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Some media sources have exaggerated the incident, and have misrepresented what may or may not have taken place, while other media sources have been fair. To be sure, you should know that we have one of the most stringent and rigorous training programs in the nation, and are very proud of our 4-H camping program. As State 4-H Leader, I was very shocked and alarmed when I heard the allegations. This incident was in no way racially motivated or a conflict between two counties, as some media sources have indicated. This took place in one lodge involving males from one county, and we have fully cooperated with the local sheriff and his department in the investigation. When I first learned of the incident, we took immediate action and followed our state policies and university guidelines in dealing with this matter. Barry Garst and I have spent practically all of the last 2 1/2 weeks on dealing with this issue. I also immediately sent letters to all parents of campers involved in this week of camp (around 400), and plan to meet with them as a total group shortly.
The Sheriff has completed his investigation and has turned his findings over to the Commonwealth Attorney. Earlier, he told me that the 4-H Center was in no way out of line with their involvement with this incident, nor was their staff.
We have a terrific 4-H camping program, and I stand behind the standards we have in place concerning training, supervision, and the safety and well being of all in our charge. All teens and adults go through an intensive training program before being allowed to participate in camp and work with younger campers. I have put all of our agents, program directors, and summer 4-H camp staff on a heightened level of urgency and awareness of the safety concerns for their upcoming 4-H camping programs. A Task Force of individuals from within and external to VCE is being finalized and will meet in early August to review this incident and all camping policies and procedures affecting camp security and camper safety.
As I have stated many times, in my 29+ years of 4-H camping in three separate states, the 4-H camping program is the greatest risk that we have in all of Cooperative Extension programming; however, it is worth the risk, as thousands of youth greatly benefit from the educational programming, opportunities for growth, and learning in a non-judging environment. As the ACA's slogan goes, "Camp does kids a world of good!" All six of our 4-H educational centers are American Camping Association accredited, and we are continuing to provide quality educational, social, physical, and recreational opportunities for thousands of youth each year. The Virginia 4-H camping program involves 26,000 - 30,000 participants on an annual basis.
Many thousands of youth have already participated in our 4-H camping program this year, with thousands still anxiously awaiting their turn. Please know that we are on top of this situation and assure parents/guardians that 4-H camp is a safe and healthy place for their children. Thanks for all your support during this difficult time. Best wishes for the remainder of the summer.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
The current edition plus archived editions are at this site.
Due to budget restraints we are reducing printing and mailing costs.
A 4-H Listserv has been created to allow persons to subscribe to receive monthly reminders as soon as the newest edition of the Information Letter is on line. Once subscribed to the listserve, you will no longer receive hard copies of the Information Letter. (Anyone may subscribe to this service, so please pass the word to volunteers/donors/etc who would like to keep up with 4-H news.)
To subscribe to this reminder service, click on http://info.ag.vt.edu/vce/4hnewsletter/index.cfm and fill in your name and email address. You may simply unsubscribe when you wish to be removed from this service. Questions or comments should be mailed to bcline@vt.edu
(Billie Cline)
It features activities and exhibits that benefit those in the agricultural and forest industries as well as homeowners and landowners. Displays, demonstrations, seminars, and tours will provide technical information for agricultural and natural resource workers as well as information for landowners, homeowners, and families.
Tours of Kentland Farm will give participants a chance to learn about many aspects of the 1,700-acre farm and its use for teaching, research, and outreach. There also will be an extensive trade show of equipment and products for homeowners as well as agriculture producers.
The Showcase is sponsored by Virginia Tech's Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Natural Resources, and the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; theVirginia Agricultural Experiment Station; Virginia Cooperative Extension; and the University Outreach and International Affairs Program Development. Check the web site for more information. http://www.farmandfamily.vt.edu
We are working with Second Harvest Food Bank to gather food items. A most appropriate community service activity for agriculture, nutrition and health, so please participate and let others know. More information will be coming on this project.
(Charlie Stott)
Registration materials will be out in September. Visit the volunteer website for information.. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html#meet
(Bob Meadows)
Virginia is in charge of all workshops this year and we have a great variety of exciting, hands-on sessions designed to help all of us who attend. This annual event is for 4-H volunteers, 4-H agents, 4-H program assistants, 4-H center folks, and specialists. Our goal is to have a minimum of 60 in attendance this year, and 100 in 2004. As an incentive, we are providing a scholarship of $100 for the first 60 to sign up to attend (the fee is $170--counting the shirt that we will purchase for each--but your costs will be only $70, excluding transportation to and from Rock Eagle). We also plan to charter a bus IF we have enough to travel.
So, please read the enclosed material, register to attend, and invite your colleagues including any retirees in your unit to register. Many of these enjoy attending, and just because they are retired now does not mean that they won't attend. Remember: the deadline for registration is August 20, 2003. Hope to see YOU at Rock Eagle this year.
(Bob Meadows)
The curriculum event is the time when all 10 curriculum committees meet to formulate their individual plans as well as share plans and information with other committees for the upcoming 4-H year. If you are a member of a curriculum committee please mark this date on your calendar and watch your email for final plans. If you are interested in being on a curriculum committee or have ideas you wish to share about curriculum, contact the curriculum chair (or me jamisonk@vt.edu).
(Kathleen Jamison)
(Mark Wahlberg)
All forms and money must be POSTMARKED BY August 30, 2003 and Mailed to the Show Superintendent. Late or misdirected forms will not be accepted.
Registration forms and more information can be found at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/companimal/statedogshow.html Or email 4hdogshow@cavtel.net or phone 804-328-3774
A great spectator event also.
(Gwen Anderson)
Suggested Activities for 4-H Forestry, Wildlife and Young Naturalist Club Meetings
September- tree identification (demonstrate leaf characteristics used for identification and have youth collect leaves from home and bring to the next meeting), hawk migration, collect and send acorns to DOF for riparian plantings, Save-Our-Streams activity (SOS).
October- tree identification follow-up (identify samples collected from home), big tree search, outdoor adventure activity, field trip to harvest chestnut seed nuts, hunter safety, SOS.
November- deer hunting, aging a deer from deer jaws, hunter safety, SOS.
December- feeding birds, Christmas bird counts, Project Feeder Watch, order pine seedlings
January- Envirothon and Holiday Lake judging weekends, tapping maple trees, tree measurements, compass and pacing.
February- practice envirothon/forestry/wildlife judging skills, plant chestnut seed nuts indoors
March- distribute and plant pine and/or chestnut seedlings, continue envirothon/forestry/wildlife judging skills, SOS
April- spring wild flowers, bird migration, continue practicing envirothon/forestry/wildlife judging skills, SOS
May- bird migration, state envirothon/forestry/wildlife judging contests, fishing and/or aquatics, SOS
June- forestry camp at Holiday Lake, EENR activities at State 4-H Congress, measure seedlings, fishing, SOS.
July- Conservation Camp at Va Tech, outdoor adventure activity, fishing and/or aquatics, Costa Rica exchange, SOS.
August- outdoor adventure activity, fishing and/or aquatics, promote hunter safety course, SOS.
September- same as above, but also to include seedling survival reports for pine seedlings and chestnut
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Jinx Baney)
To view the 4-H Virtual Forest site go to: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualforest/
More interactive modules will be added over the coming months with topics ranging from: tree identification, silviculture, timber harvesting, succession, how a tree grows, forest products, tree planting and care, urban forestry, and 4H forestry judging.
Carl Estes is the multimedia developer. Dan Goerlich and Jeff Kirwan are subject matter experts. Kathleen Jamison provides curriculum and youth development input and Joe Hunnings is the project manager.
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
(Joe Hunnings)
People you love are counting on you to write your will and keep it current. But the person who has the most invested in your will is YOU.
Maybe you can't imagine family and strangers trying to determine, "Is this what he/she would have wanted?" But even those who know you the best may not fully know all your intentions, feelings, values, commitments. These things can be documented with a will.
You want to be fair to your loved ones. Without a will, the state will decide what should be done, and it may be unfair.
When you write a will, you do two things: You determine the distribution of your estate and keep the state out of your affairs.
