June
Family Newsletter - June 3, 2021
Remember you must be enrolled in 4-H to participate! There are links at the end of this newsletter with more information about enrollment. If you have any problems with registrations or printing forms or need more information on enrollment please contact our office at 430-6800 or email mnext-washington@umn.edu
Seeking 4-H Alumni and their projects!
We are looking for a little help from enthusiastic individuals who LOVE the county fair. 150 years is a big deal and we want 4-H to be part of this celebration! If you might be interested in joining our group, shoot us an email or call soon! Plans are already taking shape and we could use a little more help!
Please help us spread the word - We would love to showcase some of our Alumni's 4-H projects over the years, the older the better! No worries, we just want to borrow it, not keep it. We plan to then highlight these projects in the 4-H building. Kind of a "memory lane" of sorts among the current 4-H projects.
Please contact Kathy at eber0002@umn.edu if interested in being part of this committee, or have a former 4-H project you are willing to share. We would like you to include a brief story with the project for example Jane Doe, Gopher Diggers 4-H Club, Champion Clothing 1975 or maybe another interesting fact.
Registering 4-H projects for the Washington County Fair!
We are planning for the 2021 Washington County Fair! It is a big year as we celebrate 150 years! We are looking forward to learning and creating new memories at the 2021 Washington County Fair.
As a 4-H member, when you joined 4-H, you enrolled in 4honline. Now you need to let us know what projects you plan to bring to the county fair by registering the projects into FairEntry by July 1! This is a very important deadline that you do not want to miss! You will find all the details on how to register for the fair, project ideas, rules, expectations, etc. in the 2021 Washington County Fair 4-H Information Book found on our website at Washington County Fair 4-H Info
Youth Opportunities
Limited spots remain! Register now!
June 5th Day Camp - Out in Nature
Feeling a little cooped up lately? Join us at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park for a day outside on June 5th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm! We will be going on a nature bingo walk, doing some nature related crafts, games, and practicing environmental mindfulness. This exciting day is available for youth in K-6th grade. Come enjoy the beautiful state park and finally get some fresh air this summer! Campers should bring their own lunch and dress for the weather. The cost of this camp is free, however, a Washington County Parks pass will need to be purchased the day of the event, for entry into the park. Registration is due today.
*Families will need to purchase a county parks pass to get into the park the day of. Park passes cost $7.
Day Camp Counselors Needed!
Exciting day camps require energetic camp counselors! We’re looking for counselors for both our June and July day camps located around Washington County. If you’ve completed 7th grade, enjoy spending time outdoors, and love the camp experience, then this is the opportunity for you! Fill out the counselor registration form with the dates you are available to help.
June 12th Day Camp - Goat Loads of Fun
You’ve “goat” to be kidding me! Come join us in Scandia at Poplar Hills Dairy Goat Farm on Saturday, June 12th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. On this fun-filled day, we will take a tour of the farm, meet the goats, do a nature walk, scavenger hunt, make exciting goat crafts, and play some fun 4-H games. This is a great opportunity for youth in grades K-6 to get outside, meet friends, and hang out with some goats!
The cost will be $15 per camper. Registration is due June 4th. Don’t delay registering - limited to the first 20 participants to register.
Join us for a Painting Class
Let’s paint together! Open to grades 3 and up. McCayla Thoe from Selcouth Artistry will be hosting an in-person canvas painting class. Join McCayla on Saturday, June 26 from 9:00- 11:00 am where you will be instructed on how to paint a beautiful canvas picture. The price of this workshop is $25.00, we will then have the materials needed to paint.
McCayla asks that you wear appropriate clothes, some often end up with paint on them, so make sure to wear clothes that you can get a little paint on... just in case
Only 10 spots available so please pre-register no later than June 18th!
June Federation Meeting - Election of Executive Board
All families are invited and encouraged to attend the four-yearly Federation meetings. At the June 28th Federation meeting, we will be selecting our new officers for the coming year, discussing county fair updates, and sharing other valuable information. All club reps should be in attendance. Come see what Federations meetings are all about!
