Jr. Fair King and Queen Candidates Announced

With the Van Wert County Fair quickly approaching, the Jr. Fair Coronation Committee has released the 2014 Jr. Fair King and Queen Candidates for the 2014 Fair. They would also like to remind the public that this year’s coronation ceremony will be held on Sunday August 24^th, 2014 starting at 6 p.m. at the entertainment tent.

Cody Keirns, the son of Dave and Mia Keirns, is a 2014 graduate of Van Wert High School. While in school, he participated in Choir, basketball, and baseball. In 4-H, he is an active member in Buckeye Ambassadors, 4-H Camp Counselors, and in his club as well, holding the office of Vice President for the Shooting Stars 4-H club, and has been Treasure and in charge of activities for the club in previous years. Cody plans to work for a year or two before heading to college to pursue nursing.

Jonathon Germann is the son of Doug and Marcia Germann and a senior at Crestview High School. He is an active four-year member in the Crestview FFA where he currently holds the position of student advisor. Jon is also on the Crestview Varsity Golf and Track and Field Teams, and has earned the Scholar Athlete award for two years. Being a part of the Van Wert County Jr. Fair has always been important to him, as he started showing animals when he was in kindergarten and bought his first cow when he was eight. His fair projects include beef cattle and breeding stock, all raised from his herd, horses, rabbits, and goats. He is a member of the Jr. Fair Board, enjoys participating in a variety of sports, referees Upward basketball, and has worked for years at his church campground. This summer Jon was honored to represent the Van Wert American Legion Post 178 at the annual Buckeye Boys State held at Bowling Green State University. He attends Common Ground Church in Decatur, Indiana and works part time at Century Trading Co., Inc. His future plans are to study civil engineering and pursue a career in the United States Military.

Cheyenne Oechsle, the daughter of Heidi and Duane Emans, will be entering her senior year at Crestview High School. There, she is a member of FCCLA, a Varsity Girls Basketball Statistician, a member of the softball team, Academic Red club, and the honor roll. Cheyenne is a seventh year 4-H member, where she has held the offices of Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian six of those years. She is also a current member of Buckeye Ambassadors for the second year and Junior Fair Board where she has been Secretary for the past two of the three years she has been on the board. She has received the Outstanding Jr. Fair Board Member Award for the previous two years. Six of the seven years Cheyenne has been in 4-H, she has taken swine to the fair. When she is not working at the Convoy Tastee Freeze, she volunteers during the summer at the Extension Office preparing for the upcoming fair. After graduation, Cheyenne wishes to attend the University of Akron to pursue her Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Trauma Nursing.

Lauren Schmid, 17, is the daughter of Kent and Jane Schmid of Wren. She is a senior at Crestview High School and is representing the Crestview FFA chapter. She is a four year member and current President of the Crestview FFA and has been involved in softball, soccer, cheerleading, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and youth group. Lauren has participated in Greenhand, Cooperative Education, Parliamentary Procedure, and was on the 2014 Farm Business Management state championship team, individually placing 7^th in the state. She has taken show cattle through Beef It Up 4-H club for 5 years and through FFA for 4 years. Her sixth year participating in 4-H, she was a 4-H ambassador and a camp counselor. Lauren actively attends Trinity United Methodist Church and is an active member of the youth group and volunteers with child care and music. Over the past four summers she has participated in three mission trips in Nooksack Valley, Washington, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Flint, Michigan, roofing houses, painting churches, and clearing and landscaping vacant lots. Lauren enjoys working on the farm with her father and working with her fair projects. She also enjoys playing travel softball, going to bonfires and spending time with her friends and family. Lauren encourages everyone to become involved in their local 4-H club or FFA Chapter.

