Hello 4-H Families!

WOW. The State Fair was amazing and the 4-H presence there was crazy! Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers and exhibitors who made everything run so smoothly! You are all truly appreciated. Teamwork makes the dream work :)

I have a few exhibits left from the 4-H June Tull building that were not picked up. Please let me know when you can stop by the Farm to get them. I will hang on to them until 9/17, then they will go away. I don't have the space to store any extra stuff.

Our Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center doors are locked, but we are open. Please ring the doorbell for entry during normal business hours (8-4:30 M-F). Masks are required inside the building, regardless of vaccination status.

Announcements
CLUB LEADERS:
--I will be sending out an end-of-the-year letter to you that had active clubs this past 4-H year. Guidance for award nominations and record book judging will be in there.
--If you are intending on being an adult volunteer again when the new 4-H year starts (October 1), you can start getting your required trainings done NOW. Please see the instruction sheet HERE. The only thing you cannot do is actually enroll. Our enrollment system erases waiver signatures at the rollover of the new 4-H year.

4-H MEMBERS:
--Get your record books done and turned into your club leaders. They will let you know when they are due.
--Start thinking about what projects you want to do in the next 4-H year!

LIVESTOCK JUDGING OPPORTUNITY
From Rayne Reynolds:
Any interested 4-H member contact Rayne by email sending their parents email address to him only (not the youth's contact info) and he will send them information on the commitment and contest. We are looking for absolute committed and dedicated youth with 100 percent parent involvement who want to be a part of this team.  No experience is necessary because we will coach them, however willingness to learn and willingness to compete is required. The youth have to be at least 14 years old and no older than 18 as of Jan 1st. We can take 19 year-olds but we will be training and learning for at least a year.  The team consists of three 4-H members and one alternate.
Livestock Evaluation develops decision making, problem solving, self discipline, self motivation, team work, organization, analytical thinking, critical thinking, and most important of all the ability to effectively communicate. It also provides the youth with the ability to defend and explain their positions.
There are numerous colleges that recruit and offer scholarships based on the livestock judging competition.  Being involved on a state winning livestock team would increase such opportunities greatly.
This contest is different and separate from Quizbowl and or the livestock skillathon.
​rayne63@yahoo.com

All volunteers who requested discounted/free tickets to the fair
--A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME in both the 4-H June Tull building and the Barn. 
--a note for next year, for those that received free or discounted tickets (as per the request form):
1. if you did not sign up for a volunteer shift in the June Tull building, you will not be eligible to receive free or discounted fair tickets next year.
2. if you signed up for a volunteer shift in the June Tull building, but did not show up for your shift or make other arrangements, you will not be eligible to receive free or discounted fair tickets next year.
3. if you did not sign up for a volunteer shift in the June Tull building, yet strolled through the building and signed your name in the binder as if you volunteered your time (while I'm standing right there), and then walked out, you will not be eligible to receive free or discounted fair tickets next year.

Upcoming
9/16: Volunteer Leaders Association monthly meeting. 6:30pm in room 208 Kerttula Hall, Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, masks are required, regardless of vaccination status. You can also participate via video: Zoom ID: 945 296 187. All leaders are welcomed! Participation from all clubs helps with planning and decision-making.

9/16: MatSu Livestock Committee monthly meeting. 7:00pm in room 208 Kerttula Hall, Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, masks are required, regardless of vaccination status. You can also participate via video: Zoom ID: 945 296 187. 

9/20: Livestock Record Books due. Please drop off at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center. To ensure safe-keeping, you can either bring them into the office and drop it off with Theresa at our main desk, or slide them into the "after hours" mail slot on the outside of the front of Kerttula Hall. Please check to see if you mistakenly picked up the wrong record book after the first round of checking. An orange, 3-ring binder record book has gone missing. Thanks! 

10/1: NEW 4-H YEAR BEGINS! Please be on the look out (emails, social media) for helpful tips on enrolling, required trainings for adult volunteers, and hopefully new clubs!

Thanks everyone!
Ann

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

Happy Summertime! 

