Dear co-workers:
The year of 2005 has been a fast and furious one with many training opportunities for salaried and volunteer staff, 4-H programming events for members, and new hires eager to get their programs up and running. Indeed, it is unbelievable that the first quarter of the year is nearly gone, and the Spring season is upon us with even more opportunities and programming events.
It is good to be reminded that youth are our future. Virginia Cooperative Extension and the 4-H programs focus on young people being active and involved in our communities and society. 4-H youth development and educational programs build important skills and knowledge so that our youth can be competent, caring, contributing citizens now and as adults. Our youth are encouraged to participate in a variety of learning activities that emphasize the 'learn by doing' experiential learning approach. Through these programs, youth gain knowledge in a variety of practical subject areas and develop important life skills. These opportunities will not be provided without the dedication and commitment of 4-H volunteers and 4-H agents leading in our counties and cities throughout the state.
Virginia Tech and Virginia State, our land-grant universities, provide knowledge and expertise to youth in rural, suburban, and urban communities. 4-H'ers gain firsthand knowledge through experiential learning activities in many areas of interest and concern. Through these programs, youth gain knowledge and life skills required for working and living in our increasingly challenging global environment. 4-H is the world's largest, dynamic, non-formal educational program for young people and is based on democratic principles. At the present time, over 7 million youth, ages 5-19, participate in 4-H youth development experiences throughout the nation, with nearly 200,000 youth being from Virginia. 4-H is partnering with USDA, the Army and Air Force to establish 4-H military partnerships through after-school 4-H clubs and programs on military installations throughout the world, and including military bases located in our state. 4-H is also working to support children and families of the National Guard, Reserves, and Accessions Command by providing 4-H programming opportunities. Thus, 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.
State 4-H Congress, summer 4-H camps, State 4-H Intermediate Congress, and a whirlwind of other exciting opportunities are just around the corner. Several 4-H camping weeks are already booked with a waiting list. Life is very busy in the 4-H world, both on the county and state level, and there are many exciting opportunities for 4-H members throughout the Commonwealth. Thank you for all you do for 4-H youth in our state. Together, we provide a world of good for the youth of the Commonwealth.
Bob Meadows
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National 4-H Congress
Resumes for National 4-H Congress are due in the State 4-H Office by April 15, 2005. Make sure senior members from your unit submit a resume to be considered for this great trip.
(Billie Cline)
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VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS
PLAN NOW TO ATTEND ---Virginia 4-H Congress will be held at Virginia Tech from Monday, June 20 through Thursday, June 23. Competition Day is June 21
The cost for full-time participants will be the same as last year - $135. We anticipate that on-line Congress registration will occur in the month of April.
In the mean time feel free to promote Congress through the use of the Congress brochure. You can also promote Congress by directing youth to the Congress web sites from previous years. There are lots of pictures and information that can help describe what it is all about!
(Joe Hunnings)
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Virginia State University will host 4-H Intermediate Congress
DATE: July 27-29, 2005. COST: $110.00
4-H Intermediate Congress is a leadership training event for 4-H members ages 12 - 13.. We are reserving 2 slots per unit. Go to the following website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/ for promotional brochure and more information. Make sure your unit is represented at this exciting event..
(Jewel Hairston)
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4HUSA.org web site.
There's nothing like it on the web. 4HUSA.ORG is interactive with all the features youth want. It was created by 4-H members to reflect their community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Registration at 4HUSA.ORG (It's FREE!) gives you access to 4-H message boards, e-mail aliases and blogs. Submit 4-H photographs to the photo gallery, news about your 4-H club or program or links to your favorite 4-H web sites. You can only access these features on 4USA.ORG if you register. Then, tell all your friends to register at 4HUSA.ORG. It's the place to be online! Contact Gretchen Hilburger at ghilburger@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-2829 with any questions.
