Ohio 4-H Highlights: April 2020
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4-H Update
Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Ohio State University Extension in-person programming has been canceled through July 6. This includes all 4-H programs, activities and events.
Additionally, Ohio 4-H has made the very difficult decision to cancel all 4-H camps through August 31. Although in-person programming is canceled, Ohio 4-H will continue to offer virtual 4-H experiences.
This is an incredible disappointment to us all and we recognize how much everyone looks forward to our cherished 4-H summer events. As 4-H professionals committed to providing positive youth development programming, we share your sense of loss.
Kids need us now more than ever — for educational resources, as caring adult mentors and perhaps most of all, a sense of community. Ohio 4-H joins other 4-H professionals across the country providing positive youth development to families through virtual experiences. Find more information at https://4-h.org/about/4-h-at-home/. You can also find additional updates from Ohio 4-H here: https://ohio4h.org/families/stay-connected.
Knowledge Exchange
Are you in need of more information about the coronavirus? Our statewide network of scientists, Extension professionals, and faculty have been working together to share information and collect resources that you can use to stay informed. If you would like to learn more about the coronavirus and read additional university resources, please visit the CFAES Knowledge Exchange. The Knowledge Exchange, in partnership with Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, and CFAES researchers, created the COVID-19 Hub to share the world-class research and knowledge from The Ohio State University directly with Ohioans.
You can connect with the hub at http://kx.osu.edu/covid-19.
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Virtual Cattle Battle
“It’s for the kids.”
In early March, Perry County 4-H advisor Drew Glenn had a good idea about what was coming when the discussion of the pandemic’s impact was beginning. As a Columbus firefighter, he knew how important stay at home orders would be, but also realized how it might affect 4-H youth participating in livestock shows. Glenn started researching the possibility of online shows and the Virtual Cattle Battle was created.
Drew and his wife, Elaine, are first-year advisors with the Blue Ribbon Jr. Farmers, and along with Jessica Boring, 11-year advisor with Madison Jr. Farmers, work with 4-H members focused on livestock. Their goal was simple: get kids into the barn. “This isn’t the same as showing at the fair, but we wanted kids to work with their animals, raise their spirits and have fun,” said Elaine.
Participants in the Virtual Cattle Battle record a one-minute video of themselves showing their animal, then upload the video to the appropriate class. The first show was just for Ohio youth and had 100 entries. The students on the Ohio State University Livestock Judging Team judged the entries. And because the Glenns are focused on supporting youth, all proceeds from the first show went to the OSU team.
Next up is the National Jackpot Show, with entries being accepted until April 30. Nationally known livestock judge Ryan Rash, a 4-H alumni from Texas, will evaluate the entries. According to Elaine Glenn, he agreed to donate his time judging the videos if the proceeds went to an ag-related cause. The Glenns decided to offer the proceeds to 4-H and FFA, based on participants' votes.
Drew is passionate about youth having the opportunity to work with their animals and showcase their efforts. He posts daily videos on the group’s Facebook page offering tips and encouragement. His motivation? “It’s for the kids.”
More information can be found at virtualcattlebattle.com and on their Facebook page @virtualcattlebattle.
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Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame Inductees
The Ohio 4-H Hall of Fame was created in 1977 during the 75th anniversary of 4-H, with the enshrinement of A.B. Graham, founder of 4-H in Ohio, and the living charter members of the first 4-H club. The 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions of service to the 4-H program and who have made an important positive impact upon clubs, communities, and the Ohio 4-H program. Formal recognition of these award winners has been postponed, but all Ohio 4-H Conference winners will be featured in the Ohio 4-H Highlights this month. The Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Ohio 4-H Foundation.
Jane Copenhefer
Jane is the face of the Licking County 4-H Band. The 4-H band operates as the largest 4-H Club in Licking County, with more than 125 members in 2019. The youth who have worked with Jane over the past 47 years have gained confidence, life skills, and invested in the communities in which they live. She believes everyone has worth, and it has nothing to do with how they look or dress, or how much support they have at home. Jane is committed to the 4-H Band with weekly practices from March through the end of May, the week-long band camp, and an eight-day performance schedule during the Hartford Independent Fair. During the summer, the band performs on average twice a week. Her biggest accomplishment is that she opens the door to 4-H for a group of youth who might not otherwise choose to join the 4-H program.