Sophie Wilson is the daughter of Michael and Wendy Wilson. She is an upcoming junior at Delphos Jefferson High School. Her school involvements include being a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, varsity football cheerleading, varsity softball, and wrestling stats. She has been an FFA member from 2012-Present and holds the position as Vice President for the Delphos FFA. Her FFA project is taking two market lambs and one performance lamb to the fair. She has been a 4-H member from 2006-Present and currently holds the position of President for her club. He 4-H project is taking beef feeders to the Van Wert Fair. Sophie is also a 4-H camp counselor, a member of the Jr. Fair Board and the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Taylor Jean Hughes is the daughter of Susan and Brad Hughes of Van Wert. She is a senior at Crestview High School in Convoy, OH where she is an active member in Golf, Band, Knight Vision, FCCLA, and Track. In these organizations, she has held numerous leadership roles. She attends the Convoy United Methodist Church where she is a member and president of the youth group there. She is an active volunteer in the Van Wert County Special Olympics and loves volunteering with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. As a 4-H member, she has been a part of four clubs, taken numerous miscellaneous, and livestock projects, and won a variety of awards. She currently represents the Van Wert County Interstate Exchange Club and shows dairy feeders and dairy steers at the Van Wert fair. One of her favorite memories is winning Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Steer her first year showing them. Taylor is excited to be presented with the opportunity to run for Fair Queen.

Also new this year is the Species Prince or Princess, in which there are five candidates for. The king and queen and runners-up will be crowned first followed by the species prince or princess. Those candidates are Sophie Wilson, Lauren Schmid, Tara Vorst, Amanda Lobsiger, and Leah Lichtensteiger.

Tara Vorst, the daughter of Chris and Sandy Vorst, will be running for Swine Princess. She is a nine year member of Venedocia Lads and Lassies 4-H Club, where she has held many offices, a three year member of the Junior Fair Board, and has served as a 4-H Camp Counselor. She will be a senior at Delphos St. John’s where she is President of the Student Council. She is also a member of National Honor Society, Varsity Basketball, and other community and liturgical service organizations.

Amanda Lobsiger is the daughter of Chris and Erika Lobsiger. She graduated from Crestview High School in 2013 and is currently going to the University of Northwestern Ohio studying Agribusiness. She has raised goats all of her life and has shown them since she was three. She has been in 4-H for eleven years and was in FFA for two years. She participated in many Career Development Events in FFA including soil judging, Livestock Judging, Farm Business Management, and Grain Merchandising. In her senior year of high school, she got the privilege of participating at the National FFA Convention for Farm Business Management where her team received 17^th nationally and she got silver rating individually. Also in high school, she ran track and cross country and participated in Model UN and National Honor Society. Currently, she is employed at Westwood Car Wash and is learning to do barrel racing.

Leah Lichtensteiger is the daughter of David and Janice Lichtensteiger. She graduated from Crestview High School. While a student there, she was actively involved in the school’s Agriculture/FFA program. She was a member for four years, during those years she competed on the multiple Career Development Events, CDE’s. Her freshman year she participated in the Greenhand test, Parliamentary Procedure, and Equine Management judging. Her sophomore year she took part in the Cooperative Education Test, Parliamentary Procedure and once again Equine Management judging. Her junior year she took part in the Farm Business Management, where the team placed first in the state. She also was a teacher’s assistant to her FFA Chapter’s advisor and completed her State FFA degree. Senior year, she took part in Equine Management judging and Parliamentary Procedure and got the opportunity to go to Nationals with the Farm Business Management team. Outside of school Leah has two horses that she shows in barrel racing. She has qualified for State twice and in 2012 placed in the top ten. She also runs at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in October. When she isn’t with the horses, she helps her dad and uncle around the farm with various jobs. 

Real Money, Real World for Lincolnview & Van Wert Seniors

Real Money. Real World. (RMRW) is a financial literacy program for youth from Ohio State University Extension and 4-H Youth Development.  It can be used with youth ages 12 – 18.  This curriculum is time tested and has been highly successful because of the creative community efforts of Extension professionals, local school teachers, and community volunteers.

Real Money. Real World. is fun and distinctive because it includes an interactive spending simulation that provides the opportunity to make lifestyle and budget choices similar to those made by 27-year-old adults. As a program of Ohio State University Extension, the most preferred and successful RMRW programs are partnerships of the county OSU Extension office, the school, and the business community.  

