4-H Newsletter November 2023
Greytak Calendars Available to Purchase
Greytak Calendars are in the office! Calendars feature the artwork of Havre, Montana self-taught pencil artist Don Greytak. They are sold ($15 each) as a joint fund raiser for Teton County 4-H Council and the Montana 4-H Foundation.Available until sold out. These calendars make nice holiday gifts! Available until sold out.
4-H Enrollment and Re-enrollment Continue
See a list of folks who have successfully enrolled or reenrolled in 4-H on page 6. If your name does not appear on the list and you would like to be involved with 4-H this year, please take a little time now to complete this task. At the Extension Office, using Zsuite enrollment, we are currently getting an order together for project manuals.
Agent's Corner from Jenn and Shelby
Read the latest from Shelby and Jenn later in the newsletter.
Teton County 4-H Year
Teton County 4-H calendar can be found later in the newsletter and referred to throughout the year.
National 4-H Congress November 24-28
Ayden Debruycker travels this month to Atlanta, Georgia, as a Montana delegate at National 4-H Congress. This is the realization of a goal Ayden set for herself, and her goal was achieved by placing first in the demonstration category at the Montana 4-H Congress. Congratulations, Ayden, your time and hard work have really paid off! Have a wonderful experience!
Financial Record Books Due at Extension Office
Thank you to everyone who turned in Treasurers’ books to the office in a timely manner; it helps us keep our work on track here at the office. We are currently reviewing the books and preparing IRS reports to file for clubs.
The Next 31
October 1-December 1
- Enrollment and Re-enrollment on going, Zsuite and extension office
November 12
- Horse Club Meeting, Sunday, 4-6:00pm, 406 Arena, Vaughn
December 1
- 4-H Ambassador Applications Due, Friday, 5:00pm, Extension Office
December 4
- Livestock Committee Meeting, Monday, 6-7:00pm, New Life Church, Fairfield
Agent's Corner (Jenn): Opportunities Abound!
I'm happy to relay good news about ourTeton County Horse Project Club: Kate Banner has volunteered to serve as a new club leader, filling the vacancy left by former club leader Salina DeVos.Kate and Todd Banner and their kids have been an integral part of the Horse Club for years, and they are well-poised to guide our youth members on their horsemanship journey.4-H members may enroll in Horse Club alone or in conjunction with enrolling in a community club; either way, they should sign up for a horse project on z-suite.org (or call the office for an assist.)
Currently, the Horse Club practices at the 406 Arena in Vaughn, but Kate has mentioned that she is open to and supportive of allowing volunteers and horse project members from the more northern regions of the county to host an additional practice site closer to home.If you're a horse nut or an aspiring horse nut, you may want to check out the meeting on Sunday November 12 from 4 to 6pm at the 406 Arena.The whole family is welcome to ride; non-riders can check out the action from the bleachers.
Another great opportunity for 4-H veterans is the 4-H Ambassador Program.This is a merit-based program of distinction that involves representing Teton County 4-H at events (for example, Congress and the Legislative Breakfast) and otherwise serving as leaders at local 4-H events.Members who are 14 years of age or older and have held a club office or other leadership role (for example, camp counselor) may apply.Please contact the office if you are interested.
Agent's Corner (Shelby): Community Food Drive
Teton County is served by two food banks, one in Choteau and another in Fairfield.These organizations support the food security of county residents of all ages.This year, individual Clubs that would like to organize a food drive to support their local food pantry are encouraged to do so throughout the winter months.Some ideas to collect food include setting up a collection box at local churches and businesses or setting up a table with club members at home basketball games.Food items to collect include canned goods, dry goods, and baking supplies like flour, baking soda, sugar, and spices.Dessert items like Jello and pudding are also great to collect.If your club would like assistance in organizing a club level food drive, please contact me at the Extension Office.In 2024, I will be organizing a county level food drive that will begin meeting in August of 2024.If any youth would like to gain leadership experience and work with a team to organize the 2024 4-H Teton County Food Drive, please contact me to join the team.
Applications for 4-H Ambassadors Due
Have you ever thought of applying to be a Teton County 4-H Ambassador? 4-H Ambassadors work with the MSU Extension staff to promote 4-H in our county. Some of the main activities of the Ambassadors include masters of ceremonies for Communications Day and other events; emceeing at Fair, and mentoring new 4-H members. (It can be as much as you make it!) The position is a combination of public relations and leadership service.
Our current Ambassador is Myles Allen. He will remain on the ambassador team but would welcome more members, as his fellow ambassadors recently graduated. The 4-H Ambassador team can set their own goals and develop a plan. We will work with you and your schedules.
The deadline to apply for 2023-2024 is December 1, 2023.We will accept applications any time between now and Friday, December 1. 4-H members needed to be 14 by October 1 to apply.If you are interested contact the Extension office.
