4-H Round Up at the Clinton County Fair

           What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Fair”?  Many will think of Cotton Candy, Farris Wheels and carnival games, but a 4-H Member will think of so much more!  The first picture to enter their minds may be of winning a first place ribbon with their project.  They may remember hanging out in the barns with their friends or they may think of the hours they spend working in the 4-H food booth.  No matter what picture comes to their mind, most Clinton County 4-H members look forward to the Clinton County Fair all year long.

Clinton County 4-H Round Up will be held at the Clinton County Fair, August 4-11, 2012.  Members have been involved in 4-H clubs and have worked on their projects all year long leading up to this time when they get to exhibit them and compete with other 4-H members.  If you walk through the barns and buildings at the Fair, you will see projects in the areas of horticulture, science, crafts, livestock, horses, technology and much more.  This is the chance for 4-H members to show off a year’s worth of hard work and dedication.

This year will be a little extra special as we celebrate the Pennsylvania 4-H Centennial.  There are all kinds of events planned to celebrate this special occasion as well as the accomplishments of 4-H members and the support of 4-H volunteers.  During the fair’s opening ceremonies, some 4-H history will be shared as well as the recognition of 4-H members throughout the years.  On Wednesday, August 8^th, Oreo games will be held at the Auxiliary Stage as a fun way to share the 4-H Centennial with the Centennial of Oreo and Weis Markets.  A line dance will follow this event in the 4-H building.  Thursday morning will kick off with a special breakfast for 4-H members and a scavenger hunt will be held for all children at noon meeting at the 4-H Food Booth.  The 4-H picnic will be held that evening with a special birthday cake for Pennsylvania 4-H.  Horse and livestock shows will be held daily throughout the week and the 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale will be held on Saturday, August 11^th beginning at 6pm.  A livestock buyer’s dinner will be held at 4pm prior to the livestock sale.  The 4-H Food Booth will be open all week from 8am-5:30pm.  Stop by to enjoy homemade sloppy joes, grilled chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, veggies and dip and all of your favorite concession treats! It will be a very busy week with many opportunities to support the 4-H youth of Clinton County. 

The Clinton County Fair is a great visit for all ages.  There are many educational events for the children and entertainment for everyone.  The events mentioned above are only a small portion of what is offered throughout fair week.  If you’ve never been to the Clinton County Fair, you will definitely want to pencil in some time to head out this week because it just might be the best one yet!

Help Needed

I'm working on a 4-H human timeline to mark each decade of 4-H in Clinton County in celebration of the 4-H Centennial.  So, if anyone has any information that would help me out, i'd greatly appreciate it.  As you can imagine I'm having trouble finding members before 1942.  So, if anyone has any names of people that would have been a member before that time or if you know when 4-H started in Clinton County, please share.  rad5003@psu.edu or 570-726-0022

Attention Swine Exhibitors

Due to the extreme heat that hit our area early this year and the raising of the minimum weight for pigs it has been decided to lower the minimum weight for pigs back down to 210 pounds for this year’s fair in hopes of giving more kids the opportunity to get their pigs up to weight and eligible to compete at the fair.

Livestock Buyer's Packet Information

It’s that time of year when many of you will be working to secure buyers for the livestock sale at the fair.  A buyer’s packet has been sent to each of last year’s buyers.  However, we do encourage each of you to be talking to potential buyers to encourage them to come and support the sale.  You can find the packet of information you will need to share with them at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/livestock/buyers-packet.  Please let Wayne or Becky know if you have any questions.

4-H Activity Sponsorships and Donations for the Food Booth

I would like to remind you about obtaining sponsorships for 4-H activities at the fair.  The original deadline was July 1^st, but I would like to extend this deadline to July 20^th since we have not received any sponsorships.  Please note that we are accepting well wishes and one-liners this year.  This may be the perfect opportunity for families and small businesses. The form can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/fairweek-information/4-h-activities-at-the-fair-sponsor-form/view.  Please share with friends relatives and local businesses.  If each family could obtain one sponsorship, just think how much of an impact that would make!

I have had also inquiries about donating items to the food booth.  A list of items that can be donated is located at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/fairweek-information/Food%20Booth%20Items%20to%20be%20Donated%20-%20Edited%2002-13-12.pdf/view.  Please let Rebecca Sellers know of any donations by July 20^th.

Clinton County 4-H Members Compete in Public Speaking Contest

Not many people have the gumption to voluntarily speak in front of a crowd, let alone when they are to be judged on their performance; however five Clinton County 4-H members successfully tried their hand at impressing the judges at the Public Speaking Contest held in the Learning Center at the Education and Resource Center in Mill Hall.

Contestants were judged on criteria including their delivery, organization and general appearance as they spoke with poise and shined with confidence. Madison Weaver took first place on her Senior Speech entitled, “King of the Rabbits.” Destiny Stover took first place on her Senior Presentation about the importance of properly preparing your rabbits to show. Olivia Benna took first place in her Junior Presentation about checking your horse’s vital signs, while Morgan Kerstetter and Kayla Kimble were a close second and third.

