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Virginia 4-H Information Letter

October 2003

In This Issue...
Director's Letter
National 4-H Week
Clover Corner News
2004 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
In Memory ­ Andrea Ley Hutson
2004 4-H In-Service
VA4HVL Fall Meeting
VA4HVL Spring Meeting
2004 National 4-H Camping Institute
Cloverbud Camp
Teen Leadership Camp
Teen Substance Abuse
4-H Curriculum Event
4-H Project Training
4-H Livestock Team Defends Title
4-H Global Ed Study Tour to Japan
Shooting Education Update
Virtual Owl Pellet Project
Tree Growth Study
Fall Colors
Get Nuts for Clean Water
4- Virtual Forest is Born
4-H WEBSITES
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
2004 State 4-H Cabinet

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:

A new 4-H year begins October 1. As we celebrate National 4-H Week October 5-11, we should take time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, on the challenges that we faced during some difficult times, and examine what we learned from the failures we had. It is just as important to look forward to the opportunities that we are afforded to make a positive difference in the lives of Virginia's youth and adults in the new 4-H year.

During the Administrative Team's recent visits to the six districts, we emphasized that each one is to bring value added to his/her position. We accomplish this by focusing on discovering the needs of our respective unit's population and then planning by setting realistic goals to meet those needs. Thus, our energies and work are focused on helping youth and adults who work with these youth to become better. Our work should be so effective that we can document and report impacts to those who support our efforts, both from the public and private sectors. In order to become effective and valued by supporters, they need to know what is going on with our programs and what impacts are being accomplished. Thus, we work to make such a difference in the lives of others that supporters want and need to provide continued support to our programs. Every one of us needs to focus on the value added goal in order to have our programs continued in the years to come. This is a great challenge for each of us, but one that the citizens of our respective unit deserve.

The 4-H emblem is a very important symbol to our work. It is the third most recognized symbol of any organization in the United States. Most folks might not know what the 'H's' stand for, but most folks know that the symbol represents something worthwhile for the youth of our country. Each of us--4-H agents, 4-H program assistants, 4-H volunteers, and specialists--must be advocates of the brand--the 4-H emblem. Thus, we will soon have the 4-H emblem on future business cards of those responsible for the 4-H program in the respective unit. Additionally, the 4-H emblem is being placed on every printed page that deals with 4-H, including web-based curriculum.

Best wishes to you in the New 4-H Year! I look forward to working with you to make differences in the lives of boys and girls throughout our great Commonwealth.

Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H

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National 4-H Week -- October 6-11

National 4-H Council provides many wonderful ideas and resources to help your club/county celebrate National 4-H Week. Check out the National 4-H Week Promotional kit at http://4hweekkit.fourhcouncil.edu/

(Billie Cline)

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Clover Corner News (CCN)

Clover Corner News is a way to advise you about youth and 4-H opportunities and publicity. Sometimes, we will be asking for your assistance as we work together to gather stories about 4-H programs and youth for national media.. It is posted on National 4-H Council's Web site at www.members.n4h.org. Feel free to forward this information. Please attribute the source to "Clover Corner News, published by National 4-H Council, www.fourhcouncil.edu."

(Joe Hunnings)

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2004 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

Young people in grades 5-12 are recognized solely on the basis of their volunteer activities. Each unit extension office should have received a packet of information with nomination forms. Nominations must be mailed by October 31, 2003 to be considered. If you did not receive a packet; go to their website for more information. http://www.prudential.com/productsAndServices/0,1474,intPageID%253D3299%2526blnPrinterFriendly%253D0,00.html

(Bob Meadows)

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In Memory Of Andrea Ley Hutson

