On Monday, October 7, Dr. Charles Steger, President of Virginia Tech, read the proclamation from the Honorable Governor Mark Warner, proclaiming October 6-12 as National 4-H Week. Dr. Steger conducted his presentation from the steps of Burruss Hall, and the 4-H flag was raised on the bottom of the Commonwealth of Virginia's flag, where it displayed every year during National 4-H Week. The proclamation reads as follows:
By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:VIRGINIA 4-H WEEK
WHEREAS, since 1902, America's 4-H program has served the youth of our nation, and since 1913, Virginia's 4-H program has grown to serve 181,000 youth members in chapters located in each of the 107 counties and cities across our great Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia 4-H program strengthens our rural and urban communities by recognizing and developing the power and promise of America's youth and by creating innovative partnerships between local residents, volunteers, private supporters and local, state and federal governments and universities; and
WHEREAS, the 4-H motto, "learn by doing," encourages young people to explore and understand the importance of agriculture, sciences, conservation and economics through educational experiences; and
WHEREAS, the 4-H pledge, "Head, Heart, Hands, and Health," exemplifies a commitment to learning, hard work and dedication to community service, and inspires our youth to be tomorrow's successful leaders; and
WHEREAS, Virginia 4-H week recognizes the many volunteers and young people throughout our Commonwealth who donate their time, talents and energy to local 4-H programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark R. Warner, do hereby recognize October 6-12, 2002, as VIRGINIA 4-H WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
Signed: Mark R. Warner Governor
Best wishes to each of you as we begin the new 4-H year, 2002-2003. I look forward to a challenging and exciting year--one in which we help make the best better for 4-H youth in our state.
(Bob Meadows)
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, Extension Specialist 4-H Staff Development, Camping, and 4-H Centers)
Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum is an educational opportunity for all 4-H leaders. Volunteers and Extension staff conducted more than 40 workshops. Additionally, the Forum included motivational and inspirational speakers, top-notch entertainment, and interaction with more than 700 leaders from throughout the south. Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum is a proven method for any leader wishing to make the best better for 4-H in his/her community. Although focused on volunteer 4-H training, 4-H agents and state specialists attending also benefit from the variety of educational learning experiences, idea sharing, and speakers that were provided.
The theme for this year's event was, The 4-H 100: 1902-2002 In The Winners. North Carolina 4-H hosted this year's event with Florida being in charge of 4-H workshops and seminars. Dr. Charles Petty, Family Humorist, was the keynote speaker. He was inducted into the National Speaker Hall of Fame in 1998, and did an outstanding job of inspiring, motivating, education, and entertaining the delegates to this year's Forum.
The primary mission of the Southern Regional 4-H Leader Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of the 4-H youth development and the Cooperative Extension system as a whole. The primary purpose of the Forum is to educate and prepare participants to share what they learned back home.
NOW is the time to be thinking of next year's Forum. It is scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, October 2-5, 2003. The Virginia delegation will be hosting the workshops at the 2003 forum, and will be in charge of the 2004 event. Workshop proposals will be forthcoming, so be on the lookout for the Call for Proposals. We need YOUR ideas and inputs for workshops to be conducted.
Make plans to attend the 2003 event. We have set a goal to have at least 60 participants from Virginia represented at the 2003 SRLF. Hope to see you there.
(Bob Meadows)
Even though 4-H camping is months away, it will be upon us before we know it.
(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, Extension Specialist 4-H Staff Development, Camping, and 4-H Centers)
The 4-H Code-of-Conduct includes standardized expectations and is provided in Word format so that Extension Agents, 4-H Center staff, etc. can add additional items as needed. This form will eventually be a new Extension publication once it has gone through the Educational Design Process.
(Barry Garst,)
(Barry Garst,)
The cost for this program is only $500.00 and includes all instruction, tools, building materials, meals, lodging, and special performances. This will be an intensive, fun experience and remember: a hammered dulcimer makes a great Christmas gift! For more information or to register for this program or the aforementioned youth camps, please call Lance Johnson at 540-635-7171, email him at lajohns4@vt.edu, or visit the 4-H Center website at www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/northern.
