Feb, 2012
Hello,
I know that lots of you are focused on public speaking and
presentations in your 4-H life, but there are a few other things happening too.
I know that there were quite a few of you at Leaders’ Conference in Edmonton
and at Senior Members’ Conference at the 4-H Centre. I hope that you enjoyed
yourselves there and picked up some new information.
The Provincial Equine Leaders’ Forum is next weekend (February
10 -1) at the 4-H Centre. I look forward to seeing many of you at that
program. The acceptance letters for both East and West Central Winter Camp were
sent our earlier this week, so you should be receiving them in your mailbox
soon, if you applied to attend.
Other 4-H (and some non 4-H) Events and Activities:
Public Speaking and
Presentations
West
Central
Senior Public
Speaking Saturday, March 24, 2012 –Red Deer District
Hosting
Intermediate Public
Speaking Sunday, March 25, 2012 – Alberta 4-H Centre, 1:00 p.m. start
time
Presentations Saturday, March
31st, Leslieville Hall, 11:00 a.m. start, Presenters please arrive at
10:30 a.m.
East Central
Public
Speaking Saturday, March 17, Delia School –
Start Time 10:00 a.m. Judges please arrive by 9:30 a.m.
Presentations Sunday, March 18,
Flagstaff District Hosting
Provincial Public Speaking will be held at Northlands in
Edmonton on Saturday, April 14.
Multi Species
Judging
East
Central
Pre-registration
will ensure that we have adequate resource people and supplies to present the
workshop and competition for all who attend, please pre-register, particularly
if you are planning to attend the workshops.
Monday,
February 20, 2012 – Killam
The cost for everyone attending is $
5.00 and this will cover lunch. The cost is for the competition and/or the
workshop.
There will be a workshop at the Multi Purpose Room in Killam before the
competition. The workshop details are:
Registration
9:30 a.m.
Start
Time 10:00 a.m.
Completion
Time 11:30 a.m.
Topics to be
Covered Basics of Judging, Giving Reasons, Improving your Reasons
Registration
Please pre-register by Wednesday, February 15 with number of members attending
and age of members attending. You can reply to this e-mail to pre-register or
dial 310-0000 and then at the recorded message 403-742-7547. Registration for
the workshop automatically registers you for the competition.
The competition will
be held at McGowan’s Arena, east of Killam and details are:
Registration
12:00 Noon
Start
Time 12:30 p.m.
Registration
Please contact the 4-H office by return e-mail or by dialing 310-0000 and then
dialing 403-742-7547 at the recorded message to let us know how many people are
attending. We would like to know the number of participants in the competition
and how many others will be attending so that we can arrange food for everyone.
The $ 5 registration fee covers the cost of lunch.
Saturday, March 31, 2012 –
Veteran
This competition
will be held at Dryland Cattle Trading Corp. at Veteran. Lunch will be
available from the concession at Dryland Cattle Trading.
Again there will be
a workshop before the competition. Details:
Registration
9:30 a.m.
Start
Time 10:00 a.m.
Completion
Time 11:30 a.m.
Topics to be
Covered Basics of Judging, Giving Reasons, Improving your Reasons
Registration Please pre-register by
Wednesday, March 28 with number of members attending and age of members
attending. You can reply to this e-mail to pre-register or dial 310-0000 and
then at the recorded message 403-742-7547. Registration for the workshop
automatically registers you for the competition.
Competition details are as follow:
Registration
12:00 Noon
Start
Time 12:30 p.m.
Saturday,
April 14 – 4-H Building, Shorncliffe Lake, Czar
Details will be sent out in a later
e-mail blast.
West Central
The competition details will be sent out
at a later date.
Olds College
Olds College is hosting a competition on
Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the College. Contact me for more details.
Lakeland College
The Lakeland College
Competition will be held in Vermilion on Friday, March 17. Here’s a link to
the information:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h6586/$FILE/WCJC_2012.pdf
“4-H Age”
I have had a few questions in the last
little while that regarding how we determine the age of a 4-H member for
activities such as public speaking, presentations, judging, and other programs.
4-H age is calculated as of January 1st of the current 4-H year.
This means the January 1 that is part of the 4-H year we are now in. For the
2011 – 12 club year, that is January 1, 2012. Your “4-H Age” is how old you
turned in 2011. If you were born in 2000, you turned 11 in 2011, so your “4-H
age” is 11, and you are a junior. If you were born in 1999, you turned 12 in
2011 so your “4-H age” will be 12 and you are an intermediate.
Ski Trip
The Ski Trip is still accepting
application and will be until Friday at Noon. If you would like to attend,
please call Richard at 403-597-8494 and let him know you want to go on the
trip. A decision needs to be made on Friday regarding whether to go with a
second bus or not. They still need a few more people to fill that bus. Here’s a
link to the ski trip information:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5769/$FILE/SkiTrip2012.pdf
On-Line Horse and Beef
Bowls
Registrations are still being accepted
for on-line beef and horse bowls. The contest will happen between March 9 and
18. Thanks to Lakeland College for hosting this contest once again. The
deadline for applications is February 3. Here’s the links to more
information:
Horse: http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=956
Beef: http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=1043
US National
4-H Conference – Washington
Alberta has an opportunity to send a
delegate this conference in 2012. 4-H members age 16 – 20 are invited to apply
for this trip. The deadline for submissions is February 3rd, so
there isn’t much time. If you want more information, check out this link: http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=1055
Alberta Girls’
Parliament
There are still opportunities for girls
who would like to attend Alberta Girls’ Parliament as a representative of
Alberta. The deadline for applications has been extended February 10, 2012. If
you want more information, check out this link: http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=974
Heifer Show
The Regional Heifer Show – open to both
East and West Central 4-H members will be held on Sunday, June 17 at the Bashaw
Agricultural Show Grounds. More details will be sent out to beef clubs and
members with a female project at a later date, but mark your calendars!