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Andrea Hutson, Training & Communications Coordinator, USDA/Army Youth Development Project, at National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA passed away on September 4, 2003. In her role on the USDA/Army Youth Development Project, Andrea is probably best known for leadership of the "4-H 101" curriculum and training. 4-H 101 has helped to acquaint hundreds of military youth professionals with Cooperative Extension and to get youth actively involved in 4-H. Andrea also helped Extension 4-H professionals understand and appreciate Military structures and their youth programs. An employee of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Andrea was formerly a Teen Specialist with the USDA Army Youth Development Project and prior to that she worked on one of the original Youth at Risk projects in Fairfax, Virginia. Her project there grew into a well known and respected youth organization, Barrios Unidos. Some of you interacted with Andrea as co-chair of the Teen Committee for the CYFAR Conference as she worked diligently to involve teens in the planning and in the conference. Andrea never stopped her advocacy for young people ­ she was an incredible model for youth and youth development professionals. Andrea and her baby son passed away suddenly on September 4, 2003. The funeral was Thursday, September 11 in Falls Church,

The family has requested that contributions be made to the ANDREA LEY HUTSON MEMORIAL FUND/BARRIOS UNIDOS. Please send contributions to the attention of Juan Pacheco at 6053 Argyle Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042. (703-845-0400).

Cards can be sent to Andrea's husband Maxx Hutson and to her parents Pat and Don Ley at the Ley address -- 1418 Wolftrap Run Road, Vienna, VA 22182

(Bob Meadows)

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2004 4-H In-service

4-H In-service is scheduled for January 27-29, 2004 at the Donaldson-Brown Hotel and Conference Center (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA. All 4-H Agents, 4-H Specialists, 4-H Center Program Directors, and Center Directors should plan to attend.

Additional information about In-service will be provided in the upcoming months. Please contact me with questions.

(Barry Garst)

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Virginia Association of 4-H Volunteer Leaders Fall Meeting

"Catching the 4-H Vision" is the theme of the fall meeting, held October 25-26, 2003, at Holiday Inn-Select, Lynchburg. Registration materials are available on the 4-H volunteer website . http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html#meet (Bob Meadows)

  • Memorial Service Recognition
    Each year the Virginia Association of Adult Volunteer Leaders recognizes the contributions of 4-H volunteer leaders who have died since the last annual meeting in October of 2002. Please submit the names and a brief write-up (1 paragraph or less) about the individual's contribution to 4-H. Be sure to include date of death, years of service as a 4-H volunteer and the unit(s) that the person served as a volunteer.

  • Years of Service Recognition
    At the annual meeting those individuals with 25 years or more of service to 4-H are recognized. Please submit the names and a brief write-up (1 paragraph or less) about the individual's contribution 4-H. Be sure to include years of service as a 4-H volunteer and the unit(s) that the person served as a volunteer. Only submit the names of those volunteers with 25 years or more of service in 5-YEAR INCREMENTS. For example, submit the names of volunteers with 25, 30, 35, or 40+ years of service.

    Please submit this information by October 25, 2003 to Jewel Hairston, via e-mail at: jhairsto@vsu.edu

    (Jewel E. Hairston)

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    Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders Spring Meeting

    The Spring 2004 Conference of the VAA4HVL will be held March 20 and 21 at the Fours Points --Sheraton in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The theme for the conference is "Proud to be a Virginia 4-H Volunteer Leader". One of the main classes offered will be a tract throughout the whole conference on Outdoor Adventure.

    (Elwanda Luttrell)

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    2004 National 4-H Camping Institute

    Registration information for the 2004 National 4-H Camping Institute-which will be hosted by Kansas 4-H- is now available at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/4h/NCI/NCIhomepage.htm

    If you are not familiar with the National 4-H Camping Institute, please read the brief history which is attached.

    (Barry Garst)

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    4-H Cloverbud Camp

    A Winter camp-in, A Thanksgiving to Remember, will be held November 21-22, 2003 for children 5 to 8 years of age at Southwest 4-H Center, Abingdon, VA 24210. See attached brochure or contact the center (276) 676-6180 for more details

    (Crystal Gates)

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    Teen Leadership Camp

    Building Leadership Skills, Resume & Interview Skills and lots more informative sessions to choose from. This camp for teens ages 14-18 will be held November 14-15, 2003 at Southwest Va 4-H Educational Center in Abingdon. See attached brochure or contact the center at (276) 676-6180 for more details

    (Crystal Gates)

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    Teen Substance Abuse

    The risk that teens will smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs increases sharply if they are highly stressed, frequently bored or have substantial amounts of spending money, according to The National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse VIII: Teens and Parents, an annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University. This was the first time in its eight-year history that the survey measured the impact of these characteristics on the likelihood of teen substance abuse.