The evening concluded with an ice cream social where contestants, judges, family and friends bonded over make-‘em-yourself sundaes that made everyone feel like a winner!

                              

    

4-H Campers Walk Across Pennsylvania

These days, every other word of caution we hear is about staying active and getting fit. Bringing up a generation of youth that is not plagued with obesity is a new American passion, which is why 4-H decided to undertake an impressive challenge during their four days of 4-H Camp at Camp Kanesetake in Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania is approximately three-hundred miles long or 1,584,000 feet. The average human step is about two and a half feet long, so that would mean that a person would have to take 633,600 steps in order to walk across Pennsylvania. And that is just what the tribes of 4-H members did together during their time at Camp Kanesetake.

Each tribe had about ­­thirty members and together, nearly met their goal of three-hundred miles walked! Pedometers were given to each child at the beginning of the four day camp. At the end of each day, the number of steps taken by each child was recorded. The 4-H members met this challenge by participating in relays, recreational games, early morning jogs, nature walks and of course just getting from one place to the next on Camp Kanesetake’s extensive facilities.

4-H Camp is made possible by Penn State Extension as a time to not only relax and catch up with good friends, but also to educate children about the strides they must take to help themselves and their communities.

Eight Pennsylvania counties participated in 4-H camp this year with over one-hundred and fifty campers ages eight to fifteen. When the 4-H’ers weren’t busy in workshops that ranged in topics from CSI investigations and science to self esteem and leadership, they were swimming in the enormous pool, catching fish, cooking over camp fires, taking off from the six-hundred and fifty foot zip line and making crafts. This year’s camp, which took place during the Pennsylvania 4-H Centennial, was one to be remembered by all who participated.

Written by:  Lauren Dwyer, 4-H Summer Program Assistant

Photographed from bottom left: Rylin Pacella, Caven Etters, Lane Harbach, Dakota Cox, Tanner Bierly

Second Row: Jalissa Scheckengast, Michaela Geyer, Alison Benna, Kaite Hendricks, Olivia Benna

Third Row: Madison Weaver, Erinn Cavanaugh, Nikaelin Pacella, Keri Ford, Ellie Weaver

Forth Row: Aaron Harback, Tanner Weaver, Blaze Bierly, Chesney Weaver, Spring Martin

Fifth Row: Dakota McCloskey, Kayla Kimble, Kristin Cavanaugh, Hunter Weaver, Joseph Rankinen

Sixth Row: Lauren Dwyer, Jocelyn Pruss, Tara Mazotta, Kyleigh Lachat, Chelsea Geyer

July 2012 Newsletter and Fair items

 The July Clover Patch is now available at https://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members.  You can also find Fair related items at that location.

Poultry Banding and Blood Testing

Attention Clinton County Poultry Kids: 

Don't forget to get your poultry blood tested and banded either today or tomorrow at the fairgrounds.  The Bechdel's are there and ready to get you registered.

Public Speaking Contest Results

Congratulations Public Speaking Winners!

1st Place Senior Speech- Madison Weaver
1st Place Senior Presentation- Destiny Stover
1st Place Junior Presentation- Olivia Benna
2nd Place Junior Presentation- Morgan Kerstetter
3rd Place Junior Presentation- Kayla Kimble

Beef Clinic

A beef clinic will be held at Wade Vonada’s house on July 7, 2012 at 2pm.  Anyone interested in going should rsvp to Wade at 263-0094 so he has enough food.

Public Speaking Contest Reminder

The Clinton County 4-H Public Speaking Contest will be held next Thursday, June 28th at 6pm in the Learning Center.  This is a great opportunity for all 4-H members and I would encourage you all to attend in support.  Those who are speaking should either email me or call the extension office to let us know whether you are giving a speech or presentation, the title and your age no later than 5pm on Monday, June 25^th.  Everyone planning to attend should register on e-data.  An ice cream social will follow the contest!  You can visit http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/2012-public-speaking-contest/view for complete details. 

Clinton County 4-H Members Practice Quality Animal Management

            Good production practices are essential in any Agricultural endeavor.  Farmers across the nation depend on producing quality animals and crops in order to have a successful farm and business.  This is also the philosophy Penn State Cooperative Extension instills in Pennsylvania 4-H members with Animal Science projects.  

            All 4-H members with any type of Animal Science project are required to take a Quality Animal Management class.  The class focuses on a set of Good Production Practices that has been selected by Penn State Extension Staff.  Each year, the program will focus on three of these Good Production Practices so that nine practices will be addressed by the end of a three year period.  As a result, 4-H members gain life skills that will enable them to produce quality food and companions for consumers.

            This year, members are learning very important skills for ensuring safe quality products.  They are learning the importance of animal identification, tracking, record keeping, and how to properly label and store animal health products and medicated feed.  Above all, members are learning that the welfare of their animals and their consumers should always take first priority. 

            This spring, trained 4-H volunteers have been teaching 4-H members about quality animal management.  By the end of June, all 4-H members exhibiting animals at the 4-H Round Up at the Clinton County Fair will be trained in this area.  When you see all the 4-H livestock and horse projects at the Clinton County Fair, you can rest assured that they have been raised using good production practices.  You can also feel confident that these animals should yield the best products a consumer could ask for! 

