A Blessed Holiday
The last month has brought much good news about the Virginia 4-H program. First, I want to congratulate and thank all of you for your part in increasing our 4-H enrollment this past year. Member enrollment jumped over 7 percent up from 116,419 to 124,850. This significant and important increase is a tribute to the wonderful work our agents and volunteers continue to perform across the state. The increase in enrolled adult leaders is even more impressive. Over 1,600 more adults were enrolled in 1997-98 (11,292) as compared to 1996-97 (9,659).
We are also thrilled with the recent announcement that Virginia will host the annual meeting of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in the year 2002. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many great strengths of the Virginia 4-H program, including the partnership we have between our volunteers and agents. Considering the fact that 2002 is recognized to be the centennial date of the beginning of 4-H, this annual meeting in Norfolk will be quite a party. Special thanks are due to all the members of VAE4HA who led this effort.
Finally, it is my sincere hope and wish that you and your family have a most joyous of holiday seasons. Take time to refresh yourself and reflect upon the many professional successes you enjoyed this year. What you do is very important and appreciated by many!
With the warmest of personal regards, I remain
John E. Dooley, Associate Director 4-H & Family & Consumer Science
4-H Membership on the Rise
1998 Virginia 4-H statistics show 124,850 4-H members and 11,292 volunteers participated in 4H clubs, school enrichment and special interest programs during the past year. See http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/facts98.html for more details of this yearís enrollment in comparison to past years . (Billie Cline).
Colleagues Honored At Recent NAE4-HA Conference--Louisville
Several of Virginia's 4-H staff were recognized at the recent NAE4-HA Conference in Louisville for outstanding achievement and service during the annual awards banquet that was conducted in their honor. Jinx Baney (Brunswick County) and Kris Jarvis Albermarle/ Charlottesville) were awarded with the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Brian Calhoun (Executive Director--Virginia 4-H Foundation and Extension Specialist, 4-H) was awarded the Achievement in Service Award (ASA). Those receiving their 25-Year Service Awards were Carolyn Bass (Roanoke), Lloyd Hicks (Henrico), John Tiggle (Franklin), and Joseph 'Skip' Todd (Chesterfield). Although not able to attend this year's event, Herb Pettway (Chesapeake), was also recognized for his 25-Year Service Award.. Congratulations to our colleagues for their outstanding accomplishments and service to Virginia 4-H. (Bob Meadows)Virginia 4-H Leaders Association Recognizes Outstanding Individuals
During the recent Fall Conference of the Virginia Association of Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders, special recognition was given to outstanding individuals who have made great contributions to 4-H.
Rogene Nester (Carroll County) was awarded the Ruby Award for 30 years of service with 4-H. She received a certificate along with a gold 4-H emblem with a ruby in the center.
Berline Brown, Extension 4-H Agent (Norfolk) was recognized as the Outstanding Extension Agent Working with Volunteer 4-H Leaders. She received a pewter bowl engraved with her name and award.
Jean Murphy (Petersburg) was recognized as the Outstanding 4-H Volunteer at the District Level. She received a pewter Jefferson Cup engraved with her name and award.
Congratulations to these outstanding individuals for their valued work with 4-H. (Bob Meadows)
4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team Competes In Louisville
Virginia's 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team competed in the 1998 Invitational 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest on November 6-7, at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Members of the team were Bryan Breeden, Jeff Heatwole, Eric Paulson, and Alex Welsh. All four youth were members of the Rockingham County 4-H Dairy Club. The team was selected at State 4-H Congress in June and was coached by Joe Liskey, a 4-H volunteer from Rockingham County, and Dave Winston.
The dairy quiz bowl contest consisted of a 50-question written test, a team collaboration phase, and a toss-up question phase. Questions covered a variety of dairy industry information including calf care, dairy products, herd health, milk marketing, milking management, nutrition, and reproduction. Twenty-two teams participated in the double-elimination tournament. Virginia won matches against Ohio and Tennessee, but was eventually eliminated by losses to Pennsylvania and Florida. New York won the contest with Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin ranked second, third, and fourth, respectively. Honorable mentions went to Pennsylvania and Washington. Congratulations to Virginia's 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team for representing the Commonwealth so well. (David R. Winston)
NAE4-HA Conference 1999 Call For Proposals
What a terrific national meeting we had in Louisville, KY the week of November 1-5. The Kentucky 4-H agents did an outstanding job of helping everyone to have a terrific conference with quality speakers, super lodging space, and excellent organization. We have big shoes to fill when we host the 2002 Conference in Norfolk, October 27-31.
