We promised to keep you updated on the Indiana 4-H license plate situation. We believe this is a simple misunderstanding and are working with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to resolve the issue and get more 4-H clovers out on the road in 2012!

On May 18, attorneys on our behalf have requested an administrative hearing on the decision by the BMV to suspend new sales of the Indiana 4-H specialty group license plates. The decision to discontinue new sales of Indiana 4-H license plates was made by the BMV on March 16, 2012. We deny the allegation that it violated any statue or administrative code related to specialty plates or its participation in the program.

On May 4, the BMV approved the Foundation’s request for a hearing on the suspension of the sale of new license plates to benefit state and county 4-H programming. A prehearing conference has been set for June 18, 2012 with an administrative law judge and counsel to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. This is a scheduling conference to set deadlines and a hearing date.

You can renew your 4-H license plate if you purchased one prior to March 16, 2012!

If you already have a 4-H plate, you are still able to renew it while the Foundation works to appeal the suspension. In 2011, license plate sales generated $47,000 to support education and leadership opportunities in all 92 counties. Sales help fund many Indiana 4-H programs, such as Junior Leader programs. Special group license plates include an extra $40 fee collected at time of purchase. Of that $40, $15 is kept by the BMV to cover the administrative costs to provide the program. Of the remaining $25 donated to the Indiana 4-H Foundation, $10 is returned by the Foundation to the county in which it was sold.

Erika’s Snippet

It’s May! Can you believe it! Before we know it, it will be fair time! As we get ready for fair time, I want to remind each of you to take a moment to remember why we do what we do. 4-H is not about the fair. The fair is our opportunity to show our community what we have done this year! The fair is our chance to show everyone our hard work, dedication and great skills that we have learned. But remember that 4-H is everything that you have done throughout the year. 4-H is about the friends that you have made, the life skills that you learn, and the person that you become!

So as we finish our 4-H year and get ready to show the county all that we have accomplished, just take a moment to thank the people that have helped you this year, remember to represent the 4-H program with good character and class as we do what we do best: have a FUN and wonderful SUMMER!

With 4-H Spirit,

Erika

Thank you Erika for the reminder of why we do what we do! From all of us at the 4-H Foundation, we look forward to see the results of all your hard work this past year.

What does 4-H mean to me? It’s more than a green four-leaf clover and competitions in various projects. 4-H is a unique mixture of experiences not found anywhere else.  For me, 4-H is an opportunity to learn, grow, and volunteer.  4-H… is the Revolution of Responsibility in my life whereby I can make a positive impact on my community. 4-H has given me so many opportunities to grow and expand in ways that I would never have imagined when I started my 4-H journey. During my 10 years of 4-H, I completed 71 projects and the walls of my room are covered with hundreds of ribbons, banners, plaques, pictures and memories.  Yet it is the opportunities to learn life skills and give back to others that are the most memorable.

The most important life skill that 4-H has taught me is responsibility. 

I’ve participated in 4 species of livestock projects caring for 20 plus animals each year.  In many ways the barn was my classroom where I learned that caring for the needs of my livestock brings a sense of satisfaction and a strong work ethic.  Going hand in hand with that work ethic is good sportsmanship. 4-H competitions have shown me that life does not always go my way, and even when I do put forth the extra effort, I may not be recognized for it. Therefore, I cheerfully congratulate the winners, and, most importantly, endeavor to never let a disappointment affect my attitude because the skills and experiences I’ve gained along the way were well worth the extra effort and will benefit me in the long run. I’ve also witnessed how the responsibility learned in 4-H has spilled over into the rest of my life becoming an integral part of who I am.

Andrew couldn’t have done this without donors like you

I would never have experienced these amazing opportunities, however, without volunteers like you who dedicate their time, energy, and finances to help 4-H members learn. Your efforts have gone a long way, by helping 4-Hers like me gain the responsibility they’ll need as both adults and future 4-H volunteers.  Thank you also to the 4-H Foundation and Beck’s Superior Hybrids for sponsoring my Senior Scholarship.  Growing up I assumed I would attend Purdue.  It was a tough decision between Purdue and Ball State University. However, I’ve been accepted into the Miller Honors program in the Millers School of Business at Ball State and I’m looking forward to the unique opportunities for real life immersive learning that will be afforded to me through that program.  My understanding of this program is that the style of learning will be similar to 4-H – adults working alongside students allowing us opportunities to deal with real-life business issues.  Throughout my college application process, those that I spoke with repeatedly commented positively on my 4-H background.

