Leaders Council meetings will be held the second Tuesday of every odd numbered month at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Office. Special meetings may be called between regularly scheduled meetings and email notifications will be sent out to voting members in advance.

If you would like an item of business added to the agenda, please contact the Leaders Council Executive Board at [email protected] and 4-H Agent Jenn Volkmar at [email protected].

AGENDA AND MEETING PACKET

Orders of the Day

Call to Order

Brenda Canine

Pledges

Roll Call

Reading/Approval of Secretary’s Minutes

Jill Skinner

Reading of Correspondence

Jill Skinner

Reading of Treasurer’s Report

Janet Smith

Committee/Other Reports

President Report

Brenda Canine

Agent Report

Jenn Volkmar

Ambassador Report

Kyree Morrison

Communications

Vacant

Foods & Nutrition

Fran Gossack

Sewing & Textiles

Fran Gossack

Record Book & Achievement

Erin Doyon & Fran Gossack

State Fair Planning

Jenn Volkmar

Sponsorship

Jenn Volkmar

Horse Leaders

Wendy Newman

Livestock Leaders

Heather Lewis

Shooting Sports Leaders

Samaria Kirby

Unfinished Business

  • Green Clover Raffle
    • Brenda Canine
  • Achievement Night
    • Brenda Canine

New Business

  • Montana Credit Union CD
    • Janet Smith
    • Terms end May 25th
  • Other

For the Good of the Order

  • Share what fundraiser, event, etc., your club is doing
  • Share tips, tricks, strategies you are using to organize and lead your club that are working well that other club leaders could benefit from
    Club Leaders present at the table

Announcements

Next meeting on July 8, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the Extension office.

Adjournment

Agent Report:

 

Committee Reports

Ambassador Report:

 

Communications Report:

 

Foods and Nutrition Report:

Fran Gossack – Project Day hits with members have been cake decorating & bread in a bag. Congress-qualifying event for Stir Ups will be on May 20, 2025. Also May 20 will be Foods Festival which includes 5 different contests: Edible Arts, Daily Foods, Baked Foods, Table Setting, & Cake Decorating. A great way for members to start prepping for Fair.

Sewing and Textiles Report:

Fran Gossack – Project Day March, April, & May have been used to let members sew baby blankets. Fran took 5 sewing machines to Bernina Silver Thimble for service at a discounted price of $325.75. May 20, 2025 will be the Fashion Revue & Quilt Show with blue ribbon 13 & older members qualifying for Congress.

Baby Blankets: Fran Gossack - Good turnout at March & April Project Day. Different skill levels were offered this year. Fran led the easily sewn & surged blanket version. For more experienced sewers, Theresa & Nicole offered 2 quilted/patched blanket versions based on the Quilting project information. This also helped reduce our stash of small fabric pieces. We’ve had parents sewing alongside their children plus everyone helping each other. Thanks to Janet Smith for providing help in multiple ways in March.

Record books and Achievement Report:

Fran Gossack - Brenda, Samaria, & Fran have been working on updating the awards list and application method. Creating a request letter to seek donors for Fair awards as these have dwindled the last several years. It’s felt that we should be recognizing members who have excellent exhibits & win contests thereby showing growth in their project areas.

State Fair Planning:

No report submitted.

Green Clover:

No report submitted.

Sponsorship:

No report submitted.

Horse Leaders:

No report submitted.

Livestock Leaders:

No report submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report:

No report submitted.

CURRENT 4-H YEAR MINUTES

UNAPPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Brenda Canine at 6:04 pm.

Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members: President Brenda Canine (Great Divide), Vice President Samaria Kirby (Trouble Shooters), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

Ulm Pishkun: Sandy Harshaw Irvin, Felicia Short, Taylor Short

Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack , Jody Cope, Isis Baumgartner                           

Running Free: Greta Graft                                            

Great Divide: N/A

Big Sky Explorers: N/A                                               

Trouble Shooters: N/A

Creative Clovers: Lindsey Zgoda                                  

Ambassador: Kyree Morrison               

Circle S:                                                                      

Tiger Butte: Lisa Jassen                 

Eden Livestock: N/A                                                   

468 Club: N/A                                      

MSDB: N/A                                                                

Chestnut Valley: Misty Ayers

Sunny Spirits: N/A                                                      

Extension Agents: Jenn Volkmar

Galloping Guns: Rebecca Phillips                                 

Guests: Brady Drummond

Pledges:

Taylor Short and Brenda Canine led the pledges.

Roll Call Question: ‘What is your favorite thing about spring?’

Secretary’s Report:

President Brenda Canine gave everyone a minute to read through the January 2025 meeting minutes. Brenda asked for any corrections or additions. ***An email stated that Makailey Petronek was online and Shantel Herman and Shyanne Herman were online for part of the meeting. Samaria Kirby motioned to approve the minutes. Fran Gossack seconded the motion. All in favor, January meeting minutes approved as with corrections.

Correspondence:

Email regarding missed WebEx attendance on January meeting minutes.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance: $31,545.35

CD: $20,227.07

Saving Balance: $25.00           

Combined Total: $51,797.42

Several checks have not cleared the bank – most of them were the $100 donations from Leaders Council to the clubs. Checks older than 90 days will have to be reissued. Checks in the drawer will be reissued and clubs without bank accounts will have to turn in for reimbursement.

