September 1999 In This Issue... The 4-H Meeting (Where the Action Is!) NATIONAL 4-H WEEK In-school and School Enrichment Curriculum: Agreement Between 4-H And FFA Southern Regional 4-H Leader Forum VA 4-H Foundation Award Nominations Due National 4-H Camping Institute V Curriculum Update 2000 4-H Competition Categories Overview of 4-H Share the Fun "Beginning of Life" 4-H Project Virginia Poultry Federation Youth Convention and State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest Dates set for 2000 National 4-H Habitat Evaluation Virginia 4-H Forestry Judging Team Competes At National Contest FORSite Project for Middle Schools 4-H Big Tree Project History of 4-H Centers Attachments... Southern Regional 4-H Leaders Forum Registration Form and Health Information Sheet State Adult 4-H Volunteer Leader Association Fall Conference Information VAA4H Volunteer Leader Conference Registration Form VAA4H Unit Representatives Duties and Representatives Form VAA4H Officers' Duties and Nomination Form STATE COMPETITION CATEGORIES VA 4-H Alumni Recognition Program and Form THE VIRGINIA 4-H DIAMOND LEADERSHIP AWARD PARTNER-IN-4-H AWARD IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE "BEGINNING OF LIFE" 4-H PROJECT 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 Faculty Advisor: D. Brian Calhoun 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 John E. Dooley Associate Director 4-H & Family & Consumer Sciences

The 4-H Meeting (Where the Action Is!)

4-H meetings are important. They provide members with a group experience. They learn how to interact and make decisions within a group. Remember that 4-H is about teaching life skills. As adults, we know how important working with groups can be. Most decisions in our communities are accomplished through groups. Consider the power of groups like the school board, fair board, city council and civic organizations in your communities. 4-H meetings prepare our youth to be effective as adults.

4-H meetings provide an opportunity for members to learn to work together and make contributions to a group. 4-H clubs offer a chance for 4-H members to belong to a meaningful organization.

In 4-H, youth learn how to set individual and group goals. They learn not only the power of setting goals for themselves., but how to accomplish goals.

And finally, meetings provide leadership experiences for the kids. They learn how to serve on committees and be club officers. How many of us belong to groups where we wished the officers had been 4-H members?

There is no one right way to "do" a meeting. Most important of all is that the 4-H meeting should reflect the goals and wishes of the 4-H members, leaders and parents. Be creative, be flexible and have fun. Organizational leaders should provide guidance, maintain order and try to involve 4-H members. A well manage club will allow 4-H members to grow, learn and discover something new about themselves.

A guideline to follow is to provide 40-60 minutes for programs, such as a presentations and special activities. Business meetings should last no longer than 15-20 minutes with similar time period for recreation.

Another thing to keep in mind is to provide time during the meeting for celebration. Celebrate accomplishing goals or completion of a community project. Recognize members for wining an award or accomplishing their goals.

Remember that youth involvement in planning and conducting the meeting is very important. Be flexible, not every meeting has to include all three parts or the suggested time frame.

(Kansas Journal)

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NATIONAL 4-H WEEK

In celebration of National 4-H Week, Virginia 4-H members are encouraged to work together on environmental stewardship projects in their communities, parks, and schools. Check the 4-H Intranet site http://www.ext.vt.edu/vce/specialty/4h/4hweek99/4hweek99.html for more information and ideas. Information packets will be sent to all unit offices in the next few weeks. Media packets will also be mailed to local tv, radio and newspaper offices.

(John Dooley)

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In-school and School Enrichment Curriculum:

(Beth Atkins)

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Agreement Between 4-H And FFA

The National offices of 4-H and FFA have agreed on the following national policy, in the interest of consistency between events and between organizations in eligibility for national competition.

Participation by the same individual in both a National 4-H and a National FAA competitive event in the same year may occur only when the following is accomplished.

4-H: Participation in a National 4-H-competivie event will require that all youth participating be a "bona fide" current 4-H participant and must qualify for the national event through an approved state competition or selection process conducted or sanctioned by the representative organization.

