Leaders Council meetings will be held the second Tuesday of every odd numbered month at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. Special meetings may be called between regularly scheduled meetings and email notifications will be sent out to voting members in advance.

If you would like an item of business added to the agenda, please contact Allyssa Peak, 4-H & Youth Development Agent at [email protected].

AGENDA AND MEETING PACKET

Orders of the Day

Call to Order

Keri Leggett

Pledges

Roll Call

Reading/Approval of Secretary’s Minutes

Jill Skinner

Reading of Correspondence

Jill Skinner

Reading of Treasurer’s Report

Janet Smith

Committee/Other Reports

Ambassador Report

Victoria Kirby

Agent Report

Allyssa Peak

Communications

Vacant

Foods & Nutrition

Fran Gossack

Sewing & Textiles

Fran Gossack

Record Book & Achievement

Fran Gossack/Erin Doyon

State Fair Planning

Vacant

Green Tie Affair Raffle

Keri Leggett

Sponsorship

Allyssa Peak

Horse Leaders

Wendy Newman

Livestock Leaders

Jill Mackey

Shooting Sports Leaders

Samaria Kirby

Unfinished Business

Shooting Sports Request

Shotgun Purchase

  • Samaria Kirby & Coya Williams

New Business

For the Good of the Order

  • Share what fundraiser, event, etc., your club is doing
  • Share tips, tricks, strategies you are using to organize and lead your club that are working well that other club leaders could benefit from
    Club Leaders present at the table

Announcements

Next meeting March 12, 2024, at 6:00 at the Extension Office.

Adjournment

Discussion/Decision on Meeting Adjournment

Agent Report:

  • Enrollment a.o. 12/21:
    297 active youth members
    66 active volunteers
    3 pending youth members
    14 pending volunteers
    Horse Project Enrollment: 54 youth
    Livestock Project Enrollment: 146 youth
    Shooting Sports Project Enrollment: 79 youth
  • Office Closure: The Extension Office will be closed on Monday, January 15 and Monday, February 19.
    Camp Junior Director Applications are open on ZSuite. Youth must be 13 years old as of October 1, 2023 to apply to be a JD. Please let me or Steve Perry know if you would like to serve as a camp chaperone (must be certified 4-H volunteer).
  • New 4-H Family Orientation registration is open on ZSuite for the February 15 event. Encourage new families to register.
    There are still workshop slots open for Project Days. Let me know if you would like to teach a workshop.
  • Committee chairs, please get me your reports by the 20th of every even month.

Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Committee Reports

Ambassador Report:

Ambassadors have been up to a lot this December. On December 9th we had project- days. We collared some Santa ornaments; we also decorated cookies and played a bunch of super fun games. On Sunday December 10th Seth, Kyree and Blake went to Circle S clubs meeting and Christmas party. We helped with the games and cleaning up afterwards.

Report Submitted By: Kyree Morrison

Communications Report:

Registration for the Communications Contest is open on ZSuite. The event will take place on Thursday, January 25. Registration closes on January 15. Let me know if you would like to serve as a judge for this event.

Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Foods and Nutrition Report:

December 11, 2023 Project featured a Cake Decorating workshop by Brenda Canine. Sandy Harshaw-Irvin will lead a baking workshop at the January 13, 2024 Project Day. Foods Festival & Stir Ups Contests will be on February 7, 2024. Thirteen & older members may compete for a chance to go to Congress.

Report Submitted By: Fran Gossack

Sewing and Textiles Report:

Four members and their Moms attended December 11, 2023 Project Day to sew a dish towel boa. Most at least got a good portion done & can finish later. One boa was completed after adapting the pattern to the amount of fabric. If anyone has ideas for future workshops, we welcome ideas. January 13, 2024 Project day is a Pillowcase from the project book. April 25, 2024 is the Fashion Revue & Quilt Show. Those over 13 years old could qualify for Congress.

Baby Blankets:

Arrangements are being made to deliver the blankets made in 2023.May 11, 2024 Project Day will be our blanket sewing event. This serves as a community service project for all 4-H members, sewers & non-sewers. Adult mentors will be needed to help members sew, serge, use rotary cutters, etc. Qualified teen members may assist also. There may be additional sewing dates if there are enough requests. This event will help those award seeking members fulfill requirements.
Report Submitted By: Fran Gossack

Record books and Achievement Report:

No report submitted.

State Fair Planning:

No report submitted.

Green Tie Affair Planning:

No report submitted.

Sponsorship:

No report submitted.

Horse Leaders:

No report submitted.

Livestock Leaders:

No report submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No report submitted.

CURRENT 4-H YEAR MINUTES

UNAPPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:02 pm.

Attendence

Leaders and members in attendance included: 
Council Members: President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Vice President Brenda Canine (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free)

Ulm Pishkun: Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Kyree Morrison, Seth Juhl, Brook Gerard

Montana Sunsets: N/A          

Running Free: Greta Graft  

Big Sky Explorers: Erin, Emilia, and Elizabeth Doyon  

Trouble Shooters: Samaria Kirby

Great Divide: Drew Skinner    

Highwood Hustlers: N/A

Circle S: Shantel Herman    

Eden Livestock: N/A

Creative Clovers: Ashley Adkins    

Tiger Butte: N/A

Chestnut Valley: Misty Ayers, Will Ayers, Jacob Ayers, Juliet Pieper, Nichole Pieper, Harper Pieper 

MSDB: N/A  

Non-assigned: Ken Roberts  

Extension Agents: Allyssa Peak

Pledges

Seth Juhl led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the November meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. November meeting minutes approved as presented. 

Correspondence:

No correspondence.

Treasurers Report: 

Checking balance as of January 9, 2024: $56,847.84
Saving Balance: $25.00  
Combined Total: $56,872.84

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Agent Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. Enrollment a.o. 12/21: 297 active youth members 66 active volunteers 3 pending youth members 14 pending volunteers Horse Project Enrollment: 54 youth Livestock Project Enrollment: 146 youth Shooting Sports Project Enrollment: 79 youth

Office Closure: The Extension Office will be closed on Monday, January 15 and Monday, February 19.

Camp Junior Director Applications are open on ZSuite. Youth must be 13 years old as of October 1, 2023 to apply to be a JD. Please let me or Steve Perry know if you would like to serve as a camp chaperone (must be certified 4-H volunteer).

New 4-H Family Orientation registration is open on ZSuite for the February 15 event. Encourage new families to register. There are still workshop slots open for Project Days. Let me know if you would like to teach a workshop. Committee chairs, please get me your reports by the 20th of every even month.

Russell Country Federal Credit Union now offers special accounts for 4-H members including checking and savings. The debit card has a clover on it.

Ambassadors Report:

Report submitted by Kyree Morrison. Ambassadors have been up to a lot this December. On December 9th we had project- days. We colored some Santa ornaments; we also decorated cookies and played a bunch of super fun games. On Sunday December 10th Seth, Kyree and Blake went to Circle S clubs meeting and Christmas party. We helped with the games and cleaning up afterwards.

Communications Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak.  Registration for the Communications Contest is open on ZSuite. The event will take place on Thursday, January 25. Registration closes on January 15. Let me know if you would like to serve as a judge for this event.

Foods and Nutrition Report:

Report submitted by Fran Gossack. December 11, 2023 Project featured a Cake Decorating workshop by Brenda Canine. Sandy Harshaw-Irvin will lead a baking workshop at the January 13, 2024 Project Day. Foods Festival & Stir Ups Contests will be on February 7, 2024 and registration is open on Z Suites. Thirteen & older members may compete for a chance to go to Congress. Brenda Canine is willing to do more cake decorating workshops. 

