Submitted by secretary, Eden Copeland.
The High Country Handiworkers meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. on November 13, 2023 by President Josh Ryan at the McKee Building at The Ranch.
The pledges were led by Basil Price, Kennedy Jo Rodden, Paige Box, Nolan Osusky, Ethan Osusky, Willow Cameron, Caden Powell, Bohdan Leppert, and Madelin Leppert.
Roll call procedure: Please take your nametag from the alphabetized file box at the start of the meeting. At the end of the meeting, drop the name tags in the buckets at the exits of the room.
Willow Cameron moved to approve the minutes from October as submitted by Eden Copeland and posted on the club website. The motion was seconded and APPROVED.
Treasurer Gideon Rivera presented the treasurer’s report. The checking account’s balance is $1,188.64, the savings account balance is $5,593.13, and the CD balance is $2,115.89.
There was no reporter’s report.
Willow Cameron and Charlie Gilmore led the sunshine report for the November birthdays. Happy birthday, everyone! The club signed cards for club members who are aging out of 4-H: Kassie Lines, Nate Rogers, and Tait Simpson.
The Cloverbuds made pumpkins with their handprints, played Bingo, and had lots of fun at their October meeting.
Leader’s Report:
Paid Parking at The Ranch – Sharel Cameron talked about the new paid parking at the Ranch for ticketed events at Blue Arena (Budweiser Event Center). It will use scanners to gather license plate information, similar to driving on E-470 or other toll roads. When a 4-H event takes place at the same time as a ticketed event, we will gather the Name, State of License Plate, and License Plate Number for all 4-H families in attendance. Otherwise, families will receive a bill. We will have a form to handwrite your information, or an online form to fill out while at the event.
Clover Connection – Once you are enrolled, you will start getting the Clover Connection newsletter. It has important dates, workshop info, and general info.
Calendar – Look at the calendar so that you won’t miss any important dates like workshops for projects or required safety training for shooting sports.
Workshops – Workshops will start happening in the new year. Workshops are easy ways to get help on your project and can help you choose which projects you want to do this year.
Visual Arts – Karley Fitzgerald-Rivera talked about the Visual Arts project meetings that will begin in January on the second Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
Foods – Foods leader Amy Gebhardt was not present. The next meeting for the Foods project will be December 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the McKee Building. Bring a holiday dish to share if you wish.
Photography – No report.
Beekeeping – No report.
Scrapbooking – No report.
Clothing – Hanna Copeland spoke about plans for upcoming workshops. The first workshop will be in January. If you are interested in the clothing project, she is happy to answer questions. If you are enrolled in Clothing, watch for an email with more information.
Junior Leadership Club – Gideon Rivera talked about the club for members ages 13 years and older. The club runs the Dairy Bar, Achievement Night, Junior Jam.
Dog – Hailey McNear reported that orientation for the dog project will be held on January 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ranch. She encouraged members to think about the project to get experience with their dogs.
Shooting Sports – Premiums from county shoots are available now. The required Annual Safety Meetings on Zoom will be held on February 2 and March 8. Check the calendar on the shooting sports website Leaders who might be interested in becoming certified in shooting sports should enroll now. Becoming a leader requires a background check and references and takes a little time. The dates for certification trainings have been set, and registration will open early in 2024.
Rob Ryan gave the parli pro report. We discussed the roles of the officers, what a nomination is, and how officer elections will work at the December meeting.
Old Business:
Community Service at Courtyard Assisted Living – Sarah Rodden spoke about opportunities at the Courtyard Assisted Living Facility in Loveland. Families are invited to volunteer to help (craft projects, Easter candy, Valentines, cards). Less interaction than creative projects.
Lon Hagler Community Service – There was discussion about completing a community service project painting benches at Lon Hagler this year or waiting until Spring. Hailey McNear moved to wait until the spring. Seconded and APPROVED.
Club Enrollment – Enrollment opened on October 16 and closes on February 1, 2024 for returning members and March 1, 2024 for new members. Enrollment is on v2.4HOnline.com. Payment CANNOT be made through 4HOnline, but the system requires you to click the Pay by Check button. Then you can either pay the extension office onine or with a check.
New Business:
4-H Foundation Craft Show – The Foundation is hosting a craft fair on December 2 and 3.
Wrapping Presents for Foster and Adoptive Families of Larimer County – We have wrapped presents for the Christmas party for many years. This would be done at the December meeting. Hailey McNear moved to do the project this year. Seconded and APPROVED.
Murdoch’s Fort Collins Gift Wrapping – We have an opportunity for a fundraiser/community service project at Murdoch’s. The store is offering free gift wrapping to customers. They will supply supplies and our club keeps any tips. Nikki McNear volunteered to spearhead, and will choose dates for a signup to be posted soon.
4-H Carnival Tickets – Will be available at the December meeting.
Officer Elections – Elections for officers for 2024 will be held at the December meeting. Please think about whether you’d like to run for office and come to the meeting prepared to talk about why you are running.
Add Signer to Club Bank Accounts – Hanna Copeland has volunteered to be a signer on the club’s bank accounts. Walker Cameron moved to add Hanna Copeland. Seconded and APPROVED.
Club Achievement Night – Awards were passed out to the club members and leaders.
Demonstrations:
- Eden Copeland: Making her ocean jewelry box for the Home Decor project.
Charlie Gilmore moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded and APPROVED. The meeting was adjourned by Josh Ryan at 8:17 p.m.