The 1999 NAE4-HA Conference is
scheduled for October 24-28 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The theme for this event is "Forging Leadership For the 21st Century." Enclosed, please find a Call for Presentations Proposal for seminars, linked seminars, research and evaluation reports, or poster sessions. Proposals must be postmarked by January 15, 1999, or electronically submitted by 5:00 PM on that day. Why not submit, or link with one or more colleagues to submit, a proposal for one or more of these sessions??? Agents throughout the country could benefit from our experiences and expertise. I encourage you to seriously consider such an opportunity and submit a proposal by the deadline date. (Bob Meadows)Collegiate 4-H Club Host Weekend
The annual Collegiate 4-H Club Host Weekend is scheduled on the campus of Virginia Tech Thursday - Saturday, February 11-13, 1999. This annual event is for high school aged youth with participants staying in the rooms of Collegiate 4-H Club members and/or advisors. While on campus, youth are provided with educational opportunities, fun activities, a change to experience college classes, time to meet with peers from throughout the state, and many other exciting challenges.
Further information including full details as to costs, schedules, who to contact, and deadline dates will be sent in a mailing to each unit. Be sure to look for this and get your youth registered by the deadline date. The Collegiate 4-H members of Virginia Tech are planning for another super event.
(Bob Meadows)
REMINDER: CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR STATE 4-H/FCS IN-SERVICE
By now, each unit should have received the 1999 State In-Service information for 4-H/FCS, scheduled for January 25-28, 1999 on the campus of Virginia Tech. Be sure to submit a Call for Proposal for either a workshop, poster session, or both. We are looking for great ideas to share with 4-H and FCS faculty from throughout the Commonwealth.
Additionally, don't forget to bring along an idea for the Share Session, scheduled for Tuesday, January 26. Full details are explained in your information packet. (Bob Meadows) p>
Horse Team Demonstration Contest
This new contest area has been approved for competition at State Congress this year. Guidelines are attached.
(Larry Lawrence)
IFYE Deadline Approaching
Please recall that the deadline for applying to be a 1999 IFYE Ambassador or Representative is December 15. Encourage all 4-H Teens and alumni up to age 30 who you feel may benefit from this program to apply. This program provides a very special learning experience to those willing to immerse themselves in family life of another culture and get more than the typical touristís view of a country.
Additional information, promotional brochures, and application forms can be obtained from Dottie Ellis by calling 304-425-5060 or in the evening 540-688-5042
Thanks for your attention to this matter. (Dottie Ellis)
To Table of Contents...Scholarship Opportunity
The Virginia Association of Fairs is sponsoring a Leadership Scholarship Program with a contest for youth ages 14 to 19 as of January 1, 1999. The contest has 4 components: prepared public speaking, extemporaneous public speaking, application/ interview and problem solving. The contest is January 9,1999, during the annual convention of the Virginia Association of Fairs at the Williamsburg Lodge and is intended to recognize and encourage leadership capabilities of youth involved in the fair industry. There is a $6000 fund to support this program including a $2500 first prize! For more information and a set of rules for this contest, please contact me directly. There is a December 30 deadline for applications and a local member fair of the sponsoring association must support the young personís application.
Kelly J. Liddington
Extension Agent/Agriculture
Richmond County Extension Office
P.O. Box 152
Warsaw, VA 22572
804-333-3420
Donors are more likely to give if they have had volunteer experiences!
Four-H Days at Virginiaís State Capitol
4-H Day at the State Capitol, Wednesday, February 3, and 4-H Ambassador Day at the State Capitol, Wednesday, February 4 provide opportunities to tour the Governorís Mansion and State Capitol Buildings as well as meet with Legislators, House/Senate Representatives and Pages. This experience is designed to enhance knowledge of the governmental process and emphasis importance of involvement. More details are attached. Call me at 804-524-5965 if you have questions. (Rudy Powell)
4-H Educational Design Team
Attached are highlights from the October meeting.. The next meeting of this body is February 25. (Beth Atkins)
To Table of Contents...