(Joseph R. Hunnings)
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Newsletter Reminder
The Virginia 4-H Information Letter is a FREE monthly newsletter with information for staff, volunteers and youth from the 4-H Department of Virginia Cooperative Extension. It is archived on the Internet at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/infoletter/. Subscribe to a monthly reminder of its availability. http://info.ag.vt.edu/vce/4hnewsletter/index.cfm
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Camping Resources
Please be aware that the following resources are available for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Virginia 4-H camping programs.
STATE-LEVEL
- New Virginia 4-H Camping Handbook (2005)
- New Exploring the World of 4-H Camp Counseling: Counselor-in-Training Curriculum for the Virginia 4-H Camping Program
- "Benefits of 4-H Camping" series
- Virginia 4-H Camping On-Line Volunteer Training Modules
- Generic 4-H Camp Brochure
- 4-H Camp Video contact Tracy Sebring at sebring@vt.edu (one copy per unit)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 4-H Camp for Parents/Guardians- http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/camping.html
- 2003-2004 Virginia 4-H Camp Evaluation Report
- Virginia 4-H Camping Song Booklet
4-H CENTER LEVEL
- 4-H Center 4-H Camping Handbooks
- 4-H Center Promotional Brochures- contact your 4-H Center Program Director for more information.
4-H UNIT LEVEL
- Documentation of Leadership Training Card available
- Application for Volunteer 4-H Camp Teen Counselor Form and 4-H Camp Teen Counselor Reference Form
- Youth Camping Research Report - www.ACAcamps.org/research/research_book.pdf
(Barry Garst)
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Family Camp Offered
Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in Appomattox, Virginia, June 6 - 10, 2005. http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/holiday/programs.html.
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4HCCS Pre Press Orders Due
Savings up to 35% on all products from 4HCCS are available for orders received online from April 1-30.
A copy of the new 2005 catalog is available from the 4HCCS home page www.n4hccs.org. This is a large file of 20 PDF pages (7.8 MB) and will take a few minutes to download. Additional copies can then be easily duplicated. This version of the catalog is the same as the printed copy you will receive in a couple of weeks --except for some photos that do not show. Everything else is the same. ( I will send each unit office 2 copies of the catalogue in a couple weeks as soon as they arrive from 4hccsÉ but feel free to download and copy if you need it quicker. )
I encourage you to review the catalog that includes 181 products including the 14 new and revised 2005 products. You may also want to notify club leaders that the catalog is on the web site.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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Poultry
(Curtis Novak)
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Livestock
- Jr Stockman's Camp - June 30-July 3, 2005, Graves Mt. Lodge, Syria Virginia. For 4-H members 9-13. $160 per person. Topics covered include Beef Judging, Breed Identification, Feed Identification, Hay Judging, Meats ID, Meat Judging, Sheep Judging, Swine Judging. For more information email kaci@vt.edu (Kaci Coppege)
- 4-H Livestock Events Calendar - http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/2005calendar.pdf (Mark Wahlberg)
- 4-H Livestock Events Information - Go to http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/index.html (Mark Wahlberg)
- Subscribe to the 4-H Livestock Listserve http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/livestock/index.html (Mark Wahlberg)
(Mark Wahlberg)
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Horse
- Subscribe to the 4-H Horse Listserve - http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/index.html (Celeste Crisman)
- 4-H Horse Website Reorganized - http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/ (Celeste Crisman)
- Qualifying Clinics for State 4-H Horse Show - http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/events.html (Celeste Crisman)
- District 4-H Qualifying Horse Shows
- Southeast District - Saturday, May 7 - Wakefield, VA
- Northern District - Saturday, May 7 - Culpeper, VA
- Central District - Sunday, May 15 - Amherst Co, VA
- Northeast District - Saturday, May 21 -- TBA
- Northwest District -- Saturday, June 4 - Bridgewater, VA
- Central District - Saturday, June 18 - Prince Edward Co
- Southwest District -- Saturday, June 25 -- Abingdon, VA
- Northwest District--Saturday, June 25 -- Monterey, VA.