Your support of 4-H has been a wise investment as participating in 4-H produces students that colleges are looking for. Thank you for helping build up the next generation of 4-H volunteers and being the catalyst for positive change that the fuels the Revolution of Responsibility.

If you couldn’t make the meeting, read a recap of events here

2012 Honorees for 20+ Years of Consecutive Giving

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Donor Appreciation Lunch - Speakers

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Donor Appreciation Lunch - Activities

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Eight of ten long-term donors were in attendance to be honored for giving to the Indiana 4-H Foundation for at least 20 consecutive years. From left to right: Betty Bryant, Nancy Schuman, Walt Waitt, Mary Schuman, Dan Baker, Pat Wall, Lonnie Steele, Rachel Meeks, Megan Meeks, Rachel Hannon, Carol Steele. Photo credit: Matt Day, Day Creative Solutions.

Check out all of our photos here!

West Lafayette, Ind. – More than 160 Indiana 4-H supporters gathered on Friday to celebrate Indiana 4-H programs and allow the Indiana 4-H Foundation to thank all its 2011 donors with a Donor Appreciation Lunch and Annual Meeting. Beck’s Superior Hybrids generously hosted the event at their facility in Atlanta, Indiana. Board president Christy Denault kicked off the meeting with a report on the Foundation’s status. “I am pleased to report that in 2011 the Foundation reached $1.1 million in assets, which means the Indiana 4-H Foundation is supporting more programs and giving more scholarships than at any time in its history,” said Denault. Four years ago the Foundation’s assets totaled $250,000. The Foundation credits this tremendous progress to donor generosity and support during difficult economic times.

The Foundation also has added seven new endowments since 2009, some of the toughest years for fundraising in U.S. history. Two of the more recent endowments include the Jabaay Endowment, which helps ensure that 4-H programs are accessible for special needs youth, and the Wayne and Barbara Jennings Endowment, which will provide one scholarship a year for a 4-H youth in Hendricks County.

Sonny Beck, President of Beck’s Hybrids, gave the keynote presentation. He spoke about how he learned innovation and gained an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age because of 4-H. He talked about building a “chicken picker” as one of his first electrical projects in 4-H. The chicken picker was designed to pull the feathers off a chicken, a job Sonny helped his mother with and didn’t like doing. “I figured there had to be a better way,” Sonny explained, “so I built one.” His experience with 4-H continues to contribute to his company’s leadership and hiring philosophies. “We look for a positive attitude and work ethic when hiring employees. I have seen that 4-H can instill these qualities and a determination to succeed in young people at a time that is very important in the life of a young person.”

Andrew Schmidt, a 2012 recipient of the Foundation’s Senior Scholarship sponsored by Beck’s, also spoke at the meeting. “I would never have experienced these amazing opportunities, however, without volunteers like you who dedicate their time, energy, and finances to help 4-H members learn. Your efforts have gone a long way, by helping 4-H’ers like me gain the responsibility they’ll need as both adults and future 4-H volunteers,” Schmidt said. He concluded with a thank you message to the donors and volunteers in the audience, “Your support of 4-H has been a wise investment as participating in 4-H produces students that colleges are looking for. Thank you for helping build up the next generation of 4-H volunteers and being the catalyst for positive change that the fuels the Revolution of Responsibility.”

Purdue Extension educators and Indiana 4-H youth members were on hand to demonstrate some of the newest programs Indiana 4-H Foundation secured funding for in 2011. Dr. Renée McKee, Assistant Director of Extension and State 4-H Program Leader, explained how these programs are part of the bigger picture of 4-H’s three national mission mandates of citizenship, healthy living, and science. Donors were kept busy using household items to extract DNA from strawberries, checking out the JunkDrawer Robotics curriculum, and exercising as part of the 4-H Healthy Living 60 Challenge. They also heard Junior Leaders talk about their experience in launching a weekend food backpack program for children who receive free and reduced lunch.