Let's Get "SMART"!
Have you ever heard the phrase "keep your eye on the ball"? That's because you have to be watching the ball to successfully connect with it. It's the same with goals - the more focused they are, the more likely they are to be achieved.
Parents - you can help your kids achieve their goals by making them SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Here's an example:
A good goal: I want to win a blue ribbon in showmanship.
A SMART goal:I will win a blue ribbon in beef showmanship at the 2024 county fair by practicing once a week and attending any showmanship workshops with project leaders.
Committee Service Looks Great on a Resume!
4-H is a member-led organization!Committees are a chance to serve as a leader, to influence outcomes, and to get to know people better.Don’t know what the committees do, or how much time is required?Check out the descriptions on the next page!You can sign up with the link provided, scan the QR code, or contact the office directly with the list of committees you’d like to join. Sign up for a 4-H committee.
Committee
|
Description
|
Meetings
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# of Members
(Suggested Minimum) |
---|---|---|---|
Standing Committees
|
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Awards
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Designates an annual awards plan for 4-H competitions; may be the same members and
meet at the same time as the Fair Committee
|
Meets 1-2 times each year in the Spring, to plan Teton County’s 4-H Fair in June
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1 agent, 1 or 2 adult members, 1 or 2 youth members
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Budget & Audit
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Develops and then recommends to the 4-H council an annual budget, which is voted on
at 4-H Council
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Meets 1-2 times each year in the late Summer and/or Fall
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4-H Council Treasurer, 1 agent, 1 adult member, 1 youth member
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Communications
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Promotes development of members’ skills in giving demonstrations and presentations,
via training sessions and participation in local, statewide, and/or national competitions/events
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Meets 1-2 times each year in the Fall and/or Winter, to plan Teton County’s Communications
Day in March
|
1 agent, 1 or 2 adult members, 1 or 2 youth members
|
Fair
|
Designates an annual Fair theme, creates the schedule of Fair activities, develops
the Fair publicity plan
|
Meets 1-2 times each year in the Spring, to plan Teton County’s 4-H Fair in June
|
1 agent,1or 2 adult members,or 2 youth members |
Livestock
|
Attends to livestock project areas including animal husbandry education, livestock
quality assurance education, safety and rules regarding the 4-H Livestock Sale and
Carcass Competition
|
Meets on the first Monday of every other month (Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug)
|
Ag agent, Officers (Pres, VP, Treasurer, Secretary), livestock superintendents, 1 or more adult members, 1 or more youth members |
Horse
|
Oversees equine education events, rules, regulation and safety of 4-H horse-related
events and contests-in the case of an active horse project club, may be comprised
of the horse project club members.
|
Meets 3 to 4 times per year, or as needed
|
Horse project club leader, 1 or more adult members, 1 or more youth members |
Record Book
|
Establishes guidelines for record book completions and reviews record books as submitted.
|
Meets 1-2 times each year. |
3 adult members/volunteers |
Textile
|
Oversees textile educational events, offerings and competitions.
|
Meets 1 or 2 times per year, in the Fall and/or Spring
|
1 agent, 1 or 2 adult members, 1 or 2 youth members |
Special Committees |
|||
Meat and Greet
|
Plans and coordinates the annual 4-H Fair "Meat and Greet" celebration for all 4-H
Families and Fair attendees
|
Meets 2 or 3 times per year, in the Spring prior to Teton County's 4-H Fair in June
|
1 agent, 1 or 2 adult members, 1 or 2 youth members |
Exchange
|
We currently do not have an active interstate exchange program in Teton County, though
the policy may need revision prior to reestablishing the program.
|
Meets only as needed to review Exchange policy. This is not the same as enrolling
in the Exchange Project.
|
Ad hoc |
Service Learning Hours
If your school has service learning requirements, please talk to local school administrators about how to record your service learning hours and let our office know. We are happy to complete paperwork, etc., but can only do so if we know your school’s requirements and you prompt us via email, text, call, to do so. Many 4-H events would qualify as service learning!
Animal Resource Manuals
The Extension Office has a variety of animal resource manuals available for check-out.These manuals typically cost over $20 but are available FREE for your use.We have them for many animal projects.Contact us for more information.
For the Good of the Order
Sign Up!
The new 4-H year began on Oct 1, 2023 and runs through Sep 30, 2024.New members may enroll at any time throughout the year.Re-enrollment is what returning 4-Hers do.Remember, all members - new and returning - need to select a club and at least one project to pursue throughout the year.All projects are accompanied by a record book to record goals, reflect on challenges and progress, and keep track of expenses.
Here is some important information about re-enrollment.