The interactive simulation follows a series of four classroom lessons that government teachers Bob Priest (VWCS) and Kevin Losh (Lincolnview) have taught to their graduating seniors. Students make decisions based on being the main source of income for their family such as transportation, housing, utilities, and even dealing with chance costs such as repairs, or money from family.

The program aims to increase awareness of how education level, and career choices can influence personal income and financial security, the process of managing money, and to develop a sense of how income and lifestyle choices affect discretionary spending.

Things that students encounter during the simulation are modeled after real life, and give students a basic idea of the cost of children, education, and just how expense real life can be. Many of the students gave verbal feedback that they did not realize how much money they have cost their parents, or just how expensive children can be. Childcare was a big topic, and Faith Fabian from Wee Care Day Care helped to explain the costs of childcare and why is costs so much. Throughout the day the program interacted with over 35 Lincolnview Seniors and 85 Van Wert Seniors.

The OSU Extension office would like to thank Ag Credit of Van Wert for their generous financial contribution to support the program. The donation of time and energy from the community and businesses are greatly appreciated and give the program a local feel for those students involved. Thank you to Bee Gee Realty, Wee Care Day Care, Lee Kinstle General Motors, Greve Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-RAM, the City of Van Wert, WERT Radio, Van Wert Federal, Maurices,Purebred Publishing, Central Mutual, and Ag Credit for their generous donation of time during this event.  

Picture Caption: Dave Roach works with seniors to decide which communications plan would be best suited for them during the RMRW simulation held on Monday, May 12, 2014. 

2014 4-H Senior & Volunteer Banquet

The 2014 4-H Senior, Volunteer and Donor Recognition Banquet was held on Saturday April 5^th. The banquet theme was “4-H Where Dreams Come True” Planning committee was comprised of Kim Brandt, Brenda DeLong, Vickie Marbaugh, Lionel Enyart, Carrie Jellison, and Jill McCoy,  The delicious meal was catered by Shayna DeLong and Kim Grubaugh.

Seniors presented their own unique reflections on their experiences as 4-H members. Sarah Klinger spoke about the influence that her projects and involvement have had on her own development, Claire Gamble performed a beautiful musical piece on the key board and Elijah gave his own reflections on his 4-H great experiences.

4-H Alumni Bryce Richey was the featured speaker of the evening. He spoke about his own fond memories of 4-H and how they prepared him for the many exciting challenges and opportunities. He followed up reading “Oh, the Places you’ll go”, by Dr. Seuss.   

Dennis Miller & Marie Markward

Dennis Miller & Dennis McCoy

The 4-H program is possible through the dedication and hard work of around 100 volunteers. Active volunteers in the program range from months of experience to almost 50 years! This year recognized for their service years were T. Jay Gamble with Ten years of service and Dennis McCoy with 35 years of volunteering for the 4-H program.

The 2014 Richard Jellison Advisor award was presented to Clever Clovers  advisor and 4-H Council member Marie Markward. Marie has volunteered with the program for 14 years and has given countless hours of dedication to her club and to the county program.

Jay Gamble & Dennis Miller

The 4-H Enrichment Fund donors for 2014 were also recognized at the banquet. Gold Clover donors were Central Mutual Insurance. Silver Clover donors were P&R Home IV Service and Linton Equipment. Bronze donors were; Marilyn Jones, Charles and Linda Mathew, Warren and Marilyn reed, William and Pauline Weldy, Kennedy Kuhn, and the R.L. Adam Family. Other contributors include James and Diane Arn, John and Jean Auld, Mary Fallis, Greg Gamble, Clair and Cindy Hartings II, Terry and Pat Offerle, Dortha Prior, Stan and Marcia Weldy, Ag Credit, Farm Credit, Heffelfinger Farms, and Deb Knapke. Without the support of these donors and their contributions the Endowment fund would not be able to support the scholarships, and community service projects of the 4-H clubs in Van Wert County. The Endowment Board members are Kendra Heffelfinger, Marilyn Jones, Dennis Miller, Sara Lape , Logan Miller, and Tara Vorst.