(Lance Johnson)
(David Winston)
Congratulations also to the Virginia 4-H Horse Judging Team for taking both first and second place at the Arabian National Contest in Louisville, KY. Members of these teams included Josh Runion, Micah Pugh, and Jordan Liskey, all of Rockingham County, Megan Goodloe and Ashley Martin of Hanover County, Jessy Campbell of Albemarle County, Torey Lockwood of Clarke County, and Rachel Bandy of Botetourt County.
Upcoming competitions:
State Fair Update
The Stockmens Contest included 309 contestants, 171 juniors and 138 seniors. Taking first place honors in the senior contest was Nicole Ross of Shenandoah County, and the first place team was from Washington County. The Washington County team, consisting of Jason and Sara Pratt and Emily and Sarah Blevins, will compete in the National Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville, KY in mid November. In the junior contest the winning team came from Isle of Wight County, with team members Jessica, Jacob, and Bobby Estienne and Stephanie Carter. Jessica was the high individual overall.
The Youth Beef Show included 311 cattle shown by 144 different exhibitors. Included in the show were 33 Market Beef, 76 Feeder Steers, 26 Simmentals, 19 Herefords, 58 Angus, 16 Shorthorns, 2 heifers from All Other Breeds, and 81 Commercial Heifers. The show was judged by Dr. Doug Hixon, former Extension Beef Specialist who is now Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Wyoming.
Upcoming Animal Science & Poultry Events:
(Mark Wahlberg)
In spite of rumors being circulated, and many false statements, we WILL have a State 4-H Horse Show in 2003. Details have not been completed, as the planning committee and State Horse Show Council have not met to make the final plans; however, we are working towards this goal and do plan to have another show, in spite of the fact that we do not have a Horse Extension Specialist. So, be on the lookout for complete details in the near future about next year's State 4-H Horse Show. A big thanks goes to Dr. Julia McCann, volunteers, and Extension agents who helped make the State 4-H Horse Show 2002 a great success.
(Bob Meadows)
TOP 5 JUNIOR INDIVIDUALS
1. Paula Craun (Wilbur S. Pence Middle FFA)
2. Rachel Smith (Rockingham 4-H)
3. Brandon Moyer (Amelia 4-H)
4. Karl Paulson (Rockingham 4-H)
5. Dana Gochenour (Peter Muhlenberg FFA)
TOP 5 SENIOR INDIVIDUALS
1. Joshua Clemons (Madison 4-H)
2. Amanda Mackintosh (Clarke-Frederick 4-H)
3. Kortni Henderlite (Sherando FFA)
4. Megan Mackintosh (Clarke-Frederick 4-H)
5. Veronica Paulson (Rockingham 4-H)
TOP 5 JUNIOR TEAMS
1. Amelia 4-H (Kallie Barnard, Sarah Barnard, Jamie Kerr, Brandon Moyer)
2. Rockingham 4-H (Ash Heatwole, Karl Paulson, Rachel Smith)
3. Elkton Middle FFA (Kate Holsinger, Joseph Isom, Robbie Taylor, Daniel Wood)
4. Wilbur S. Pence Middle FFA (Paige Claytor, Paula Craun, Jessica Koontz, Nancy Will)
5. Aylor Middle FFA (Sam Lapp, John McComas, Aaron Ross, Katlyn Saville)
TOP 5 SENIOR TEAMS
1. Clarke-Frederick 4-H (Erin Dennis, Maggie Long, Amanda Mackintosh, Megan Mackintosh)
2. Sherando FFA (Justin Boyce, Dixie Boyd, Bruce Dunlap, Kortni Henderlite)
3. Spotswood FFA (Josh Joseph, Sarah Joseph, David Liskey, Jason Stuth)
4. Turner Ashby FFA (Chad Craun, Jill Craun, Andrew Eye, Beth Stovall)
5. Powhatan 4-H (Michelle Goodman, Helen Graham, Mandi Meadows)
(David R. Winston, Extension Dairy Scientist, Youth, dwinston@vt.edu)
Four State 4-H Programs across the nation will, each, be awarded grants of $9,250 to engage four rural communities, within their state, in the design and implementation of youth civic engagement and governance initiatives. Strategies are to be implemented that will promote positive youth development and leadership development among rural youth. Emphasis will be on introducing adults and organizations in the public and private sectors to the benefits of involving youth as full partners in community decision-making, leadership and governance.