Guests:  

Brady Drummond, sister of Keely Drummond, joined us online to talk about the memorial scholarship in Keely’s honor. A memorial scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be available to 4-H members active in the lamb and horse projects. Keely was a ten year member of 4-H and participated in both lamb and horse projects. Keely passed away of ocular melanoma in October. Some requirements include: have completed two years in horse or lamb; win grand champion, or be a senior. Applicants will need to submit a one minute video saying why 4-H is important to you. The video will then need to be posted and shared on social media including newsletter, Facebook. The deadline for applications this year is April 15th.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

PRESIDENTS REPORT - Brenda Canine: N/A

AGENT REPORT – Jenn Volkmar: Fair meetings are happening once a month – working on premium books, activities, and the schedule; also looking into options for culinary at the fair. All 4-H agents were in Missoula for training. April project day will include LQA makeup, photography; May will have dog obedience. They are looking into options for all payments to be made online. Camp will be June 8-11th; registration opens April 1st and planning is underway. The theme for camp will be Hawaii. Effective immediately – all contracts must be sent through state office, this includes anything that has to be signed and has terms and conditions – this may affect deadlines so plan accordingly.

Camp fee discussion: the topic of fees for camp was brought up. It was discussed raising camp fees to accommodate increasing prices of food and other supplies. Jill Skinner motioned to increase the camp fee to $70 per camper. Janet Smith seconded the motion. Discussion included offering a hardship scholarship if a family needs assistance. Other camps for less time cost far more than this camp. All were in favor. ***Motion Carried.

AMBASSADORS REPORT – Kyree Morrison: Ambassadors are helping with Cloverbud project days. Hey are also helping with the community wide service project sewing baby blankets. There will be a meet and great at the April project day. They will be offering help with project books and planning to visit every club during their meeting. Promotions for next year will go out in June – October. They are considering doing the leaders appreciation event again.

COMMUNICATIONS REPORT - Vacant: There will be a communications practice at the next project day. Communications contest scheduled for April 12th and 13th.Jody Cumberbaugh (sp) has offered to help prep kids.

FOODS AND NUTRITION - Fran Gossack: See submitted committee report.

SEWING AND TEXTILES REPORT -Fran Gossack: See submitted committee report. Had 67 sewers from 9 am to 2 pm on project day for the communitywide service project of sewing baby blankets. Officer Frink also came and spoke to the kids.

RECORD BOOK & ACHIEVEMENT-Fran Gossack: They need input and might send out a survey. Awards need to be checked and revamped. They need to remove awards that are no longer funded. Samaria offered to help Fran; Erin’s commitment is unknown.

STATE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE: Jenn Volkmar: State fair will be July 25th through August 2nd. They are currently beginning phase of planning and meeting once a month.

GREEN CLOVER FUNDRAISER:Brenda Canine: See New Business section.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: Lisa Jassen – Planning horse camp for May – registration will open soon. It will begin Friday May 2nd at 3:00 and go through Saturday at the 406 arena. They will have presenters, classes, and activities and include dinner, breakfast, and lunch. April project day will have Paul Johnson – Dept. of Livestock, teach about brands. Also hoping to have some clinics this summer along with the county horse shows August 1st and 2nd at the 406 arena with Teton County.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:Jill Mackey – Livestock show will be July 9-13 and they are currently in the planning phase for the show and barn setup and getting contracts in line. They are considering adding events on Thursday including rabbits, chickens, dairy, and breeding projects. They may have to use the rabbit and poultry barn because they have so many kids signed up. Livestock awards have been picked already; the theme is Christmas in July; and they will be using ultrasound for the carcass contest this year.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE: Samaria Kirby – see report submitted. Shooting at the trap club available April 10-15.

SPONSORSHIP:N/A 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

BYLAWS & OPERATING POLICYAPPROVAL: Brenda asked if anyone had any questions regarding the bylaws and operating policies that were presented at the previous meetings. Janet Smith motioned to approve the Bylaws and Operating policy as presented. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED

NEW BUSINESS

GREEN TIE AFFAIR/RAFFLE DICUSSION: To have it successful, it would be better to have packets sent to leaders and handed out, and then tickets and money go back to the leader to be turned in. It is important to explain what the money raised goes to especially since clubs have to spend their money on items for the baskets. We need a smaller window for ticket sales; smaller baskets size requirements or fewer baskets per larger club – basket guidelines. 14 clubs would yield 14 baskets; 4-6 weeks would be an adequate timeframe, possibly ending state fair week. Sunny Spirits and MSBD only operate during the school year so do we require them to do a basket?? BASKETS SUGGESTIONS: 1 per club, $100 basket value (nonperishable items); Brenda, Lisa, Samaria, and Janet will be on the planning committee.

SHOOTING SPORTS: Shooting sports would like to hold a 10 gun raffle fundraiser again. They will sell between 500 – 100 tickets with the drawing in May and funds will go towards training instructors and 3D Archery equipment. Sandy Harshaw-Irwin motioned to approve shooting sports 10 gun raffle fundraiser. Lisa Jassen seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried.

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST: 4-H kids go to Helena on a Sun/Mon to meet state representatives, have breakfast, tour the capital, and learn about procedures. It is a learning event from a community service aspect. Leaders Council was asked to donate $100 towards the breakfast. Lisa Jassen motioned to approve spending $100 on the Legislative breakfast. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT: Achievement night is planned and presented by the agent and the ambassadors. There will be food and awards. There will be more help needed than just the ambassadors. Will table and discuss more at the next meeting. Leader’s appreciation is separate event possibly after fair.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting will be held on May 13, 2025 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

FOR THE GOOD OF ORDER

Ulm Pishkun: They have filled 2000+ Easter eggs for the Ulm hunt. They just had 3000 eggs more donated. They also painted the U on Ulm hill.

Running Free: They had a club meeting and made coasters and key chains from leather using tools they checked out from the office.

Great Divide: Painted inspirational rocks at the last club meeting and will hide them at the June meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting was adjourned at 7:58 pm. Sandy motioned, Jill seconded, all in favor – Motion carried***

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

 

March 2025 Committee Reports

Agents Report: No report submitted.

Ambassadors Report: No report submitted.

Communications Report: No report submitted.

