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Virginia 4-H Information Letter

December 2001

In This Issue...
Director's Letter
Provost Mcnamee at 4-H/FCS Inservice
NAE4-HA Conference Call for Proposals
Volunteers for NAE4-HA National Conference
Southern Region 4-H Leader Forum
2002 4-H/Character Counts Conference
Character Counts Training Program
VA4HVL Fall Conference
4-H Camping Handbook Online
4-H Camp Promotional Development
Buckeye Leadership Workshop
Camp Professional Award Winners
Curriculum News from the Specialist
4-H Day at the Capitol
National 4-H Conference
Citizenship Washington Focus
VA Partner with NASA Space Place
NASA Kid's Website en Espanol
Lifesmarts Competition
Junior Master Gardner Leaders
Great Gardening Resosurces
Junior Master Gardener Project Codes
4-H Horticulture Coordinator
2002 Photo Contest
State 4-H Wildelife/Forestry Weekend
2002 State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest
Winter Ski Adventure
Virginia Foundation Gala
NY 4-H Request for Assistance
Appalachian Entrepreneurship Award
Volunteerism Always Pays
Congratulations, Ann Gallus
American Chestnut Project News
VAA4-HVL Awards
Colgate Youth for America
VA Association of Fairs Scholarship Contest
Governors School for Agriculture

Attachments...

Calendar of Events


The Virginia 4-H Information Letter is produced monthly to disseminate important 4-H information. This is the on-line version. Attachments which are referenced in this newsletter are not available electronically. To obtain copies of the attachments, contact Billie Cline at the address listed

Editor: Billie Cline

Submissions to be included in the newsletter should be sent to:

Billie Cline
107 Hutcheson Hall
Virginia Tech (0419)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
e-mail: bcline@vt.edu


Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H


Dear co-workers:

For those who attended the NAE4-HA Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, what a tremendous opportunity we had for learning and networking. I enjoyed being with each and every one of the other 75 Virginia delegates who participated in this event. The seminars and group sessions were well done and everyone seemed to have a great time. The North Dakota staff did an outstanding job of hosting this conference, and helped challenge us to be on our toes for the 2002 event in Norfolk.

For those who did not attend the NAE4-HA Conference, you missed an excellent professional improvement opportunity. With the theme, "Touching Tomorrow Today," some 1100 participants were in attendance from every state except Rhode Island. The speakers, seminars, and other features of the conference afforded us all an opportunity to grow professionally. I hope you will be in attendance for next year's event in Norfolk, October 27-31. Our theme, "Charting the Way: 100 Years and Beyond," is appropriate as we celebrate 4-H's 100th birthday nationally. Since North Dakota did such an outstanding job with a very small staff, I know we will do even better. Do not let it be said or believed that it is a waste of time to attend a national meeting. Indeed, the networking and learning experiences produce new and innovative ways of conducting 4-H programs.

I have informed everyone that we are expecting a minimum of 1500 for the 2002 NAE4-HA Conference. After experiencing what took place in North Dakota, I am convinced that we will reach, if not exceed, this number. All of us need to be ready as we host the 56th annual meeting of NAE4-HA. I am looking forward to being with you in Norfolk October 27-31, 2002. Virginia 4-H will be positively represented with your attendance and commitment to improving the 4-H profession.

(Bob Meadows)

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Provost Mcnamee To Present The Keynote Address At 2002 4-H/FCS Inservice

The 2002 4-H/FCS Planning Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Mark McNamee, the new Provost at Virginia Tech, will present the Keynote Address during Inservice. Provost McNamee will discuss the role of Extension work with youth and families within the context of Virginia Tech's efforts to become a top-30 research institution. The 2002 4-H/FCS Inservice is scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, January 29-31, 2002. Registration information will be distributed in early December. For more information about the Inservice, go to the following websites https://www.conted.vt.edu/ssl/4hfcs-reg.htm and http://www.conted.vt.edu/4hfcs.htm or contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.

(Barry Garst)

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Call for Proposals: 2002 NAE4-HA Conference

The NAE4-HA Conference is scheduled in Norfolk, October 27-31, 2002. In preparation for this event, Extension folks are encouraged to submit proposals to conduct workshops, seminars, and/or poster sessions, reflecting the good work they are doing throughout the country.

The proposals go through an interview and screening process and those selected are first-rate, top-quality presentations. Visit our website http://www.ext.vt.edu/nae4-ha. for the Call for Proposals for this event. Please note that the deadline date for submitting a proposal is January 15, 2002. Virginia 4-H should be well represented since we are hosting this event.

I encourage you to begin serious consideration for submitting a proposal, and to meet the deadline date. Best wishes.

(Bob Meadows)

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Volunteers Needed for NAE4-HA National Conference in Norfolk

The National Association of Extension 4-H Agents will be conducting their annual conference in Norfolk, October 27-31, 2002. With the theme, Charting The Way: 100 Years and Beyond, 1500 or more are expected from all 50 states. This event will help celebrate 4-H's 100th birthday nationally.

