Iowa State University Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.

DIANNA COLGAN JANET MARTIN RAY REYNOLDS County Youth Coordinator Urban 4-H Youth Specialist Youth Program Specialist dmish@iastate.edu jmmartin@iastate.edu raymondr@iastate.edu

4265 OAK CREST HILL RD SE, IOWA CITY, IA 52246 | 319 337-2145 | 8:00 AM—5:00 PM LEARN MORE AT WWW.EXTENSION.IASTATE.EDU/JOHNSON

ENROLLMENT FORMS DUE

Attention all Johnson County 4-H members: Your enrollment

forms and medical forms must be submitted to the Extension Office

by 5 PM on Monday, May 16 in order to participate in the 2011 John-

son County 4-H & FFA Fair!

2011 STATE 4-H RECOGNITION RESULTS

167 4-H’ers (9 from Johnson County) participated in the State 4-H

Recognition interview process with 263 interviews Saturday, March 26.

Those selected for a state award will be recognized at the Iowa State

Youth Conference closing ceremonies on Thursday, June 30. Selected

for state recognition from Johnson County are as follows:

National 4-H Congress

Connor Graves East Lucas Clovers

Rebecca Haugland Macbride’s Pride

Natalie Kasper Victory

Technology Team

Jacob Bran Macbride’s Pride

State 4-H Council

Rebecca Haugland Macbride’s Pride

Ashley Holubar Graham Champions

Abby Sparks West Side Achievers

State Project Awards

Rebecca Haugland Macbride’s Pride Home Improvement

Natalie Kasper Victory Clothing

Congratulations to all that applied!

HEALTHY LIVING FOR 4-H FAMILIES

To provide nutrition information to 4-H families, we’re attaching the

Words on Wellness newsletter from ISU Extension. The newsletter pro-

vides tips for healthy living for your family. Because 4-H is part of Iowa

State University Extension, stay tuned for other healthy living sugges-

tions for your family.

May 5....... Sheep and Meat Goat Weigh-in

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM;

JC Fairgrounds, Barn 5

May 16..... Enrollment Forms and Changes

Due to the Extension Office

May 16..... Livestock ID Forms

Due to the Extension Office

May 16..... 4-H’ers for 4-H Campaign Due

Ames, see new instructions on page 5

May 16..... 2011-12 Youth Council Applications

Due to the Extension Office

July 1 ...... Animal Entry Cards (Blue Cards)

Due to the Extension Office

June 28-30. 4-H State Youth Conference

ISU, Aim for Adventure

July 25-28 Johnson County Fair

Aug. 11-21 Iowa State Fair

Des Moines, IA

4-H CALENDAR

MAY 2011

NEWS AND REMINDERS FROM EXTENSION

THE JOHNSON COUNTY PULSE

MISSION STATEMENT 4-H EMPOWERS YOUTH TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL WORKING AND LEARNING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CARING ADULTS

MAY 2011

Page 2

4-H PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Mark your calendars! The 10th Annual 4-H Pancake

Breakfast will be held Sunday, July 10, from 7:00AM-

12:00PM. 4-H clubs are being asked to donate a theme

basket or item for the silent auction. Tickets are on sale

for $7 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, & pre-

school youth are free. A book of 10 tickets sells for $60.

All proceeds go towards paying the 4-H program devel-

opment fee for the 500 plus 4-H members in Johnson

County. Contact your club leader or the Extension office

for tickets. Businesses and/or individuals who buy a

book of 10 tickets will be listed on the donor board

as a sponsor if their name is submitted to our office

by 12:00 PM on Friday, July 8th!! You will be contacted

in June to sign up to help! Remember - this is the major

fundraiser to defray the cost of the yearly program fee.

Please do your best to sell multiple books of tickets.

Thanks!!

FAMILY NEWSLETTERS - EMAIL VS. MAIL

Starting in January the 4-H newsletters were sent by

email to those who designated email correspondence on

their enrollment forms. If you would like to receive email

copies of the newsletter please email Megan Ruplinger

at mrupling@iastate.edu so that you can be added to the

list. If you are receiving emails and would prefer regular

mail please call the Extension office, 319-337-2145. The

4-H newsletter can also be found online at:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/

news/4hnewsletters.htm

PHOTOS WANTED!!!