Sewing and Textiles Report:

Report submitted by Fran Gossack. Four members and their Moms attended December 11, 2023 Project Day to sew a dish towel boa. Most at least got a good portion done & can finish later. One boa was completed after adapting the pattern to the amount of fabric. If anyone has ideas for future workshops, we welcome ideas.

January 13, 2024 Project day is a Pillowcase from the project book. April 25, 2024 is the Fashion Revue & Quilt Show. Those over 13 years old could qualify for Congress.

Baby Blankets: Arrangements are being made to deliver the blankets made in 2023.May 11, 2024 Project Day will be our blanket sewing event. This serves as a community service project for all 4-H members, sewers & non-sewers. Adult mentors will be needed to help members sew, serge, use rotary cutters, etc. Qualified teen members may assist also. There may be additional sewing dates if there are enough requests. This event will help those award seeking members fulfill requirements.

Record Book & Achievement:

No report submitted. 

State Fair Planning Committee:

No report submitted. 

GREEN TIE AFFAIR:  

No report submitted. Committee will plan on meeting soon. 

HORSE LEADERS REPORT:  

No report submitted.

Planning for horse camp in May. It will take place Friday May 3rd and 4th.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

No report submitted.

Beef weigh in was postponed to January 2th due to negative temperatures. They are busy lining up and planning the livestock show. There are 76 pigs, 20 lambs, 15 goats. Sponsorship letter will go out next month. 

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

Report submitted by Samaria Kirby. We have finished up with Air Rifle and Air pistol. We had 3 kids go to Lewis and Clark Invitational in Air Pistol with 2 of them placing in the top 5. We had 2 kids go in air rifle with one placing in the top 10. 

We currently have 57 ids shooting in archery, which started December 4th. We had 8 kids go to the Lewis and Clark Invitational and we brought home 9 awards. 
We are currently getting ready for our County Invitational on February 17th. We are looking for members and parents who would like to help work the tournament.

We started .22 rifle January 9 with 6 kids signed up for practice. We will go until February 27th. We started .22 pistol on Thursday January 11 and we have 9 kids enrolled in the project.

SPONSORSHIP:

No report submitted. Received a sponsorship from Taylors Automax.

Unfinished Business

BUDGET APPROVAL

Janet Smith: Sandy Harshaw-Irwin moved to approve the budget as present. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. All were in favor. *** MOTION CARRIED

New Business

SHOOTING SPORTS REQUEST

Samaria Kirby: Shooting sports has requested that Leaders Council consider matching donated money raised to purchase shotguns for the shooting sports program. There are currently 19 kids this year; 4 members use their own shotguns. The shooting sports committee has purchased 3 shotguns and they need at least 3 more. They have the budget to purchase one shotgun currently. If they purchase a shotgun like the one they already have that can adjust between ages of the shooter, it will cost $1800. They have a donation of $1500 already dedicated to purchasing a shotgun. 
Discussion included applying for other grants including the NRA, Boone & Crockett, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Shooting sports will look into pricing options of shotguns; lower cost shotguns to buy more of them at once and will present at the March meeting. Shotgun begins in April.

For the Good of Order

Ulm:

They are collecting diapers and donating them to Echo’s and the receiving home. The member that guesses how many diapers they collect will win a prize. They have also begun stuffing the 4000 eggs for Easter 

Running Free:

They will be decorating cookies and Valentines for Hospice care. They have been using the BAND app to communicate and really like it. 

Chestnut Valley:

They have been working on their My 4-H year book – one page per meeting and keeping them in a folder
Big Sky Explorers: They enjoyed the pizza party they won. They will be making Valentines for Meals on Wheels and are looking for other clubs to help. They need 370 Valentines. Great Divide and Chestnut Valley will help make them.

Great Divide:

They will be decoration Valentines for the nursing home as well as helping make them for the Meals on Wheels program.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 6:46 pm.

Next Meeting will be held on March 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex. 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:04 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free)

Ulm Pishkun:

Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Kyree Morrison, Blake Leardini

Montana Sunsets:

Fran Gossack                                                                             

Running Free:

N/A                      

Big Sky Explorers:

Ryan, Kaylyn, Aidan, & Hannah Trebas                        

Trouble Shooters:

N/A

Great Divide:

Drew Skinner, Brenda Canine                                                      

Highwood Hustlers:

N/A

Circle S:

Shantel Herman                                                             

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Creative Clovers:

Ashley Adkins, Talmadge Adkins                                       

Tiger Butte:

N/A

Chestnut Valley:

Misty Ayers, Will Ayers, Rial McGregor, Hal McGregor, Juliet Pieper, Nichole Pieper, Sterling Bernes, Clara McKamey, Lane McKamey, Natalie McKamey, Ian McKamey, Isaac Edmondson, Allie Edmondson, Cassidy Cummings        

MSDB:

Cheri Luongo, Lucia Little                           

Extension Agents:

Allyssa Peak

Pledges:  

Kyree Morrison led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the September meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. September meeting minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

No correspondence.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance as of November 11, 2023: $60,730.77

Saving Balance: $25.00               

Combined Total: $60,755.77

Pending bills include paying ice cream booth managers and $500 for achievement night pins.

Year net profit - $16,275.97

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Agent Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. Enrollment as of 11/12: 267 active youth members, 59 active volunteers, 18 pending youth members, & 17 pending volunteers. Office Closure: The Extension Office will be closed on Thursday, November 23 for Thanksgiving. Committee chairs, please get me your reports by the 20th of every even month. Additional comments: 250 projects books have been ordered and are waiting to be packaged and shipped.

Ambassadors Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. This year’s Ambassador Team is Seth Juhl – Ulm Pishkun, President; Kyree Morrison – Ulm Pishkun, Leaders Council Rep.; Leann Murphy – Ulm Pishkun, Foundation Rep.; Blake Leardini – Ulm Pishkun, Publicity Chair; Kailey Boberg – Eden Livestock; & Tristen Short – Ulm Pishkun.  Additional comments by Kyree Morrison: Met Sunday at 2:00 and chose rolls and decided on their service project – canned food drive. Cloverbud project day: They had 15 out of the 35 Cloverbuds attend and made hand turkeys and played games.

Communications Report:

No report submitted. They are still looking for a chair for the communication contest and fair. Contact Allyssa if interested.

Foods and Nutrition & Sewing and Textiles Report:

Report submitted by Alyssa Peak. There will be a cake decorating workshop at the December 9 Project Day presented by Brenda Canine. The Foods Festival and Stir up Cooking Competition are scheduled for February 7. Sewing and cooking needs help for project days. She wants to do more sewing project days. Sewing had 9 kids on project day.

Record Book & Achievement:

No report submitted. Fran Gossack and Erin Doyon judged 10 record books submitted for awards.  Requirements changed and there was no essay required. Project book requirements have been updated.

State Fair Planning Committee:

No report submitted.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR: 

Tabled until 2024.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: 

Report submitted by Wendy Newman. Approved the rule book for the new year.  Worked on the topics for Project Days for the rest of the year.  Discussed show schedule and possible date changes.  More will be discussed in December.  December Project day will be the helmet education along with ornament decorating.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

No report submitted. New rules were approved at the last meeting. There will be no quota list this year. There are 14 kids in beef breeding this year. Club meeting attendance requirements have been put into place requiring livestock kids to attend 60% of their club meetings in order to show at the county show. Beef intent must be declared by January 3rd.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

Report submitted by Samaria Kirby. Air rifle and air pistol have started. Archery will start in December with registration going out this month. Registration for hunting and western heritage will also go out this month for those interested. We are still looking for more instructors in all disciplines.

 

SPONSORSHIP:

No report submitted. 

