The Washington 4-H County Council met Monday evening, June 20. Notes for this meeting were provided by Agent Jamie Axtell. Emily Williams was acting president and opened the meeting. Pledges were said and then members and leaders answered the question, “Does your club have any activities planned to help members get ready for fair?” It was reported many are going to have BBQs, pool parties and livestock tours.
Jamie Axtell gave a report on the Fiechter Memorial Fund. The Extension Office staff decorated the Fiechter graves the Akron Cemetery for Memorial Day. Those items for the graves were purchased with some of the Fiechter funds and the decorations were taken down after Memorial Day and will be used again in the coming years.
Silver Spurs 4-H Club met and put together 60 “Birthday Cake Kits” as a community service project. The kits included a foil pan, cake mix, frosting, candles and a can of soda that can be used to replace the oil and eggs. The supplies were purchased with funds from the Fiechter Memorial Fund. The kits are being distributed through Washington County Connections and the Extension Office.
The State 4-H Conference was discussed. Axtell and Maranda Mason will be the only ones going from Washington County, attending from June 21-23. Mason attended leadership workshops and Axtell assisted with the state livestock judging contest.
Council members brainstormed ideas to sell their bag clips. They will continue to work on that fundraiser and if anyone is interested in a bag clip for feed, pet food, gardening soil and more, contact the Extension Office to purchase one.
In new business, the county fair was discussed. The Otis Jackrabbits 4-H Club may hold a fairgrounds cleaning. The council also talked about record books awards for 4-H projects in the Event Center. Council pays for the ones for livestock projects and it was thought that it would be nice to pay for general projects. Council approved paying $25 for the champions in the junior, intermediate and senior classes and $15 for reserve champions for the three age divisions. Council also planned the talent show to be held on July 19 and gifts will be given to those who enter. The show is open to anyone.
In future plans, the council talked about their annual potato supper. The supper is tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 7. Axtell requested that the council support a project to add a big 16’ fan to the showring/salering at the fairgrounds. The council voted to utilize $4,000 in donations from 21st Century Equipment to cover a portion of the project.
Elections were then held for officers for 2022-2023. The results were Cora Schrock – President; Maranda Mason – Vice-President; Emily Williams – Secretary; Emmalee Gailus – Treasurer; Reporter – Kaylee Hunning; and Senators – Emily Williams and Maranda Mason. Those present then enjoyed ice cream sundaes before announcements were made.
Fair books are being printed and when done they can be purchased for $5.00 or downloaded online for free. If a club is interested in cleaning the grandstands during fair, let the Extension Office know. For livestock record books, use the state E-records and books are due July 19. A pack certification (COOL) form will be coming out in the mail and are due back by Tuesday, July 26. Horse riding levels testing was held June 26. Fairground scale is available for members to use and members need to contact Axtell for a code for the lock. No ultrasound contests will be held this year or in future years. Stall reservations are due by Tuesday, July 19. Tack stalls will be given as room allows. There has been no decision on the poultry show yet. They are still waiting to see what the state decides. If it ends up cancelled, Axtell will let everyone know.
For general/FCS projects, shooting sports contest information will be mailed soon. If you need manuals or curriculum, contact the Extension Office. The dog show is being held at 1 p.m. July 14 in the Event Center. Record books for dogs are due July 11. Interview judging schedules will be mailed out soon. Judging is July 19 beginning at 9 a.m. for all projects except Foods and Cake Decorating. They will be judged on July 26. Fashion Revue information will be mailed out soon and anyone can enter, even if you are not in a sewing project.
Club leaders were reminded that outstanding first year member nominations are due by July 19. Club chartering is due to the office by September 8. All clubs need to revise by-laws to include new state inclusivity statement. Budgets and other documents can follow the 4-H year or calendar year.
The next County Council will be at 7 p.m. Monday, September 19. The meeting was adjourned.
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