Foods and Nutrition Report: Fran Gossack February 8, 2025 Project Day – again the members doing cake decorating had a blast! It’s great to have our local talents step forward & share with our eager members. Congress-qualifying event for Stir Ups will be on May 20, 2025. Also May 20 will be Foods Festival which includes 5 different contests: Edible Arts, Daily Foods, Baked Foods, Table Setting, & Cake Decorating. This is a great way for members to have their presentations critiqued to be prepared for Fair.

Sewing and Textiles Report: Fran Gossack –– February 8, 2025 Project Day, 2 sewers with parental assistance made mug rugs that involved piecing & quilting techniques. Congress-qualifying events Fashion Revue & Quilt Show will be held on May 20, 2025. Questions – ask!

BABY BLANKETS - March 8, 2025 Project Day – county-wide community service event for 4-H members. During morning and afternoon sessions, members with help from our 4-H Ambassadors & adults sewed & surged to create flannel baby blankets to be donated within our county.

Record books and Achievement Report: Fran Gossack - Need input from members & leaders to help us make improvements.

State Fair Planning: No report submitted.

Horse Leaders Report: No report submitted.

Livestock Leaders Reports: No report submitted.

Shooting Sports Leaders Committee Report: Samaria Kirby: Next meeting date: March 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  Report: Archery will be done on March 3. We had 57 kids take part. Small-bore Rifle has 6 kids shooting until March 18th and Small-bore Pistol has 2 kids shooting until March 21st. Hunting and Western Heritage are still going through June. Shotgun registration will come out in March and practice will begin at the beginning of April for 6 weeks. Our Live Tournament went well and we had 101 entries for archery, 36 entries for air rifle, and 9 entries for air pistol.

APPROVED with corrections (see March minutes)

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Brenda Canine at 6:03 pm.

Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members: President Brenda Canine (Great Divide), Vice President – Vacant, Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide)

 Ulm Pishkun: Sandy Harshaw Irvin, Brook Gerard, Ginger Murphy, Reece Hastings

Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack                                     

Running Free: N/A                  

Big Sky Explorers: Bret & Brittney Asmussen              

Trouble Shooters: Samaria Kirby

Great Divide: N/A                                                       

Creative Clovers: Ashley Adkins

Circle S: N/A                                                               

Eden Livestock: N/A

Tiger Butte: N/A                                                               

Chestnut Valley: Misty Petronik, Nicole Pieper 

MSDB: Annette Chandler, Megan DeSilva                   

468 Club: N/A

Sunny Spirits: Sandy Welsh                                         

Extension Agents: Jenn Volkmar

GUEST: Jodi Koterba – Montana Farmers Union          

Club unknown: Rebecca Phillips

Pledges:  

Bret Asmussen led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Brenda Canine gave everyone a minute to read through the November meeting minutes. Brenda asked for any corrections or additions. Brook motioned to approve the minutes. Ginger seconded the motion. All in favor, November meeting minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

None.

Treasurers Report:

Tabled

GUEST:

Jodi Koterba from Montana Farmers Union presented information on grants available through MFU. Clubs can write a one sentence request on what they would use the grant for and will be awarded $100. If clubs publicly thank MFU for the grant and tag Jodi, they will receive an additional $50. Information can be found at mtfarmersunion.com Scholarships and other grants also opened up. 4-H members can also get a free membership to MFU which can be used to go to camp at a reduced rate amongst other perks. Jodi is also a former 4-H leader and would be happy to come to club meetings and help with an Ag demonstration. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

PRESIDENTS REPORT -Brenda Canine:

Brenda presented a PowerPoint introducing board members and talking about the prevalence of 4-H across the nation. There are 20,000 members in Montana and 6.5 million members across the US.

AMBASSADORS REPORT – Kyree Morrison:

No report submitted. There are five ambassadors. They will meet the 4th Tuesday of every month. They will be scheduling with clubs to come out and meet them and talk about ambassadors. They will be helping with Cloverbud project days.

AGENT REPORT – Jenn Volkmar:

MSU Extension will have two booths at the MAGIE this week. Extension will have a booth and 4-H will have a booth. There will be some FFA and 4-H competitions at the show. Leadership members will be in Helena for the Academy. Jody is on vacation this week and all of her emails will be forwarded. CLUBS – make sure you are submitting your club meeting minutes to the Jody at the office and use her work email not her personal email. Reminder to leaders – members must be enrolled in a main project to be enrolled in a subproject. If you would like your club featured on the Facebook page, send pictures to Jenn. There are new forms on Z Suites: expenditure forms (must be filled out two weeks in advance and returned no later than two weeks after. They will be starting State Fair planning via Zoom meetings on Tuesday. Camp June 8-11: JD’s will go June 7th, applications due 2/3. 99 kids attended January project day; February project day will include star base, horse, baking and small animal 101. Foods festival, stir-ups, and quilt and fashion review will be May 20th.

COMMUNICATIONS REPORT - Vacant:

No report submitted.

FOODS AND NUTRITION -Fran Gossack:

December 2024 Project Day was a continuation of a Preservation workshop from November 2024. Led by Felicia O’Brien, it featured Jams & Jellies. Members made strawberry jam using frozen fruit and an electric jam/jelly making appliance. A cake decorating workshop will be held at the January 11, 2025 Project Day. Foods Festival which features five different food contests will be May 20, 2025. The Stir Ups Congress qualifying contest will be May 20, 2025. More information will be available but those with questions can contact Fran Gossack.

SEWING AND TEXTILES REPORT -Fran Gossack

No sewing for December 2024 Project Day. Fran Gossack will lead an appliqued Snowman door hanger workshop for the January 11, 2025 Project Day. May 20, 2025 will be the Quilt Show & Fashion Revue which is a 13-years & older Congress qualifying event. More information will be available, but those with questions can contact Fran Gossack.

BABY BLANKETS Fran Gossack Plans are to have this county-wide community service project. Deciding when to do this. Perhaps during Project Day with additional times/days so more members can participate. Please let us know.

