Dickinson County MSU Extension

🍂 Calling All Volunteers! 🍂
Join us for the Michigan 4-H Fall 2024 Volunteer Webinar Series! 🍁 Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, these webinars are packed with valuable insights to help you make the most impact.
📅 When? This fall—check out the full list of topics! 🔗 Learn More & Register Here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow 4-H volunteers across the state. See you online! 🌟

4-H Youth Club Coordinator Job description:
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact and gain hands-on experience in youth development and mental health? 4-H HealthCorps seeks dedicated individuals to serve as a 4-H Youth Club Coordinator at twelve different Michigan State University Extension locations across the state!

This is a full-time position, 36-40 hours per week, that will start on October 1, 2024, and end on September 12, 2025. This position is best suited for someone available ~ 40 hours a week, primarily during business hours. There will be occasional evening and weekend hours.

About the Program:
4-H HealthCorps is a Michigan's AmeriCorps Program run out of Michigan State University Extension and places AmeriCorps members in Extension county offices, across Michigan.

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. To learn more about AmeriCorps visit: https://americorps.gov/about

4-H HealthCorps is dedicated to promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being among youth and families in our community. We aim to foster healthy habits and positive relationships through programming and family events.

Roles and Responsibilities:
As the 4-H SPIN Club Coordinator, you will be vital in delivering special interest (we call these SPIN clubs) club workshops to area schools and community partners. Your responsibilities will include:
• Planning and organizing 4-H SPIN clubs with volunteers, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical health topics.
• Recruiting and engaging youth new to 4-H in SPIN club programming
• Recruiting and supporting volunteers for guest programming and general support
• Planning and hosting family engagement events related to well-being
• Collecting data and submitting reports to site supervisor, the AmeriCorps program, and/or other funders as needed.
• Opportunity to earn certifications, specialized training, and career coaching in the mental health field.

Qualifications:
• Passion and strong interest in mental health, emotional well-being, and physical health
• Experience working with diverse populations (multiple ages, ethnicities, religions, etc.)
• Strong interest or experience working with youth of all ages (5-18)
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident
• Must be at least 18 years of age (there is no maximum age limit)
• Must pass the following background checks: National S*x Offender Public Website, HireRight, FBI Fingerprinting, and any additional checks based upon State of Residence
• Must commit to serving 36-40 hours per week for the entire term: October 1, 2024 - September 12, 2025.

Work Environment:
Service will include virtual elements but primarily be in-person at one of the below MSU Extension offices. Members will receive office space and necessary equipment. You can expect occasional evening and weekend events. This full-time position will require 36 - 40 hours/week, October 1, 2024, through September 12, 2025. It’s best to apply if you reside in or can easily commute to one of the following locations:
• Cheboygan County (office in Cheboygan)
• Chippewa County (office in Sault Ste. Marie)
• Genesee County (office in Flint)
• Ingham County (office in Lansing)
• Lapeer County (office in Lapeer)
• Luce County (office in Newberry)
• Marquette County (office in Marquette)
• Monroe County (office in Monroe)
• Oakland County (office in Pontiac)
• Presque Isle County (office in Rogers City)
• Schoolcraft County (office in Manistique)
• Wexford County (office in Cadillac)

Compensation and Benefits:
• $18,700 living stipend (pre-tax), distributed evenly, bi-weekly
• $7,395 education award
• Qualified student loan forgiveness
• Health coverage that includes dental and vision
• Childcare assistance
• Continual professional growth and networking opportunities as a part of Michigan State University Extension, 4-H and Michigan’s AmeriCorps,
• Opportunity to obtain certifications and/or higher education credits in mental, behavioral health and/or social work.

To Apply:
To apply, send a cover letter and resume with the location(s) you’re interested in to Andrea Villanueva at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until mid-August. However, we may conduct rolling interviews prior to the posting closing.

4-H HealthCorps recognizes that individuals interested in this position may not have employment experience with the listed roles, responsibilities, and preferred skills. That’s ok! 4-H HealthCorps values differences to enhance our teams. We’re looking to hire an individual with transferrable skills and experience from non-traditional employment roles who is eager to learn the rest. For support adding expertise to your cover letter, click here. For assistance adding those things to your resume, click here.

FAIRBOOKS ARE OUT!
Following locations all have atleast a few:
TRACTOR SUPPLY IRON MTN, PARKERS FEED AND SUPPLY, NORWAY POST OFFICE, AND BY LATER THIS EVENING SAGOLA BP.

COVER ARTWORK BY THE AMAZING DEB BARKLE AGAIN THIS YEAR🌥🎡💙

Good morning! The Dickinson County 4H Proud Equestrian Program is just one week away and the volunteers could not be more excited!!! This is a free therapeutic horseback riding program for youth and young adults, ages 5-26, who have disabilities. Participant riding times will be scheduled today so if you haven't turned in your application, please do so ASAP! We also still have several riding slots available. If you or someone you know would still like to participate, it's not too late! Call the MSU Extension Office today to request an application @ 906-302-3253!