 

Unfinished Business

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT AND PROJECT FAIR: Had a great turnout of 90 – 100 people. Potluck style dinner before awards were handed out. The building was a great fit and we will use it again in the future.

OFFICER ELECTIONS:

Vice president and secretary terms are up for election. Samaria Kirby agreed to run again and Brenda Canine volunteered to run. A vote was held and Brenda Canine was elected as new Vice President of Leaders Council.

There were no other volunteers to run for secretary so Jill Skinner agreed to remain secretary for another term. Keri Leggett motioned for Jill Skinner to be retained as secretary; Fran Gossack seconded the motion; all were in favor; MOTION CARRIED***

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin motioned to remove Samaria Kirby from the banking accounts and add Brenda Canine to the banking accounts and signature cards. Drew Skinner seconded the motion; all were in favor; MOTION CARRIED***

New Business

BUDGET REPORT:

Janet reviewed the proposed budget and will meet with Allyssa to check some sections over.

BYLAWS REPORT:

No changes were needed this year therefore we will not be updating the bylaws this year.

WELCOMING NEW FAMILIES:

They had 10 new families attend including 25 kids. Please help new families feel welcome in the new clubs they choose

For the Good of Order

Ulm:

They elected new officers, discussed fundraisers for the upcoming year and planned the Christmas party at the bowling alley.

Running Free:

They will be helping out at Helping Hands and collecting polar fleece blankets.

Eden Livestock:

They will be making Piñata’s for the clubs to have at their Christmas parties.

Big Sky Explorers:

They elected new officers and are going to do shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Creative Clover:

Each family will take turn planning and leading a meeting.

Tiger Butte:

Had a potluck after the meeting in November.  Kids brought their record books and started them for the New Year.  Members are putting together food plates for the Belt Food bank to distribute with the Thanksgiving baskets.  The kids will assemble them after school and get them to the food bank.

MSDB:

Their fundraiser is collecting toys to donate to the receiving home.

Great Divide:

They elected new club officers and current president Nolan is helping create a club at Holy Spirit. They will also be having a Christmas party and decorating Christmas cards for the nursing homes at the next meeting.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on January 9, 2024 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:02 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Vice President Samaria Kirby (Trouble Shooters), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

Ulm Pishkun:

Sandy Harshaw-Irvin, Kyree Morrison,

Running Free:

N/A                                                      

Montana Sunsets:

Fran Gossack

Great Divide:

Drew Skinner                                      

Big Sky Explorers:

Josephine Daly, Linsey Daly

Trouble Shooters:

N/A                                                

Highwood Hustlers:

N/A

Circle S:

Jenny Rohrer                                                  

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Tiger Butte:

Wendy Newman                                  

Chestnut Valley:

Misty Ayers, Will Ayers            

Creative Clovers:

Ashley Adkins                             

Extension Agents:

Allyssa Peak

Pledges:  

Samaria Kirby led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the July meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. July meeting minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

No correspondence.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance: $61,401.68

Saving Balance: $25.00

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ambassadors Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. More interest has been generated since congress so applications will be opened up to hopefully get more applicants. Ambassador will be helping with Cloverbud project day and will be planning a service project soon.

Agent Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. Reminder Leaders orientation is due September 30th. Next in person training is September 14th. Enrollment opens on October 1. I will be sending out an email with enrollment instructions at the end of September. I have had many people reach out about enrolling their children, and we had a lot of people request information about joining during the state fair. The first New Family Orientation will be on October 30 at the Extension Office. The second orientation will be in February. The planning has started for Project Days. They will be on the second Saturday this year. Let me know if you would like to lead a Project Day workshop. A reminder that I have taken over 4-H horse and livestock responsibilities so all questions regarding any aspect of the 4-H program now come to me.

Communications Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. They are looking for a chair for the communication contest. Contact Allyssa if interested. There will be one night of the Communications Contest this year instead of the traditional 2. It is scheduled for January 22 with the makeup scheduled for February 7.

Foods and Nutrition & Sewing and Textiles Report:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. The Foods Festival and Stir Up Cooking Competition are scheduled for February 7. Sewing and cooking needs help for project days. She wants to do more sewing project days. She is looking into fabric for baby blankets – hoping to place one big order.

Record Book & Achievement:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. There were 15 record books submitted for awards. Achievement night will be held October 22nd. Fran Gossack and Erin Doyon have volunteered to serve as co-chairs of the committee. The committee will meet in September to choose special achievement and memorial award winners.

State Fair Planning Committee:

Report submitted by Allyssa Peak. I am looking for 1-2 people to serve as State Fair Superintendents. Superintendents help me to plan for the 4-H portion of the State Fair, work shifts in the 4-H building at the State Fair and help run and organize the 4-H judging at the State Fair. This is a paid position.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR: 

Tabled until 2024.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: 

No report submitted. Met last week and went over all of the events and education held over the year; planning new ideas for 23/24 years. They are trying to do more during the 2nd Saturday project days. Working ranch horse was held last weekend at the 406 arena and it went very well. They had 85 kids and 102 horses entered. MBHA Barrel Race has asked horse leaders to pull barrels again as a fundraiser – they need people to sign up for shifts to help pull the barrels and open gates. Horsey Halloween will be planned at the October meeting.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

No report submitted. Met and went over the county show. The profit and loss are showing weird because of how the fiscal year fell within the timeframe of money coming in and going out. They are going to redo the budget to just show this year so they know if there is a profit or loss. They are also planning project days for the upcoming year. They are hoping to do something for livestock buyers this fall that would help them plan and prepare their budgets to support 4-h; some type of informational and educational gathering.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

Report submitted by Samaria Kirby.

Air Rifle: registration opens October 1. Runs Oct. 24 – Dec. 12 on Tuesday nights from 6-7 pm at MRSA

Air Pistol: Registration opens October 1. Runs Oct 26 – Dec. 24 on Thursday nights from 4::30 – 6:00 pm at MRSA

Hunting: Registration opens October 1. Runs November – June once a month.

Western Heritage: Registration opens October 1. Dates TBD.

Archery: Registration Opens November. Runs December 4 – Feb 26 on Monday nights from 5:30/6:30/7:30 at Nazarene Church

22 Rifles: Registration Opens December. Runs January 9 – February 27 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm at MRSA

22 Pistol: Registration opens December. Runs January 18 – February 29 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at MRSA

Shotgun: Registration opens March and runs from April – May.

SPONSORSHIP:

No report submitted. We need to push sponsorship and donations on Facebook especially during 4-H week and consider doing a donation letter or email in the near future.

 

Unfinished Business

DAIRY BOOTH:

There is one deposit not on the report yet – approximately $2200 which will put potential profits between $17,000 and $19,000. Other counties have begun accepting debit and credit card payments so we will look into that for next year. Health Department is again saying they do not want us in the livestock building next year but they have said this for several years.

New Business

PROJECT FAIR:

Hoping to hold a project fair the 2nd weekend in October. All projects and committees will be represented there to show what their project is all about. This would be for prospective members and new members. We can look into sending information out in Wednesday envelopes and announce on Star Radio and other radio stations.

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin made a motion to spend up to $300 for the open house. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. There was no discussion. All were in favor – MOTION CARRIED***

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT:

Achievement night will be held at the family living building at the fairgrounds – time is TBD but most likely will be an afternoon social on October 22nd.

Discussion led to the decision to combine the project fair and achievement night. We are looking at starting the project fair a 1:00 and achievement night at 3:00. The budget will include the line item achievement night budget plus the $300 approved for the project far. Clubs can provide cookies, etc. for the project fair and clubs will sign up to bring pot luck dished for the achievement night portion.