Also, you can consider the circumstances of each beneficiary. You do what is fair in your eyes. Equal distribution among children may seem fair to some; to others, it seems fairer to consider the circumstances. You have the choice to do for each as it seems fitting.
You have been a careful steward of all life has given you. Writing a will gives you the opportunity to continue giving back as you financially support programs like 4-H and other charities in which you believe.
The Dangers of Not Having a Will
This story is based upon facts in several cases, but the names have been changed. Sally's husband died unexpectedly at age 50. He had no will. The laws in the state where he lived called for the estate to be equally divided between the children and spouse. In this case, the estate was split between Sally and the daughter, who was a young adult.
The daughter got what liquid assets she was entitled to by law and then demanded that Sally sell the family home so she could have her share. Sally, who wanted to continue living in her home, refused. A family feud followed which lasted many years, causing undue emotional pain. Unfortunately, Sally's story is typical of those who have been left without a completed estate plan.
Sometimes expensive litigation used to settle estates consumes what others could be enjoying. Many families have been deeply divided because of the squabbles caused when family members try to settle things themselves. Refusing to make a will can have disastrous effects upon your survivors.
Benefits of Carefully Planning Your Will
Using Trusts in Conjunction With a Will
There are good reasons to use your will to create trusts using your estate assets. Trusts can help you avoid estate taxes and preserve your estate. Trusts frequently are used to make special provisions for spouses and/or children when there are second marriages.
Sometimes trusts should be established and assets transferred while you are living. These trusts also ensure privacy since they are not probated in court and have no public record. When these trusts involve charitable gifts, they frequently can increase your income and provide more benefit for your family.
We Want to Help
For assistance in writing your will and evaluating your estate plan, please contact:
Virginia 4-H Foundation
5601 Cary St. Rd.
Richmond, VA 23226
Or call Cindy Barnett 804 662-7290
(Cindy Barnett)
Immediate Past President
Allen Melton
Advisory Board
| Jay Adams | Chief Justice Carrico |
| Alan Kirshner | William Wampler |
Board of Trustees
| Ken Barker | Richard Booker |
| John Cash | David Chilton |
| Randy G. Cost | Robert Felts |
| Phillip S. Griffin II | Jackie Haney |
| Kenneth Harmon | S. James Johnson |
| Lee Martin | Phil Miller |
| Dr. Nancy Massie Moga | Joan Moore |
| Reggie Nelson | Jodi Neuhouser |
| Nancy A. Redd | William Scott |
| Cathy Sutphin | Dr. Andy Swiger |
| Dr. Jesse A. Webster, DVM | Barbara Rowe West |
| Georgia Willis |
Ex-Officio
| Selecia Gregory | Cecil Johnson |
| Dr. Lorenza Lyons | Dr. Bob Meadows |
| Fred E. Phillips, CPA | Dr. Steve Umberger |
Staff
Executive Director Cindy Saufley Barnett
Assistant Alma D. deLeon
(Jinx Baney)
(Julia McCann)
(David Winston)
Education
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Urban and Rural Community Enrichment program specialists will train core educators as a team to conduct interdisciplinary aerospace activities in school districts. Activities included in this program are lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on classroom activities that supplement the ongoing curriculum.
Deadline(s): none
Eligibility: Teachers of middle school students from rural and urban communities.
Contact: Visit http://aesp.nasa.okstate.edu/URCEP/index.html to download the brochure or write to NASA Headquarters, Education Division, URCEP Program Manager, Code FE, Washington, DC 20549.
Health
Health Resources and Services Administration
The Kids into Health Careers program seeks to encourage and inform minority and disadvantaged teenage students of educational and career opportunities in health professions and assist minority and disadvantaged students in planning and preparing for post secondary education in the healthcare professions.
Deadline(s): none
Eligibility: Contact agency for details.
Contact: HRSA, Bureau of Health Professions, Parklawn Room 8A-09, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, (301)443-2100; Email: kidscareers@hrsa.gov; Internet: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/kidscareers/default2.htm.
Science
National Science Foundation
Up to $30 million will be provided for rich and stimulating opportunities outside formal school settings where individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds can increase their appreciation and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Deadline(s): Preliminary proposals are due August 15, 2003; full proposals are due November 17, 2003.