- Northern District - Saturday, July 9 - Palmyra, VA
- Open Horse Show - Dinwiddie 4-H Horsekateers are sponsoring an open horse show on Saturday, April 23rd at Ren Hill Farms beginning at 9:00 am, schooling at 8:30 am. Working Hunter, Pleasure, Western, and English classes will be offered. Beginner and advanced classes also offered. Show will benefit the club and the Free Spirit Equine Rescue Shelter in Powhatan. Raindate: April 24th. Show program attached.
You may contact: Becky Tilson (804) 478-5754 or Susan Butterworth (804) 469-7194, renhillfarms@aol.com (Celeste Crisman)
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State 4-H Horse Judging Contest
The date for the State Horse Judging Contest has been set! The contest will take place on Wednesday, June 29, 2005 at Alphin-Stuart Arena in Blacksburg. The contest will be run in conjunction with the State FFA Horse Judging Contest. Information and registration forms will be available on the 4-H Horse website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/horse/ in the coming weeks. For questions, contact Celeste Crisman at ccrisman@vt.edu .
(Celeste Crisman)
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State Horse Bowl Competition
The State 4-H Horse Bowl Competition will be added to the horse competition schedule at 4-H Congress on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 21, 2005. For further information, contact Celeste Crisman at ccrisman@vt.edu .
(Celeste Crisman)
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Equine Risk Management
Based on recent discussions of the Equine Risk Management guidelines, I believe there is a need among the agents and 4-H leaders to clarify a few points. All of the information found in the guidelines and policies are there to protect our adults and youth involved in equine activities. Please always consider the following question when organizing an equine event. What are reasonable efforts a rational and prudent person would undertake to protect himself/herself, spectators and the youth entrusted to his/her care?
The information found under Equine Risk Management section of the 4-H policy and guidelines are general guidelines intended only to offer information that should be considered when planning an equine related event or show. These guidelines are not 4-H policy and should not be presented as such. Agents and leaders need to be aware of their location, content and purpose.
There are 3 main policies with which we must be concerned as 4-H agents and volunteer leaders and these are mandatory for Virginia 4-H equine events:
1. The head gear policy - 4.3 Head Protection
Effective January 1, 2000, protective headgear is required for youth of 4-H age and younger in all mounted equine activities sponsored by Cooperative Extension. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) certified protective headgear for equestrian activities is preferred (including secured harness). It is highly recommended that adults participating in VCE sponsored equine activities wear protective headgear.
This is a mandatory policy for all youth in all mounted equine activities associated with 4-H in Virginia. If there is no helmet available, the youth may not participate!
2. Age Policy - 4.4 Age Considerations
Individuals involved in Cooperative Extension programs under the age of 9 must follow specific guidelines covered by the Cloverbud Policy as adopted by the Virginia 4-H Leadership Council and Virginia Cooperative Extension on November 15, 1997.
4-H Cloverbud members can not participate in 4-H activities and events, in which they are expected to control, solely care for, or otherwise manage large animals or any other animal which presents a safety risk. Large animals are defined as cattle, llamas, sheep, swine, horses and ratites (ostrich, rhea, cassowary, emu, etc.).
A 4-H Cloverbud member can not participate in an activity where they must control, solely care for, or manage large animals by themselves. A Cloverbud member can participate in an equine activity in which an able individual beyond Cloverbud age controls the large animal. For example, a Cloverbud member could participate in a pony ride where a capable individual beyond Cloverbud age controls the horse. This Cloverbud member must also wear approved headgear in this situation to be able to participate. A child that is younger than Cloverbud age cannot actively participate in a 4-H sponsored event. For example, a child that is 4 years of age or less cannot be led on a 4-H sponsored pony ride.
3. Equine Waiver Form - 4.1 Equine Liability Waivers
Equine waivers are required on all individuals involved in an equine activity for Cooperative Extension. Waivers as outlined in the waiver form may be initiated on individuals for a period of a year. A new waiver may be required for each individual activity, as required by the sponsor.