Final Opportunities for Quality Animal Management

I apologize for the short notice, but below are two Quality Animal Management Trainings being held in Lycoming County.  If you have not yet attended a training and are doing any type of Animal Science project, you may want to try to make it to one of these.  The deadline for completion of these trainings is June 30, 2012.  Those who do not complete them will not be permitted to exhibit at Round Up

Horse- TONIGHT- June 13^th at 5:30- Williamsport Riding Club

Livestock- Monday, June 18^th- Lycoming County Extension Office- Contact them for a time.

100 Healthy Tips

In honor of the PA 4-H Centennial, check out 100 ways you can be more healthy on this 100 Healthy Tips sheet found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/100-healthy-tips/view.

June 2012 Newsletter

The June 2012 4-H Clover Patch Newsletter is now available at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/newsletters/june-2012/view.

2012 Keystone Competitive Trail Ride

Attention Horse Members and Leaders: The 2012 Keystone Ride Competitive Trail Ride infomation is available for viewing at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses

Harvest 4-Health

               Harvest 4-Health: What is it, and why is it important? 4-H has been at the forefront of Agricultural Education for over 100 years, with many 4-H members among the first to learn about new scientific discoveries and technologies. Harvest 4-Health is intended to continue the long standing tradition of education and 4-H members taking information learned through Cooperative Extension home to their parents and families.

               Here in Pennsylvania, the focus of the Harvest 4-Health Initiative is food literacy development. The goal is to build an understanding about sources of food, and to show associations between nutritious food and health and well-being.  One major project being performed is community gardens grown by 4-H members with the direction of the Master Gardener program.  These two parts are just a larger piece of the puzzle, intertwined together with the goal of increasing knowledge and healthy lifestyles of the 4-H youth and the community.

               Here in Clinton County, we aim to do that in a few different ways. The spring intern for the Extension Office will be doing various presentations at 4-H clubs, health fairs, and the student EXPO on healthy nutrition habits. A new 4-H gardening club is being started and there will be workshops presented during the summer at the Summer Park Programs. Finally, at the Clinton County Fair, there will be a Harvest 4-Health combo meal served at the Clinton County 4-H Food Booth. The goals of these workshops, programs, and demonstrations are to have the members and public learn important information about healthy living while being able to apply it into their daily lives.  We hope that participants will become more physically active and more aware of what is on their plate, how it reacts in their body, and where it came from, and do this because of knowledge gained through Harvest 4-Health.

              For Information about the Master Gardener program, the 4-H program, Harvest 4-Health, or nutrition presentations, please contact Penn State Extension in Clinton County at (570) 726-0022.

Written By:  Nicole Barnett, Extension Intern

April 2-12 Newsletter Available

The April newsletter is now available and can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/newsletters.  Also, please note that there will be no newsletter in May, and the next newsletter will be in early June.  This newsletter should have all the information you will need for May.

Discount Card Fundraiser

I am happy to announce that Pine Creek Pioneers 4-H Club is the winner of the Ice Cream Social since they sold 100 discount cards!  I would also like to thank Madison Weaver for all her efforts as she sold over 100 cards total!  Great job!

As you all know, the first phase of the discount card fundraiser ended on March 26, 2012, but we do still have many cards left to sell.  So, if you think you could sell a few more, please stop by the office or contact Ann Brunner at (570) 726-0022 or aeb211@psu.edu.  For every additional card you sell, that is $10 profit going to the Clinton County 4-H Program.  Remember 5% each is going to the Horse Program and Livestock Program.  Thank you in advance for your continued support of this fundraiser.

 We are still waiting on money and cards from several different clubs.  So, if you could get them into our office as soon as possible, that would be great.  In the meantime, below are the current results of our fundraiser.

 Total Cards Sold to Date: 296

Total Profit to Date:   $1160

Horse Barns Restoration Canceled for Tonight

The Horse Restoration Project is canceled for tonight due to the wet conditions.  Another session will be scheduled at a later time. 

Local Youth Attend 4-H Teen Retreat Weekend

Sixty area youth travelled to Krislund Camp & Conference Center in Madisonburg, Centre County from March 23-25 to participate in a 4-H Teen Retreat.  Highlights of the weekend included presentations by the PA State 4-H Council members and workshops focusing on Parliamentary Procedure, and the Art of Writing Thank-You Notes. The keynote address, “Juggling Elephants,” addressed balancing all the responsibilities in our lives and was presented by Todd Musig of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Saturday night’s program culminated with a magic show and hypnosis act performed by seventeen year old Corby Smith, a 4-H member from Centre County.  Local 4-H members who attended (pictured above) are: Aaron Harbach, Marissa Byler, Katelyn Walbridge, Emily Walbridge, Joseph Rankinen and Kristin Cavanaugh

e-data is now available!

e-data is now available!  It is with great excitement that I share this information!  Please proceed to use this system to sign up for events, enroll new members and to manage your clubs as you did before.  Also, if you did not get a chance to see the new layout before it went offline, enjoy that.  I think you will like it much better!  Please let me know if you have any questions.