RECORD BOOK & ACHIEVEMENT: Fran Gossack

We will be doing some reviewing/updating. Please submit anything you would like check out or added. Do you have any ideas for awards or for sponsors of these? Every aspect regarding awards needs to be evaluated and revamped. Some awards are on list that are no longer active or being funded.

STATE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE: Fran Gossack

Submit any concerns that you have so that they can be addressed. The Fair will be reviewing in the near future so we need to know. State fair meetings will begin Tuesday with Zoom meetings.

SPONSORSHIP: Jenn Volkmar

Sponsorship for the livestock show has been received from Steel Ect. Scheels has sponsored project day. Livestock and horse have a set list of people they reach out to from 2022. There is a list of all money sent in and where it went and we will need Lisa to update it so we do not double dip into sponsors.

GREEN CLOVER FUNDRAISER:

N/A

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: Ginger Murphy

Horse judging team went to Denver National Roundup and took 6th overall; in addition to several top 10 awards. Leann took 7th in individual performance – great experience. Project day was well attended. Horse camp will be in May; horse show will be August 1st; county ranch horse show August 2nd; state horse show in September. Next meeting is February 4th at the extension office.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:Brook Gerard

Swine 101 was the January project day and small animal 101 will be the February project day. Attending the project days will meet LQA requirements. There will be makeup offered. Beef weigh in is Sunday and there will be a makeup offered. They are in the planning phase of the livestock show which will be July 10 – 13, 2025.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE: Samaria Kirby 

Archery practice started on December 2nd with 54 members taking part. .22 Rifle & .22 Pistol registrations will be open on January 13th. .22 Rifle practice will begin on January 28, 2024 and .22 Pistol practice will begin on January 30, 2024. Tournaments are starting in January around the state so keep an eye out for e-mails for dates of these tournaments. Our 2025 Cascade County Invitational will be on February 15, 2025 and registration will open up on January 13, 2025.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

ELECTIONS: Vice President is currently vacant. Brenda asked for any volunteers for the position. The only volunteer was Samaria Kirby. Ginger Murphy moved to cast a unanimous vote for Samaria Kirby to be Vice President. Sandy Harshaw-Irwin seconded the motion. All were in Favor. MOTION CARRIED

APPROVAL OF BUDGET 2024-2025: Jill Skinner moved to approve the budget as presented. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. All were in favor. MOTION CARRIES AND BUDGET IS APPROVED.

                Question regarding past money from the state for fair: The state used to reimburse for fair                superintendents but they no longer do.

BYLAWS AND OPERATING POLICY REVIEW:  Brenda went over changes to the bylaws and they will be voted on at the March Leaders Council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

SPEAKER SYSTEM FOR EVENTS: We are in need of a new speaker system for events. The system they are looking at cost $1199 + case + an extra microphone totaling $1799.96

We are also in need of walkie-talkies. A six pack from amazon cost $299.00

Brook Gerard moved to purchase the speaker system and the walkie-talkie 6 pack in the total amount of $2100.00. Sandy Harshaw-Irwin seconded the motion. All were in favor. MOTION CARRIED.

For the Good of Order

Big Sky Explorers: Members earn raffle tickets for completing project book sections at the meeting with a drawing at the end.

MT Sunsets: New members are being given breaks during the meeting to break things up and encourage engagement.   

Ulm Pishkun: Went to local nursing homes and delivered goodie bags and sang carols.

Creative Clovers: Have been working on project books as a group.

Sunny Spirits: Have been doing activities as a group like a dice game, timed gingerbread house competition with older kids helping younger kids and guest speakers or demonstrations at every meeting.

Chesnutt Valley: Made and decorated cookies as a club and did demonstrations.

MSDB: Gave information on a rec lab in Idaho – Catco Lab. Ages 8+ and held at a Methodist church including leadership camp, arts, crafts, and much more.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm. Samaria motioned, Sandy seconded, all in favor – Motion carried***

 

Next Meeting will be held on March 11, 2025 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Brenda Canine at 6:02 pm.

Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members: Vice President Brenda Canine (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free)

Ulm Pishkun: Sandy Harshaw Irvin, Leann Murphy, Ginger Murphy, Asher Nelson

Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack                                     

Running Free: Greta Graft                    

Big Sky Explorers: N/A                                               

Trouble Shooters: N/A                               

Great Divide: Drew Skinner                                      

Creative Clovers: Emma Link

Circle S: Kande Yeager                                               

Eden Livestock: Jill Mackey

Tiger Butte: N/A                                            

Chestnut Valley: Misty Ayers, Juliette Pieper, Nicole Pieper

MSDB: Annette Chandler, Megan DeSilva                   

468 Club: Bill Ogg, Alena Standley

Extension Agents: Jenn Volkmar, Felicia O’Brien

Pledges:  

Leann and Drew led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

Vice President Brenda Canine gave everyone a minute to read through the September meeting minutes. Brenda asked for any corrections or additions. Sandy motioned to approve the minutes. Janet seconded the motion. All in favor, September meeting minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

None.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance: $42,593.05

CD: $20,000.00

Saving Balance: $25.00           

Combined Total: $62,618.05

COMMITTEE REPORTS

AGENT REPORT – Jenn Volkmar: Project day had 100 kids sign up in horse, shooting sports, cooking, new members, and beef 101. Project days are the second Saturday of the month and they are looking for leaders interested in hosting a project day. Lisa Jassen found cute 4H ornaments online and will be ordering for horse project day – let her know if your club wants some. If you are not getting emails from the office, let them know so you can be added to the email list. If your club has social media, you have to let Jenn know what type and where so it can be tracked by the state. If you need things for events, project day space, or meetings, please let them know ahead of time. Farmers Union has their $100 scholarship starting again in January – easy for club to get. MT Co-op is offering scholarships and loans to 4-H members. Project books are ordered but on backorder. There are My4-H years in the office hallway. Clubs that do not have bank accounts will need to be reimbursed for club expenses instead of receiving $100 check.