The Johnson County Extension office is looking for pho-

tographs of 4-H activities throughout the year! We need

pictures from meetings, service projects, workshops,

camps, trips and more! Send your digital photos via

email to: mrupling@iastate.edu

4-H WEEKLY NEWS

4-H Weekly News is a way for the 4-H public to keep up-

to-date on state-wide happenings, events, grants, forms,

fair info., and fun! Be sure to check back each week to

see what's happening! Bookmark this site:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/explore/news.htm

NEWS AND REMINDERS FROM EXTENSION CONTINUED

IMPORTANT LIVESTOCK DATES

Sheep & Meat Goat Weigh-in-May 5; 6:00-8:00PM

Livestock ID Forms Due-May 16

FSQA Training class-May 26; 6:30-8:30PM

FSQA Training class-June 9; 6:30-8:30PM

Blue Cards Due-July 1

State Fair Livestock & Horticulture Entries Due-July 1

Pullorum Blood Testing - July 24; 4:00-6:00PM

LIVESTOCK NOMINATION/ID FORMS

Any 4-H’er showing livestock at the 2011 Johnson Coun-

ty 4-H and FFA Fair, State Fair or Ak-Sar-Ben must turn

in a livestock ID form for all livestock project areas they

wish to show in (except the Poultry and Pet project are-

as). All Livestock ID Forms must be turned in to the Ex-

tension office by 5:00PM on May 16. NO LATE FORMS

WILL BE ACCEPTED. Our office DOES NOT mail out

the Livestock ID forms based off of 4-H enrollments; you

can get the forms at our office (if you can’t make it out to

our office call us and we will mail you the forms you

need), from your club leader or on our website:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/info/4h/

animalid.htm. If you have any questions please contact

our office at 319-337-2145.

BUCKET BOTTLE EXHIBITORS

4-H and FFA members interested in showing bucket bot-

tle calves should stop by or contact the Extension office.

Exhibitors will need to nominate and tag their calves by

May 16. We have an information packet that includes

management and care tips and the report form that

needs to be turned in at the interview on Saturday, July

23; interviews will take place from 8:00AM-12:00PM. We

provide tags and a tagger to assist you. Youth may nomi-

nate up to 3 calves of which one may be shown at the

fair. Calves need to be born between January 1 and May

15 and have nursed from the cow no more than 2 weeks.

If you have questions please contact Gene Mohling at

mohling@iastate.edu or call 337-2145. Parents of youth

in the K-3 bucket bottle program need to contact the Ex-

tension office to provide the name of the youth and con-

tact information. Guidelines for the K-3 and the 4-H/FFA

division can be found in the fair book.

LIVESTOCK INFORMATION

mailto:mrupling@iastate.eduhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/news/4hnewsletters.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/news/4hnewsletters.htmmailto:mrupling@iastate.eduhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/explore/news.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/info/4h/animalid.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/info/4h/animalid.htmmailto:mohling@iastate.edu

4-H PLEDGE

I PLEDGE MY HEAD TO CLEARER THINKING, MY HEART TO GREATER LOYALTY, MY HANDS TO LARGER SERVICE, AND MY HEALTH TO BETTER LIVING, FOR MY CLUB, MY COMMUNITY, MY COUNTRY, AND MY WORLD.

MAY 2011

MEAT GOAT & SHEEP EXHIBITORS

The Meat Goat and Sheep weigh-in has been scheduled

for Thursday, May 5, from 6:00-8:00PM in Barn 5 on the

Johnson County Fairgrounds. If you intend to show county

production lambs, county meat goats, Ak-Sar-Ben and/or

State Fair market lambs and/or meat goats you will need to

bring those lambs/goats to the weigh-in for the nomination

process. ALL COMMERCIAL EWES TO BE NOMINATED

&/OR SHOWN AT THE IOWA STATE FAIR MUST BE

BROUGHT TO THE WEIGH-IN AND TAGGED WITH AN

OFFICIAL 4-H TAG.

For the County Fair, you may nominate up to 3 lambs for

the production lamb class of which you may exhibit one

lamb (other nominated lambs may be shown in market or

ewe lamb classes.) Meat goats for the County Fair must be

weighed-in as well on May 5; there is no limit at this time on

the number of goats you may nominate. For Iowa State

Fair nominations, you may weigh-in a maximum of 15 mar-

ket sheep and 10 meat goats and in addition a maximum of

10 commercial ewes may be tagged and nominated.