 Also, please remind all new members to enroll by May 1^st by registering through e-data, paying their $15 fee to “Clinton County 4-H” and by turning in a signed Parental Permissions form. 

Horse Barn Restoration Project

The Clinton County Fair barn restoration project is coming along slowly, but surely.  The stall fronts have been replaced and rubber mat footing has been placed in all stalls.  Future work will include the placing of footing down the center aisle, scrapping of metal, replacing of ropes on doors and a paint job.  Please thank the Clinton County Fair Association and especially Ruth Eoute for making the barn improvements.

 The next work date is Wednesday, March 28 at the barns at the fairgrounds.  The fair association is having a work session beginning at 3 pm on this date.  Most 4-H helpers will try to come at this time, but have set a 5 pm goal to have the majority of helpers available.  Everyone is urged to bring shovels, rakes and brooms and a strong desire to continue the restoration.

 A BIG Thank You to the recent helpers: Becky and Tom Charles for the use of the Tamper Equipment, Duffy Butler, Addison Bloom, Hunter Bloom, Ann Brunner, Abbey Foster, Roger Foster, Linda Hanna, Chrissy Jones, Tasha Jones, Kayla Kimble, Lea Ann Kimble, Aliyah Mallak, Lisa Mallak, Jacinta Miller, Cassidy Myers, Kelly Myers, Becky Smith, Avery Turner, Rachel Turner, Biff Walizer, Brian Yoas and Jacob Yoas.

 Please help in spreading the word about the upcoming work session.  It would be helpful to let Becky Smith and/or Biff Walizer know if you will be able to attend on March 28 to help.  Please contact Becky at 570-748-6157.  Thanks.

2012 4-H Camp

I am happy to announce that 4-H camp registration information is now available!  A brochure and registration infromation can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/4-h-camp.  Note that the deadline for the Early Bird Registration is April 27th.  Thanks to the Clinton County Community foundation, we are still able to offer camp at a relatively low price for Clinton County 4-H members again this year.  Mini Camp, June 17th-18^th will only cost $10 and Traditional Camp, June 18^th-21^st will cost $80 for anyone who registers before April 27^th.    

Vera Bradley Bingo to benefit Stars and Stripes on the Hill Scholarship Fund

Sunday, April 29, there will be a VERA BRADLEY Bingo at the Clinton County Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon.  Doors will open at 11 AM and games will begin at 1 PM.  20 games / raffles/ Chinese auction / rip off tickets.  This event is sponsored by the Clinton County Fair Association and all proceeds will go to the Stars and Stripes On The Hill Scholarship Fund.  Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.  Veterans tickets are 1/2 of the price.  Please contact Ruth reoute@comcast.net for more information."

Your Help Is Needed: Horse Barn Improvement Project Worknight

Attention Horse Members 7 Families: 

Your help is needed.  A work night is being held at the fairgrounds on Thursday, March 22 starting at 4:30pm to work on the Horse Barn improvments.  Bring your rakes and shovels and come anytime.  If you have questions, you can contact Biff Walizer at 570-748-6157.  If you need to call a cell number the night of to check the status of the work, you can reach Biff at 570-660-9799. 

Poultry Project Info

Hopefully you noticed the other livestock information on deadlines and what not in the last newsletter.  The information on poultry can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/livestock.  Make sure to mark your calendars!

PA 4-H Celebrates Centennial

            Happy 100 years to the Pennsylvania 4-H Program!  Starting out in the early 1900s as a rural youth program to promote the advantages of rural living, Pennsylvania 4-H has evolved immensely over the years to accommodate the needs of todays’ youth.  As we move into the second century of the 4-H program in Pennsylvania, the face of 4-H may be very different, but it is still a program providing needed life skills development to our local youth.

The 4-H program began with just a few seeds being distributed for youth to grow in their gardens, but it has flourished into a program that provides a wide variety of opportunities for youth.  One of the major programs offered through Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania 4-H still serves a large amount of rural youth, but it has also reached out to include projects and activities relevant for all youth in Pennsylvania.   Aside from the traditional Ag projects, 4-H now offers projects in robotics, the shooting sports, arts and crafts, leadership, a variety of areas within science, computer skills and much more!  Additionally, youth have opportunities to participate in activities promoting life skills development like public speaking, citizenship, health and nutrition and career exploration.  4-H is a wonderful opportunity for youth to learn skills they will use for a lifetime build positive relationships and have extremely positive experiences.

               In honor of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, March 11-17, Clinton County 4-H Clubs participated in a Window Display Contest to promote Pennsylvania 4-H.  Susquehanna Haybalers 4-H Club displayed their winning display at the Mill Hall Agway and is planning to keep their display up for the entire month.  4-H Unlimited 4-H Club came in second place and displayed theirs at Dotterer Equipment along Route 64.   Both clubs did a wonderful job at promoting the 4-H program and I would encourage you to stop by and take a look if you have the opportunity. 
                