Beef Policy
Revision
The Alberta 4-H Council has approved
some revisions to the beef policy. Check out this link to check out the revised
policy: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h9107/$FILE/policy605.pdf
Equine Events
The following dates are for equine
events happening either provincially or in the East and/or West Central
Region:
March 31 Ponoka Renegade
Riders Fun Horse Show – Ponoka – more details available from the 4-H Office
April 21/22
Provincial Drill Team Clinic with Ruth Fowler at Double W near Bluffton
May 18 – 21
Grandma Shirley’s Horse Camp – Donalda – more details and application forms
available from the 4-H Office
May
6 Shadow Riders Fun Show - Benalto
May
12 Leslieville Trail Trotters Fun Show – Rocky Mountain
House
June 1 –
3 West Central 4-H Horse Show – Red Deer Westerner – entry forms will
be distributed at the February 21 Committee Meeting
June 2,
3 4-H Rodeos – Halkirk – Details will be sent to East Central Clubs
in late February
June 9 or 10
Tentative 4-H Rodeo – Halkirk
June 23, 24
4-H Rodeos – Gooseberry Lake – Details will be sent to East Central Clubs in
late February
Alberta 4-H
Watches Lacrosse
Alberta 4-H has an opportunity to check
out professional lacrosse on the weekend of March 9 and 10. The Edmonton Rush
and Calgary Roughnecks are holding home and home games – March 9 in Edmonton and
March 10 in Calgary. The deadline for ticket orders is February 14th and tickets are $ 25 each. For information about the Edmonton Game, check out
this link: http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEventDetails.aspx?a=1044
For the Calgary Game: http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEventDetails.aspx?a=1056
Get Growing
The Marketing Action
Committee (MAC) has issued a challenge to all 4-H clubs in Alberta – Get
Growing. They are challenging 4-H clubs to increase their membership for the
2012 – 13 club year. In each region, the 4-H club that has recruited the most
new 4-H members – brand new members, not members who have transferred from
another club – will be invited to attend a fun weekend at the Alberta 4-H Centre
on May 17 – 19, 2013. The weekend will include activities for all family
members, whether they are 4-H members or not. This would be a great time to
start thinking of ways to attract new 4-H members to your club.
4-H Day at
the Farm and Ranch Show
Saturday, March 31 will be 4-H Day at
the Farm and Ranch Show at Northlands. The day will include sessions for 4-H
members and also gives them an opportunity to check out the displays at the Farm
and Ranch Show. Watch this web-site for more information: http://farmandranchshow.com/
Cleaver Kids
Feedback
The Cleaver Kids pilot is in it’s third
year of three this year. The Alberta 4-H Council committee looking after the
pilot is asking for some feedback from clubs, councils, members and leaders
before they make decisions regarding whether or not to proceed with this project
as a permanent part of 4-H in Alberta. If they do proceed, what guidelines and
rules should be in place. There is a document available for consideration and
as a framework for feedback. If you would like to have a copy of the document,
please contact me and I can forward it to you. The deadline for feedback is
March 1, 2012.
Leader Travel
Opportunities
I am looking for leaders for the
following travel opporunities:
From East Central:
Montana 4-H Leaders’ Forum, Billings,
Montana, September 27-30, 2012
From West Central
Montana 4-H Leaders’
Forum, Billings, Montana, Sepetmber 27-30, 2012
AB/NWT Agriculture
Development Tour – Yellowknife, NWT – 10 days in July or August (dates
determined by chaperones). Note this is a chaperoning opportunity
Western Regional Leaders’ Forum –
Hawaii, March 21 – 24, 2013
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please
contact the 4-H office. Leaders who go on these trips pay a registration fee
which covers the air travel, meals and accommodations. Chaperones do not pay
the registration fee.
UFA Member Loyalty
Program
A reminder that UFA
has their 4-H member loyalt program which is open to all 4-H club members. Any
4-H member with a 2011-12 4-H membership card received 15% off of all livestock
supplies and tack products used for their 4-H projects. If you have not
received your card yet, contact a UFA Member Experience representat ive and they
can arrange for someone to attend a meeting. For more information about the
program and a list of Member Experience representatives, check out this
link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/PR_UFAloyaltyProgram.pdf
Lammle’s
Western Wear and Tack Discount Available
4-H member and
leaders receive a 10% discount on regular priced items at Lammle’s Western Wear
and Tack. You must show your 2011 – 12 member or leader card at the time of
purchase. Check out Lammle’s Western Wear and Tack web-site for store locations
and more information about products available:
http://www.lammles.com/index.php
Peavey Mart Discount
Available
All 4-H Members can
recieive a 15% discount on products purchased for use on your 4-H project. You
need to show your 2011-12 membership card and youcan receive the discount on
feed, veterinary supplies, pails, feed, tack and other supplies. Check out
their web-site for information on products available:
http://www.peaveymart.com/
Green Looks Good On You
Challenge
Alberta 4-H (with the support of Cenovus
Energy) is helping steward the environment in local communities by developing a
enw resource. If the environment is something you and/or your club is
interested in, visit the web-site and get involved in the challenge. http://www.greenlooksgoodonyou.ca/Login.aspx
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West
Central
Phone 403-742-7547 Fax
403-742-7575
Jan 2012
Hello,
I hope you all had a
wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. As we move into 2012, there are a few
things I would like to let you know about.
Selections
For 4-H members who
are 16 years of age or older (as of January 1, 2012), the deadline for
application to Selections is January 15th. The program is from April
27 – 30 at Olds College. Selections is a program where 4-H members get the
chance to explore a topic of interest to them through a variety of sessions. It
is also at Selections were we determine who will represent Alberta the over 40
trips outside Alberta. These trips vary from a camping trip to the Northwest
Territories to trips to programs in California, Montana and Toronto. As well
the 4-H Ambassadors and Premier’s Award Recipient are chosen at this event.