A signed copy of this waiver is required yearly on all individuals involved in equine activities. This waiver has been updated for 2005. The waiver can be found on the 4-H Horse website under the Equine Risk Management tab. The signed original of the yearly waiver is to be kept on file in the local County Extension office and a copy is to be kept on file by the Volunteer leader. The yearly waiver must be renewed by January 1 of each year. The originals must be kept on file in the county office for a period of 2 years. Original waivers for cases in which there has been an incident must be kept on file for a period of 2 years past the participants 18th birthday.
By adhering to the above policies and being aware of the guidelines, not only are we protecting ourselves as agents and volunteer leaders, but we are also protecting those youth entrusted to our care. Volunteer leaders (by signing the 4-H leader contract) are equal to employees of Virginia Tech with respect to coverage under the liability insurance policy. All parties involved must adhere to the three 4-H policies.
For accuracy, Risk Management and the 4-H Department have reviewed and approved the information covered in this document. For questions, contact Celeste Crisman at ccrisman@vt.edu . (Celeste Crisman)
Revised Equine Waiver Form
The "Equine Waiver" form for 4-H programming has been revised. This form can be found at the VCE Intranet in three locations:
- VCE Intranet----VCE Policies----Risk Management
- VCE Intranet----4-H Camping----Resources
- Public 4-H webpage----Programs----Animal Science----Horse Programs http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/
Please use this form for all equine activities effective immediately.
(Barry A. Garst)
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CWF -Citizenship Washington Focus
July 10-16, 2005 at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase Maryland. Information and registration form can be found on the following website http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/cwfapplication.pdf
(Jewel Hairston)
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Discovering The World Through 4-H
Have you ever dreamed of travel and adventure? You can discover the world by participating in the International 4-H Youth Exchange program. One of these opportunities may be just what you or your family needs to broaden your horizons in 2005.For more information go to the following websites www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/japanese.html and www.ifyeusa.org
(Dottie Nelson)
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KNOW YOUR DOUGH!
CYBERCHASE Launches Its New Financial Literacy Campaign. By tackling topics such as saving, spending and budgeting, this Financial Literacy initiative helps 6-11 year olds learn smart money skills they can use their whole lives. KNOW YOUR DOUGH - Broadcast, April 15th, 2005 (check local broadcast times) Watch the special CYBERCHASE: KNOW YOUR DOUGH 2-hour money marathon April 15th, hosted by CYBERCHASE FOR REAL stars Harry & Bianca. The four episodes will be repeated April 18th - 21st in their regular time slots.The broadcast includes the premier of the new financial literacy episode, Balancing Act. In this episode, while helping their friend Shari Spotter make a film about her school, the kids quickly run through their money. They must learn to budget the remaining funds to complete the film on schedule and avoid Hacker's devious schemes.
KNOW YOUR DOUGH - ONLINE - April 15th, 2005 A new edition of CYBERCHASE: THE QUEST web game allows kids to join the CyberSquad and use money smarts to defeat Hacker. This time, kids go head to head with Hacker in a winner-takes-all skateboarding competition! Players must use money smarts to build the best skateboard in order to defeat Hacker. (http://pbskids.org/cyberchase)
Teachers and parents can find CYBERCHASE: KNOW YOUR DOUGH resources and updates at http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/parentsteachers/index.html -- just click on the image of the CyberBird "Digit" as Ben Franklin!
KNOW YOUR DOUGH - FOR PURCHASE AND...THE SNELFU SNAFU episodes are now available on DVD/VHS from PBS/Paramount at shopPBS.org & other retailers.
Watch Cyberchase weekdays on PBS Kids Go! (Check local listings.)And.....log on to www.pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase for other cool games, e-cards, free stuff and more.
