As we begin the new year, we are hopeful that our Virginia Cooperative Extension Critical Staffing Initiative will be supported and passed by the General Assembly and Governor. We have several counties and cities that do not have anyone providing 4-H leadership-- neither a 4-H agent nor 4-H program assistant. This staffing initiative is essential! It will provide funding to restore 13 of the county/city 4-H agent positions throughout the state, part-funding for two of our educational center directors, and one replacement 4-H specialist. It is important to note that these are critical positions needed and will not restore 4-H to its previous leadership strength before the budget cuts.
The new 4-H year has much promise for quality educational programs, memories for a lifetime and opportunities to build a better tomorrow. Best wishes for a successful 4-H year.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
While the 4-H movement of the Cooperative Extension System has provided after-school programs and worked with after-school organizers throughout the country for decades, 4-H Afterschool is a focused effort to optimize the collaboration process. This initiative enables organizations to establish 4-H clubs at after-school sites, implement innovative "learn by doing" curricula for youth, and provide staff training and resource materials.
4-H Afterschool in Virginia
Virginia 4-H will soon begin to partner with public schools and other organizations to provide 4-H programs in after-school settings. Efforts will be strongly focused on reaching and actively involving underserved youth populations from rural areas. Extension 4-H staff and volunteers from each of the six districts will be trained through a statewide staff development event that will foster 4-H Afterschool programming in each district.
For additional information about Virginia's 4-H Afterschool Program please contact Elizabeth Sykes (esykes@vt.edu) at the State 4-H office at Virginia Tech .
(Elizabeth Sykes, Program Assistant, Virginia 4-H Afterschool Program)
This excellent staff development learning experience was very well organized and conducted by the Florida 4-H program, and had participants from each of the 13 Southern states. With the theme, 'Set Sail for Success,' participants were involved in dynamic workshops and seminars, sharing and fellowship, fun and exciting events and activities, and were entertained and challenged by outstanding motivational speakers.
The purpose of the Southern Region 4-H Leaders Forum is to increase the capacity of volunteer and salaried staff to contribute to the achievement of the mission of 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 when they get back home to their respective states.
Our own state of Virginia will be responsible for the 2004 SRLF at Rock Eagle. We will soon begin soliciting everyone's input and help to insure Virginia's success in conducting a quality forum next year. Part of our responsibilities as the host state (SRLF is a multiple-state responsibility) include the Virginia Showcase, retaining speakers, determining a theme, providing registration packets, selecting Virginia foods for menus, and others. A preliminary survey has been mailed to each unit 4-H office and to certain 4-H volunteers throughout the state to secure feedback and input. Be on the lookout for further information and pleas for help for serving on this important committee and sub-committees. I look forward to a very successful 2004 SRLF sponsored by our own Virginia 4-H program. In order to have a quality event that positively reflects on our great state, we are going to need much help.
(Bob Meadows)
(Barry Garst)
Attached is a "request for proposals" for persons interested in presenting workshops, showcases, fun shops, share fair. The proposals must be submitted via email to bgarst@vt.edu or faxed (540-231-7866) by Friday November 21,2003. Review attachment for more information.
(Barry Garst)
The event is scheduled for the weekend of February 13-15, 2004. Registration will be held from 6:00 8:00 p.m. on Friday, no dinner will be served. We will conclude at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Bringing a horse to this event is not mandatory. The only requirement is that each camper must be enrolled in 4-H as of January 1, 2004. Campers may not share horses.
Applications will be accepted on a "first come, first serve basis". 4-Hers from the Southeast District will be accepted first, as long as their application is received by the due date. Camp is limited to 30 campers. If applications exceed quota, a waiting list will be developed. Campers who have been accepted will receive a Winter Horse Camp Book in the mail shortly after the deadline date.