Here’s a link to more information and the application form:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/Selections2012.pdf
4-H Watches
Lacrosse
The Edmonton Rush
and Calgary Roughnecks have a home and home series on March 9 and 10 in Edmonton
and Calgary. They have offered 4-H clubs the opportunity to purchase group
tickets at a cost of $ 25 per ticket. This would be a great opportunity to
check out Lacrosse and wear your 4-H colours to the event. If you want more
information or to order tickets – here’s the link:
http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEventDetails.aspx?a=1045
Winter Camp
Applications
The winter camp
application deadline is coming up for both the East and West Central Regions.
The deadline is January 20th. Both camps are for 4-H members aged 9
– 12 as of January 1, 2012, and promise to be lots of fun for everyone.
The East Central
camp will be held at Circle Square Ranch from February 24 – 26. Here’s a link
to the application:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5772/$FILE/EC_WinterCamp.pdf
Ski
Trip
With much thanks to
the West Central Alumni who have organized the ski trip – there will be trip in
2012. The trip is open to all 4-H members in the East and West Central regions
who are 14 years of age or older as of January 1, 2012. The trip goes to Fernie
BC and the cost is $ 300 per person, based on quad occupancy. If you want more
information, here’s a link to the application form. The deadline for
application is January 15.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5769/$FILE/SkiTrip2012.pdf
4-H on
Facebook
Alberta 4-H has a
Facebook page. If you are on Facebook, check it out. Information about upcoming
4-H events is often highlighted on the Alberta 4-H page. To find the page
search for “Alberta 4-H”.
Alberta
Girl’s Parliament
4-H sends two female
delegates to the Alberta Girl’s Parliament each year. This year the event will
be held March 28 – 31, 2012 in the Edmonton area. The event is open to girls
between the ages of 15 and 18. If you are interested, here’s a link to more
information and the application form. The deadline for applications is January
15, 2012.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/AlbertaGirlsParliament.pdf
Green Looks
Good On You
Alberta 4-H and
Cenovus have partnered to develop an on-line resource which focuses on the
environment. You can participate as a club, or as an individual by going
on-line and completing the challenge by Earth day (April 22). There are prizes
that can be won if you complete the challenge. Here’s the link:
http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=1039
100th Anniversary Celebrations
Committee
We are looking for
volunteers to assist in planning celebrations for the 100th Anniversary of 4-H in Canada (2013) and Alberta 2017). The deadline for
committee member applications is January 20th. If you want more
information, please check out this link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/100CelebrationsCommittee.pdf
Elmer and
Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship
The Elmer and Ona
Hansen Memorial scholarship is a $ 2,000 scholarship which is awarded to a young
people who are from outside of Edmonton and Calgary. There are 5 $ 2,000
scholarships available. For more information and the application form, check
the link below. The application deadline is January 14.
http://www.4h.ab.ca/About/scholarships.html
East Central
Multi Species Judging
There will be three
judging competitions in East Central this year. Two dates have been confirmed,
they are February 20, 2012 at Killam and April 14 in Provost. The other
competition will be held in Veteran. The date will be confirmed shortly.
For the February
20th event in Killam, here are the details:
Date Monday, February 20,
2012
Times/Places Workshop Registration 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
at the Multi Purpose Room at the Killam Recreation Centre
Completion of Workshop 11:30 a.m.
Competition Registration 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m.
McGowan’s Arena – east of Killam
Competition Start 12:30 p.m.
Cost $ 5.00 per person – includes lunch
Pre-registration
Requested to 4-H Office by Wednesday, February
15th. Please let me know how many people will be coming and
planning to eat lunch (include adults). If members are planning to attend the
workshop then please include their ages when you register.
Western
Canadian Judging Competition
This competition
will be held at Lakeland College in Vermilion on March 16. Here’s the link to
more information:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h6586/$FILE/WCJ2011.pdf
I have also received
a bit of information about a Judging Competition at Olds College. It will be
held on March 10th. I will forward more information as I get it.
Ronald
McDonald House
4-H is in a
partnership with Ronald McDonald House in Alberta. 4-H clubs can participate in
a number of fundraising activities to assist Ronald McDonald houses in Alberta.
If you club is looking for Community Service activity, consider this one. Here’s
a link to more information:
http://agapps16.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/RMH_Online.pdf
Servus
Credit Union’s Feel Good Ripple
Servus Credit Union
is continuing their Feel Good Ripple project. Every day we have the opportunity
to do something for another person – it could be helping someone carry their
groceries to their car, help out at a community event, or some other activity.
Remember how good it feels to do this? Well, Servus wants to have this feel
good ripple travel across Alberta. Once you have done a “Feel Good” activity,
report it on their web-site and help the ripple grow. Here’s the link to their
web-site:
http://www.feelgoodripple.ca/
Pitch In
Week
Pitch In week is
from April 23 – 30, 2012. This theme of the week is Pitch In and the objective
is to get as many Canadians as possible involved in local projects that restore
the environment and benefit and enhance their communities. Your 4-H club could
organize an activity in your community, or assist with an already organized
event. Here’s a link to the Pitch-In Web-site.
http://www.pitch-in.ca/
That’s all for January. This e-mail has
been sent to the 900 4-H members, leaders and parent I have e-mail addresses
for. Please feel free to share the information with others in your club.
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West
Central
Phone 403-742-7547 Fax
403-742-7575
Dec 2011
Congratulations to 4-H
Members on Judging Trips
In the last month
4-H members from Alberta travelled to Billings, Montana and Regina Saskatchewan
to participate in judging contests. All the teams did very well. At the
Agribition Judging Competition in Regina, Gail Verleyson of Vermilion won the
competition and the Alberta Team finished first. Team members included Aydon
Almberg of Czar, Katelyn Dietrich of Forestburg, and Luke Marshall of
Innisfail. Congratulations to all of them.
