April 2012

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Remember to check the online County Calendar for additional information about 4-H events.

Lake County 4-H is now on FACEBOOK

For project updates, photos, reminders about upcoming 4-H events, and more, check out the Purdue Extension-Lake County 4-H facebook page! You can also learn more about 4-H and other Purdue Extension programs at the Purdue Extension Lake County facebook page.

• Horse & Pony
• Area 10 Horse & Pony Judging will be Saturday, April 21, in St. Joe County.
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• 4-H Sportfishing Tournaments
• May 19, 8 am to noon - LaSalle State Fish and Wildlife Area, Parking Area 3A, 4752 W. 1050 N, Lake Village, IN 46349 (See County Calendar for map)
• June 2, 8 am to noon -Location TBA
• June 16, 8 am to noon - Lake George, Hobart (park in Festival Park on NW side of lake by dam).
• All enrolled 4-H members in grades 3-12 may participate. Beginners are welcome! Participants must have 4-H health forms with parent/guardian signature. Adult helpers and members 17 and older will need fishing licenses. For more information see the DNR website www.in.gov/dnr/ or call project superintendent Terry Miller, 696-3045.

• Raise money for Lake County 4-H Program
• The Spring 2012 Tractor Supply Co. and Del’s Paper Clover promotion is right around the corner! Spring Paper Clover launches on Wednesday, May 2 and runs through Sunday, May 13. Did you know that Paper Clover fundraisers held during springtime yield the most funds raised for our county and state? Get started with Paper Clover today and raise money for our 4-H program!

• 4-H Youth Leadership Conferences
• Funding is available from County Committee for Lake County 4-H members to participate!
  State 4-H Junior Leader Conference – Tuesday, June 19-Friday, June 22; University of Indianapolis; registration $160/person due May 15; Web site:
  http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/sjlc/index.html; Facebook page: 2012 Indiana State 4-H Junior Leader Conference

Indiana State Fair Youth Leadership Conference – Tuesday, July 31-Saturday, August 4; registration $125 due July 1; Web site:
http://www.four-h.purdue.edu/isfyl/index.html; Facebook page: 2012 ISFYLC

Indiana 4-H Youth and Adult Congress – Saturday, November 10; Indiana State Fairgrounds; more information available in the coming months.

A 2012 Trips and Conferences Brochure and PowerPoint presentation are posted on the State 4-H Web site under the Trips tab: https://www.four-h.purdue.edu/ind_4h/scholarships.cfm

• Baby Chicks Arrive Friday, March 30th
• Baby chicks from the 4-H Chick Embryology Program in Lake County schools will be available for 4-H members to pick up late Friday afternoon and evening at Tom & Kris Reed’s Farm, 12921 Iowa St. Crown Point. These chicks would make excellent poultry project exhibits for the fair. They are free to 4-H families who can provide for them. Donations will be accepted to maintain funding for the program.

To reserve chicks, please call Connie Brittingham 663-6420 or Kris Reed 663-0846, to arrange for pick up.

• Poultry Judging Workshops
• Monday, April 2^nd                 Thursday, May 3^rd
• Monday, April 16^th                Monday, May 7^th
• April 30th CANCELLED          Thursday, May 17^th
• 7p.m. at Gianni's Home-10623 Cline Ave. Crown Point, IN
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• State Poultry Judging, Saturday, May 19^th at Purdue
• Call Superintendent-Connie Brittingham, 663-6420, for any questions.

• 4-H Computer Project
• Project Superintendent Tom Kennelly at tomk53@juno.com is available to offer advice and answer questions as you work on your projects.
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• 4-H Dog Callout-*NEW DATE*
• Wednesday, April 11^th, 7:00p.m. at the Extension Office
• Call Superintendent-Kathy Hinshaw, 662-1932, with any questions

• 4-H Vet Science Workshop- CANCELLED- Reschuduled-June TBA
• Tuesday, April 10^th
• 5:00p.m. at PNC in Westville (must provide own transportation)
• Topic: Emergency Medicine
• Call Judy Morgan, 219-548-2836 for details.
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• 4-H Horse Explorers Workshop-CANCELLED
• Wednesday, April 11^th
• If you are on Spring Break, join us at for a Field Trip (all day) to Parke County
• Meeting at I65 & SR2 in Lowell (must provide own transportation)
• Call Judy Morgan, 219-548-2836 for details.
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• New & Used Tack Auction
• Proceeds to benefit Happy Wranglers H & P 4-H Club
• DC’s Country Junction
• Saturday, April 28 - 12:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. 3599 W. 161^st Ave., Lowell
• Cost: $2.00 (price will include dance)