Virginia 4-H agents and volunteers are busy preparing for this celebration and much committee work and behind-the-scenes preparation continues. Volunteers are needed during the event to help with a variety of areas. Please see the list of volunteers needed on our website http://www.ext.vt.edu/nae4-ha. Check your special interest and return to Brenda Holden at the address provided. Your help as a volunteer is much needed and appreciated.

(Bob Meadows)

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Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum, Rock Eagle, Georgia

The dates have been set for next year's Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum to be conducted at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Georgia. This event, for both adult volunteers and agents, will be held Thursday - Sunday, October 3-6, 2002.

The PURPOSE of the Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum is:

The focus for this year's event will be on excellent programming opportunities and the celebration of the 100th birthday of 4-H nationally. Call for Proposals. for the Southern Region Leaders Forum maybe found on the website.

Please give serious consideration to submitting a workshop proposal for next year's event. The due date is February 1, 2002. We plan to have a minimum of 40 folks representing Virginia in attendance at this event.

(Bob Meadows)

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2002 4-H/CHARACTER COUNTS! Conference

Plan to attend the 2002 "Building Communities of Character" Conference in Richmond, Virginia on February 21-22, 2001. We are excited to have Michael Josephson, the founder and President of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, to be the opening speaker. CHARACTER COUNTS! is a project of the Josephson Institute. In addition, there will be many wonderful workshops led by Extension Agents, teachers and other youth development professionals that are involved in the CHARACTER COUNTS! effort.

Postcards announcing the Conference have been sent out to mailing lists that have been submitted by local Extension offices. Registration materials will be sent to those lists at a later date. Others interested in the conference may request the registration packets. The conference registration fee will be $130.00.

Agents, teachers, etc. are encouraged to submit workshop and exhibit proposals. This is a great opportunity to showcase our good work with CHARACTER COUNTS! Audrey Lee, Extension Agent 4-H Youth in Bedford County is Chair of the workshops and Jennifer Unroe, Extension Agent 4-H in Alleghany County is Chair of the CHARACTER COUNTS! exhibits. You should receive information soon about these opportunities or you may contact them for more details.

Bring someone with you to learn more about the largest character education program that is sweeping the country! Promote the conference to your school personnel, youth leaders, faith communities, etc. Help make this a great conference.

(Joe Hunnings)

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CHARACTER COUNTS! Train-the-Trainer Program

A statewide CHARACTER COUNTS! Train-the Trainer program will be held at Airfield 4H Educational Center on March 6-8, 2002. The 4H Leadership/Personal Development Curriculum Component Committee is providing leadership for this event.

Each Extension District is invited to send two teams for training. Each team should consist of 6 adults. While Extension Agents, Technicians and Program Assistants may be a part of teams, the majority of each trainer team should be made up of volunteers. Team members must be from the same District, but do not have to be from the same Unit. The 4H Leadership/ Personal Development Curriculum Committee will give final approval of team members selected for training.

The cost per participant for the three-day training is only $50. This covers the cost of meals, snacks, lodging and training curriculum materials. Team members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the training event.

In addition, participating team members are expected to contribute to the development of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Program in their area by committing to conduct a minimum of four training programs in the year following the Train-the-Trainer program. Team members are also expected to assist in collecting information to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

If you are interested in applying, submit an application form (available from your local 4H Extension personnel) and send to:

Joe Hunnings
115 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

(Joe Hunnings)

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Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders Fall Conference

What an experience! If you missed the Fall Conference of VAA4-HVL, you missed a great opportunity to meet new 4-H volunteers, the experience of a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the Virginia 4-H program, and a variety of excellent workshops and learning sessions.

The Fall Conference was conducted at the Airport Holiday Inn in Richmond, November 3-4, 2001. Of the 107 in attendance, approximately 20% were first timers. Workshops focused on international 4-H programming, strengthening families, Virginia Science Museum programming and partnerships, and a variety of other topics. The meals and fellowship sessions were outstanding.

New goals and objectives were set for the upcoming year that focused on growth and development of the Association, expanded staff development opportunities, recognition of board members and officers, and others. The Association Board also established a Courtney Schwertz State 4-H Outstanding Volunteer Award for the coming year.

Newly elected officers for the coming year are:
President Josephine Carter (SE District)
Vice-President Ethel Showman (NW District)
President-Elect Steve Wood (NW District)
Secretary Elwanda Luttrell (NW Distict)
Treasurer Geraldine Cubbage (NW District)
Historian Margaret Battiste (Central District)
Registrar Jim Yates (SW District)
AdvisorsVan Petty/Bob Meadows

The next Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for January 12 in Charlottesville--Holiday Inn on Emmett Street (U.S.Route 29). The Spring Conference is scheduled for April 6-7, 2002 in Charlottesville at the Emmett Street Holiday Inn. Call for proposals for workshops and seminars are on the website. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/infoletter/springconference.pdf The theme for the Spring Conference is 4-H: MADE IN THE U.S.A.