2014 seniors attending the banquet Alicia Buettner, Macey Ashbaugh, Claire Gamble, Gene Gillispie, Ashlynn Henderson, Samantha Bonifas, Cody Keirns, Audrey Nicolai, Sarah Klinger, Cain Lautzenheiser, Logan Miller, Elijah Wortman, Tyler Priest, Cheyanne Bonifas, and Austen Stuckey. Senior scholarships in the amount of $500 dollars were awarded to Sarah Klinger and Macey Ashbaugh. $250 dollar scholarships were awarded to, Claire Gamble, Kyle Williams, Alicia Buettner, Ashlyn Henderson, Samantha Bonifas and Logan Miller. The scholarships are awarded through the Van Wert Enrichment fund interest income from the invested dollars through the Van Wert County Foundation.

Special CarTeen volunteer awards were given to Sarah Klinger $500, and Leah Lichtensteiger $250.

Van Wert Co. 4-H Endowment Senior Scholarship Information

Can you believe that half of your senior year is now over? The next few months will fly by even quicker than the past! As you know every year we honor our graduating seniors who have gone the distance in  4-H at our annual 4-H Senior and Recognition Banquet.

In order to be prepared for the upcoming events we ask of the following.

1.      Please fill out the enclosed profile and send a senior picture to be used in the program and for the 4-H newsletter. You can also email this information to Heather at gottke.4@osu.edu. Please send this information to the Extension Officer no later than Friday March 21^st, 2014 at 4:30pm

2.      Please look over the enclosed form regarding instructions on how to fill out the 4-H scholarship. The scholarship should be submitted online no later than Friday March 21^st  at 4:30pm Scholarships submitted past the deadline may be accepted for review from the endowment committee but will be marked with late submission in consideration.

3.      Save the date for the 2014 Senior and Recognition Banquet. April 5, 2014 This year’s event will be held at the Jr. Fair Building on the Van Wert county Fairgrounds. Formal invitations to follow.  

I look forward to recognizing your achievements with the 4-H program at this year’s banquet. Please contact us if you are not graduating in 2014 so we can adjust our records accordingly. Even if you have chosen to not re-enroll in 4-H for the 2014 year due to college plans or other conflicts please feel free to apply for the scholarship and attend the banquet! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at (419) 238-1214 or by emailing me at gottke.4@osu.edu. Thank you for your time and dedication to the 4-H Program!

Scholarship Submission Form

http://go.osu.edu/vwseniors14

Scholarship Directions

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By9om8gcR8ClLUVlSHlZWEhyazg/edit?usp=sharing

All seniors should fill out this profile – either paper or electronic submission. Pictures are encouraged (both senior, and those of them as a baby or 4-H’er)

Senior Profile Sheet

http://go.osu.edu/14seniorprofile

Brick Memorial Project to Support New 4-H Camp Palmer Pool

Over 250,000 youth from northwest Ohio have enjoyed taking the plunge and swimming fun in the camp’s pool since 1957. According to the American Camping Association recreational swimming is one of the top activities at youth summer camps.

                4-H Camp Palmer is accepting continuing donations to support the replacement of the camp’s pool. Currently about 40% of funds ($200,000 raised thanks to many generous donors of the estimated $495,000 needed) have been raised with an anticipated new pool in place by summer of 2015. The demand and use of 4-H Camp Palmer has grown steadily since 1947. 4-H Camp Palmer is a place where adventure and excitement of discovery merge to lift minds of 21,000 camper days of youth and adults annually.

                4-H Camp Palmer has also organized a brick memorial fundraiser to support the pool fund. A 22 ft. by 22 ft. patio will be built surrounding the camps flagpole at the center of camp. Dedicated 8” by 8” bricks can be purchased by individuals or businesses.  Individual, family or non-profit youth group can order one for $100.00 or business can purchase a brick for $275 to advertise as thousands of youth and adults will walk by the patio at the center of camp.

                “One of our early camp administrators and 4-H leaders, Lyle Spiess and wife, Hilda Spiess have spear headed this project with a generous $5,000 donation. This will cover the cost of concrete pavement and purchase of 1000 bricks. We are very thankful for their support of this project and camp,” said Bill Goodson, Executive Director of 4-H Camp Palmer.”