For Ak-Sar-Ben, you may nominate additional market

lambs (no limit for sheep & they can be separate or differ-

ent lambs than those nominated for State Fair) and an ad-

ditional 10 for meat goats. Lambs and goats nominated for

the Iowa State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben are eligible to be

shown at the county fair. The cost to nominate animals for

the State Fair or Ak-Sar-Ben is $5 per head. Animals nomi-

nated for both the State Fair and Ak-Sar-Ben will cost $10

per head. Please remember that all lambs and goats at the

county fair will need a scrapie tag or tattoo identification

when they arrive at the fair in July. If you have questions

please call Gene Mohling at 319-337-2145 or email him at

mohling@iastate.edu.

2011 CATCH A CALF PROGRAM

This program promotes participation in the breeding beef

project area. Youth who submit an application are inter-

viewed. Based on the interview, selected youth will have an

opportunity to catch a heifer calf which will become their

project the following year. For a complete set of guidelines

and an application go to http://www.extension.iastate.edu/

johnson/info/4h/forms.htm or contact the Extension office to

obtain a copy. If you have any questions call Gene Mohling

at 319-337-2145.

FSQA CERTIFICATION

For the 2011 Johnson County Fair and Iowa State Fair, all

youth who exhibit rabbits, poultry, market beef, breeding

beef, dairy cattle, swine, goats, and sheep will need to be

certified in the Food Safety & Quality Assurance program.

NEW FOR 2011: Youth are now classified by their grade

level. Youth in grades 4-6, Juniors, will be required to at-

tend a 2 hour training each year until they are in 7th grade.

Youth in grades 7-9, Intermediates, will have the option of

the 2 hour training each year until they are in 10th grade or

taking the Intermediate test. Youth in grades 10-12, Sen-

iors, will also have the option of the 2 hour training each

year until they are in 12th grade, or taking the senior test.

The tests will be offered to participants at each training in

Johnson County or you may call the Extension office to

schedule a time to take the test. Each test is multiple choice

and must be passed with a score of 70% or higher. Once

the test is passed, you have fulfilled your FSQA require-

ment for the remaining years in your grade level. For exam-

ple, if an Intermediate passes the exam when they are in

7th grade, then they have completed their FSQA require-

ment until they are in 10th grade. The training sessions

for 2011 will be held on Thursday, May 26, 6:30-8:30PM

and Thursday, June 9, 6:30-8:30PM. All training sessions

will be held in the Johnson County Extension office. Par-

ents are welcome to attend. You may also attend FSQA

training in another county if you wish; that county will be

responsible for contacting us to verify that you attended a

meeting or took the test. Questions? Call Kathy Bei-

erschmitt or Gene Mohling at 319-337-2145 or email

kbeiers@iastate.edu or mohling@iastate.edu.

PREMISE ID FOR SWINE EXHIBITORS

Youth exhibiting swine at the Johnson County Fair are re-

quired to have a premise ID for the location where the

swine are raised. If you have provided us with a premise ID

in the past and are raising your projects at the same farm

location then you have fulfilled the requirement. However if

you are a new exhibitor or are raising your swine projects at

a new farm location you will nee a premise ID for your pro-

ject. Obtaining and ID is simple and free of charge. The

application can be found at: http://

www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/pdf/

premiseIDapp.pdf. The turn around time on obtaining the ID

may be 4-6 weeks. Please complete and mail the form to

the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship

during the month of May. As soon as you receive your ID

please contact the Extension Office or email Kathy Bei-

erschmitt kbeiers@iastate.edu with your ID number. The

requirement for a Premise ID only applies to the swine pro-

ject area at this time.

