Check out our County Calendar here!

 County Level Volunteer Enrollment Coordinator (VEC 2)

On behalf of our UC Cooperative Extension County Director, Youth Advisor and staff, we would like to thank Matt Schafer for providing leadership and training in the area of 4-H Online enrollment as Sonoma County's very first VEC 2. Due to Matt's efforts, Sonoma County was recognized as one of the first counties in the state, to train and enlist a VEC for each club in the program. This innovative idea greatly streamlined the process of enrollment and freed up hours of office time. Matt's vision, forward thinking, willingness to problem solve and donate his time and expertise in this role has been greatly appreciated.

As Matt has transitioned off of the Exec board, we would like to welcome Lisa Schuldt, from Penngrove 4-H as our new VP of Membership and VEC 2. Going forward, Lisa will be our VEC 2, conducting the VEC 1 trainings and she will be the go-to person for VEC 1 information. Welcome Lisa and thank you for stepping up! Lisa can be reached at rubicon71@comcast.net.

Its National 4-H week! 
Be sure to look for our window displays around the county. Take a picture and tag Sonoma county 4-H on Facebook. 

Here are the locations of our window displays:
Canfield - Tombe Realty, 127 North Main St. Sebastopol, CA 95472
Gold Ridge - The Feed Store, 265 Petaluma Ave. Sebastopol, CA
Harvest - Eagle Tech, 208 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Cloverdale, CA 95426
Independence - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, 186 N Main St Sebastopol, CA
Lytton Springs - Community First Bank, 32 North St. Healdsburg, CA
Sonoma Valley - Valley of the Moon Vet Hospital, 975 Boyes Blvd. Sonoma CA 95476
Steuben - Hot Couture, 101 W 3rd St. Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Wild Oak - Crossing the Jordan, 3403 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

4-H Recognized by Board of Supervisors

CCE Sonoma County 4-H received a gold resolution from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 recognizing National 4-H Week 2017! A copy of the resolution is available at: http://cesonoma.ucanr.edu/files/271240.pdf

Las Posadas 4-H Camp 90th Anniversary sweat shirts and t-shirts available!
Order from is at the end of the October 4-H Reporter. 

4-H Camp Enthusiasts - Save the Date!

The 2018 4-H Camping Conference will be held April 6 - 8, 2018 at Redwood Glen in the Santa Cruz Mountains between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. The camping conference is a biannual event which provides 4-H teen leaders, volunteers and staff the opportunity to improve their camping programs and meet others who are just as passionate about camp as they are. The conference is filled with enlightening workshops, engaging activities, and new programming ideas. Additional information will follow!

Outreach opportunity
Hello! We have an opportunity to showcase our 4-H programat the Rincon Valley District. Matanzas Elementary School (1687 Yulupa Ave. Santa Rosa) will be hosting the Rincon Valley Union School District Parent University and Resource Fair. The fair will be October 21st 9am-1pm. I will be there with with 4-H fliers and booth decor. It would be great to have some small animals or projects to showcase at the booth. If you would like to join me please email me at Jesenia.mendoza@sonoma-county.org Thank you!

Twistee Project
If you club signed up to volunteer for a twistee project please be sure to pick them up at the CCC tonight or at the 4-H. They are due to be completed by the November 7th CCC Meeting.

Open County Projects
Here is a list of our current open county projects. If you have an open county project and would like to post it on our 4-H Reporter. Please email Jesenia (Jesenia.mendoza@sonoma-county.org) a short description of your project, meeting dates and contact information. 

Open County Projects: Dog Project 

To all Sonoma Co 4H community leaders.  Please announce to your club that there is a county wide dog project.  It meets the 2nd Sat of every month, rain or shine, 10-11 at the 4H Center in Rohnert Park. Led by Lenore Ryan from Independence club. We will be teaching beginning obedience and showmanship, as well as some basic dog care and breeds.  If you have teen leaders who would like to help lead this project, they are welcome.  For more info please contact Lenore at (707)799-9791 or email her at  ryantony@comcast.net

Goats make good 4-H projects. They are interesting, like attention, are not expensive to buy or feed, are easily handled and transported, and are fun to show at the fairs.  The project is designed on the basis of a three-year-minimum plan.  This gives the member an opportunity to begin with a kid and develop her into a producing dairy goat. Green Valley Club

OBJECTIVES:

1. To have member learn the proper methods of care & management of dairy goats .
2. To give the member the experience & training in selecting dairy goats of the right type, feeding the proper ration, fitting, and exhibiting at shows & fairs.
3. To provide the member the opportunity to keep complete & accurate records of their project.
4. To enable the member to participate in organized group activities and to assume increasing amounts of responsibility of their goat project
5. To demonstrate to the community the possibilities of dairy goats as a source of healthy foods, products and companionship.
6. To get the satisfaction and thrill of completing the goals the member sets for their goat project.