Eligibility: Contact agency for details
Contact: Barry Van Deman, Section Head, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, Division of Elementary, Secondary, & Informal Education, 885 S, (703)292-5124; Fax: (703)292-9044; Email: bvandema@nsf.gov; Internet: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03511.htm
Technology
General Services Administration
The Computers for Learning program will provide computers for classrooms in an effort to prepare children to contribute and compete in the 21st century. Federal computer equipment will be transferred to schools and educational nonprofits, with special consideration going to those with the greatest need.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Schools and educational nonprofits.
Contact: Email: computers.learning@gsa.gov; Internet: www.computers.fed.gov/Public/home.asp
National Science Foundation
The Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) seeks to increase the opportunities for students and teachers to learn about, experience, and use information technologies within the context of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Awards range from $300,000 to $400,000 for a period of two to three years.
Deadline(s): October 17, 2003
Eligibility: Universities and colleges, nonprofit, nonacademic organizations; for-profits; state and local governments; unaffiliated individuals; foreign organizations; and Federal agencies.
Contact: For general information, Sylvia M. James, Informal Science Education Program, (703)292-8616; Email: sjames @nsd.gov or Michael R. Haney, Teacher Enhancement Program, Email: mhaney@nsf.gov; Internet: www.nsf.gov/pubs/2002/nsf02147/nsf02147.htm.
Foundation Grants
Education
GenCorp Foundation
Projects that focus on parental involvement, literacy, school to work transition, teacher training, and student achievement are eligible to receive funding from this foundation. Favored are community based initiatives that promote partnerships among schools, business, and youth organizations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 but awards have been given for up to $100,000.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits in communities where the company operates.
Contact: Theresa Carter, Director, GenCorp Foundation, 175 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333, (330)869-4289
National Geographic Society Education Foundation
The Venture Grants support nontraditional education projects that engage children in understanding and celebrating cultural differences; developing geographic concepts and skills; and conserving the environment. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $200,000.
Deadline(s): August 11, 2003 for letters of inquiry; September 2, 2003 for invited proposals.
Eligibility: Institutions that provide nontraditional education programs. Priority is given to proposals that include matching funds.
Contact: National Geographic Society Education Foundation, 1145 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20036-4688; (202)857-7186 or (800)638-6400 extension 7186; Email: venturefund@ngs.org; Internet: www.national geographic.com/foundation.
Coca-Cola Foundation
Funds are provided by this corporate giver to find new solutions to problems that impede educational systems and to support effective existing programs. Examples of eligible programs include classroom teaching and learning programs, innovative K-12 public school programs, teacher development programs, and projects dealing with specific activities in K-12 classrooms.
Deadline(s): September 1 and December 1, 2003
Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities, elementary and secondary schools; teacher training programs; educational programs for minority students; and global educational programs.
Contact: Coca-Cola Foundation, PO Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301; Internet: www2.coca-cola.com
National Education Association's Foundation for the Improvement of Education
More than 300 small grants will be awarded for classroom innovations or professional development for improved practice in public schools and institutions of higher education. Awards will range from $1,000 to $3,000. Also, 250 Innovation grants will be awarded for $2,000 per year and 75 Leadership & Learning grants are available. They range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Deadline(s): none
Eligibility: Practicing US public school teachers of grades K-12; public school education support professionals; and higher education faculty and staff at public colleges and universities. Preference is given to members of the National Education Association.
Contact: Internet: www.nfie.org/programs/grantguides.htm.
Environment
PG&E Corporation
The Environmental Education Grant Program was established to encourage and support schools, educators, and conservation groups in educating young people about the environment. Grants will be for up to $10,000.
Deadline(s): none
Eligibility: All schools and nonprofits engaged in education, earth sciences, conservation, and environmental projects.
Contact: Amy McWethy, PG&E National Energy Group, Environmental Education Grant Program, 7600 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814; Internet: www.neg.pge.com/grantProgram
Dole
This corporate giver supports the community through grants and in-kind donations in the areas of environment, social, and cultural programming, as well as education.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits
Contact: Visit www.dole.com/company/business/community.jsp
Healthcare
Kaiser-Permanente
Working in partnership with national organizations that share their goals, this insurance company provides funding to strengthen and improve the health of communities they serve through the Cares for Communities Program.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: US nonprofits with 501(c)3 status that have a national reach and are non-partisan and non-denominational.