FFA: Participation in a National FFA Career Development event will require that all youth participating in a "bona fide" member of an FFA chapter and must qualify for the national event through an approved state competing conducted or sanctioned by the representative organization."

(John Dooley)

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Southern Regional 4-H Leader Forum

Mr. Van Houser, a noted author, will be the keynote speaker. His message, on Saying "NO"... to destructive influences begins with saying "YES" to Life...Your Life" will truly be informative. Gene McFall will be the opening speaker in , "The Witty World of Will Rogers." The J.C. Penney Company sponsors the Forum. The cost for the Forum this year is $145.00. Participants are also encouraged to bring trading souvenirs which are popular past times for participants. Small trade items representative of your state are encouraged for trading. Dress is casual except for the closing banquet on Sunday, which is dress. Comfortable shoes are a must. October weather is mild in Georgia. Midday temperature is 50's and 60's with cool nights in the 40's and 50's.

Attached is a Registration Form and Health Information Sheet. Please have your interested volunteers and/or salaried staff complete both forms and enclose a check for $145 for each participant, made payable to the Virginia 4-H Foundation and return all to me by September 20, 1999.

(Richard Booker)

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VA 4-H Foundation Award Nominations Due

• 4-H Alumni Award - The Virginia 4-H Foundation recognizes the importance of Alumni to the local, state and national 4-H organizations. Please complete attached National 4-H Alumni Nomination (form 10) and a letter attachment explaining contributions.

• Partner in 4-H Award - This award was established to recognize business/industry, organizations/associations, governmental agencies/units and other institutions who have worked closely with Cooperative Extension in supporting the Virginia 4-H Program. Please complete the attached Partner-in-4-H nomination form.

• 4-H Diamond Leadership Award - The highest and most prestigious award presented by the 4-H Foundation, this award recognizes impeccable long term service and leadership to the Virginia 4-H. It is designed to recognize truly outstanding thinking, service, leadership and stewardship to the Virginia 4-H program.

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National 4-H Camping Institute V

The fifth annual NCI is scheduled at Airfield 4-H Educational Center for Wednesday - Sunday, February 16-20, 2000 with the purpose of bringing the best and brightest Ideas on Camping to one location. Adult 4-H professionals, camping enthusiasts, and camping volunteers will be involved in enhancing the 4-H camping program through hands-on workshops, special presentations, and involvement of small and total group processing.

Some 55 workshops will be featured at NCI V, and numerous poster sessions will add to the learning experience. Three featured speakers have been secured to highlight this learning experience: Silvana Clark, Cricket Snearing, and Larry Swenson.

• Silvana Clark is a full time speaker, writer and presenter. You will leave her presentations feeling inspired, educated and thoroughly entertained.
• Cricket Snearing is the Administrative Director at Sesame/Rockwood Daycamps in Blue Bell, PA. Her fun and practical ideas will add zip, zing and fun to your camp programs. She has 101 uses for someone else's leftovers.
• Larry Swenson is the founder and president of Noel International Training Consulting. He has 25 years of experience working with youth and adults in leadership development, teaching, and marketing. You will have fun playing and singing with Larry even if you are "musically challenged".

Early bird registration is due by December 1, 1999. The cost for early bird is $225 per person, which includes all costs except the offsite learning adventures and one meal associated with this event. Registration brochures were attached to copies of this letter mailed to unit offices. Partial scholarships will be provided for agents and volunteers wishing to attend this event. Further details will be included in the next State 4-H Information Newsletter, so be sure to watch for this.

(Bob Meadows)

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Curriculum Update

The "Guide to Virginia 4-H Projects and Curriculum" has been updated and each unit office will receive 2 copies. This guide is for "office use only" and is not available for distribution. It lists resources available for 4-H projects as well as resources for starting clubs, 4-H promotion, 4-H yearly calendar, 4-H roster... etc.

