OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Seneca County 4 H

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Volume 30, Issue 4 In This Issue………. . • COVID Guidelines • End of Year Packets • End of Year Surveys • Secretary, Treasurer, and Honor Club Forms • Grade A Celebration • Green Cards • Policy 1. 50 Training • 2021 Volunteer Fingerprints • 2021 New Volunteers • Award Trip Scholarship Applications • 2021 4 -H Family Handbook • 4 -H Club Meeting Visits • 4 -H Club Audits • Teen Workshop • 2020 National 4 -H Week • 2020 TSC Paper Clover Campaign • Color Contest • 2021 Camp Information • Quarterly Newsletters • Seneca Co Endowment • Carteens • Quality Assurance Trainer Training • Seneca Co. App • Exploring AG Program • Food and Fashion Board • Scholarship and Award Winners • Volunteer Anniversaries • Junior Leadership News • State Opportunities • Jr. Fair News Oct-Dec / 2020 We did it! Virtual recognition of seniors, volunteers and camp counselors, virtual project clinics, virtual 4 -H camp, virtual and in-person pre-fair project judging, Seneca County Fair, and virtual Grade A recognition are just some of our highlights from our unusual summer season. As you can see, theme is virtual. Thank you to all of our 4 -H advisors, members and families that have been resilient and made the best out of the situation that was at hand. You are the reason that 4 -H Grows in Seneca County! The global pandemic has definitely changed the way we have had to keep our 4 -H programming moving forward. We have been forced to be more innovative and creative in the ways that we reach our members and other 4 -H partners. I know it has not been an easy task and we will have to continue this trend as we are still in unchartered waters. I want to express my gratitude for your patience and kindness during this period. We are doing what we can to ensure that our 4 -H members and community can still have the best experience that they can, while still being safe and healthy. We will keep pushing forward and do our best as we build “True Leaders” in this program. The Seneca County OSU Extension office will continue to be open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a. m. -4: 30 p. m. The Seneca County OSU Extension office will remain closed on Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice. Staff will remain limited during our hours of operation. Be assured that even on the days any of us are not in the office or the days the office is closed, we continue to telework from home. We can still be reached via e-mail or by leaving a voicemail when you call the office at 419 -447 -9722. Emails are cole. 537@osu. edu, Williams. 6386@osu. edu, and Mancuso. 48@osu. edu. We will continue to send information to you via e-mail, social media (Facebook), our website (www. seneca. osu. edu) and the Seneca County 4 -H app. You will also find the guidelines, a tip sheet and resources at ohio 4 h. org/families/stayconnected. When possible, we encourage OSU Extension programs, meetings, and events to meet virtually.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Volume 30, Issue 4 Updated Club Guidelines for COVID-19 Clubs choosing to meet in-person should provide virtual connection options for members who have that preference. Please note that in-person 4 -H club meetings, activities and other events may be suspended at any time if local, state, federal, and/or university authorities issue new restrictions. 4 -H meetings and activities can only be held in person if Ohio 4 -H Planning Guide for In-Person Meetings & Events guidelines can be followed. Updated information effective September 1, 2020 includes: • Hosting virtual meetings and events is preferred. • If activities are critical/essential and are in-person, they must be education-focused. • Group cannot be larger than 50 people, including adults, youth, presenters, etc. o This directive is dependent on local health department guidelines. o The group size may need to be reduced to 10 (or other amount), based on the directives of your local health department. • Face masks are required. o This includes inside AND outside at all times. o Program participants and parent/guardians ages five and older must wear a mask. o Medical conditions or disability exceptions are also permitted. • Potlucks and buffets are not permitted Oct-Dec/ 2020 Any time our county is designated a Level 4 Public Health Emergency (color-coded purple) by the Ohio Department of Health, all in-person 4 -H club meetings and events must be held virtually or postponed until the designation changes to Level 3 or below. Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System updates are at https: //coronavirus. ohio. gov/wps/portal/gov/covid 19/publichealth-advisory-system/ Guidance provided to 4 -H professionals and families on July 22 is still in effect and is included below. Ohio 4 -H Planning Guide for In-person Meetings & Events As we return to in-person 4 -H activities, the following principles will be used: The health and safety of the 4 -H community is our priority. Transparency is essential – clear expectations must be communicated in a timely manner. Be flexible – continue to provide options, including virtual ones, for participation to provide 4 -H members and families with a safe environment given their individual circumstances, while maintaining inclusivity and flexibility for all. We know concerns about the spread of COVID-19 have changed how people interact with one other. Because of this, those who organize meetings and events have a responsibility to consider the health and safety of attendees. This document provides guidance for how to lead and conduct OSU Extension / 4 -H meetings and events.