OFFICER ELECTIONS:

Vice President and Secretary Positions are open for nominations and will be voted on at the November meeting.

BUDGET COMMITTEE:

Looking for committee members; will present at November meeting.

BYLAWS/OPERATING POLICY COMMITTEE:

These are reviewed every year. Looking for committee members (Fran has volunteered).

MT 4-H FOUNDATION GALA:  

Gala to be held October 27th.  The gala helps fund 4-H related trips to congress and national congress. They also do a lot of scholarships. We have been asked to put together a silent auction basket for the gala. Has to be ready by October 23rd for Allyssa to take to annual conference. A blanket has been donated for the basket.

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin motioned to approve $200 to spend on items for the basket. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. No discussion; all were in favor – MOTION CARRIED***

For the Good of Order

Ulm:

They will be helping with the annual pancake supper for the Ulm fire department as their community service project.

Chestnut Valley:

They will be having a Halloween dance and costume party/fundraiser. More info to come.

Livestock:

They are going to make livestock members go to meetings to be able to participate.

Big Sky Explorers:

Britney Assmussen is the new leader for the club.

Creative Clover:

Ashley Adkins is the new leader for Creative Clovers.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on November 14th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

APPROVED

Orders of the Day

Call to Order

Keri Leggett

Roll Call

Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

Ulm Pishkun:

N/A

Running Free:

N/A                                                      

Montana Sunsets:

Fran Gossack

Great Divide:

Drew Skinner                                      

Big Sky Explorers:

Brittney & Bret Asmussen

Trouble Shooters:

N/A                                                

Highwood Hustlers:

N/A

Circle S:

N/A                                                                    

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Tiger Butte:

N/A                                                            

Chestnut Valley:

Misty Ayers   

Creative Clovers:

N/A                                                  

Agents:

Rose Malisani

Pledges

Drew Skinner led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the May meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. Minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

Thank you from Big Sky Explorers for the pizza party, Thank you from Bailey Herman for the Cascade 4-H scholarship – she will be attending Carrol College for Pre-med, and an invitation to the CM Russell Art Week March 14-16m 2024.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance: $39,468.12

Saving Balance: $25.00

Can Janet set up online banking if it is possible to make tracking the account easier? YES, she can call and set it up with Montana Credit Union.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ambassadors Report:

No report submitted. They are currently at Congress.

Agent Report:

No report submitted. Rose reported that she is going to Congress tomorrow to join our members. 4-H camp was a lot of fun. This week the swine, goats, sheep carcasses will be judged and transferred; next week beef carcass judging and transfer will take place. Montana State fair is fast approaching.

Communications Report:

No report submitted. Cheryl Knowles and Russ and Lori Miner will be fair contest judges for the communications contest.

Foods and Nutrition & Sewing and Textiles Report:

There are a lot of individual exhibits for the fair including cake decorating, food festival, and sewing entries. Fran is getting the judges.

Record Book & Achievement:

Due August 21st to club leaders. Breeding project books due August 1st. Achievement night – Allyssa will set up when she gets back from leave. Livestock and horse buckles awarded at the shows so it won’t take as long to hand out awards.

State Fair Planning Committee:

Coming together nicely with lots of lists to make sure everything gets done. Club exhibits will be roped off instead of having the building manned. Katrin will be right next door and Rose will be there daily and during contests. There will be a sign up if you would like to work a shift manning the building.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR: 

Tabled until 2024.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: 

There is a clinic with Jan Larsen June 2-4th at the associated vets. County Horse show is July 21st and the Working Ranch horse with Teton County is July 22nd.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

Marc King was judge. 29 beef, 11 goats, 17 lambs, and 56 pigs were sold. Total at sale: $445,797.50. Beef average was $6.67/lb., goat average was $14.80/lb., sheep average was $13.32, and Swine average was $ 9.90.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. Record book s were due last week.

SPONSORSHIP:

A lot has come in - livestock received around $10,000 for the show and horse has brought some in as well.

Unfinished Business

CAMP:

WENT GREAT and was a success and everyone had fun.

New Business

DIARY BOOTH:  

A list of shifts was sent out to all clubs; all clubs have signed up for shifts. Not sure how to cover the last shift from 7:30 to close on august 5th. Managers this year are Mike Matury, Janet Smith, and Samaria Kirby. Katrin met with the City County Health Department who are worried about the booth being in the barn. Booth in the barn has been approved for this year.

DEBIT CARD:

The dairy booth managers are requesting to use the debit card if they need anything bought during the shift. It was discussed and decided that Janet would be the one buying things so she will be the one to keep the debit card on her for use that week.

STATE FAIR:

Requesting to use the debit card to buy food for judges – Jimmy Johns, waters, and cookies.

For the Good of Order

Great Divide:

Ended the year with a potluck/yard game party.

Chestnut Valley:

They held a dance for the community on May 6th and it went so well they may do another one in October.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:38 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on September 12th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

 

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:01 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Vice President Samaria Kirby (Trouble Shooters), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

Ulm Pishkun:

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin, Asher Nelson

Running Free:

N/A                                                      

Montana Sunsets:

Fran Gossack

Great Divide:

N/A                                                          

Big Sky Explorers:

Brittney & Bonnie Rasmussen (??)

Trouble Shooters:

Victoria Kirby                           

Highwood Hustlers:

N/A

Circle S:

N/A                                                                    

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Tiger Butte:

N/A                                                            

Chestnut Valley:

Misty & Will Ayers, Harper Peiper      

Creative Clovers:

N/A                                                  

Agents:

Allyssa Peak & Rose Malisani

Pledges:

Harper Peiper led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the March meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. Minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

None

Treasurers Report:

Tabled – no report submitted.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ambassadors Report:

No report submitted. Their last meeting was cancelled. They have been putting on project days for the Cloverbuds, including one last month led by Victoria and Seth. Seth will be the only ambassador returning next year. Considering opening it up for new applicants.

Agent Report:

See report submitted by Allyssa Peak

Communications Report:

No report submitted. There will be a communications contest at the fair.

Foods and Nutrition Committee:

No report submitted. They cooked lamb at the April project day with Katrin. In May they milked a goat and made cheese and ice cream.

Sewing and Textiles Committees:

See report submitted. She had 1 sewer at the last project day.

Record Book & Achievement:

See report.

State Fair Planning Committee:

See report. There is no superintendent for 4-h this year. Shifts will have to be covered so the building is always supervised. Building is open from 12 – 10 weekdays and 11 – 11 weekends.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR: 

No report. Jill Skinner moved to push Green Tie Affair discussion until 2024. Misty Ayers seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION PASSED.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT:

Horse camp has 35 kids in attendance. There is a clinic with Jan Larsen coming up June 2-4th in Belt. County Horse show is July 21st and the Working Ranch horse is July 22nd. There will be working ranch horse practice in June.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

Livestock Show and Sale coming up July 6-8 with the sale occurring July 7th. Livestock entries are on Z Suites and due June 2nd. Catalog entries also due June 2nd. Weigh in this Saturday – sign up on Z Suites

**Message Brook Gerard if you would like to receive a link to virtually attend the horse or livestock meeting.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. Shotgun opens April 6th. Archery, pistol, and rifle are done for the year. Western Heritage is finishing up. Hunting has 2 months left. They will be filling traps this weekend for the tournament as a fundraiser.

SPONSORSHIP:

See report.

Unfinished Business

CAMP: Planning went well, there are 60 kids going and registration ends MAY 14th on Z Suites. 

New Business

STRUCTURE OF 4-H PROGRAM:  

Allyssa will be out on maternity leave once the baby comes. Rose will be stepping back into the Ag side of the office and Allyssa will be taking over horse, livestock, and animal projects.  