David Greer
David has served as an instructor for hundreds of youth across Ohio. He has judged natural resources projects at the state fair, taught at the Ohio 4-H Conservation Camp and at programs in Knox County. He was well prepared for those opportunities, having taught science subjects at the high school level until his retirement. For 21 years, David has served as an adult camp staff member for Knox and Holmes camps and was a trainer for camp counselors. His love of teaching is evident, no matter where he travels or what ages are represented in his audiences. He has positive thoughts to share while accepting people as they are. David has served on the Knox County 4-H Planning Committee as well as regional and statewide advisory committees.
Victor Long
Vic has made a positive impact on the youth and adults of Lorain County for over 45 years. His involvement began as a volunteer for the Lorain County Steer Club. Vic conducted numerous clinics for youth taking steers and lambs, assisted with tagging, and never hesitates to help youth with any issues or questions. Many of the youth he has come into contact with have attended college to pursue careers in agriculture and are currently involved in local and state 4-H programs. There is no doubt Vic’s passion for 4-H had positive influence on these youth, who are now adults and continue to promote 4-H.
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Ohio 4-H Conference Volunteer Award Winners – Part 2
Each year dedicated volunteers and alumni are recognized for their service to Ohio 4-H. Although formal recognition has been postponed, we continue to feature all the winners in the Ohio 4-H Highlights this month.
In this issue, we recognize recipients of the Alumni, Ohio Friend of 4-H, and Community Service awards.
The 4-H Alumni Award is presented to those 4-H alumni who have demonstrated distinctive achievement in their career or service and can attribute part of their success to participating in 4-H. It is sponsored by Ron and Carolyn Cull.
Russ Mayer
Russ is a very active and involved 4-H volunteer in Morrow County! For 14 years he has been involved with two 4-H clubs as an advisor, junior fair board advisor, and member of the county 4-H advisory committee. Russ is a kind, caring, positive adult mentor to all youth and strives to make everyone feel welcome. He goes out of his way to help new and current members succeed by offering his assistance. As a 4-H advisor to the junior fair board he attends monthly meetings and is the adult chair for two departments. He spends countless hours working with teens to get departments ready for fair. Russ loves 4-H camp and helps interview potential new camp counselors, attends training meetings, and helps prepare for 4-H camp. During camp he is the head male staff in charge of the boy’s cabins and counselors.
Lu Phillips
Lu is compassionate, hard-working, respectful, loyal, and a true leader. She has served in 4-H for many years. Lu volunteered to take on the position of coach for the Lorain County Avian Bowl Team. She lives and breathes 4-H, serving as a volunteer for one of the largest clubs in the county and multiple other positions. She serves as the adult consultant for the cat/cavy department on the junior fair board. Lu coaches the Lorain County Rabbit Quiz Bowl, Avian Quiz Bowl and poultry judging teams. The teams have competed at nationals and placed high in rankings each year at state. She is the person who somehow manages to make sure a hundred people are ready to show, and even cooks breakfast for anyone walking by.
The Ohio Friend of 4-H Award recognizes an individual, family, business, or corporation that has greatly supported or is currently supporting the 4-H program, either financially or philanthropically at the local, county, state or national level. It is sponsored by Frederick and Kathryn Pepple.
LaDonna Henson
LaDonna has been a wealth of knowledge for rabbit-related events and publications. She contributed pictures and information to rabbit handling and processing presentations used throughout the state, to educate 4-H members about the importance of Quality Assurance and delivering a quality product to processors. She provided pelts, meat cuts, and quality photos over the last 10 years for the Ohio State Fair Rabbit Skillathon. LaDonna has been influential in providing education for 4-H clubs and multi-county clinics on providing a healthy, quality rabbit carcass at the end of a market rabbit project. She provided an outlet for Ohio 4-H market rabbit projects from their fair exhibitions into the marketing channel for over 50 years and is still providing that service to county fair boards.
