4-H IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES UPDATE – Governor Inslee’s Vaccination Proclamation
Announcement Revised September 7, 2021
Governor Inslee issued a health and safety proclamation on August 20, 2021, in response to a continued state of emergency that exists in all counties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The health and safety proclamation, as ordered by the Governor, includes employees, contractors and volunteers engaged in activities with state agencies and in educational settings. Therefore, WSU (including Extension and the 4-H program) is required to comply with Governor Inslee’s recent vaccination proclamation directives.
With regard to volunteers, below are a series of references, deadlines and explanations that provide further details.
- The Proclamation (21-14.1) can be found HERE.
- Deadline: All current WSU Volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated or exempted by October 18th. Volunteers who are not fully vaccinated or who do not have an approved exemption on file by October 18 will be put on inactive status. They will not be able to engage in any volunteer activities with WSU Extension until proof of full vaccination can be observed or until an exemption request has been reviewed.
- Proof of vaccination: WSU Extension will announce a county-level process for observing & recording documentation of vaccination status for volunteers.
- Exemption process: WSU Extension will seek to implement a state-level exemption process (for religious or medical reasons) for volunteers and will announce details on that process shortly.
All other ongoing protocols for health and safety remain in effect and should be followed.
The Washington State 4-H Youth Development Program policy is referencing requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Health’s K-12 COVID-19 Requirements for Summer 2021 and the 2021-2022 School Year document. WHILE INDOORS, EVERYONE IS REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS. This policy is required to protect the safety of all and to model the behavior for youth, who are still required to wear masks.
If an activity is conducted outdoors, there is no requirement to wear masks. However, people should continue to practice physical distancing of six feet, if possible.
Your county may have more protective protocols in place. County protocols supersede the information presented here. Please contact your local County Extension 4-H Office with any questions.
The Washington State Department of Health released a recap of recent COVID-19 news and updates today, September 7. It is available by clicking HERE.
Washington State 4-H Fair Update On Covid-19 Protocols From Fair Manager Tom Gwin
Covid-19 protocols for participants in the Washington State 4-H Fair have been updated as of Saturday, September 4. The updated protocol document is available by clicking HERE. Please review the protocols carefully; some of the protocols are project and class-specific. Please share with your county delegation.
As previously noted, the fair is in a fluid situation. Please make your exhibitors aware that change could come at any time. The State 4-H Fair Board of Trustees and staff will endeavor to provide the best possible show for our 4-H members within the guidelines we are given.
SUPPORT 4-H YOUTH – VISIT THEIR COUNTY FAIR!
Chelan County Fair – September 9 – 12, 2021: https://www.chelancountyfair.com/
Columbia County Fair – September 10 – 12, 2021: https://www.columbiaco.com/335/Columbia-County-Fair
Garfield County Fair & Rodeo – September 17 – 19, 2021: https://www.co.garfield.wa.us/fairrodeo
Okanogan County Fair – September 9 – 12, 2021: https://okanogancounty.org/government/fairgrounds/the_fair/index.php
Spokane County Interstate Fair – September 10 -19, 2021: https://www.spokanecounty.org/4606/Interstate-Fair
Whitman County (Palouse Empire Fair) – September 9 – 12, 2021: https://www.palouseempirefair.com/
WASHINGTON STATE 4-H FAIR – PUYALLUP, WA – September 3 – 25, 2021
From National 4-H Council….
4-H AUDITIONS FOR AMERICAN IDOL OPEN SOON!
4-H is going to Hollywood! On Friday, September 24, American Idol will host a virtual audition day dedicated to 4-H’ers—current members and alumni ages 15-28. Individual 4-H singers nationwide will audition over Zoom for a chance to become the next American Idol. We realize this is short notice, but it came together quickly and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your 4-H’ers! Help us spread the word and stay tuned for the audition registration link coming soon.
Registration for the 2021 4-H STEM Summit: Galactic Quest Is Open Now!
GET $5 OFF 4-H STEM CHALLENGE KITS!
Even though you may not know it, your daily life is connected to space. Hospitals, banks, streetlights, gas pumps, phones, televisions and, and more use a vast network of satellites orbiting our planet. At the 2021 STEM Summit, participants will work with peers and group leaders on a variety of workshops and collaborative exercises. Each virtual session will test and strengthen foundational STEM skills while participants wrestle with the same questions as today’s top aerospace scientists and engineers.
At the National 4 H Youth STEM Summit, high school students (grades 9-12) develop the skills and knowledge needed for the challenges facing science, technology, engineering, and math. Students meet like-minded peers from across the country, learn more about career opportunities, and network with experts in the STEM community in this collaborative, hands-on educational setting. Young people will also have the opportunity to take part in various workshops and team-based challenges that will challenge both their STEM knowledge and their collaboration skills.
