross Trainings
Katie Feinauer is in the process of making arrangements for some Red
Cross classes to be offered here in Klamath County. Classes to be
offered include:
 When I am in Charge (geared for 9-11 year olds)
 Basic Aid (geared for 10-15 year olds)
Once there are enough people, a date and time will be arranged with
the Red Cross. If you are interested in these classes, please contact
Katie at 541-783-2636.
The babysitting course (geared for 11-17 year olds) has been confirmed
for February 4, 2012. The cost will be $85.00 per student. It will run
from 9:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. so the students will need to bring a
lunch. The manual will be $9 at the class or may be downloaded for
free at www.oregonredcross.org/classmaterials.
COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE!!
Please be sure to read and share the various opportunities highlighted
in the monthly newsletters. Set aside time to discuss important
information such as deadlines, expectations, roles and responsibilities,
opportunities and exciting achievements shared in the monthly
newsletter. Many times we hear that 4-H families didn't know about
fun activities or important dates when this information was shared in
the monthly newsletter! For example, older youth will want to read
page six of this newsletter which has a reminder for a scholarship
clinic. Does the newsletter cover everything? No, there are training
resources, project manuals, rule books and various other resources to
use throughout the year. The newsletter provides current updates and
opportunities. E-mail is another way we often communicate; if you are
not receiving our e-mail messages please send us an e-mail and ask to
be added to the list.
Please let us know if there is something you need or don't understand.
We are here to help build positive youth development opportunities
for all youth in Klamath County!
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Klamath Clover Co-Op
2012 High Desert Leadership Retreat
at Eagle Crest
Friday, January 13 - Monday, January 16, 2012
The High Desert Leadership Retreat is an annual youth conference held
over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. During the four-days, youth
from throughout Central Oregon gather at the Eagle Crest Resort to
challenge their minds and bodies by engaging in skill building and
asset development.
Whether learning about character education, conflict resolution,
mentoring, college preparation, healthy lifestyles, cultural diversity,
program planning, presentations, public speaking, or even rubbing
shoulders with elected officials, youth in 7th - 12th grades participate in
hands-on activities, workshops, and seminars designed to enhance
their capabilities, in school, at home, on the job, and in life.
The deadline for priority registration including a discount is December
16! A $50 non-refundable deposit can be placed by that date to secure
your registration at the lowest rate. This is also the deadline for
requesting scholarship assistance with the registration fee.
Registration at the full fee without scholarship assistance will be
accepted up until January 6, 2012.
From all of us at the Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center, and
on behalf of our extended network at Oregon State University, we wish
you a safe & happy holiday season and a prosperous new year!
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Klamath Clover Co-Op