News and Updates:

CONGRATULATIONS to this years' recipients of the Volunteer Leaders Association Scholarship: Caleb Glaser and Jedediah Moyer

4-H ICE CREAM FLAVOR UPDATE: Motley Moo Creamery in Anchorage will be highlighting our 4-H Ice Cream Flavors starting next week! Please congratulate:

• Watermelon Rush, created and submitted by Logan H.
• Key-Lime Pie Delight, created and submitted by Mikayla G.

Please show your support for 4-H and Motley Moo Creamery by heading to their store when in Anchorage (11900 Industry Way, Unit M-8 Anchorage, AK 99515) and at the Fair to try these AWESOME 4-H flavors!

UAF officially moves to Phase C of COVID-19 response: while across the state, 4-H has had permission and been working with Phase C safety guidelines, it is now the official stance of UAF. What changes for you, is an easier process for having in-person meetings. No quiz or leader agreement needed. An approved mitigation plan is still required, but vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face coverings. Adults who are unvaccinated and all youth under 12 still need to be wearing face coverings in all indoor 4-H activities and outdoors when a 6 foot social distance cannot be maintained. If your group has a mitigation plan already approved and in place, no need to re-submit another plan, just use these updated guidelines for your activity. Any questions, please ask. If you are interested in meeting in-person, please head over to our webpage for guidance and links: alaska4h.org/current-covid-phase-c.html

Statewide 4-H At-Home Summer Camp Kits: Registration opens June 1 for being a part of this fun "camp". We have 4 great kits to hand out in June, July, August, and September. Please see the flyer below and head to THIS page for more info and how to sign up.

​CONTEST ALERT: Looking for drawings for the cover of the 2021 Mat-Su/Copper River 4-H District Alaska State Fair Exhibitors Guide. Using this year’s state fair theme “Seeing is Believing”, please submit an original drawing (email to abiddle@alaska.edu or drop off at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center). Submissions will be accepted through June 30th. They will be judged by a 3-person panel and the winning drawing will get the glorious distinction of being on the cover of the Exhibitor Guide for this year. All entries will be displayed on a reduced scale within the pages of the guide.
“Seeing is Believing”…..how do you work that into a drawing, you ask? Great question! It’s a proverb generally meaning: you need to see something with your own eyes before you will accept that it really exists. It could be something that seems extremely unlikely. Think about strange, interesting, and unique things you have come across in your activities outside, at school, on your farm, in your garden, on a hike. Things that have happened in this crazy last year. The sky is the limit! I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!
4-H ALUMNI DRIVE: We are looking for 4-H Alumni! Whether you were in 4-H as a youth here in Alaska or elsewhere! Fill out the form HERE and you will get a cool 4-H Alumni Tumbler!

Dates to keep an eye on:

Tuesday 6/15: Registration is DUE for Leggett's Livestock Clinic. Clinic is July 29-30. Information and registration form can be found HERE. 

Tuesday 6/20: Alaska Volunteer Leaders Organization monthly meeting. Zoom ID, minutes, and agenda will be posted on the calendar as we get closer to the date.

Thursday 7/1 at 6:30pm is the Mat-Su/Copper River VLA (Volunteer Leaders Association) monthly meeting. In-person room capacity is limited, and signup is necessary. Go HERE to sign up for either of these meetings. As always, the meeting will be able to be attended via Zoom: Zoom Meeting ID: 945 296 187.

Thursday 7/1 at 7:00pm is the Mat-Su Livestock Committee monthly meeting. In-person room capacity is limited, and signup is necessary. Go HERE to sign up for either of these meetings. As always, the meeting will be able to be attended via Zoom: Zoom Meeting ID: 945 296 187.

If you have a senior who graduated this spring, please email me a picture and a blurb about what their future plans are. I'd like to put together a nice collage to showcase their accomplishments and successes. Thanks!