In both these publications you will see "group only" by some projects. "Group Only" projects include:

• projects where certification in training is required of the 4-H adult volunteer and or 4-H Agent
• project materials can only be secured through training and adult training manuals
• materials are designed for large groups only
• materials are available from 4HCCS. The State 4-H Office has supplied each unit with only one copy to be used as teaching materials.

(Beth Atkins)

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2000 4-H Competition Categories

• "Presentation Areas of Competition for Virginia 2000 4-H State Congress" A complete list of contests is attached.

• New Categories for the upcoming year include
  • G.O.O. (Great Outdoor Olympics) Rules and regulations will be distributed after September.
  • Photography Competition Allows participants to exhibit their photography skills. (See next article for details)

• Share the Fun Changes Due to confusion arising at Share the Fun competitions, the Communication and Expressive Arts Curriculum Committee proposed, and the Educational Design Team adopted, that the Category of Combination will be dropped with the following provision:

A participant may (for instance) choose to accompany him or herself as they compete in vocal or they may choose to sing as they compete in instrumental. Each participant must declare a category and once a participant has won that category (vocal, instrumental, drama, dance, or variety) that participant may not enter that category again.

(Beth Atkins)

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Overview of 4-H Share the Fun

1. Vocal (a singing presentation)

2. Instrumental (an instrumental presentation)

3. Dance

Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Acrobatic, Folk

4. Drama

Play or Scene from a Play, Monologue, Mime

5. Variety

Magic Acts, Standup Comics, Puppetry, Impressionists, Ventriloquism, Clowning, Juggling, Circus Acts, Tumbling/Gymnastics

Share the fun is one project in the 4-H Communications and Expressive Arts Curriculum component area. All youth 9-18 years of age may enroll in this project. Besides competition, 4-H'ers may also participate as technical staff members, show helpers, emcees, and in other related tasks, Share the Fun is an educational and enjoyable project that complements all other 4-H programs.

(Beth Atkins)

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"Beginning of Life" 4-H Project

Attached also is an address and information for obtaining fertile eggs for this project.

(Phil Clauer)

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Virginia Poultry Federation Youth Convention and State 4-H Poultry Judging Contest Dates set for 2000

(Phillip Clauer)

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National 4-H Habitat Evaluation

(Jeff Kirwan)

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Virginia 4-H Forestry Judging Team Competes At National Contest

The Virginia team consisted of David Bagley, Ben Harris, Peter Kirwan and Kate Smith, all of Montgomery County. Extension Agent Doug Harris, and Matthew Kirwan, a 4-H volunteer and past national winner, coached the team. Mrs. Drema Bagley chaperoned the team

The team was sponsored by the Skyline Soil and Water Conservation District and the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation.

At the invitational, youth compete for team and individual awards in tree identification, tree measurement, forest insect and disease identification, forest evaluation, and a forestry bowl..

(Jeff Kirwan)

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FORSite Project for Middle Schools

• an interactive web site that teaches life-science SOL's
• on-site presentations by students in the College of Natural Resources
• participation in 4-H forestry and wildlife programs

The program is best conducted during the fall semester while leaves are still on the trees. Students will start with tree identification/measurements, and report data over the web. Also, the program coincides with a class taught on campus during the fall semester. That is the only time presentations by College students can be arranged.

A description of the program, including relevant SOL's, is attached. Please share this with school-teachers and send us their e-mail address or have them contact us directly. Life Science is normally taught in the 7th grade. Extension Agents will receive copies of correspondence with schools.

Last year we piloted the project with schools in Chesterfield, Louisa, Montgomery and Nelson Counties.

(Jeff Kirwan)

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4-H Big Tree Project

(Jeff Kirwan)

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History of 4-H Centers

The very first District Club Short Course for 4-H members from the southeastern Virginia area was conducted on the fair grounds in Petersburg, July 18-23, 1921. A total of 52 campers were in attendance representing Amelia, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Mecklenburg, Norfolk, Surry, and Sussex counties.