We are seeking candidates for the 2021-2022 Exec Board!
We are looking for aspiring youth leaders! If you have completed 7th grade or above, plan to enroll in the Youth Leadership project, and have the time and energy to make 4-H great, then you might be a great candidate for one of the youth offices! Please make sure you can commit to a monthly meeting (usually the 4th Monday of each month) before applying for a position. Do NOT apply to be a candidate if you have other commitments on the 4th Monday of the month.
Officers to be elected are President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, along with three north and three south Youth Representatives. If you are interested in running for a position, or you would like to recommend a candidate, please contact one of the nominating committee members; President, Megan Olson at; mmolson2002@gmail.com or Vice President, Abbey Rademacher at; abbeyrademacher25@gmail.com or Ann Church at: churc109@umn.edu
We are also looking for adult volunteers to be on the Executive Board! Please let us know if you are interested. Adult positions are 2-year commitments. No worries, the time flies by! If you’re interested in running for a position you will need to complete an Officer Application and have it turned into the office no later than Monday, June 21. Youth NOT completing the Officer Application prior to voting will not be able to be nominated from the floor unless there are no other candidates for a particular position.
The June Federation meeting will be held on Monday, June 28th beginning at 7:00 pm - zoom or in-person TBD. We must have representation from at least half the clubs in order to vote on new officers! Please mark your calendars!
Club Leader Meeting - June 28
Club Leaders are highly encouraged to attend the Federation Meeting on Monday, June 28th, beginning at 7:00 pm at Hooley Hall. We need at least half of the clubs represented to vote on the 2021-2022 Federation Officers. After the Federation Meeting, we will have a short Club Leader’s meeting! Come join us as we gear up to Fair!
Ambassador Outdoor Movie Night!
Have you ever asked yourself, “What are Ambassadors? What do they do? Why should I join?”
Our current Washington County 4-H Ambassadors have the answers for you! Join us for a recruitment event on Monday, June 28th starting at 8:30 PM at the Washington County Fairgrounds Park Pavilion (following the Federation meeting). We will have an informal meeting, watch a movie on the big screen, play yard games, and have fun!
The Ambassador program is for all 7th-12th graders who wish to be a leader in Washington County 4-H! Youth in 6th grade are welcome to attend this event to learn more about the upcoming year.
Arts-In Registration now open until July 1st
Arts-In is an immersive performing arts and leadership experience. The Arts-In cast will learn an original 30-minute musical show, full of singing, dancing, acting, and fun! All 7th graders and other interested members will learn set and prop construction, sound, and lighting. The show will be performed by the 8th grade+ cast and band 9 times at the Washington County Fair and twice at the MN State Fair.
Auditions will be from 6:00-9:30 PM at the Washington County Fairgrounds on July 11. The camp will be day-long experiences at the fairgrounds from July 18-21, no overnights. Cost is $60 ($70 for non-Washington Co members) and all materials are due by July 1st. After July 1st, there will be an additional $25 late fee.
Arts-In 2021 registration is here! New this year, we’ve condensed registration down to three google forms, Arts-In registration, volunteer form, and the attendance conflict form.
Fashion Revue - Open to all 4-H members K-13
Time to get excited about making or purchasing an outfit! What better way to fill your summer days than working on a project, so we want to invite you to join us for Fashion Revue!
Fashion Revue encourages members to focus on their sense of style, fashion, and consumer skills. 4-H members may enter up to two constructed outfits, two purchased outfits, and one Upcycled garment. Only wearable items are entered in Fashion Revue. Members will be judged individually. Judging will be based on the fit and appearance of the garment as well as the presentation of the outfit. Members will be judged by age and category. State Event trips are awarded to eligible members 6th grade and up.
Upcycled Sewn Garment Challenge (fun category)
Again, we will offer an Upcycled category. In this category, 4-H members have an opportunity to design and sew a wearable garment from a previously used garment. The completed garment must be different from its original use. Participants must have a "before" and "after" photo of the garment for judging purposes.