At the Northern
International Livestock Exhibition competition in Billings, Montana which had 3
West Central members – Lauren Crick and Devann Crick of Lacombe and Jessica
Sperber of Ponoka placed 6th out of 67 teams. The team was
3rd in beef and 5th in reasons. . Jessica was
7th overall, out of over 200 judges and she was in the top ten in
swine and reasons.
Congratulations Zane
Zane Perreault of
the Leslieville Trail Trotters travelled to Toronto to represent Alberta in the
Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition. Zane placed third in the competition
which had about 20 competitors. Way to go Zane!
Regional
Fun Days
East
Central Fun Day will be held in Stettler at the Recreation Centre.
Activities include a variety of Select –A-Sessions which include make and take
sessions, swimming – bring your swimsuit and the ever popular Ice Cream Social
will finish off the day. There is no cost for the day, but we do as that you
pre-register by Thursday, January 5th by replying to this e-mail or
phoning 403-742-7547 and letting me know how many will be coming from your
family or club. This will help us to make sure that we have adequate lunch for
the day.
Equine
Project Camp
The Big Valley Rusty
Spurs are hosting an Equine Project Camp for 4-H members on May 18 – 21, 2012 at
the Donalda Ag Grounds. This event is in memory of Shirley Woods, a long time
4-H leader from the Big Valley area who passed away in October of this year.
The events
include:
Friday Horse Health, Games, Meet and Greet
Saturday – Sports Day – Gymkhana Clinics, Polocrosse, etc.
Sunday – Horsemanship, Showmanship, Trail Classes
Monday – Horse Show and Gymkhana
Food will be
supplied, camping is available and there are indoor and outdoor arenas. The
cost will be $ 100 per member –regardless of the days attended. If you just
want to enter the gymkhana and show then a class fee will be charged.
Registration will be limited and the forms will be available in the new year.
This event is open to East and West Central.
If you want more
information, contact me and I will give you contact names.
Selections
Applications for
Selections are being accepted now. Selections is a program for 4-H members
between the ages of 16 and 20 as of January 1, 2012. The program focuses on an
area of interest to senior 4-H members and there are numerous small group
sessions which provide members an opportunity to discuss the topic of the
program. Another feature of the Selections program is that travel opportunities
are awarded to approximately 50 4-H members and the Ambassadors for each region
and the Premier Award Recipient will be determined. The deadline for
applications is January 15. To apply, please send an application form and all
of your 4-H diaries to the 4-H office in Stettler. Here is a link to the
application form.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/Selections2012.pdf
Public
Speaking and Presentations
Regional and
Provincial Public Speaking and Presentation dates have been set for 2012. They
are as follow:
East
Central
Public
Speaking March 17 - Tentative Location Delia
Presentations March 18 -
Location TBA
Provincial
Public Speaking and
Presentations - April 14, Edmonton Northlands
District, zone and
semi-district dates have also likely been set at this time. Contact your
District Council representatives or Key Leader for information on these
dates.
Victory
Canola
Victory Canola has a
program which is open to 4-H clubs in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. It
offers 4-H clubs an opportunity to apply for up to $ 2,500 to be used to carry
out worthwhile community projects. The projects must centre on Health and
Nutrition or Environment or Education. To apply, create a video and sent it
in. For more information on this program, check out this link:
https://www.victorycanola.com/promotions.shtml
Provincial
Equine Leaders’ Forum
The Provincial
Equine Leaders’ Forum will be held February 10 – 12, 2012 at the Alberta 4-H
Centre. This is a great event for 4-H leaders involved in the equine project.
The event provides a variety of informative sessions on a wide range of topics
of interest to people involved in the 4-H equine project. Additionally it is a
great opportunity to learn from other 4-H leaders. The registration deadline is
January 4th. Here’s a link to the registration form.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h6499/$FILE/PELF.pdf
4-H Night at
the Red Deer Rebels
Saturday, February
11th is 4-H Night at the Red Deer Rebels. 4-H members, leaders, parents,
siblings and friends can all gather at the Red Deer Centrium to watch the Red
Deer Rebels play the Moose Jaw Warriors. Tickets are $ 11.00 each and should be
ordered by Friday, January 6, 2012. Here's a link to the order form:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5769/$FILE/Rebels.pdf
Judging
Workshop
The Camrose District
Council and the Camrose Beef Committee invite all 4-H clubs to participate in a
judging workshop during the Canadian Bull Congress. This event will be held at
the Camrose Regional Exhibition on Saturday, January 21st. The cost is $ 7 per
member which includes lunch. Here's a link to the application: http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEventDetails.aspx?a=679
Lakeland
College Judging Competition
The Western Canadian
Judging Competition hosted by Lakeland College will be held on March
16th at the Lakeland College Vermilion campus. 4-H clubs are invited
to send teams of 4 judges to participate in the competition. If you want more
information about the competition, or an entry form, please let me know and I
will forward it to you.
http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEventDetails.aspx?a=679
Think Safe
Agriculture Course
Safe Think
Agriculture is a new course specifically designed for the agriculture industry
in Alberta. It has been designed to assist people involved in agriculture to
predict and prevent hazardous situations on the fly. Courses are offered around
Alberta and in 2012 the course will be offered in Airdrie and Provost. Here's a
link to more information:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/EFE.nsf/all/7240C6AD61A4B86B8725793600722C3A/$file/SafeThink-ag-training.pdf
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West
Central
Phone 403-742-7547 Fax
403-742-7575
Nov 2011
Hello,
Welcome to 4-H Month in Canada.
