Summer Highlights
Several 4H�ers participated in the State Fair, trips and camps this summer:

*Michael L, Arthur and Brooke B, and Rachael L participated in the District Communication Arts contest held in Cando in June.

*Crystal and Becca T traveled to Washington DC in June to attend the Citizenship Washington DC Focus trip, along with 8 other 4H�ers from ND. They toured many sites, met with both Senators Dorgan and Conrad, learned a lot, had fun and a great time! We�ll be anxious to hear more about this trip at our November banquet.

*Becca and Greta T attended the Extension Youth Conference in Fargo in June, and also had a great time! We�ll be anxious to hear more about this trip also at our November banquet.

*Eric O placed eighth at the State Fair Teen Consumer Choices contest, and Malynda C placed 11^th. Out of 119 participants in the teen category, the accomplishment of both these 4Her�s is outstanding! Congratulations to both of you!

*Caitlin S and Shanna J participated in the State Fair Pre-teen Consumer Choices contest, and did very well for their first time out.

*Diedre and Jackie D and Arthur B participated in the Pet Show at the State Fair.

*Arthur B and Michael L participated in Project Expo at the State Fair.

*Mandy G received a Champion placing for her fruit pie at the State Fair, Katie W received a Champion placing in Stitch n� Wear, a Reserve Champion placing in Clothing decisions, and an Award of Excellence for her sugar cookies. Erica A received an Award of Excellence for her flower arrangement.

* Towner County was represented well at the State Fair Horse Show by members of the Young Riders club.

* Brooke B and Annie R attended Horse Camp at the Western 4H Camp near Washburn.

Awards Form Change
We have revised the trip/camp page of the Awards application, and it will now be separated from the rest of the Awards form. Many opportunities exist for 4Her�s to attend trips and camps, and we encourage everyone meeting the eligibility requirements to seriously consider attending. The Towner County 4H Council has limited funds to apply towards these opportunities and will continue to subsidize participants when possible. The Council encourages all interested 4Her�s and their clubs to explore creative ways to fund these opportunities for their members. 4Her�s completing the revised trip/camp form will continue to be announced at the fall 4H banquet.

Club Donation Change
Due to a very stretched budget, the 4H Council decided at their August meeting to have 15-20% of each club�s fruit/candy sales be donated back to the council. This will be lieu of the previous $100 yearly club donation, and will begin this club year. The council is fortunate to receive many generous sponsorships and grants to fund several 4H activities throughout the year, but despite these sources, we still find ourselves struggling to meet general operating expenses. We hope this change in club donation policy will be "painless" for each club, and will help the council�s bottom line as well. Any donations in addition to the 15-20% are welcome!

Awards Form
The 2003-2004 awards form is included in this mailing. Please complete and send back to the Extension office by October 6. Be sure to fill out a separate Award Application (page 7) for EACH award applied for. Each application should briefly explain the learning and work completed for the specific award being applied for. For example, if a 4Her is applying for a gardening award, page 7 should specify what has been learned and completed in a gardening project. Another page 7 would be filled out for a clothing award, which would specify what has been completed and learned in a clothing project. Please call your 4H leader or the Extension office if you have any questions on how to fill out the awards form.

Banquet
The Towner County 4H Awards Banquet will be held November 16, 5pm at the Rocklake School. The menu is currently under discussion, but certainly will be delicious! We hope to have the CWF and EYC participants report on their trips this summer. The banquet is open to all 4H members and their families, leaders, and sponsors. More information on specific club duties will be sent later.

Enrollment Forms
Member and leader enrollment forms for the new year are enclosed in the leader�s packet for those clubs unable to attend the August council meeting. All members and leaders are to complete a form, whether you are a new member/leader this year or a returning one. Please complete these and send to the Extension office by November 1, so we can get all members registered and keep our 4H mailing list updated.

4H Week
National 4H week is October 5-11, 2003. Many media items�bookmarks, brochures, table tents, etc. are available to download at: http://4Hweekkit.fourhcouncil.edu. The Record Herald will also be contacting each county 4H leader for club news. This would be a good opportunity for a club reporter to summarize club activities or write about club plans for the new year. Be sure to include pictures of any 4H events and activities your club has participated in this past year.

Congratulations!
Congratulations to our new 4H Council officers:  President:  Deb O, Handy-Thrifty Helpers Club; Vice-President:  Marie W, Eager Beavers Club; Secretary/Treasurer:  Jackie H, Eager Beavers Club.  The spring council meeting has been set for March 22 at 7pm.

New, Updated Projects
As you look through the choices offered for 4H projects this year, keep in mind a few new/updated offerings: Magic of Electricity (updated), Fantastic Foods (updated), Money Fundamentals (new), Woodworking (updated), Entomology (updated). Colorful workbooks are available to order for each of these projects, and can also be checked out for your perusal from our office. These workbooks are designed for a 4H member to work on for three years, and the workbook itself, along with an item made (poster, diagram, chart, or project) can be used for a complete Achievement Day exhibit.

Upcoming Dates
October 6: Awards applications and Trip/Camp form due in Extension office

October 5-11: National 4H Week

November 1: Member/Leader enrollment forms due in Extension office

November 16: Towner County 4H Awards Banquet, Rocklake School 5pm

Towner County 4-H