Fashion Revue judging will take place on Friday, July 16th beginning at 10:00 a.m. and end midafternoon depending on participation numbers. Please pre-register by July 1st. Detailed judging times and additional outfit information will be emailed out to families. Fashion show and awards will be presented during the Washington County Fair on Friday, August 6th. (Time TBD)
We are excited to see what you will create!
July Day Camps
July 12-15 Day Camps (Register by July 1)
Day camps are back better than ever and in person! Come join us at the Washington County Fairgrounds & Arcola Mills July 12-15 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Open to grades K-6.
- Monday, July 12 - Detective Cloverton Camp: We will learn about forensic science and explore the STEM field with a special guest from the St. Paul Police Forensics Department! We will be doing activities like fingerprinting and solving a mystery throughout the day!
Tuesday, July 13 - Lights Camera Camp! This day will be filled with Hollywood themed activities that tie into the performing arts project! Be ready to have fun doing bag skits and channeling your inner star!
Wednesday, July 14 (Arcola Mills) - Dontcha Know it's camp?! Come learn about some of Minnesota's most interesting history and participate in some classic summer camp activities! Campers will need to be dropped off and picked up from Arcola Mills (12905 Arcola Trail N., Stillwater, MN 55082)
Thursday, July 15 - H2Olympics! The summer Olympics are right around the corner. Come play water game Olympics with us and learn about the water cycle! There are medals up for grabs for our most enthusiastic campers!
**Discounted fees if paid by July 1st. - $15.00 per day or $50.00 for all 4 days. After July 1 fees go up to $20.00 per day or $80.00 for all 4 days and no camp shirt.
Animal Science News
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training (Please read-mandatory training!)
LQA&E Training Requirements:
All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama must have completed livestock quality assurance training. Certification is good for 3 fair seasons. If you are due to be certified, there are two training options available;
Option 1 - LQA&E face to face Training
Participation in a face-to-face 3-hour Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) training offered in various locations around the state. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. 4-Hers completing grades 3-5 complete Level 1. 4-Hers completing grades 9-13 typically certify in Level 2. 4-Hers completing grades 6-8 may be certified in either Level I or Level II. The determination of which Level to certify at for grades 6-8 should be based on the livestock project experience the 4-Her possesses.
Washington and Dakota County 4-H plan to offer a ‘face to face’ 3-hour training on Friday, June 18 at the U of M Rosemount Beef Facility. (Please watch for updates in the newsletter as time gets closer for more details).
If you are not available to attend training offered by our county, you can attend another county's training. It will be your responsibility to send our office a copy of your completed certificate prior to the Washington County Fair. For additional face to face training dates and locations around the state, visit the state website page at; https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-livestock-quality-assurance-training-lqa
Option 2 - YQCA on-line Training
4-H members have the option of completing the 1-hour online offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. The cost of this training is $12/child and is paid at the time of online registration with a credit card. Since training is good for one fair season, it will need to be completed annually. This is a nationally offered program and a registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training modules. To learn more about the online option, go to; https://drive.google.com/file/d/1baiyUOgWMIC2QKvdT3I7auCB5fCJjmD0/view
Training promotes responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care, and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. Additional information concerning any Livestock Quality Assurance training in our county will be listed in upcoming 4-H newsletters.
If a 4-H member took the online training in 2020, it will be good for the 2021 fair season as well since there was not an in-person state fair last year.
Livestock PDC Meeting
The June Livestock Project Development Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, June 17th in Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds beginning at 7:00 pm. Both youth and adults interested are welcome to join us! Questions, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Rabbit Agility Workshop
Would you like to teach your rabbit how to run an agility course? Rabbit Agility is a fun event that will be held during the Washington County Fair, but in the meantime there is a little training to do. 4-H rabbit project members who would like to learn rabbit agility are invited to come to the Washington County Fairgrounds for practices on; Sunday’s July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 from 3-4:00 pm outside the rabbit barn. Please bring a harness and a non flex leash (standard leash). Any questions, please contact Kara at; topperrk@aol.com
Still interested in showing at the fair?