Cot-Dec/2020 OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter General Considerations As you restart in-person 4 -H activities, the following considerations will assist with your planning. Consider limiting the length of meetings and events, particularly those that take place indoors, and the length of time people will be in contact with one another. Sustained contact provides an increased opportunity for virus transmission. Place o Space o Consider hosting meetings and activities outdoors when possible. Continue to offer options for virtual engagement when individuals request it. o Consider the types of interactions that occur at the event and if contact between attendees can be limited. o Maintain six feet of distancing between individuals whenever feasible. o Masks are an effective means of preventing transmission from people who feel fine, but are not showing symptoms and have the ability to infect others. Time o Consider the guidance from your local county health department regarding locations where you meet, as well as where attendees may be coming from. People o Consider the overall number of attendees and whether this includes individuals (including other individuals in their home) who may be at a higher risk of serious illness if they develop COVID-19. The CDC cautions that gatherings with more than 250 people have a higher risk of coronavirus transmission and the state of Ohio has place limitations on the size of gatherings. Meeting Planning Meeting Notices In advance of meetings, it is important to send notices to parents and members outlining expectations for participation. The notice should include the following information: State that members and/or family members cannot attend the meeting if they or anyone living their household is experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Provide an option for members to participate virtually. Note that physical distancing will be practiced by maintaining a six-foot distance between people. We expect face masks will be properly worn during the 4 -H meeting. Encourage participants to bring their own snacks and drinks for the meeting.

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Attendance Physical Space Design Take attendance at the meeting or event by checking off names on a roster. Do not pass around a paper for individuals to sign or have members sign-in. This attendance record must be kept in case someone attending the meeting/event contracts COVID-19 and information is needed for contact tracing. Attendance records must be kept for at least six months beyond the date of the meeting/event. Plan ahead. There are many factors to consider regarding the need for six-foot physical distancing and the number of people a gathering space can accommodate. Consider the following when choosing meeting/event spaces: Can the event take place outside? Open air appears to reduce the risk of spreading airborne illness. What is the normal maximum occupancy of the space? Quarantine and Isolation Any individual (e. g. , member, club leader) who develops symptoms of COVID-19, must immediately isolate, seek medical care, and take the following steps: o To provide six feet of physical distance between individuals, the occupancy of meeting spaces must be decreased by half. For example, a space with a posted maximum occupancy of 100 people would need to be adjusted to a maximum of 50 people. o If you need to estimate the capacity of a space, allow 30 square feet person. Contact the local health department about suspected cases or exposures. o Work with local health department to identify potentially infected or exposed individuals to help facilitate effective contact tracing. Attend 4 -H club activities virtually. Notify your county OSU Extension professional, who will notify the State 4 -H Office. Is there access to a clean restroom for participants, including soap and water for washing hands? Set up tables and chairs to provide six-feet physical distancing. Moving chairs is discouraged. o County office will notify club members and families per standard protocol for notification of communicable diseases. o If the individual who developed symptoms attended a club meeting or activity, the club should stop all in-person club activities for 14 days following the exposure, meet only virtually, and notify club members to monitor for symptoms. o The State 4 -H Office will follow university reporting and contact tracing protocols. o If seating is fixed, mark those seats that are off limits (e. g. , use tape to indicate “don’t sit here” spaces in grandstand seating). Modified layouts can help attendees keep their distance from others. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Cloth Face Covering Patterns Educational Materials There are many ways in which you can make a cloth face covering. The CDC offers several different options to make a cloth mask including a sewn mask, a quick-cut t-shirt mask, and a bandana cloth face covering. These patterns can be found at: www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/prevent-getting -sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering. html Provide participants with their own copies of educational materials. If you plan to use an activity that requires passing an item around, you should revise the activity. For example, the item should be big enough to be viewed from a distance, or a sample or picture needs to be available for each participant. Food and Drinks at Meetings Encourage each attendee to bring their own drinks and snacks instead of providing shared options at meetings. Potlucks and buffets are highly discouraged. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Face Masks Face masks are expected to be worn at all 4 -H inperson meetings and events. Face masks refer to disposable procedure masks or cloth face coverings, not surgical or N-95 respirators. They should fit snuggly around the mouth and nose and be worn appropriately to be effective. Remember – it is possible to have COVID-19, not exhibit any symptoms and transmit the virus to others. Wearing a face mask is a measure to protect others. Face masks are required at the following events: individual interviews, skill-a-thon, and other judging events that may accidentally result in less than 6 -foot social distancing space. Sanitizing Stations and Schedules All entrance/exit door handles for the meeting location and the doors handles of any accessible restrooms and any other high-touch surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered cleaner-disinfectant before and after the meeting. All tables and chairs should be cleaned and disinfected before and after use. Before and after will be defined by the meeting or event: Meetings: if you have a two-hour meeting and individuals sit at the same table and chair for the duration, “before” is prior to the start of the meeting, “after” is the conclusion of the meeting. Events: if you have scheduled times for youth to participate in an interview, skill-a-thon, or judging event, then tables, chairs, and equipment should be sanitized before the event, after use by each individual, and after the conclusion of the event. If you are unable to find an EPA-registered cleanerdisinfectant, the following bleach solutions may be used: 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Monitor Your Health Additional tips for cleaning and disinfecting tables and chairs include: Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection and confirm the product is not past its expiration date. o Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening, may not be suitable for disinfection. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Wear disposable gloves when handling bleach solutions. o Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours. Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used. Practice Good Hygiene Wash your hands often, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface. Avoid touching your face or others in attendance. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Provide tissues and make sure there is a wastebasket to dispose of used tissues. Provide hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol at a registration table or at a table near the entrance of the meeting room. Be alert for symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath. Do not attend in-person activities if you or anyone living in your household is experiencing symptoms associated with the COVID-19 or any other communicable illness. Follow CDC/ODH guidance if symptoms develop. Use nitrile gloves rather than latex since some people have a latex allergy. Refer to the Quarantine and Isolation instructions on pp. 2 -3. Signage All in-person 4 -H meetings and events are required to have the following signs posted. This is to provide clear communication and transparency regarding the measures 4 -H is recommending to promote the safety of the community. Sign Post Location Available at Entry and Exit doors Registration tables 4 -H Event Guidelines Throughout the space, if feasible Sanitizing At each activity/judging Stations station Entry to ohio 4 h. org/f Hand Washing restrooms Above restroom Poster amilies/ sinks stay. Entry and Exit connected Watch Your doors Step! Poster Registration and Where tables to Stand Throughout the Templates space if feasible How COVID-19 Entry and Exit Doors Spreads OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter End of Year Club Packets Club year end packets are available at the Extension Office. These packets contain member and volunteer certificates, pins, club honor forms, and secretary and treasurer year end information. Tenured volunteer gifts are also available for pick up. If you still have not picked up your club packet or tenured advisor gift, please do so ASAP. End of Year Surveys End of year surveys are available in the end of year club packets and in the Extension office. Surveys are due by Friday, October 9. We ask that advisors please take the time to fill a survey out and return it to the Extension office by the deadline. We value your thoughts and recommendations for the betterment of our program and ‘Making the Bester. ’ Secretary and Treasurer and Honor Club Forms Secretary and Treasurer forms and Honor Club forms can be found in your club year end packet and are due to the Extension Office by January 18, 2021. Grade A Celebration The Grade A Celebration videos are located on our website at https: //seneca. osu. edu/news/grade-celebration -0 and recognize all of our members who received at least one A on their project(s) this year, our tenured advisors, and Golden Award recipients. If you have not checked them out, be sure to do so! Congratulations to all on your well deserved achievements! Green Cards are still available for purchase. You may pay up front with the cards or take cards and return any unsold cards and payments to the Extension Office. The cost is $10/card and $5 goes directly towards your 4 -H club and $5 goes to the 4 -H Advisory Council. There a few new businesses on the cards this year. There also a couple of businesses listed that are out of business or will be going out of business since we solidified them to be on the card. Sorry for any inconvenience. The green cards are effective through May 2021. Thank you to the 4 -H Advisory Council for your work on this fundraiser. Mandatory Policy 1. 50 Training and 4 -H Update Volunteers, please mark your calendars to attend one of the virtual mandatory Policy 1. 50 trainings, 4 -H update, and 4 -H Online 2. 