                The plan is to have bricks that have been purchased prior to April 6^th to be installed by early June of 2014. Bricks that will be ordered by July 20^th will be installed by early October. The first 3 years of this brick memorial project, the proceeds will benefit the pool. For more information on ways to support 4-H Camp Palmer pool project or order your memorial brick please call 419-237-2247 or email 4hcamppalmer@gmail.com

Note for Advisors & Volunteers

Dear Advisors & Volunteers,

I am currently exploring adding  an informational training for volunteers this fall. As this is the time where many transitions occur, my hope is that if you will be stepping down, or becoming an advisor that you will attend – but also as a standing volunteer attend to ensure that your club is following best practices. As of mid-2013 we are now mandated child abuse reporters, so I wish to give you information to make you feel more comfortable with that process. In an effort to make this training as stress-free as possible, I am asking for your opinions on dates that might work best. Please respond as soon as possible so I can choose one or two dates by the beginning of next week. Thank you very much!

Click on the following link to indicate you availability for the open dates: http://www.doodle.com/aw34ecyhdvcaxk38 (or call the office and we will put in your information)

The outline that I have so far for this training is as follows (and if you think of something that would be good to add, please please please let me know)

1. Introductions
2. Policy
1. Child Abuse
2. Transportation
3. Baked Goods
4. Financial
3. Club Structure
1. Tips for Better Club Meetings
2. Advisor Changes for 2014
3. History of 4-H
4. Expectations of 4-H Advisors
5. Emergency awareness
4. County Specific
1. Chicken BBQ & Shaved Ice Stand
2. Honor Club & Special Achievers
5. Questions?

2014 4-H Member Teen Leadership Opportunities

http://go.osu.edu/vw4happs

Hey 4-H members! Interesting in taking on a new challenge for 2014? If you are a teen in a 4-H program the 2014 leadership opportunities and applications are now available to be filled out! Applications for Buckeye Ambassadors Teen Council, Camp Counselors, and Jr. Fair Board all have openings! Members of these clubs take on new roles and help to develop their community through service learning.

The Buckeye Ambassadors Teen Council is a dynamic group of teen leaders who are interested in learning more about promotion of 4-H through marketing, teaching, public speaking and communications. The group will be responsible for promoting 4-H in the spring and then planning fun events for 4-H’ers and their families to experience. The council serves as a sounding board for new ideas and suggestions that would help to improve the 4-H program for families involved.  Deadline to apply is November 15^th, 2013.

The Jr. Fair Board is a group of 4-H teens selected to assist in being responsible for Jr. Fair activities. As a result of participation, Jr. Fair Board members will develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations needed for adult success, and the Van Wert County Jr. Fair program will be strengthened and expanded.  Deadline to apply is October 25th, 2013.

The 4-H Camp Counselors are a group of 4-H teens selected to assist in being responsible for campers ages 9-14 during 4-H Camp. As a result of participation, counselors will develop knowledge, skills, attitudes and aspirations needed for adult success, and the Van Wert County 4-H program will be strengthened and expanded.  Deadline to apply is December 13^th, 2013.

There are also opportunities that do not require an application including 4-H Fashion Board, CarTeens, and Exchange group!. Fashion Board plans and facilitates the 4-H sewing fashion show and judging. Members interested should be 13 years of age and have two years of prior sewing experience. Contact Jill McCoy at 419-749-2740

CarTeens members help teach traffic safety school to your peers. Scholarships available to those who participate in sessions. CarTeens should be 16 years of age or older. Interested members should contact the Extension Office at (419) 238-1214 for more details on the next meeting.

 4-H Exchange Group explore new states and make friends with 4-H'ers from around the state! Contact Cindy Harting (419) 203-1413 for more details on how to get involved!

Please stop by the Ohio State University Extension office today, or go to http://go.osu.edu/vw4happs for a complete description, requirements, and application. Please use Google Chrome when browsing Contact Heather Gottke, 4-H Program Coordinator with questions at (419) 238-1214 or gottke.4@osu.edu.