Anyone still wanting to exhibit an animal at the Washington County Fair in 4-H can still do so however, it will be for ribbon only as the deadline for full benefits such as premiums, champions, auction and state trips has passed. That yearly deadline is May 15th. Animal Id's are still required for ribbon only showing and they should be turned into the county office as 4honline access is denied after the May deadline. Contact the office for more details at eber0002@umn.edu
Horse Hippology - Fun opportunity to learn about the horse!
Horse enthusiasts are invited to be a part of Washington County’s Horse Hippology teams! Hippology makes learning fun! In this friendly competition, 4-H'ers show their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry. Any 4-H'er can join — you do not need to be in the horse project or own a horse. Practices will be held weekly until the state competition in September. To learn more about ‘what is hippology’ – go to: https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/4-h-hippology-contest#phases-1985810
If you interested in participating on a Washington County Team or have questions about Hippology, please connect with Lisa Kalka at; kalkax2@live.com
4-H Graduates
4-H Graduates
Please also consider decorating a poster board with all your 4-H accomplishments, memories, and special moments. We would love to display these photo poster boards in the 4-H Building during the Washington County Fair!
Summer Day Camps (In-person)
- Out in Nature Day Camp - June 5 (Grades K-5)
- Goat Loads of Fun Day Camp - June 12 (Grades K-6)
- Resident Camp - June 14-17 (Grades 3-8)
- Summer Day Camps - July 12-15, 2021 (Grades K-6)
Judging & Workshops
- Painting Class - June 26
- Fishing tips & tricks - June 26
- Fashion Revue - July 16 / Awards & Show - Aug. 6
Horse
- Horse Camp - June 13-16, 2021 - Washington County Fairgrounds
- County Practice Horse Show -TBD - Washington County Fairgrounds
- County 4-H Horse Show - Aug. 4, 2021 - Washington County Fairgrounds
Performing Arts
- Arts-In Auditions - Sunday, July 11, 2021 (6:00 - 9:30 p.m.)
- Arts-In Encampment - July 18-21, 2021 - Washington County Fairgrounds
Washington County Fair & County Show Dates
- NEW - 4-H General Project Entry Day - Sat. July 31 - (10:00 am - 4:00 pm)
- County 4-H Dog Show - Sat. July 31 & Sun. Aug. 1
- County 4-H Horse Show - Wed. Aug. 4
- Washington County Fair - Aug. 4 - Aug. 8, 2021
Obituary for Dennis Hooley
We say goodbye to Dennis Hooley, perhaps that name rings a bell because we have so many events at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds. Dennis's parents were instrumental in having that structure built many years ago and we are thankful it remains today. Perhaps you saw Dennis riding with the mounted patrol during the Washington County Fair. You could always see him at the beef shows and he was the dairy superintendent for many years as well. A lifelong supporter of 4-H we want to take this opportunity to express our sympathies to the Hooley family.
Dennis Harry Hooley, age 71 of Stillwater passed away peacefully in his sleep of heart failure on the morning of May 23, 2021. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sharon (Mowry); daughter, Rebecca (Tyler) Hibbard; and grandchildren, Oliver and Isaac. He is preceded in death by his beloved son, Richard in 2007; parents, Harry and Ann; and brother, John. Dennis was a gregarious man who had an adventurous spirit and strong sense of community. He worked as a grain merchant and spent his life raising cattle and horses. Dennis enjoyed being surrounded by people and especially loved spending time with family and friends on a trail ride or buggy ride. Many thanks to the team of healthcare providers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester who cared for Dennis these last few years; special thanks to Dr. Janell Grazzini Frantz.
