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Hello 4-H Families & Friends,

Can you believe we’re approaching the New Year!? What 4-H related New Year’s resolutions have you thought about? In 2018, I want to finish my 4-H scrapbook. After being a 9 year 4-H’er, I have collected lots of memories, ribbons, and photos. Submit your 4-H New Year’s Resolution to the Extension Office by mailing or emailing in for a chance to win your choice of 4-H water bottle, mug, or tumbler!

With 4-H spirit,

Angie Sperfslage County Youth Coordinator

aksperf2@iastate.edu 563-382-2949

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Anytime Re-enroll in 4-H on 4-HOnline!

December 4 Youth Development Committee Meeting, Extension Office, 6:00 PM

December 17 County Council Meeting, Decorah Lutheran Church Social Hall, 4:00 PM

December 20 Club program books due to the Extension Office

December 28 Beef Weigh in, Decorah Sales Commission, 3:00-6:00 PM (Snow date, Dec. 30th 8-11 AM)

December 30 Movie Show hosted by Calmar Rockafellers, Calmar Lutheran Church, time TBD

January 6 New Volunteer and First Year Leaders training, Calmar, NICC Dairy Center, 9:30-12:30 PM

January 15 Annual Leader’s Training, Extension Office, 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM

January 21 Citizenship Club, third Sundays of the month, Extension Office, from 2:00-4:00 PM

February 1 Confirm Market Beef entries in 4-H Online (information will be available after weigh in)

February 8 Mystery Project workshop! Details to follow

March 27 Iowa 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest, Iowa State University Campus

This Holiday Season, we are extra thankful for the volunteers who give their time and talents to the Winneshiek County 4-H

program year-round. Pictured above are the leaders and volunteers who attended the annual

4-H Awards Banquet on Sunday, November 5.

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2017 Fall Awards Winners

Outstanding Clover Kid Record Book: Karlee Bullerman Adam Schmitt Outstanding Junior Record Book: Owen Bentley Alex Irwin Brynn Storhoff Braunwyn Darrington Kamryn Werges Kathleen Delphey Kolton Werges Chance Adam Ashley Fischer Autumn Schmitt Bode Balk Brady Blong Bree Balk Henry Schmitt Jadrienne Langreck Kendric Langreck Megan Blong Ruby Timp William Timp Margret Zook Morgan Moen Chase Adam Caylie Adam

First Year Record Book: Connor Adam

Kade Meyer Tristen Bodensteiner

Justin Fortman Kinsey White

Izzy Kuboushek Emily Hovden John Donovan

Recognition of Junior Record Book:

Kolten Gossman Ellie Knutson

Claire Storhoff Lucas Stoen

Emily Kray

Reading Award: Morgan Moen Justin Fortman Brynn Storhoff Claire Storhoff

Brady Blong Megan Blong

Completion of Junior Record Book:

Bradyn Hageman Kaitlyn Schroeder Natalie Goodner

Turkey Valley Clovers 4-H Club

County Council Members: Hannah Schmitt; Dawson Bauer; Jessica Schmitt, President; Danae Taylor; Tyler Irwin; Carson Brincks: Abe Schmitt; Abby Moen; Jenna Schmitt, Youth Development Committee Representative; Lexi Averhoff; Alex Zweibohmer; Kaylee

Knight; Izzy Kingsbury; Paige Aten; Bailey Miculinich, Secretary; Stacia Sexton; Anna-Britt Lien; Daniel Schwartzhoff, Reporter; Brooke Courtney, Reporter & Youth Development Committee Representative; Jaden Anderson; Blake Courtney; Julianna Wise.

Not Pictured: Keagen Einck, Vice President.

Bloomfield 4-H’ers

Hesper Helpers 4-H Club

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Recognition of Intermediate Record Book: Arielle Gossman Chance Adam Drew White Paige Aten Tyler Irwin Alex Zweibohmer Larra McCasland Kim Fischer Jessica Timp Holly Schmitt Abby Moen Kayla Burke Brody Hackman Tyler Bullerman Recognition of Senior Record Book: Anna-Britt Lien Daniel Schwartzhoff Dawson Bauer Justin Bullerman Jessica Schmitt Jenna Schmitt Hanna Schmitt Abe Schmitt Kaylee Knight Jason Herold Intermediate and Senior Project Area Awards:

Paige Aten: Poultry

Jenna Schmitt: Clothing

Tyler Irwin: Sheep, and Photography

Larra McCasland: Rabbit

Holly Schmitt: Clothing

Daniel Schwartzhoff: Leadership

Abe Schmitt: Photography

Hanna Schmitt: Leadership

Jessica Timp: Home Improvement, and Photography

Abby Moen: Home Improvement, and Photography

Kaylee Knight: Child Development, and Dogs

Dawson Bauer: Science, Engineering & Technology

Tyler Bullerman: Welding, Visual Arts, Photography, Meat Goats, and Dairy Goats

Anna-Britt Lien: Citizenship, Clothing, Food & Nutrition, Sewing, and Visual Arts

Jessica Schmitt: Child Development, Clothing, Consumer Management, Home Improvement, and Champion Dairy

Justin Bullerman: Meat Goat, Dairy Goat, Champion Rabbit, Champion Swine, Champion Dairy Goat, and Champion

Meat Goat

Madison 4-H’ers

Prairie Shooting Stars 4-HClub

Washington Prairie Peppers 4-H Club

South County Innovators 4-H Club

Glenwood 4-H members standing on the left received the Large Club

Herdsmanship award and Washington Prairie Peppers members standing

on the right received the Small Club Herdsmanship award.

Winners of the National 4-H

Week Scavenger Hunt!

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L to R: Morgan Moen, Brynn Storhoff,

Drew White, & Hanna Schmitt

Top Secretary Book Award:

Brynn Storhoff of the Decorah Chiefs

Recognition of Secretary Book

Morgan Moen of the Washington Prairie Peppers

Hannah Schmitt of the Turkey Valley Clovers

Top Treasurer Book Award:

Drew White of the Decorah Chiefs

Senior Awards and Recognition: Pictured Right: L to R:

Anna-Britt Lien, Achievement in Citizenship;

Jessica Schmitt, Achievement in Leadership, and

Lamp of Knowledge; Dawson Bauer, Achievement in Leadership; Abe Schmitt, State Conference Trip; Kaylee Knight,

Achievement in Experience; Hanna Schmitt, Achievement in Experience, and Lamp of Knowledge; Jenna Schmitt,

AKSARBEN, and I Dare You; Daniel Schwartzhoff, Achievement in Leadership, and State 4-H Conference Trip.

Not Pictured: Kim Fischer: State 4-H Conference Trip; Jason Herold, Citizenship; Justin Bullerman,

Achievement in Experience.

Thank You to our

volunteers in the 4-H

program! It is with your

guidance that the 4-H

program thrives! L to R:

Kristi Berge, Renate

Hunter, Jennifer

Zweibohmer, & Kay

Schmitt.

5 Years of Service, the Silver Clover: Jennifer Bentley, Erin Zidlicky, Julie Strom, & Brenda Taylor

10 Years of Service, the Gold Clover: Brenda Falck, Connie Hauber, Jill Lensing, & Jennifer Zweibohmer

15 Years of Service, the Pearl Clover: Renate Hunter

20 Years of Service, the Diamond Clover: Kay Schmitt

30 Years of Service, the Ruby Clover: Kristi Berge

The Decorah Chiefs 4-H club received the Club Community Service Award. They

strive to promote 4-H, give back to their community, and maintain

confidence in their actions.

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Thank you to the Youth Development Committee for

their support with the Sunday Sundaes meal at

awards night. Pictured L to R: Steve Holthaus;

Norbert Lovstuen, Extension Council Representative;

Brigit Storhoff; Chris Irwin; Christie Coral; Amy

Courtney; Scott Courtney; Jenna Schmitt, Youth

Representative. Not pictured: Kris & Brian Bigler; John

Huinker; Teresa Kurash; Eric Smith; and Brooke

Courtney, Youth Representative;

Special volunteer and community awards are given to those who demonstrate strong support to the Winneshiek County 4-H pro-

gram through volunteer efforts. Pictured L to R: Morgan Moen & Brynn Storhoff each receiving the Junior Volunteer of the Year

award; Dawson Bauer receiving the Senior Volunteer of the Year award; Kristi Berge receiving the Honorary 4-H Member award;

the Ryan & Michelle Einck family receiving the 4-H Volunteer Family of the Year award; and Micayla Christopher receiving the 4-H

Alumni Award. Not pictured: Al & Ruth Hageman receiving the Meritorious Service Award.

The 4-H skate party on Sunday November 12 was loads of fun

for members and families! 86 youth

and adults attended the free skate

party for 4-H’ers, new members, and

anyone interested in joining 4-H! A

great turn out with lots of laughter and

new friends. Photo credits to Kathy

Moen & 4-H Staff.