NCI 4-H THROWS
As stated in the previous issue of this newsletter, the National 4-H Camping Institute 4-H Throws are available and ready to be sent to anyone wishing to purchase one or more. The price is $50.00 each, and they make excellent Christmas gifts for children, adults, friends, co-workers, and staff. Several individuals have purchased one or more for this very purpose.
To order yours, send a check or money order made to NCI, and send to the following address:
NCI
Bob Meadows
107 Hutcheson Hall
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Don't delay--order yours today!!! (Bob Meadows)
Buckeye Leadership Workshop
I just received a flyer on the 55th annual Buckeye Leadership Workshop scheduled for March 19-24, 1999 at Recreation Unlimited. Recreation Unlimited is a camping facility located in Delaware County, Ohio--about 30 miles north of Columbus.
Buckeye Leadership Workshop is for anyone interested in developing or improving leadership and recreational skills, regardless of race, color, gender, place of residence, national origin, or economic situation. Participants must be at least 16 years of age, or at least a sophomore in high school. The cost is $240 per participant, which includes meals, lodging, resource materials, and group photo. Session offerings include clogging, fiber weaving, games leadership, introduction to stained glass, quilted wall hangings, song leadership, storytelling, creative dramatics, recreational dance, team work and team play, wooden games, paper crafts, and more.
If you would like to attend, and are willing to find the monies to support your costs, please call my office for a brochure. Marvin Heimbach and Bryan Branch (Airfiled and Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center Program Directors) attended last year's event and can provide full information as to this event). Applications must be received by December 31, 1998. This event always has a waiting list, as folks are very quick to register.
(Bob Meadows)
Wildlife and Forestry Judging
Now is the traditional time to begin advertising 4-H wildife and forestry judging opportunities with youth. Please see the attached page which describes the two programs and lists the dates for 1999 events. I have found the best way to handle this program is to strongly encourage potential youth and coaches to attend one of the educational events, particularly the January overnight at Holiday Lake. This will build enthusiasm and youth will receive materials they need to begin practicing. After the event, I recommend teams start a once-a-week practice routine to the extent possible. This weekly practice routine keeps youth engaged and gives them plenty of room to cancel due to the inevitable scheduling conflicts.
Wildlife and forestry judging can become the cornerstone of a wildlife and forestry club. For more information on year-round activities, see the web page at: http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/forestry/forestry.html
For more information or help getting started, I recommend contacting Halifax Co. Extension Agent Jason Fisher or myself for forestry judging; and Jenny Mercer (Augusta) or Mike Clifford (Nottoway) for wildlife (Jeff Kirwan)National 4-H Congress Update
Nineteen Virginia 4-H members and three adults traveled to Atlanta for 1998 National 4-H Congress on Friday morning, November 27 for five days of fun and education Elwanda Luttrell--Volunteer Leader Frederick County, Charles Price, Extension Agent , Henry County and myself will accompany 4-Híers: Courtney Pfaff, Fauquier; Jincy Pace & Linda Lawson, Spotsylvania; Justin Watson, Henrico; Karl Sakas, Fairfax; Cary Atwood, Jeanette Reynolds, Billy Simmons, & Josh Hepner, Shenandoah; Adam Gravitt, Halifax; James Kirkpatrick, Bev Beasley, & Sarah Taylor, Patrick; Heidi Clark, Rockingham; Nancy Redd, Henry; Jennifer Belcher, Kathy & Starks; Bland; Anna Ruth Batman, Brunswick and Nina Townes, Mecklenburg. Points of interest during the week included: The Carter Presidential Library, the Martin Luther King Center, Centennial Olympic Park, Underground Atlanta, the Atlanta Zoo, the ballet at the Robert Ferst Performing Arts Center, CNN Center, and Sci-Trik Museum. In addition, Coca-Cola closed their doors to the general public one night for National 4-H Congress Youth were involved in an afternoon of community service projects benefiting local residents. In addition 4-Híers were involved in educational seminars ranging from leadership workshops to music, technology, food safety and a whole lot more. Speakers included: Scott Hollonbeck, Paralympic Gold Medalist; Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta; Nicole Johnson, Miss America (from VA); and Dan Clark, Motivational Speaker More information about 1998 National 4-H Congress can be found at the following website. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/events/DistEd/4hcong.html Ask these delegates to visit with your 4-Híers and encourage them to send resumes to be considered for 1999 National Congress. Resumes are due April 1. (Beth Atkins)Virginia History Of 4-H Camping
Having been conducted as separate short courses for Whites and African Americans throughout the years since their respective beginnings, the first short course conducted for youth of both races was conducted on the campus of Virginia Tech in 1966. During this venture, two presidents served--one White; one African American.