The Summit Agenda can be found at: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0650/2997/files/STEM_Summit_2021_Agenda_8.3.pdf?v=1628170841
Please complete the following form for youth interested in attending: https://forms.gle/NadNBZHLyU6WmGqc8
GET $5 OFF 4-H STEM CHALLENGE KITS!
This year’s 4-H STEM challenge, Galactic Quest, explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Activities explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture. Join the webinar on September 1 at 1:00 PM EST to learn more about the activities in this year’s challenge and pre-order your kit today.
For a limited time, get $5 off each educator kit and $3 off each family kit (limit 20 discounted kits per transaction) thanks to the generous support of our 2021 signature partner the United States Space Force.
ORDER NOW!
Join the Youth Engaged 4 Change Editorial Board!
We are now accepting applications for youth, ages 16-24, to join the Youth Engaged 4 Change (YE4C) Editorial Board!
YE4C Editorial Board members help us address the issues that youth care the most about. They create informative, empowering, and authentic content for the YE4C website, YE4C Instagram, YE4C Facebook, and YE4C Radio. YE4C Editorial Board members participate in virtual meetings to discuss issues that matter to young people. Their main role is to create original, youth-engaging content (written, visual, and audio) for the YE4C website and social media platforms. Members are expected to work both independently and collaboratively with other Editorial Board members and various changemakers. Ideal candidates care about improving their lives, care about helping others, and are excited about doing both via YE4C.
The time commitment varies throughout the term; however, we estimate an average of 5 hours per week or 20 hours per month. The term of service lasts 10 months, beginning in October 2021 and ending in August 2022.
Past members have appreciated the opportunity to balance independent and shared work with other young people across the country. They have also met with leaders within the federal government to learn more about careers and other opportunities in public service. We are looking forward to making that happen with this next group as well. We will also provide honoraria up to $1,000, YE4C swag, and a write-up on the YE4C Blog.
Visit the YE4C website to learn more.
Apply HERE.
Upcoming Opportunities Abound at the Arabian Horse Youth Association!
The Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA) website has features on many upcoming events, programs, and activities! The site has links to resources, leadership opportunities, Competition and Horsemanship activities, and more!
Don’t miss out on these great opportunities!
Applications for the 2021 AHYA Youth of the Year are due on September 1st. Candidates for this award must show a strong dedication to the Arabian horse community through outstanding leadership, achievements, and stewardship. The winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by the Arabian Horse Foundation. They will also be honored on the youth website, recognized at Youth Nationals, and have the opportunity to work on a special interest project to help improve the Arabian horse industry. For more information or to apply, click https://www.arabianhorses.org/youth/resources/#YOTY
More information on all facets of AHYA can be found at https://www.arabianhorses.org/youth/
Two Volunteers Recall Guiding a Half-Century of 4-H Participants!
By Trevor Pyle @goskagit – Originally appeared August 13, 2021
Longtime Skagit County Fair volunteers Bonita Elfstrom (left) and Shirley Stiles pose for a portrait in front of the dog barn Tuesday at the Skagit County Fairgrounds in Mount Vernon. The two have volunteered for 50 and 48 years respectively. Photo Credit: Oliver Hamlin, Skagit Valley Herald
MOUNT VERNON — With whirring fans and masked visitors, this year’s Skagit County Fair had a few changes from previous years.
That said, if visitors poked their heads into Building C earlier this week, they’d see two volunteers who’ve been a steady presence for around a half-century: Bonita Elfstrom and Shirley Stiles.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE!
State 4-H Horse Medallion Donations Needed
Jennifer Leach, 4-H Faculty and State Equine Specialist
Now that State 4-H Fair is confirmed as an in-person event, we need to quickly collect donations to provide Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for all the Equine classes, plus the Groom Squad and Equine Presentations Contests. The total cost is approximately $1,300. Please consider a donation so that our outstanding members may receive this special recognition! All donors will be listed on posters in the barns and announced during the events.
Contributions are welcome from County Programs, individuals and businesses.
Please make checks payable to Snohomish County 4-H Horse Program (who have been acting as the banker since the 1980’s)
Mail to Pat Pehling, 7310 83rd AVE SE, Snohomish WA 98290
Please contact Pat Pehling at pehling@frontier.com with any questions.
Thank you for your support!
Disaster Preparedness Fact Sheets Available Here!
Agencies and knowledgeable personnel are already predicting that we could have a terrible fire season this year. Are you prepared for fire or other disasters? These publications will help you, your family, communities be prepared for whatever natural disaster my strike. Thanks to Drs. Craig McConnel and Dale Moore for sharing these materials.
Janet L. Schmidt, WSU Extension Whitman County Director and 4-H Youth Educator
To view and/or download the fact sheet, click on the title below:
Ag Producer Safety During Wildfires
Establishing and Operating Animal Shelters
Establishing and Operating Disaster Information Centers
Forming and Engaging County Ag Response Teams
Livestock Handling During Disasters
Mitigating Impacts of Livestock Transportation Accidents
Practical Livestock Evacuation
Should an emergency strike, a handy publication that provides guidance on feeding large and small livestock can be found at the following link:
Feeding Livestock In a Disaster
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and WA Fairs Document From WA ST Department of Agriculture Available Here!
