August, already!

Hello 4-H Families!


Summer is getting away from me! We've had some BEAUTIFUL days and hope there are more to come! 
As you may have heard, COVID-19 infections are on the rise and the University issued new guidelines last Friday. Here is the blurb from UA Interim President Pat Pitney:
This week, the CDC announced that wearing face masks is recommended for everyone regardless of vaccination status when in public indoor spaces in communities where there are a large number of new cases each week. In Alaska, nearly all of our communities fall into that category. 
Because the Delta variant spreads easily, it has become clear that we need to return to universal face masking in order to minimize the potential for the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses.
Effective August 2, face masks will be required indoors at all University of Alaska locations in communities with a transmission level of 'substantial' or 'high,' as defined by CDC guidelines, except when you are in a private residence or alone in a private office with the door shut. Masks are also required in university vehicles and outdoors when it’s not possible to remain more than 6 feet from others.

**This applies to 4-H activities and events that occur at University locations and on University property. 4-H activities and events that occur off-site (fairgrounds, library, homes, horse arenas, farms, etc) fall under the "be safe and follow CDC guidelines; try not to make others sick" category.

Other happenings this month (much of it for livestock kiddos, but please read through it):

8/4: Hog Butchering / 9am / anatomy, humane slaughter, processing / target group: market youth / location: 6681 W. Fuller Lake Circle, Wasilla / contact Chandra McCain-Finch for more info biglake4h@gmail.com 

8/4: Rabbit Processing / 10am / rabbit terminology, feed and nutrition, humane processing / target group: market youth / location: 6681 W. Fuller Lake Circle, Wasilla / contact Chandra McCain-Finch for more info biglake4h@gmail.com

8/4: Chicken and Turkey Processing / 10:30am / poultry anatomy, terminology, humane slaughter and processing / target group: market youth / location: 6681 W. Fuller Lake Circle, Wasilla / contact Chandra McCain-Finch for more info biglake4h@gmail.com

8/5: 6:30pm Volunteer Leaders Association Meeting. At the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, Kerttula Hall, Rm 208. Masks will be required for everyone attending in person. Zoom video conference attendance is possible: ID 945 296 187

8/5: 7:00pm MatSu/Copper River 4-H Livestock Committee Meeting. At the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, Kerttula Hall, Rm 208. Masks will be required for everyone attending in person. Zoom video conference attendance is possible: ID 945 296 187
8/7: Sheep Showmanship / 4:00 pm / beginning and advanced showmanship, ethics, nutrition, and a few breeds, BRING A LAMB IF POSSIBLE / target group: youth wanting to learn how to show a lamb / Presenter: Attie Jo Tormey / contact Millie Tormey for details and to sign up mtormey@mtaonline.net

8/16: 4:00-7:00 pm June Tull 4-H Fair Building Clean-up / please come help us get the exhibit building ready for the FAIR!! / many hands make for quick work, so it really may not take the 3 hours / WE WILL HAVE SNACKS / contact me for more info: Ann: amkowenstrot@alaska.edu

8/17: Poster Clinic / 4:30-6:30pm / make up your posters for the fair! / target group: 4-H livestock youth / location: Tormey House / limited space and supplies: bring what you can / contact Millie Tormey for details and to sign up BY 8/15 907-460-0736

8/17: 7:00pm Alaska Volunteer Leaders Organization monthly meeting. Open to all Alaska 4-H Leaders. Join in to learn about how the AVLO can support our Alaska 4-H youth. Zoom ID and meeting agenda will be posted on the calendar as the time gets close.

8/18: Quizbowl Games / 6:30pm / livestock general knowledge games / target group: all 4-H livestock youth / location: Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm / contact Crystal or Kayleena Roberts (Pioneer Peak 4-H) for more info 907-232-3982

All of these events, meetings, clinics, etc. are posted on our District google calendar, which can be found on our website: alaska4h.org/mat-sucopper-river.html

ALASKA STATE FAIR 4-H EXHIBITION GUIDE
--will be available tomorrow! Watch your email. It will also be posted on our webpage.

I think that's it for now, whew. 

Please contact me with any questions. Have a great rest of your week!
Ann