The 2004 year has great promise for the Virginia Cooperative System including the 4-H program. The Critical Staffing Initiative, if funded, will provide resources to fill the many vacancies that we have throughout the state in many units; the State 4-H Strategic Planning Committee will be meeting to work out the fundamentals of our direction for the next four years; new 4-H agents and 4-H program assistants will continue with additional training to better prepare them for their roles in leading the 4-H program in an effective manner; the 4-H educational centers will continue to develop quality programming for the 4-H youth of our great state; the individual units have tremendous potential to affect the lives of boys and girls with positive youth development; volunteers throughout the state, partnering with 4-H agents and 4-H program assistants, can reach far more youth in the 4-H program; volunteers, agents, program assistants, and center directors/program directors will benefit and become more efficient in program delivery by attendance and participation in the Master 4-H Training program in March; and a multitude of other exciting challenges and opportunities.
The State 4-H Staff is committed to working with respective districts and units when needed, as well as carrying out a quality 4-H program in partnership with 4-H agents, 4-H program assistants, volunteers, 4-H center directors/program directors, and specialists. This partnership must be focused on meeting the needs of our youth and to help them realize their full potential--becoming effective, contributing citizens through participation in research-based, informal, hands-on educational experiences. This is, of course, our 4-H mission.
Best wishes for the 2004 year. My hope is for your success in your work in the 4-H program. Youth today are 26% of our population; 100% our future.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
(Joe Hunnings)
4-H Leadership Council, and the authority and power that this group has to make policy. The purpose of my letter to you is to clear up this confusion and misunderstanding. Please read this carefully.
ROLE OF STATE 4-H LEADER--as Associate Director, 4-H for the Commonwealth, I am responsible and accountable for the overall 4-H program throughout the state, and have been given total authority for the use of the 4-H name and emblem in the state. As such, I am answerable to the Director of Virginia Cooperative Extension and take my direction and orders from that Director. Dr. David Barrett, Dr. Steve Umberger (Directors of VCE) and now Interim Director Dr. Judith Jones have each made this very clear that I take my direction from the Director. I reserve the right of final say as to what goes on with the 4-H program, and have communicated this to the Virginia 4-H Leadership Council members, as well as to others.
VIRGINIA 4-H LEADERSHIP COUNCIL'S ROLE AND AUTHORITY--when this group was first organized in 1994, it was given the responsibility to identify statewide issues and concerns which the 4-H program should address, foster better program practices, promote program evaluation, and be an advocate for the Virginia 4-H program. It was also set up to examine existing policies, and to make policies when the Council was given the authority and power to do so. At no time has this group ever been given total authority and power to make all policies and decisions, and I have made this very clear in my orientation with new members, as well as in presentations to the membership. The 4-H Leadership Council is not a legal entity.
Those who work closely with me know that my management style is to work through and with organizations in place. I am not a dictator, nor do I wish to become one. I greatly value and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and commitment of the Virginia 4-H Leadership Council and will continue to work with them with policies, emerging issues, and marketing. From time to time, however, I reserve the right to make policy decisions that I believe are in the best interest of the Virginia 4-H program.
(Bob 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)
(Bob Meadows, Director, 4-H)
This listserve system has been created for some of the curriculum areas where there are supporting 4-H specialists. These include: Companion Animal, Dairy, Horse, Livestock, Meats, Natural Resources and Environmental Education, and Poultry. Other curriculum areas may be added later if the need arises. Links to the subscription system can be found on the 4-H public website under the specific curriculum area.. Interested persons follow a few user friendly steps to register to the listserv's of their choice. 4-H Agents and/or 4-H PA's are automatically registered for all listservs, but have the option to unsubscribe.
The system will allow specialists for those curriculum areas to send information by email directly to the end user by using the specific listserv. Only the corresponding specialist will have posting authority but he/she can add people to have this ability. Listserv recipients will not have posting ability.
Please share the listserv web site addresses to the 4-H Volunteer leaders and others who might be interested in this service. The specialist with posting authority is listed with each of the available listserv subscription addresses.
Go to the following website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/animalsci.html click on the project area of the listserv you wish to subscribe. On each webpage, there is a box (or a cow for dairy) which says "subscribe to the animal science listserv" click on that box and fill in the information requested. Information to unsubscribe is available on each site.
Specialists responsible for the listserves are
Companion Animal (Joe Hunnings) -
Dairy (David Winston) -
Horse (Joe Hunnings) -
Livestock (incl. Sheep) (Mark Wahlberg) -
Meats (Mark Wahlberg) -
Natural Resources and Environmental Education (Jeff Kirwan) -
Poultry (Curtis Novak) -
(Joe Hunnings, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development )
(Billie Cline)
(Barry Garst)
Each track will consist of 16-20 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. Registration information will be available after January 2004. A limited number of spaces will be available, so you are encouraged to register early. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
Registration forms and more information are located on the 4-H Public website under Volunteer Leaders meetings http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/volunteers.html#meet
(Bob Meadows)
Agents will get a "PILOT" copy of the Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook at the 2004 4-H In-service and will be provided with an orientation session regarding the Handbook. For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst,)
If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, please complete the attached application and return it to the State 4-H Office by Jan 5, 2004.