Page 3

LIVESTOCK INFORMATION CONTINUED

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/info/4h/forms.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/info/4h/forms.htmmailto:kbeiers@iastate.edumailto:mohling@iastate.eduhttp://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp.pdfhttp://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp.pdfhttp://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp.pdfmailto:kbeiers@iastate.edu

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

FIND US AT: WWW.EXTENSION.IASTATE.EDU/JOHNSON

MAY 2011

Page 4

LIVESTOCK CONTINUED

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING

What 4-H’ers Need to Do: The Iowa COOL Coalition has

come up with a simple affidavit that can work for all spe-

cies of livestock (beef, sheep, swine, poultry, goat). This

affidavit is located at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/

johnson/news/COOL.htm. Page 1 explains the steps

needed to be taken as well as example documents that

can be used for an audit trail. Page 2 is the actual affida-

vit. 4-H’ers who raise their own livestock for their projects

need to fill this affidavit out and keep it on file for a mini-

mum of two years. In the case of an audit, 4-H’ers can

provide authorities with this affidavit along with other doc-

uments listed at the bottom of page 1 of the affidavit doc-

ument (birth records, calving report, PigChamp, Pig-

Tales, purchase/sales receipts, etc.) 4-H’ers who pur-

chase their livestock from others MUST have the produc-

er fill out the affidavit, give it to the 4-H’er, and the 4-H’er

should keep the affidavit on file for a minimum of two

years. For example, a 4-H’er goes to buy his steer from a

producer. The 4-H’er needs the producer (seller) to fill

out and sign the affidavit. The USDA has given limited

guidance on the implementation of COOL to allow for

flexibility at the local level. All youth who exhibit dairy

cattle, beef (market & breeding), swine, sheep, goats,

rabbits, poultry, and bucket bottle calves will need to use

the affidavit. It is the RESPONSIBILITY of each 4-H

member/4-H family to be in compliance with the Country

of Origin Labeling guidelines. It is recommended as part

of this process that exhibitors who show large animals

(beef, dairy, goats, sheep, and/or swine) apply for and

obtain a premise identification number from the Iowa De-

partment of Agriculture & Land Stewardship. Premise ID

application forms are available at the Extension office or

online at: http://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/

pdf/premiseIDapp.pdf. There is no cost to obtain a Prem-

ise ID and you only need to complete this process once

for a location. All youth in a family would use the same

Premise ID number for the same location. All swine ex-

hibitors at the 2011 Johnson County 4-H/FFA Fair are

required to obtain a premise ID. If you have any ques-

tions please contact Gene Mohling 319-337-2145 or

email him at mohling@iastate.edu.

STATE FAIR 4-H MARKET BROILER ENTRY FORM

DUE JUNE 1

The 2011 Iowa State Fair 4-H market broiler entry form is

online and available on the poultry page, http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/livestock/

poultry.htm. Remember, these special entries are due

June 1st to the State 4-H office. No other entry is nec-

essary for the market broiler division. The chicks will be

delivered around June 20, a letter will be sent out to all

entrants in early June with more information.

SAVE THE DATE 4-H LOCK-IN

For 4-H’ers in grades 4-7: Save June 10, 6:00-10:00, at

the Johnson County Fairgrounds, for a FUN evening of

games and activities put together by the Johnson County

Youth Council. Registration information and details will

be mailed directly to you shortly!

STATE 4-H YOUTH CONFERENCE

The date has been set for the

2011 Iowa 4-H Youth Confer-

ence, Animal Science Round-

Up, and CSI: Crops. From June

28-30, over 1,000 youth from

across the state are expected to

attend this annual event held at Iowa State University.

This year’s theme is “Aiming for Adventure.” Conference

participants will be involved in many activities including

workshops, motivational speakers, community service

projects, dances, and many other fun activities. Animal

Science Round-Up participants will be involved in work-

shops with beef, dairy, sheep, horse, and swine as well

as many other conference activities. CSI: Crops partici-

pants will use the latest electronic devices and tools to

solve insect disease, weed, and plant growth problems

as well as participate in many other conference activities.

Bus transportation is available and highly encouraged.

The bus fee is free for Johnson County 4-H’ers. Full

scholarships are available for Animal Science Round-Up

and CSI: Crops participants. For more information, con-

tact the Johnson County Extension office at 319-337-

2145.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/news/COOL.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/news/COOL.htmhttp://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp.pdfhttp://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp.pdfmailto:mohling@iastate.eduhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/livestock/poultry.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/livestock/poultry.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/livestock/poultry.htm

4-H MOTTO TO MAKE THE BEST BETTER

MAY 2011

Page 5

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

2011 4-H’ERS FOR 4-H

The annual 4-H’ers for 4-H Campaign began March 1.

