The opportunities to positively impact others are all around us-- 4-H club meetings, 4-H events and activities, 4-H camp, project work, public speaking, presentation preparation -- to name a few. What we say, how we say it, and what we provide by being kind and supportive, go a long way to encourage 4-H'ers to become better citizens. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those 4-H'ers under your leadership and guidance.
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Our focus on quality and excellence for Virginia 4-H'ers centers on these three areas. As we work to establish our state strategic plan for the next four years, our work will prepare youth to become better leaders, citizens, and have improved skills that help them to function as adults.
Our work is important, for differences are made in the lives of young people. Both volunteer and salaried staff are needed to accomplish the 4-H mission. Thanks for all you for the 4-H youth of the Commonwealth.
Sincerely,
Robert Ray Meadows
Associate Director, 4-H
(Joe Hunnings)
Rulings issued to the Department of Agriculture by the Internal Revenue Service recognized that 4-H clubs and affiliated 4-H organizations authorized to use the 4-H and emblem were exempt from federal income tax under section 101(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1939, which corresponds to Section 501(c) (3) of the 1954 Code.
4-H organizations have an obligation to file the Annual Information Return (IRS Form 990) when gross receipts in their tax year normally exceed $25,000. Gross income should be considered in its broadest term and include all receipts from gifts, donations, sale of goods, interest income, fees, dues and so forth, without reduction for the cost of goods or assets sold or for expenses.
The Internal Revenue Service has assigned a Federal Income Tax group exemption number to 4-H which must be used by all 4-H organizations and affiliated groups when filing Form 990. This number is 2704. (Bob Meadows)
4-H Clubs and affiliate 4-H organizations are exempt from Federal income tax under section 101(6) of IRS Code of 1939, which corresponds to section 501(c)(3) of IRS Code of 1986. Based on the still valid IRS ruling of February 9, 1973, donors may deduct contributions to 4-H Clubs and affiliate 4-H organizations as provided in section 170 of the 1986 Code.
To obtain an EIN number, the 4-H Club or organization needs to submit IRS Form SS-4. In completing the Form under Nature of Business, indicate "4-H Club" or "affiliate 4-H organization" and include the 4-H General Exemption Number GEN 2704. The GEN, issued by IRS, identifies 4-H entities.
I believe you can get the IRS Forms from their web site: http://www.irs.gov. More information about the tax exempt status of 4-H can be found on the national web site: http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov. Click under "Tax Exemption information."
(Bob Meadows)
The conference will review past and present school violence prevention milestones and propose directions for future research, practice, and partnerships. The plenary and concurrent sessions will be organized around the following topics: alternative education, bullying, gender-related violence and issues, model interventions, risk and protective factors, school-based mental health, and school security.
To obtain further information about the "Persistently Safe Schools" conference or to register online , visit http://www.hamfish.org/conference You may also e-mail HFI2004@hamfish.org
(Angela Hubener)
Registration: EARLY BIRD Registration is open until August 1, 2004 (postmarked by then) with a fee of $175 per person. This covers meals and lodging on-site plus the Virginia 4-H t-shirt for each participant (transportation excluded). August 2-until time of conference, a late fee charge will be added--the cost will be $185 per person. A registration form is included in this mailing. Registration forms and fees should be made payable to the Virginia 4-H Foundation.
We are looking forward to hosting another exciting and educational benefiting Forum with super learning workshops, top-notch speakers, opportunities for meeting new people, as well as renewing old acquaintances, and having fun. If you have further questions, please get in touch with us. Be on the lookout for additional information and updates of the 2004 SRLF.
(Bob Meadows)
Parents/guardians need to have access to accurate, up-to-date information. An information sheet titled, "Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) about 4-H Camp for Parents/Guardians" was recently developed and has been posted on the Virginia 4-H public web page at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/camping.html.
Additional questions about 4-H camp safety and security, which you believe are beyond your ability to answer at the unit level, should be directed to the Program Directors (and/or Center Directors) at each 4-H Center.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional assistance regarding how to respond to parents/guardians' questions or concerns regarding Virginia 4-H camping.
(Barry A. Garst, CPRP )
(Jenny Mercer)
Details of the contest, including schedule, rules, and entry forms, are available on the web at the 4H Livestock website. That site address is http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/index.html
The entry deadline is June 17, with contest entries and fees coming to my office.