We now have a new listserv for getting information out quickly and easily. I will be adding you all to the listserv. If you decide you want to unsubscribe, please just click the link at the bottom of the email. All emails posted to the list will be subject to approval, so try to keep the emails short and to the point and applicable to the entire district. The listserv address is: UAF-MSCR4HFamilies-Outreach@alaska.edu
As always, keep an eye on the calendar for up-to-date information on happenings in our 4-H District and Statewide. Let me know if you have anything you would like shared and I'll pop it into our next installment.


Have a great weekend everyone!


​Ann
​

May 29, 2021
Happy Memorial Day weekend! I hope everyone takes a moment to honor our Veterans who are no longer with us. 

News and Updates:

ICE CREAM FLAVOR CONTEST: Our partner and friends down at Motley Moo Creamery in Anchorage tested the recipes that were submitted. They loved all of them, and they couldn't pick JUST ONE!! We have 2 winners of the contest! Please congratulate:

• Watermelon Rush, created and submitted by Logan H.
• Key-Lime Pie Delight, created and submitted by Mikayla G.

The Creamery will be featuring the flavors in June and again at the State Fair in Palmer! Please show your support for 4-H and Motley Moo Creamery by heading to their store when in Anchorage and at the Fair to try these AWESOME 4-H flavors!

UAF officially moves to Phase C of COVID-19 response: while across the state, 4-H has had permission and been working with Phase C safety guidelines, it is now the official stance of UAF. What changes for you, is an easier process for having in-person meetings. No quiz or leader agreement needed. An approved mitigation plan is still required, but vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear face coverings. Adults who are unvaccinated and all youth under 12 still need to be wearing face coverings in all indoor 4-H activities and outdoors when a 6 foot social distance cannot be maintained. If your group has a mitigation plan already approved and in place, no need to re-submit another plan, just use these updated guidelines for your activity. Any questions, please ask. If you are interested in meeting in-person, please head over to our webpage for guidance and links: alaska4h.org/current-covid-phase-c.html

Statewide 4-H At-Home Summer Camp Kits: Registration opens June 1 for being a part of this fun "camp". We have 4 great kits to hand out in June, July, August, and September. Please see the flyer below and head to THIS page for more info and how to sign up.

Shooting Sports Postal Match and Quiz Bowl Winners Announced! Please see the winners below and congratulate them on a JOB WELL DONE!!

Dates to keep an eye on:

Thursday 6/3 at 6:30pm is the Mat-Su/Copper River VLA (Volunteer Leaders Association) monthly meeting. This one will have to be via zoom, as I will be out of the office for a few days and cannot be at the farm. Zoom Meeting ID: 945 296 187. If an alternate site can be secured for in-person attendance, VLA will get the word out. 

Thursday 6/3 at 7:00pm is the Mat-Su Livestock Committee monthly meeting. As with the VLA meeting at 6:30, this one will have to be via zoom, as I will be out of the office for a few days and cannot be at the farm. Zoom Meeting ID: 945 296 187. If an alternate site can be secured for in-person attendance, the Livestock Committee will get the word out. 

Wednesday and Thursday 6/9 and 6/10: Rally Days at the Palmer Fairgrounds. More information and sign up coming.

Tuesday 6/15: Registration is due for Leggett's Livestock Clinic. Clinic is July 29-30. Information and registration form can be found HERE. 

If you have a senior who graduated this spring, please email me a picture and a blurb about what their future plans are. I'd like to put together a nice collage to showcase their accomplishments and successes. Thanks!

We now have a new listserv for getting information out quickly and easily. I will be adding you all to the listserv. If you decide you want to unsubscribe, please just click the link at the bottom of the email. All emails posted to the list will be subject to approval, so try to keep the emails short and to the point and applicable to the entire district. The listserv address is: UAF-MSCR4HFamilies-Outreach@alaska.edu

As always, keep an eye on the calendar for up-to-date information on happenings in our 4-H District and Statewide. Let me know if you have anything you would like shared and I'll pop it into our next installment.


Have a great weekend everyone!


​Ann

ATTENTION
Parents, Leaders, and Teens:
Livestock Committee Meetings

• 1st Thursday of each month at 7pm
• In-person at the CES office or on Zoom
  • Alaska.zoom.us
    • 945 296 187

These meetings will keep you updated and give you an opportunity to address the committee with any conflicts.


