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. 

National Paper Clover Campaign Continues Support of Van Wert County 4-H Youth

Van Wert, OH -  Today, National 4-H Council announced the launch of the fall 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign in partnership with Tractor Supply Company (TSC). This event marks the 4th year of collaboration between the organizations on the national in-store fundraiser, benefiting state and local 4‑H programming in each of the communities where a TSC or Del’s Farm and Feed Supply store is located. 

Heather Gottke, 4-H Program Coordinator for Van Wert County 4-H explains what the clover campaign does for Van Wert County. “The donations support the training of teens to become 4-H Camp Counselors, and helps to alleviate costs to 4-H families by providing a cushion of money to support the many expenditures that are required to put on a residential camp every summer”.

The fall 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign will take place October 9 through October 20, 2013.  Shoppers at the Van Wert TSC store will have the opportunity to support 4-H in Van Wert by choosing to purchase paper clovers for a $1 or more at checkout. All funds raised will be donated to 4-H, and will support 4-H youth development program activities in Van Wert.

“Through this highly impactful community event, we have been able to raise funds nationally over the past few years for thousands of 4-H youth across the country," said Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “We are more than pleased with the success of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, and we are even more honored to continue the tremendous partnership that drives support for 4-H clubs and programs in the communities of more than 1,200 Tractor Supply Company and Del's Feed and Farm Supply stores.”

In just four years, across 48 states, the TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaign has provided more than $2 million to 4-H across the country. All proceeds raised directly benefit 4-H, with 70 percent of funds being returned to state and local 4-H programs. The effort has provided direct support for local camps, after-school programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships to these events that youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.

“Our Paper Clover efforts are one of the key ways our stores can give back to the community," said John Wendler, senior vice president of Marketing for Tractor Supply Company. "By providing essential funding for hundreds of thousands of 4-H young people, we are able to support local organizations that are important to both our customer and our Team Members.  We're proud to help improve the many communities in which we have stores through our partnership with 4-H.That is what Tractor Supply is all about."

Once again, funds donated during the national campaign will be tracked online and recorded by state and by store.  Visit www.tractorsupply.com/4-H, for more information on the spring 2013 4-H Paper Clover Campaign and to view the donation tracker.

About 4-H

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. The 4-H programs are implemented by the 111 land grant universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4-H and Twitter at https://twitter.com/4H.

About Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company, operates more than 1,200 stores in 48 states.  Tractor Supply Company stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Tractor Supply Company stores are located in the outlying towns in major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The company offers a comprehensive selection of merchandise for the health, care, growth and containment of horses, livestock and pets including select Purina and Nutrena brand feeds; a broad selection of agricultural products; and tools and hardware selected for our customers’ needs. In addition, the company sells light truck equipment, work clothing for the entire family, and an extensive line of seasonal products including lawn and garden power equipment products. For more information on Tractor Supply, access the website at www.TractorSupply.com.