0 training of your choice. Any active volunteers must attend a training to be a volunteer in 2021. Training links and more detailed information will be forthcoming, so stay tuned. Thursday, January 14, 2021 6: 00 -8: 00 p. m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 12: 00 -2: 00 p. m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6: 00 -8: 00 p. m. Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 9: 00 -11: 00 a. m. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter 2021 Volunteer Fingerprints Volunteers are also reminded that if you are selected to get your fingerprints done, to please do so before December 31, 2020. A letter will be sent out of the office as soon as we are able to, reminding you to get your fingerprints done. If fingerprints are not completed, then you will not be eligible to be a volunteer for 2021. If you have reimbursement forms, please turn them into the Extension office. We generally encourage you to use North Central to get your fingerprints done. However, with COVID they were not providing this service for some time. If you are planning on going to North Central, you should call first to see if they now offering this. Fingerprints can be done anywhere the service is available. 2021 New Volunteers If you have anyone interested in being a volunteer for 2021, please make sire they have their application turned in by January 31, 2021. If applications are turned in after this date, applicants must wait until the 2022 season. 2021 4 -H Family Handbook In addition to the Seneca County 4 -H Family Handbook being offered and downloadable on our website, www. seneca. osu. edu and a hard copy being provided to all advisors, we are offering pre-orders for any clubs, members and their families that might want to purchase a hard copy of the Family Handbooks are $5. 00/piece and cash or checks made payable to Seneca County 4 -H Advisory Council will be accepted. Orders will be due by Wednesday, November 25. Order forms are available at the Extension office or on our website. 4 -H Club Meeting Visits Club meeting visits were postponed in 2020 due to not being able to meet in person. The same clubs that were selected for this year will remain on the list for 2021. The clubs that are selected will receive a notification of their visit. A representative of the 4 -H Advisory Council will come to sit in at your meeting. 4 -H Club visits are being conducted to help support and advise on club structure and observe how club meetings are ran. This is a way for us to help you improve meeting structure if need be and provide feedback. Once you have set your schedule of meeting times and dates for your club for the 2021 4 -H year, please be sure to provide a copy to the Extension Office. Award Trip Scholarship Applications There are scholarships available to help with the cost of some of the award trips offered through 4 -H. There are opportunities for youth in 7 th grade and older. Please take a look and consider applying for these great experiences. You meet, network, and learn from other 4 H youth from Ohio and nationally! These create amazing memories! The scholarship applications are due to the Extension office by Monday, December 7, 2020. The Award Trip Scholarship application is available on our website OHIO and in the Extension office. https: //seneca. osu. edu/news/award-trip-scholarshipapplication STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter 4 -H Club Audits We are continuing to conduct club audits in 2021, we will be randomly selecting five 4 -H clubs to be audited by the Seneca County 4 -H Advisory Council. All clubs that are selected will receive notification and more information in the mail soon. The audits will take place when secretary and treasurer books are turned into the office. This is a way to ensure all clubs are following the correct financial guidelines as suggested by the Extension office. It will also protect the treasurer, club, advisors, and Extension Office in the case of any financial issues or challenges by others. Audits that do not pass inspection will require further investigation. Teen Workshop A virtual Teen Workshop will be provided for all teens and parents who are interested and want to know more about how to get involved and what opportunities are available to them in the 4 -H program. This will cover county, state, and national clubs, award trips, and scholarships. The Teen Workshop is for any 4 -H teen 13 years and older and will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2020 via Zoom and starting at 6: 00 p. m. There is no cost to attend! To view a flyer and register for the event, please visit our website: https: //seneca. osu. edu/news/teen-workshop-1 2020 National 4 -H Week 2020 Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaign In conjunction to National 4 -H week, TSC stores will be holding their annual fall Paper Clover Campaign, which will run October 7 -18, 2020. Visit our local Tiffin Tractor Supply Company store and purchase a clover or add a donation at checkout. The profits from the Paper Clover Campaign go back directly to the 4 -H Program. Thank you for your support! Color Contest The Color Contest is for anyone age 5 -12 years old. Entries can be picked up and dropped off and will be displayed at the following locations through the deadline: Seneca County OSU Extension Office- 3140 S. St. Rt. 100, Suite E. Tiffin, OH 44883 Tiffin Tractor Supply Company-2501 W. Market St. Tiffin, OH 44883 Tiffin Rural King-2300 OH-18 Tiffin, OH 44883 Ag Credit Tiffin Branch- 2500 W. Market St. Tiffin, OH 44883 There will be two age divisions, 5 -8 years old and 9 -12 years old. All entries from both age divisions will be entered for a drawing of a gift basket. Contestants do not need to be in 4 -H to participate. All entries must be turned in no later than