"Trails & Tales" is the Theme of 2004 NCI to be held at Rock Springs 4-H Center, Junction City Kansas Feb 7-11, 2004. Please review NCI website for additional information: www.oznet.ksu.edu/4h/NCI/NCIhomepage.html
Please contact me if you have any questions.
(Barry A. Garst, Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development )
Please consider this opportunity to support 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.
For more information, contact Barry Garst at bgarst@vt.edu or (540) 231-6372.
(Barry Garst)
Accomplishments for 2003 and focuses for each committee for 2004
(Kathleen Jamison)
Updated calendar for 4-H Livestock and Horse events for 2004
(Mark Wahlberg)
(Andrea Carson)
The two largest shows were Augusta County and Rockingham County. Augusta County had 443 animals sold by 257 members at their show for over $260,000. At the Rockingham County Fair 181 members sold 412 animals with total receipts of $198,000.
Summary of 2003 4H and FFA Show and Sale events in Virginia
| Pig | Beef | Lamb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Exhibitors | 512 | 542 | 886 |
| Number of Market Animals | 925 | 681 | 1573 |
| Animal Sales Proceeds | 330,653 | 932,157 | 408,328 |
(Noelle Knight, Virginia Tech Animal Science student and Mark L Wahlberg, Extension Animal Scientist)
Egg Production
10th place individual - Emily Hibl
6th place team
Market Poultry
9th place individual - Emily Hibl
3rd place individual - Stephen Sides
3rd place team
Market Eggs
10th place team
Overall Judging
21st Place individual Nicole Barker
17th place individual - Jessica Barker
10th place individual - Emily Hibl
6th place individual - Stephen Sides
4th place team overall
Congratulations again to not only the participants, but also the parents, coaches and extension agents/specialists that made this experience both positive and rewarding.
(Curtis Nova, Poultry Extension Specialist)
( Jewel E. Hairston, )
(Celia Ray Hayhoe, Family Financial Management Extension Specialist)
(Celia Ray Hayhoe, Family Financial Management Extension Specialist)
(Celia Ray Hayhoe, Family Financial Management , Extension Specialist)
(Celia Hayhoe, Family Financial Management Specialists)
Obese young people have a 70 percent chance of growing up to be obese adults. Being obese is as taxing on an individual's health as it is on society's bankbook. In 2000, the United States paid out more than $117 billion in medical care due to overweight and obese citizens. The Surgeon General's "Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, Overweight Children and Adolescents" reported that poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity results in 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States.
Many communities are largely unaware of the problem. However, by educating young people and adults on nutrition, fitness, and positive lifestyles, we can reverse the trends of poor health related to obesity. For more information on applying for the Healthy Lifestyles grant and to download a copy of the application go to www.grants.n4h.org under "Healthy Lifestyles".
(Clover Corner News)
(Kathleen Stadler)
Sponsored by the American Youth Foundation (AYF), the I Dare You Leadership Award honors extraordinary young people for their character and leadership. The I Dare You Leadership Award is an ideal way to recognize established leaders, as well as those students whose talents and potential are sometimes overlooked. Award winners are typically 15-18 years old. More information about I Dare You and Registration Form can be found at the following website. http://www.ayf.com/prog_idy_main.asp
(Joe Hunnings)
(Jeff Kirwan)
Included in the 4-H Shooting Education Instructor certification weekend will be such activities as an overview of youth development and 4-H, risk management topics, and 8 hours of discipline training. The disciplines that will be offered for instructor certification include: archery, pistol, shotgun, smallbore rifle, and coordinator.
First-time participants and coordinators may register at a cost of $75.00, which includes supplies, meals, and lodging for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Or, if lodging is not necessary, first-time participants and coordinators may register at a cost of $55.00 which includes supplies and meals for Friday through Sunday. Current 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors may register at a cost of $55.00 which includes supplies, meals, and lodging for Saturday and Sunday. If lodging is not necessary, current instructors may register for $45.00 which covers the cost of supplies and meals for Saturday and Sunday.
All interested individuals should contact Airfield 4-H Center at (757) 899-4901 or the 4-H representative at the local Virginia Cooperative Extension office to request registration information. The registration deadline for participants is March 5, 2004. Airfield 4-H Center is located near Wakefield, mid way between Suffolk and Petersburg.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the 4-H Department, Airfield 4-H Center, at (757) 899-4901 during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations 30 days prior to the event.
(Joy Branch)
(Jeff Kirwan)
Also, please remember that you must send adult supervision for the youth from your unit. This program is for youth ages 9-19. There are no workshops or activities that are appropriate for youth under 9. Participants will sign up for classes when the check in at the registration table on Friday night. Classes are assigned on a first come first served basis. Adults are asked to allow the kids to sign up first, then fill in where space allows.
Questions -- call 540/245-5750 or email jamercer@vt.edu. This is going to be a great weekend and a wonderful learning experience.