LEADERS:      
Lisa Jack - email: sonomagoat@comcast.net Phone: 795-2351 and Rebecca Kracker - email: beccak1993@yahoo.com Phone: 481-6807

Marine biology is being offered through Gateway 4-H. We will be taking a trip to Shell Beach in February to check out the tidepools. We will spend time talking about whales, tidal zones and the effects of pollution. If you are interested in joining this project please contact Brian Seekins at teamseekins@gmail.com 

Open County Projects: Sewing

Sequoia “open” Sewing will begin on October 7th at 9:30 am, At the Center previously known as 4-H Center. Please sign up on 4-H online, you'll be cross clubbing into Sequoia. Well be starting on an easy pillow case or you can sew on your own items. Please watch your email box for info on what to bring to the first meeting. Looking forward to sewing with with you all and creating some fun new things! Call Diana Hampton at 707-484-6884 or Naomi Edwards at 707-548-8524 with any questions or just to let us know your joining. I'll have cross clubbing forms on hand for all. Thanks!

Open County Projects: Wildlife

Our focus this year is Birds of Sonoma County, and beyond. We will learn about their habitats, what they eat, what eats them and how we can help them. This subject lends itself to time in observation so we will plan some birding trips with experts to learn more about our local Birds.  Join Gateway 4-H with our leadership team - Emily, Gianna and Tyler, to upgrade your ability to identify birds on the wing, in the tree tops, or even sitting on the nest, and what you can do to entice them to visit your yard. 

Represent 4-H at Community Festivals!

We are inviting 4-H members, leaders, and parents to help represent 4-H at three upcoming 4-H community festivals. Please register for a 2-hour shift during the event.

• North Bay Science Discovery Day, October 28, 10-4pm, Sonoma Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
  Sign-up for 4-H members: http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=21597 
  Contact: Steven Worker (smworker@ucanr.edu)

Turkey Dinner to benefit 4-H Poultry

We need between 8-10 members to meet & greet guests, and if possible, 10-15 to help serve the meal.
I attend all the major Ag events and am a consistent big buyer at the Jr Livestock Auction, so I know what a great job they can do!
Servers will be working with the fantastic catering team of Backyard Restaurant , a huge supporter of local farmers and ranchers.

To learn more about this dinner or to buy tickets click on the link above. Please see the link at the end of the October 4-H reporter to learn more about the 4-H member jobs

Julie Atwood 707-318-7526

SAVE THE DATE! Bay Coast Youth Summit

January 19th-21st, YMCA Camp Jones
Gulch in La Honda, CA.
Participants: Ages 11-13
Teen Youth Leaders: Ages 14-19
Registration Fees (Until December 1st): $100
Late Registration (After December 1st): $115

Attend awesome educational workshops, learn about leadership, meet other kids from across the Bay Coast Area, and much much more!

Interested in joining the team?
Contact BCA Director: Trent Baldwin at tbaldwin4h@gmail.com to get involved!

Interested in leading a workshop?

Want to share your knowledge with youth ages 11-13? Fill out our workshop proposal form for the Youth Summits to apply to present at the Bay Coast Youth Summit! Indoor space is limited it's recommended that your workshop is engaging, can fit an hour workshop space, and high quality!

PROPOSAL FORM

Marathon Kids 4-H Discounts!

Marathon Kids is offering a discount to our 4-H Project Leaders. This is a super special, one-time offer, and is only good for 4-H clubs who register by November 1, 2017. Here are the updated registration instructions for folks to follow, reflecting the 50% discount.

Up for a fun challenge? California 4-H is teaming up with Marathon Kids to help you take your Color Me Green project to the next level this year. The Marathon Kids program aligns perfectly to the goals of 4-H and CMG, and we're confident you won't want to miss out on this opportunity!