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Market Beef Weigh-In

Winneshiek County will have the 4-H & FFA Market beef weigh-in on Thursday, December 28 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the

Decorah Sales Commission. Calves that need to be weighed, tagged, and identified include: market steers, market

heifers, and dairy steers. **Edit from last month’s newsletter** Each person may identify a maximum of 10 calves.

Market calves for state fair will be retinal scanned at this time. If you know you will be unable to

make this weigh-in, please contact the Extension Office ASAP to coordinate a weigh-in time with

another county. If you have yet to enroll in 4HOnline, or the beef project area on 4HOnline,

please do so NOW to receive your information in the mail.

CITIZENSHIP CLUB ENROLLMENT

4-H citizenship programs empower young people to be well-informed citizens who are actively engaged in their

communities and the world. Youth meet to learn about civic affairs, build decision-making skills, and

develop a sense of understanding of local and national government. As part of the two-year program,

members experience local court houses, the State Capitol, and Washington D.C. Members must be in

grades 7-11. If you are interested to join the Citizenship club, please call the Extension Office to enroll,

today! Club meetings begin January 21 @ 2:00 PM at the Extension Office.

State Wide Healthy Living Challenge

Are you competitive? Do you practice healthy living? Can

your club meet the challenge of healthy living in Iowa? Check

out page 10 of this newsletter for the 4-H Healthy Living Club Challenge: Race Across Iowa. Submit your club name

and award idea to the Extension Office! Pie-in-the-Face, Club Swim Party… what do you think?

ATTENTION: IMPORTANT: 9-12TH GRADE 4-H’ers

Each year the state 4-H program awards and recognizes youth in grades 9-12 for their leadership, skill, and mastery.

We have some spectacular senior members who are very deserving of these awards! The opportunities for recognition

include: to join the State 4-H Council made up of high school students from across our state, State Project Awards with

cash prizes, a week long trip to the National 4-H Conference in Washington D.C., National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA,

and the State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program. State Recognition Day is held on the Iowa State University

Campus on March 24. It is a huge honor, and personal success to receive or win any of these awards. You can’t win, if

you don’t apply! Please contact Angie with any questions or application review/interview practice!

To apply visit: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/recognition-opportunities

County Council Corner

The next County Council meeting will be held at the Decorah Lutheran Church Social Hall on December 17 at 4:00 pm.

Please bring a pair of sewing scissors to cut fleece.

Remember a holiday treat or snack to share while we watch a Christmas movie!

Movie Night for 4-H’ers and friends!

The Calmar Rockafellers 4-H Club would like to invite 4-H’ers and friends to a movie afternoon/evening at the Calmar

Lutheran Church in Calmar on December 30. Admission $3, popcorn and snacks available for purchase! For free pop-

corn bring a donation for the humane society! (paper towels, pet toys, pet food etc.) Bring a pillow to relax with, but

please no blankets. Follow the Winneshiek 4-H Facebook page for the time of the movies!

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NEW ** CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

Each month I would like to share what 4-H clubs are doing in our communities! I would also like to share

what unique and fun activities, and team building you are doing at club meetings. Please submit your

club highlight by the third Thursday of each month. Submissions should include a short

paragraph or two, and a quote from a member(s) describing the event or activity. Please also include a

few pictures! Email submissions to Angie at aksperf2@iastate.edu

CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

Operation Gratitude is an organization that supports the military and first responders. One

program they have is sending care packages to the military overseas. The care packages include

various items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, letters of appreciation

and candy. They ask for your leftover Halloween candy as a donation. This is the third

year Decorah Chiefs have participated in the program. The first year we also donated

small stuffed animals and wrote letters. We've also sent toothbrushes, toothpaste

and dental floss. It's an easy way to give back to our military and say, “Thank for your

service.” Submitted by Stacey Irwin.

A Big "Thank You" to members of the Co-Champions for helping at the Ossian Fire Department Annual Breakfast!

They served around 650 people. We had many people acknowledge and thank our members for helping!

Submitted from the Co-Champions 4-H Club Facebook page.

