'Tis the Season
I don’t know about anyone else. . . but I remember being told years ago that as you grow older, time moves faster and faster. I have no idea how it can already be December 2007 or “where” another year has gone! For many of us, the holidays afford the opportunity to take some extra days away from the office to spend time with friends and family and I sincerely hope you’ll each consider that as a priority. I would also hope as we wind down the year that you’ll take the time to reflect on both personal and professional accomplishments of the past year. I’m sure you’ll be surprised by what you have done.

Happy Holidays!
- Renee McKee

Certification of 4-H Units
I would like to thank you (please thank clerical staff also) for assisting as we complied the first IRS/USDA request for certifying 4-H units across the nation. The request came with a short turnaround time and counties were very responsive regarding the request. This will become an annual on-going process. You will hear more about this process in the spring.

- Renee McKee - State 4-H Program Leader

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

An Update from The Indiana 4-H Foundation

• Inspiring words were shared by 4-H alumni Ambassador Randall L. Tobias, Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Suellen K. Reed, and community leader Lorene McCormick Burkhart at a special reception sponsored by the Indiana 4-H Foundation on Thursday, November 8 at the Woodstock Country Club, Indianapolis. Ms. Burkhart was named a Distinguished 4-H Alumni during the evening, joining Ambassador Tobias and Dr. Reed who were honored with the Distinguished Alumni award during the Indiana 4-H Centennial in 2004. The event also included Burkhart’s signing of her new book Home on the Farm, If Chickens Could Talk and her first book, An Accidental Pioneer with proceeds from book sales benefiting the Foundation.
  
• We’re still looking for a few good men…and women!...as potential Board of Directors nominees for the Foundation. Do you know a community leader who is passionate about 4-H, understands the importance of resource development and fundraising and might be willing to share their time, talents and treasure in support of 4-H? This person may be just who we are looking for to serve on the Foundation Board. For more information about the expectations of Board members or to share the name(s) of individuals who come to mind, please contact Governance Chair, Dorinda Lawson, 800.937.2325 or dlawson@beckshybrids.com. Board members serve a three-year term and will be elected at the 2008 Annual Meeting.

• Just a reminder as you visit with your collegiate 4-H alumni during the holidays…the Foundation has two loan programs available for 4-Hers attending Purdue University. Available for former 4-Hers in their junior and senior years, the Amick Loan Fund (West Lafayette campus only; $2,500/year) and the Myers Family Loan Fund (any Purdue campus; $2,000/year) provide interest-free loans if repaid according to the agreement terms. For more information and to download the applications, visit www.in.4H.org.
  
• Please encourage year-end contributions to the Foundation among the 4-H supporters in your county. Our December newsletter will include a donation form. Contact the Foundation office if there’s someone you want to receive the newsletter… exec@4H.org or 317.692.7044.  
  
• Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the Foundation’s 2008 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 2. Location and details TBD.
  

- Annie Watts Cloncs, President (765.522.2300; awatts@tds.net)

4-H Days at Indiana Beach
The ticket order form for 4-H Family and Friends Days at Indiana Beach is available here. Order forms are due to Indiana Beach by February 1.

Operation: Military Kids
National Guard Deployments
Over the next 2-3 months, nearly 3,500 National Guard service members will be deployed from Indiana. This will be a time when we will likely be called on to support children of these service members. Thank you in advance for your willingness to assist.

Thanks also to all of you who have recently supported various Family Readiness Group deployment briefings and holiday parties. These are difficult times for our military families, and your support helps to make these times a little easier.

Welcome Judy Hauser!
I am very pleased to officially welcome Judy Hauser to the OMK Team! Judy has a strong background in Extension, 4-H, and the Social Service field, and will be a tremendous asset to our team! Judy began her position as OMK Program Coordinator on December 3^rd. Her office is located in AGAD 219. You may contact Judy at jhauser@purdue.edu.