UFA 4-H Member Discount Program
A reminder that UFA offers 4-H members a discount card for 15% off of merchandise you would use for your 4-H project – this includes grooming products, tack and equipment and a list of approximately 2,600 items. It does not include feed and medication. If the store in your area does not normally carry the items you are looking for, they may be able to order them in for you. To get your card you can go to a UFA and request it, one leader or parent can go to a UFA to request the cards for your club or you can invite a UFA representative to attend your meeting, talk about the program and deliver the cards. For more information and a list of UFA Member Experience representatives, check out this link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/PR_UFAloyaltyProgram.pdf
Regional Dates
The dates for regional events are posted on the 4-H web-site. Here’s a link: East Central http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5772/$FILE/EC_Dates2011.pdf
National 4-H Month Activities
I know that some clubs have planned activities for National 4-H Month. The Big Valley Rusty Spurs are going to be at the Stettler UFA the afternoon of Friday, November 4th serving coffee and cookies. If you are in the neighbourhood, stop in and say hello. If you have something planned, please let me know too.
Leader Screening
I have had a number of questions regarding Leader Screening. This year the Leader Screening process will be done on-line. The final details are being worked out regarding the process and will be announced shortly. The letter which leaders being screened need to take to their local police station in order to get a Criminal Record Check is available on-line for those who would like to get a head start on the process. Here’s the link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/LC_CriminalRecordCheck.pdf
Winter Camps
Both the East and West Central Regions are holding Winter Camps this year. The camps are for 4-H members aged 9 – 12 and have always been lots of fun for members who attend.
East Central camp will be held at Circle Square Ranch on February 24 – 26, 2012. Here’s a link to the application:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5772/$FILE/EC_WinterCamp.pdf
In addition to campers we are looking for Counselors. If you are 16 years of age or older and have attended LTCS, please consider counseling at one of these camps.
East Central 4-H Fun Day
East Central 4-H Fun Day will be held on Saturday, January 7th in Stettler. Thanks to the generous support of local Agricultural Societies we can offer this day at no charge. The day will start with registration at 9:30 and will conclude with the ever popular ice cream social at 3:00 p.m. We are in the process of confirming sessions for the day at this time and will let you know more details at a later date.
4-H Night at the Red Deer Rebels
Saturday, February 11, 2012 is 4-H Night at the Red Deer Rebels. This event is open to 4-H members, leaders, families and friends. Tickets are $ 11 per person and should be ordered as a club group. The ticket order forms were sent to club leaders in the startup package.
Regional Public Speaking and Presentations
Regional Public Speaking and Presentations will be held in March in both the East and West Central regions this year. 4-H members speak at their club level and then in some districts advance to zones or semi-districts. In other regions they advance to District competitions and then some of those members advance to the Regional Level. Seniors advance to the Provincial Level which will be held on Saturday, April 14th at Edmonton Northlands.
East Central Region
March 17 Regional Public Speaking – Drumheller District Hosting
March 18 Regional Presentations – Flagstaff District Hosting
Times and locations will be announced at a later date.
Leaders’ Conference
This year the Alberta 4-H Leaders’ Conference will be held January 13 – 15, 2012 at the Radisson Hotel in Edmonton. The conference offers lots of great sessions and also provides opportunities for leaders to talk to and learn from other leaders. The application deadline is November 23rd. Here’s a link to more information:
http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=940
Canadian Bull Congress
Canadian Bull Congress will be held January 20 and 21 in Camrose. On Friday, January 20th there will be a 4-H Heifer show. If you are interested in attending, here’s more information (you will have to go the correct pages to find the information):
http://bullcongress.com/ei-completehandbook.html
There will also be a 4-H judging workshop for all members. If you want more information about that, contact me and I will forward it to you.
On Saturday, January 14th the Bull Congress is sponsoring a grooming and fitting workshop at the Camrose Regional Exhibition. Check page 21 of the link above for more information.
Call for Volunteers to Plan 100th Anniversary Celebrations
We are looking for volunteers to help us to plan for the 100th Anniversary celebrations of 4-H in Canada in 2013 and 4-H in Alberta in 2017. If you are interested, or know of others who might be interested, please share this link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/100CelebrationsCommittee.pdf
The deadline for committee chair applications is November 15th and sub-committee chairs is January 20th.
Grants and Other Funding Opportunities for Clubs
Don’t forget that there are grants available for clubs from a variety of sponsors through the Canadian 4-H Council. In my last e-mail blast I listed them and some of the deadlines have passed, but some are upcoming. Check this link for a listing:
http://www.4-h-canada.ca/core/en/grant-programs
Family Day at Northlands
Tuesday, November 8th is Family Day at Northlands. Here’s a link to what’s happening. I think you can still register – even though the deadline has passed. They like to have numbers for meals and supplies.
http://www.farmfair.ca/programs-and-schedule/special-events-and-programs/4-h-family-day
UFA Alumni Volunteer Service Award
UFA recognizes 4-H Volunteers who have been 4-H members and are now 4-H volunteers and are between the ages of 20 and 35. These volunteers may receive a gift certificate from UFA with a value of up to $ 2,000. The deadline for nominations is November 30th. Please check out this link:
http://www.4h.ab.ca/_docs_/960/UFA%204-H%20Alumni%20Volunteer%20Service%20Award%20Nomination%20Form.pdf
National 4-H Volunteer of the Year
December 16th is the deadline for nominations for this Canadian Council Program – sponsored by Co-operators. Nominations must come from 4-H members and there is one leader from each province recognized. Check out this link for more info: https://www.4-h-canada.ca/register/Common/Awards/NVLYA/
Horse Trophies
I have someone who has a number of horse trophies they are willing to donate. If your club could use some trophies with horses on them, let me know and I’ll pass their name on to you.