Send a message to learn more

Attention youth ages 12-19!!! The owner of Bored Bard Games is starting a free 4-H gaming club! This club welcomes youth to gather with other gamers to learn strategic board and card games. Through non-screen gaming, youth will build critical thinking, sportsmanship and leadership skills. They will also gain a sense of comradery amongst their peers and mentors. This club provides both a educational and entertaining component. It also provides a safe space for gamers to meet like-minded individuals. There are limited spots available so reserve your spot quick! Interested individuals can contact Jessica Ice at the MSU Extension Office
Phone: 906-302-3253
Email: [email protected]

Ask Extension link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert
Every Wednesday we’ll share a real question sent to our Ask Extension experts with the provided answer and resources. Answers and questions may be edited for clarity.

Q - “I used to use the Michigan State Sea Grant coast watch to find out Lake Superior water temperature. I went to the new website, and it doesn't work at all. I put in Lake Superior then I enter in the central region then I enter in the date and nothing happens. Can you help me with this?”

A -The MSU Coastwatch website is no longer supported. NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory is the lead on providing Coastwatch Data for our region. It is suggested you try contacting Andrea Vander Woude for assistance on the Lake Superior maps. https://www.glerl.noaa.gov/about/pers/profiles/vanderwoude.html

Andrea Vander Woude - Personnel Profile - NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory - Ann Arbor, MI, USA Information from NOAA-GLERL

Greetings Gardeners,
Are you interested in the next MSU Extension Foundations of Gardening (FOG) course? FOG is the horticulture course for both those wishing to apply to our MSU Extension Master Gardener Program® and those seeking horticultural training for personal reasons.
Registration for the Foundations of Gardening (FOG) is open July 10, 2024- August 24, 2024. Registration is available on the FOG website https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/foundations-of-gardening . Classes begin September 10, 2024, with a practice session.

Ask Extension link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert
Every Wednesday we’ll share a real question sent to our Ask Extension experts with the provided answer and resources. Answers and questions may be edited for clarity.

Slug control
Q- “Any suggestion on how to [control] slugs?”
A-Slugs are found in areas close to the ground that are wetter, shadier spots. If the area has these conditions, it will be harder to stop them from coming back. Non-chemical options include pruning plants to open up the canopy and allow more air flow, watering earlier in the day, and avoiding overhead watering.

Sprinkling Diatomaceous earth around plants can help [control] slugs but won't deter them. Iron phosphate and Ferric sodium EDTA are two chemicals that will help [control] slugs when ingested. If using pesticides, be sure to read the label before use.

To participate in the 2024 4-H Council Labor Day Fun Show on Monday, September 2nd at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds, please fill out the attached form (form can also be found in 2024 Fair Book). You can then drop off or mail the completed form and payment to Dickinson County MSU Extension, 2801 North US 2, Room #121, Iron Mountain MI. 49801. Hope to see you there!

We invite 4-H volunteers, leaders, and youth ages 8-19 to join 4-H and Inland Seas Education Association for a sailing excursion aboard a tall ship schooner!
Join us on Friday, July 12, from 12:45-4:30pm join us aboard the schooner, leaving from 58 Huron Street, Houghton (new dock by the Portage Library).
Experience and learn about the Great Lakes while aboard a tall ship schooner. Collect and analyze scientific samples. Raise the sails and steer the ship. Relax and take in the views of Lake Superior. You will learn about food webs, plankton, fish, watersheds, and more!
Limited number of seats available on the boat, so please sign up early! Must be approved 4-H volunteers or active 4-H members to attend.
Please sign up by July 5th to 4-H Program Coordinator, Anne Kretschmann at [email protected]. Free to 4-H volunteers and members, but you must RSVP ($28.90/person cost generously paid by UP 4-H.) If you sign up but can't attend, please let me know so that I can add someone from the waiting list.
Upon arrival, parents or chaperones should walk the 4-H members to the 4-H Program Coordinator.
What to Bring
Participants should bring water & snacks, warm jacket, and rain gear. It may be 20 degrees COLDER on the water! Must wear closed toe shoes, i.e. tennis shoes - NO flip flop sandals permitted. Some scientific equipment is down a ladder (optional). The boat will sail rain or shine.
Find out more about the Inland Seas Education Association schooners: https://schoolship.org/meet-the-fleet/
There will be a public Fish Fry on the dock from 4-7pm, hosted by our partners at Sea Grant. All are welcome to stay. More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/828338559179644/?ref=newsfeed

Ask Extension link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert
Every Wednesday we’ll share a real question sent to our Ask Extension experts with the provided answer and resources.

Q- “What is the cause of this?”
A- Are you watering over the top of the geranium? If so, make sure you are watering the soil and not plant itself.

Or the flowers have reached that stage where they die. In this case, you can cut the dying blossom off at the base. This will allow the new buds more energy to bloom.

Kinship Caregiver workshops are a free online series of workshops that provide guidance for caregivers of children as they navigate the joys, challenges and concerns of raising children.
Participants may register for as few or as many workshops as they wish. The workshops are once monthly on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30PM EST as follows:

April-June Class dates:
• 7/10/2024: Positive Discipline
• 8/14/2024: Setting the Stage: Promoting Social Emotional Development in Young Children
• 9/11/2024: The Resilience Toolbox
• Class Times: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:00PM to 8:30PM

• Registration:

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Kinship Caregiver classes. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar. This free series of workshops will provide guidance for kinship caregivers of children as they navigate the joys, challenges and concerns of raising kids. Participants may register once and attend as few or as many workshops as they wish. The workshops are as follows: October 11: Helping Kids Manage...