The campaign is conducted by members of the State 4-H

Council, and their theme this year is “My 4-H, My Com-

mitment.” The goal is to raise $30,000 by asking every

4-H club to consider a donation of $2.50 per member.

Some of the projects to be funded include new mattress-

es for Oak cabins at the Iowa 4-H Center; improvements

to the 4-H exhibit displays for the Iowa State Fair; and

financial assistance to help youth attend 4-H Camp or

State Conference. By now leaders should have received

campaign materials by e-mail or regular mail. The State

4-H Council would appreciate everyone’s commitment to

help “make the best better” for all Iowa 4-H’ers. If you

have not received the information, have questions or

need help with this please contact Dianna,

dmish@iastate.edu or 319-337-2145.

CLUB OPPORTUNITIES

APPLY FOR THE 2011-2012 JOHSON COUNTY

YOUTH COUNCIL

Youth Council Applications will be accepted from 4-H’ers

who WILL BE Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors during

the 2011-2012 school year. The Youth Council works as

a team to provide leadership to county 4-H activities, pro-

mote 4-H in the county, perform community service activ-

ities, and spend time together in recreation activities.

Current Youth Council members must re-apply to be con-

sidered for the 2011-2012 council. Application forms can

be picked up at the Extension office or found online at:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/kidsteens.htm

Forms are due May 16. No late applications will be

accepted.

4-H ON WHEELS IN JOHNSON COUNTY

Who: Children completing grades 1-5 this year.

What: Science experiments, art activities, nutritious

snacks and games including:

Did you hear that?

How did that get over there?

Going up or down

Brainstorm ways to solve science puzzles

Parachutes

Edible Butterflies

Where: Weekly programs from June 13-July 29 at the

following locations: Lone Tree North Park, Solon at the

Methodist Church Family Life Center, North Liberty Penn

Meadow Park, Swisher Park, Tiffin Potter Street Park,

Oxford Lions Park, Lemme Elementary, Mercer Park,

Willow Creek Park, Johnson County Extension Office

and Forest View Mobile Homes in Iowa City

Cost: $20 per child (No fee for families who receive free/

reduced school lunch).

Registration forms are available on the Johnson County

website:

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/

news/4HonWheels.htm

INTERESTED IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

The Iowa State Fair will hold a Vet Camp for youth be-

tween the ages of 10-18 that are interested in learning

more about animal health, welfare and what it is like to

be an animal doctor. This is a 2 hour long program focus-

ing on both large and small animal veterinary medicine.

Vet Camp is FREE with paid admission to the Iowa State

Fair. Only 30 spots are available per session. Sessions

will be assigned according to date received. All Vet

Camps are from 1:00-3:00PM, August 12-15, 2011.

Advanced Vet Camp is being held for those who have

attended the Vet Camp program in either 2008, 2009 or

2010. This camp will cover basic surgery, advanced pet

wellness, and animal production. Advanced Vet Camps

are from 9:00-11:00AM, August 12-15, 2011.

Registration is due by June 1 and forms are available at

http://www.iowastatefair.com/just-for-kids/vet-camp/ or at

the Extension office. For more information contact Emily

Brewer at 515-262-3111 ext. 244 or ebrew-

er@iowastatefair.org.

2011 OLD THRESHERS REUNION

Old Threshers is proud to invite all active members of 4-

H Clubs & FFA Chapters to the 2011 Old Threshers Re-

union.

Any day of the Reunion you will be admitted for half-price

of the regular daily admission. All youth members are

asked to wear their 4-H or FFA t-shirts when attending

the Reunion for ease of identification.

mailto:dmish@iastate.eduhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/kidsteens.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/news/4HonWheels.htmhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/news/4HonWheels.htmhttp://www.iowastatefair.com/just-for-kids/vet-camp/mailto:ebrewer@iowastatefair.orgmailto:ebrewer@iowastatefair.org

OUR VISION A WORLD IN WHICH YOUTH AND ADULTS LEARN, GROW, AND WORK TOGETHER AS CATALYSTS FOR POSTIVE CHANGE

MAY 2011

Page 6

CLUB OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

STATE 4-H COUNCIL NEEDS YOUR HELP

Adults are needed to be chaperones for the 2011 Iowa

4-H Youth Conference, Animal Science Round-Up, and

CSI: Crops. As a chaperone, you will spend three excit-

ing days with over 1000 teens learning new things, hear-

ing motivating speakers, and most of all, having fun. If

you would like to help out by volunteering to be a chaper-

one for the conference, June 28-30, contact Dianna at

337-2145. Your help is greatly appreciated.