(Ron Drum)
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LifeSmarts Competition Results
As State coordinator for the 10th annual Virginia LifeSmarts Competition for High School Students, I am pleased to announce this year's winner is Henrico County 4-H Titans. 34 teams competed in the preliminary computer rounds. 16 teams were invited to the state competition. 13 teams competed on March 14 at VCU in Richmond. The Winning team members are Jordan Anderson, Captain; John Cummings, Nathanael Goodman, Mathew Vinson, and Briana Dawkins. The Coaches names were Karie Dawkins and Kendra Kyle, the 4-H agent from Henrico County.
LifeSmarts is a national event, styled as a college-bowl type competition testing consumer and financial management knowledge for high school students. Virginia teams of high school youth who score best online were invited to participate in the face-to-face statewide competition on March 14, 2005 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The winning team will represent Virginia and that team and their coach will receive financial support to travel to the national competition in San Francisco, California, April 15 - 19,
High School Youth learn to make better decisions about technology, personal finances, health and safety, the environment, and consumer rights and responsibilities.
(Celia Hayhoe)
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US Fish and Wildlife Service Awards Grants to Virginia 4-H
The USFWS recently awarded the Virginia 4-H NREE Committee $24,000 to promote wildlife and related natural resources education programs for youth over the next three years. The NREE Committee, in-turn, invited Extension Agents, 4-H volunteers and partners to submit proposals for local, district or statewide programs. This year, seven people were awarded a total of $7,000 for programs in 2005. They are:
- Jenny Mercer- $1,500 for a fall statewide 4-H WHEP leader training, and for the winter Natural Resources Weekend at Holiday Lake 4-H Center.
- Mike Hayslett- $1,500 for a statewide program at Holiday Lake 4-H Center for youth and adults who have wildlife clubs, to be held after 4-H WHEP teams have been formed.
- Sue Vezeau and Andrea Carson- $1,000 for a Project WILD and Aquatic Wild training program for volunteers who work with school groups when they come to visit the Jamestown and Airfield 4-H Centers.
- Michael Poole- $1,000 for a district-wide backpacking program that uses outdoor adventure as a "hook" to get youth out of doors and aware of wildlife and wildlife careers.
- Marcia Meador- $750 for a three-day educational bus tour for teachers, featuring ag and natural resources in two eastern Virginia counties, Charles City and New Kent.
- Peggy Kellam- $1,250 for a two-county schoolyard habitat improvement project on the eastern shore of Virginia, where there is currently low participation in 4-H wildlife and related natural resources projects.
(Jeff Kirwan)
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Virginia State Park Youth Conservation Corps
More Information - PDF
The program consist of youth crews of approximately 10 young people, ages 14-17 from diverse backgrounds, and three college-age or older crew supervisors. This team of young people lives in the park in a structured program of work and learning closely supervised by professional park staff and committed adult volunteers. By day, the crews carry out priority park development and maintenance projects, and after hours they take part in planned environmental education, team-building, worklife or job readiness training, and recreational activities.
The primary purpose of the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps is twofold: (1) It is aimed at youth development, including disadvantaged youth, and (2) it is a cost-effective way to raise environmental awareness and strengthen stewardship of Virginia's valuable natural resources, particularly as state budget levels are curtailed. In essence, the program combines work experience, education and life skills development within the framework of environmental and community service.
We provide a program completion payment of $500 for the youth participants. We also need adult supervisors for the program. Supervisors receive a payment of $1,500 for the three weeks.
Find more information and application on our web http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/parks/ycc.htm . ---- Gaston Rouse, Public Relations and Development Coordinator, State Parks of Northern Virginia
(Bob Meadows)
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Outdoor Adventure
- Mountain Hike to Hensley Settlement - Southwest 4-H Center is planning an overnight backpack trip to the Hensley Settlement in Lee County, September 16 - 18. Contact me (bfox@vsu.edu. 804-524-5848) for more information.
(Barry Fox)
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Aquatic Sciences
- 4-H Marine Camp
Jamestown 4-H Center, August 19 - 21 for youth ages 11 - 14 and their families. Contact Sue Vezeau (svezeau@vt.edy, 757-253-4931) or Barry Fox (bfox@vsu.edu, 804-524-5848) for more details. (Barry Fox)
- What Do You Know About Water Quality?
is a "jeopardy-style" Power Point Educational program that helps participants understand the important processes, measures and issues dealing with water quality. Designed for grades 6 - 12. Send a blank CD to me with return address.
(Barry Fox)
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Forestry
- 4-H Tree Planting Project Leaders Guide
A new 4-H leaders guide for tree planting projects is in draft form and available for pilot. It includes several pages of ideas for using tree planting projects to teach Virginia Standards of Learning for math, science and history. Find the guide at http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/pineseed/leadersguide.pdf (Jeff Kirwan)
- State 4-H Forestry Judging Contest
Held on Virginia Tech campus June 4 and 5, beginning with lunch on Saturday and conclude with lunch on Sunday. Meals and lodging will be provided for teams who participate in their respective District Contest. Contact me at jkirwan@vt.edu for more details. (Jeff Kirwan)
- Holiday Lake Forestry Camp
June 20-25, 2005. If you have not done so already, please nominate a young person, age 13-16, for this outstanding educational program. Last year nearly 50% of campers were nominated by an Extension Agent or 4-H leader, or had participated in 4-H, and all received $100 scholarships. Application/ Information is also available on-line at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/coned/hol-lake-camp.shtml -- Applications are due April 22. (Jeff Kirwan)
- Remarkable Tree Search
A "Remarkable Tree Nomination Form" and "Guidelines for Organizing a Search" can be found at http://www.cnr.vt.edu/4h/remarkabletree/
(Jeffrey L. Kirwan, Ph.D.)
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Shooting Education
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Pulaski 4-H Teens Receive Grant
Pulaski County 4-H Teens In Action! is the proud recipient of a $500 grant from the New River Valley Master Gardener Association to fund Adopt A Spot project. In an effort to connect with their community and the environment, Pulaski County 4-H Teens In Action! has become involved in an Adopt A Spot. This project is designed to engage 4-H members in a "hands-on inquiry" horticulture project in their community. It will not only serve as a living laboratory for collecting data, and reporting results, it will also cultivate and nurture the teen's appreciation for community beautification. Pulaski County 4-H Teens In Action! Adopt A Spot is a triangular median area located in a dense, residentially developed area of Pulaski County, Virginia. The Adopt A Spot will be filled with annuals and perennials. Through the efforts of members, adults, the community, local horticulture, nursery, and greenhouse businesses, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, this will be accomplished. Specific objectives of this project are to: (1) teach members what is involved in the development of annual and perennial gardens; (2) teach members about a variety of annuals and perennials that will work best for their desired outcome; and (3) cultivate and nurture an appreciation for community beautification and giving back to the community.
(Chris Lichty)
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Virginia 4-H Foundation Local Units and Clubs 2005 Mini-Grant Program
Request for Application http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/minigrants.pdf Due Date: May 7, 2005
This year we will be awarding 60 minigrants to 4H clubs and units...please do not submit more than two from your unit as we will try to distribute them equally around the state....many thanks for all you do for 4H !!!! Also, if you have not submitted your evaluation form for the last year please do so.
(Cindy Barnett)
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On your plate!
Here's your opportunity to be in the driver's seat and help promote Virginia's oldest and most vital industry by putting agriculture on your plate. A new specialty license plate can now be ordered, a revenue sharing plate with a portion of the proceeds going to a special fund to help carry out the Agricultural Vitality Program in Virginia. The 2004 General Assembly authorized the creation of this new way to show your pride in our industry - now we need a minimum of 350 prepaid applications before the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue it. Excitement has been high, and we hope to have our new effort on the roads of the Commonwealth in record time. Go to http://www.vafb.com/conv/2004/news_agplate.htm to register for your plate.