              The Window Display Contest is just the first of many ways we plan to celebrate the 4-H Centennial in Clinton County.  Throughout the year, you will have many opportunities to learn more about Pennsylvania 4-H and the 4-H program in Clinton County.  Displays will be set up at the Lock Haven University Health Fair, Clinton County Expo and Clinton County Fair.  We are planning some special Centennial events at the Clinton County Fair and a 4-H Celebration will be held on October 5, 2012 at the Lock Haven YMCA.  This celebration would be a great opportunity for potential 4-H members to learn more about 4-H and to have some fun!  Finally, we will be having a Birthday party for Clinton County 4-H at our 4-H Achievement Night on November 20, 2012.  If you would like to learn more about 4-H and the opportunities it offers for youth, please contact the Penn State Extension Office in Clinton County at (570) 726-0022. 

4-H Window Display Results

Congratulations to the following clubs who participated in the 4-H Window Display Contest!

1st Place- Susquehanna Haybalers
2nd Place- 4-H Unlimited

Thank you for your participation.

Garden Club Opportunity

You’re invited to join the NEW Clinton County 4-H Garden Club!

The 4-H Garden Club will have full access to one of the extension high-tunnels while getting hands-on training in vegetable and herb gardening from Clinton County Master Gardeners.

Come join us in:

 planning and planting a vegetable and herb garden,

 learning about the benefits of growing in high-tunnels (no watering needed; irrigation system included)

 hands-on experiments

 garden care*

 games

 gardening classes/workshops

 harvest

The 4-H Gardening Club will meet on Thursdays at 6pm starting in mid-April.  RSVP by March 28^th to reserve your garden plot in the high-tunnel!

(*Yes, some weeding will be required but we’ll make sure to set aside time for fun & games)

4-H Teen Retreat Deadline- Volunteers Still Needed

The last chance to register for 4-H Teen Retreat which will be held at Krislund Camp outside of Lamar on March 23-25.  The deadline to register is this Friday, March 9, 2012.  The total cost for this registration period is $110.00, but we still have 3 spots left that can be covered by the Community Foundation Grant which would leave you paying only $70.  The brochure and registration information can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/2012-regional-4-h-teen-retreat/view.

We are also still in need of a chaperone for this event.  The chaperone can be male or female, though we are usually low on male chaperones.  Your duties would just be to go and stay the weekend and to help out along with the other 4-H staff and chaperones who are present.  It’s a very friendly group and I will be there part of the time, just not spending the night.  Your fee for attending will be paid, which includes meals.  Clinton County has 7 youth going this year!  Please let Rebecca Sellers know if you are interested in serving as a chaperone for this event.

Essential Elements Training- March 13, 2012

Attention Teens and Volunteers:

 will be holding an Essential Elements training on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.  This will cover lessons 5 and 6 of the series that covers the 8 Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development.  Any teen, volunteer or even parent is welcome to attend, even if you haven’t attended the previous lessons.  They do not necessarily build upon one another and are very useful in any situation working with youth.  The training will be held in the Learning Center  from 6pm-8pm.  Since e-data is not yet online, please email Rebecca Sellers (rad5003@psu.edu) to let her know if you plan to attend.

4-H Capital Days

4-H Capital Days will be held April 29-May 1 this year.  A promo flyer to tell you what it is all about is attached, but this is a great opportunity for youth 15-18 years of age.  While the total cost of the event is $300, Clinton County 4-H members can apply for a scholarship to help with this cost.  Two members will get a $200 scholarship and two will get a $100 scholarship.  So, if you are interested in attending, please turn in the scholarship application attached by March 12, 2012.  The deadline to register for the event is April 2, 2012, but you should let me know in advance if you are planning to attend in order to get all the necessary information submitted.    

March Newsletter

The 4-H newsletter for March is now available!  It is attached to this email and can also be accessed at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/newsletters.  It is packed full of useful information this month, so make sure you take a look. 

Horses Available

Attention 4-H Horse Members: David Ramsey (610-308-0238) has offered production/performance horses to any interested members in Clinton County.  These horses are located in the Loganton Area and are registered Morgans.  The 4-H program does not encourage or discourage any members from contacting this individual and talking to him about his offering.  Please remember if you decide to contact David, the Clinton County 4-H Horse Program is not a sponsor or supporter of his horses and is just relaying the contact information and opportunity to Clinton County 4-H horse members.  

Photography Project Opportunity Update

Last week I had sent out an email about an opportunity for teens to learn more about photography with Rich WyKoff on March 1st.  Instead of this event being at 7:30 along with the Teen Leader Council Meeting, it will be held prior to the meeting at 6:00pm at the Learning Center.  Any 4-H Teens or volunteers are welcome to attend. 

 Rich has shared that you are welcome to bring your own digital camera if you’d like. 