“This was a great opportunity for our donors to hear from today’s 4-H youth, and give them some hands-on experience with the kinds of programs they are supporting,” said Shelly Bingle-Coffman, Executive Director of the Indiana 4-H Foundation. “We can’t thank them enough for their generous support that makes these programs possible and makes a positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people all across the state.”

For more than fifty years, the Indiana 4-H Foundation has supported Indiana 4-H, the largest youth development program in the state, by building partnerships to secure financial support, advocacy and promotion of Indiana 4-H Youth Development now and for generations to come. The 4-H Youth Development Program is the single largest youth development program in Indiana. The Indiana 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)3 public charity. For more information about the Indiana 4-H Foundation and how you can become involved, visit www.in4h.org or contact the Executive Director, Shelly Bingle-Coffman, at sbingle@purdue.edu or 317-445-7977.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Please join us for our 2012 Annual Meeting to give a great big “thank you” to our 2011 donors. We so greatly appreciated all the support you provide Indiana 4-H!

Location: Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Research Building. The building’s address is 6868 E 276th St, Atlanta, IN 46031. However, the building is brand new and most GPS units and Google maps do not yet have it in their databases. Please use the address and link below to get directions to the Beck’s facilities.

Address: 6767 East 276th Street, Atlanta, IN 46031 (317) 984-3508 ‎

Parking: Our meeting is on a work day and Beck’s has designated a specific parking lot for us, not only to be closest to the Research Building where the meeting will be held, but also to make sure we respect the parking space for Beck’s employees. There will be people directing traffic off of 276th street on Friday, please use the map below to familiarize yourself with the facilities before your arrival.

Friday, March 30, 2012

  9:30 | Coffee Reception
10:00 | Welcoming Remarks

Leadership, Mentorship and 4-H,
a reflection by Sonny Beck

Testimonials:
Andrew Schmidt, Scholarship Recipient
Katie Barnett, Poland Exchange Participant
Andrew Powell & Aaron Powell, State Junior Leader Conference

Recognition for 20 Years of Consecutive
Giving to Indiana 4-H Foundation: 
Dan & Sandy Baker
Stan & Darlene Knafel
Morgan Hustling Hoosier 4-H Club
Mary Schuman
Nancy Schuman
Lonnie & Carol Steele
Walter & Janet Waitt
Wells County 4-H Association, Inc.
Wells County 4-H Foundation, Inc.
Phillip White

The Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame Task Force, in cooperation with Indiana 4-H Youth Development and the Indiana 4-H Foundation, is pleased to announce that nominations for the Class of 2012 are now open. Click here to download the 2012 Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame Nomination Form. Nominations are due March 31, 2012. You can also use the online form below to submit a nomination. Click here to learn more about past inductees.

The Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame honors 4-H volunteers, supporters, staff and pioneers who have made a significant contribution statewide to the Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program. Employees of 4-H, Cooperative Extension, the Federal Extension System, National 4-H Council, or those with administrative responsibility over these organizations will not be considered until five years after retirement. If a prospective nominee dies during the waiting period, please wait until the full five years have passed before submitting a nomination. Nominations for individuals who have been previously nominated, but not selected, must be resubmitted.

The selection process involves a committee of six people—four officers from the 4-H Youth Development Section of the Indiana Extension Educators Association (IEEA), one representative from the Indiana State 4-H Office, and one Indiana 4-H Foundation designee.

There will be one Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame inductee per year, unless circumstances merit a second person in the same year. Anyone who is nominated for the Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame will receive a certificate to be presented locally to honor his or her nomination.

The Indiana State 4-H Youth Development Program Leader is required to confirm the nomination. If an electronic signature is unavailable, please send the application electronically and fax the signature page (click here to download) to (765) 494-5876 or mail to: Agricultural Admin Building Room 101, 615 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2053.

All applications must be emailed or postmarked by March 31, 2012. If you have questions, suggestions or corrections related to the Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame, please contact the Indiana 4-H Foundation at info@in4h.org or (765) 494-8483.

Guidelines for Submission

Please include a description of the reasons why the nominee should be selected to be inducted into the Indiana 4-H Hall of Fame. The Selection Committee is primarily interested in learning about the nominee’s significant impacts on 4-H youth and/or the 4-H program. The nominee should exhibit outstanding citizenship, leadership, career accomplishments and character. Please limit nomination information to 500 words.