December 2017 Meeting Agenda Pre-Meeting Activity Call to Order Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call Minutes of Previous Meeting Treasurer’s Report Committee Reports: County Council Other Old Business: Beef Weigh-In Awards Night Re-enroll in 4-H Online New Business 4-H Healthy Living Club Challenge Senior Members Award Opportunities Senior Scholarship Opportunity Save the date: State Equine Extravaganza Iowa 4-H Livestock Quizbowl Contest Pioneer Grants

Other Business Educational Presentations Adjourn 4-H Pledge Recreation

Senior member of the Decorah Chiefs, Daniel Schwartzhoff said, “I

remember one of the first few years that I was in 4-H a few of the

older members did a presentation on how to fold a flag. I thought

that was really cool. Since no one has taught that to our club

recently, and the members should know more about flag etiquette

and how to care for the flag, I did a presentation at our meeting.”

A huge thank you to all

clubs who donated

silent auction baskets,

and monetary donations

for the Sunday Sundaes & Awards Program

evening. Our evening was a success with

thanks to all clubs and families involved!

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Reminder to Re-Enroll in 4-H Online -Go to https://iowa.4honline.com (you might want to bookmark this page) -Logged in before: Select “I have a Profile”. Enter family email address and password. -New User or 4-H family, please call the Extension Office to sign up! -Click “edit” next to name (under Member/Volunteer List). -Verify or edit personal information. Don’t forget to add your email and cell number. -Update Emergency Contact (someone other than yourself, if you can not be reached). -Update your additional information and health form. -Click “Enroll for 2017-2018” to the 4-H member you are re-enrolling (bottom of page) -Follow the steps to update all information as it is presented to you on the following screens, selecting “continue” until the process is complete (or until you have selected projects). -Please select project areas that you are interested in. This helps staff know what project workshops to hold for YOU! -When you are finished with all steps, select “Submit Enrollment” -If you have not re-enrolled by November 30th, you will be taken off this newsletter mailing list

Your 4-H Online Login Information

In order to login to 4-H Online, you must use the email address you provided us when enrolling

Email: ____________________________________________

Family Password: __________________________________

If you are new to 4-H please contact Angie Sperfslage, County Youth Coordinator, to enroll today!

aksperf2@iastate.edu or 563-382-2949

Leader’s Corner

Required Annual Leaders Training: Monday, January 15 - 5:00 or 7:00 pm @ Extension Office.

You may choose either time. If you can not attend the required training, please contact Angie ASAP.

First or second year leaders who have not done the new volunteer training should sign up online

to attend the January 6 training at the NICC Dairy Center in Calmar. You will need a volunteer manual.

Please contact the Extension Office in the prior week for your copy.

4-H Program Books will be due December 20. Please be working with your club officers and

members to complete this. If you would like Angie to attend, and bring an activity for your youth, please

contact her soon to get that on her calendar.

DuPont Pioneer Seed Grants for Iowa 4-H Club Community Improvement Projects provide fund-

ing for 4-H youth led projects throughout the state of Iowa and are available through the State 4-H

Office. Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/pioneergrants for more information and application.

Applications are due to the Winneshiek Extension Office by January 16, 2018!

Winneshiek County Extension & Outreach

325 Washington Street Suite B, Decorah, IA 52101

Phone: 563-382-2949 Fax: 563-382-2940

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4-H CLUB COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDING AVAILABLE DuPont Pioneer Seed Grants for Iowa 4-H Club Community Improvement Projects provide funding for 4-H youth led

projects throughout the state of Iowa and are available through the State 4-H Office. The objective to these grants is to

stimulate local 4-H clubs in Iowa to plan and carry out community improvement activities by providing “seed money”

needed to make the projects successful. Visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/pioneergrants for more

information and application. Applications are only being offered ONCE a year rather than two done in the past.

Applications are due to the Winneshiek Extension Office by January 16, 2018!

HORSE LEASE OPPORTUNITY

Have you ever wanted to do the horse project for fair? Or want to learn how to ride and care for a horse? But you don’t

have a horse? The horse leasing program is available to 4-Her’s who are willing to put in the time to build a relationship

with a horse companion. No experience needed. Owner, Jeanett Hansen, outside of the Decorah, would like 4-H’ers to

experience the horse project. Call Jeanett Hansen at 563-382-5406 to learn to ride, to groom, and care for a horse. The

HORSES WILL STAY WITH THEIR OWNERS.