The cost for the weekend includes all meals, lodging, and insurance. The total cost is $95.00 per person ($10.00 of this fee is non-refundable). The $95.00 fee is non-refundable after February 4, 2004. The registration form and fee are due by January 13, 2004. All checks should be made out to the Southside 4-H Horse Leader's Association. There will be a $20.00 fee for all returned checks. Registration form is attached. The registration fee and form are to be sent to: Penny McNerney, Riggan Lane, Hopewell, VA 23860, Phone: 804 458-6621
Airfield Winter 4-H Horse Camp Weekend information - PDF
(Andrea Carson)
A special 3 hour volunteer leader weekend will be conducted Saturday afternoon while youth are participating in hands-on activities and labs.
(David Winston)
State Fair Junior Poultry Show information - PDF
(Curtis Novack)
Applications are Due Jan 14, 2004
Cost $2200 from Japan.
For More information, Call WorldWise Exchange Services (800)-407-3314
(Joe Hunnings)
In the RoanokeTtimes on October 16, 2003 I published a 16-page insert entitled What Young Adults Need to Know About Money. The insert covers buying a car, making your money work for you, credit, identity theft, and predatory lending. Those of you who work with High School students will find the activities useful. If you are in an office with an FCS agent, they will be receiving copies -- if they requested them. I have a few extra copies for those of you who are interested. Please contact me at chayhoe@vt.edu. You can visit the web site for the insert at http://www.ext.vt.edu/niemoney/ . We will also have a PDF file on CD-ROM available and if you would like to work with you local paper, we have the working files so they can makes changes to reflect their paper.
I am currently piloting a curriculum that uses experiential learning to cover the Cost of Parenting for teens. The material is designed to be used on its own or with a parent simulation program. This curriculum should be available in the Spring of 2004.
The curriculum committee for Careers and Consumer Education asked for a set of the national curriculum for Personal Finance for Intermediates and Senior groups for each office. We will also be looking at Consumer Savvy when it becomes available.
I am also the state representative for the NEFE High School Financial Planning Program. Please let me know if you have any needs with this program or if you have personal finance curricula or training needs. I look forward to meeting with you in January.
(Celia Hayhoe, Family Financial Management Specialists)
55325 4-H Cloverbuds Cook with Pyramid Chef
348-780 Eating and Growing Grains in VA (Lesson 1)
348-781 Eating and Growing Vegetables in VA (Lesson 2)
348-782 Eating and Growing Fruits in VA (Lesson 3)
348-783 Eating a Variety of Dairy Foods and Raising Dairy Cows in VA (Lesson 4)
348-784 Eating a Variety of Beef Foods and Raising Beef Cows in VA (Lesson 5)
The curriculum is designed to teach the importance of healthy eating habits by reading and completing nutrition activities with Teacher Pyramid Chef, Pyramid Pup, and Rainbow Parrot. Also, nutrition characters (Protein, Carbohydrate, Fat, Water, Fiber, Calcium, Zinc, and Vitamins A, C, and D) illustrate nutritional facts and how to make healthy food choices.
After completing two lessons per publication, 4-Hers and leaders will complete knowledge and practice post evaluation form. Leaders return the completed master evaluation form to the agent to then receive the next Cloverbud publication. Leaders are encouraged to conduct ten lessons during a one-year time frame. Detailed information is in the leader's guide.
This series of lessons compliment Pyramid Chef's Nutrition Curriculum and the 2nd and 3rd school enrichment series produced by Virginia Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development. The 4-H Cloverbuds Cook with Pyramid Chef lessons are only available for use in community4-Her and special interest clubs.
Goal of Series: For each student to demonstrate good nutrition habits by eating a variety of colorful foods everyday based on the Food Guide Pyramid.
Time: Each publication has information and activities for at least two 30-45 minute lessons.
Target Audience: Eight-Year Olds in Community or Special Interest Clubs
Learning Objectives:
Life Skills: Each activity reflects the following 4-H Life Skills:
Training for Agents or Volunteers:
Agents and volunteers are required to be trained in this curriculum before implementing in your local communities. A short VCR training tape, comprehensive leader's guide and evaluation forms are available from K. Stadler.