• 4-H Tractor
• Workshops:  Thursday, April 12^th & Tuesday, April 24^th
• 7p.m. at Taft Middle School
• Tractor Fun Day:  Saturday, April 28
• 9:00a.m. at Nichols Manufacturing - 1610 W 203rd Avenue, Lowell
• County Tractor Contest:  Saturday, May 5
• 8:00a.m. at Nichols Manufacturing - 1610 W 203rd Avenue, Lowell
• Call Jim Nichols, 696-8577 with any questions.

• Sheep, Swine, and Goat Tagging
• Saturday, May 12
• Sheep/Swine - 9:00-11:00a.m. at LCFG
• Goat-11:00a.m. -1:00p.m. at LCFG
• Call Superintendents for any questions.

• Auction Committee Meetings
• Sunday, April 15^th                 Sunday, June 24^th  
• Sunday, May 20^th
• 2:00p.m. at Mi Ranchito in Lowell
• Call Julie Ziese, 746-2827 with any questions.

• 4-H Music Project Performance
• Thursday, April 12, beginning at 4:30 pm (Please register by March 16)
• Taft Middle School, Crown Point
• Call the Extension Office at 755-3240 to register. The following information is needed:
• - 4-H member's name, address, and phone number
• - 4-H club
• - Project level (A, B, C, or D)
• - Which performance categories (Vocal, Piano, and/or Instrument Other than Piano)

Performers must check in at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled time. Notification will be sent with scheduled performance times approximately two weeks prior to the performance. Call the superintendent if notification is not received. All times are subject to change at the discretion of the superintendent.

Remember to bring a copy of your music and your project record sheet. See the 4-H Handbook for details of project requirements. Contact superintendents Tom and Kris Reed, 663-8532 or Patty Kvachkoff, 663-8532 if you have questions.

• Hoosier Recreation Workshop
• April 13-15, Indianapolis, IN, www.hoosierrecreation.com
• Non-profit group teaching leadership skills for over 50 years!
• HRW is a weekend event where leaders of groups can learn new activities to take back to their groups.    4-H members and adults are encouraged to attend! This year's theme is "Pirates," demonstrating how a large group of people can get to know each other and have a great time through singing, dancing, skits, games, and other group activities. Costumes are welcome. Contact the Extension Office if you are interested. Sponsorships are available for members and volunteers.

• Geranium Sale
• March 9-April 9, 2012
• SELL!  SELL!  SELL geraniums! Packets have been distributed to club leaders. This fundraiser supports our county programs and local clubs. The price is $1.25/plant or $22.50/flat of 18 plants. Red, pink, or white flowers! Pick up is Saturday, April 28 – 8:30a.m.-10:30a.m. at the Fairgrounds.
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• Flowers of clubs with large orders will be located in the Family Arts Building.  Small club orders will be placed in the Annex Building (next to the 4-H Building). Administrative Leaders need to come at 8:00am to check the orders.

***All 4-H volunteers and members are invited to assist with unloading of geranium trucks on Friday, April 27.  If you are available, please call Janet Kraynik, 942-4583.

• Veterinary Science
• Purdue Vet School Open House
• Saturday, April 14, 2012
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• This open house is FREE to the public and features food, games and fun for people of all ages. Highlights include:
• - hourly tours of the veterinary school and teaching hospital
• - explore a veterinarian’s farm truck
• - watch a live spay demonstration
• - dive in and explore a cow’s stomach
• - equine treadmill demonstrations (space is limited)
• This happens during the annual Spring Fest scheduled on campus for April 14-15, 2012. See the Spring Fest website for more details: http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/springfest/pages/default.aspx
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• Youth in Grades K-2 are invited to Mini 4-H FUN DAY
• Saturday, April 21
• 9am-Noon, Extension Office
• Cost: $5.00
• Please turn in registration form and money to the Extension Office by April 5.