SAVE THE DATE: STATE EQUINE EXTRAVAGANZA We all know that having horses requires more than just jumping on and riding! Save the dates for the 2018 Equine

Extravaganza – March 23-25! This is held at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. It isn’t too soon to start

gathering a team! The following activities are part of this event: Horse Quiz Bowl, Hippology, Barrels & Poles Clinic,

Horseless Horse exhibit judging, Public Speaking contest, Team and individual Demonstration contest, Horse Judging

Contest, 4-H Horse Judges certification, & Model Horse. Please contact Angie at the Extension Office if you would like

registration information when available at a later time.

INTERESTED IN BEING A 4-H STATIC DAY JUDGE? Are you interested in becoming a 4-H Exhibit Judge? Join in on a fun training designed to prepare individuals for 4-H

exhibit and event judging. Participants will be equipped with information and resources to be utilized in evaluating

exhibits, educating others and encouraging 4-H’ers! Trained judges are utilized throughout the state!

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/…/trai…/20180127Toledo.pdf Looking for something a little closer to home?

Contact Jones or Clinton County Extension & Outreach for more information or coordinator Annette

Brown, annbrown@iastate.edu or 515-432-3882.EASTERN IOWA: Saturday, January 6, Jones County, 319 465-3224,

9 AM - 3 PM. EASTERN IOWA: Saturday, January 27, Clinton County, 563-659-5125, 9 AM - 3 PM

IOWA 4-H LIVESTOCK QUIZ BOWL CONTEST Save the date for the Iowa 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Contest on March 24, 2018 at Iowa State University, Kildee Hall.

Study up on beef, goat, sheep and swine for the Quiz Bowl! Teams consist of 3-5 members in two age divisions, senior

(ages 14-19) and mixed (ages 10-19). Senior winner represents Iowa at the National 4-H Contest during Ak-Sar-Ben

Contact ampowell@iastate.edu for more information. Registration is at a latter date.

ATTENTION SENIORS: 4-H SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Iowa 4-H Foundation has announced applications are available for the 4-H scholarship program with over 90 schol-

arship opportunities to be awarded valued at over $100,000. A complete list of scholarships, eligibility, helpful hints,

instructions, and applications are available online at: https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/en/funding_for_4hers/

scholarships/ Online deadline is 11:50 PM, February 1, 2018. Questions or concerns, please contact Mary Clancy at

712-830-1321.

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Water Consumption - 75 miles

Offer water as the main beverage at club meetings

Tips: How to incorporate water in a fun way

Infuse water naturally by adding fruit, vegetables or herbs

Freeze 100% juice in ice cube trays to add some fun flavors

Fruits & Vegetables - 100 miles

Include a fruit and/or vegetable as a snack choice

Tips: Create opportunities to try new foods or recipes

Offer new foods to try at club meetings

Invite a local farmer to visit the club and try their produce

Physical Activity - 125 miles

Organize a physical activity to get moving for 10-15 minutes Tips: Structured activities that en-courages movement with all partici-pants

Have youth lead group exercises or design their own

Try yoga as part of your meeting

4-H Healthy Living Club Challenge: Race Across Iowa

A state wide healthy living initiative is inviting 4-H Clubs to take part in

the challenge! By introducing a variety of healthy living practices during

club meetings each month and completing the challenges, clubs earn

"miles" as they race across Iowa throughout all 20 regions of the state.

This 1,400 mile route destination sure fulfills the definition of a challenge, but by working together as a

team and setting goals to incorporate healthy living practices each month, we hope to see you meet or

surpass the final mile by the end of June!

The Challenge Areas:

BONUS Challenges - every couple of months, a new "bonus challenge" will be revealed. These op-portunities will encompass other areas of wellbeing...building healthy relationships, brain health, or community engagement with healthy living!

Earn Your Miles Each month, your club submits that month's tracker. The club will designate who will do this each month, whether it be an adult leader or a youth leader. The link for the month will be found on the webpage. Be sure to submit your progress monthly so we can publish results and track it by county and across the state. Don't wait until the end of the challenge to submit your monthly ac-complishments, because each monthly tracker is due by the 10th of the following month. (For ex-ample: November tracker is due December 10th, December tracker is due January 10th, etc.)

Recognition The 5 clubs state-wide that log the most miles and complete the route by the end of June will be rec-ognized for their accomplishments at the Iowa State Fair! If your Winneshiek County club has the most miles and can complete the route by the end of June, they will be recognized at the Winneshiek County fair. Submit your club name and challenge recognition idea to the Extension Office! Ideas may include: Ice Bucket Challenge on your leader (with permission), Pie-in-the-face for 4-H Staff, Club water bottles, pedometers… Share your ideas when you sign up your club!

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