Programming at Miquelon Provincial Park
I received an e-mail from someone who works at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. They program to a diverse public on a wide range of environmental subjects. Our programs are hands-on and experiential in nature. If you 4-H club is looking for a different type of programming, check out this link
http://www.albertaparks.ca/pitc.aspx
Western Regional Leaders’ Forum
Western Regional Leaders’ Forum is held annually in one of the 13 participating states. This year Wyoming is hosting in Cheyenne. If you are interested in attending, here’s the link:
http://4-h.uwyo.edu/WRLF_12.asp
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West Central
Phone 403-742-7547
Fax 403-742-7575
Oct 2011
Hello,
Welcome to a new 4-H year. I know that many clubs have been had their start-up meetings, club elections have been held and that there have been some other.
Something To Say
Both West and East Central are holding Something to Say workshops. These workshops are for 4-H members aged 13 to 16 as of January 1, 2012. The focus of the workshop is improving communication skills, have fun and meet other members. The East Central event will be on November 4 and 5 at Gus Wetter School in Castor. Here’s the link to the application:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5772/$FILE/EC_SomethingToSay2011.pdf
UFA Opportunities
UFA has been a terrific supporter of the 4-H program and they currently are highlighting two opportunities:
4-H Member Loyalty Program
This is a new program which UFA launched recently. 4-H members can receive 15% off of over 2,600 items carried in UFA stores. These items include grooming supplies, tack and other materials used for your project. Feed and medicine are not included in this program. If the UFA store nearest you does not have the item(s) you are looking for, talk to the people who work in the store and they will likely be able to order it in for you if it is in the UFA product line. To be eligible for this discount the 4-H member must go to the UFA store with their membership card and they can receive the loyalty card.
UFA staff are willing to attend 4-H club and council meetings to discuss this program and to sign members up. Contact the Member Experience representative for your area to arrange something. For more information on the program or to find out who the member experience representative for your area is, check out this link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/PR_UFAloyaltyProgram.pdf
UFA Alumni Service Award
This year UFA will, once again, be recognizing five 4-H Alumni who are volunteers in their community. The alumni must be between the ages of 20 and 35 and should have pursued post-secondary education and then returned to a rural community and volunteered with the 4-H program for at least two years. If you know someone who fits this bill, check out this link for more information. The recipients will receive $ 2,000 UFA gift certificates. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2011.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/PR_UFAloyaltyProgram.pdf
Scholarship Opportunities
There are some scholarship opportunities available for 4-H members and former 4-H members.
CIBC 4-H Post Secondary Scholarship
Each year three $ 2,500 scholarships will be awarded to 4-H members in their last year of high school who are at least 16 years of age. The scholarship recipients must be planning to attend post secondary education – in any field of study. The application deadline is December 5, 2011. Here’s the link to the information about the scholarship:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/CIBC/
TD 4-H Agriculture Scholarships
This scholarship is open to young people in their final year of high school in September, 2011 who are planning to attend post-secondary education in the area of agriculture or agri-business. The application deadline is October 21, 2011. Here’s the link to all the details and the application:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/TD/
Grants Available
Agrium Youth Leadership Initiative
Funding is available for clubs and councils for programming in the areas of:
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Youth Asset Building: Personal Development, Challenging Delegates Potentials, Building Individual Assets, Recognizing Weaknesses, Exploring Group Processes.
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Career Planning: Developing Resumes, Exploring Career Choices, Developing Interview Skills, Job Search.
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Communication Skill Training: Effective Communications, Public Speaking Demonstrations, Multi Media, Judging.
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Organizational Leadership: Meeting Management, Parliamentary Procedure
The application deadline is October 21, 2011. Funding must be used between March 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013. Here’s a link to the information about this grant:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/Agrium/
FCC 4-H For Ever
Clubs may receive up to $ 500 to assist them with club programming from the FCC 4-H For Ever program. There are lots of eligible activities that can be used in the application. The funds must be used between March 2, 2012 and February 28, 2013. For more details, check this link:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/FCC/
RBC Rural-Urban Outreach Program
This program assist new 4-H clubs in areas where 4-H has not been previously been operating. The program deadline is December 9th. Here’s the link to the program outline:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/RBC/
Sears Young Futures
The Sears Young Futures 4-H Club Grants Program provides funding support to 4-H groups that provide after-school programs so youth can have fun while developing leadership skills, citizenship, and life skills in a positive and safe environment. The grant program is available for any 4-H club in Canada, and each club is eligible to receive up to $1,000. The application deadline is October 21, 2011. Here’s a link to more information:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/Sears/
Co-operators Volunteer of the Year Award
Each year the Canadian 4-H Council and Co-operators recognize one 4-H leader per province at the “Volunteer of the Year”. Volunteers recognized by this process must have the support of 3 active 4-H members. The recipient receives a $ 100 cash prize. The deadline is December 16th. For more information, check this link:
https://www.4-h-canada.net/register/Common/Awards/NVLYA/
Congratulations 4-H’ers
Over the summer, 4-H members from the East and West Central regions participated in a number of summer programs. At some of these programs, 4-H members were chosen to represent Alberta at competitions. Congratulations to these members:
From the Provincial 4-H Judging Competition:
National 4-H and Youth Judging Competition at Agribition in Regina, Saskatchewan
Katelyn Dietrich, Hastings Coulee Beef, East Central
Aydon Almberg, Czar Metiskow Beef, East Central
Western 4-H Roundup Livestock Judging Competition, Denver Colorado
Tyler Dietrich, Hastings Coulee Beef, East Central
From Horse Classic:
Western 4-H Roundup Hippology Competition, Denver Colorado
Cassandra Crick, Tees Wranglers, West Central
Jennifer Wrubleski, Lakedell Light Horse
Congratulations 4-H’ers, good luck and have fun on your trip.