    For complete copy of story of article, go to the following URL: http://www.casacolumbia.org/newsletter1457/newsletter_show.htm?doc_id=191037 This site also provide access to the full report.

    (Barry Garst)

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    4-H Curriculum Event

    Plans are being finalized for the 4-H Curriculum Event to be held October 13-14 in Lynchburg Virginia at the Holiday Inn Select. 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)

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    4-H Project Training

    Training is being offered in several 4-H project areas following the 4-H Curriculum Committee meeting at the Holiday Inn-Select, Lynchburg, VA. Project training begins 3pm October 14 and continues through Noon on October 15. Training will be conducted in horticulture, citizenship, food & nutrition, theater arts, environment and more-

    Cost will be minimal. Interested persons should send email to bcline@vt.edu or call 540-231-6086 for more information.

    (Kathleen Jamison)

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    4H Livestock Team Defends Their Title at Eastern National Livestock Show

    The 2003 Virginia 4H Livestock Judging Team joined 4H teams from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Indiana, plus an FFA team from Indiana, to compete in the Eastern National Livestock Show livestock judging contest. The contest consisted of placing 5 classes of beef cattle, 4 classes of swine, and 3 of sheep. They gave reasons on 2 classes in each species, for a total of 6 reasons.

    Team members who competed for Virginia included Tim Gregory of Pittsylvania County, Sarah Heizer of Augusta County, Kristin Wahlberg from Montgomery County, and Eric Wilson of Wythe County. Kyle Cromer and Ashley Pitsenbarger, both of Augusta County, also participated.

    Results for team and individual competition within each division are as follows.

    Cattle Judging
    Sarah Heizer first place328 pointsIndiana 4H951 points
    Cora Newsom (IN 4H), 2nd327Virginia 4H930
    Eric Wilson, 9th place302Indiana FFA898
    Swine Judging
    Gavin Wellman (IN FFA) 1st284 pointsIndiana FFA843 points
    Jeffrey Cole (IN FFA) 2nd284 Maryland 4H825
    Kristin Wahlberg 3rd279Virginia 4H812
    Lauren Mohler (MD 4H) 4th279Indiana 4H806
    Eric Wilson 9th272 Pennsylvania789
    Sheep Judging
    Kristin Wahlberg 1st233 pointsVirginia 4H688 points
    Eric Wilson 2nd229Maryland 4H661
    Jamie Lippy (MD 4H) 3rd229Indiana 4H650
    Sarah Heizer 4th 226Indiana FFA616
    Oral Reasons
    Gavin Wellman (IN FFA) 1st257 pointsIndiana FFA766 points
    Amanda Crawford (IN FFA)257Virginia 4H 752
    Kristin Wahlberg 3rd253Maryland 4H747
    Sarah Heizer 6th250Indiana 4H722
    Eric Wilson 8th249Pennsylvania707
    Total Score
    Cora Newsom (IN 4H) 1st819 pointsVirginia 4H2430 points
    Sarah Heizer 2nd815Indiana 4H2407
    Jamie Lippy (MD 4H) 3rd814Maryland 4H 2365
    Kristin Wahlberg 4th812Indiana FFA2357
    Eric Wilson 5th803Pennsylvania2273)

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    4-H Global Education Study Tour to Japan for spring 2004.

    The 4-H International Programs Committee is very excited to be offering this great opportunity March 29 - April 12, 2004. We hope you will take a minute to look over the enclosed information.

    The tour is designed to enable Extension faculty, staff and volunteer exchange coordinators to better understand the educational and cultural components of the Japanese cultural exchange through hands-on learning.

    This is accomplished through living in a Japanese home-stay environment, participating in various cultural workshops and field trips, and encompassing educational components that are geared for extended learning opportunity. Former National Program Leader, Virginia Gobeli, will be your Tour Leader.

    This is not only a wonderful opportunity to travel with peers, but also to gain a broader perspective of Japan as a country and 4-H international exchange partner.

    Please feel free to contact me hunnings@vt.edu with any questions.