Monday, November 16 th at 4: 30 p. m. https: //seneca. osu. edu/news/fall-color-contest National 4 -H week will be held October 4 -10. On Monday, October 5 th, wear your green in support of the Seneca County 4 -H Program. Visit www. 4 h. org to get ideas on how you can celebrate! Be sure to spread the word about Ohio 4 -H! OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter 2021 Important Camp Information The dates for the 2021 Seneca County 4 -H Junior Camp at Kelly’s Island will be announced soon. As a reminder, there will be no full camp scholarships given out. We highly encourage you to start thinking of ways you can save up for camp now. It could be a fundraiser with your club or saving a little each month. Scholarships at most will be half of the cost of camp per applicant if accepted. Camp counselor applications will be due to the Extension office by Monday, December 7, 2020. Interviews for counselors will take place on December 22 from 4: 30 -8: 30 p. m. and December 23 from 9 a. m. - 5: 00 p. m. virtually via Zoom. First year counselors will be considered counselors in training (CIT’s) and will be required to help with Cloverbud Camp Counselor applications can be found on our website soon. Quarterly Newsletters As a reminder, our 4 -H newsletters go out to all of our 4 -H members and their families and advisors quarterly. These times are Jan-March, April-June, July-September, and October-December. All of the editions of our newsletters are digital/electronic only. Therefore, you can view our newsletters on our website at: www. seneca. osu. edu under the 4 -H Youth Development tab, on our Seneca County 4 -H app and/or via e-mail. We will have a few hard copies available in the Extension Office if you need to access one that way. Seneca County 4 -H Endowments are a means of providing long-term support for the 4 -H program in Seneca County. Contributions to the Endowment are invested, producing annual distributions from the interest earnings in perpetuity – which essentially means forever. Endowment funds are managed by the Office of the Treasurer of Ohio State University, which in turn gives us approximately a 4. 5% interest rate. For County 4 -H Endowments, each county has full control over the interest income generated by their endowment. Donations can be made online by visiting: DONATE We hope to reach our goal of $1, 000 in donations and in return the Ohio 4 -H Foundation will match that by giving our Endowment another $1, 000. Double the gift! Thank you for your contributions to the Seneca County 4 -H Program! Seneca County CARTEENS If you are interested in being a teen instructor for CARTEENS, you do not need to be in 4 -H, but you must be at least 14 years old. We meet every third Monday of the month except July at 6: 30 p. m. at the Extension Office and would love to have you join our team. Teen facilitators teach other teen traffic offenders about speeding, operating a vehicle impaired, and distracted driving. Being a CARTEEN is a great way to improve public speaking skills and learn more about teaching tools and not to mention there are scholarships, gas cards and fun trips to Washington D. C. that you can earn. Our next program is scheduled for Monday, October 19. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter 2021 Quality Assurance Every member taking livestock (not horses or dogs) must attend Quality Assurance training. First year members taking a livestock project must attend an inperson county wide quality assurance session and a parent/guardian must be present. 2021 Quality Assurance Continued: Attend one of the virtual county wide trainings offered in Seneca County. Registration will be limited to 40 participants and will have to register for one of the options at this link: https: //go. osu. edu/virtualqa 2021 There are five options for completing Quality Assurance training. Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 6: 00 p. m. via Zoom Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 6: 00 p. m. via Zoom Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 6: 00 p. m. via Zoom Attend one of the in-person county wide trainings offered in Seneca Countywide quality assurance will be offered on the following dates at the Seneca County Fairgrounds. All first year members taking a livestock project must attend one of these sessions with a parent/guardian present. The test out option will be offered again this year only at the in-person countywide Quality Assurance options listed below. Youth ages 15 -18 years who pass the Quality Assurance test can test out of their annual Quality Assurance program permanently. These ages are as of January 1, 2021 – a youth’s 4 -H age. These trainings are limited to 40 participants and will have to register for one of the trainings at this link: https: //go. osu. edu/inpersonqa 2021 Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 6: 00 p. m. , test out starting at 5: 00 p. m. at Seneca County Fairgrounds Monday, March 29, 2021 at 6: 00 p. m. , test out starting at 5: 00 p. m. at Seneca County Fairgrounds Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 2: 00 p. m. , test out starting at 1: 00 p. m. at Seneca County Fairgrounds Attend a qualified Quality Assurance training with/in your club. Certified Assistant Instructors will be able to teach Quality Assurance at the club level. If they choose to open it up to others to attend, I will compile a list and you will be notified. Attend a qualified Quality Assurance training in another Ohio county- fees may apply. You can call the Extension office for dates and times. • Attend a qualified Quality Assurance training at an Ohio 4 -H approved event. These could be at a clinic, Junior Swine Day, Ohio Beef Expo, Dairy Palooza, Champions Choice Lamb Camp, Ohio 4 -H Conference etc. Proof of certification or attendance must be sent to the Extension Office to be able to check you off the list. Quality Assurance must be completed by a county deadline of May 2 nd, 2021. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Quality Assurance Training for Assistant Instructors There is an opportunity for you to get certified to be an assistant Quality Assurance instructor. The certification to be an Assistant Instructor for Quality Assurance is good for three years. The following trainings will be held at the Extension Office to receive certification or re-certification to be an Assistant Quality Assurance Instructor. Please let the Extension office know by Friday, December 4 th which training you plan to attend. Tuesday, December 8 th at 5: 00 p. m. Monday, December 14 th at 4: 00 p. m. Monday, December 21 st at 10: 00 a. m. The cost of these trainings will be $10/person. Checks should be made payable to OSU Extension. Seneca County 4 -H App The Seneca County 4 -H app is available and can be used by all. Go into your google play or apple store and download 4 -H Now. Once 4 -H Now is downloaded, then you will see the Seneca County 4 -H app listed. We hope you take advantage of this additional way to receive our news and information! Exploring AG Program The Seneca County Exploring Agriculture Program kicked off its first program with Hord Family Farms in September. Thank you to those that were able to join us! We are going virtual this year and hope to reach more youth age 14 -20 from all over the state. Students can expect to “explore” agricultural careers via a series of monthly virtual meetings. Each meeting will include visiting an area business or representative that serves the agricultural community and allows students to learn not only about what they do, but also about the jobs needed for that business to thrive. October 15 - Shiftology November 19 - Heritage Cooperative December 15 - Matt Reese with Ohio Ag Net and Reese Christmas Tree Farm January 12 - Mennel Milling February- TBD March- Hartland Farms Greenhouse April- ST Genetics It is not too late to register for the rest of our program year! Visit https: //go. osu. edu/agexploring to register. Registration cost is $15 for the entire program year. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Katie Cole, cole. 537@osu. edu or Hallie Williams, williams. 6386@osu. edu. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Food and Fashion Board Consider joining the Seneca County Food and Fashion Board, which was established in 2020. This teen board is going to serve as a group who has a lot of common interests and enjoys taking projects and learning more about food, nutrition, cooking, sewing, and textiles. Our goal is to bring you together and ultimately be advocates for the food and nutrition and clothing and textiles projects throughout Seneca County and the 4 -H Program. For requirements and information on how to join our first meeting via Zoom on November 17 th at 7: 00 p. m. ; please visit our website https: //seneca. osu. edu/news/join-food-and-fashionboard Face Masks: The Food and Fashion Board has face masks available for donation only. Face masks are located at the Extension office. All proceeds will go towards being able to continue to provide resources, programs, and clinics for our youth, clubs, and 4 -H clientele. They are also working on a community service effort in assisting with the making of masks for Helping Hands in Seneca County. These masks will go towards helping local schools. Scholarship and Award Winners The following members were awarded scholarships or awards during the fair and the Grade A Celebration. Home Economics Award: Jenna Gabel, Blue Ribbon Buckeyes and Theresa Greene, Country Clovers and Doggon’its 4 -H Advisory Council Scholarship: Brayden Prenzlin, Dandelion Dreams and Doggon’its and Samantha Hinton, Dandelion Dreams Scholarship and Award Winners Continued: 4 -H Program Memorial Scholarship: Cara Brown, Blue Ribbon Buckeyes and Rachel Faber, Seneca Pens and Friends I Dare You Award: Jenna Gabel, Blue Ribbon Buckeyes and Theresa Greene, Country Clovers and Doggon’its Golden Award: Madeline Zeno, Blue Ribbon Buckeyes and Olivia Fitch, Blue Ribbon Buckeyes Friends of 4 -H Award: Congratulations to our Friends of 4 -H recipients that were recognized during the 4 -H Awards Monday night of the fair. Linda Piper has been a 4 -H advisor for 37 years. She started in Wyandot county after being a member herself. Once her children were of age, she started in Seneca County as an advisor where she has been actively involved. She has helped numerous 4 -H members through their 4 -H experience and has always focused on helping them exceed. She is an active member of the 4 -H Advisory Council and has worked with the county commissioners. Linda was involved with the relocation of the milkshake stand to where it is today, and continues to make the milkshake stand successful every year. Through her leadership, the monies made from the milkshake stand helps the Advisory Council pay for 4 -H books for the 4 H members. Linda is always ready to lend a helping hand volunteers to help wherever and whenever needed. This year, Linda helped launch the new Food and Fashion Board with the assistance of the older 4 -H members and dedicated advisors. This year, members could take the skillathon in clothing and textiles and food and nutrition due to the newly established Food and Fashion Board. Linda mentors 4 -Hers with their sewing projects, and is very proud of the accomplishments of her 4 -H members and their successes. She also helps organize the Style Review during the fair. Linda is married to her husband of 44 years and they have three children and 7 grandkids. She enjoys helping her grandkids with their 4 -H projects each year.