East Central Leader Travel Opportunity
The East Central Regional Council is looking for a 4-H leader to travel to Cheyenne, Wyoming for the Western 4-H Leaders’ Forum from January 12 – 15, plus travel. The Western Regional Leaders’ Forum brings together 4-H leaders from the Western United States and Alberta. If you want to know more about the conference, here’s the link:
http://4-h.uwyo.edu/WRLF_12.asp
If you are interested, e-mail me back.
FREE Safety Clinics
John Deere dealerships across Alberta are offering free Safety Clinics for 4-H members. The goal is to train members on safety relating to agriculture and turn equipment. Participants will receive a John Deere t-shirt and certificate of completion. Contact your local John Deere dealer for more information. Here are some links:
www.martindeerline.com – Dealer in Wetaskiwin
www.agroequipment.com – Dealers in Coronation, Ponoka, Stettler
www.briltd.com - Dealers in Camrose, Killam, Provost
Contact the dealers directly to make arrangements if you are interested in this program. Be sure to allow adequate time for the dealers to order supplies.
Farm Safety
The Farm Safety staff who I work with have developed a series of personal protective equipment videos. These videos are short and easy to watch. If you would like to check them out, here’s the link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AlbertaAgriculture#p/c/7628148DD747FA90
If you watch this, you may recognize the two young people in the videos – they’re 4-H members from the Calgary region.
4-H Family Day at Farmfair
Farmfair is hosting a 4-H Family day once again. It will be on Tuesday, November 8th. There are lots of activities planned, including rope halter making, candy bouquet making and others. Pre-registration is requested, as lunch is provided. You can also get discounted Heritage Ranch Rodeo tickets. Here’s a link to more information and the registration form:
http://www.farmfair.ca/programs-and-schedule/special-events-and-programs/4-h-family-day
Tire Recycling and Electronics Recycling
The Fall 2011 Tire and Electronics recycling programs are operating from October 1, to November 30, 2011. If clubs want to participate, they should make a motion at one of their meetings and then register with the 4-H Foundation of Alberta. For more information, check out these links:
Tires http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/FR_TireRecycling.pdf
Electronics http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/FR_ElectronicRecycling.pdf
Monarchy Diamond Jubilee
2012 marks the 60th Anniversary of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Canadian Heritage has funding available for communities that plan celebration events. If you community or 4-H club would like to plan an event, check out this link for information about possible funding:
http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1315852578931/1316017942769
Alberta Provincial Poultry Show
The Alberta Provincial Poultry Show will be held December 9 – 11th at the Red Deer Westerner grounds. They Canadian Heritage Breeds Association, the host of the show anticipates about 600 poultry entries and 1,500 pigeon entries. If you would like to learn more about this event, please contact me and I will pass the contact information on to you.
Step Up
The Canadian 4-H Council in conjunction with the Canadian Farm Business Management Council and some other partners are offering the Step Up program to youth interested in farm management. The program will pair a youth with an experienced farm manager. This program is open to young people over 18 years of age. The young person must commit to working side by side with their mentor for a minimum of 8 weeks and they should be willing to travel to the location of their mentor. If you know someone who sounds like a good candidate for this program, please have them check out this link:
http://www.farmcentre.com/Features/TheNewFarmer/resources/stepup/Default.aspx
Canadian Council – 4-H Adventure
The Canadian Council and Marlin Travel are arranging a trip to Boscobel Resort and Golf Club in Jamaica from February 11 – 18. Here’s a link to more information:
http://www.4-h-canada.net/core/files/4-H_Beaches.pdf
That’s it for this time.
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West Central
Phone 403-742-7547 Fax 403-742-7575
Hello,
Here’s some 4-H and other information you might be interested in:
Selections Results
There were a number of East and West Central 4-H members in attendance at Selections at Olds College from April 29 to May 2. Award Recipients are:
Ambassadors
East Central
Kaitlyn Dietrich Hastings Coulee Beef
Trevor Molzan East Sounding Creek Beef
Award Recipients
Montana 4-H Congress, Bozeman Montana
Jennifer Wrubleski Lakedell Light Horse/Armena Beef
Alberta/Northwest Territories Agriculture Development Tour
Aydon Almberg Czar Metiskow Beef (East Central)
Jeanine Foot Big Knife Beef (East Central)
Trevor Molzan East Sounding Creek Beef (East Central)
National 4-H Conference: Science and Technology Symposium, Toronto
Katelyn Dietrich Hastings Coulee Beef (East Central)
Julie Knapp Wild and Wooly (East Central)
Alternates
Kelly Coppock Paintearth Beef (East Central)
Dylan Vincett Hastings Coulee Beef (East Central)
Key Members
Applications are now being accepted for Key Members. Members who are eligible to become a key member should have received a letter in the mail indication how to apply, but in case you didn’t, here’s a few details.
Key Members are aged 15 and older and they should have an interest in doing presentations and/or workshops on a variety of different topics that would be of interest to 4-H members. There are lots of benefits to being a key member. Some are being invited to attend Key Member Training – August 19 – 21 in Vermilion (free of charge), getting to other 4-H members, access to great resources to assist you to do workshops. To apply to become a Key Member, you should submit a cover letter and resume to the 4-H office (e-mail - janet.kerr@gov.ab.ca or fax 403-742-7575 or mail 4-H Office, BAG 600, STETTLER AB T0C 2L0. Applications should be received in my office by July 1, 2011.
If you want more information about the Key Member program, please contact me and I can give it to you.
Sad News
I received some very sad news recently about a former 4-H member. Carlie Bell, who was a member of the Morrin 4-H Multi Club and very active on the Drumheller District Council passed away on May 22. Carlie completed her high school education about a year ago and chose to travel to New Zealand for six months. She returned to Drumheller in mid-May. While travelling she was bitten by an insect and contracted a disease which ended her life.