The program focus was on gas engines, poultry, culling and judging, dairy feeding and judging, hog raising and judging, farm machinery, rope tying and splicing, and physical exercise. "Thursday... afternoon we had a delightful tour of historical points around Petersburg conducted by Capt. Bishop, a Confederate soldier, who gave very interesting lectures about the cemetery, Old Blandford Church, the Crater and other points of historical significance" (Agricultural ClubLetter/ 1921, August, p. 3).

Beginning in 1948, 4-H members in the southeast district began camping at a new 4-H camp facility in Virginia Beach, Camp Farrar (named for the first club agent hired in the state by T.O. Sandy). Youth continued to camp there until the conclusion of the 1973 season. In January 1974, the board of directors of this camp decided to close 4-H Camp Farrar and to develop a new 4-H educational center site near Wakefield, Virginia. "Following examination of an environmental study that substantiated such concerns as a small, fragile land area with a major highway on one side, sand dunes on another, and a densely inadequate water pressure; and the City of Virginia Beach not being able to extend sewer lines, the board decided that some other site should be considered" (College of the Fields, 1987, p. 184). Other problems included the fact that Camp Farrar could not be owned by 4-H, it was located in a highly populated area, only 35 acres could be leased, and there was opposition by the Virginia Beach Civic League for an established camp in this area (A Brief Review of the History of the Development of the Southeast 4-H Educational Center History, pp. 1-2).)

During the month of May 1976, visits were made to possible sites owned by Union Camp Company in Franklin, Virginia, for the purpose of locating a suitable replacement for Camp Farrar. Under the leadeship of the Southeast District 4-H Program Director, Mr. Wayne Garst, and other individuals, the Airfield property was visited on December 6, 1976. The final decision was made to build a new facility on this property and Union Camp deeded 210 acres to the Southeast 4-H Educational Center, Inc., in July 1977, for the purpose of a modern, year-round educational center that would serve both youth and adults. Groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 8, 1980, and on April 1, 1981, Union Camp Corporation donated an additional gift of 7.397 acres of land to the center. With the first camp, July 6-10, 1981, 102 campers were in attendance. A total of 623 campers were involved in 4-H camps at the center during that summer.

In 1985, the first program director for any of the six 4-H educational centers was employed by Virginia Tech to work at this center. Robert Meadows, present Extension Specialist, 4-H for Virginia CES, was hired.

By action of the board of directors in 1986, the name of Airfield 4-H Educational Center was also officially adopted, after the name of the 105-acre lake that is within the property boundaries. Airfield got its name not from any flying machine, but because of the fact that a constant current of air flows over the water. The lake, originally a mill- pond, was dammed in 1792 for the purpose of a gristmill.

This center can accommodate 208 campers per week, but has the capacity to expand this number in the event of two camps being conducted at the same time, to 300 bed spaces by utilizing the executive lodges that are located on the property. The 218 acre site serves the counties and cities of Accomack, Chesapeake, Dinwiddie, Greensville/ Emporia, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Northampton, Petersburg, Prince George, Southampton, Suffolk, Surry, Sussex, and Virginia Beach.

(Bob Meadows)

• A Brief Review of the History of the Development of the Southeast 4-H Educational Center History, pp. 1-2.
• Agricultural Club Letter, 1921, August, p. 3
• College of the Fields, 1987, p. 184.

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Examples of matter to be voted on:

• Election of Board of Members
• Amending bylaws
• Dissolution

Term of Office
Each Unit Representative must be able to serve a two-year term of office, being replaced or re-elected as desired by the unit.

Should circumstances require resignation before term of office expires, a thirty (30) day notice is desired. Letters of resignation should be written to the unit president or agent, also to the district and state presidents, or boards.

Qualifications:
Representative must be:

1. A member of the Incorporated Association of Virginia Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders (by indicating so on the 4-H Leader's Enrollment Card.)

