Alcona County Extension
320 S. State, PO Box 800
Harrisville, MI 48740-0800 / P: 989-724-6478
F: 989-724-6953
/ E-mail:http://www.msue.msu.edu/Alcona
January/2007
Second Leadership Alcona series a success
October 30, 2006 marked the completion date for the second annual Alcona Leadership series. This past class boasted eleven graduates who completed the six-week long certificate program.Participants completed a Life Styles Inventory (LSI) analysis of themselves and analyzed what their results meant. They studied effective communication and effective meetings. They learned how local government operates and touched on economic development happening in Alcona County. In their final class they put some of their new skills to the test in a couple of leadership team simulations.
Evaluations showed that the majority of attendees found each session useful to them as leaders. They indicated that the materials taught were things they could immediately incorporate into their jobs, volunteer projects and personal lives. One participant wrote, “You have no idea how much I learned about myself.” Another said, “Personal and professional development programs are difficult to find in rural communities, but are essential building blocks for everyone. I want to thank you and your associates at MSU Extension for offering the Alcona Leadership program.” These evaluations and comments help us to know that we are having a positive impact in our community. / Funding to begin the Leadership Alcona series in 2005 and to offer it again last fall came in part through grants received from the MSUE Developing Community Leaders team. The program is designed and implemented by MSU Extension Educator, Sienna Suszek, and by a committee of local leaders and past graduates of the Leadership Alcona series.
New 4-H archery program
The after school component to the Archery in the Schools program was set in motion as new volunteers were screened and a grant for additional equipment was received. The Northeast Michigan Community Foundation awarded Alcona 4-H with a grant for $2,750 to be used for purchasing the final archery equipment needed for the program. To date, over $14,000 has been raised locally through the campaign including these grant dollars and a matching grant through the State of Michigan. In addition to the in-school and club usage, the equipment will be used in summer programs.
/ Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical issues, needs and opportunities. Offices in counties across the state link the research of the land-grant university, MSU, to challenges facingcommunities. Citizens serving on county Extension councils regularly help select focus areas for programming. MSU Extension is funded jointly by county boards of commissioners,the state through Michigan State University and federally through the US Department of Agriculture.
4-H leadership appreciation
event
The Alcona 4-H Advisory Council hosted its annual leadership appreciation dinner and honored 41 adult volunteers. In 2006, club leaders were leading project areas like arts and crafts, science and technology, equine, traditional skills, shooting sports and numerous livestock areas. Leaders received recognition for 1, 5, 10, 20, 25 and even 30 years of service to Alcona County 4-H.
Figures from 2006 indicate that approximately 1,800 hours of service work was completed by Alcona County 4-H youth and adult volunteers. Based on the dollar figure released by the Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org) in August which indicates the value of a volunteer’s time, Alcona County volunteers contributed approximately $18.04 for every hour of time in 2006. Conservative estimates place the value donated by these volunteers at $62,000.
4-H at the Breslin Center
Approximately 25 youth and adults representing Alcona County 4-H took part in the 4-H Day at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University. Youth from seven families toured the campus and enjoyed a MSU women’s basketball game courtesy of MSU Spartan Athletics and Michigan 4-H.
Equine educational clinic
Alcona County 4-H is teaming with the Alpena County Quarter Horse Breeder’s Association (AQHBA) in order to offer an equine educational clinic. The focus will be to educate youth in areas relating to health and nutrition, general care, fitting and showmanship, safety as well as fun class overviews to better prepare youth for the upcoming show season. In addition to youth offerings, a parent/volunteer track is also being planned for the clinic that will take place in May. The clinic will be free to Alcona 4-H youth with scholarships coming from the 4-H advisory Council.
/ New county plat books
Every three years, Alcona County MSU Extension publishes a new county plat book. In addition to being a valuable land use decision making tool, proceeds from the sale of the books are used for Extension educational programs in the county.
The new book features lake maps for the Alcona dam and pond, Cedar Lake, Jewell Lake and the county’s largest lake, Hubbard Lake. It also includes a comprehensive directory of local government officials, a land and building guide for the county, and a listing of interesting and historical places in the county.
Featured on this year’s cover are: Brandon Schroeder, Sea Grant Educator, the 2006 Leadership Alcona graduates and Alcona County Master Gardener, Pat Murphy.
Alcona agency breakfast
On the first Tuesday of every month, MSU Extension hosts the traditional agency breakfast. Former Director George Byelich hosted the first breakfast 26 years ago and some of the original agency representatives still attend.
At each breakfast, MSU Extension Educators share information on a topic of interest to agriculture and natural resources in the county. Following the presentation, agency representatives share what is happening in their fields.
The following agencies participate on a regular basis: Alcona Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, USDA Rural Development, Alcona Public Schools, Alcona FFA and Agriscience program, Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Alcona County Commissioners, Harrisville Chamber of Commerce, and the Alcona County Road Commission.
In addition to sharing a meal and learning together, the group provides support for each other and this is becoming even more important given the current economic conditions. The Alcona Agency Breakfast participants are currently working on conducting a fall educational bus tour.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Thomas G. Coon, Extension Director, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824