For the Good of Order

Ulm Pishkun:

Painting the U, Cleaning Joe’s trail, received $100 grant from Farmers Union, cleaning the cemetery and planting flowers at the post office.

Running Free

Applied for and received the Farmers Union $100 grant. They will be donating to the Royal Kids Foster program. Bought towels and tie dyed them.

Troubleshooters:

Planting flowers at the Church of Nazarene. 

Chestnut Valley:

They held a dance for the community on May 6th. All clubs and community were invited. They had tacos, 50/50, and dancing. Great turnout and $720 was raised for the club. They also received the $100 Farmers Union Grant.

.

Allyssa presented her SPARK presentation at the end of the meeting.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:32 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on July 11th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

Submitted Committee Reports

Agent Report:

Enrollment: a.o. 4.26.23 320 Active Youth Members 73 Active Volunteer Leaders 8 Pending Youth Members 8 Pending Volunteer Leaders Committee Reports All committee reports are due to me by the 20th of each even month. Submitting reports makes the secretary’s job easier. They also allow you to report on your committee if you are unable to make it to the meeting. Maternity Leave Just a reminder that while I am on maternity leave, Rose will be the agent in charge of all of 4-H. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Ambassador Report:

No report submitted.

Communications Report:

No report submitted.

Foods and Nutrition Report:

No report submitted.

Sewing and Textiles Report:

4 youth participated in the Fashion/Sewing Revue and 3 participated in the Quilt Show on April 20. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Record books and Achievement Report:

Fran Gossack and Erin Doyon have volunteered to serve as co-chairs of the committee. The committee will meet in September to choose special achievement and memorial award winners. Record Book packets will be available to pick up from the Extension Office in August. Watch for an email from Jody about packets. Award nominated Record Books are due to the Extension Office by September 1. Report Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

State Fair Planning:

Copies of the State Fair Premium Book at the Extension Office. State Fair registration will open May 1 on FairEntry. Families received an email with instructions on how to register for the State Fair. We will need help in the Harvest Building this year watching projects. Any ideas on how to go about this? Report Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Green Tie Affair Planning:

No report submitted.

Sponsorship:

$50 donated to State Fair Awards by Frank and Nichole Peiper. So far this year, $35,546.00has been donated to the Cascade County 4-H program. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Horse Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Livestock Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No Report Submitted.

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:04 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Vice President Samaria Kirby (Trouble Shooters), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

Ulm Pishkun:

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin, Seth Juhl, Brook Gerard

Running Free:

N/A                                                      

Montana Sunsets:

Fran Gossack

Great Divide:

Drew Skinner                                      

Big Sky Explorers:

Erin & Emilia Doyon

Trouble Shooters:

Victoria Kirby                           

Highwood Hustlers:

N/A

Circle S:

Chantel & Maci Herman                            

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Tiger Butte:

Wendy Newman                                  

Chestnut Valley:

Misty & Will Ayers                     

Creative Clovers:

Doug & Aliana Little                 

Agents:

Rose Malisani

Pledges:

No pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the January meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. Minutes approved as presented. ** Date has been corrected on January meeting minutes to reflect the correct year of 2023.

Correspondence:

None

Treasurers Report:

Tabled – no report submitted.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ambassadors Report:

No report submitted. They had a meeting at the beginning of March. They will be traveling to Culberson for Rec Lab next weekend. They have been putting on project days for the Cloverbuds.

Agent Report:

See report submitted by Allyssa Peak

Communications Report:

See report.

Foods and Nutrition Committee:

See Report.

Sewing and Textiles Committees:

See Report.

Record Book & Achievement:

See report.

State Fair Planning Committee:

See report. Check the March newsletter for information on how to vote on this year’s theme for FAIR.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR: 

No report. We plan to meet soon.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT:

Wendy Newman reported in person: Committee met last week and are working on horse camp which is planned for May 7 & 8. There is a clinic planned the 2nd week of May with instructor coming from Kalispell. County horse show and working ranch horse will be July 21 & 22.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

Brook Gerard reported in person. County livestock show will be July 7th and 8th. Upcoming project day was about lambs and next project day will include cooking lamb. Beef are in possession and other intents are ready to go.

**Message Brook Gerard if you would like to receive a link to virtually attend the horse or livestock meeting.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. Shotgun opens April 6th. Archery, pistol, and rifle are done for the year.

SPONSORSHIP:

See report.

Unfinished Business

REQUIRED ZSUITE LEADER TRAINING: 

This training is mandatory for all 4-H leaders. It must be done by Sept 2023 or leaders will not be allowed to reenroll until the take the training. The training can be found in Clover Academy on Z Suites.

New Business

CAMP:

Looking for two more chaperones – 2 women and 1 man for camp. Registration opens soon and this year’s theme is – Western.

VOYAGERS GAME:

Tabled

For the Good of Order

Ulm Pishkun:

They have 4000 Easter eggs stuffed for the egg hunt next month.

Montana Sunsets:

Have started playing a hidden word game after the meeting for fun.

Creative Clovers:

Went to the animal shelter to help and meet the animals.

Tiger Butte:

They are cleaning up the Armington Juncture rest stop. One family per week changes the garbage’s, fills toilet paper and paper towels. In return the lions club makes a donation to the club. They also will be serving breakfast at the rodeo.

Chestnut Valley:

They are still working on planning a dance for the community which will be held May 6th. All clubs are invited.

Big Sky Explorers:

Emilia is working with the shy kids to get them more involved in meetings.

 

Circle S:

They have been filling pots with soil for Parkers Green house. She makes a donation to the club in return.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:28 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on May 9th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

Submitted Committee Reports

Agent Report:

Enrollment:

a.o. 2.28.2023 324 Active Youth Members 70 Active Volunteer Leaders 9 Pending Youth Members 9 Pending Volunteer Leaders 112 Frist Year Members New School Based Club There is a new school-based club at the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB). They are participating in 4- H during the school year and participating in Project Days, contests, and Record Books.

Committee Reports:

All committee reports are due to me by the 20th of each even month. Submitting reports makes the secretary’s job easier. They also allow you to report on your committee if you are unable to make it to the meeting. State 4-HVolunteer Leader Awards Congrats to Janet Smith for winning the District 3 Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award and Brook Gerard for winning the District 3 Volunteer of the Year Award. Both were awarded plaques at the 2023 Montana 4-H Volunteer Institute in February. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Ambassador Report:

No Report Submitted.

Communications Report:

The Communications Contest was held on February8th at 9th at the Extension Office. We had 26 youth compete in 35 events. Six youth qualified for Congress. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Foods and Nutrition Report:

February 4, 2023 Project Day had 8 members participate in Cake Decorating. March Project Day will not have a food workshop. We welcome volunteers to lead workshops. An excellent way for a member to gain leadership skills is an adult/teen leader combo. Report Submitted By: Fran Gossack

Sewing and Textiles Report:

Project Day February 4, 2024 had 2 sewers creating a pillowcase with French seams. April 1, 2023 Project Day we will sew a Zipper Pouch from the project manual. April 20, 2023 is the Fashion Revue/Quilt show. Members 13 yrs. & up will be competing for a chance to attend Congress. Quilters do not have to be in a textile project. Also remember that a crocheted/knitted/textile garment could be in the Fashion Revue.

Baby Blankets:

Our workshop is during Project Day March 4, 2024 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a county-wide 4-H community service project open to all members. We need adult & teen sewers/mentors. Report Submitted By: Fran Gossack  

Record books and Achievement Report:

This committee is looking for a committee chair. If you are interested, please let Allyssa know. There is a Record Book Office Hours workshop slated for the May Project Day. Reports Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

State Fair Planning:

Copies of the State Fair Premium Book are available at the Extension Office. State Fair registration will open May 1 on Fair Entry. Report Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Green Tie Affair Planning:

No report submitted.