(Bob Meadows)

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New Virginia 4-H Camp Handbook Available On-Line

A new publication- the Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook- is now available on-line on the 4-H Camping webpage

The handbook can be found by looking under the "Camp Training Resources" link. The Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook replaces the Virginia Guide to 4-H Camp Counselor Training and should serve as the basic training manual for 4-H camp staff and volunteers (including CITs, teen counselors, and adult volunteer leaders).

The 4-H Camp handbook features 4-H camping history, Virginia 4-H Center history, 4-H camping philosophy, detailed training checklist, 4-H camp program planning guide, risk management, sample camp evaluation instruments, and other useful information. Each unit will receive a copy of this publication by January 2002. For more information about the handbook and other 4-H camp training resources, please contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.

(Barry Garst)

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4-H Camp Promotional Pieces Currently Being Developed

The 2002 Virginia 4-H camping promotional pieces are currently under development. Based upon an email survey of 4-H Extension Agents conducted in October, a committee of 4-H Center Program Directors is developing a new promotional poster and brochure that can be used to promote Junior 4-H Camp. The brochure, which replaces the newsprint flyer that has been used for the past few years, will be developed using generic text. Each 4-H Agent will be able make additions to the brochure based upon his/her Junior 4-H Camp program. The committee hopes to have these items ready for distribution by the 2001 4-H/FCS Inservice. If you have any questions about the 2002 4-H camp promotional items, please contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.

(Barry Garst)

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2002 Buckeye Leadership Workshop

Scheduled for March 15-20, 2002 at Recreation Unlimited near Columbus, Ohio. This purpose of the workshop is to provide "an opportunity for all persons to develop skills and confidence in the use of recreation as a vital process in human development."

This event is sponsored through Ohio Cooperative Extension. Scholarships ($150) are available for this event (through a memorial fund established in Ohio).

Contact me for more information or to receive a brochure for this event.

(Barry Garst)

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2001 "Future 4-H Camp Professional" Award Winners

The State 4-H Office is please to announce the winners of the 2001 Future 4-H Camp Professional Award. This $500 award was recently developed to recognize summer 4-H camp staff members who demonstrate excellence with regards to youth development and camping and the potential to become a future Virginia 4-H camping professional. This award provides additional financial resources that can be utilized for educational or professional development purposes. Award recipients will be encouraged to apply for future positions at Virginia 4-H Educational Centers or within Virginia Cooperative Extension. Award recipients are expected to assist in the planning and implementation of the 2002 State 4-H Camp staff training and to provide other support to the Virginia 4-H camping program. The winners of the 2001 Future 4-H Camp Professional Award are Adam Dove and Jeremy Johnson.

Adam Dove has been involved in the Virginia 4-H program since the age of nine. He was a 4-Her for nine years and a part of the New Market 4-H Club in which he held many major offices. He was also active in the Shenandoah County Council as well as the 4-H Honor Club. Adam was tapped into the 4-H All-Stars in 1995. Adam attended 4-H camp at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center during his entire tenure as a 4-Her. In 1998, Adam began working as a summer camp staff member at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center as the Drama Instructor. During the summers of 1999-2001, Adam served as one of the Camp Coordinators at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center and will be returning for his last summer in 2002. Adam's 4-H camping experience includes work with numerous camps, including Junior 4-H Camp, Y.E.S. Camp (at risk youth), horse camp, shooting education camp, Cloverbud camp, and Kids Up Front Camp (inner city youth). Adam is currently attending James Madison University, where he is majoring in psychology with a minor in early childhood education. He will graduate in May of 2002 and after graduation Adam states his goals as "planning to work with children in whatever facet I am called to do so." His professional goals include teaching in grades pre K- 3rd grade or working with Virginia Cooperative Extension in the 4-H program or the 4-H camping program.

Jeremy Johnson has been involved with the 4-H camping program at Airfield for eleven years, rising from a camper to Counselor-in-Training to Counselor. Jeremy was employed as the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the past two summers (2000, 2001). Jeremy has said, "I personally value the program because it affords children the experience many activities they would not be able to experience at home." Jeremy is currently enrolled in an EMT Cardiac Technician program. Jeremy plans to complete his B.S. degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech, to pursue graduate work in clinical child psychology, and ultimately to pursue a doctorate degree. His doctoral work would focus on the assessment and treatment of pediatric psychopathology.

For more information about the Future 4-H Camp Professional Award, please contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.

(Barry Garst)

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Curriculum News

With a shift of seasons, we enter a time brimming with generosity and tolerance. Thanks to workers in 4-H youth programs who demonstrate these attitudes all year. I feel blessed to be a part of the 4-H family.