I met Carlie through her involvement in the Drumheller District Council. She served on their executive for a number of years and was instrumental in arranging events for the members of the Drumheller District. As a 4-H member she took on the responsibility to organize events and always did so in a pleasant and cheerful manner.
My condolences and I am sure those all 4-H’ers in the area go to Carlie’s family.
Summer Program Spaces Still Available
There are still some spaces available for the following summer programs. If you are interested in applying, here’s the information and a link to the application form:
Combined 2 - August 8 – 12 http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/camping.pdf
Intermediate 6 Day – August 1 – 6 http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/camping.pdf
PDP 2 - July 24 – 29 – Focus on Entrepreneurship http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5979/$FILE/pdp.pdf
Summer Program Acceptance Packages
I know that a number of you have applied to attend summer programs and have been wondering when you will hear if you have been accepted. Acceptance packages for LTCS and summer camps were sent out on Monday and PDP went out Wednesday. If you have not heard from the 4-H Staff regarding your application then you have been accepted into the program you applied for. If you do not receive your package by Thursday, June 23rd please contact me or the Airdrie 4-H Office and an e-mail acceptance package can be sent to you. No e-mails will be sent out before that date.
Heifer Show
The Regional Heifer Show – open to East and West Central – is still taking entries. The show goes on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at Bashaw. You can move in Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Here’s a link to the entry form.
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5769/$FILE/WC_HeiferShow.pdf
Please either fax (403)742-7575 or e-mail me if you plan to enter so that we know how many members to expect.
East Central 4-H Equine Games Day – July 16
The Big Valley Rusty Spurs are hosting a games day for all equine 4-H members in the region. The event will be lots of fun and we hope to see lots of members there. The event will be held: Saturday, July 16 starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Donalda Ag. Grounds. If you want to arrive the night before, there will be camping available and there are some outdoor pens available for horses to use.
The cost is $ 10 per rider and each family is asked to provide an item for the pot luck lunch. Please also bring plates and cutlery for your family. Burgers and buns will be supplied. Each club should provide 2 games that they can run for the entire group. Pre-registration is requested by contacting Karen Sorensen at 403-742-8719 or snook66@gmail.com . Please pre-register by July 8th so that they have enough burgers and buns.
Equine Vet in Red Deer available for Workshop
I receive information from an Equine Veterinarian in Red Deer who would be willing to do a Saturday or Sunday workshop on Equine First Aid, Wound Management and Bandaging. He is also available during some evenings. If you would like more information about this, contact me and I will pass his contact information on to you.
Horsemanship Workshop in Stettler
The Stettler Silver Stars are hosting a clinic with Marty Gardner on June 18 and 19, 2011 at Stettler. All 4-H Club members are invited to attend. If you want more information about clinic contact the Stettler 4-H office.
4-H Rodeos
The final rodeos on the East Central Rodeo Circuit will be June 25 and 26 at Gooseberry Lake Rodeo grounds. Entries will be taken on June 15th. Here’s a link to all the information about the rodeos:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5772/$FILE/EC_RodeoDates.pdf
Sponsor Support
A quick reminder to clubs that they should be acknowledging the support of various sponsors at their club achievement days and/or year end banquets. If you have a sponsor sign to post, please do and take a picture of it while you have it on display to send to the sponsor. As well, you may choose to acknowledge sponsors by including their name and/or log in your show program. Sending thank you notes to your sponsors is always a good idea and if you can include a picture that is a great idea too.
Opportunity for 4-H members with Heifer Projects
GrowSafe Systems in collaboration with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Research Division is looking for 6 correct beef type, well cared for, quiet and halter broke yearling heifers to be part of the GrowSafe Systems’ display at this year’s Calgary Stampede. This display will be part of a large beef cattle interactive display called “The Cattle Trail” that has been designed to be premiered in 2011 showcasing all aspects of the beef industry from cow/calf to feedlot to retail beef. Ideally, this would be a 10 day commitment for the cattle and 4H members, but could be split into 2 five day commitments running July 7th to 12th or 12th to 17th.
4-H members (project owners) are to be on location at the Stampede grounds, taking care of their animals, keeping the pens clean, speaking to the public, etc. (training will be provided on site for the GrowSafe Systems). Heifers will be loose in a pen (3 per pen) with feedbunks and water.
GrowSafe Systems will provide:
- Reimbursement for cattle feed costs
- Passes to the Calgary Stampede including parking passes
- Student stipend paid to each family based on the number animals they bring. For example, a family providing 3 animals would be paid 100.00/day up to $1,000.00 for the 10 day commitment.
- Billeting options for some of the kids if required, and/or space to park a trailer.
An excellent opportunity for intermediate and senior 4-H members to learn “hands on” how GrowSafe’s advanced technology is playing a major role in the future of the beef cattle industry. It will also allow them to gain marketing skills and continue to develop their public speaking skills.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the 4-H Office in Stettler, or Susan Markus at susan.markus@gov.ab.ca
Westerner Days
Westerner Days is going to be in Red Deer at the Westerner Grounds from July 20 – 24. As part of the event there are some livestock shows – for beef, Junior Beef, Goats, Miniature Donkeys and Miniature Horses. Check this link for more information or to enter:
http://www.westernerdays.ca/livestock/
ATB Contest – Why 4-H is Great
ATB is sponsoring a contest with a Gord Bamford concert in your home community. Videos can be submitted that are a maximum of 5 minutes in length that highlight why 4-H is great. The deadline for applications is June 28. For more details, check this link:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/Whyis4HGreat.pdf
ATB Contest – Musicians
Any past or present 4-H member can open for Gord Bamford at the concert given to be community that wins the “Why 4-H is Great” contest. Singers should submit a video of themselves singing one song. The deadline is June 28th. Here’s the details of the contest:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h1080/$FILE/AB4HMusician.pdf
That’s it for now.
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West Central
Phone 403-742-7547
Fax 403-742-7575