To find out more about the grant and how to apply go to www.grants.n4h.org under "civic governance". Access to the application is for STATE 4-H COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OFFICES only! To download a copy of the application you may use the password: CES For any questions regarding the grant, feel free to contact me. Diana Friedman Program Coordinator , National 4-H Council , 301-961-2819(phone) 301-961-2894(fax) dfriedman@fourhcouncil.edu
(Jewel E. Hairston,)
In general, severe fears are present in about 10-15% of the population and Specific phobias are found in about 5% of the population. A specific phobia is an intense fear of an object or situation that cannot be easily reasoned away and persists for an extended period of time. For example, a child may be too afraid of insects to attend a picnic or go on an outdoor field trip. Another child may have a phobia of bees so severe that she cannot join a soccer team for fear of being stung outdoors. Children often have specific phobias of the dark, varieties of insects, spiders, bees, heights, water, choking, snakes, dogs, birds, and other anin1als. For many children, these fears and phobias interfere with their participation in and enjoyment of various activities. It may also interfere with their academic and social functioning. Through this project, we hope to learn more about specific phobias and help alleviate some of the fears these children experience, making it easier for them to enjoy various activities.
The researchers need adolescents between the ages of 8 and 14 years for this free and confidential study. To see if your child qualifies for the program, please call (540) 231-3514.
(Bob Meadows)
Whether preparing food for a family reunion or a community gathering, people who are great cooks at home don't necessarily know how to safely prepare and store large quantities of food for large groups. Cooking for groups presents special problems for volunteer food handlers. Food that is mishandled can cause serious foodborne illness. However, by following some simple steps, the event can be safe and a success!
Some of the key food safety topics for groups detailed in the guide include:
The guide also includes a chart of safe internal cooking temperatures as well as storage charts..
We hope that the guide will be helpful in your continuing efforts to educate consumers about food safety.. For food safety questions about cooking for groups, please call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555; Washington DC 202-720-3333. It is open from 10 am to 4pm Easter Time, Monday through Friday, The toll free number for the hearing impaired (TTY )is 1-800-256-7072
The guide is available on the FSIS web site www.fis.usda.gov. English and Spanish Versions.
(Kathleen Jamison)
Virginia can send 4-6 senior 4-H members. More information on application will be in the November Information Letter
PURPOSE OF CONFERENCE
As in the past, the purpose of Conference is to:
(Bob Meadows)
According to a new report by the Josephson Institute of Ethics cheating, stealing and lying by high school students have continued their alarming, decade-long upward spiral. A survey of 12,000 high school students showed that students admitting they cheated on an exam at least once in the past year jumped from 61% in 1992 to 74% in 2002; the number who stole something from a store within the past 12 months rose from 31% to 38%, while the percentage who say they lied to their teachers and parents also increased substantially.
The report released as part of National CHARACTER COUNTS! Week (October 20-26), also reveals significant deterioration over the past two years: Cheating rose from 71% in 2000 to 74% in 2002, theft increased from 35% to 38%, and those who said they would be willing to lie to get a good job jumped from 28% to 39%.
The 2002 report also found that students who attend private religious schools were less likely to shoplift (35% vs. 39%) but more likely to cheat on exams (78% vs. 72%) and lie to teachers (86% vs. 81%). In addition, students participating in varsity sports cheated on exams at a higher rate than students who did not (78% vs. 73%).
Michael Josephson, president of the Josephson Institute of Ethics, said: "The evidence is that a willingness to cheat has become the norm and that parents, teachers, coaches and even religious educators have not been able to stem the tide. The scary thing is that so many kids are entering the workforce to become corporate executives, politicians, airplane mechanics and nuclear inspectors with the dispositions and skills of cheaters and thieves."