As Dr. Meadows meets with each district and shares his priorities, one major request will be noted: each agent will be asked to be part of a curriculum committee. Desiring to be invitational and to provide space for new members to fit into the curriculum process, I would like to offer some suggestions for participation. In addition to the 10 committees at large, there is potential for current subcommittee participation or new subcommittee construction. Knowing that the curriculum process is dynamic, we recognize that subcommittees will emerge out of youth needs across the state.

Each of the ten committees and their subcommittees are listed below. Please contact the appropriate committee chair to determine available space on a committee or subcommittee in which you find interest. A special request is put forward for membership in the following committees: Communications and Expressive Arts, Family Sciences, and Science & Technology. Thank you for pondering! I look forward to hearing your choice.

Animal Science (Don Tucker)

Small Animal Subcommittee, including dogs and pet pals

Careers and Economic Education (Brenda Holden)

Consumer Education / Financial Management
Youth Entrepreneurship
Workforce Preparation

Citizenship (Cynthia Rowles)

Current Issues
Service Learning
International

Communications and Expressive Arts (Diane Fulton)

Virginia Performing Troop Development
Competitions

Family Sciences (Betsy Campbell)

Human Development (e.g.: Babysitting,) Intergenerational, Positive Youth Dev,
Strong Families Competent Kids
Personal Presentation: (e.g.: Appearance, Clothing, Textiles, Modeling, consumerism)
Housing and Home Environments

Foods, Nutrition and Health (Christine Kastan)

Nutrition
Food Safety
Health
Leadership
Character Development
Teen Leadership Development

Natural Resources and Environmental Education (Doug Harpole)

Environment Education
Fishing
Forestry
Outdoor Adventure
Shooting Education
Wildlife

Plant Science and Entomology (Ellen Powell)

Horticulture
Entomology

Science and Technology (Rita Schalk)

Biotechnology
Engineering
Computer Technology

(Kathleen Jamison)

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4-H Day at the Capitol - February 14, 2002

Four-H Day at the State Capitol is scheduled for February 14, 2002. Participants will have an opportunity to tour the State Capitol Building, as well as visit with Legislators, House/Senate Representatives and Pages. This experience will enhance 4-Her's knowledge of governmental procedures and emphasize the importance of their involvement.

Unlike years past, only one date in February 2002 is reserved for Four-H Day at the State Capitol. This upcoming year, 4-H Ambassador Day at the State Capitol is reserved for the National Conversation on Youth Development for the 21st Century (for questions regarding this event, contact Dorothy Freeman at (540) 231-6372, mccargo@vt.edu).

Shamrocks will be available in the General Assembly Building during 4-H Day at the State Capitol on February 14th for 4-H delegations to pick-up and deliver to local delegates or senators

Itinerary and more information are found on the website for 4-H Day at the Capitol

(Jewel Hariston)

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National 4-H Conference, 2002

April 7th-13th
National 4-H Center - Chevy Chase Maryland

Theme: Building a Global Community, The Power of Youth.

Virginia will send 6-8 youth and 1 adult. All expenses are paid. Send application (plus a reference from Extension Agent or Volunteer Leader) to Billie Cline, State 4-H Office, 107 Hutcheson Hall, Va Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061 by January 15. See November issue of 4-H Information Letter for more details or contact bcline@vt.edu.

(Billie Cline)

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Citizenship Washington Focus

July 7-13, 2002 Cost: $725

(CWF) is a 4-H leadership program for high school youth, ages 15-19. Every summer thousands of young people stay at the National 4-H Conference Center, near Washington, D.C., to participate in this weeklong program of citizenship education, tours, and fun. Ruritan Clubs have sponsorship of CWF as one of their goals. Other civic organizations have funds to help support youth wishing to participate in this event also.

Completed Application with $350 are due MAY 17. Application and more information can be found on the following website. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/infoletter/cwf.pdf or contact Dr. Jewell Hariston or Tracy Downey at 540-524 5965

(Jewell Hairston)

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Virginia Is A Partner With NASA Space Place!

Quarterly activities will be listed on our intranet site. A link to the NASA site will also be provided. Materials on this site will be updated monthly. If you are preparing a space camp, let me know. NASA's Space Place will provide a few posters for door prizes with a month's notice. Spanish translations have reached the web all the way from NASA! Use the information below as needed.

(Kathleen Jamison)

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NASA Kid's Web Site En Espanol

NASA's popular educational Web site, Space Place, has announced a new Spanish-language version for children and their families.

The Web site at http://spaceplace.nasa.gov and its new Spanish companion at http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/espanol serve children 8 to 13 years of age. The site contains approximately 40 activities, including games and "amazing facts" about space, Earth and NASA.

The 2000 census data shows that Spanish is the primary language for more than 27 million people living in the U.S. Of those, nearly 13 million feel they do not speak English very well.

"This Web site is dedicated to reaching that audience. NASA is committed to explaining the results of its programs to the entire American public in all its diversity," said Dr. Jeffrey Rosendhal, education and outreach director of NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C.