AMBASSADORS REPORT – Kyree Morrison: No report submitted. There are five ambassadors. They set up their schedule and will meet the 4th Tuesday of every month and will assign positions soon. They will be helping with Cloverbud project days.

COMMUNICATIONS REPORT - Vacant: No report submitted.

FOODS AND NUTRITION & SEWING AND TEXTILES REPORT -Fran Gossack: We need ideas & presenters for Project Days. Felicia O’Brien is doing a foods preservation workshop for November’s Project Day. Plan to have workshops for Project Days. Let us know if you’d like to lead one or have requests No date set. Any ideas when & how we should tackle this so more of the members can participate? This is a county-wide community service project.

RECORD BOOK & ACHIEVEMENT -Fran Gossack. Plans to review/revise project requirements table, awards application process, record book judging, project manuals. Please submit any thoughts on these subjects including anything needing clarification or ways to make it easier for members, leaders, parents, judges, and the office as they will need some guidance on awards and awards will need to be reviewed before next year. Some awards are not current and some do not match the amount of work required for the award amount. Many awards had kids submitted for them but awards not given.

 

STATE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE: Jenn Volkmar: Will begin planning in February. We should be in the same building. They will be reviewing the fair book.

ICECREAM BOOTH: N/A

GREEN CLOVER FUNDRAISER:  Report by Keri Leggett. We had 16 great baskets turned in by clubs. 1500 tickets were checked out but only 730 tickets were returned for the drawing. The raffle brought in $4885 / net $4300.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: Ginger Murphy – Horse leaders met last week. October had the horse benefit show for the horse judging team; they also went to the NILE for practice and won. There was a halter breaking clinic at Roses’, horsey Halloween was November 2nd, planning project days for upcoming months and horse camp will be in May. The horse judging team thanks leader’s council for the use of the debit card while planning the trip to nationals in January.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:Jill Mackey - Meetings are now the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00. They approved rule book and breeding project changes at the last meeting. Project days are being planned as 101 classes. The junior livestock leaders are leading project days with the help of Heather Lewis. Beef 101 was the first project day and went great; they also went to the Hastings ranch Sunday for more learning. LQA will be achieved by going through all of the 101 project days. Junior livestock leaders meet once a month on Sundays at Timeless seed in Ulm.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE: Samaria Kirby – Had a project day looking at ammo and making catapults. Air pistol, BB gun, hunting, and western heritage are all going well. Check Z Suites for upcoming disciplines sign ups.

SPONSORSHIP:Nothing new beyond achievement night sponsors. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

BANK CD: CD is done and money has been transferred. It is a 7 month term.

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT:  Went well and might send out a survey to leaders.

ELECTIONS: President and treasurer positions are both open for nominations.

President Keri Leggett has termed out of her position. Janet Smith is the current treasurer.  

PRESIDENT: Janet Smith nominated Brenda Canine for President, there were no other nominations.

Bill Ogg motioned to cast a unanimous vote for Brenda Canine. Sandy Harshaw-Irwin seconded the motion. All were in favor **MOTION CARRIED Brenda Canine will be the new President of Leaders Council.

TREASURER: Brenda Canine nominated Janet Smith for treasurer. Fran Gossack declined a nomination.

Fran Gossack motioned to cast a unanimous vote for Janet Smith. Sandy Harshaw-Irwin seconded the motion. All were in favor. **MOTION CARRIED Janet Smith retains her position as treasurer.

VICE PRESIDENT: Brenda accepting the position of President left the Vice President position open. At this time there were no volunteers or nominations. Alena Standley motioned to table selecting a new vice president. Megan DeSilva seconded the motion. All were in favor. *** MOTION CARRIED Vice President position open.

NEW BUSINESS

PROJECT DAY: What do leaders want to see on project day? Ideas given: Astronomy, star base, robotics, photography series, food preservations, cake decorating, fishing, welding, woodworking, 3-D printing. Jenn will email leaders to ask what their members would like to have offered.

BUDGET: Janet Smith presented the budget (see packet for budget). Janet is going to look into a couple areas and we may need to absorb the cost if some background checks need to be redone.

BYLAWS: Bylaws need to be reviewed; the last copy is from 2022. Everything was taken off the website to be 508 compliant and have not been added back on to the website. Committee volunteers include: Brenda, Janet, Jill, and Fran.

PARADE OF LIGHTS: Sara Graft is organizing. Decorating will be Friday Nov. 29th at 4129 N. Park Trail at 6:00 (Hoven Equipment). Pizza will be provided so bring drinks and desserts. Rob and Deb Haney donated the space to decorate indoors. If you cannot decorate come to parade and be on the float Saturday Nov. 30th at 5:30. Bring candy top throw, animals welcome but ask first, & dress warm!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Volunteer leader training: There is volunteer leader training in Shelby; it is open in Z Suites. There will also be a leader webinar coming up.

Foundation: Next meeting on November 19th @ 6:00 at the extension office. POT LUCK DINNER

For the Good of Order

Circle S: Made six tie blankets at the last meeting. Their members vary in age and projects.

MT Sunsets: Has a lot of new members. Having them answer a question every meeting so they can get to know each other.  

Ulm Pishkun: Giving project – 50+ bags with candy, socks, etc. to a nursing home in Great Falls.

Running Free: They are looking for a new banner for their club; suggestions included Heather Lewis and banners on the cheap.