(Bob Meadows)
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A Divine Appointment
A 4-H member has overcome obstacles to become a Special Olympic winner and to tell her story. Here is the press release from Special Olympics (Marcia Meador, Charles City county)
ÒShe was born for that moment.Ó How often do you hear that statement? This was said by Candace Kuhn, of her 12 year old daughter, Lily. The moment? Lily had just given a speech at a press conference in Washington, DC that brought tears to the eyes of everyone present. Lily was the guest of, Dr. Timothy P. Shriver, chairman and CEO of Special Olympics.
Lily's story begins before she was born. She was not expected to live through the pregnancy, but on December 29, 1992, six weeks premature, she was born weighing only 2 pounds. After she won the struggle to survive, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and left-sided hemiplegia, (paralysis of one side of the body). Both of Lily's ankles twist inward, and the fingers of her left hand are curled. But her parents never gave up on her. They instilled in her, that God is sovereign, and He makes no mistakes.
Her growing up years have not been easy, for anyone. Lily is a rambunctious, young girl, full of life who refuses to be held back by physical limitations. She told her mother one day she wanted to play sports, not just watch them on TV. In desperation, her mother went to the school's psychologist, who also happened to be a Special Olympic volunteer. The rest is history.
Lily began to train in the sport of Alpine Skiing. She has weekly, hour-long training sessions, as well as daily exercises to strengthen the muscles that have been affected by the cerebral palsy.
Her hard work paid off, and on February 27, 2004, Lily was chosen to represent Team USA in Alpine Skiing in Nagano, Japan at the Special Olympic World Games. Not only did she compete, but she won a gold medal and two silvers! This achievement has catapulted her into the limelight. In addition to her Washington D.C. press conference, she was also asked to speak at the closing ceremonies for the World Games in front of 17,000 people. In addition, on February 20, 2005, she was featured in USA Today. But through it all, she has remained humbled and focused.
If you have the opportunity to meet Lily and her twin sister, Grace (who is not affected by disabilities) it becomes immediately evident Lily has overcome a lot of obstacles in her life to get where she is today. But to Lily, a ÒdisabilityÓ is nothing more than a challenge to help her grow. Lily has made the choice to grow past her disabilities, and to do all that she can do with the life God has given her. She lives life with enthusiasm, and lives it to the fullest! But Lily isn't finished yet! She has more speaking engagements lined up for her when she gets back from Japan. She is anxious see what else this exciting journey of life holds for her.
Back to her speech, what made it a ÒDivine AppointmentÓ? Lily used a nation-wide press conference, as a platform to show others how to look past their challenges and believe that God makes no mistakes. She often quotes from Psalm 139:13,14 ÒGod formed my inward parts; He weaved me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to Him for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are His works and my soul knows it very well.Ó (For more information you can reach me at: KelliRLieder@aol.com or (804) 932-3967)
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2005 National 4-H Youth in Action/Community Tree Planting Grant
Funding Provided by Deft, Inc, Grants of $500-$1,750, Application Deadline: May 6, 2005
The 2005 National 4-H Council Youth in Action/Community Tree Planting Grant Program offers a limited number of youth grants in the amount of $500 to $1,750 to 4 H/Extension groups in local communities, in counties, and at the state level. This program provides opportunities for young people and adults to take action with ongoing community tree planting and/or reforestation projects or to stimulate new and creative youth-led projects. National 4-H Youth Grants put resources directly into the hands of youth, and they take the lead in the design of the project, the proposal writing process, implementation, and then evaluation.
The application can be found at http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/pGrntTreePlanting.aspx. Click on "2005 Tree Planting RFP" at the bottom of the page under ÒRelated LinksÓ to open or download the application. Completed applications are due on Friday, May 6, 2005. If you have any questions, email smiske@fourhcouncil.edu.
(Kathleen Jamison)
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Websites Of Interest
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Director's Letter
Calendar of Events