This is being sent to the New Haven, Middlesex & 4-H Fair Distribution Lists –
First and foremost – we hope everyone is doing okay during this time of physical distancing and not knowing what is going to happen next. It can be quite stressful for all of us and we hope that you are making your family’s health and safety your top priority.
In regards to the 4-H fair, we want to thank everyone for the excellent response to our initial questionnaire – we hope that you know we have been looking at all our options and reviewing the possibilities with the FLC which includes President Rena and V.P. Carley, along with the Fair program advisors and other key individuals. As you probably know, there are several mitigating factors that override any planning we can do – the state of the health situation, “regulations” from both the University as well as the governor and then what our 4-H members, volunteers and families concerns are.
For the moment, while still planning the 4-H Fair in as normal away as possible, due to the limitations of public meetings for more than 5 people at a time and bandwidth availability at both our homes, we will be suspending the May meeting as well postponing the Fair registrations currently scheduled for the end of May/first of June. We will probably be asking for more information from each of you to help with our planning. Be on the lookout for more surveys!
Please note, that while the 4-H Fair held in August is a major component of our program, and serves as not only a showcase for 4-H to the rest of the world as well as an important leadership skill development piece for the 4-H members, it’s primary task is to provide every 4-H member opportunity to have their project area(s) evaluated. This includes receiving feedback from a knowledgeable evaluator, suggestions for continued growth, and recognition for their efforts. We will, if needed, devise a system that can accurately manage the breadth of 4-H projects and achieve our overall evaluation objectives.
Understanding that many county and state level events have limited 4-H members involvement over the past few months (and will continue to do so), 4-H members should be using this time to do what they can to work on their goals and learn more about their projects.
Peggy & Emily
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