• Annual Lake County Master Gardeners Association Native Plant Sale
• Saturday, May 12, 2012, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Tri Town Safety Village, 1350 Eagle Ridge Drive, Schererville, IN
• Native Perennials, Native Shrubs, and Native Trees (Also non-native perennials and vegetable plants.) Purchase Plants at the Sale or to Ensure Availability Pre-Order Deadline: April 20, 2012
• To pre-order native perennials, shrubs & trees, download order form at the Master Gardener website: www.lakecountymastergardeners.com or to order the pre-order form go to: lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com Trees & Shrubs will be sold by Pre-Order Only
• Phone: 219-755-3240 for information.
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• 4-H Night at the RailCats
• Friday, June 8, 2012
• This event is also a 4-H fundraiser, so invite your friends and family to join us!  For every ticket we sell, $2 will go to the club and $1 to county-wide 4-H programming. 

Tickets will cost $10 each, and clubs and members-at-large will purchase them through the Extension Office.  Please pay by check or money order.  Tickets will be available soon and will be sold thru May 31 (or until we run out).  We will also have opportunities to show our 4-H spirit during the game!  Be sure to dress in green or wear your 4-H t-shirts and hats.  The club that sells the most tickets by May 31 will receive special recognition at the game.

• 2012 4-H Camp
• Wednesday-Friday, June 13-15
• Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center
• Camp Flyer

   
• 4-H members who complete grades 3-8 this school year are eligible. 4-H camp includes lots of fun activities and outdoor learning experiences.  4-Hers stay in full facility cabins on the campgrounds. 
• 4-Hers will arrive at camp about 10:00 am the first day and leave at 11:30am Friday. 4-Hers must provide their own transportation.  The Lake County 4-H Club Committee sponsors half the cost to attend. Camp applications are available in Footnotes and at the Extension Office. Counselors are needed for 4-H Camp to be held June 13-15.  Counselor applicants need to be in Grade 10 or above. Parents are also welcome to volunteer as counselors (but must complete the 4-H volunteer application process prior to participating). If you are interested in volunteering please contact Jennifer Govan at 755-3240.

• 4-H Share-the-Fun Contest
• April 30, 2012
• Wittenberg Village, 1400 Luther Drive, Crown Point (see County Calendar for map)
• Share the Fun is approaching and we want all the youth to get ready to SHARE!!!
• Start practicing and encourage your 4-H Club to prepare a group act!!
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• What is “Share the Fun”? This is a 4-H event that helps 4-Hers to showcase their talents. They may compete in the musical and non-musical curtain acts -as solos or groups. All entertainers in a group must be 4-H members. Start practicing those musical and theatrical talents!

• Demonstration and Public Speaking Activity Coming Soon
• May (Specifics-TBA)
• ·        Registrations will be taken by calling the Extension Office at 755-3240 by TBA.
• ·        Pre-registration is required; no live animals permitted.
• ·        The categories and topics are in the Handbook.
• ·        The topic for public speaking is: “4-H The Revolution of Responsibility.”
• ·        The activity is open to Mini 4-H members and regular 4-H members.
• ·        Participation in this activity does not count for the Horse and Pony 4-part award. Horse and Pony members may still participate in this activity by registering their demo in the companion animal category.

• State Workshops and Trips
• Every year there are workshops and trips that are offered to 4-H members through Purdue University (West Lafayette). First time participants may have workshop fees sponsored by Lake County Committee. Please review the application and state website. Call the extension office for further information. Application Form
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• NEW 4-H Electric Vehicle Science Workshop
• June 13-15, 2012
  Have you ever been to an Indianapolis 500 race? If you have you know that the cars are fast AND they are noisy. Could you imagine a race where the cars made almost no noise? In this new and exciting science workshop you will have the chance to build an electric powered go-cart using simple materials (i.e., wood, screws, nails and drills).... Your workshop experience will cumulate with you in the driver's seat of one of Purdue's electric go-carts on the Purdue Grand Prix track.
  Join us to learn about the exciting world of electric powered vehicles. Learn what is needed to create your own electric go-cart and how the components interact to create an electric vehicle. Age: youth in grades 9-12. Cost: $180 (sponsorships available for Lake County 4-Hers). Maximum enrollment: 20. Contact the Extension Office for more information.