Please focus the information on the nominee’s:

1. Citizenship as exemplified by participation in civic, community, state, regional and national public service-related activities evidencing concern for the welfare of others, especially as they relate to 4-H.
2. Leadership as exemplified by qualities of leadership and acceptance of leadership responsibilities in civic, community, professional and business-related activities that directly or indirectly benefit 4-H.
3. Career Accomplishments as exemplified by accomplishments and success in his/her chosen career and as a mentor or role model.
4. Character as exemplified by evidence of the influence of 4-H involvement (if a 4-H alumni or volunteer) in the nominee’s life and/or his or her commitment to 4-H.
5. Any other information that would be beneficial for the selection committee to know.

You may download the nomination form here or complete the form below.

Please join us for our 2012 Annual Meeting to give a great big “thank you” to our 2011 donors. We so greatly appreciated all the support you provide Indiana 4-H!

Location: Beck’s Superior Hybrids
Address: 6767 East 276th Street, Atlanta, IN 46031 (317) 984-3508 ‎

Friday, March 30, 2012

  9:30 | Coffee Reception
10:00 | Welcoming Remarks

Testimonials:
Scholarship Recipient, Andrew Schmidt
Poland Exchange Participent
State Junior Leader Council Officers Andrew Powell & Aaron Powell

Leadership, Mentorship and 4-H,
a reflection by Sonny Beck

Recognition for 20 Years of Consecutive
Giving to Indiana 4-H Foundation: 
Wells County 4-H Association, Inc.
Wells County 4-H Foundation, Inc.
Phillip E. White
Mary E. Schuman
Stanley Knafel
Nancy J. Schuman
Daniel E. Baker
Morgan Hustling Hoosiers 4-H Club
Lonnie A. Steele
Walter P. Waitt

Caige shows participants how to make the LEGO robot move

On Friday, January 6, 2012, 65 Indiana 4-H volunteers and educators from 22 counties kicked off the new year with the 4-H Youth Development Science Leadership Team and the Indiana 4-H Foundation in an exciting training session for new science initiatives. In the spirit of 4-H’s “Learning by Doing” philosophy, Erika Bonnet and Kathleen Bohde, educators from Bartholomew and Hamilton Counties, led participants of the Robotics Session through a series of hands-on experiments, including marshmallow catapult construction, that can be used to start science clubs.

“It’s about working through the process with the kids,” Bonnet said, “the best part of this is to just try it!” Participants were introduced to Junk Drawer Robotics, the 4-H Robotics Curriculum, and LEGO Robotics, an educational program developed by LEGO and Mindstorms. A few 4-H youth were on hand to lead the adults through the software programming of the LEGO robots. Each volunteer went home with a kit that included the 4-H Virtual Robotics program and enough supplies to make marshmallow catapults with twenty youth members.

Indiana 4-H Volunteers and Educators get a hands-on lesson in Junk Drawer Robotics

Junior Master Gardener and Natural Resources volunteers were also trained. The Junior Master Gardener program engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. JMG encourages youth to be a service to others through service learning and leadership projects and rewards them with certification. Natural Resource programs focused on wind energy and engineering design methods and water quality and conservation.

Lilly Endowment made the training session possible through a $208,000 grant awarded to the 4-H Foundation in 2011. The grant is being used to support new science, engineering, and technology educational initiatives over the next two years to further the 4-H Science Mission Mandate. Part of the money is being used to equip Purdue Extension Educators and 4-H volunteers with new tools and methods to generate excitement about science careers and provide youth members with fun education experiences. If Friday’s workshop is any indication, science clubs will be as much fun for adults as they will be for the 4-H youth!

Indiana 4-H youth joined Volunteers and Educators from across Indiana to learn about the latest 4-H robotics programs available

“The United States – including Indiana – is falling dangerously behind other nations in terms of our future workforce in science fields despite increasing demands for such skilled workers and thinkers,” said Dr. Renée McKee, State 4-H Program Leader. “Indiana 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the state with 210,000 members and, as such, is well-suited to reach Indiana youth with programming and support to help foster appreciation and aptitude for science areas.”

Indiana 4-H hopes to bring at least 250 volunteers into the science initiative. The Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program has a presence in all 92 Indiana counties and is open to all Indiana residents. To find information about how to get involved in your county, visit this link to find your local Cooperative Extension Office.