Sponsorship:

$500 donated to camp by Taylor’s AutoMax; $100 donated to the Dairy Booth by Skyline Veterinary Clinic; $25 donated to 2022 State Fair Awards by Logan & Allyssa Peak; $50 donated to State Fair Awards by Greg & Erin Doyon. So far this year, $29,445.07 has been donated to the Cascade County 4-H program. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Horse Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Livestock Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No Report Submitted.

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:06 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

Ulm Pishkun:

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin, Emmalee Lindley, Brook Gerard

Running Free:

Janet Smith                                       

Montana Sunsets:

Fran Gossack

Great Divide:

Drew Skinner                                      

Big Sky Explorers:

Nathaniel Hamrick

Trouble Shooters:

Victoria Kirby                           

Circle S:

Maci Herman                                                 

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Tiger Butte:

N/A                                                            

Chestnut Valley:

Misty Ayers                   

Unaffiliated:

Ken Roberts                                           

Agents:

Allyssa Peak, Rose Malisani

Pledges:

Led by Emmalee Lindley.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the November meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. Minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

WIC sent a thank you for the baby blankets. MT 4-H Foundation/MT Leaders Council sent a financial breakdown.

Treasurers Report:

Current checking balance is $45,874.31 Current savings: $25.00

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ambassadors Report:

No report submitted. They have county contests coming up. Rec lab will be in March in Culberson. They might go out to Chesnutt Valleys demonstration day to help. They collected 550 hygiene items for the Rescue Mission.

Agent Report:

See report submitted by Allyssa Peak

Additional EXCITING NEWS: Allyssa is expecting a baby in June. She will have 10 weeks off for maternity leave and then will return part time for 4 weeks before returning full time. Rose and Katrin will be stepping in to help.

Communications Report:

See report.

Foods and Nutrition Committee:

See Report; next project day is February 4th and will be cake decorating.

Sewing and Textiles Committees:

No report submitted.  December project day was an appliqued snowman that many new sewers attended. January project day had 4 sewers learning a square up technique and pulled threadwork to make fringed placemats. April 20th is the fashion show and quilt show. Those over 13 years old could qualify for congress.

Baby blankets were delivered to WIC on 12/30/2022. March 4th Project day will be a blanket sewing event. This is a community service project for all 4-h members, sewers and non-sewers. Adult help is needed to supervise.

Record Book & Achievement:

See report.

State Fair Planning Committee:

See report. Poultry had some small changes.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR: 

No report. We will hopefully have a raffle coming up in the spring.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT:

Brook Gerard reported in person: Leaders met last month to plan upcoming events including horse camp May 6th and 7th. County Horse show will be July 21st. County working ranch horse will be July 22nd. State working ranch horse will be sept 8-10th in Great Falls.  There will be practices for working ranch horse coming up and a Jan Larsen clinic June 2-4 – leaders will also get some training at this clinic.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

County livestock show planning under way – Mark King will be the main judge. Beef intents due tomorrow and beef weigh in are coming up. There are 40 kids registered for an all species clinic this Saturday.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. 22, rifle, archery, western heritage, air pistol are all open. Feb 18th – air gun and archery tournament.

SPONSORSHIP:

N/A

Unfinished Business

BYLAWS/OPERATING POLICY UPDATES - VOTING:

Bylaws stand on their own.

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin motioned to approve the Operating Policy as presented. Brook Gerard seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED

BUDGET APPROVAL:

Drew Skinner motioned to approve the budget as presented. Ken Roberts seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED

OFFICER ELECTIONS:

There were no volunteers for the Treasurer position. Janet Smith was nominated by Keri Leggett to serve as the Leaders Council Treasurer.

Fran Gossack moved to cast a unanimous ballot for Janet to be treasurer. Drew Skinner seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED

DAIRY BOOTH:

TABLED

REQUIRED LEADER TRAINING:  

This training is mandatory for all 4-H leaders. It must be done by Sept 2023 or leaders will not be allowed to reenroll until the take the training. The training can be found in Clover Academy on Z Suites.

New Business

NO NEW BUSINESS

For the Good of Order

Ulm Pishkun:

They collected and took food and blankets to the shelters and animal clinic. They will begin Easter egg stuffing soon.

 

Running Free:

They went and volunteered at Helping Hands at First English. They put together hygiene kits. They also did a group leather craft project.

 

Great Divide:

Made Christmas cards for 70 nursing home residents for Christmas and will do it again for Valentine’s Day.  On January 26th they will be at the crosstown game collecting food for the food bank.

 

Big Sky Explorers:

In December they donated 1000 hygiene items to the rescue mission. At the January meeting they will be making Valentines for Casa-Can.

 

Chestnut Valley:

They will be finishing demonstrations next month. In March they have a fun event planned including many 4-H projects like archery and shooting sports for members to try. April will be road clean up and they are holding a dance in May.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on March 14th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

Submitted Committee Reports

 

Agent Report:

Enrollment: a.o. 12/27/2022 - 292 Active Youth Members; 66 Active Volunteer Leaders; 16 Pending Youth Members; 7 Pending Volunteer Leaders; 82 First Year Members.

 MT 4-H Volunteer Institute in Billings February 17-19, 2023 Register at https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/16964

Committee Reports:

All committee reports are due to me by the 20thof each even month. Submitting reports makes the secretary’s job easier. They also allow you to report on your committee if you are unable to make it to the meeting.

Office Closure the Extension Office is closed Monday, January 16 and Monday, February 20.

Reports Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Ambassador Report:

No Report Submitted.

Communications Report:

The Communications Contest will be held on February 8th and 9th. Registration will open on January3. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

 Foods and Nutrition Report:

The Foods Festival is scheduled for Monday, January 23. Registration is open on ZSuite and is due by January18. Report Submitted By: Allyssa Peak

Sewing and Textiles Report:

No Report Submitted.

 Record books and Achievement Report:

This committee is looking for a committee chair. If you are interested, please let Allyssa know. Reports Submitted by: Alyssa Peak

State Fair Planning:

The State Fair Premium book is due to the ExpoPark by January 11. Copies will be available at the Extension Office after that date. Report Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Green Tie Affair Planning:

No Report Submitted.

Horse Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Livestock Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No Report Submitted.

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:02 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members:

President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Heather Boberg (Eden Livestock), Vice President Samaria Kirby (Trouble Shooters)


Ulm Pishkun:

Sandy Harshaw-Irwin, Reece Hastings, Brook Gerard

Running Free:

Janet Smith Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack

Galloping Guns:

N/A

Great Divide:

Barbara & Grant Doughty

Big Sky Explorers:

Erin & Elizabeth Doyon

Trouble Shooters:

Victoria Kirby

Circle S:

N/A

Eden Livestock:

N/A

Tiger Butte:

Lisa Jassen, Carlen Keaster

Agents:

Katrin Finch

Pledges:

Led by Elizabeth Doyon.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the September meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. Minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

There were several thank you cards from the Doyons and Big Sky Explorers club regarding Achievement night awards.

Treasurers Report:

Treasurers Report not available.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ambassadors Report:

President Elizabeth Doyon reported in person. Ambassadors met October 4th. They will be taking over Cloverbud workshops on project days. Their community service project is a hygiene drive for the rescue mission – deadline to be determined. There will be a pizza party for the club that donates the most items. Achievement went great and they had a lot of fun.

Agent Report:

See report submitted by Allyssa Peak

Communications Report:

See report.