• 4-H Club Insurance and Finances Workshop
• Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 7 pm, Extension Office
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• This is a mandatory training for administrative leaders of 4-H clubs that maintain treasuries. If you cannot attend, please contact the Extension Office as soon as possible.  Other 4-H volunteers are welcome to participate.

• New 4-H Club
• Lake County 4-H welcomes the Slippery Saddles 4-H Club!  The club administrative leader is Caitlin Benjamin.

• 4-H Committee Meetings in April:
• All 4-H volunteers, parents, and members are welcome.
• Adult Leaders-April 17 meeting is CANCELLED due to finances workshop; next meeting May 15, 7 pm, Extension Office
• Horse & Pony Leaders-April 20, 7 pm, Extension Office
• Auction-April 15, 2 pm, Mi Ranchito, Lowell
• County Committee- April 26, 7 pm, Extension Office

• Purdue Extension Announces The Benefit Bank
• File Taxes—Apply for Benefits—Access FAFSA Forms
• The Benefit Bank is an online self-service program that helps moderate to lower income families in securing benefits in Indiana. The following are supported programs of TBB: Benefits – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), Indiana Mortgage Deduction; FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid; Voter Registration – National Voter Registration Application; TAXES – Federal and State Tax Returns 2011 & 2010, Indiana Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly, and Federal Back Taxes for 2007-2009. The Benefit Bank website is www.thebenefitbank.org  or tbbhelp@thebenefitbank.org and the phone number is 1-855-822-4357.

• Project Superintendents
• -Please make sure that all of your assistant superintendents have turned in their 2012 enrollment forms. If you don’t know, you can check with the Extension Office.
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• Club Administrative Leaders
• -Updated information about AIL special event insurance policies has been placed in club mailboxes. Please remember that clubs need to purchase this coverage for any and all activities to which additional family members, friends or the general public have been invited or may attend as these individuals are not covered under the blanket policy. This includes things like pool parties, open shows, tack sales, enrollment nights, etc. The Special Event Policy should also be utilized by 4-H groups traveling with volunteers outside the county or when traveling overnight. As has always been the case with state sponsored events activities (i.e., CDEs, Roundup, Science Workshops, State Jr. Leader Conference), each of those program budgets covers the expense of the Special Event Policy. For more specific information re: these policies, please visit the AIL website http://www.americanincomelife.com/

-Geranium pick up will be Saturday, April 28 from 8:30-10:30 am. Please make sure someone from your club will be there. Remember that only club checks will count toward the club rebate.

• 2011 IRS Tax Filing Guidelines for 4-H Entities
• If a 4-H entity earned over $50,000 in gross receipts in 2011, they will need to file a Form 990 or Form 990-EZ for 2011 and should contact a licensed tax preparer for assistance with this filing.  The deadline is Tuesday, May 15th, 2012.
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• Otherwise—
• If a 4-H entity was exempt from filing for 2010, they will again be exempt from filing for the 2011 tax year.
• New 4-H clubs that formed in 2011 or 2012 are also exempt for 2011.   
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• Club leaders should contact Julie Jones if there are any questions about this.

• National Volunteer Week
• April 15^th – 21^st
• Please Celebrate People in Action

• Junior Leaders
• MEETINGS ARE NOW THE 4^TH TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
• Next Meeting:  Tuesday, April 24^th
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• Junior Leader Fundraiser
• Thanks to all 4-H members, volunteers, family, and friends who participated in the Schwan’s Fundraiser.  We really appreciate your support!!!

Junior Leaders are collecting old cell phones and ink cartridges. This will protect our environment and serve as a fundraiser for our organization.  We also collect new or gently used children's books to donate to the Lake County Health Department.

• Purdue Extension, Lake County
• Jennifer Govan and Julie Jones, Extension Educators 4-H Youth Development
• Roz Coleman and Rae Ann French, 4-H Secretaries
• Walt Sell, County Extension Director
• Phone: 219-755-3240
• Fax: 219-755-3253
• lake4hinfo@purdue.edu
• www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/lake
• Office Location: 880 E. 99th Court, Suite A, Crown Point, IN 46307
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30 pm
• Mailing Address: 2293 N Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307
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• If you have special needs, please indicate on registration form or call us at least three days prior to the meeting/event at 219-755-3240 or call 888-EXT-INFO and ask for the Lake County office.
• It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action institution. This material may be available in alternative formats.