468: They have had two meetings, elected officers, set goals, and did a trunk or treat winning 2nd place. They are planning a project tour to go see each other projects. They have 31 members.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 pm. Janet motioned, Jill seconded, all in favor – Motion carried***

Next Meeting will be held on January 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

Submitted by Jill Skinner

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:05 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

Council Members: President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Vice President Brenda Canine (Great Divide),  Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free)

Ulm Pishkun: Sandy Harshaw Irvin, Leann Murphy

Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack                                     

Running Free: N/A                  

Big Sky Explorers: Abigail, Rebecca, & Grace Phillips 

Trouble Shooters: Samaria Kirby

Great Divide: Drew Skinner                                         

Creative Clovers: Ashley Adkins

Circle S: Shantel Herman                                             

Eden Livestock: Jill Mackey

Tiger Butte: Lisa Jassen                                                

Chestnut Valley: Misty Ayers  

MSDB: Annette Chandler, Megan DeSilva                   

Extension Agents: Jenn Volkmar

Pledges:  

Leann and Drew led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the July meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. July meeting minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

None.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance as of June 28, 2024: $63,234.52

Saving Balance: $25.00           

Combined Total: $63,259.52

COMMITTEE REPORTS

AGENT REPORT – Jenn Volkmar:

Jenn is the new agent and started in July. Whittier Elementary is seeking volunteers to help paint their playground – could be a club activity for community service.

AMBASSADORS REPORT – Kyree Morrison:

Not much going on; they are currently looking for new ambassadors – they have three applications. Samaria has offered to help lead. Must be 14+ to apply.

COMMUNICATIONS REPORT - Vacant:

No report submitted.

FOODS AND NUTRITION & SEWING AND TEXTILES REPORT -Fran Gossack:

State fair had a good turnout in both food and sewing and a lot of ribbons were won. She is looking for help with either for project days so if you would like to help reach out to Fran. Baby blankets are still postponed.

RECORD BOOK & ACHIEVEMENT:

No report submitted. They will be meeting soon to review project books.

STATE FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE:

People liked the new building even though we did not have as much space. We had both positive and negative reactions to the new space.  No report yet on entry numbers or how exhibitions went.

ICECREAM BOOTH:

Ice cream both grossed $28,837; expenses $10,254.47; Total income: $ 18,582.53; after managers are paid we will have $ 16,724.28 remaining - Very successful year!

Janet recommended that we give back to clubs that spent money on green clover baskets. Janet Smith motioned to provide each club $100 that put together a GTA basket. Motion was seconded by Samaria Kirby. No discussion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED****

GREEN CLOVER FUNDRAISER: 

Report by Keri Leggett. We have had 16 great baskets turned in my clubs. Only approx. 1500 ticket have been checked out. Money and tickets are due back by Oct 1st. We will have prizes for the top ticket sellers. We will need kids to come up and do daily drawings (Great divide will do Wednesday drawing) Emails need to go out regularly reminding for tickets sales and returns.

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: 

Leann Murphy reported. Cascade and Teton County working ranch horse and horse shows went well with a great turnout; looking at extending the co-op to more counties in the golden triangle for education and horse shows. State working ranch horse was last weekend at the 406 arena. The state horse show is this coming weekend also at the 406 arena with 75 kids coming. Having both state shows in Cascade County took a toll on our volunteers. Event is supposed to be hosted by Bozeman but local leaders had to step up and put in the work. The horse judging team will be hosting the dinner costing $6 per person as a fundraiser for Nationals; there will also be a benefit horse show October 5th to raise funds for the trip. Next horse leaders meeting is October 1st. MBHA Barrel setting is coming up Sept 27, 28, 29 and they need volunteers. Horsey Halloween will be November 2nd at the Expo Park.

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

Jill Mackey reported. Leaders are prepping and updating the rule book for the 2025 show; rule changes can be submitted and will be voted on at Oct. meeting. Meetings are now the 4th Tuesday of the month a 5:30. Project days are being planned with 101 classes. The junior livestock leaders are being led by Heather Lewis.

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

Samaria Kirby reported. Volunteers are needed for the Gun Show booth Sept 27 – 29; a sign up will be emailed out. Air pistol begins Oct 24th – Dec 19th;  Air rifle and bb gun begin Oct 22nd – Dec 10; Western Heritage once a month beginning Oct 20th; Hunting once a month beginning Oct 23. All are open on Z Suites for registration.

 

SPONSORSHIP:

No report submitted. 

Unfinished Business

BANK CD:

Janet has been out of town for work and will work on this when she returns.

New Business

ACHIEVEMENT NIGHT:  

October 27, 2024 in the Family Living Center at 4:00 pm. We will not be doing the project fair this year. Families will sign up for pot luck meals based on the letter of their last name; Jody and Jenn will send out a sign-up sheet. Event has been planned by ambassadors in the past and they will hopefully be handling it this year as well.

ELECTIONS:

President and Treasurer are open for nominations at the November meeting. Keri has termed out as president.

REQUEST FROM HORSE JUDGING TEAM:

The horse judging team has requested to use the leaders council debit card to make reservations for their upcoming trip.

Samaria Kirby motioned to allow the horse judging team to use the leaders council debit card to make reservations and other travel arraignments for their trip to nationals. Grace Phillips seconded the motion. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED***

For the Good of Order

Circle S:

They will be helping pick pumpkins for Jordan’s pumpkins for a cause benefiting the Sun River Food Bank.

Great Divide:

Held a record book meeting at City Brew to help members finish up record books – had a great turnout.

Ulm Pishkun:

Held record book meeting at the bowling alley. Kids bowled on one side and adults checked record books on the other side – very fun!!

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:34 pm. Samaria Motioned, Fran seconded, all in favor – Motion carried***

Announcements

Next Meeting will be held on November 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

Submitted by Jill Skinner

APPROVED

Call to Order: 

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:07 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:  

Council Members: President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free) 

Ulm Pishkun: Brook Gerard, Sandy Harshaw Irvin, Reece Hastings, Ginger Murphy 

Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack

Running Free: Greta Graft 

Big Sky Explorers: N/A

Trouble Shooters: Samaria Kirby 

Great Divide: Drew Skinner

Creative Clovers: N/A 

Circle S: N/A

Eden Livestock: N/A 

Tiger Butte: Vicki Johnson

Highwood Hustlers: N/A 

Chestnut Valley: Misty Ayers

Non-assigned: N/A 

MSDB: N/A

Extension Agents: Jenn Volkmar, Rose Malisani 

Pledges: 

Samaria led the pledges. 