Oct-Dec/ 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Friends of 4 -H Award Continued: Deena Smith is not only a 4 -H volunteer, but is a 4 -H parent and alumni as well. Inspired by her great aunt, who was a 4 -H advisor for many years, she decided to become an advisor 7 years ago with the Seneca Helping Hands 4 -H club. She has said that being an advisor “allows her to better support her kids and to better understand how to help them be successful. ” There is no question that her devotion to the 4 -H program not only shows through in her own children, but that it has done so much more. She helps out in so many ways and has positively impacted the lives of countless youth, families, and volunteers in the process. Her selfless commitment to and passion for our Seneca County 4 -H program and fair are incredible. In addition to being an advisor, Deena has been a member of the Seneca County 4 -H Advisory Council for 3 years. There, she has served as the council’s treasurer and has been the president for the last 2 years. There are few of the council’s committees that she is not an active part of. As a member of Advisory Council, she can very often be seen helping with the milkshake stand before, during, and after the week of fair, helping so many times with openings and closings throughout fair week. She helps in planning and preparing our 4 -H project judging and assists in making sure the Family Handbook stays updated. She also teaches advisor training sessions and contributes to 4 H officer training, along with supporting a wide variety of other 4 -H events. Deena can always be counted upon to go the extra mile to make sure our 4 -H program is running smoothly and is a big part of why we have such an amazing 4‑H program! Friends of 4 -H Continued: The Seneca County Commissioners Commissioner Kerschner currently serves as the president of the Seneca County Board of Commissioners. Kerschner is in his sixth year as a commissioner, after being elected to a second, fouryear term in November 2018. Before his time in government, the 1970 Tiffin Calvert graduate spent his career in banking. Kerschner was named president of the Old Fort Banking Company in 1988, and retired from the bank in 2008. Commissioner Paradiso currently serves as the vice president of the Seneca County Board of Commissioners. Paradiso was appointed as a commissioner by the Seneca County Republican Central Committee on July 29, 2019, to fill the unexpired term of former commissioner Holly Stacy. Paradiso's term is set to expire at the end of this year, but he is to run unopposed for another four-year term in the November election. Before Paradiso's appointment, much of his career was as an entrepreneur and in the insurance business. Commissioner Thomas is the most recent president of the board. He is currently in his fourth and final year as a county commissioner. Thomas graduated from Seneca East High School in 1986. Before his time in government, he worked in banking, with stints at National City Bank and First Bank of Ohio. Thomas was named the vice president of commercial banking at Old Fort Bank, before becoming the Vice President of Business Development at MGQ Inc. , where he stayed until 2013. He also was a co-founder of MGQ Terminal. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec. / 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Volunteer Anniversaries Thank you to each and every advisor and volunteer that help in any way with the 4 -H program. Volunteer Anniversaries Continued: The following list of volunteers are celebrating a milestone year! Volunteers listed will receive a gift in appreciation for your time and service. If you didn’t receive your gift with your club packet, stop in the Extension office to pick it up. Thank you for all that you do to ‘Make the Best Better!’ First Year Stephanie Dawson, Republic Rowdy Rednecks Megan Mc. Coy, Bloomville Good Luck Sheep Rebecca Miller, Dandelion Dreams Stephanie Miller, Eastern County Livestock Kim Schneiderman, Doggonit’s Leslie Watson, Seneca Rough Riders Makaila Woessner, Seneca Rough Riders Bethany Dymond, Dandelion Dreams Rebecca French, Attica Dairy Sarah Hessich, Seneca County Food and Fashion Board Sarah Kirian, Kids, Pigs, and Udders Alivia Lucius, Victory 4 -H Jacquelyn Stockmaster, Victory 4 -H Kassandra Turek, Republic Rowdy Rednecks Evan Turner, Spirit of ‘ 76 Five Years Brooke Baldosser, Republic Rowdy Rednecks Amy Bores, Hopewell Hog & Dairy Rhonda Frankart, Circle E Beef Sarah Kleinfelter, 4 -H Home Schoolers Nicole Schiefer, Eastern County Livestock Ashley Schumm, Seneca CPA’s Alix Siemer, Sew Sharp Kelly Webster, Buckeye Buddies Todd Boes, Seneca CPA’s Lisa Heiser, Eastern County Livestock Theresa Kimmet, Seneca County Jr. Beef Bryan Pope, Bloomville Beef and Feeders Dianne Sours, Seneca County Jr. Beef Ten Years Lindsay Rocco, Country Clovers Jean Schumm, Seneca CPA’s Marianna Snavely, Republic Rowdy Rednecks Fifteen Years Bret Cleveland, Spirit of ‘ 76 Sue Lewis, Seneca Helping Hands Brent Shook, Bloomville Beef and Feeders Twenty Years Melissa Cleveland, Spirit of ‘ 76 Joann Gabel, Blue Ribbon Buckeyes Forty Years Carolyn Gittinger, Eden Jr. Hoppers Randall Gittinger, Eden Jr. Hoppers Fifty Years Patricia Overmyer, Sew Sharp OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec. / 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter Jr. Leadership