- Steve McKinley

PROJECTS AND RESOURCES

Funding Opportunities

• "Remember Me" Rose School Garden Awards ~ Deadline: December 15, 2007
  All America Rose Selections returns to sponsor this award for 2008, which helps schools establish rose gardens to commemorate the events of September 11th. Beyond their commemorative significance, each garden will also be a catalyst for education in conflict resolution and mediation skills, preparing students to seek and achieve fair and peaceful solutions. Visit here for more details and to download and application.
  
• Captain Planet Foundation ~ Deadline: December 31, 2007
  Committed to supporting hands-on environmental projects for young people, the foundation provides grants from $250 to $2,500 to school and community groups. There are four quarterly proposal deadlines per year. Visit the foundation's Web site for guidelines and a proposal form.
  
• Toyota TAPESTRY Grants ~ Deadline: January 28, 2008
  Looking for funds to implement an innovative science project? The Toyota TAPESTRY Grants for Teachers program awards fifty $10,000 grants and at least 20 mini-grants of $2,500 to K-12 educators of environmental science, physical science, and science and literacy programs. For more information, visit the NSTA Web site.
  
• Mantis Awards ~ Deadline: March 1, 2008
  Mantis sponsors this award program in support of charitable and educational garden programs that enhance the quality of life in their host communities. NGA will select 25 gardens to receive a Mantis Tiller/Cultivator. We welcome applications from all nonprofits; past winners include community gardens, schools, ministries, colleges, master gardening groups, and hospices. Learn more here.
  
• Shade Structure Grant Program ~ March 5, 2008
  To assist organizations in creating sun-safe outdoor areas, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has announced the availability of grant applications for its Shade Structure Program. Any U.S. nonprofit organization or educational institution may apply for permanent shade structures for outdoor areas not protected from the sun, such as playgrounds, pools, and eating areas. Learn more and download an application
  
• U.S. Potato Board School Wellness Grants ~ Deadline: April 15, 2008
  The U.S. Potato Board and the School Nutrition Foundation will award ten grants of $2,500 to public elementary schools for equipment and/or educational programs that will help move children toward healthier diets and improve their overall wellness. For more information, and to apply, visit www.healthypotato.com.
  
• Outdoor Classroom Grant Program ~ Deadline: Rolling
  Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper, and National Geographic Explorer! classroom magazine have partnered to create an outdoor classroom grant. The goal is to provide schools with additional resources to improve their science curriculum by engaging students in hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom. All K-12 public schools in the United States are welcome to apply. Visit the Lowe's Web site for more information.
  
• Grant Wrangler Funding Directory
  Grant Wrangler is a free grants listing service that makes it easy for teachers to find funding. To see the full list of funding opportunities, and to subscribe to the monthly e-newsletter, visit the Grant Wrangler Web site.

- Kathryn Orvis

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT

VolunteerIN…4-H Toolkit for Success
Shortly after the first of the year, you will receive a CD with the 2008 lesson plans for “VolunteerIN…4-H Toolkit for Success.” The lessons this year focus on the Mastery concept.  To begin the second year of the materials, an IP Video program will be held on Tuesday, January 29 and on Thursday, February 21 (the same program will be offered on each date). Each program will be held from 7:30-9 p.m. Eastern Time (6:30-8 p.m. Central Time). The 2008 program will include portions of the following lessons: Experiential Learning Model, Skill-a-Thon, Mock Judging, Budget Busters, and Goal Setting.

IP Video sites may be enrolled by visiting: http://1144sms/ipevents/. Look for programs #1245 (Jan 29) and #1246 (Feb 21).

- Steve McKinley and Randy Brown

North Central Region Volunteer Forum
Thirteen volunteers and staff attended the 2007 North Central Region Volunteer Forum in Milwaukee, WI, October 11-14.  Those who attended participated in several outstanding educational sessions and heard from inspiring speakers.  They are now ready to share this information with their counties and other interested groups.  Please invite one of the individuals listed below to share the information they learned with volunteers in your county: