February 4-H Newsletter

The February issue of the Kalamazoo County 4-H newsletter was bulk mailed to 4-H families on January 28. Click below to view the newsletter.

February Newsletter

4-H Leader's Banquet

The 55th Annual Kalamazoo County 4-H Leaders Banquet was held on January 22, 2009 at Schnauzer’s Banquet Hall in Schoolcraft. Thirty-Four leaders were honored, including one leader who received her Thirty-Five Year Clover Award, Barbara Buckham of Schoolcraft.

First year leaders receiving certificates were: Meg Blinkiewicz, Veronica Bolhuis, Christina Chase, Gwen Conarton, Stacy Davison, Mike Dyer, Yvonne Hart, Jamie Hassing, Pamela Kennedy, Tammi Mallos, Virginia Page, Janey Tomilo, Larry Trewuitt, Nancy Wolf, Kalee Wolthuis, Steven Wooley, Cary Booth, Cheryl Booth, Larry Elliott, and Lacey Ranes.

Five year leaders receiving certificates were: Carolyn Burke, Wade Lawrence and Pamela VanDongen.

Ten year leaders receiving certificates were: Sara VanDyk and Tom Gansen.

Fifteen year leaders receiving certificates were: Stacey Coville, Tara East, Diane Ford, Michael Moreland, Robert Shell and Mary Vliestra.

Twenty year leaders receiving certificates were: Michael Swihart.

Twenty-Five year leaders receiving certificates were: David Rutten.

Thirty-Five year leaders receiving certificates were: Barbara Buckham.
It’s an honor to recognize Barb Buckham for her years of service to Kalamazoo County 4-H. Over the years Barb has been involved with the Sheep Project, Schoolcraft Future Farmers and Farmettes Community Club, Leaders Council and Livestock Superintendent’s Association. She is currently serving as Sheep Superintendent, a position she has held since 1988, and as Treasurer for the Livestock Superintendents association. She is a super resource and pays great attention to detail. In the 4-H office we like to say if you have a question about how something has been done in the past, call Barb, she probably has it written down somewhere.
How many lives has Barb Buckham touched? We can only guess that it must be in the thousands. It says a lot about ones character when they find a way to mentor youth and then stick with it for 35 years.

4-H Leader's Banquet (cont.)

4-H Leader's Banquet (cont.)

4-H Leader's Banquet (cont.)

Valentine Day Benefit Dinner for the Kalamazoo County Fair

Come and enjoy a Valentine Day Benefit Dinner on February 14 from 6-9 pm at the Scotts Community Center. Tickets are pre-paid at $10.00 ea. The evening will include valet parking, romantic setting, benefit auction (awesome U.P. hunting package, womens packages), excellent 4H wait staff, dancing with the Tony Fields, Doug Decker and Steve Frary Band, Pasta dinner with salad & breadsticks. Tickets are available from Tricia Bartholomew 269-626-0030, Sarah Hoagg 269-626-0183, or Kal. Fair Office 269-349-9791.

Cooper Families and Friends

At the Cooper F & F January club meeting, the 4-Hers held their regular monthly meeting followed by a program from Kelsey Schill who talked about the project guidelines for several still projects including, knitting, crocheting, buymanship, sewing and fashion review.

Portage Partners

Just for fun, the Portage Partners painted personalized tote bags at our January meeting.

Soap Making

The Galesburg United club had an exciting night of soap making as they prepared for the Holiday Season.

Critter Corner

Kalamazoo County 4-H rabbit project leader Lisa VanLaan has recently opened a feedstore in Vicksburg. The store carries feed and supplies for pets and also farm animals. A complete line of Patriot horse feed is offered. Other ADM large animal feeds are carried for meat/dairy goats, sheep, calves, rabbits, swine and poultry. As the 4-H animal projects start up this spring feel free to stop by and make suggestions on what you'd like to see carried - feed and supply-wise. The store also carries bagged shavings, hay, straw and wild birdseed.

Portage Partners - Greater Kalamazoo Food Drive

More than 20 Portage Partners 4-Hers and family members helped with the Greater Kalamazoo Food Drive on Dec. 20. This annual event held at the Kalamazoo County fairgrounds provides 1,500 families with a week's worth of food, including perishable items like meat and fruit. Club members worked with other volunteers by filling food boxes and making deliveries to families in need of a helping hand.