Good evening,

I wanted to send a quick note to remind everyone about the public speaking workshop I will be teaching next Tuesday, February 28^th from 6pm-8pm in the Learning Center.  This is a great opportunity to get some practice and tips about public speaking whether you are a seasoned public speaker or you have never done it before.  I do not know when e-data will be available for us.  So, if you don’t get a chance to register on there, please don’t hesitate to still come to the event.  I will be keeping an attendance sheet and any volunteers attending will still be counted for their volunteer training hours.  If you would send me a quick note at rad5003@psu.edu to let me know you plan to attend, that would be greatly appreciated. 

I hope to see you there!

Photography Project Opportunity

Rich Wykoff, a Clinton County 4-H Volunteer, is interested in starting a Photography Project with any interested 4-H Teens.  He will be presenting and kicking this project off at the Teen Leader Council Meeting on March 1^st and encourages any other teens interested in participating to attend.  The group that is present will discuss a schedule that will work best for Rich and those interested.  This is a great opportunity to learn a variety of Photography skills.  Please let Rebecca Sellers know if you are interested in participating.  The meeting will kick off at 7:30pm at the Extension Office. 

Teen Retreat Reminder- Volunteer Chaperone Needed

I wanted to send a quick reminder about Teen Retreat.  Despite the fire you probably all heard about at Krislund Camp, we are still planning to have the event there.  Early Bird registrations are due to the Extension Office by March 1^st and the first 10 Teens to register will receive a $40 scholarship from the Community Foundation.  That would mean that you’d only have to pay $45 for the weekend!  The brochure and registration form can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/2012-regional-4-h-teen-retreat/view.

I am also looking for a volunteer who may be interested in attending the weekend as a chaperone.  While I plan to be in attendance, I am not able to spend the night, so we are going to need a volunteer to represent Clinton County.  Please let me know if this is you!

Clinton County 4-H Window Display Contest

If you haven’t already heard, this year is Pennsylvania 4-H’s Centennial Year!  This means that we are celebrating 100 years of 4-H in PA.  A committee has been formed to plan more Centennial events for the year, but in the meantime, here is an opportunity for your club to get involved. 

We will hold a 4-H Window Display Contest throughout the county during PA 4-H Awareness Week March 11^th-17^th.  The flyer with instructions is located on the website  at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/pa-4-h-week-window-display-contest/view for clubs that would like to get involved.  Displays will be judged and monetary awards will be given for winning clubs.  I would encourage you all to get involved in this and any other efforts your club and the county decides to put forth to promote the 4-H Centennial during Awareness Week and all year long.  100 years is a big deal!  Let’s Celebrate!

Horse Program Announcements

• A horse breeder in the county has extended an offer for 4-H members to possible utilize her horses for a horse production project.  If you are interested in this possibility please contact the office 570-726-0022 and talk to Helene or Ann.

•  Are you interested in becoming a Team Horse Power Horsemanship Skills Member?  If you are a Senior (14 years as of Jan 1, 2012) horse project member and have passed both Level 1 & 2 Horsemanship Skills levels you may qualify.  Please visit http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses for more information on a Team Horse Power Retreat that is upcoming.

• Clinton County will be hosting the 2012 March 2-4 Team Horse Power Retreat.  Clinton County has volunteered to supply materials for nametags and binders.  I need approximately $100 for this to happen.  If you are interested in being a sponsor toward this weekend, please contact me hbm10@psu.edu as soon as possible.  Any financial donation will be appreciated...$1, $2, $5 or more!  Thanks.

•  The Feb 4, 2012 HPDC minutes, treasurer's report and agenda are listed on the horse web site http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses.

•  Information is available on Winning Ways Tack Swap, Winning Ways Clinic and an updated PSU Horse Calendar at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses.

• Horse Health requirements and an updated VCPR form for 2012 are available at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses. Health Certificates (CVI) will be needed for any 4-H event held during a fair event and may be dated from May 1, 2012 to the end of 2012. CVIs will not be needed for the District, State or Production 4-H shows.

e-data temporarily unavailable

e-data is currently unavailable and has been taken offline for maintenance purposes.  This could last for up to a week.

The February Clover Patch is now available at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/newsletters.

Your Input is Requested for the 2012 Clinton County 4-H Achievement Night Date

In order to plan a successful 4-H Achievement Night for 2012, we are seeking your input on the best day for the event.  It will be held at the Learning Center again this year with a dairy bar and desserts.  We will not be planning a full meal.  Of course, we know we will not be able to meet everyone’s schedule, but would like to plan it on an evening that works for the most families.  So, please go to the link below to select the dates that works for your family by February 15, 2012.  It should only take a few moments of your time and we do request that everyone only take this survey once. 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RXPYP2J

Clinton County 4-H Returning Member Deadline

Attention returning 4-H Members:

Please note that there is only one day left for returning members to register for the Clinton County 4-H Program.  The deadline is Tuesday, January 31^st.  Please use the checklist below to make sure you have everything you need completed.  Any information placed in the drop box prior to 8 am on Wednesday, February 1^st will be accepted and anything postmarked on or before January 31^st will be accepted. 