A document requested in a recent 4-H small animal call, from the State of Washington Department of Agriculture – Animal Health Program regarding Rabbit hemorrhagic disease and 2021 Washington fairs is now available by clicking HERE. The link to the USDA map referenced in the call is included in the letter.
Please direct any questions to:
Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD
WA State Dept. of Ag Educational Outreach Specialist
360-789-7664
skerr@agr.wa.gov
REMINDER! Play It Safe Around Poultry!
There is an ongoing multi-state salmonella outbreak associated with backyard chickens. The story link is below, along with extracted CDC advice about how to stay healthy around chickens. ONLY KISS CHICKENS ON THEIR LIPS!
😷
Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD
WA State Dept. of Ag Educational Outreach Specialist
The CDC has this advice for backyard flock owners:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Don’t let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored. Keep flock supplies outside the house.
- Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house.
- Children younger than 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems shouldn’t handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other poultry.
- Don’t eat or drink where poultry live or roam.
- Don’t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.
- Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages, or feed or water containers.
Here’s how to handle eggs safely:
- Collect eggs often, don’t let them sit the nest as they can become dirty or break.
- Throw away cracked eggs. Germs on the shell can more easily enter the egg though a cracked shell.
- Rub off dirt on eggs with fine sandpaper, a brush or a cloth. Don’t wash them because colder water can pull germs into the egg.
- Refrigerate eggs to keep them fresh and slow the growth of germs.
- Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Cook egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160 degrees to kill all germs.
Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Info Available for Poultry Project Youth
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is very active right now around the globe. Outbreaks are presently occurring in North Korea, China, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Iran, Poland, Norway, France, and Ukraine.
Wild waterfowl are one of the main ways the virus moves around. A major migratory flight path for wild waterfowl includes Washington State; many waterfowl species (swans, ducks, geese) overwinter in the state as well. These birds can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it to chickens, in which it is much more deadly. Please refresh your knowledge of the biosecurity practices recommended to keep your birds safe and take these actions every day! Here are some good resources:
https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/avian-health/ai-in-humans
More Information on HPAI:
Washington State Veterinarian News: Batten Down the Hatches Against Avian Influenza
Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza are happening in several countries around the globe now. Please share this important info with 4-H members, commercial poultry owners, and any other stakeholders who would be affected by an outbreak in the U.S. We do NOT want this disease to get a foothold here! Thanks.
Link to the WSDA document here.
Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD
WSDA Education and Outreach Specialist
skerr@agr.wa.gov
Plea for 4-H Horse Project Youth to Vaccinate for Equine Influenza
Dr. Susan Kerr, WSDA Education and Outreach Coordinator
4-H horse project youth, your horse depends on YOU to keep him/her safe and healthy!
There were 33 confirmed cases of equine influenza in Washington State in 2020. There were an additional 29 suspected cases, and 25 more horses were exposed to the virus by infected horses. These cases were distributed throughout the state. Fortunately, none of these horses died, which is typical for this disease.
Part of influenza treatment involves strict rest, and some horses do not return to normal for six months! Can you imagine not being able to ride or exercise your sick horse for weeks or months? Horses infected with the influenza virus can develop secondary pneumonia, which can be much more serious and require antibiotic treatment.
If your horse is at risk of catching influenza from other horses, why not prevent this disease and all its complications by vaccinating him/her? The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends horses at risk be vaccinated for influenza every six months.
Is your horse at risk of influenza? YES if he/she has contact with other horses “outside its bubble” at shows, trail rides, schooling, etc. Also YES if you keep your horse at a stable where other horses are coming and going and mixing with other horses. Even if your horse doesn’t go anywhere, another horse can bring the virus to him/her.
If your horse stays at your home barn with a steady “bubble” of barn mates and doesn’t have direct or indirect contact with other horses, he/she is at minimal risk of influenza.
A very good article with more details about equine influenza is available at https://www.equinediseasecc.org/disease-information. For more information about equine vaccinations, see the AAEP’s recommendations at https://aaep.org/horse-owners/owner-guidelines/owner-vaccination-guidelines or speak with your veterinarian.
The foundation of animal welfare is preventing animal illness, pain, and suffering. Vaccinating against diseases of concern is a very simple and effective way to do this.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
A Reminder: COVID-19 Resources Available from WSU Extension
The WSU Extension COVID-19 Updates and Resources page is updated as new information becomes available. The Link to the page is https://extension.wsu.edu/covid-19/
WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCE GUIDE
FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
Caring for Your Family During COVID-19
The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families has created a
resource for parents during COVID-19. The WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Caring for Your Family During COVID-19 was developed to help parents and their families navigate the pandemic and the days to follow. The publication is available at
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/FS_0039.pdf