For more information or to receive the training tape or publications, contact Kathleen M. Stadler, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Nutrition, at 540-231-8768 or stadler@vt.edu.
74th National 4-H Conference (March 18-23, 2004)
(Kathleen Stadler)
This is a working conference in which youth and adults attending give feedback and work with USDA representatives regarding 4-H programming across the nation. Cost is $800 for youth and $900 for adults. Some assistance may be provided from Virginia 4-H. Youth/adults interested should send a letter of interest to Billie Cline, 107 Hutcheson Hall, Va Tech 0419, Blacksburg, VA 24061 or email bcline@vt.edu by January 10.
(Billie Cline)
I Dare You Leadership Award information packets were mailed to all county extensions in June 2003. If you have not received your packets, please contact our office right away. You may also visit our website for information and I Dare You Leadership Award forms to print out and mail or fax to us. Our web address is www.ayf.com.
(Dr. Allan T. Smith,. National 4-H Program Leader)
More information and registration materials will be available in the next newsletter. Please contact Jennifer Mercer, Extension Agent, 4-H Augusta County for more information. jamercer@vt.edu or 540/245-5750.
(Jenny Mercer)
If you are interested in having a team participate in the contest or need WHEP manuals, please let me know. Registration materials for the contest will be sent out via email and the state 4-H newsletter in March/April.
Virginia is hosting the National Contest for this event July 28-August 1, 2004. Any agent or volunteer who would like to help during the week of the contest should contact me at 540/245-5750 or jamercer@vt.edu.
If you have any adults (volunteers or agents) who would like training on this program, please let me know and we will try to arrange training for coaches some time this winter. I encourage you to send volunteers, agents, and youth interested in natural resources to the 4-H Natural Resources Weekend, January 16-18 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center. Information on this event will be in the November state 4-H Newsletter.
(Jenny Mercer)
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Laura McClenny)
CONTEST RULES
TO ENTER
The winners will be announced during the 12th annual National No-Till Conference, Jan. 7 through 10, 2004, in Des Moines, Iowa. The winners do not need to be present. "The contest gives students a chance to get more deeply involved in a subject they care about while possibly earning money toward their college education," said Russell Clark, spokesman for Phoenix Rotary. "Today's students are increasingly aware of the environmental and financial realities of farming, and they recognize the potential of conservation tillage to address both concerns. We hope and believe they will become leaders in the farming industry and help show the way toward the most productive, efficient and environmentally friendly growing practices."
Essay contest information also is available on the Web site of Phoenix Rotary Equipment, at www.phoenixrotary.com. For more information, contact Phoenix Rotary Equipment Ltd., 8135 Wagner Rd., Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4N6 Canada. Phone: (888) 891-9929. Fax: (780) 466-1967. E-mail: sales@phoenixrotary.com. Web site: www.phoenixrotary.com.
(Joe Hunnings)
This year's applications are due to the Virginia 4-H state office by Monday, December 1, 2003 by 5:00PM
Mail to: Joe Hunnings
114 Hutcheson Hall (0419)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0419
Applicants must:
Each state, US territory, and US possession may nominate one youth for membership using the N4HYTLT Nomination and Application Form.
Virginia 4-H's Nominee:
Virginia 4-H's Fiscal Responsibilities / Staff Support Roles:
(Joe Hunnings)
The All Star Bylaws indicate that the 4-H member nominees shall: ...
Each unit, with leadership from the unit All Star agent contact, should carefully supervise the handling of member and leader All Star nominations
Forms and all information regarding nomination of All Stars can be found on the All Star website -- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
(Carol Nansel)
We are looking forward to an exciting afternoon Tour of Richmond by Storyland Tours. The Tour Bus will pick us up at Hotel at 12 noon and return us there at 3:30 pm. The tour includes a walking tour of the Virginia State Capitol, Canal Walk on James River, Kanawha Canal Boat Ride (additional $5.00 for a Boat ride - pay at time of ride); also a Bus Ride Tour of Shockoe Valley, Church Hill, Financial District and Monument Ave.