    (Joe Hunnings)

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    Shooting Education

    The State 4-H Shoot (cancelled due to the Hurricane) has been rescheduled for the weekend of October 3 - 5 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center.

    As a result, the Fall 4-H Shooting Education Instructor Certification (originally scheduled for the weekend of October 3 - 5) has been postponed. At this time, a new date has not been set.

    (Jinx Baney)

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    Virtual Owl Pellet Project- Pilot testing needed

    Dissecting owl pellets is a popular activity used by K-12 teachers to cover SOL's relating to food chains and food webs. One of our VA Tech Wildlife students has created a very entertaining and interactive CD that allows a young person to practice dissection before using a real pellet, which is often quite expensive to purchase for large groups. When a pellet is correctly dissected and the bones of prey have been matched on a corresponding skeleton, a virtual 4-H blue ribbon is awarded. If you or a volunteer/teacher would like to pilot test this project, please contact me at jkirwan@vt.edu.

    (Jeff Kirwan)

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    Tree Growth Study

    The Forestry Outreach Site (FORSite) project now allows youth and teachers to enter tree measurements into a database and receive immediate feedback on how their tree compares with others around the state. Similar feedback is available for a biodiversity study which requires measurements of trees on a forested plot or school campus or park. For more information, please see the FORSite web site, http://www.fw.vt.edu/dendro/forsite/contents.htm, and go to the "scientific investigations" section. To enter data you will need a userid and password- please contact me at jkirwan@vt.edu.

    (Jeff Kirwan)

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    Fall Colors

    More people visit Virginia Tech's Forestry Outreach web sites in October than any other month. Presumably they are motivated by fall colors. Here are two good web sites for more information about fall color: http://www.fnr.purdue.edu/extension/SpecTop/ChaneysCorner.htm (Purdue Extension) http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/fallcolor/about.html (Illinois Extension).

    (Jeff Kirwan)

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    Get Nuts for Clean Water

    State nurseries in Virginia and Maryland need acorns and other tree seeds to plant for reforestation projects. Youth can help by collecting acorns in their backyard and taking them to collection points. The seeds will be sent to the state nurseries for planting and later distribution to landowners who are restoring riparian (streamside) areas. The main collection day in the Potomac watershed is Oct. 18, but seeds can be collected anytime and anywhere in the state. For more information, please see www.growingnative.org. If there is no collection point near you, contact your county forester at http://www.vdof.org/index.html.

    (Jeff Kirwan)

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    4-H Virtual Forest is Born!

    The first of ten modules is up and running on the 4-H Public web site. The 4-H Virtual Forest provides youth with an interactive Web-based learning experiences that introduce the concepts of forest management to young people age 9 -13. Learning modules complement 4-H experiential projects and are consistent with the Standards of Learning for Virginia public schools. Virtual Forest follows the very successful 4-H Virtual Farm project, . http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualforest/

    (Joe Hunnings)

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    Website to Explore

    VIRTUAL FOREST http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/virtualforest/

    NATIONAL JUNIOR HORTICULTURE ASSOCIATION WEBSITE http://www.njha.org/

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    Grant Opportunities

    ARTS

    Target
    Each of these discount stores is authorized to make Arts in Education Grants within 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.

    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 February1, 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 nonprofits, tax exempt organizations and gifted student programs.
    Contact: American Honda Foundation, 1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90501, Mail Stop 100-1W-5A, (310)781-4090; Fax: (310)781-4270; Internet: www.hondacorporate.com/community/index.html.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    Network Associates
    Nonprofits are supported nationally in the areas of education, health, youth, and technology by this fund. 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.

    Singing for Change (SFC) Charitable Foundation
    Established by Jimmy Buffet, this foundation will award grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to organizations working to address the root causes of social or environmental problems. Areas of interest include children and families, the environment, and disenfranchised groups.
    Deadline(s): None
    Eligibility: Nonprofits with 501(c)3 status. First contact should be to submit a one-page letter of interest describing the organization and project. The foundation will solicit a full proposal if interested. Request of $1,000 or less may be awarded based on the letter of interest.
    Contact: Judith Ranger Smith, Executive Director, SFC Charitable Foundation, PO Box 7210, Kansas City, MO 64113, (816)363-8132; FAX: (816)363-1290; E-mail: info@singingforchange.com; Internet: www.margaritaville.com/sfcfoundation.