How does it work? Marathon Kids clubs set mileage goals, run or walk throughout the season, track their progress and earn exclusive Nike rewards for every milestone they complete. This easily fits into the CMG structure, giving you an extra tool to ensure your participants stick to their physical activity training plan over the course of the project. The best part: the team at Marathon Kids will provide you, the Coach, with all the tools, training and resources you want or need to be successful. They'll even help you customize the program to fit your CMG project's needs.

Please share with you volunteers and those planning to host a Color Me Green Run. 

From the 4-H Youth Development Advisor, Steven Worker
Last program year, 2016-2017, we set out to assess 4-H members positive youth development (competence, character, connection, caring, confidence, and contribution), teamwork skills (leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, and appreciation for diversity). The results showed that 4-H members report high levels (above 80% overall) on indicators of positive youth development and teamwork. Results from the 4-H Youth Outcome Survey

Hello Sonoma County,
As our grapes are harvested and leaves begin to change I am reminded of all the youth gearing up for new experiences in 4-H. From the new 5 year old to the seasoned 19 year old, Sonoma County youth will begin a new year of experiences, challenges, leadership, and most importantly fun.

Officer's training was once again a successful time for youth and adult volunteers. Food, fun and leader training was given and received for youth wanting to start this 2017-2018 year strong and informed. Thank you to Charlotte and Christine for planning it.

Record books were evaluated by leaders, parents, and grandparents who were willing to spend 4 hours looking through a youth's past year of triumph, hurdles, and successes.  51 junior/intermediate books, 8 senior books, 29 primary books were evaluated! Thank you Kristi, Sara, Lisa, Robin, KC and to all who helped evaluate!!

National 4-H Week was a wonderful success again. We hope you were able to see a fabulous window display or see our advertisement on the back of one of the county buses. 

Our county is always looking for youth and adult volunteers to serve on committees and if you are willing to spend a few extra hours helping coordinate an event in Sonoma County please contact the office so we can get you in touch with the best group. Maybe you want to start a new county committee to put on event? Please contact the office or board to come share your great new ideas!!!

Please join me in being a part of the amazing leaders that 4-H is building in Sonoma County. There are over 50 projects that are active in Sonoma County. 

Making the Best, Better, Naomi

Salvation Army

In the past few years, many clubs have donated time to assisting the Salvation Army in raising funds, by ringing the bell.

This has been an activity to which many volunteers and members looked forward each holiday season. Our 4-H program will not be able to continue this participation going forward. The State has clarified the policy regarding this activity. Please see below.

 “As an example of a common activity proposed but is not within 4-H policy: holiday bell ringing for the Salvation  Army. The Salvation Army is a group that falls within the category of a group of organization that is religious in nature or purpose. 4-H policies establish that 4-H units may not fundraise to support groups or organizations that fall within the category  of being religious or political in nature or purpose. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that UC 4-H is not appearing to favor a particular religion(s). This program through the Salvation Army is religious-based and is centered around one specific religious holiday: Christmas. This would not be an organization that the 4-H club would work through. 4-H units must ensure the organization is not religious or political in nature, to stay within 4-H policy if they want to fundraise as a service learning activity to directly benefit a group or organization. “

 Of course, individuals may participate with the Salvation Army outside of 4-H if they wish. Please contact me with any questions or comments. - Judy Ludovise

None at this time

4-H does not endorse  any person in the community who make requests. As always, please use caution when contacting someone. 4-H members who accept listed jobs are doing so as an individual, outside of the scope of the 4-H program.

Free Cages available for 4-H member

We have a few cages for animals, they were used from an old 4-H project. We are located in Santa Rosa. Please contact Cathy for more information - 707-206-1827

Small Engines available for a project leader

Earl Houldz has a few small engines he would like to donate to a 4-H project leader. Please contact him at 707-542-5743

Graze Land for a senior.

Jim is looking for some help in grazing his half acre in Petaluma. You may contact him at 707-778-6167 Or at incarcam@sonic.net

Rabbit Sitter needed for one week

We will be leaving for one week and will be needing a rabbit sitter that can help with our rabbit. The rabbit stays in the cage, we can bring the rabbit to you in the hutch. Please contact Janice at 707-478-6256 or email at jwalt41@sbcglobal.net