If you have trouble accessing this on-line information, or would like me to mail you hard copy of this information, then please let me know. I look forward to having your members competing in this year's contest.
(Mark L Wahlberg)
For satellite viewing go to Galaxy 3 - 95w, Channel/Transponder 02 -3720 vertical, Audio 6.2 and 6.8, test signal is 9:00 to 9:30am, program from 9:30 to 11:00am PDT. Contact Jim Shelden for technical assistance, 509.335.9290
"Washington State University 4H Youth Development is a partner with youth, families and their communities in building a brighter future for us all, one young life at a time." Pat BoyEs
(Kathleen Jamison)
| Date & Time | Location (for directions to a nomination site, please call the contact person listed) |
| Shenandoah Valley/Northern Virginia- Contact Person: Corey Childs, (703) 777-0373, cchilds@vt.edu | |
| Saturday, July 17 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Rockingham Livestock Market Harrisonburg, VA |
| Monday, July 19 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Clarke County Fairgrounds Berryville, VA |
| Monday, July 26 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Shenandoah Valley Ag Research & Extension Center Steeles Tavern, VA |
| Central Virginia- Contact Person: Brad Jarvis, (540) 948-6881, bjarvis@vt.edu | |
| Monday, July 26 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon | Young Farmers Grounds Madison, VA |
| Southwest Virginia- Contact Person: Matthew Miller, (276) 728-7611, mamille6@vt.edu | |
| Saturday, July 17 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. | New River Valley Fairgrounds Dublin, VA |
| Monday, July 19 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Graystone Farm Wytheville, VA |
| Tuesday, July 20 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.. | Abingdon 4H Center Abingdon, VA |
| Tidewater Region- Contact Person: Cynthia Gregg, (434) 848-2151, clgregg@vt.edu | |
| Wednesday, July 21 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Virginia Tech Tidewater Center Research Farm near Holland, VA |
Nomination procedures:
Rule Changes for 2004
For further information concerning the State Fair of Virginia Youth Sheep Show contact Dr. Scott Greiner, Virginia Tech, phone 540-231-9159, email sgreiner@vt.edu
(Scott Griener)
From Glenda Snyder
We focus each day on a pillar and it is listed on the camp schedule. Each evening, campers are selected from each tribe to be recognized with a special CC! bandana for that day. Teen Counselors and Volunteers are also selected to be recognized if they have exhibited the particular pillar. We make CC! visible during the entire week of camp with the use of posters and banners. We include some CC! in our counselor training too.
From Laura C. McClenny
Each group/tribe represents one of the pillars of character and presents a skit on their pillar during an assembly. CC! stickers are awarded by teens and adults to campers displaying good character. Colors of groups were coordinated to CC! colors. Each group was given a bed sheet to design a flag for their group featuring their character pillar. District teen training in 2000 was entirely focused around the six pillars and how they could be implemented during 4-H Camp. About 20% of campers responding to a post camp evaluation mentioned some aspect of CC! as the most important thing they learned at 4-H Camp.
From Linda J. Cole
One of the 4-H classes for Chesterfield Campers was "Walking in Good Character". Twenty youth participated in each of the three sessions. Each 4-H'er designed shoes (drawing and coloring) that represented the good character they were walking in. Some gave inspirational speeches, while others were amazed that they found some good things about themselves. This was a time of sharing, and encouraging each other. Students left feeling good about themselves. These shoes were posted in the dinning hall for every one to see throughout the week.
From Chris Lichty
Our camp theme was "Camping with Character." Every day we focused on a different pillar. This pillar then became part of the daily theme. We did CC! Clover Grams on a daily basis and had a short program during mid-day using skits and poster contests. Our camp t-shirts also reflected CC! with the Six Pillars.
Do you have other examples? Please share with me so we can all gain from your creativity.
(Joe Hunnings)
Please advertise the camp class as follows:
Project Learning Tree
Campers will learn about the fascinating world of trees and forests through a series of hand-on activities taught by a forestry and wildlife student at Virginia Tech. Campers will learn how to age a tree, use forestry tools, search for forest insects, and learn the names of trees. All campers will start the 4-H Tree Identification Project, which provides up to $100 in cash awards.