    NUTRITION

    Allen Foundation
    Funding ranging from $2,000 to $1 million has been awarded for nutrition programs in health, education, training, and research. Priority for funding goes to nutritional research, training children and young adults to lead a nutritionally balanced life for good health and development, training mothers during pregnancy to develop good nutritional habits, training individuals seeking to pursue nutrition-related careers, subsidizing nutrition publications, and disseminating information on health nutrition practices. Applicants may apply online.
    Deadline(s): December 31, 2003.
    Eligibility: Nonprofits, including universities and colleges, K-12 schools, hospitals, medical clinics, private foundations, and community or fraternal organizations.
    Contact: Allen Foundation, PO Box 1606, Midland, MI 48641-1606; Internet: www.allenfoundation.org.

    YOUTH

    Southern Poverty Law Center Study Circles Resource Center
    Applications for the Mix It Up Grants Program should demonstrate youth leadership, collaborative community efforts, and the potential for sustainable work. Projects that focus on "identifying, crossing and challenging social boundaries" are eligible for grants up to $250.
    Deadline(s): None
    Eligibility: Individuals proposing youth-directed schools or community projects.
    Contact: Mix It Up Grants, Attn: SPLC, 400 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, (334)956-8200; FAX: (334)956-8488; Internet: www.mixitup.org.

    Hasbro Children's Foundation
    The goal of this funder is to provide support that will improve the lives of young children and their families through direct service programs in the areas of health, education, and social services. The three specific programs that are funded include Innovative Programs with Local Impact, Innovative Programs with National Impact, and National Replication/Expansion of Innovations.
    Deadline(s): None.
    Eligibility: Nonprofits
    Contact: Hasbro Children's Foundation, Internet: www.hasbro.org/hcf. Letters of intent and other documents may be sent to Review Committee, Hasbro Children's Foundation, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10020.

    Rockwell Collins Charitable Corporation/Community Partnership Fund
    More than $2 million is provided every year by this group for youth development. Priorities include education and youth development with an emphasis on math, science, and engineering and culture and arts with an emphasis on youth educational programs. Proposals from other health and human services organizations will also be considered.
    Deadline(s): Contact funder for details.
    Eligibility: Public organizations with a permanent, tax-exempt status. Organizations outside the US must provide nongovernmental organization documentation. An application must be filled out. Visit www.rockwellcollins.com/about/community/giving/charitablecorpapplication.pdf to obtain an application form.
    Contact: Cindy Dietz, (319)295-7444; Internet: www.rockwellcollins.com/about/community/giving.

    INTERNET RESOURCES

    RR Donnelly & Sons Company
    www.rrdonnelley.com/cportal/public/ep/home.do
     The above link does not provide immediate access to this company's community involvement information. It is, however, relatively easy to find. Simply go to the "site map" and it can be found on this page. Contact and financial information including an annual report, can also be found, as well as application guidelines, restrictions, and information on how to apply. Funding is provided in the areas of civic services, education, and youth programs. RR Donnelly is located in these Virginia communities: Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Salem and Fairfax.

    UPS Foundation
    www.community.ups.com/
     The website explains areas of funding under specified tabs. Areas of funding include aging, economically disadvantaged, education, family, food or human services, government administration, minorities, transportation and youth programs.

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    2004 State 4-H Cabinet

    The State 4-H Cabinet is a youth/adult partnership in which elected 4-H youth Ambassadors and Officers work cooperatively with 4-H adult volunteers, Agents, and Specialists to promote 4-H, to explore how Cabinet members can better represent Virginia's youth, and to develop exciting educational youth programs such as State 4-H Congress.

    Each district is represented by three (3) State 4-H Cabinet Ambassadors, who are available as a resource for you. A contact list for the 2003-2004 State 4-H Cabinet is attached. I urge you to contact the Ambassadors in your district to explore an exciting new partnership!

    Please contact Nate Salatin, State 4-H Cabinet President, if you have any questions. His contact information is provided at the top of the contact list.

    Contact List - PDF

    (Barry Garst)

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