With the merger of both races, the name 'State 4-H Short Course' was used in 1966, but was changed the following year to 'State 4-H Congress,' the name used currently. State 4-H Congress has continued as an annual event to the present day, having celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1996. The rich history that Extension pioneers from each race has brought to play on the 4-H camping program, laid the foundations that has made Virginia a nationally recognized leader in the 4-H camping field today. No other state has the 4-H educational center concept, a 4-H educational center located in each of the six geographic regions of the Commonwealth, thus enabling youth from each county and city to camp at a 4-H center that is located close to home.
Today, African American and White youth participate together in 4-H camping programs conducted at the six 4-H educational centers. The diversity and strength of the 4-H camping program in the Commonwealth provides a quality educational experience for youth of all races. (Bob Meadows)
IFYE Reports from Norway
Attached is a letter from Karen Starks, our IFYE Representative in Norway. Karen reports on the autumn season in her host country, including moose hunting and end-of-year 4-H activities.
Anyone wishing to send letters or cards to Karen my contact her at:
Karen Starks, IFYE
Norske 4H
Hellerund/Postboks 113
N-2-13 Skjetten
Norway
Karen will be returning to Virginia about a week before Christmas. (Dottie Nelson)
Leadership Activity -- Towers
Try this at your club, project or committee meeting to help youth better understand working together and leadership.
Divide into groups. Each group should have at least 4 members, but no more than 9. Give each group 15 or more paper cups. Stress that this is a group activity and that everyone should be involved. Direct the groups to build the ìbestî tower or building and that they will be tested for sturdiness. While the groups are working together, the adults should observe how the members are interacting. After the activity, ask if everyone was included? Did everyone have a chance to share his or her ideas? How did each member of the group feel about the finished product? Etc...
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
| December | |
| 1 | All Star Nominations Due to District Offices |
| 2 | Summer 4-H Camp Staff Recruitment Day at Virginia State. This event is designed to provide an awareness of job opportunities for summer employment at the six 4-H educational centers for the 1997 summer 4-H camping season, and to recruit quality students for programming responsibilities. Bob Meadows |
| 4-5 | 4-H/FFA Dairy Management Workshop (Va Tech) (Dave Winston) |
| 4-6 | 4-H Leadership Follies (Holiday Lake 4-H Center (Janet Thaxton) |
| 11-13 | 4-H Christmas Camp (Holiday Lake 4-H Center (Terry Abston) |
| January | |
| 16-17 | Forestry & Wildlife Weekend (Holiday Lake 4-H Center(Mike Clifford) |
| 23-24 | Aerospace Weekend (Space Quest) (Airfield 4-H Center) (Marvin Heimbach/Joe Hoffenberger) |
| 25-28 | State 4-H Inservice Week (Place to be announced) For all Extension 4-H & FCS Agents and specialists. Specific training will be provided in the area of 4-H & FCS programming(Bob Meadows) |
| February | |
| 2 | BeeKeeping Essay due State 4-H Office, March 1 (Billie Cline) |
| 3 | Four-H Day at the State Capitol(Richmond) The purpose of this program is to expose 4-H members to state Government and to help expand youth horizons. 4-H'ers increase their knowledge by touring the Governor's Mansion; touring the Capitol; speaking with Delegate and Senate Pages and Legislative Assistants; and meeting new friends. For intermediate age 4-H members.(Rudy Powell) |
| 5-8 | Winter Cloverbud Weekend(Airfield 4-H Center) (Marvin Heimbach) |
| 6-7 | Shooting Education Work Weekend (Holiday Lake 4-H Center)(Richard Pulliam) |
| 5 | All Star Executive Committee Conference (Audrey Lee) |
| 5-7 | 4-H All Star Midyear Conference(Richmond) (Audrey Lee) |
| 9-10 | 4-H Cabinet Meeting, Richmond Dorothy Freeman |
