• March 15: CWF applications due
• March 18: State 4-H Conference workshop proposals due
• March 18: Urban Expansion proposals due
• April 1-6: National 4-H Conference, Washington, D.C.

• Western Regional Leaders' Forum workshop proposal form

Farewell Note

To all Extension agents and staff: As I retire as Executive Director of the Colorado 4-H Youth Fund, allow me to send each of you a sincere THANKS! Your understanding and support of the 4-H Youth Fund mission has been deeply appreciated. As a new person assumes the role as director, give them your support and you will continue to see the opportunities for your 4-H members grow. Again, my sincere thanks. Until we meet again . . .—Colleen Flack

Upcoming 4-H Scholarship Deadlines

The Colorado State University Collegiate 4-H Scholarship is due April 1, in the State 4-H office. Selection is based on academics, community involvement, service and leadership to the 4-H program, with an emphasis placed on 4-H activities. Contact the Colorado State University Collegiate 4-H Club, 133 Aylesworth Hall NW, Fort Collins, CO 80523-4050, phone 970.491.7881 or visit the 4-H scholarship web site at: http://4hweb.ext.colostate.edu/scholarship/scholarships.shtml. One scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded.

Master Farm Homemakers' Guild ScholarshipThe Master Farm Homemakers' Guild has announced a $500 scholarship for women interested in returning to college to further their education. The selection criteria are as follows:

• A female Colorado resident.
• A homemaker with an agricultural background planning to return to college to further her education.
• Nominees into the organization must have had involvement in community affairs.
• Nominees must earn 51 percent of the family income from the farm or ranch upon which they reside.
• Plan to attend a college or trade school.
• The scholarship must be used in the year awarded.
• Successful recipients may reapply.

The application must be postmarked by April 15, 2005. To apply please contact your county agent or Connie Newbanks, Scholarship Chairman, Colorado Master Farm Homemakers' Guild, 17225 County Road 44, Eckley, CO 80727.

Guide Dog Raising/TrainingThis scholarship is open to high school seniors who have actively raised a Guide Dog puppy for this organization. The applicant may pursue any field of study at an accredited college, university or technical/trade school. Selection is based on volunteerism with Guide Dogs for the Blind, leadership, citizenship and community service activities, personal development through Guide Dog puppy raising and how this has influenced an individual’s career selection and scholastic record in high school. Five hundred dollar and $1,000 scholarships are available. For information, contact your local puppy raising leader or Guide Dogs for the Blind at: www.guidedogs.com. The application deadline is due May 15 to Guide Dogs for the Blind. —Colleen Flack

2006 WRLF Workshop Proposals

Mark your calendars to travel to Salt Lake City, Utah March 1-5, 2006 for the Western Regional 4-H Leaders' Forum. Attached is a copy of the workshop proposal form which is due by June 1. —Dale Leidheiser

Office of Suicide Prevention - Shrinking Mental Health Resources

As a member of the Colorado Prevention Leadership Council, I was invited to speak to state-level program managers. In a follow-up meeting with Karen Mason and Julie Reichenberger I learned some things important to share with 4-H professionals and volunteers. This is the third of five notes from Karen.

Shrinking mental health resources might keep people from getting help. One out of five people in Colorado needs mental health services each year, yet fewer than a third of them receive care. The lack of care can result in suicide, lost productivity and homelessness, among other costs.

To make matters worse, public mental health spending continues to lose ground as a result of state budget cuts. Shrinking mental health resources are especially concerning in rural areas. Here are some things you can do:

1. Contact the Mental Health Association of Colorado at www.mhacolorado.org for information about how to become involved in advocacy efforts.
2. Contact your policy makers about the unmet mental health needs in your area.
3. Contact providers in your area, like doctors or community mental health providers, to see how to coordinate efforts in your area.

Thank you for your efforts to prevent suicide in your communities. —Jan Carroll