4-H NEWS

Jones County Central

     The Jones County Central 4-H Club held its regular monthly meeting on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Jones County Youth Development Center.

     The meeting was called to order at 1:27 p.m. by Autumn Kirby. Maisie Paulsen led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was – “Holiday Ice Breaker.” It was answered by 17 members. There were six leaders and 16 guests present. Secretary’s Report was given. Maisie Paulsen moved to approve the Secretary’s minutes and it was seconded by Ava Capron; it passed by majority vote. Treasurer’s Report was given. Kyle Arduser moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Natalie Henderson seconded it; it passed by majority vote. Bills were presented. Lauren Oltmanns moved to approve payment of bills and Hailey Henderson seconded it; the motion passed by majority vote.

     Old Business: Elizabeth Riniker reported on officer training by explaining the area of training that is associated with the office that is held. Gracie Henderson and Trista Deshaw reported on 4-H volleyball by saying they had fun. Grant Lubben and Autumn Kirby reported on Awards Day and they said our group did really well and that it was fun. The Christmas tree walk is Dec. 13-15 at the Lawrence Community Center; our theme for the tree is “Toy Story Christmas.” The can and paper good donation drive will go to the Lawrence Community Center,  Jones County Food Pantry, and Jones County Senior dining, and shut-ins. The goods for the Lawrence Community Center is for allowing us to display our Christmas tree at the Christmas Tree Walk. The University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Blank Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Children Hospital will be receiving two tie knot blankets, two books, board games or educational games. The club also made a set of Christmas cards to go to the VA Hospital and the Anamosa Care Center residents. The club was given a family of two children; each child is receiving an outfit, hat and gloves, pajamas and a toy, plus an essential basket. There were nine cookie platters distributed through our community to show our appreciation to businesses that contribute to the 4-H program in Jones County throughout the year. These businesses were the Monticello Vet Clinic, Anamosa Vet Clinic, Brian Meyer and staff (Legacy Lanes), Monticello Express, Cascade Sale Barn, Pizza Ranch, Lawrence Community Center, Extension Office, and Jerry and Maria White. The club will be delivering 72 gift bags to the Monticello Care Center for their residents.

     New Business: The All-Livestock Workshop is scheduled for Dec. 27 at the Jones County Youth Development Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Beef Weigh-in will be held Dec. 21 at the Kirkwood Community College–Tippie Beef Center from 8 to 10:30 a.m. for any market beef animals that will possibly be shown at the Iowa State Fair or AKSARBEN. For any market beef animals that will only be shown at county fairs, the weigh-in will be on Dec. 28 at the Cascade Sale Barn from 8 to 11 a.m. A New Year’s Eve party for Pre-K to sixth-grade 4-H members and friends will be held Dec. 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

     The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m. by Autumn Kirby with the 4-H Pledge being led by Gracie Henderson.

     The rest of the afternoon centered on making tie blankets, signing Christmas cards, wrapping presents, putting gift bags together, putting together the cookie appreciation platters, a sock exchange, games and a club family potluck.

     The next meeting will be held at the Lawrence Community Center on Jan. 6, 2020 at 1 p.m.

– Maisie Paulsen, reporter