Winn Parish 2009 4-H Advisory Council Minutes
On February 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. the Winn Parish 4-H Advisory Council met in the Winn Extension office. Donny Moon, parish chair, welcomed the members and thanked them for their willingness to assist in the 2009-10 program planning for Winn Parish. Donny stated that the purposes of advisory councils were to involve stakeholders in the process of identifying local needs and priorities. Donny and Becky Kelley, extension/4-H agent, used the recommendations made by members of the 4-H advisory to develop and teach programs that are effective, accessible, relevant and current to 4-H youth in the parish.
Members present were: Jan Anyan, Brad and Bryar Barton, Sarita and Thomas Horne, Meredith and Rae McManus and Melinda and Mitchell Miles. Members absent were: Crystal Evans, Robert Heard, Emily and Penny Horne, Lindlay and Rhonda Howell, Karen Tyler and Sharon Turner. Dr. Janet Fox, state specialist and Karen Martin, 4-H regional coordinator were also invited but were unable to attend.
Donny did an overview of the 2008-09 4-H programs and told the group that he and Becky incorporated GLE’s in presenting the monthly 4-H programs. Programs this year focused on recommendations made at the 2008 Overall Advisory meeting on Environmental: America’s Wetlands and Workforce Preparation. A character education training was conducted at the Atlanta High School, a new pet club was organized, the outdoor skills program continues to be popular with the younger 4-H members, outdoor camping events were well attended and as was participation in the livestock club. The enrollment of our 4-H clubs this year is 635. Five 4-H’ers attended nationals in outdoor skills. Forestry awareness programs were conducted for the 4th-5th grade students in the parish and a senior forestry awareness day for senior 4-H and FFA members. Carolyn Phillips was one of the 100 year celebration 4-H Hall of Fame recipients and was honored at events on the state, regional and local level. Jr. Leaders once again served at the Winn Chamber of Commerce Banquet and at the Louisiana Political Banquet representing 4-H in community service projects. Many of these activities will be continued in the 2009-10 programming by the agents.
Donny then asked the group for recommendations for 4-H programming this year. The following were suggestions made by the group:
1. Reading emphasis with 4-H to help younger 4-H’ers excel.
2. Internet safety – maybe organize some Parent’s Nights to address this topic. Jan Anyan, with the Winn Parish school board, stated that the schools were incorporating this in the school system and the AgCenter was invited to assist in joining with the school system to present educational programs on this topic.
3. Focus on Character Education – more older students need to be trained in presenting the program to the younger grade children.
4. Ag Day at the fairgrounds. Suggestion to work with the school board to have several days for Ag Day to get parents and older people involved with youth in sharing their knowledge and skills.
5. Schools build Victory Gardens. Consider implementing a Master Gardener Program along with a Jr. Master Gardener program.
After discussing the following ideas Donny and Becky thanked those present for their recommendations and willingness to assist in promoting 4-H.
Donny adjourned the meeting.
Transcribed by,
Barbara Marshall, administrative coordinator
To read previous 4-H Advisory Minutes or see list of present advisory members select the link below.