·        E-data Enrollment

-        Enrolled

-        Photo Release & Member Conduct Form Signed

-        Medical Form Complete

·        Parental Permission Form in Hard Copy- http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/parental-permissions-form/view

·        $15 Education Materials Fee (Checks payable to:  Clinton County 4-H)

If you are participating in horse activities:

·        $25 Horse Fee (Checks payable to Clinton County 4-H)

·        Acknowledgement of Risk Form in Hard Copy- http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses/forms/pa-4-h-horse-program-acknowledgement-of-risk/view

·        Other horse enrollment info will be required by June 1^st.

Summer Assistant Position

To assist Penn State University Cooperative Extension staff in providing non-formal education for youth and adults.  Responsibilities will include:  organizing and conducting educational programs, 4-H camp, assisting at the Clinton County Fair and 4-H Round-up, and other duties as requested. Candidate must be at least 19 years old as of January 1, 2011.  The position will start around mid- May and run until mid- August with some flexibility on dates.  The rate of pay is $10 an hour with 454 hours available. To apply before February 27, 2012, contact the office at 570-726-0022 ext 126 for an application.  Penn State is an equal opportunity employer.

Spring Judging Contests

Information is now available for the Spring Judging Contests hosted by Block and Bridle and Dairy Science Club on Saturday, March 17.  The links are below.  Please inform Becky Sellers if you plan to attend these contests so that your activity can be recorded for the year. 

Livestock-http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/livestock

Horse-  http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses

4-H Centennial Year Follows a Year of Achievements

             As Pennsylvania 4-H moves into its Centennial year, Clinton County 4-H is also moving forward as strong as ever.  Current 4-H members are getting their final registrations done for the new year and looking ahead to the projects and activities of the busy months to come.  New members are also welcome to join 4-H by calling the Extension Office at (570) 726-0022.   With such a big year in front of us, it seems like the perfect time to remember some of the accomplishments of the past year.

One life skill that every 4-H member has the opportunity to gain is goal setting.  They learn at a very early age that the best accomplishments in life stem from the goals they have set for themselves along the way.  Each 4-H member set some type of goal for themselves in 2011.  Some may have been as large as winning Grand Champion at the Fair.  Some may have been to complete a quality project for Round Up or to participate in the County Public Speaking Contest.  Some may have even set out to learn a new skill or make a few new friends.  No matter what their goals were, Clinton County 4-H members had many accomplishments throughout the year. 

In November, a few very prestigious awards were given to 4-H members, volunteers and friends of 4-H.  Through an application and interview process, Kayla Kimble was chosen as Clinton County’s 2011 Outstanding Junior 4-H Member and McCartney Register earned an Honorable Mention for her excellent interview as well. Charles Walizer was nominated and named Clinton County 4-H Leader of the Year.  Hoofbeats 4-H Club earned the title of 2011 4-H Club of the Year and Friends of 4-H Awards were given to the Clinton County Community Foundation and the Clinton County Fair Association.   Hunter Andrus and Vanessa Barner also received 4-H Scholarships to aid them in their college endeavors.

4-H members should also be commended for the variety and quality of 4-H programs they participated in throughout the year.  Members wishing to improve their leadership skills participated in activities such as the 4-H State Leadership Conference, 4-H Regional Teen Retreat, 4-H Camp Counselor Training, 4-H Capital Days and several served on the 4-H Teen Leader Council.  39 members went to Regional 4-H Camp.  Nine 4-H members participated in the County Public Speaking Contest in June and three members even gave presentations at the 6^th Grade Field Days in September.  One member went to the State Livestock Judging day at Penn State and represented Clinton County very well.  One member also represented Clinton County on State 4-H Team Horse Power.  A majority of the 183 4-H members raised and showed livestock or horses at the Clinton County Fair and many of those went onto District and State Shows.  To top it off, 4-H members are constantly participating in community service and events within their club, all year long. 

For some 4-H members, 2010-2011 was either their first or last year as a 4-H member.  Clinton County had 40 new 4-H members and 11 who had put in their final year of 4-H.  Each of these places in one’s 4-H career brings very different goals and challenges.  The new members are learning all about 4-H and the projects they take on while the outgoing members have put in 10 or 11 years with the program and have spent many of those years helping younger members.  These 4-H alumni are now pursuing their futures using everything 4-H and the volunteers working within it have taught them.  Welcome to all new 4-H members and good luck to our alumni.  Finally, thank you to all Volunteers and supporters who make it possible for the youth involved in 4-H to achieve their goals and master the life skills this program has to offer. 

Horse Skillathon

Information on the Horse Skillathon Feb 11, 2012 is now available at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses.

Penn State Extension Board Elections for Clinton County

Dear Friend,

The local Penn State Extension Board for Clinton County is seeking your input during the annual election for the Clinton County Extension Board. Since 1917, the strongest attribute of the local Extension Office has been the ability to meet local needs through the involvement of volunteers interested in making a positive difference in their community. In these difficult financial times, the local Extension Office relies heavily on Extension Board volunteers for programmatic ideas, avenues to greater efficiency, and strategies to increase educational opportunities for local residents.