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the May meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. May meeting minutes approved as presented.  

Correspondence:

Several coloring contest entries turned in. 

Treasurers Report:  

Checking balance as of June 28, 2024: $45,030.76 

Saving Balance: $25.00 

Combined Total: $45,055.76 

COMMITTEE REPORTS 

Agent Report:

Presented in person by Rose Malisani. Rose introduced the new 4-H agent Jennifer Volkmar. Jenn began July 1st and introductions were made to members present. Next week is the livestock show and sale along with congress in Bozeman – we have 10 kids going to congress. The horse show will be July 19-21 and then the state fair starts July 26 and runs through August 3.  

Ambassadors Report:

No report submitted. Their coloring contest is still going and can be turned into the office. They are making a sign-up sheet for shifts to work the 4-H area of the fair.  

Communications Report:

No report submitted. 

Foods and Nutrition Report:

Report by Fran Gossack. State fair contests are spread throughout the week.  

Sewing and Textiles Report:

Report by Fran Gossack. Baby blankets are still postponed.  

Record Book & Achievement:

No report submitted. Deadlines are coming up. Members should look into applying for record book awards. 

State Fair Planning Committee:

Report by Rose Malisani. Fair entry is due July 16th. State fair begins 7/26 and goes until 8/3 in the family living center. Club booth decorating will go from 7/23 – 7/25 in the evenings. The theme is ‘Back to Our Roots in Cowboy Boots’. 

GREEN CLOVER FUNDRAISER: 

Report by Keri Leggett. Tickets are available to be picked up at the extension. Some clubs have turned in their baskets already and they are on display in the entryway of the extension office. Basket themes were due to the office by June 30th and baskets, remaining tickets, and money are due to the office October 1st. We will decide on prizes for the top three ticket sellers. ***Ulm Pishkun was concerned about the cost on families to have to pay out of pocket for basket items. It was discussed that leader’s council could help with a financial contribution in the future.  

HORSE LEADERS REPORT: 

Ginger Murphy reported. Cascade County and Teton County Hose show is coming up July 19, 20, and 21st at the 406 Arena. Cascade County is also hosting the state horse show in September at the 406 Arena. They will be needing volunteers for a lot of things. They will help again at the MBSF Barrel racing at the end of September doing barrel setting and gates as a fundraiser. Lots of stuff for horse coming up.  

LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT:

Brook Gerard reported. It is GO TIME!! Livestock show and sale is next week beginning Thursday with load in and weigh in from 12 – 7. Friday is market classes and the sale and then showmanship and round robin Saturday. Move out and clean-up will begin at 6 am Sunday. All animals will be leaving Sunday morning this year. Saturday will include a peewee and old goat contest as well followed by dinner and awards. Saturday evening will conclude with a dance.  

SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE:

No report submitted. Shooting sports have wrapped up and record books are due to the office for judging by July 18th. 

SPONSORSHIP:

No report submitted. $22,600.10 has been donated to the organization as a whole. We will need to redo the donor report. 

Unfinished Business 

None 

New Business 

DAIRY BOOTH

Managers will need to use the debit card during the fair. Udderly Fresh does not accept debit cards so we will need to have a check ready for them when they deliver the ice cream the 25th or 26th. We can pay 50% up front and settle up at the end of fair for the remaining balance.  

***Jill Skinner moved to approve a check for $4000 to Udderly Fresh for the ice cream. Sandy Harshaw-Irwin seconded the motion. All were in favor. MOTION CARRIED***  

STATE FAIR

Request to use the debit card to purchase lunch for the judges. Approved line item.  

BANK CD

Janet Smith proposed that we transfer some of the money on our checking to a CD so that it can generate some interest – possibly $20,000.  

Brook Gerard moved that Leaders Council invest up to $20,000 at a credit union with the best terms. Samaria Kirby seconded the motion. Discussion included looking into terms at other banks and checking rates and terms. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED***  

CONGRESS

Cascade County has 10 kids going to Congress. Six kids will need a ride on July 11th from Bozeman back to Great Falls Thursday morning for the livestock show. They have looked into renting a vehicle large enough to carry everyone. Hertz has a seven seater van for 3 days for $635.00.  

Fran moved to spend up to $700 to rent the van. Samaria seconded the motion. Discussion included Samaria offering to drive the kids in her vehicle. All were in favor. ***MOTION CARRIED*** 

For the Good of Order 

Running Free: They had Cinco de Mayo pot luck and went on a project tour. 

MT Sunsets: Their members are making blankets made from material left over from baby blankets. 

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:11 pm. 

 

Next Meeting will be held on September 10, 2024 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.  

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner 

APPROVED

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order by President Keri Leggett at 6:05 pm. Leaders and members in attendance included:

  • Council Members: President Keri Leggett (Great Divide), Vice President Brenda Canine (Great Divide), Secretary Jill Skinner (Great Divide), Treasurer Janet Smith (Running Free)
  • Ulm Pishkun: Leann Murphy
  • Montana Sunsets: Fran Gossack  
  • Running Free: N/A                        
  • Big Sky Explorers: Linsey Daly, Sally Daly                         
  • Trouble Shooters: N/A
  • Great Divide: Drew Skinner
  • Creative Clovers: Ashley Adkins, Tally Adkins
  • Circle S: N/A 
  • Eden Livestock: Jill Mackey, Leah Mackey
  • Tiger Butte: N/A                                                                            
  • Highwood Hustlers: N/A
  • Chestnut Valley: N/A
  • MSDB: N/A
  • Non-assigned: N/A
  • Extension Agents: Rose Malisani

Pledges:  

Rose led the pledges.