JUNIOR TRIP CHAPERONES NEEDED

Leaders and Parents: 2-3 Chaperones are needed from

Johnson County to help with the overnight trip to Des

Moines on June 21-22. If interested contact Dianna

SOON at 319-337-2145.

WHAT ARE HOT SHEETS AND TIP SHEETS?!

The link to the State 4-H Project Page

is: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/

projects/. This page is very informative,

it will help you as you work on your

projects and it will also help to prepare

your exhibits for fair. BOOKMARK IT!

4-H Hot Sheets were created to make

4-H project information accessible to 4-

H members and their families. At the site above, you can

find a hot sheet for each project area.

4-H Tip Sheets were created to help 4-H members with

fair exhibits. At the site above, Tip sheets are included

for the following projects: Child Development, Citizen-

ship, Clothing/Fashion, Communication, Digital Storytell-

ing, Environment, Food and Nutrition, Home Improve-

ment, Mechanics, Photograph and Sewing/Needlework.

On the Tip sheet page you will also find: Poster/Display

Tips, Exhibitor Fair Information Forms, General Exhibit

Evaluation Forms, Food and Nutrition Evaluation Forms

and Photography Evaluation Forms.

Please take time to check these out as some project are-

as have specific criteria evaluated within that project ar-

ea. For Clothing, Home Improvement, and Visual Arts,

check the tip sheets to find information about design ele-

ments and art principles.

With each fair exhibit, Juniors (grades 4-6) must bring a

written goal statement (#1) and should be prepared to

verbally answer questions 2 and 3, see below:

#1: What did you plan to learn or do or What was your

exhibit goal(s)?

#2: What steps did you take to learn or do this?

#3: What were the most important things you learned?

4-H members who are grade 7 and older must bring writ-

ten answers to questions 1-3, see above. See page 42 in

your Johnson County Fair book.

Questions??? Call Dianna at 337-2145.

CLOVER KIDS

Youth enrolled in Clover Kids (grades

Kindergarten-3)

4-H/Youth Programs in Johnson County

are eligible to exhibit in the Non-Animal

Division. Up to two entries will be ac-

cepted on Sunday, July 24 from

11:00AM-2:00PM at Montgomery Hall. Please label with

your Name, Club Name, Age and Hometown. A partici-

patory ribbon will be given. The project is not eligible for

Premiums or County Award Honors. The purpose of the

K-3 program is to focus on doing age appropriate skills in

a non-competitive environment. Projects will need to

meet County Fair requirements. Youth must complete

and return an enrollment form to the Extension office by

May 16 to participate.

FAIR 2011

ADULT OPPORTUNITIES

POP TAB CHALLENGE!

The Golden Rule Golden Stars 4-H club will once again

be sponsoring the pop tab challenge. Please start saving

your pop tabs and we will collect them during the county

fair. The money we raise goes to the Ronald McDonald

House. The club with the most pop tabs brought in gets

to hoist a trophy.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/projects/

4-H SLOGAN LEARN BY DOING

MAY 2011

Further details for the following events will be announced

through the Spring and Summer. Sign up via the Iowa 4-

H website, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/statefair/

eventupdates, to be notified of event updates.

IOWA 4-H FILM FESTIVAL

Budding youth directors and actors across the state will

make their film debut in the 2nd annual Iowa 4-H Film

Festival, Aug. 12 at the Iowa State Fair. Youth who have

completed any of grades 5-12 are eligible to participate

in this event.

Participating teams must create and submit a short film.

Imagine - your original film could be shown on a jumbo

screen at the Iowa State Fair!

Youth production teams may include 1 to 10 members.

To participate, teams must complete the online registra-

tion form by June 1. Film submissions are due by July 1

and films selected for the festival will be announced Aug

1.

For more information and an on-line entry go to: http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/filmfestival.