The local Extension Board works with Extension educators based in Clinton County to bring important programs to the County. In 2011, the local Extension Office was home to programs, staff, and volunteers providing leadership for 4-H and youth development, commercial horticulture, Master Gardeners and home gardening, equine and livestock, agronomic crops, dairy, forestry, water quality and home water testing, parenting, childcare, shale gas economics and workforce development, volunteer development, Clinton County Dental Clinic, and much more. Educational programs coordinated by the local Extension Office reached thousands of Clinton County residents at hundreds of public meetings. The local Extension Office also provided educational information via YouTube, webcasting, Twitter, Facebook, specialized blogs, and nine regular newspaper columns on everything from home gardening to positive youth development and Marcellus Shale to improved agricultural practices.

The local Extension Board is a critical connection between the needs of Clinton County, local Extension staff, and Penn State University. Each year an annual election is held to nominate three Clinton County residents to serve on the Clinton County Extension Board. Any resident of Clinton County (including 4-H members), who is interested in Extension programs and using Extension services, is a member of the Clinton County Extension Association and eligible to vote in the Board election.

You can participate in the election by clicking the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Clinton_Extension. Should you have any trouble accessing the ballot, simply copy the link to your web browser. Anyone not wishing to vote electronically can pick-up a ballot during regular business hours at the local Extension Office, 47 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall, PA. All voting will conclude on Friday, January 27, 2012, at 5:00 pm.

Your ballot will be kept absolutely confidential.  Your voting participation is voluntary and will help us make local Extension programs even better! The results will be compiled in a summary form to protect confidentiality.

Thank you in advance for your help and participation in the Clinton County Extension Board election process.

Sincerely

Rich Wykoff

Extension Board President, Clinton County

Jim Ladlee                    

County Extension Director, Clinton County

  

PS   If you need technical assistance, please call 726-0022x126.

Horse Enrollments

Currently the carry over for horse enrollments on e-data is not available.  Members many enter new horse project information.  A notice will be sent out through the blog when carry over horse enrollment is available.  A reminder that any horse member using a new project horse and/or a different horse in 4-H events must submit a current negative coggins test result and certificate of proof of rabies vaccination before they can participate in a 4-H event that is utilizing horses.  If you have any questions contact 570-726-0022.  A Tack Swap & Clothing Sale flyer hosted by Miller's Gun Shop has been posted on the horse web site: http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/horses.  Information is available on e-data for the Feb 11, 2012 Skillathon that will be held in the Learning Center as part of Cassidy Myer's Senior Project.  The flyer will be placed on the website when available.

HPDC Meeting- Feb. 1, 2012

The next meeting for the Horse Program Development Committee (HPDC) will be Feb 1, 2012 at 7 pm in the Extension Office meeting room #2.  There will not be a HPDC meeting in March.  Please remember to register on e-data.

Discount Card Fundraiser

The Clinton County 4-H Discount Card Fundraiser has officially begun.  The kids will be receiving the cards to sell shortly.  So, be sure to see a Clinton County 4-H member to purchase your card for only $10.  It is full of all kinds of discounts all over Clinton County!

Regional 4-H Teen Retreat

Good afternoon 4-H Families,

The brochure for the 2012 Regional 4-H Teen Retreat can be found at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/2012-regional-4-h-teen-retreat/view.  This is a wonderful opportunity for teens to meet other members from their region, learn new skills and have a blast!  This year, the retreat is being held in Clinton County, so, I’m hoping we can get a nice turn out to represent our county.  Please also note that I have applied for a Clinton County Community Foundation grant to cover $40 of the fee for up to 10 participants.  We have gotten this grant in the past, but there is no guarantee for this year.  We should know whether we received the grant in early February.    The Early Bird registration deadline is March 1^st, 2012.

4-H Enrollment Completion Information

Hello 4-H Families,

It’s hard to believe we are in a new calendar year already!  This also means that the 4-H Enrollment Deadline is drawing near.  Returning members must have completed their 4-H Enrollment by January 31, 2011.  This means they should turn in a hard copy of the Parental Permission Form (found at the link below), pay a $15 materials fee (plus $25 if a horse member), carry over their e-data registration and complete any information requested by e-data.  This is a hard deadline this year and MUST be honored.

Parental Permission Form- http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/parental-permissions-form/view

We do ask all volunteers to please carry over their registration as soon as possible.  New 4-H members must be enrolled by May 1, 2011, but the earlier the better. 

We do understand that everyone does not have convenient access to internet or even a computer, so we have opened a 4-H Center at the Clinton County Extension Office where these resources are available along with a printer/scanner/copier for your convenience.  We do ask that these tools only be used for 4-H purposes and that an appointment is made with me in order to ensure its availability. 

If you have any questions regarding the above items, please do not hesitate to contact me via my contact information below.

Rebecca A. Sellers

4-H & Youth Development Educator
Clinton County Resource & Education Center
47 Cooperation Lane
Mill Hall, PA 17751
Phone: (570)726-0022
Fax: (570)726-2237

January 2012 Newsletter

The January 2012 Clover Patch is now available at http://extension.psu.edu/clinton/programs/4-h/members/newsletters/june-2011-newsletter/view.