Foods and Nutrition Committee:

Fran Gossack reported in person: They are looking for a leader to help with cooking on project days. Fran suggested using old foods and nutrition information to use as a guide when cooking at home.

Sewing and Textiles Committees:

See report. Added: Fashion show will be held in April.

Record Book & Achievement:

See report.

State Fair Planning Committee:

See report.

GREEN TIE AFFAIR:

See report.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT:

Brook Gerard reported in person: Horse leaders met and approved new rules for the year. They are planning great educational project days and clinics. December 10th they will have helmet safety and Christmas ornament decorating. There will be a mini horse project day coming up, a show clinic, and horse camp.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

They have been working to make this year better than ever. Project days are being planned. November project day was a poultry clinic. In December they will hold the Jacob Schott Memorial interviews for beef members. Livestock is going to do better about checking with horse and other areas to make sure they are not overlapping important clinics and events so that members can attend all disciplines.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. Western Heritage project is going great. Air pistol is now open for registration in Suites.

SPONSORSHIP:

N/A

Unfinished Business

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT:

Went well with a couple hiccups. Hard not having the actual awards to hand out.

BUDGET PROPOSAL:

Noted discussion: Camp will increase $10 this year. We may do Voyagers fundraiser again – not a lot but minimal effort needed. We will be short around $3000 but could be made up with Green Tie raffle.

BYLAWS/OPERATING POLICY UPDATE PRESENTATION:

There were no changes or revisions to present this time for the bylaws. Changes for the Operating policy were reviewed point by point. Both will be voted on at next meeting.

OFFICER ELECTIONS:

President Keri Leggett’s term is currently up. Treasurer Heather Boberg is at the end of her term and will not be rerunning.

No nominations for Treasurer were made at this meeting. We will need to reach out to members to see if anyone is interested and have them attend the January meeting. TREASURER TABLED UNTIL JANUARY MEETING.

Jill Skinner moved to nominate Keri Leggett for another term as President. Erin Doyon seconded the motion. All were in favor. MOTION PASSED – Keri Leggett has been reelected as President of Leaders Council.

New Business

HORSELESS HORSE HELMETS:

Horseless horse leaders asked if it was in the project day budget to get new helmets for the horse project. After discussion, it was requested that they approach Horse Leaders since it is for an actual project and not for project days.

Z SUITES LEADER TRAINING:

This training is required for all 4-H leaders. It is online in Z Suites. This is due by September 20th, 2023. There are 4 modules and take approximately 15 minutes each.

For the Good of Order

Ulm Pishkun:

They have a rec leader now for club meeting and held their first rec event at meeting. They will also be collecting items for the rescue mission.

Big Sky Explorers:

They might try a co-president type program where younger members buddy to an older member to help learn the responsibilities of club officers.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:37 pm.

Next Meeting will be held on January 10th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office.
Submitted by Jill Skinner

Submitted Committee Reports

Agent Report:

Enrollment: Current Enrollment Numbers (as of 10/25) 237 Active Youth Members 28 Youth Members Pending Payment 55 Active Returning Volunteers 2 Returning Volunteers Pending Payment 4 New Volunteers Pending State Approval 1 New Volunteer Pending Payment and State Approval New Families: New Family Orientation was on 10/25. 35 new members from 15 families were in attendance. The next New Family Orientation will be on February 13. There are currently 79 new members enrolled. MT 4-H Leaders Forum: MT 4-H Leaders Forum is back! The event will take place in Billings, February 17-19. I am on the planning committee, so let me know if there are any topics you would like to see discussed at the event. Club Documentation: A letter was given to all Organizational Leaders about Club Yearly Plans. Please have those turned in to the office by their due dates (Yearly Plan – December 15). Club secretaries need to be sending the Extension office club meeting minutes. They can be sent via email or brought or mailed to the office. Club Bylaws and Constitutions must be turned in to the Extension office if any changes are made to them. Club Officers: Club officer handbooks are available for free from the Extension office. Please let me know if you need one or stop in and grab them off the 4-H Resource Zone wall. Would a club officer training be beneficial? Out of Office: I am out of the office November 17-21 and November 24-30. I will be attending National 4-H Congress the 24-30. Extension Office Update: We have hired 2 admins. The part-time admin is Ben Roth, and the full-time admin is Jody Cope. Please be patient with them as they learn how the office and 4-H program operate. Leaders Council Committee Reports: All committee reports are due to me by the 20thof each even month. Submitting reports makes the secretary’s job easier. They also allow you to report on your committee if you are unable to make it to the meeting. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Ambassador Report:

No Report Submitted.

Communications Report:

The Communications Contest is scheduled for February 8th and 9th. The registration for this event will go out in January. This is a Congress Qualifying Event for youth ages 13+. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Foods and Nutrition Report:

No Report Submitted.

Sewing and Textiles Report:

There will be a sewing workshop at the December Project Day. Fran will be making snowman door hangers with the group. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Record books and Achievement Report:

This committee is still in search of a committee chair. Contact Allyssa if you are interested in the position. Achievement Night went well. We are still in the process of getting the pins that are on back order. The 22.23 Project Requirement Table is now available. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

State Fair Planning:

Keri Leggett and Ashely Adkins both stepped down from their static superintendent positions. I have a meeting with the ExpoPark to discuss how we would like to move forward and if 2 superintendents are currently needed. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak

Green Tie Affair Planning:

The Green Tie Affair has been canceled. The committee decided that the cost to benefit did not make sense for the program. We may do a raffle in the spring.

Horse Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Livestock Leaders:

No Report Submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No Report Submitted.

APPROVED

Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council 

Regular Meeting Minutes 

Date: September 13, 2022 

Location: Web-Ex 

Call to Order: 

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 5:59 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:  

Council Members: President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Heather Boberg (Eden Livestock), Vice President Samaria Kirby (Trouble Shooters) 

Ulm Pishkun: Sandy Harshaw-Irwin 

Running Free:Janet Smith

Montana Sunsets: N/A 

Great Divide: N/A

Big Sky Explorers: N/A 

Trouble Shooters: Victoria Kirby

Highwood Hustlers: N/A 

Circle S: N/A

Eden Livestock: N/A 

Tiger Butte: N/A

Agents: Allyssa Peak 

Pledges:

No Pledges. 

Secretary’s Report: 

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the July meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. Minutes approved as presented.  

Correspondence:

None 

Treasurers Report: 

Heather Boberg reported $21,511.47 in total liabilities and equity. There is $25 in savings.  

Total: $21,536.47   ***Report accepted as presented.  Note: Lower balance due to $10,000 to Foundation and Dairy Booth earnings has not yet been deposited. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Ambassadors Report:

No report submitted. 

Ambassadors working on planning achievement night, planning things for national 4-H week, and working on new ideas for new family orientation. 

Agent Report:

See report submitted by Allyssa Peak 

Communications Report:

See report. 

Communications contest for spring planned for February 13th and 16th. 

Foods and Nutrition Committee:

See Report. 

Foods festival and stir-ups will be held2nd week of January. 

Sewing and Textiles Committees:

See Report. 

Fashion review and quilt show to be help in April.  

Record Book & Achievement:

See Report.  

State Fair Planning Committee:

See report. 

GREEN TIE AFFAIR:   

Will be meeting after the fair to continue planning. Brook can no longer – gone 8/7 – 9/21. 

HORSE LEADERS REPORT:

See Report. 

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

See Report. 

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. 

Many areas of shooting sports will be starting in October. Western Heritage will start in October. Archery will begin in December. Check with the office or shooting sport leaders for more information.  