(Jeff Kirwan)
Augusta County 4H Homeschool Team wins
State Environmental Contest
The Augusta County 4H Homeschool'ers beat numerous high schools to represent Augusta County and the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District at Virginia's Envirothon, a natural resources competition. Team members are Josh Salatin, Shayne Robaker, Ryan Bourgeois, Juliana Heerschap, Jill Bourgeois, Leigh Robaker, Lee Kelley and Nate Salatin.
Coached by Jennifer Mercer (4H) and Al Bourgeois (VDGIF) and sponsored by the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, the team advanced and won the state competition May 16-17 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.
Envirothon features five "in-the-field" test stations - soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and current environmental issue - where teams answer questions in both written and hands-on formats. During an oral presentation teams propose a management solution related to the current environmental issue to a panel of judges consisting of industry and natural resource professionals. This year's issue is "natural resource management in the urban environment."
"The intense study required for this contest helps prepare students for college entrance exams, as well as possible careers in field associated with natural resources," said Greg Evans, president of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
As the state competition winner the team will travel to Wesleyan College in West Virginia to battle it out at the National Envirothon, sponsored by Canon. During 2003, Fort Defiance High School represented the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District and received 12th place overall.
The Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation District needs help sponsoring students for next year's Envirothon. If you can help, or would like to know more about starting an Envirothon team at your high school through 4-H, FFA, Ecology Club or home school group, contact the district at (phone number) or the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts at (804) 559-0324 or dana.roberts@vaswcd.org
State 4-H Envirothon Contest Results
Congratulations to all the teams who qualified and competed in the State Envirothon Contest held May 16-17 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Envirothon features five "in-the-field" test stations - soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and current environmental issue. During an oral presentation teams propose a management solution related to the current environmental issue to a panel of judges consisting of industry and natural resource professionals. This year's issue was "natural resource management in the urban environment."
1st Augusta County 4H
2nd Rockbridge Co. HS
3rd Powhatan HS FFA
4th Halifax High School
5th Strasburg HS FFA
6th Fuqua High School
7th Osbourn Park High School
8th Nandua High School
9th Albemarle High School
10th Clover Hill High School
11th Madison High School
12th J.J. Kelly High School
13th Fort Chiswell FFA
14th Ocean Lakes High School
15th Rappahannock Co. HS
16th Isle of Wight Academy
17th Patrick County High School
(Jenny Mercer)
Augusta County 4-H senior team (Derek Davis, Lily Damico, Hannah Shaw, and Joseph Gordon) placed first in the Contest. Prince William was second and Prince George finished third. In the individual categories, Lily Damico of Augusta County was the high individual overall, Aaron Bailey of Prince William was second, and Peter Berlin also of Prince William was third. .
An Augusta County junior competitor, Rebecca Shaw, took high junior individual honors as well as high individual in wildlife foods ID and wildlife management practices.
Virginia will be hosting the National Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program Invitational this summer in Blacksburg on the campus of Virginia Tech. If you would like to help Virginia 4-H provide the wonderful experience that other states have provide for us, please contact Jennifer Mercer, Extension Agent, 4-H at 540/245-5750.
(Jennifer Mercer)
(Joe Hunnings)
To Nominate a Gardener: obtain a nomination form by visiting www.gardeners.com and click on the Garden Crusader icon. Or call 1.888.239.1553 Deadline: June 15, 2004
(Joe Hunnings)
(Joe Hunnings)
This is a wonderful opportunity for a day of fun with friends and colleagues while providing a strong, direct benefit to Virginia 4-H youth programs. Please consider forming a team of 4 or signing up individually @ $150 per player including lunch.
The tournament is Captain's Choice format with an 8:00 am shotgun start following an hour of registration, practice, or just visiting with friends. Lunch and awards follow.
If I can answer any questions or help expedite your enrollment in the event, send me an e-mail or call 540.953.1079. See flyer for more information and registration form
(Andy Swiger, Dean Emeritus)
If you want more information on how to donate appreciated securities call Cindy Barnett, Executive Director of the Virginia 4-H Foundation, at 804-662-7290. For current tax laws that may have an effect on a gift of securities, contact your tax or financial advisor.
(Cindy Barnett)
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Director's Letter
Calendar of Events