News Briefs for Oct. 27, 2021

Western Valley 4-H Meeting Report

The Oct. 3, 2021 meeting was called to order by Cienna Strommen. Before the meeting, several children decided to have a war. I promptly stopped the fighting, for it was getting too out of hand.

The meeting was called to order. I, as former rec. leader, decided we should play bang, while Cooper Albus (Former Song Leader) gave us a background music of "One of Them Girls." It ended in a back-to-back shootout between Kade Strommen and Kodi McColly.

Trey Johnson listed letters. Every letter listed, Kade and Kodi took a step.

"Bananas," said Trey. Kodi and Kade both spun around and said, "Bang!" at the same time.

But rather than both being out, they both said, "Bang!" again. Kade was just a little late. Kodi McColly had won the match!

Next, we went on to voting. Our new president will be Cienna Strommen (former vice president).

Our new VICE president will be Zora Holt. Our historian will be Layna Jones, our Treasurer Michael Ketchum, and our parliamentarian will be Kodi McColly.

Now, with Secretary, it was more difficult. No one actually wanted to BE the secretary. The nomination wars began, and everyone was nominated.

We all said, "no."

Finally, Trey Johnson bravely volunteered to be secretary.

Kade joined him (though saying, "NO!" several times before). We had a simple election of Broc McColly and Nikaya Jones as song leaders and Kort Strommen and A'Aligha Jones as Recreation Leaders.

After the meeting, there was much less warfare.

Sign-Up for 'Block of Bucks'

The Glasgow Soroptimists announce the annual Block of Bucks collection day on Friday, December 3rd, 2021.

The annual program provides clothing for Valley County children from infant to 17 years of age. Parents may sign up at the Thrift Store, located at 227 4th St. S.

Sign up begins Monday, November 8th, and continues through Friday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m. Parents must sign up in person. Calls will not be accepted.

No applications will be accepted after Friday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m. Applications MUST be picked up and returned to the Thrift Store.

There will be no other location where forms may be picked up or turned in.

Donations are needed to fund the clothes shopping event and are deeply appreciated. They may be mailed prior to collection day to: Soroptimists of Glasgow, Box 961, Glasgow, MT 59230.

Volunteers are also needed to help families shop on Saturday, December 4th.

Call Linda Sundby at 480-5339 if you are willing to help, or if you have any questions.

MSU Extension offers Annie's Project

Farm and ranch women have the unique opportunity to be a part of Annie's Project, a national program with focus on farm and ranch management skills.

MSU Extension will offer this program virtually by MSU Extension November 8-December 13th from 6-8:30 each Monday evening.

Participants will have an opportunity to learn about risk assessments, business planning, financial statements, family and liability insurance, government farm programs, legal concerns, retirement and transition and personal development. The event also provides farm women an opportunity to network with others and share experiences.

Farming and ranching are complex businesses, and more women are becoming active business partners in their operations. This program is designed for farm and ranch women with a passion for their business who are hoping to expand their knowledge and skills. Participants will gain a better understanding of human resource issues, business plans, financial documentation, property titles, cash and crop share leases, marketing plans retirement and estate planning and risk management strategies.

A highlight of this Annie's Project will be featured speaker Jolene Brown.

Farm-born and raised, Jolene says that she is truly a real "Farmer Brown." "I've made it my life's mission to help the thousands of farmers, growers, and ranchers share their stories with the wider world."

Her goal is to help families build a legacy, using her experience and tools to grow, fix, and transition their businesses. And always with large helpings of interaction, humor and respect. Jolene is a powerful, entertaining speaker, sharing valuable business management and estate planning information. In her words, "In the world of agriculture, there are no strangers - just new neighbors."

Annie's Project is an educational program dedicated to strengthening women's roles in modern farm and ranch enterprises. It was launched in 2003 by Illinois Extension Educator Ruth Hambleton as a tribute to her mother, Annette Kohlhagen Fleck. Annie who grew up in Illinois, married a farmer, and spent her lifetime learning how to be an involved business person with her husband. The program is based on the lessons learned and information for living and working in a farming/ranching business.

The program honors Annie's entrepreneurship and her goal of raising a family and being an active partner in the family farm operation.

Everyone is encouraged to be a part of this virtual program. The registration fee per person is $50. The fee includes workshop materials and activities expenses. For more information on class registration or payment contact: Katrin Finch at [email protected] | 406-454-6980

The event is sponsored by Montana State University Extension, and Northwest Farm Credit.