Members who re-enroll before Dec 1, 2023:
- Avoid a late fee of $25
- Can sign up for committees
- Get project manuals for free, ordered by the office
- Receive informational communications from the office
Returning members who re-enroll after Dec 1, 2023:
- Are still very welcome!
- Must pay for their own project manuals
- Pay a late fee of $25
- Cannot join a committee this year
- Will miss important communications from the office
The 4-H member, or their club, must pay their dues before the member is considered “active.”
Enrolled members are listed on the following page. Members are listed only once under their primary club, even if they are also enrolled in project clubs as a way to save space. Please check to be sure your name appears at least once. If it does not then you are not yet enrolled or reenrolled for the 2023-2024 4-H year. Please do so as soon as possible so we can get your project books ordered among other things.
Enrolled Members
Challenging Champs
Antonia Diekhans
Benjamin Diekhans
Calvin Diekhans
Kelsy Diekhans
Luke Diekhans
Haizley Haman
Lane Houck
Kristen Martinez
Leona Somerfeld
Jordyn Stengrimson
Abigail Toeckes
Caleb Toeckes
Jessica Toeckes
Laura Toeckes
Doug Ulsh
Dylan Ulsh
Colin Woodhouse
Trevor Woodhouse
Old Agency
Bryden Bradley
Cathy Campbell
Addison Christensen
Rachel Christensen
Tate Crabb
Ainsley DeBruycker
Kinsley DeBruycker
Melissa DeBruycker
Natalie DeBruycker
Liam Drumm
Trent Greyn
Kale Gunderson
Hannah Hodgskiss
Leane Hodgskiss
Ledger Martin
Carli Neal
Casen Yeager
Chelsee Yeager
Justyce Yeager
Rusch Yeager
Eager Eagles/Prairie Stars
Lynda Allen
Myles Allen
Saber Allen
Ariana Banner
Billy Banner
McCoy Banner
Kyndal Becker
Logan Becker
Bryce Bedord
Lisa Bedord
Caleb Bender
KamberBender
Kaylie Bender
Keira Bender
Kinsey Bender
Maci Brooks
Ayden DeBruycker
Kelly DeBruycker
Nolan DeBruycker
Ryan DeBruycker
Tucker Gagne
Chase Harlow
CharleyHarrell
Harper Hirst
Marla Holmquist
Elias Jacobsen
Tessa Jacobsen
Colton Jordre
Kailey Jordre
Evelynn Kirkpatrick
Lilly Kirkpatrick
Annika Konen
Heidi Konen
Waverly Konen
Emilee Lear
Waylon Little
Collin Moore
Heidi Pearson
Knox Pearson
Gunnar Peters
Oakley Peters
Lyndsy Phillips
Wyatt Phillips
Brent Roeder
Everett Skinner
Livia Skinner
Isaiah Talton
Rebekah Wall
Spring Creek
Ezekiel Bowers
Iris Carlson
Lily Carlson
Ava Laisnez
Isla Laisnez
AndrewMajor
Carolyn Major
Hannah Meyer
Loraine Meyer
Jo Lynn Miller
Nick Miller
Rowynne Pittman
Susan Snyder
James Watkins
Summer Watkins
Rocky Mountain Top Shots
Brian Bedord
Roman Clayton
Avery Larson
Walker Lattin
Wyatt Lattin
Alan Peace
Payten Rapp
Blaise Skierka
Jackson Tacke
Loren Tacke
*4
Sun River Rough Riders
Brian Bedord
*1
Teton County 4-H Horse Club
Kate Banner
Todd Banner
Elisabeth Brown
Emma Brown
Trinity Knable
*5
*Number of additional members listed under primary club.
Month
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Teton County
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State and National
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October
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November
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December
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January
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February
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March
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April
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May
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June
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July
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August
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September
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Up-to-date Calendars
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Updates and Due Dates
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Calendars
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Contact/Resources (Clip and Keep)
MSU Extension Teton County
- Mailing Address: PO Box 130, Choteau, MT 59422
- Phone: 466-2491/2492 (phone/voicemail)
- Email: teton@montana.edu (send club minutes, most questions/issues)
- Text only: 406-530-5373 (checked M-F, 8-5)
- https://teton.msuextension.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/TetonCoExt
- http://montana4h.org/
Fair Dates
The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes
a Sunday.
2024 June 24-30
2025 June 24-29
2026 June 22-28
Camp Dates
2024 July 22-26
4-H Congress Dates, Bozeman
2024 July 9-12
MSU Extension Teton County
P.O. Box 130
Choteau, MT 59422
406-466-2491
Agents:
Shelby Jones-Dozier shelby.jonesdozier@montana.edu
Jenn Swanson jenn.swanson@montana.edu
Assistants:
JoAnn McDowell & Jamie Smith teton@montana.edu
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cody Stone, Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717