The Space Place site launched in early 1998 and continues to add new activities every month. Its educational value has been recognized by the National Science Teachers Association, the International Technology Education Association, Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today and several children's educational Web sites.

The Space Place is an outreach effort of the New Millennium Program, managed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. JPL is a division of the California Institute of Technology, also in Pasadena.

(Nancy Leon, Education and Public Outreach )

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LifeSmarts Competition

The LifeSmarts competition has started, and they are looking for participants. LifeSmarts is a game-style consumer competition for children in 9-12 grades (including home schooled). Several VA 4-H teams have competed in the State Championship in the past, and they're looking for more participants.

If you have questions please feel free to contact Alex White at: moneyguy@vt.edu.

This competition is a lot of fun, it's free, and it deals with important consumer skills (personal finance, consumer rights, environment, home maintenance, technology/computers, health & safety). I highly encourage you to participate in the competition, either as a coach or at the state competition (question master, timer, score keeper, judge, volunteer).

(Alex White)

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Junior Master Gardner Leaders

The National Junior Master Gardener program is actively seeking out JMG groups interested in corresponding with other JMG groups in the form of a JMG GARDEN PEN PAL. What a great opportunity for youth to further develop their communication skills and learn about other JMG groups from across the US.

The wish is to match groups that are similar to each other (4-H group to a 4-H group). To match you up with the right group please respond as soon as possible with the following information:

Name of JMG Group:
Name of JMG Leader/Teacher:
Number of youth actively involved:
Type of group: 4-H Club, School, Home School, After School, Other (please describe).

Once a list of interested JMG groups is developed, National JMG will match a local JMG group with your group. Then they will provide you with the contact information for your JMG Garden Pen Pal group. It is then your responsibility to follow-up with the assigned JMG Leader/Teacher to discuss the specifics of your correspondence.

(Joe Hunnings)

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Great Gardening Resources

Check out the list of great resources at the following website

(Diane Relf)

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Junior Master Gardner Enrollment Project Codes

Below are the project numbers to use for enrolling Junior Master Gardeners. These are new project numbers that have been added for youth and volunteers signing up for the master gardening project.

72448 Youth Master Gardening
72450 Youth Master Gardening Volunteer

(Joe Hunnings)

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4-H Horticulture Coordinator

I am please to notify you that Virginia 4-H and the Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture have collaborated to employee a horticulture coordinator on a part-time basis. This position is for the academic year, and may be renewed the year following. Ms. Elizabeth Phibbs, a M.S. graduate student in the Department of Horticulture, began her 20-hour per week assistantship and will be jointly paid for by the Horticulture Department and 4-H. She reports directly to Diane Relf, who is responsible for her ultimate direction and productivity, and Joe Hunnings, in providing support to the VCE 4-H horticulture program. Additionally, she will meet with Kathleen Jamison for updates on activities, to insure that she is meeting the expectations of the State 4-H Office. She will maintain records that document her activities and impacts. She will also present a final report to us for her accomplishments and work effort.

Among her duties, she will be conducting a statewide survey of 4-H agents, Master Gardener Coordinators, and Environmental Horticulture agents to determine the current status of work with youth in horticulture and plant sciences (including in-school programs, Ready-Set-Grow, Grow Lab, VCE 4-H Youth Master Gardeners, traditional 4-H project books, etc.); interview 4-H center staff, provide support to the VCE 4-H Youth Master Gardener program, and others. She will be working closely with the Plant and Soil Sciences Curriculum Committee in her work.

(Bob Meadows)

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2002 Photo Contest - Due April 1, 2002

The National 4-H Council needs winning photos (from state and county fair events within the last 8 years) to create the 2004 4-H Calendar. Thirteen photographs will be selected. The winning original photographs will be gallery mounted and framed with a brass plate stating the title and photographer's name. Photos will be on display at the National 4-H Council Headquarters from September 2002 through November 2002 and will be posted on our web site. Submissions will only be considered if they meet these criteria:

  1. Full name and age of person submitting photograph,
  2. affiliation with 4-H,
  3. Complete return address (for UPS delivery - no P.O. boxes),
  4. Telephone number,
  5. List of awards that submitted photographs have received (county, state, 4-H, or other),
  6. The photographer's thoughts about the photograph, in 25 words or less,
  7. Photo submissions should be 8"x10", in color, and in a horizontal format. Vertical shots will be accepted only if they can be cropped to fit the horizontal format of the calendar.

Submissions not selected will be returned in late August 2002. Winning photographs will be returned no sooner than December 10, 2002. After final selection we will notify the winners and request a signed release for use of the photo in the 2004 4-H Calendar. Both the photographer and parent/guardian must sign the release. We will also request a second photo to be kept at the National 4-H Council. Please submit photos to:

Merchandising Coordinator
2004 4-H Calendar
National 4-H Supply Service,
7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland, 20815-4999.

The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2002.