Born and raised on a family dairy farm in Stillwater, a love of livestock and horses was a continuous thread throughout his life. In his early years, Dennis participated in 4-H, excelling as a member of the dairy judging team. He went on to earn a degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota, where he joined the fraternity Delta Theta Sigma and forged friendships that proved to last a lifetime. Trained as a farrier, Dennis shoed horses to offset the cost of college. Out of college, Dennis worked as the manager of the International Cryobiological Research Farm in River Falls. In the winters, he worked as a National Ski Patroller at Snowcrest in Houlton. In 1972, Dennis married his one true love, Sharon, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, where he later became a member. After starting a family, Dennis stopped milking cows and began a career as a grain merchant, trading grain throughout the Midwest and in Canada. Throughout his life, he was a livestock judge, 4-H mentor, and Washington County Fair superintendent. He was a member of the Agricultural Society of Washington County and the Dairy Shire Club. In 1994, Dennis was a founding member of the Washington County Mounted Patrol, a volunteer unit of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office that provides search and rescue as well as other civic services. He later rode horses and drove his wagonette and buggies with the Caballeros Del Norte horse club and the Manes & Tails Harness Club.
Updates on the new swine wash rack
Progress continues on the new wash rack going in outside the swine barn! The concrete has been poured, next up will be the gates!. Many thanks to the Livestock PDC members for their work in planning, designing, and putting the labor into this project. Watch for more updates as the progress continues. This project is being funded by the LIvestock PDC and Monsanto Fund America's Farmers Grow Communities money that was directed to Washington County 4-H from the Swanson and Biscoe families.
Please consider a donation
Flavors needed; Coke, Diet Coke, Mountain Dew, Rootbeer, Sprite (12 oz.)
Water bottles - (16.9 oz)
Donations can be dropped off at the fairgrounds on July 31 at Hooley Hall or contact
Annamarie Zack at alzack@umn.edu to schedule a different time and location.
Ag Society 150th County Fair Planning Update
The Ag Society is hard at work and planning continues for the 150th anniversary. Committee members are looking for your favorite fair memory. Send your favorite memory to the Secretary at washingtoncofair@gmail.com
To recognize the contributions of the animal exhibitors, the committee is also asking for photos of you with your animal(s) for a special pictorial display in each barn. Ask your friends, your parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles for their photos too! We would like to feature as many exhibitors as possible. Please forward a copy of your photo(s) or digital photo(s) to the Secretary at washingtoncofair@gmail.com or 19237 Meadowridge Ln N, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047. Include the name of the exhibitor and the year the photo was taken (or approximate year). Only send copies of photos, originals will not be returned.
New Member Information
New Family Survey
We invite new families who have been enrolled in 4-H for less than 2 years to take a short survey.
We want to take this opportunity to gather some information on how to better serve you and make your 4-H experience a positive one like it has been for so many 4-H families before you. With all the project areas and directions that 4-Hers can explore and develop from we need your help in finding what areas we as staff need to focus on to meet the current needs of our families. Our goal is to take the results of this survey and implement future programming
This will only take a few minutes to complete and we thank you for your input.
Washington County Extension has a new website!
- Current and past Family Newsletters
- County Animal ID letters
- News articles about our larger ongoing project areas
- Events calendar
- County club map with contacts
- County Fair information as it becomes available
- Much more
Please pay your membership fee
Thank you for enrolling in Washington County 4-H, now let's get you active!
Some of you enrolled a long time ago while others may be just today. Either way, your current status says "awaiting approval". The reason it says that is because Washington County has a yearly enrollment fee of $25.00 per member (including Cloverbuds) or $100 max per family for 4 or more children. We ask that you please send payment to our office address listed below or make an appointment.
Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H and sent to the following address:
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
**For those using online banking, please be sure to include Washington County 4-H as checks made out to just Washington County go directly to the property tax office**
We don't want anyone to miss out so please just let us know if you need a scholarship for enrollment. You will find the scholarship link at the end of this newsletter. If you are looking for additional information or are no longer interested in 4-H, please let us know so we can take you off our email list.
Washington County 4-H
Ann Church
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6809
churc109@umn.edu
Megan Slater
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6805
slate187@umn.edu
Annamarie Zack
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6807
Kathy Erf
Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
(651) 430-6800
eber0002@umn.edu
Email: mnext-washington@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/washington
Location: 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN, USA
Phone: 651-430-6800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonCounty4HMinnesota/?eid=ARD3CbY40ZXk23UD59FlaMaXZPKXCGDBzsQS7-RO0gKl7wFyNEUm8dWZoBgNFIOlA6YV2fuq5GLnRX-s