To provide greater insight into the factors that may impact the ethics of young people, the Institute's 2002 survey sought information about attitudes and affiliations that add new dimensions to the data: participation in varsity sports, student leadership, attendance at private religious schools and possession of strong religious beliefs. A summary of the data follows but here are some highlights:
The surveys underlying Report Card 2002: schools throughout the country administered The Ethics of American Youth in 2002. A complete set of data generated by the survey is available at www.josephsoninstitute.org.
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
Free pine seedlings will be available again to 4-H members and school groups for the spring 2003 planting season. Extension Agents should announce the program to clients now and request that orders be returned to the Extension Office no later than Jan. 10. Extension Agents then forward one consolidated order to their local Department of Forestry forester by >Jan. 15, 2003. Seedlings will arrive March/April and a specific date may be requested. Extension Agents are responsible for keeping seedlings cool and moist (unheated basement or walk-in refrigerator) until distribution time.
Parental permission is required of 4-H members receiving 25 or more seedlings. Limit is 100 seedlings per 4-H member. Loblolly pine is available for coastal plain and piedmont; white pine for mountain counties and Christmas tree plantings. Web Site: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/
(Jeff Kirwan)
Keep your eyes open for the launch of this web site created by the 4-H Horticulture Coordinator Elizabeth Phibbs.
(Elizabeth Phibbs)
The Virginia 4-H foundation made over $5,000 on this special event to support mini-grants, National Congress and Ambassador events. Thanks goes to our hole-in-one sponsor-Haynes Jeep and Richard Carter who was in 4-H as a youth and loved attending Jamestown 4-H Center in the 1960's. A special thanks also to two happily retired co-chairmen of our event; Jim Gardner and Jim Earwood. We had golf hole sponsorships and teams from American Electric Power, Dominion Virginia Power, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Virginia Farm Bureau. Other Hole sponsorships included Colonel Bill Billingsley, Georgia Willis, Marni Byrum, Pebbles Golf Carts, Richmond Honda and Sheehy Ford.
(Cindy Barnett)
The Virginia 4-H Foundation's focus is universal programs for all Virginia's 4-H youth, especially programs to keep youth in 4-H through their teen-age years. An example is partial scholarships for youth that attend the Virginia 4-H Congress at Virginia Tech each June.
The six 4-H Educational Center (camps) focus primarily on the needs of youth within their geographical area (Virginia is divided into six regions). Their primary focus is to provide unique educational services for youth that attend their programs as well as raise capital funds for facilities to house these programs.
The counties and cities are divided into 107 units; a 4-H Extension Agent represents each unit. These 4-H Extension Agents are raising funds for their particular programs. Within these 107 units there are many clubs who also raise funds, usually for community service and leadership programs.
In addition to these units, various curriculum specialists from Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension who have 4-H responsibilities raise money for individual programs. An example would be our Forestry curriculum.
There are also occasions in which Virginia Cooperative Extension will host National Conventions. At these times everyone in 4-H is involved in raising funds.
All of the funds raised by each group are used for youth educational purposes, either programs or facilities to house these programs or volunteer education to administer these programs.
If you are presently giving to local units please continue to make this a priority
(Cindy Barnett)
(Kelly Liddingham klidding@vt.edu )
Nestle's Very Best In Youth awards, cosponsored by Nestle and Reading is Fundamental (RIF), honors 30 young people who have made reading a priority and in the process have made tangible contributions to the quality of life in their communities. The 30 honorees will be profiled in a special publication and will receive a four-day all-expenses paid trip (with a parent or legal guardian) to Los Angeles for the black-tie awards ceremony in July 2003. In addition, Nestle will donate $1,000 in the name of each winner to the charity of his or her choice. Each youth nominated will receive a Certificate of Appreciation.
To be considered, youth must meet the following criteria:
For more information and to obtain a nomination packet visit http://www.rif.org/news/events/vbiy2003.html or call Connie Jameson of RIF at 202/673-1506. You are encouraged to photocopy the application and provide copies of it to qualified young people or to other organizations.
Completed nomination packets should be mailed no later than Nov. 29, 2002 to:
Nestle Very Best In Youth
P.O. Box 29059
Glendale, CA 91209
(Angela J. Huebner,)
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
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