Janet Kemp
Janet has been highly involved as a club leader and treasurer of the Tuscarawas County 4-H Committee, as well as a volunteer county representative on the 4-H Camp Piedmont Board. Over the years, Janet has been a driving force on the camp board. She is one of the first to take the lead in offering to write grants or offer funds for items needed by the facility, such as a new computer for the camp office and a time clock, both of which she paid for out of her own personal funds. Every spring she helps to lead the Tuscarawas County 4-H Camp Workday and does her part by power-washing the craft hall and cleaning the camp canteen. Janet is also the leader for the Clover Café at the county fair, which serves as the main fundraiser for the county 4-H program. It takes many hours to staff this cafeteria and Janet is always available during the many hours of set-up, fair week and after.
Quest Federal Credit Union
Quest Federal Credit Union is a dynamic financial institution that has served Hardin County since 1969. Quest has been a supporter of 4-H and OSU Extension in Hardin County financially and as a program partner. Quest not only offers its financial support to county organizations and non-profits, their employees offer their time and talents in offering leadership training and strategic planning. Quest has financially supported Hardin County 4-H through donations, sponsoring all 4-H ribbons, sponsoring state and national youth trips and supporting the junior fair livestock auction. Quest also paid to upgrade the internet services on the Hardin County Fairgrounds. In addition, Quest also supports the 4-H program in Wyandot and Logan counties. Quest has been an advocate for 4-H and OSU Extension during the elections to help secure enough votes for the passage of the Extension levy.
Rural King
Rural King in Waverly has been more than supportive of the 4-H program over the years. Giving back to youth in the community who support their business is the best way to lead by example. Rural King has given gift cards to all fair participants as well as a large contribution to the new facilities built on the Pike County Fairgrounds. Rural King allows 4-H clubs to host funding events at their store at no cost and helps promote the event, often donating materials or food to the cause. Their donations have also allowed volunteers and educators the ability to improve their outreach and help youth who are developing life skills.
The Community Service Award recognizes adults and/or youth volunteers who have collaborated or cooperated with other community or 4-H groups, or undertaken community service projects or activities with their 4-H club. It is sponsored by Steve and Cindy Rasmussen.
Eric Clary
Eric has worked with OSU Extension and the county SWCD to create the Gallia County Nature Education area near the county fairgrounds. The site selected was not in use due to flooding issues. The new nature area is ten acres, with a stocked pond, wooded area, small creek, and an open field. He successfully wrote two ODNR grants requesting funds to build a picnic shelter and a handicap assessable fishing dock, which he designed and built. He developed plans to implement education stations in the area. Eric was able to obtain additional funds to build picnic tables and a welcome sign. During the past two years he has spent at least four hours a month weeding, mowing and maintaining the area. Since site construction started in 2018, Eric has helped organize day camps, fishing clinics, fair education programs and Cloverbud programs. Over 1000 children have benefitted from the nature area programs.
Country Kids & Kritters 4-H Club
The Country Kids & Kritters 4-H Club from Mahoning County builds their club on giving back to the community. Each year they engage in a multitude of community service projects from filling Easter baskets for Children Services to taking their animals into nursing homes. Each community service project the club completed has a lasting impact on the people and community they serve. In 2019, the club members gave 504 hours of community service, which involved all 45 members and eight volunteers. Club members have been given the opportunity to address a problem they see within their community and then brainstorm together to solve the problem. They are learning the importance of giving back to their community a skill that will serve them throughout their lives.
Greener Fields 4-H Club
In 2015, club members started an initiative with the Geauga County Hunger Task Force to help collect supplies for local food banks. The club collected canned goods and other supplies. They received a $2,000 donation from an area doctor. He challenged the club to collect food items and matched what they collected with a monetary donation and dollar for dollar on cash donations. This project was open to all clubs in the county. Since 2015, this initiative has donated over $130,000 to the Geauga County Hunger Task Force.
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Faces of Ohio 4-H
Each month we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum. They have amazing stories to share, from their personal experience in 4-H to how they have given back to the program. This month we feature Tara Durbin, a former Highland County 4-H member and currently the Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending at Farm Credit Mid-America.
Tara Durbin saw her older sister showing pigs and knew it was something she wanted to do, too. “As soon as I was old enough, I joined 4-H as a member of the Triple-L Le-Hi 4-H Club and continued until I was 18 years old,” said Tara. “I showed market hogs at the county and Ohio State Fair, took a woodworking project one year and attended camp at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp. I served on the junior fair board and was the Highland County Pork Queen and the Ohio District 8 Pork Queen.”