(Jenny Mercer, Extension Agent 4-H, Augusta County)
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)
American chestnut seedlings are available through the West Virginia Department of Forestry. If you are interested in this project, please contact Jeff Kirwan, jkirwan@vt.edu with the number of seedlings desired by December 1. Seedlings will be made available free to new counties with an approved planting plan (seedlings planted together on land with public access) and to existing counties who are up-to-date with their seedling survival reports.
Landowners may purchase seedlings directly from the Virginia Department of Forestry, http://www.vipnet.org/shoppingcart/cgi-bin/home506.cgi
More information about 4-H seedling projects can be found in the November issue of 4-H Information, or at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/
Many thanks to our partners in the Virginia Department of Forestry for making these resources available to us since 1952!
(Jeff Kirwan)
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
General Rules:
Entries Due February 12, 2004
Winner in the State Contest will go on to compete at the National Contest. Check out the American Beekeeping Federations website at www.ABFnet.org to view the 2003 National Contest winning essays. Last year's Virginia state winner: Renee Bender,
Send 2004 Essay's to Sandra Fisher, Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center, 25236 Hillman Hwy. Abingdon, VA 24210. If you have questions or need more information about this opportunity, please contact your local Extension Agent or me at the above address or email safishe3@vt.edu.
(Sam Fisher)
The 4-H collaboration with Space Camp continues as well. Visit the 4-H Aerospace Education web site at http://www.aces.edu/dept/4Haero/ and click the 4-H Missions in Space link for more information. The 2004 rate for the 3-day Pathfinder camp program is $285 per person for 4-H groups (any group of youth may attend as a 4-H group as long as it is coordinated through 4-H). There are also less costly 2-day, 1-night programs. Hundreds of youth are participating in these programs each year and we look forward to having some of your groups attend as well. Contact me for more information.
Another opportunity exists with the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). This conference is held each year and is promoted by the Civil Air Patrol. It is the premier education conference for aviation and space and is open to Extension Educators. Go to the conference web site for more information (http://cap.gov/events/ncmain.html). Registration at this time is only $99 per person.
Thank you for your interest in the aviation and space education programs. Contact me if I can assist with your program planning in this area.
(Ron Sanderson)
Mark your calendars for Saturday - Sunday, February 7 - 8, 2004! The Virginia 4-H All Stars will hold their Midwinter's Conference in Richmond, VA at the Holiday Inn Crossroads. Make plans to attend this fun-filled weekend. Registration will be Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
Schedule and registration form are located at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/allstars.html
(Selicia Gregory)
Beginning January 1, 2004, the Virginia 4-H program has instituted a policy prohibiting the accepting animals of any kind in the name of 4-H. This policy includes both unit and state 4-H programs (Please read the full policy attached to this letter)
(Bob Meadows)
Our biggest fundraising event, our "Good Luck Gala", will be held March 6th, at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Richmond. We hope you can help us in this worthwhile endeavor by donating an auction item. Auction items will be combined and offered in "priceless" packages, which will include special services (wedding planners, interior designers, carpentry, etc.), weekend getaways, trips, tours, and unique items that one would not normally have the opportunity to discover. Will you consider donating a package or partial package? Donations will be listed in our gala program, showcased at the event and e-mailed to over 300 extension faculty through-out the State of Virginia.
Your donated items can be mailed to 5601 Cary St. Road, Richmond, VA 23226 or we would by happy to make arrangements to pick up donations. I can be reached at 804 662-7290 or by email at fourhbarnet@vt.edu.
( Cindy Barnett, Executive Director, Virginia 4-H Foundation)
Virginia Tech faculty & staff are encouraged to use the payroll deduction contribution plan to help provide the support for 4-H programs. Evan a $5, $10 or other contribution each pay period from us provides funding to support mini-grants, youth trips to State or National 4-H Congress, volunteer leader support, or other important 4-H areas of interest. Consider filling out the attached Virginia Tech Faculty/Staff Payroll Deduction Contribution Form? Our S support for the betterment of 4-H youth is much needed.
(Bob Meadows)
(Cindy Barnett, Executive Director, VA 4-H Foundation)
National 4-H Congress delegates built the home's foundation by raising $6,500 during 4-H's centennial year in 2002. This year's contributions exceeded expectations and made continued construction on the Clover House possible. The goal is to have a completed home in Atlanta, GA, for a low-income family by 2007, when National 4-H Congress will be moved to another city. It will always be known as the house that 4-H built.
To learn more about National 4-H Congress or the Clover House, visit http://www.national4-hcongress.com/.
(Clover News)
WHAT YOUNG ADULTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONEY Http://Www.Ext.Vt.Edu/Niemoney/
VIRTUAL FOREST Http://Www.Ext.Vt.Edu/Resources/4h/Virtualforest/
PINE TREE SEEDING INFORMATION Http://Www.Ext.Vt.Edu/Resources/4h/Environment/Pineseed/
NATIONAL JUNIOR HORTICULTURE ASSOCIATION WEBSITE Http://Www.Njha.Org/
I DARE YOU website http://www.ayf.com
4H LIVESTOCK EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/index.html
4H HORSE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html
V T BLOCK & BRIDLE EVENTS http://www.apsc.vt.edu/clubs/BlockandBridle/WebPage/bb1.html
Director's Letter
Calendar of Events
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