BRATNEY COMPANIES 4-H ROBOTICS CHALLENGE

In the 2nd annual Bratney Companies 4-H Robotics

Challenge, Iowa youth will show off their robot designing

and programming skills. Teams won’t know the exact

challenges they’ll face until the event begins.

This year the event will include a senior division chal-

lenge on Saturday, Aug. 13, for youth who have complet-

ed grades 8-12 and a junior division challenge on Sun-

day, Aug. 14, for youth who have completed grades 5-8.

Teams may include 3 to 10 youth.

The application is online at: http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/

roboticschallenge. The deadline is June 1. Selected ap-

plicants will be announced July 1.

COOK THIS!

The 2nd annual Cook This! 4-H Culinary Challenge,

Aug. 15-17, gives teams of 5th through 12th grade youth

the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity in food

preparation as well as their knowledge of kitchen equip-

ment and their ability to identify produce. Ten teams will

participate at each age level.

Interested youth may apply in 2 or 3 member teams or

individually, in which case we will pair you with other

youth.

The application is online at: http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/cookthis. The

deadline is June 1. Selected applicants will be an-

nounced July 1.

STITCH THIS!

The third annual Stitch This! 4-H Design Challenge, is

Aug. 19-20. Teens who have completed the equivalent of

grades 9, 10, 11 or 12, have 16 hours to design new cre-

ations based on a fashion concept and using available

materials. The challenge culminates in a runway style

fashion show on the 4-H Exhibit Building’s main stage.

Teams are judged upon creativity, concept, teamwork,

workmanship and presentation.

This year a theme will be selected with the help of the

public and the teams will have to create a garment that

coincides with the theme.

The Stitch This! application is available online at: http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/stitchthisapp.

The deadline is June 1. Selected applicants will be an-

nounced July 1.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP WITH 4-H AT STATE FAIR

ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development is also accepting

applications for volunteers to help plan and coordinate

the 4-H challenge events, as well as mentor teams dur-

ing the challenges.

Anyone interested in volunteering to assist with 4-H

events at the Iowa State Fair may apply online: http://

www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/volunteerform.

Page 7

FAIR 2011 CONTINUED

ANNOUNCEMENT OF IOWA STATE FAIR SPECIAL EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The 2011 Johnson County Fair will be July 25-28, Mont-

gomery Hall Judging will be held July 23 and the Live-

stock Auction will be on July 29.

NEW AWARD FOR SEWING EXHIBITS

Rainbows and Calico Things Quilt Shop will offer 3 bags

of sewing notions, 1 each to a Junior, Intermediate and

Senior 4-H’er, for best constructed exhibits.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/statefair/eventupdateshttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/statefair/eventupdateshttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/filmfestivalhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/filmfestivalhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/roboticschallengehttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/roboticschallengehttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/roboticschallengehttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/cookthishttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/cookthishttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/stitchthisapphttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/stitchthisapphttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/volunteerformhttp://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/StateFair/volunteerform

On March 1st the West Side Achievers

had a presentation workshop,

a business meeting, and then toured

Sykora Bakery in Cedar Rapids

MAY 2011

THE JOHNSON COUNTY PULSE

Johnson County Extension Office

4265 Oak Crest Hill Road SE

Iowa City, IA 52246-5881

Phone: 319.337.2145 Fax: 319.337.7864

www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #407

IOWA CITY IA

Your extension connection to nutrition and fitness

Healthy People. Environments. Economies.

Serves 6

Ingredients2 avocados – peeled, pitted, and diced2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced3 Tablespoons Greek-style yogurt1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juicePepper to taste2 pounds salmon steaks2 teaspoons dried dill weed2 teaspoons lemon pepper

Directions1. Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat, and lightly oil grate (or spray with nonstick spray). 2. In a medium bowl, mash together avocados, garlic, yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with pepper. 3. Rub salmon with dill and lemon pepper. Place on the prepared grill and cook 15 minutes, turning once, until easily flaked with a fork. Serve with the avocado mixture.

Nutrient analysis per serving 326 calories; 20 gm total fat*; 2.9 gm saturated fat; 9.6 gm monounsaturated fat; 5 gm polyunsaturated fat; 84 mg cholesterol; 83 mg sodium; 3.8 gm total carbohydrates; 3 gm dietary fiber; 32 gm protein* Over one-half (14.6 gm, 54.3%) of the total fat is from heart healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). These fats, provided by the salmon and avocado, have positive effects on blood cholesterol levels.