(Bob Meadows)

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State 4-H Wildlife & Forestry Weekend

Mark your calendar and spread the word...

The State 4-H Wildlife & Forestry Weekend is scheduled for January 19 & 20, 2002 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center. This weekend workshop is designed for both 4-H age youth (junior age & older) and adults (parents, volunteers, & Extension staff) who are interested in the wildlife or forestry sciences (seperate tracts are being offered). This year we expect to provide several new class options. For those interested in the state and national judging events ... Wildlife Habitat Evaluation and Forestry Judging ...we'll also continue to provide competition training. These sessions would also be very useful to Envirothon teams. If you would like a copy of the Information/Registration brochure (available soon), please reply to me at mjc4h@vt.edu. (Let me know if you would prefer it as an e-mail attachment or sent hard copy). Jenny Mercer (Augusta) is coordinating the instructional team for the wildlife tract; Jason Fisher (Halifax) is coordinating the instructional team for the forestry tract. Contact us if you have questions.

(Mike Clifford)

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2002 State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest

The 2002 State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest will be held during State 4-H Congress, June 19-20. The contest will be for seniors only.

Up to four $100 scholarships will be awarded to one team per district who attends a qualifying contest in their district. The intent of the scholarships is to encourage districts to hold their own contests, and to make it easier for volunteer coaches to send a team. The NREE Committee selected this format and date based on the results of our survey last month. Agents overwhelmingly preferred Sate 4-H Congress. Volunteers were less enthusiastic. Overall, Congress was still the choice.

We appreciate your help in making the change to State Congress a success.

(Jeff Kirwan)

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Winter Ski Adventure

This Winter Ski Adventure is designed to offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity to experience the excitement of skiing while socializing with friends. No experience is necessary. Introductory ski lesson is offered as part of this ski package.

Southwest 4-H Center near Abingdon, VA,
Cost is $110
Camp is limited to 20 Deadline to register is Jan 2.
A day of skiing will take place at Boone NC

(Chrystle Gates)

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Virginia 4-H Foundation -- Good Luck Gala

The VA 4-H Foundation is sponsoring a fundraising event as per the information below. If you would like to receive a personal invitation please let the Foundation know by emailing almady@vt.edu. You may also request invitations be sent to local "friends" and supporters of 4-H by sending their names and addresses to the same email. Please spread the word and invite all supporters of Virginia 4-H. Thanks a million!

Virginia 4-H Foundation
Good Luck Gala
"Share the Dream"
Saturday, March 2, 2002

Country Club of Virginia
6:30 PM

Ticket price $150.00

Live Auction
Music/Dancing

For more information contact Cindy Barnett (804) 662-7290 or Alma Delia deLeon (804) 662-7291 Fourhbarnett@vt.edu or almady@vt.edu

(Cindy Barnett)

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New York 4-H - Request for Assistance Information

Colleagues and Friends of 4-H:

On behalf of our staff, youth, friends and families in New York State- we'd like to thank everyone for the support and friendship extended to all of us during the past few weeks. We'd also like to ask your help once again--

We are receiving a number of requests from individual 4-H youth, or 4-H Clubs from all over New York State and the nation. These young people either want to help by sending some item (teddy bears, clothing, etc.) or by being matched up with a 4-H youth or 4-H Club in New York State. While we are appreciative of the compassion being demonstrated by these young people- we simply cannot handle the management tasks necessary to coordinate such activities.

We need your help to get the message out to the 4-H Community. Please share this information with your 4-H Youth Development faculty and staff, Volunteers and others.

We are asking 4-H youth to help in the following ways:

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE:
Do 4-H youth want to respond to the immediate needs of any of the victims and front line workers? Contact the Red Cross directly to learn more about ways to provide assistance: http://www.redcross.org/ or contact your local Red Cross affiliate.

RECOVERY:
Do 4-H youth want to provide support specifically to aid in the recovery of 4-H members or other New York youth?

Raise funds or send donations to the New York State 4-H Foundation - Kids Helping Kids Fund. This fund will be used to provide programs, support and services that focus on the needs of young people from the New York City and D.C. areas over the next two years. While many resources are available to help families with immediate needs, these donations will allow us to help youth and families over a longer period of time. The NYS 4-H Foundation is a qualified charitable organization. Individual donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations can be mailed to: NYS 4-H Foundation - Kids Helping Kids, N130 MVR Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

RE-ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY:
Do 4-H youth want to connect with the efforts of other 4-H members and help our country heal? Sign a pledge for the "Power of Youth" campaign in honor of the 4-H Centennial and pledge hours to serve a local community. Many local community services across the nation will be impacted by this tragedy. United Way and others are already reporting a decline in donations coming in as funds are diverted to the tragedy. Food Banks in some communities are noticing less donations, as are other year-round local charities. If 4-H youth pledge their commitment to their local communities and seek out opportunities that address community-building efforts, justice, or tolerance issues this could help our country heal after this horrible event.

Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact the NYS 4-H Youth Development Office, 607-255-2233 or check our website for additional information http://www.cce.cornell.edu/4h

(Cathann A. Kress, Ph.D. Assistant Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension)

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ARC Announces Appalachian Youth Entrepreneurship Education "Springboard" Award

$2,000 grant award will be presented to six outstanding K-12 entrepreneurial education programs in the Appalachian Region

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and the National Commission for Entrepreneurship, announced the creation of an awards competition to recognize outstanding youth entrepreneurship education programs. These programs -- targeted to rural areas -- often serve as a "springboard" for Appalachian residents to launch their own businesses, creating jobs in their communities, and further diversifying and strengthening the Region's economy.

The Appalachian Youth Entrepreneurship Education Springboard Award willl honor up to six of Appalachia's most successful business training programs targeted for rural young people ranging from elementary school age through high school. Each award recipient will receive a $2,000 grant award to support the on-going work of the recognized program. In addition, an outstanding teacher and student from each of the winning programs will be honored in Washington, DC, at the March 2002 annual meeting of the Development District Association of Appalachia. Recognized programs will also be invited to participate in a luncheon presentation and discussion on youth entrepreneurship at the U.S. Capitol sponsored by the National Commission on Entrepreneurship.

Partners supporting the Appalachian Youth Entrepreneurship Education Springboard Award include: the Appalachian Regional Commission, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Commission on Entrepreneurship, the National FFA Organization, Future Business Leaders of America, DECA, the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education, and the Development Districts Association of Appalachia.

Eligible programs may be affiliated with public schools, private non-profit educational institutions, community service organizations, local development districts or community action agencies. All programs must serve young people within the 13-state Appalachian Region. For-profit organizations and private individuals are not eligible to apply.

The application deadline is January 23, 2002. Complete application materials can be obtained by contacting Deann Reed, ARC (202-884-7786, dreed@arc.gov), or through the Internet at http://www.arc.gov/programs/reginit/spring.htm

Since 1997, ARC's multi-faceted Entrepreneurship Initiative has supported more than 230 projects - helping to spawn a projected 2,000 new businesses and creating or retaining over 3,500 jobs in the Appalachian Region.

(Bob Meadows)

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Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP)

Wal-Mart Stores have been a very important community resource for many 4-H groups across our country. Through conversations National 4-H Council is having with Wal-Mart, the "Volunteerism Always Pays" (VAP) Program has come to our attention. The VAP program encourages Wal-Mart and SAM'S Club associates to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours a quarter to their non-profit or charity of choice. Wal-Mart in turn will contribute $100 to the designated non-profit or charity for the associate's volunteer time. We are encouraging you to engage your local Wal-Mart or SAM'S Club to get involved as participants for your Local and State Conversations or to help recruit participants in your community. The VAP Program is a perfect opportunity for Wal-Mart and SAM'S Club associates to be a part of volunteering their time to help you with your Conversations. To find a local Wal-Mart store in your area or to learn about the VAP Program please visit www.walmart.com.

(National 4-H Council)

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Congratulations, Ann Gallus

Cheers! We just received word that Ann Gallus, 4-H Volunteer from Loudoun County, will receive the prestigious National 4-H Wildlife and Fisheries Adult Volunteer Leader award during the 67th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference held in Dallas, Texas on April 3 - 7, 2002. Among other things, Ann is being recognized for her volunteer work with the 4-H WHEP (wildlife judging) program at local, district, state and national levels. She also volunteers for the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, The Loudoun Animal Advisory Committee, Leadership Loudoun, and she recently co-authored a 4-H wildlife project book.

At the conference, Ann will join five other 4-H leaders on a natural resources tour, be treated to a formal banquet, recognized at a reception attended by natural resources leaders from across the Nation, and be recognized at the Opening Session of the Conference where she will receive an engraved plaque from the Administrators of the Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, or their representatives. Congratulations to the 4-H NREE Curriculum Committee, and in particular Extension Agents Jenny Mercer and Marilyn Jarvis for their outstanding work in leadership development.

(Jeff Kirwan)

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4-H American Chestnut Project in the News

Congratulations to Charles Lytton, Giles County Extension Agent for his continued success with the 4-H American Chestnut Project. As most of you know, Charles has championed this project statewide for many years.

The following article from the Roanoke Times has a good description of the project. If you have a 4-H club or school group who would like to participate, contact me at jkirwan@vt.edu. Seed nuts and seedlings will soon be available for spring plantings.

Kids Pitch In To Help Restore
Chestnut Trees

By CHRISTY CAMPBELL,
THE ROANOKE TIMES

According to the Web site for the American Chestnut Cooperators' Foundation, 3 1/2 billion American chestnut trees were destroyed by blight over a 40-year time span. But students from Montgomery and Giles County schools have been helping contribute to the species' restoration while learning from their hands-on involvement with chestnut harvesting and planting.

Sixty Auburn High School students were among those that participated in the annual seed nut harvest in Virginia Tech's Martin American Chestnut Planting on Salt Pond Mountain. Some of the estimated 8,235 American chestnuts planted from last year's harvest by cooperating growers in 33 states, Canada and Mexico had been raised by New River Valley children.

Giles County 4-H leader Charles Lytton has been organizing the educational programs to teach younger generations about the importance of their role in restoring the American chestnut. This year, students helped collect the first all-American intercrosses from the American Chestnut Cooperators' Foundation's breeding program designed to give the trees a resistance to the blight that nearly wiped them out more than 60 years ago.

The foundation would like to increase the number of school groups, as well as individuals and groups from the community, involved in starting the seed nuts and then planting, caring for, recording and reporting annually the number of surviving American chestnuts. Visit http://ipm.ppws.vt.edu/griffin/accf.html to learn more.

(http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/news/story119992.html Wednesday, October 24, 2000)

(Jeff Kirwan)

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Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders Awards

During the Fall Conference of the VAA4-HVL, conducted at the Airport Holiday Inn in Richmond, November 3-4, 2001, the following volunteers and agents were recognized and presented with awards:

Outstanding Volunteer Leaders - District
Southeast - Patsy Bathe -Suffolk
Central - Mary Lee Dimmie- Cumberland
Southwest - Kennith Martin - Montgomery

Outstanding Agent- District
Southeast - Dianette Ferguson - Suffolk

Outstanding Extension Technician
Southeast- Kathy Custis - Accomack
Northeast - Sara Seaman - Powathan

STATE WINNERS
Southeast Outstanding Volunteer Leader -- Jean Murphy - Petersburg
Southeast Outstanding Extension Agent -- Marvin Heimbach - Airfield 4-H Center
Southeast Outstanding Extension Technician - Annie Savage - Petersburg

(Bob Meadows)

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Colgate Youth For America

Colgate Youth For America is offering an opportunity for 350 cash grants up to $2000. National 4-H Council has participated in this award-winning program since 1972. The current campaign extends through March 2002. To receive an entry form and for more information you can visit www.colgate.com, and at the "Colgate Cares' section print forms from your computer; request forms by writing to: Colgate Youth for America, P.O. Box 1058, FDR Station, New York, NY 10150-1058; or contact David Forman, Director, via email at: fcw001@aol.com

(Bob Meadows)

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Virginia Association of Fairs Youth Scholarship Contest

Please find the attached flier for the 2002 VAF Youth Scholarship Contest. This year marks the 4th contest and once again, the prize package totals $6000 with prizes of $2500, $1500, $1000, and 2- $500 prizes. To date, the VAF has awarded $18,000 to deserving youth from VAF member fairs. Many of these youth have strong ties to local 4-H programs. Monies can only be used for the pursuit of post secondary education and are sent directly to the college or university in which they are enrolled. Please help promote this valuable program. Applications can be e-mailed as an attachment upon request. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

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Governor's School For Agriculture

As you are probably aware, Virginia Tech was selected to provide the Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School for Agriculture (GSA)! Our inaugural year was 2001 and the program was a rousing success and we are all looking forward to an even better program in 2002.

You need to know:

We want to double our enrollments from the 50 we had this year to 100 students in summer 2002. We don't want capable and deserving students to miss this opportunity just because they are unaware of the program or because they don't understand what it is all about. You can help spread the word! I need your help to be sure that the high school superintendent, principals, science teachers, guidance counselors, and agriculture teachers are all aware of this program. More specifically, if you know of youngsters who should be considered, please be sure they are aware of the program and that they APPLY!

The Virginia Department of Education recently sent application packets for the Summer Residential Governor's School Program to every high school in the state. The deadline for local schools to select their nominees will be in early February 2002. I am snail-mailing to you several copies of a brochure that describes the Governor's School for Agriculture along with a most interesting "open letter" from the class of 2001 to future students..

Please help us "get out the word." Please let me know if there is anything else that we at Tech can do to help promote this program in your area. Our web site is www.gsa.vt.edu. Applications are available at http://www.gsa.vt.edu/app_procedures.htm and at http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/Govschools/srgs2002.html

By the way...
Each school division is allocated a certain number of nominations for summer residential governor's schools based on student population. Every school division received one EXTRA slot for a nomination that can be used only for the Governor's School for Agriculture. If you talk with the school counselors about the GSA, please be sure to mention that extra slot because they might not be aware of it. They can use any of their regular nomination slots for the GSA also, but the extra GSA slot cannot be used for a different school.

The same "extra slot" policy was in effect last year.

You might be interested in one additional point. If a school division has additional GSA applicants beyond their normal allocation, it may be possible to move the extra allocations form school divisions that don't use theirs if the total number of nominations submitted to Richmond is less than 100. If that applies to you, contact me directly and I'll provide more information.

Thanks for any help you can give on getting this information to the counselors.

(Dr. William G. Camp, Director)

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