Like many other 4-H alumni, Tara had great experiences to share. “My favorite 4-H memory is spending family time together walking pigs. As a kid, and into my teenage years, it was always hard for me to get up early in the mornings, especially during the summer (just ask my parents). My sister, Gina, and I would get up early and go out to the barn to walk our pigs. My two cousins kept their pigs at our barn too, so they and their parents would also be there. On many Saturday mornings, my grandparents would come over and while we were out in the pasture walking our pigs, Grandma Rene would be in the kitchen making breakfast for everyone. Her sausage, gravy and biscuits were the best! We’d all come back in and clean up in time for a hearty homemade breakfast. I cherish those memories and how special they were.” 
Tara went on to tell of the impact 4-H had on her life. “As I reflect on my experience in 4-H, I realize how influential it was to who I am today. 4-H has taught me several life lessons which include the value of hard work, responsibility, as well as the importance of community service and serving others. It has also instilled in me self-confidence, strong leadership skills, public speaking skills, the value of teamwork, the importance of following through on your commitments, the power of life-long friendships, and the importance of quality family time.”
After graduating from the program, Tara continued to give back to Ohio 4-H.
“It’s important to me. As an adult, I think about all of the individuals from my parents, 4-H leaders, fair board members, the farmers where I got my fair pigs each year, to everyone who would show up for the Jr. Fair Livestock sale and support me and all of the other exhibitors. They were investing in me. I feel that it’s my responsibility to see that today’s youth have the same opportunities that I was given. Today I am a member of the Knox Co. Junior Fair Livestock Sale Committee and serve as a board member on the Ohio 4-H Foundation, where I chair the Marketing Committee. I also am a proud supporter of the Celebration of Youth.” She concluded by suggesting that 4-H members fully immerse themselves. “4-H is life changing and life inspiring. What you learn through 4-H and the friendships you make will carry with you through your life.”
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Calendar of Events
Please join us for these virtual activities over the next few weeks:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays at 2 p.m. – Exploring with Erica (Facebook Live) – Join our Mercer County 4-H student intern for kid-friendly recipes, science experiments, and spring crafts.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. – Point of Pause-itivity (POP) Time (Online) – A 30-minute pause to focus on the positives. Each POP session will highlight a different mindfulness resource including reflections, guided breathing, yoga, stretching, journaling, and ideas from participants. POP is open to any 4-H teen/college-age alumni seeking to connect and check-in with others during this time of virtual engagement. Click here to join. Contact Kayla Oberstadt at oberstadt.1@osu.edu with any questions.
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. – Under the Microscope with Tony Staubach (Online) – Join 4-H Educator Tony Staubach for a weekly, interactive viewing of our microscopic world.
Thursdays at 11 a.m. – Kids in the Kitchen (Facebook Live) – Emily Marrison, Coshocton County Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, and her children share recipes you and your family can enjoy making at home. You can find previous videos and information regarding upcoming segments on their Facebook page.
Fridays at 1 p.m. – Friday Fitness (Facebook Live) – Join Hancock County 4-H Educator Cassie Anderson for Friday Fitness.
Fridays at 3 p.m. – Take a Virtual Field Trip! (Online) – Join Lucas County 4-H Educator Elliot Lawrence for virtual field trips all over the Earth. Check out previous field trips and join upcoming ones here!
Fridays (April 13th – May 15th) at 3:30 p.m. – 4-H World Changers for Middle School Girls and Everyone (Online) – In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. Through self-chosen projects, kids are paired with mentors and given opportunities to lead. These projects and experiences bring out their potential, their passions, and their drive to help others as we empower them to become true leaders. What better way to help close the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics than to join the movement to change the image of what a programmer or scientist looks like and does. Register here; you will need to register for each session you plan to attend.
May 20 at 12 noon – Can You Dig It? Virtual Gardening Series (Online) – Join OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Tim McDermott as he equips you with great tips for the upcoming growing season, including gardening techniques, soil preparations, seed starting, and more. Please register by filling out this short Qualtrics form.