Source: www.allrecipes.com

Are You at Risk?May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month. Thirty years ago, osteoporosis and the broken bones it caused were considered part of normal aging. Fortunately, today we know how to prevent osteoporosis. Eating a nutritious diet that includes adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D, in addition to regular exercise, can maintain our bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D plays two important roles in bone health. Vitamin D increases calcium absorption from the food we eat. Vitamin D also will “pull” calcium from our bones if we do not get enough calcium in our diet.

• Recommended daily calcium intake for adults

Calcium (mg)

Males aged 18-70 1000

Males aged 70+ 1200

Females aged 18-50 1000

Females aged 50+ 1200

• Good sources of calcium are low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese along with foods with added calcium such as orange juice, cereals, and breads.

• Recommended daily intake for vitamin D

Vitamin D (IU)

Children–Adults aged 70 600

Adults aged 70+ 800

• Natural sources of vitamin D include some kinds of fish (e.g., salmon, herring, mackerel, and tuna). Some foods and beverages, such as breakfast cereals, margarine, orange juice, and soy beverages are commonly fortified with this nutrient. The best source of vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption in bones and to improve muscle strength.

Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood. Eighty-five percent of adult bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys. Plenty of physical activity during the preteen and teen years helps to increase bone mass and greatly reduces the risk of osteoporosis in adulthood. • Get regular exercise. Keep bones healthy through weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or weight lifting.

You may not know that you have osteoporosis until a strain, bump, or fall causes a bone to break. You’re never too young or too old to improve the health of your bones.

…and justice for allThe U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is de-rived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gerald A. Miller, interim director, Cooperative Extension Service, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, Iowa.

PM 2099H May 2011

www.extension.iastate.edu

Think Summer, Think Safety!It’s May and time to brush off the outdoor grill. A national poll reveals that 6 out of 10 Americans can’t wait to fire up the grill for the outdoor cook-ing season. Nearly 90 percent of people say they plan to enjoy grilled food in their own backyard this summer. It’s important to have a safe as well as an enjoyable barbecue season.

Here are some safety tips to guide you through a safe grilling season.

1. Grills are for outside only. Never barbecue in your trailer, tent, house, garage, or any enclosed area because carbon monoxide can accumulate and harm you. Set up your grill in an open area that is well-ventilated and away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves, or brush. Use baking soda to control a grease fire and have a fire extinguisher handy.

2. Use different utensils, platters, and tongs for raw versus cooked meats, fish, or poultry on the grill. One of the biggest mistakes made while grilling is to use the same platter for raw meat as well as grilled meat. That mistake allows the bacteria from raw meat juices to contaminate the cooked meat. Be sure to wash utensils and platters with hot, soapy water and rinse with hot water to remove and kill bacteria.

3. Keep cold foods cold. If you are transporting cold food outside, be sure to keep it cold for as long as possible by using a cooler with ice. Place the cooler in the car rather than in the trunk to keep cold foods cold while transporting. Keep raw meats separate from foods that won’t be cooked. Meat stored on ice will contaminate the ice, so use very heavy plastic bags or a separate ice chest for the meat.

4. Use the two-hour rule. After the picnic, chill your leftover foods quickly. Leaving food out longer than one to two hours will allow it to warm up to temperatures that permit illness-causing bacteria to grow. Put your leftovers back on ice or discard them if you can’t keep them cold.

Be sure to follow these safety tips so your grill season can be fun, relaxing, and safe.

Pushing the PedalYou hear about “going green” in your daily life and reducing your carbon footprint. One way for you to get a little greener is to ride a bike. May is also National Bike Month. This is a great excuse to get off your couch or from behind the wheels of your car and enjoy the thrill and fun of riding a bike.

Cycling isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for you. Casual pedaling burns about 500 calories per hour (for a 150-pound person), all while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of spring and making some extra Vitamin D for your bones. Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet, adjust the bicycle to fit, check the tires and brakes, and be sure to wear white or bright colored clothing so other riders and driv-ers can see you while having fun this summer on your bike.

Get the whole family involved and ride this May.

http://www.extension.iastate.edu

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