Contact: Community Relations, Kaiser Permanente, One Kaiser Plaza, 21B, Oakland, CA 94612, (10)271-5685; Fax: (510)271-6493; Internet: www.kaiserpermanente.org/about/community
Youth
Milagro Foundation
Founded by Deborah and Carlos Santana, this foundation provides grants to organizations that focus on serving at-risk, underrepresented, and disadvantaged youth through educational programs and health services. To apply, email a one-page summary of your project to apply@milagrofoundation.org.
Deadline: none
Eligibility: Community-based tax-exempt organizations in the US and around the world.
Contact: Shelley N. Brown, Program Officer, (415)460-9939; Email: info@milagrofoundation.org; Internet: http://www.milagrofoundation.org.
Miscellaneous
National Weather Foundation
Grants totaling $500 will be awarded for the improvement of education for students studying meteorology. Funds may be used for teachers to take an accredited course in atmospheric sciences, attend a relevant workshop or conference or purchase scientific materials or equipment for their classrooms.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: K-12 Schools
Contact: Internet: www.nwas.org.solhirsch.html
Glaser Family Foundation
Organizations with demonstrated results on progressive animal advocacy issues may be funded by this foundation. Issues include vivisection, farm animals, and wildlife cruelty. Special interest is in primate rights and protection.
Deadline(s): Letters of inquiry may be submitted at any time. Submission by email is encouraged.
Eligibility: National and international organizations.
Contact: Martin Collier, Executive Director, The Glaser Foundation, PO Box 91123, Seattle WA 98111; Email: grants@glacierfoundation.org.
AT&T Wireless Corporate Giving Program
In conjunction with the AT& T Foundation, this corporate giver provides support in the areas of public safety, community education and lifelong learning, and family communication. Awards are provided in the form of cash grants, employee volunteerism, in-kind donations, and other resources.
Deadline(s): Contact corporate giver for details.
Eligibility: Nonprofits providing services within the AT& T Wireless Service area.
Contact: Internet: www.attwireless.com/our_company/cares/giving_guidelines.html
Hasbro Children's Foundation
Awards will support the development and expansion of direct service programs that improve the quality of life for disadvantaged children and their families and communities. Up to $10,000 is also awarded for universally accessible playgrounds for children.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits based in the United States that provide direct services to children under the age of 13, serve children and families who are economically disadvantaged, are innovative and provide a model from which others can learn, and have the capability and experience to ensure that each dollar provides the greatest benefit to the greatest number of children.
Contact: Hasbro Children's Foundation, 32 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, (917)606-6226; Internet: www.hasbro.org
Janus Foundation
Nationally, this foundation provides funding in two major areas; at-risk youth through education and community service and volunteerism. Of particular interest to this funder are organizations that work in innovative and visionary ways and programs that have a lasting impact. The ultimate goal of projects should be leading their constituents to self-sufficiency.
Deadline(s): None. Proposals are reviewed monthly.
Eligibility: US nonprofits with 501(c)3 tax exempt status
Contact: Janus Foundation, 100 Fillmore Street, Denver, CO 80206, (303)333-3863; Email: janusfoundation@janus.com: Internet: www.janus.com
New World Foundation
Founded almost four decades ago, this foundation provides funding in many areas. Among its numerous interests are civil rights, community development, education, healthcare, human services, and youth development.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Funding nationally
Contact: New World Foundation, Colin Greer, President, 666 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10025, (212)249-1023; Fax: (212)472-0508; Email: info@newwf.org; Internet: www.newwf.org
Tolerance.org
Up to $2,000 in grants will be provided to K-12 teachers who are seeking to develop and implement anti-bias projects in classrooms, schools, and communities nationwide.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: K-12 classroom teachers
Contact: Grants Administrator, Teaching Tolerance Crafts, 400 Washington Ave, Mongomery
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
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