After an afternoon of site seeing and learning more about Richmond, we will return to the hotel for our business meeting, banquet, and evening activities. Evening activities will include Stamping and Scrapbook workshops. Please bring 6-8 photographs and/or some memorabilia that can be used for hands-on activities during the workshops.
The Executive Committee Meeting will be on Friday at 7:30 to 10:30 pm.
Make special plans to attend this conference because it will be a time for you to catch up with All Stars you haven't seen in a while and meet new All Stars. You will have an opportunity to share and reminisce times of old, so please bring your scrapbooks and photos from past conferences and 4-H events. Seek out a new All Star from your county or district and encourage them to come with you to Midwinter's Conference. See you there!
Schedule and registration form are located at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
(Selicia Gregory)
(Carol Nansel)
(Cindy Barnett, Exectutive Director, VA 4-H Foundation)
FOUNDATION GRANTS
ARTS
Target
Each of these discount stores is authorized to make Arts in Education Grants with its community. The goal is to provide projects that will create opportunities for students to explore, experience, and create visual art, music and drama.
Deadline(s): November 1, 2003 and February 1, 2004.
Eligibility: Contact your local Target store for details.
Contact: Internet: www.target.com or visit your local Target store for guidelines and an application.
AWARDS
Scotts Company
The Give Back to Grow Awards program provides prizes to honor individuals who take pride in giving back to their communities through gardening. Each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize and public recognition for their work. Two finalists in each category will receive a $2,500 cash prize and public recognition. Categories include Scotts Classroom Gardener of the Year, Scotts Good Neighbor Gardener of the Year, Scotts Urban Greenup Gardener of the Year, and Scotts Community Beautification Gardener.
Deadline(s): December 5, 2003
Eligibility: Individuals may nominate as many individuals in any or all categories as they wish.
Contact: Scotts Give Back to Grow Awards, (800)551-5971; internet: www.scotts.com (click on Community").
EDUCATION
American Honda Foundation
Grants are provided in a variety of areas by this foundation. Areas of interest include math, science , the environment, technology, and youth job training. Awards range from about $10,000 to $100,000 each.
Deadline(s): November 1, 2003 and February 1, May 1, and August 1, 2004.
Eligibility: K-12 educational institutions, accredited higher education institutions, community colleges and vocational or trade schools, other scientific and education-related non-profits, tax-exempt organizations and gifted student programs.
Contact: American Honda Foundation, 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90501, Mail Stop 100-1W-5A, (301)781-4090; Fzx: (301)781-4270; Internet: www.hondacorporate.com/community/index.html.
Coca-Cola Foundation
Over the past ten years, more than $124 million has been awarded by this foundation to improve educational opportunities and increase classroom resources.
Deadline(s): Applications are reviewed quarterly.
Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities, K-12 schools, teacher-training programs, educational programs for minority students, and global educational programs.
Contact: Coca-Cola Foundation, Grants Administration, P.O. Box 1734, Atlanta, GA 30301; Internet: www2.coca-cola.com/citizenship.
ENVIRONMENT
Captain Planet Foundation
Awards provided by this foundation support projects that organize children and youth to solve environmental problems in their communities. Grants generally range from $250 to $2,500.
Deadline(s): December 31, 2003
Eligibility: Schools and organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 and that organize local environmental programs involving children and youth ages six to eighteen.
Contact: Sona Chambers, Captain Planet Foundation, One CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303; E-mail: captain.planet.foundation@turner.com; Internet: www.captainplanetfdn.org.
MISCELLANEOUS
Annenberg Foundation
This foundation offers more than $500 million to support K-12 education, culture and arts, civic education, historic preservation, and sustaining the institutions of American public life. Applications are not used to apply for funding. Send a letter of inquiry that is no more than two single-spaced pages.
Deadline(s): None.
Eligibility: Public charities and 501(c)3 tax exempt organizations.
Contact: The Annenberg Foundation, St. Davids Center, Suite A-200, 150 Radnor-Chester Road, St. Davids, PA 19087, (610)341-9066; Fax: (610)341-3601; E-mail: info@annenbergfoundation.org; Internet: www.annenbergfoundation.org.
Gardener's Supply Company
Cash and products are provided by this donor in the areas of gardening, sustainable agriculture, food, the environment, and hunger. Award amounts vary. Requests must be in writing, faxed or mailed, and should be limited to one page.
Deadline(s): None
Eligibility: Nonprofits focusing on the company's target areas.
Contact: Gardener's Supply Company, ATTN: Donations, 128 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT 05401; Fax: (802)660-3501; E-mail: info@gardeners.com; Internet: www.gardeners.com/gardening/content.asp?copy_id=5152
Network Associates
Nonprofits are supported nationally in the areas of education, health, youth, and technology by this funder. Of particular interest are opportunities to "develop and disseminate quality programs; adapt and pilot for local use programs proven elsewhere; encourage the development of new ideas and constructive alternatives to traditional solutions; foster collaborative efforts among public and private institutions; and contribute to the development of sound public policy, either directly or using a highly visible model."
Deadline(s): November 15, 2003 and February 15 and May 15, 2004.
Eligibility: US nonprofits with 501(c)3 status. Organizations working to improve the quality of life in Network Associates communities are also eligible to apply.
Contact: Network Associates, Inc., NAI Giving, Office of the Treasurer, 3965 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara, CA 95054; Internet: www.networkassociates.com/us/about/home/htm. Click for information under "Community Relations" heading.
Wilbur Foundation
Grant making provided by this foundation focuses on the field of humanities. Of particular interest are history, literature, religion, and philosophy. Projects should have a goal of enhancing or preserving the "permanent things" of society. Organizations should reflect a concern for historical continuity and studies of a traditional nature.
Deadline(s): Applications will be accepted between September 1 and December 31, 2003.
Eligibility: Tax-exempt public foundations.
Contact: Gary R. Ricks, President, Wilbur Foundation, P.O. Box 3370, Santa Barbara, CA 93130-3370; Fax: (805)563-1082; E-mail: info@wilburfoundation.org; Internet: www.wilburfoundation.org.
SCIENCE
Aerospace Education Foundation
This foundation promotes aerospace education activities in K-12 classrooms. Funds are awarded to encourage the development of innovative aerospace activities within the prescribed curriculum as well as establishing an active relationship between the school and the local Air Force Association organization.
Deadline(s): November 15, 2003.
Eligibility: Schools.
Contact: Aerospace Education Foundation, 1502 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209-1198, (800)291-8480; Fax: (703)247-5853; E-mail: AEFstaff@aef.org; Internet: www.aef.org.
LYSOL
National Science Teachers Association
Innovative science projects that help to stimulate student interest and participation in science at the elementary level may be eligible for $1,500 in funding. Another goal of this funder is to provide teachers with public recognition for their work. They are eligible for $1,500 for professional development and classroom materials.
Deadline(s): December 16, 2003
Eligibility: Elementary schools and K-6 grade teachers.
Contact: Internet: www.nsta.org/Lysol
WOMEN
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
The Educational Fund has opened competition for its Community Action Grants program. Awards are granted for start-up funds. Projects must focus on girls' education in the areas of math, science, and/or technology from kindergarten through the first two years of college (including community college). Only two-year grants are available for $5,000 to $10,000 each.
Deadline(s): January 15, 2004.
Eligibility: Individual women, AAUW branches, AAUW state organizations, and community based nonprofit organizations.
Contact: American Association of University Women, Internet: www.aauw.org.
YOUTH
Best Buy Children's Foundation
Funding provided by this foundation is for the enhancement of children's educational learning experiences through the use of innovative technology. Resources provided by them are dedicated to support and deliver innovative, technology based educational curriculum and content and to college scholarships.
Deadline(s): January 15, 2004.
Eligibility: Nonprofits.
Contact: E-mail: communityrelations@BestBuy.com; Internet: http://communications.bestbuy.com
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
To Table of Contents...