SPONSORSHIP:

N/A 

Unfinished Business 

4-H CAMP:

59 campers attended this year. Brought in $3150 in income with expenses totaling $4217.90 Cost to Leaders Council was $1118.56. We had a credit to Camp Rotary for $600 towards. We may need to consider raising camp fee. Camp will probably always operate at a loss. 

VOYAGERS:

41 tickets were sold. Associated Vet bought 25 tickets for employees. Brought in $164.00 /$4 per ticket. 

DAIRY BOOTH:

Still calculating totals. Approximate gross is $20,000, still working on net. Dairy booth went really well! 

BANNER:

Banner was purchased and used at the fair. Will check on the invoice. 

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT:

October 11th at 6:00 pm at the Heritage Hall on MSU Great Falls Campus. RSVP sent out. 

New Business 

BYLAWS COMMITTEE:

Samaria Kirby, Janet Smith, Keri Leggett 

BUDGET COMMITTEE:

Samaria Kirby, Janet Smith, Keri Leggett 

OFFICER NOMINATIONS:

Vice President and Treasurer are up for nominations if anyone if interested. 

PROJECT DAYS:

Returning November through May the 1st Saturday of the month. Horse and livestock project days planned and a new project – Astrology, will have project days. Stephanie Banks will not be helping with Clover Buds this year. 

For the Good of Order 

Ulm Pishkun:

Helping with the Pancake dinner coming up at the Ulm volunteer fire department.  

 

Trouble Shooters:

Had a club meeting up at the Archery range for fun.  

 

Great Divide:

Historian and reporter position made into one communication committee chaired by the Vice President. 

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6:38 pm. 

 

Next Meeting will be held on November 8th at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office 

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner 

Submitted Committee Reports 

Agent Report:  

Enrollment:

Enrollment will open for the 2022/2023 4-H year on October 1 on ZSuite. I will send out a detailed enrollment email to returning families on September 30. I will be sending out an email to prospective new families earlier that week with the list of clubs. Please be ready to answer enrollment inquires for your club.  

Yearly Calendar:

The 4-H calendar is pretty much set for 2022/2023. Set dates can be found in the upcoming dates section of the Newsletter. Events and activities will continually be added, so make sure you are reading the newsletter monthly.  

New Families:

I am planning on holding 2 New Family Orientations this year. The first is on October 25 at the Extension office. The second will be in February. Research has shown that most members quit 4-H after their first year. This is due to lack of communication from club leaders and/or the Extension office, not feeling welcome or part of the group and the program is not what they expected. We can work together to ensure new families feel welcome in the following ways: 1. I am starting a New Family Monthly Update email this year. This will be sent out on the first of the month to all first-year families. The email will outline upcoming events in great detail, explain how to register for events and activities, and address other FAQs. I am hoping that this will provide enough info for new families without clogging up the inbox of returning families. Would it be beneficial to also send this email to Organization Leaders? 2. Communicate with all club families in a consistent way. This could be a Facebook Group, text group, or via email. All families should be receiving the same information. 3. be available for questions. Organizational Leaders are the go between for families and the Extension office. If you are not clear on the answer to a question, don’t tell new families to call the office. Reach out to the office yourself for the answer and then tell the family. This ensures that you are not skipped in the communication chain. 4. There are many ways to welcome new families into your clubs a. Create a welcome committee that introduces themselves to new members at club meetings and makes sure new members feel welcome. b. Have a monthly agenda item for introducing new members – have them stand and introduce themselves. c. Assign a returning family to a new family as their mentor. 5. We need to set clear expectations for families from the first meeting they attend. a. I set county expectations at new family orientation. b. Organizational Leaders should be setting expectations for parents and youth members early. You could hold a club new family meeting or reach out to all new families individually.  

MT 4-H Leaders Forum:

MT 4-H Leaders Forum is back! The event will take place in Billings, February 17-19. I am on the planning committee, so let me know if there are any topics you would like to see discussed at the event.  

Club Documentation:

A letter was given to all Organizational Leaders about Club Yearly Plans and Year End Financial Summaries. Please have those turned in to the office by their due dates (Yearly Plan – December 15, YEFS – November 1). Club secretaries need to be sending the Extension office club meeting minutes. They can be sent via email or brought or mailed to the office. Club Bylaws and Constitutions must be turned in to the Extension office if any changes are made to them.  

Club Officers:

Club officer handbooks are available for free from the Extension office. Please let me know if you need one or stop in and grab them off the 4-H Resource Zone wall. Would a club officer training be beneficial? Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council Meeting Agenda September 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. WebEx – 3300 3rd Street NE #9, Great Falls 

Out of Office:

I am out of the office September 8-21 for my wedding in Wisconsin, and then I am in Lewistown for a meeting September 22-23.  

Extension Office Update:

As of August 29, 2022, the office does not have any administrative assistants. April and Doreen have both moved on from their positions at the office. If you know of anyone looking for employment, send them to the Cascade County employment website. Please be patient with the office while we are in the hiring process. It may take us a little bit of time to get enrollments marked active and order project books.  

Leaders Council Committee Reports:

All committee reports are due to me by the 20th of each even month. Submitting reports makes the secretary’s job easier. They also allow you to report on your committee if you are unable to make it to the meeting. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak  

Ambassador Report:

The Ambassadors helped out with contests, interview judging, and worked a shift in the Dairy Booth at the Fair. Out next meeting is September 6. Submitted by: Victoria Kirby  

Communications Report:

The Communications Contest at the State Fair was held on august 3, 2022. Six youth participated in Career Communications, Cowboy Poetry, Prepared Speech, and Illustrated Talk. Next year we are going to try to use the sound system. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak 

Foods and Nutrition Report:

The State Fair Foods Festival had two Edible Arts participants. Youth were given the opportunity to talk about their project using the sound system. There were quite a few spectators. I have had multiple perspective new families call about cooking and baking projects. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak  

Sewing and Textiles Report:

The State Fair Fashion Revue had one participant and the Quilt Show had two participants. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak  

Record books and Achievement Report:

This committee is still in search of a committee chair. Contact Allyssa if you are interested in the position. We met to choose the winners of specialty awards on September 6. The 2022/2023 Project Completion Table will be available in October. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak  

State Fair Planning:

The 2022 Montana State Fair was a success! 63 youth exhibited in the static, domestic animal, non-animal contest, and small livestock divisions. The contests and shows brought many people into the building. Because it was our second year in the building, we did a better job of filling the space. The club booth decorating contest results were 1st: Big Sky Explorers, 2nd: Eden Livestock, 3rd: Trouble Shooters, and People’s Choice: Big Sky Explorers. Submitted by: Allyssa Peak Cascade County 4-H Leaders Council Meeting Agenda September 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. WebEx – 3300 3rd Street NE #9, Great Falls  

Horse Leaders:

Horse Leaders wrapped up the local horse shows with the Cascade County Horse Show having 37 kids riding and the Cascade/Teton Working Ranch Horse Show of appx 27 participants. Moving on we have the State WRHF in Vaughn Sept 3-4 and the State 4-H Show at the Cottonwood Arena near Laurel, Montana Sept 9-11. In the near future, leaders and junior leaders will take on the barrel setter job at the MBHA Finals. We will also start planning clinics, project days, and our annual Horsey Halloween in the coming meetings. As always, we welcome any volunteers to our meetings and those interested in teaching or leading should reach out to current leaders as well. Submitted by: Ginger Murphy  

Livestock Leaders:

Final wrap up is happening for this year’s livestock show and sale. We had an amazing sale with almost $400,000 being spent at the sale. Carcass contests are complete, and we had quite a few qualify. Planning is beginning for this year’s education sessions and project days. We are also using our lessons learned from this year for more planning. Submitted by: Brook Gerard  

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No report submitted

 

 

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