Livestock Camp Dates: July 29-30

• Day Camp at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.
• Camp sessions WILL count as clinics for auction participation requirements. 
• Deadline to register will be June 15th. Registration information: http://www.alaska4h.org/livestock-program.html

**ATTENTION** 
RALLY DAYS:    June 9th    3PM-7PM     ALL LARGE LIVESTOCK
If your last name begins with:

• A-L: please come between 3-5pm
• M-Z: please come between 5-7pm

If you cannot come at your assigned time, you may come during the other time slot. 
Please stay in line with your vehicle/trailer and do not unload your animals until it is your turn a the vet check station. 
We must practice safe social distancing practices.


PAPERWORK
Some paperwork will be available in the barn during Rally Days. An effort is being made to provide much of the necessary paperwork online. Be on the lookout for:

• pen requests
• herdsmanship duties
• class sign-ups
• hospitality duties
• ticket requests
• buyer contract forms

LIVESTOCK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

• CONGRATULATIONS TO:
  • Caleb Glaser
  • Attie Jo Tormey

CLINIC OPPORTUNITIES

• https://www.canr.msu.edu/animal_science/Resources/livestock-learning-videos?fbclid=IwAR2ER_HsPwm8n4WoHV9ad42tSEknUBX_d3uStC8hSmtCtztWpPrs9HGqHPs
• http://www.alaska4h.org/alaska-4-h-livestock.html

Ask to join the MatSu/Copper River 4-H Livestock Group Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/458848018051363





4halaska@gmail.com
Heather Corbridge, President
MatSu/Copper River Livestock Committee
P.O. Box 1741
Palmer, AK 99645
907-227-6986

May 4, 2021

April 17th was our District Presentation Day. Joseph H. with the Copper Nuggets 4-H Club was our only presenter this year. He did a great job and it was awesome to listen to his prepared speech live, rather than a recording. 

The Ice Cream Flavor Contest is underway!! Our registrants will be picking up their base flavors in the next 2 days to begin their recipe creations. Stay tuned to see what deliciousness they come up with!

​A kindly donation of 2 knitting machines are coming to the office this month. If your club or a youth in your club is interested in checking one out, please let me know! I'll have more details soon.

​Ads:
-GOAT: Mini Alpine Buck. Owner is willing to donate to a 4-H youth interested in raising mini alpines. Contact Marlene Wenger marwen@cvinternet.net for more information.
-TURKEY POULTS: Colony Clovers 4-H club has some turkey poults for sale. These are the giant broad breasted whites. Hens and Toms available.  $12 each. Text (907) 355-1310 or (907) 841-3334
-FREE PERCHERON/MORGAN MARE: Please call 907-232-3982 for more details. She does not do well on the hills in our pen during the winter. She refuses to move much and then gets stiff. She needs a pen built on level ground, must have very limited access to grass, and eats low-sugar or soaked hay. She hasn't been ridden all winter. She's very good on trails, great with obstacles, and doesn't spook easily. See a picture of her HERE.

Dates to keep an eye on:
Thursday 5/6 at 6:30pm: Volunteer Leaders Association monthly meeting. We are allowed to have an in-person as well as video meeting. Our maximum number of bodies allowed in the meeting is 20. Sign up on this google doc to attend. Sign-up is required as well as masks, screening questions, and social distancing. If you are unable to or choose not to wear a mask, please participate via the zoom ID link 945 296 187. In-person meeting will be at the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1509 S. Georgeson Rd. Palmer, Kerttula Hall Rm 208.

Thursday 5/6 at 7:00pm: MatSu Livestock Committee monthly meeting. As with the VLA meeting at 6:30, we are allowed to have in-person meetings at the Farm. 20 people max and the same safety guidelines as above. If you feel you are ill or cannot accept the UAF safety guidelines, please attend via the zoom meeting ID link: 945 296 187. Sign up is required for this meeting as well. A separate sign up sheet will be posted on the Livestock Facebook group page.