Secretary’s Report:

President Keri Leggett gave everyone a minute to read through the March meeting minutes. Keri asked for any corrections or additions. March meeting minutes approved as presented.

Correspondence:

Thank you card from the Great Falls Food Bank for the 140 lbs. of food that were donated.

Treasurers Report:

Checking balance as of May 12, 2024: $47,629.10

Saving Balance: $25.00               

Combined Total: $47,654.10

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • Agent Report: Presented in person by Rose Malisani. May 1 was the add/drop date for projects. There are currently 309 active members and 79 adult leaders. 62 campers are signed up for camp; sign up ends May 13th. There was a lot of damage to the road, bathrooms, and a boy’s cabin from the storm. Work is being done to fix all issues. July 9-12 is 4-H Congress in Bozeman. July 11-13 is the Cascade County Livestock Show and Sale – catalogs available mid-June. July 19 – working ranch horse/packing with Teton County. July 20 – Cascade County Horse Show. July 21 – Horse Fun day. July 26 – 8/3 – State Fair in the Family Living Center – there will be a sign up sent out to work shifts during fair hours. Agent interviews will be this May 15th. Doyon twins were featured on MT 4-H and podcast Voices of Montana.
  • Ambassadors Report:Report submitted by Kyree Morrison. They held the leader’s appreciation event on April 28th from 2-4 at the Paddock Club at the expo park. They had about 50 leaders attend and Matt Rains spoke to the group. They had a great turn out and served desserts at the event. Ambassadors are currently planning 4-H camp.
  • Communications Report: No report submitted.
  • Foods and Nutrition Report:Report submitted by Fran Gossack. Nothing on last project day.
  • Sewing and Textiles Report: Report submitted by Fran Gossack. Made potholders on last project day. Baby blankets were cancelled – the fabric has already been purchased. The Fashion Show and Quilt review was held in April and members got blue ribbons qualifying them for Congress.
  • Record Book & Achievement: No report submitted. Livestock project books are due June 25th and shooting sports due July 6th.
  • State Fair Planning Committee: Report submitted by Rose Malisani. Theme for the fair this year will be ‘Back to our roots in our cowboy boots’. Due date for fair entries is July 15th. 4-H will be in the pavilion this year due to poor conditions of the other building. Janet Smith and Samaria Kirby will be the ice cream booth managers.
  • GREEN CLOVER FUNDRAISER:  Report submitted by Keri Leggett. The Green Clover raffle flyers and informational posters are ready to be sent out. Clubs need to submit themes by June 30th. Printing cost for 5000 tickets at Advanced Litho will be about $530.
  • Jill Skinner moved to approve up to $600.00 for printing costs. Brenda Canine seconded the motion. Discussion included asking if we could print more tickets if needed – yes. Motion was approved, all in favor ***MOTION PASSED
  • HORSE LEADERS REPORT: Leanne Murphy reported. Horse camp was May 3-4 with a Kentucky Derby theme. They had 40 kids from Cascade, Liberty, and Teton County attended the event. Working Ranch Horse and the county horse show will be July 19 and 20 and a fun day on the 21st. Never sweat Ranch is hosting Ranch practice the 1st Monday in June. Kings arena is hosting horse show practice. State horse show will be in Vaughn in September.
  • LIVESTOCK LEADERS REPORT: Jill Mackey reported. County Livestock show will be July 11, 12, and 13. They are working on sponsorships and are pulling in $3800 right now. Foundation is helping with the building fee. Courtney Claremont has been helping with some workshops. Junior Livestock leaders have prizes this year. Taking cows to Tizer meats; small animals going to Glacier County Co-op. The small animal weigh in was last Saturday and had a good turnout.
  • SHOOTING SPORTS COMMITTEE: No report submitted. Met last week for monthly meeting; shotgun is currently going. Mitsuru went to the National shoot qualifier.
  • SPONSORSHIP:No report submitted. 1996 4-H member Holly Kessler donated $5000; to be divided as $2500 to Leaders Council split between camp and ice cream booth; $1250 to shooting sports; and $1250 to Foundation.

Unfinished Business

SHOOTING SPORTS REQUEST – Samaria Kirby

Previously, a request for assistance to purchase shotguns for shooting sports in the amount of $900. Leaders Council requested more information (cost, specifics) however Samaria was not present at this meeting to present. $1250 has been donated to shooting sports from Kessler’s. Brenda moved to table to the request until the July meeting. Leanne Murphy seconded the motion – all in favor – MOTION PASSED.

New Business

CAMP MEDICATION BOX – Rose Malisani

The 4-H camp nurse has requested a larger medication storage box that can be locked for camp. Prices on Amazon range from $60 - $100. Brenda Canine moved to approve $100 for a new medication box. Sally Daly seconded the motion. All were in favor – MOTION PASSED.

For the Good of Order

  • Ambassadors: They are holding a coloring contest that will be judged and prizes awarded per age group.
  • Ulm: They cleaned and planted flowers at the cemetery. They also cleaned and painted the U on the Ulm hill.
  • Running Free: They had Cinco de Mayo pot luck and went on a project tour, and they will be going fishing in June.
  • Creative Clovers: They went to Central Avenue Meats and Fish Wildlife and Parks; had a pizza party and they are having each member enter one project in the fair.
  • Big Sky Explorers: May Day baskets were rescheduled due to illness. They enjoyed their ice cream party and they have 10 members going to camp.
  • Great Divide: Had a lot of great demonstrations at the last meeting including animals, piano, basketball, and science.
  • Eden Livestock – They cleaned up the cemetery and have been taking care of Eden Hall inside and out. They have 5 new members so they are helping them with record books. Courtney Claremont has been helping kids with judging lessons.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:13 pm.

 

Next Meeting will be held on July 2, 2024 at 6:00 pm at MSU Extension Office and Web-ex.

 

Submitted by Jill Skinner

 

 

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