I hope this comment was made 'jokingly;' however, the way I heard it made me believe that this was not the case. Careless, unthoughtful comments such as the one mentioned in this letter devalues our 4-H programming efforts. I take serious issue with this comment--nothing could be farther from the truth with the statement about a 4-H agent!
NOW, more than ever, we need each other! Volunteers need Extension agents and Extension agents need volunteers. During this time of serious economic woes in our state and nation, one of the easiest ways to tear down each other is to attack with thoughtless words such as the one above. The old adage, 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me' is a myth--careless words often hurt more than sticks and stones. Now is not the time to point fingers, blame, or criticize each other. The easy way to diminish or defeat any organization is to conquer and divide. President Abraham Lincoln said it best: "A house divided cannot stand." We need to stand by each other.
The recent state budget reductions have had a severe impact on Cooperative Extension including the 4-H program. Some 68 Extension Agents, including 27 4-H Agents, were given the opportunity to take early retirement on July 1 of this year. This was implemented to prevent being forced to lay off staff that have been hired during the previous two-three years. There was no other choice. As Dr. Andy Swiger, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences stated, "...we lost over 3000 years of experience on July 1." We cannot replace those agents lost, nor do we have funds for staff development. With the budget reductions, we presently have 74 4-H agents now employed in the state. Keep in mind, we have 107 county and city programs. The next budget cuts may cost us at least seven additional 4-H agents lost, not counting our loss with the state 4-H staff personnel.
If one believes the comment that we don't need 4-H agents, I encourage you to visit those units who have no one leading the 4-H program because of a vacancy with the 4-H agent position. Let us not forget the roles and importance of the jobs that both the 4-H agent and volunteers play in the 4-H program. A truly effective 4-H program must have both!
In summary, both 4-H agents and volunteers are essential to have a quality 4-H program. Careless comments made by either volunteers or agents tear down and diminish the 4-H program. Now is the time to encourage and build each other up, not to tear down. United we stand; divided we fall. Please take time to think before making negative statements to others.
(Bob Meadows)
4-H members are selected for this trip by resumes they submit in April and interviews conducted during State 4-H Congress. Be sure to let your senior 4-H members know about this great trip.
| 2003 Virginia Delegates to National Congress | |
|---|---|
| Jordon Watson | Henrico County |
| Emilie Roush | Fairfax County |
| Katie Gardner | Frederick County |
| Dixie Boyd | Frederick County |
| Brett Childs | Clarke County |
| Brandon Crawley | Halifax County |
| Bradley Crawley | Halifax County |
| Joshua Spangler | Floyd County |
| Caitlyn McAnulty | Rockingham County |
| Howard Taylor | Rockingham County |
| Laura Ford | Rockingham County |
| Micha Pugh | Rockingham County |
| Jenna Lawrence | Botetourt County |
| Cindy Barnett | State 4-H Office |
| Gary Thomas | King George (Ext Agnt) |
| Geraldine Cubbage | Page County (Volunteer) |
(Barry A. Garst)
Each track will consist of 16 or more hours of programming designed to provide not only a solid knowledge base, but also to include an element of practical application of that knowledge based in the "real world" environment. For more information about Master 4-H Training, look for additional information through emails and in upcoming 4-H Newsletters. If you have questions about this event, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.
(Barry Garst,)
The Southern Regional 4-H Leaders Forum, held each year at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia, is scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, October 2-5, 2003. Even though it is almost 11 months away, I am writing to inform everyone that our state is in charge of all workshop proposals. That is, we put out the call for proposals and decide upon which ones will be accepted.
So, please find attached the Call for Proposals for the 2003 event. The proposals are due in February. Why not go ahead and submit a workshop proposal, or work with another 4-H volunteer(s) or agent(s) or 4-H specialist(s)? It would be wonderful to have at least 10 proposals submitted from Virginia. Hope you will make plans to attend the Southern Regional 4-H Leaders Forum at Rock Eagle in 2003
Registration Form - PDF
(Bob Meadows)
It is important that you seriously consider giving all- or a portion of- your 2003 tax return to the 4-H Centers, by checking the box marked "4-H educational centers," and indicating the amount that you wish to donate. In addition, please share this information with your 4-H volunteers, 4-H supporters, and friends of 4-H in your unit.
This check-off option will be available on Virginia tax forms for the next 5 years, at which time legislation will have to be passed to extend the check-off program. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6373.
(Barry Garst)
(Barry Garst)
Buckeye Leadership Workshop welcomes those interested in developing or improving recreational leadership skills. Full time participation from Friday evening until Wednesday at 2pm is required.
Location: Recreation Unlimited, 30 miles north of Columbus Ohio.