​Tuesday 5/18 at 7:00pm is the 4-H State AVLO (Alaska Volunteer Leaders Organization) monthly meeting. Please join in to find out how this state volunteer-run organization can help you and your club! Zoom meeting ID and agenda are available on the calendar on our webpage.

June 9-10: Rally Days at the Palmer Fairgrounds. More information coming.

Tuesday 6/15: Registration is due for Leggett's Livestock Clinic. Clinic is July 29-30. Information and registration form can be found HERE. 

We now have a new listserv for getting information out quickly and easily. I will be adding you all active members to the listserv. If you decide you want to unsubscribe, please just click the link at the bottom of the email. All emails posted to the list will be subject to approval, so try to keep the emails short and to the point and applicable to the entire district. The listserv address is: UAF-MSCR4HFamilies-Outreach@alaska.edu

​As always, keep an eye on the calendar for up-to-date information on happenings in our 4-H District and Statewide. Let me know if you have anything you would like shared and I'll pop it into our next installment.


Have a great rest of your week everyone!


​Ann

​April 27, 2021
EXCITING NEWS: TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER! We are partnering with Motley Moo Creamery in Anchorage for an Ice Cream Flavor Contest!! Mat-Su/CR 4-H youth (8-18) can find more information and sign up in EVENTS on 4h.zsuite.org 

• Sign up will be until the night of 4/27 TONIGHT
• Flavor base and recipe cards will be handed out early May (if you are outside of the Palmer/Wasilla area, register and then email me about options for participation; we will make it work!)
• Winner will be announced early June
• 4-H specialty flavor will be sold all summer and at the Palmer State Fair!

Ads:
-GOAT: Mini Alpine Buck. Owner is willing to donate to a 4-H youth interested in raising mini alpines. Contact Marlene Wenger marwen@cvinternet.net for more information.
-TURKEY POULTS: Colony Clovers 4-H club has some turkey poults for sale. These are the giant broad breasted whites. Hens and Toms available.  They are 10 days old today. $12 each. Text (907) 355-1310 or (907) 841-3334

​Dates to keep an eye on:
Thursday 5/6 at 6:30pm: Volunteer Leaders Association monthly meeting. We are allowed to have an in-person as well as video meeting. Our maximum number of bodies allowed in the meeting is 20. Sign up on this google doc to attend. Sign-up is required as well as masks, screening questions, and social distancing. If you are unable to or choose not to wear a mask, please participate via the zoom ID link 945 296 187. In-person meeting will be at the UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1509 S. Georgeson Rd. Palmer, Kerttula Hall Rm 208.

Thursday 5/6 at 7:00pm: MatSu Livestock Committee monthly meeting. As with the VLA meeting at 6:30, we are allowed to have in-person meetings at the Farm. 20 people max and the same safety guidelines as above. If you feel you are ill or cannot accept the UAF safety guidelines, please attend via the zoom meeting ID link: 945 296 187. Sign up is required for this meeting as well. Sign up sheet will be posted on the Livestock Facebook group page.

Tuesday 5/18 at 7:00pm is the 4-H State AVLO (Alaska Volunteer Leaders Organization) monthly meeting. Please join in to find out how this state volunteer-run organization can help you and your club! Zoom meeting ID and agenda are available on the calendar on our webpage.

Through the end of April: the Triple Crown Showcase Competition, sponsored by the Pioneer Peak 4-H Club and leaders Crystal Roberts and Milly Tormey. Please see the flyer below and download the packet.

June 9-10: Rally Days at the Palmer Fairgrounds. More information coming.
Tuesday 6/15: Registration is due for Leggett's Livestock Clinic. Clinic is July 29-30. Information and registration form can be found HERE. 


We are in the process of switching over email listservs with the University. As soon as the process is solid, I'll let you all know. This will make it easier for YOU to share information with the rest of the District. 
As always, keep an eye on the calendar for up-to-date information on happenings in our 4-H District and Statewide. Let me know if you have anything you would like shared and I'll pop it into our next installment.


Have a great rest of your week everyone!


​Ann