News and Information Continued: Junior Leadership is for any 4 -H teen 14 years and older. As soon as you turn 14 you can join Junior Leadership; it does not have to be by January 1 st. We welcome any and all new members every month and we would love to have you join us! Junior Leadership focuses a lot on community service and helping our 4 -H program. The Junior Leadership group goes on teen exchanges with other counties throughout Ohio, helps with project judging, hosts Santa’s Workshop, participates at the 4 -H Kick-off at the fairgrounds, helps with the milkshake stand puts on a square dance during the fair, puts on a club officer training, and provides other fun opportunities for teens. Junior Leadership meets every second Monday of the month at 6: 30 p. m. at the Extension Office. Come and check us out! 2021 Group Project: Every year the Junior Leadership members do a group project and work on parts of the project book and their physical event, program, or community service to go along with the project through out the year. For 2021, Junior Leaders have decided to do the Are You Ready for Work? project. This will be a great opportunity for anyone who is already in the workplace or is thinking of getting a job in the near future. We encourage anyone 14+ to join us to learn more about preparing for the workplace and what can be expected from you as the employee or what may be needed to make you and your business successful. Pizza Party Drawing: The Seneca County Junior Leadership Club will be sponsoring a pizza party for all clubs that participated in booth patrol and the milkshake stand during the fair. We are going to do the drawing via Facebook Live on our Ohio State- Seneca County 4 -H Program Facebook page at 7: 00 p. m. on Monday, October 12 during our Junior Leadership meeting. A volunteer must comment during our live drawing to win their pizza party. Any club that sends a new member age 14+ to our Junior Leadership meeting will receive an extra ticket into the drawing! https: //seneca. osu. edu/news/pizza-party-drawing Santa’s Workshop: Due to the nature of this event and keeping all of us as well as the kids who attend safe, Junior Leaders have decided to not hold this event for 2020. Thank you for your understanding and we are looking forward to bringing this event back in the future. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

Oct-Dec. / 2020 Seneca County 4 -H Family Newsletter State Opportunities Continued: Mars Base Camp Stem Challenge : 3. . . 2. . . 1. . . are you ready to blast-off to Mars Base Camp? ! Ohio 4 -H wants all our 4 -H'ers to explore this year's 4 -H STEM Challenge and we're making it easy for families. Use the code to receive a discount on the family kit, combine it with the $5 discount at Shop 4 -h. org and your kit is only $7. 80 + tax! And from Oct. 4 -10, we'll be hosting virtual space-themed activities that are out of this world! Register for your code today at go. osu. edu/2020 ohiostemchallenge Celebration of Youth: Join the Ohio 4 -H Foundation for this year’s Celebration of Youth event on Thursday, November 5 at 7: 00. This year, for the first time, the virtual event is open to everyone free of charge. Participants will enjoy a program featuring many Ohio 4 -H members and an online auction. Funds raised from Celebration of Youth support Ohio 4 -H programming and operations to help engage youth across Ohio’s 88 counties. Please visit go. osu. edu/COY for event details, sponsorship information, and registration for the event. Achievement Form Workshop : This fall, Teen Leadership Council will again be hosting two different Achievement Form Workshops for 4 -H members statewide! October 7, 2020 (7: 00 -9: 00 p. m. on Zoom): An informational session will be held, providing a basic overview of the Achievement Form, giving introductory tips for completion, and sharing about potential opportunities available to members who complete and submit their forms. o Must register at go. osu. edu/Ach. Form 2020 by October 5 to receive Zoom information for the workshop. November 14, 2020 (5: 30 -7: 30 p. m. on Zoom): A more in-depth session will be offered for those who have completed or made significant progress on their form; small group coaching will be available for members to receive personalized feedback. o Must register at go. osu. edu/Ach. Form 2020 by November 12 to receive Zoom information for the workshop. More information can also be found at go. osu. edu/TLC. Jr. Fair News From Emily CONGRATULATIONS! To all exhibitors, parents, OSU Extension staff, Senior Fair Board members, Junior Fair Board members and all of our supporters! We had an amazing fair!!! Seneca County Fair 2020 could not have happened without all of you! THANK YOU!!!! We are excited to start planning for 2021. We need all youth that are interested in becoming a Junior Fair Board member to submit an application and letter of reference to the Junior Fair Board Office by October 31, 2020. Applications can be picked up at the Senior Fair Board Office and online at Seneca County OSU Extension and Seneca County Fair. Interviews will take place in November. Steer weigh in will be the first Saturday in December. More details will be announced in November. Looking forward to a new year OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SENECA COUNTY

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