Advisory Leadership Council Minutes
August 27, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Khyria Kelly and the 4-H Pledge led by Courtney Ritchie.  Jeannie welcomed everyone, explained the Council's role and the rotation schedule.

Introductions were made:  Karen Martin (Regional 4-H Coordinator), Alex Sauer (Benton High School 4-H’er), Maggie Brakeville (4-H Executive Board member, Benton High School member), Patti Sauer (4-H parent), Mrs. Mack (4-H parent), Khyria Kelly (Rusheon MS 4-H’er), Kathy Ritchie (parent/HMS leader), Gail Smith (parent/Waller leader), Stephanie Emerson (alumni), Christi Turner (alumni, Cloverbud leader), Belinda Krumtum (alumni, Benton MS leader), Shetwan Roberison (parent/HMS leader), Anne Kimbrough (Elm Grove leader), La’Kayla Smith (Haughton MS 4-H’er), Courtney Ritchie (Haughton MS 4-H’er), D.C. Machen (Superintendent), Ricky Kilpatrick (Parish Chair/Area Forester), Troy Menard (County Agent) and Jeannie Crnkovic (Extension Agent).

Christi Turner read the minutes from the July 15, 2008 meeting.

Troy covered 2008-09 highlights:  1248 members, 3 new schools added (W.T. Lewis, Bossier Elementary and Legacy Elementary), 50+ club leaders and 25 clubs.  Leader training was conducted for leaders last year at the University of Phoenix at The Boardwalk with 19 leaders attending.  Community service numbers were discussed (monthly items donated to the NW LA War Veterans Home and November macaroni and cheese to the NW LA Food Bank):  3300 items collected, $7500 collected for MDA Shamrocks and three service learning teams were created by collaborating with the Caddo 4-H agents.  Teams visited the Allendale Friendship House, The Glen Retirement Center (Therapy dogs) and the NW LA War Veterans Home.  Over $4600 dollars were awarded in 4-H scholarships, but Troy mentioned that senior club member involvement needs to be encouraged to increase the number of individuals eligible for these funds.  Bossier Parish was awarded a $10,000 military grant for the 2008-09 school year which funded a Rocketry Camp and Sewing Camp on Barksdale Air Force Base.  The parish has been awarded an additional $10,000 for the 2010-11 school year.

Jeannie reviewed the results from last year’s “Belonging Survey” which was administered to 92, 4th-6th graders at six schools.  On a scale of 1 to 4, Bossier 4-H’ers scored a 3.4 which supported that Bossier 4-H’ers felt part of their 4-H group, felt close to their adult leaders and had a sense of being cared about in their 4-H group.  Jeannie announced that the Smartbodies program would be incorporated into the school Health and Wellness objectives at W.T. Lewis Elementary and Curtis Elementary.

The club focus lesson survey was distributed to the council and Jeannie reviewed the topics.  Maggie Brakeville commented that more lessons with a wider selection needed to be offered for the high school age group.  Jeannie responded to Maggie by telling her that she being on the Executive Board gave her the perfect opportunity to bring the issue up on the state level as she and Troy don’t decide on the lessons offered, that the State Office makes that decision.  The group was asked to rank their top three choices and Anne Kimbrough and Shetwan Roberison volunteered to calculate the results.

Shetwan Roberison asked about a notice that was sent out prior to the end of school last year regarding an agriculture project at the State Fair for this year.  Jeannie explained that this was sent out to all leaders and principals from last year’s list serve and that more information would be forthcoming as soon as the registration site became active.  The event will be called AgMagic and will introduce hands-on activities related to agriculture to 3rd-6th graders from across the northern section of the state.  AgMagic will be held on November 4-6, with classes being scheduled in 15 minute intervals (9 am-1 pm) and on November 7 for the general public.  Mr. Machen added that releasing students to attend this field trip would be up to each principal at each school, just like other field trips. 

Troy announced that Bossier would be participating in Youth Wetlands Week this year and that schools would be receiving an informational letter within the next couple of weeks.  The lessons are divided into elementary, middle and high school kits and each teacher who signs up will receive their own kit to use in their classroom.  These schools will be eligible for state funding if the entire program is utilized and completed.

Jeannie mentioned that the Area Outdoor Skills Coordinator had been re-assigned to Natchitoches parish and that she and Troy were working with the parish coordinator to set up a meeting with the discipline instructors.  Article in the September newsletter encourages interested parties to contact the 4-H office to receive additional information for future trainings, shoots and competitions.

Troy explained about the “school gardens” program grant, and Mr. Machen added that each school site has 3-5 members on grant writing teams that could possibly apply for these funds.  Darlene Pace will work with schools to make sure all grants are pursued.  Mr. Machen also added that Ms. Sally Namie should be contacted for a list of schools involved in the robotics program.

Jeannie explained the enrollment form template to be used for the 2009-10 club year: 4th-6th, 7th-8th and 9th-12th project grade levels.  Dues will be $3.00 per member with all funds going to the state.  No parish dues will be charged this year, but may be added to dues for the 2010-11 year.

Christi Turner explained the new Cloverbuds program to be offered to 5-8 year olds in Bossier Parish.  The goal is to have 100 members for this year.  (Refer to article in September 2009 newsletter for additional information.)

Maggie Brakeville talked about the State 4-H Executive Board and her plans for “getting the word out” about this and other state boards.  LOST camp was discussed and Gail Smith asked about how to obtain information about activities during the year.  Jeannie referred to the Activity Schedule that is distributed to all leaders, either at the parish leader training or at their October club meeting.

Jeannie asked for suggestions for organizations to receive the monthly community service donations.   The following were mentioned:  Shriner’s,  NW LA War Veterans Home, Bossier Parish Fire Department, Bossier Parish Police Department and Riverview Nursing facility.

The meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.