Kara R. called the meeting to order on March 4, 2008 at 7:05 PM.
Taya L. led the American pledge and Sarah S. led the 4-H pledge. There were forty-one Room 4-U 4-H members in attendance.
The Secretary's Report was given by Katherine C..
Bethany R. gave us our Treasurer's Report. She stated that we had $502.77 in checking and $97.35 in savings.
Songs included "Happy Birthday" to anyone with a March birthday and "Hokey Pokey" and were led by Carrie H., Julia T., and Leah T..
Elizabeth A. gave us our Health and Safety Report on dental care. She explained that we should brush our teeth at least 3 times a day and, if possible, use a fluoride rinse, to avoid plaque and tartar build-up, which leads to tooth decay and is hard to get rid of.
Brittany W. gave us our Community News Report. She mentioned several upcoming community and 4-H events that would be of interest, such as Project Changes for 2008, Share the Fun, and a Musical Recital for local nursing home residents.
For Devotions, Bethany J. read a poem she had written, entitled, "Upward Focus” to remind us to focus on God every day.
Old Business was conducted by Mrs. S.. She thanked the girls for their creativity and hard work in making the 73 valentines which were taken to Greencroft on Valentine's Day. She also shared how much the residents appreciated our kindness. Sign-up sheets for Demonstrations, Building Supervision, and Geranium Forms were also passed out. Appreciation was also expressed for a full refreshment sign-up sheet this year.
For New Business, Mrs. Wise passed out the manuals and Mrs. Schaubert requested that girls stay in the Fellowship Hall, gym, or coat area, before and after 4-H meetings. Along with the 4-H Herald update, she explained the importance of geranium sales for our club and defined how those who choose to give donations, in place of selling geraniums, may earn equal points.
Our program for the evening was, "Budget Busters", facilitated by Elkhart County 4-H Extension Educator, Laurie Sula. It was a fun, interactive game which helped teach us how to manage our money by setting aside certain amounts for certain things. First, we split up into five groups: "High School Drop-outs"; "High School Graduates"; "Two-Year College Degree"; "Bachelor of Science Degree"; and "Professionals."
Each group was handed several cards with options for “necessary items”, such as transportation, food, etc. After each group paid back the corresponding amount for their choices, each received some “circumstances”, such as, have a baby, break your legs, buy health care items, and so on. Each group had to pay the amount which corresponded to their choice or level of education.
Although the "High School Drop-outs" had the lowest salary to begin with, they had the most money at the end. Surprisingly, the "Professionals," who started out with the most money, ended up with the least money, demonstrating the whole point of "Budget Busters", that though you may have a lot of money to start with, it doesn’t really matter, unless you understand the importance of living within a carefully planned budget.
After "Budget Busters" ended, prizes were awarded for those who had the "Most Green"; the "Most 4-H Pins"; and or the "Most 4-H Clothing". The prize for the "Most Green" went to Elizabeth R.. The prize for the "Most 4-H Pins”, went to Kara R., who had 25 4-H pins, and the prize for the "Most 4-H Clothing", went to Julia T.. Each girl received a 4-H Clover Apron as their award and others who had come dressed for the competition, but did not receive the top prize, were given 4-H pencils.
Recreation for the evening was led by Ellen A.. The game was "Who Am I?" A piece of paper, on which a noun was written, was taped onto the back of each person who wanted to play. Girls asked each other questions about "who" they were. As soon as each individual was able to guess “who” they were, they could remove their paper.
Snacks were brought by Katie A., Faith M., Ellen A., and Brittany W.. Drinks were brought by Kara R. and Bethany M.. Our adult helper was Mrs. Anderson.