Registration fee: $330
Scholarships are available (apply by Jan 6 2003)
Application Due February 21 with $160 deposit. For brochure contact Dorotha Mengert, Registrar, P.O. Box 217 Arcadia, Ohio 44804 phone 419-894-6976
(Bob Meadows)
(Kathleen Jamison)
The National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl is one of the nation's most challenging contests for dairy industry youth and it attracts young people throughout the United States. The challenging dairy event is a contest in which young people have an opportunity to test their knowledge of dairy animals and related subjects. Twenty-one states were represented in this year's contest. Congratulations to these outstanding young people.
(David Winston)
(Jewel Hairston)
This year there will be three different levels of outbound possibilities:
The Representative Program is for those beween the ages of 19-30 who are willing to participate in a more in-depth learning experience of either 3 months or 6 months. They will have several host families, learn another language and culture, experience youth programs in the host country, pursue a special project dimension if desired, and enjoy the sights and sounds of another land.
The Ambassador Program is for those 16-26 who will stay with two different host families over a 6-week period.
The Group Travel Study Tour is for participants ages 15-19. They will stay 2-3 weeks in the host country with one host family and do some group touring with a project emphasis. These tours will depend on interest of the delegates participating.
The countries who have indicated a willingness to participate in 2003 include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Jamaica, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine and United Kingdom. These are, however, subject to change.
The price of participation ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the country assignment. Many past delegates have been able to raise all or most of the funds required by fundraising activities. For further information and application forms, please contact Dottie Nelson, P.O. Box 144, Bland, VA 24315; phone 276-688-4028 at home, or 304-425-5198 at work; email: dottieifye@yahoo.com. The application deadline is January 1.
Host families are also needed for inbound delegates. For those unable to travel, hosting is a great opportunity to bring the world to you. You may also contact me for host family application forms.
(Dottie Nelson)
(Kathleen Jamison)
Virginia delegates in previous years have indicated that this is one of the best working conferences that they have participated in during their 4-H experience. They have had opportunities to express their opinions and share in planning youth development programs.
Virginia can send six senior age youth and one adult to participate in Conference. Youth and adult will be chosen from applicants who have an interest in youth issues and 4-H programming. Interested youth/adults should send a letter indicating their desire to participate, along with a resume of their 4-H, school, and community service. Applications should be sent to State 4-H Office, 107 Hutcheson Hall, Va Tech, Blacksburg, Va 24061 by January 15.
Suggested criteria for selection of participants:
For more information email bcline@vt.edu.
(Billie Cline)
Look for more information in December Information Letter or contact me - 540/245-5750.
(Jennifer Mercer)
Free pine seedlings: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/ Free hardwood seedlings (Potomac/Shenandoah Watershed only): http://www.cnr.vt.edu/PLT/potomacshenandoah/index.html
Low-cost seedlings for Virginia landowners: http://state.vipnet.org/dof/nursery/nurs-catalog-intro.htm
Tree planting projects are a great way to teach youth about Virginia's natural resources; and to be proactive about watersheds, water quality and the environment. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have questions or need assistance.
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Paxton Grant)
(Jeff Kirwan,)
(Ruth Wallace)
This web site links you to on-line 4-H publications, other on-line lesson plans and activities, a long list of funding resources, and interactive web sites for youth. You will also find links to information on starting and maintaining school and community gardens as well as user-friendly web sites helpful in answering basic horticultural questions that may come up while planning such a program. Additionally, there are links to information on working with children with special needs and a list of good books and videos.
This web site was created in response to one of the findings of the Horticultural Programming Needs Assessment that was sent out to agents and Master Gardeners at this time last year. A common request by survey respondents was for better communication about existing resources. We hope that this web site, with well over 100 links, helps fulfill that need.
The web site can be found in two different locations. It is linked to the VCE intranet 4-H Youth Development site following the path: click on Educational Programming, click on 4-H Curriculum, click on Curricular Areas, click on Plant, Soils and Entomology, click Horticulture/Gardening. Then click on the link at the bottom of the page, 'Additional 4-H Youth Gardening/Horticulture Resources.' It is also linked to the 4-H public site under the Programs heading and then Plant, Soils and Entomology. The URL is http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/4hyouthhort/.
Please help make the web site the best it can be by reviewing it and sending me any on-line resources you know of that I have missed! You can email me at ephibbs@vt.edu.