Save the Date! The Dickinson County 4-H Council will be hosting a pig clinic at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds on Friday the 12th of July at 6PM in the pig barn. This clinic is open to anyone interested in showing pigs. The instructor will be Ryan Harrel. We look forward to seeing you there! Do NOT bring your pigs to this clinic. Demo pigs will be used.

Registration for the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase is now open! Michigan State University Extension is excited to partner with the Michigan State Fair again this year on this exciting program for all Michigan youth ages 5-19. The virtual platform provides a great opportunity for youth to exhibit their work in all project areas and apply for $10,000 in scholarships. Learn more about this free event at extension.msu.edu/MSF4HShowcase.

Senior Project FRESH Sign-Ups are coming soon!

The Senior Project Fresh program is aimed at helping older adults eat healthier as they age.

The program provides participants free nutrition education and $25 in coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods sold at local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.

Residents who are aged 60 or older with a total household income of $27,861 or less for an individual, or $37,814 for a couple, are eligible to apply for the program.

For more information, email [email protected] or go to: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/behavioral-and-physical-health-and-aging-services/special-programs/senior-project-freshmarket-fresh

Ask Extension link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert
Every Wednesday we’ll share a real question sent to our Ask Extension experts with the provided answer and resources.

“Can a regular woodchuck tick (not deer tick) carry Lyme disease?”
A- Here is a very detailed website our Veterinary College colleagues prepared. Several resources provide details about all ticks including woodchuck tick.

Ticks & Tick-Borne Diseases: Information for Pet Owners & Clinicians | College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU

MSU Extension will be offering a Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) course, in-person, this Saturday (June 8th) at the Dickinson County Library. The class will begin at 11am and will last approximately 1-1.5 hours. The purpose of YQCA is to continually provide a current, peer-reviewed, quality curriculum for youth quality assurance training and certification. You MUST register for this course to attend. A pre and post survey is also required to receive a certificate of completion. All youth, ages 8-19, are welcome to attend. You do not have to be a 4-H member. For more information or to register for YQCA click this link: https://www.yqcaprogram.org/login/index.php
Please reach out to the MSU Extension Office if you need further assistance to register or attend this course or if you have any questions @ 906-302-3253 or [email protected].

Attention Pokemon Enthusiasts! The Dickinson County 4-H Program is looking to start a 4-H Pokemon Club in Dickinson County! We have interested youth and they are looking for adult leaders/mentors to guide them through the exciting world of Pokemon. 4-H Clubs give youth a safe space to be creative, have a voice and learn new skills. If you or someone you know is interested or would like more information, please call the MSU Extension Office @ 906-302-3253 or email [email protected].

Host Families Needed!

Interested in adding another member to your family for 3.5 weeks this summer? Summers are beautiful in Michigan and can be culturally enriching sharing it with a Japanese youth! Reach out to our State Coordinator today Janis Brinn [email protected] if your family is interested!

We only have a few international youth participants left and the deadline is this Saturday June 1, 2024!

A host family needs to complete the States’ 4-H International Exchange Programs online application, have a youth to match (Japanese ages 13-17 years) as a host brother/sister (be within 3 years of age), adults in the home be Michigan 4-H adult Gold Volunteers, participate in an interview and home visit process. Applications to host can be found at www.states4hexchange.org

Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact myself Janis Brinn [email protected] Michigan 4-H International Exchange Programs Coordinator or Co-Coordainaotr John Wurm [email protected].

States' 4-H International Exchange Programs As one of the pioneers of international youth exchange, we have more than 40 years experience helping youth and families discover a global perspective while living an unforgettable experience.

More information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/

Ask Extension link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ask-an-expert
Every Wednesday we’ll share a real question sent to our Ask Extension experts with the provided answer and resources.

Q “Can you identify this caterpillar?”
A- That is the caterpillar of Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar). Yes, an older common name for that insect was Gypsy Moth.

Ask Extension Ask Extension

Reminder: This clinic is happening tomorrow!

The Dickinson County 4-H Program will be hosting steer, goat and sheep clinics on May 11th at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds. These clinics are free of charge and open to the public. You do not need to be a 4-H member to attend. All three clinics begin at 11am. Steer clinic will take place in barn 5. Goat & lamb Clinics will take place in barn 4. You are encouraged to bring your market animals with you. Any questions please message Kim Wright or contact the MSU Extension Office @ 906-302-3253 or email [email protected]

Join Michigan 4-H on May 13 at Noon or 7pm (Eastern) for Preparing 4-Hers for Fairs and Showcases. As summer approaches, there are many opportunities for youth to showcase their skills and knowledge. 4-H volunteers have an important role in helping youth develop their interview skills, public speaking, presentation, and leadership skills as they participate in a variety of events and activities For more information and registration visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series