(Elizabeth Phibbs)
Kathy Alstat, 4-H Agent, Greene County shares her experiences as a "rookie coach":
... It was one of those last minute decisions; I really didn't have time to think of about I was getting into. On September 18, I read an email from Joe Hunnings that there was still funding available for the formation of new First Lego League teams. I carried the information to Greene County's Gifted and Talent Coordinator, telling her if she could find a teacher willing to work on this project and coach a team, I would coach a team as well. Within hours she had recruited my long-time friend Martha Ledford, a fifth grade teacher at Nathaneal Greene Elementary School. On Sunday, September 21, Martha and I drove down to Richmond to be trained as coaches by Bill Duggins and several enthusiastic volunteers. I dragged my technical expert with me-my twelve year old son Joe.Once we'd gotten our grants, Martha and I then had to totally reorganize our schedules to accommodate two afternoon meetings a week and two all-day meetings on teachers' workdays. Twenty two kids (4-H Rocketry Club members and students in Greene's Gifted/Talented Program, grades 5-8) enrolled -ten members and one alternate per team. All participants were enrolled both in the school's program and in 4-H. The Techno Dragons and the 4-H Misfits of Science were formed.
Over the next hectic weeks the kids worked hard, but things were often disorganized and frustrating. Kids who are good with Legos and computers are not necessarily good at working in teams. Our group was diverse; all were bright boys and girls, but several had learning disabilities and others had difficulty communicating and interacting with others. Only three or four kids can build and program a robot at a time-and almost everybody wanted to build and program.
We soon realized that the teams needed to elect team captains for the research program and the building and programming of the "bots". Each team also had to come up with a team cheer, a logo for their t-shirts and buttons, and a display. Team members eventually gravitated toward the tasks they were most interested in and had the greatest skills. Parent volunteers were crucial, especially on days when either Martha or I had other commitments and at the competition.
When we walked into the Charlottesville Regional Competition, I don't think any of us expected to do very well. Our robots and our programs were very simple, and we'd only been able to complete a few of the assigned tasks. We were totally unprepared for the technical interview. We'd barely had time to rehearse our presentation or run the robot through the missions as a team effort. The first time my team, the Misfits, tried its robot during the practice run, almost none of the missions worked. They didn't give up! More importantly, the Misfits had fun. They cheered for themselves, for the Techno Dragons-for other teams they had just met. Imagine Misfits' shock when they found themselves in third place out of 18 teams. Better yet, the Misfits received a special teamwork award! The Techno Dragons also did very well, placing 9th and also earning a slot in the State Tournament. Not bad for two rookie teams who got a late start!
Legos and computers are fun-kids love them, but the real value of this program is in the personal impact it has on the children involved. Learning to work with others, to compromise, and be supportive of others are not easy skills to learn. I saw the positive changes in these kids as they not only worked together as a team, but freely offered assistance to members of the other team as well. These kids will remember this experience for many years to come, not because they played with Legos, but because they learned to work as a team (Kathy Alstat, Green County) (Joe Hunnings)
Letter of Thanks -
4-H LEGO Project Participation
Dear Mr. Duggins, I wanted to thank you and VA Tech for the opportunity to be a team participating in this year's Mindstorms' tournament. This has been a marvelous experience for the students that are participating. I have been pleased with the growth of their team work and abilities to relate to each other. The students, however bright, have benefited enormously from this experience. The parents of the participants have been moved nearly to tears as they tell me about their child's growth. I have been teaching for many years (with some time off for child-rearing since @ 1975) and have not experienced such a program with as many benefits as I have seen in our first year participating in Mindstorms. Kathy and I are proud that both of the teams from Greene County will be participating in the State tournament! Thank you again, (Green County 4-H Volunteer)
(Kathleen Jamison)
In the past, we have had traditional grandparents who bring their grandchildren for the weekend as well as grandparents who are raising their children. It has been a time for the grandparents to have some special time with the children and for the children to be with the grandparents in a different setting.
For more information contact me at (540) 665-5699. Email crowles@vt.edu
(Cynthia Rowles)
| Contact Cindy Barnett (804-669-7290) if you can help. Airfield 4-H Educational Center Marvin Heimbach Airfield 4-H Educational Center 15189 Airfield Road Wakefield, Va 23888 (757) 899-4901 mheimbac@vt.edu |
Two gasoline powered golf carts with protective roofs |
|
Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center Preston Willson Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center Route 2, Box 630 Appomattox, VA 24522 (434) 248-5444 bbranch@vt.edu |
Natural Resource Center to house 48 people with two conference rooms and kitchen |
|
Jamestown 4-H Educational Center Terry Patterson 3751 4-H Club Road Williamsburg, VA 23185 (757) 253-4931 ceicher@vt.edu | Refurbishing of dining hall and kitchen area |
|
Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Conference Center Nora Bell Comer Northern VA 4-H Educational Center 600 4-H Center Drive Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 635-7171 lajohns4@vt.edu | Animal Science Center with offices and bathrooms |
|
Smith Mt. Lake 4-H Educational Conference Center David Murray 775 Hermitage Road Wirtz, VA 24184 (540) 721-2759 bgilles@vt.edu | Permanent Health/Infirmary Center |
|
Southwest 4-H Educational Center Sam Fisher 25236 Hillman Highway Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 628-7231 chgates@vt.edu | Permanent Health/Infirmary Center |
Director's Letter
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