2. Willing and able to attend the meetings of the Incorporated Association of Virginia Adult 4-H Volunteer Leaders. (Able being defined as: having time to give; financially able, and means of transportation)

3. An active 4-H Volunteer Leader.

Other Desirable Characteristics:

1. Knowledgeable of goals, purposes and needs of unit 4-H volunteer leaders and extension agents.

2. Capable of communicating and working well with 4-H leaders, extension agents and others.

3. Open minded, understanding the viewpoint of others.

4. Willing to study all materials received; make written reports requested on time.

5. Capable and willing to function well as a group member.

6. Supportive of the Incorporated Association and understand its purposes and goals.

7. Willing to tell others about the Association, its goals, purposes and your reason for serving as a 4-H volunteer.

8. Willing to consider alternatives prior to making a decision.

9. Sincere about filling the role of Unit Representative.

The Unit 4-H Leaders Association President and the Unit Extension Agent shall:

1. Obtain a list of all unit adult 4-H volunteer leaders.

2. Notify all adult 4-H volunteer leaders of pending election of Unit Representatives.

3. Send copies of guidelines for selecting Unit Representatives to all unit adult 4-H volunteer leaders.

4. Call a meeting; set time and place.

5. At the meeting, discuss the guidelines.

6. Discuss qualifications of individuals adult 4-H volunteer leaders who could fill the position and who would be willing to serve.

7. Nominate and elect a representative.

8. Have the elected representative fill out, sign and send "Unit Representatives Form" to Extension Office, District and State Association Presidents.

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PRESIDENT
The President shall be responsible for all administrative functions of the Association, subject to the control of the Board of Directors.

VICE PRESIDENT
In the event of the President's inability or refusal to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President and when so acting shall have all powers and all the restrictions placed upon the President.

SECRETARY
The Secretary shall:

a. Keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors and the Assembly in one or more books provided for this purpose;

b. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws or as required by law;

c. Provide an up-to-date roster of Unit Representative and alternates, if any, to the office of the Registered Agent;

d. Be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the corporation and see that the seal of the corporation is affixed to all documents the execution of which on behalf of the corporation under its seal is duly authorized.

TREASURER
The Treasurer shall have:

a. Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Association;

b. Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the Association from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the Association in such banks the Board of Directors so designate and may delegate these responsibilities to other individuals as deemed necessary from time to time;

c. Be responsible for paying all bills approved by the Board of Directors of Advisors.

d. In general, perform all of the duties incident to the office of Treasurer.

PRESIDENT-ELECT
The President-Elect shall:

a. Study the operation of the Association in preparation for assumption of the Presidency;

b. Develop a plan-of-work for the following year to be approved by the Assembly before assumption of the Presidency.

HISTORIAN
The Historian shall keep complete records of all activities of the Association not required to be kept by the Secretary or Treasurer.

PARLIAMENTARIAN
The President shall appoint a Parliamentarian for the Annual Business Meeting, and at such other times (regular meetings, special meetings, and "called" meetings of the Board of Directors) as may be deemed necessary or appropriate.

REGISTRAR
The President shall appoint a Registrar with the Board of Director's approval. The appointed Registrar shall serve on the Board of Directors as a non-voting member. The Registrar shall design appropriate registration forms and procedures, receive registrations and fees, provide data for program accountability as required, be accountable to the Board of Directors for registration fees received, and supervise the management of a registration/information desk during State Conferences or Special Sessions and the depositing of registration fees.

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PRESENTATION AREAS OF COMPETITION FOR VIRGINIA 2000 4-H STATE CONGRESS

ANIMAL SCIENCE:

1. Dairy/Livestock
2. Pets
3. Horse
4. Horse Team Demonstration
5. Poultry
6. Egg Cookery

CAREERS AND ECONOMIC EDUCATION:

1. Careers
2. Entrepreneurship
3. Economic Education

CITIZENSHIP:

1. Citizenship

COMMUNCATIONS AND EXPRESSIVE ARTS:

1. Photography

ENVIRONMENTATION EDUCATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES:

1. Forestry
2. Wildlife
3. Angling Education
4. Outdoor Adventure
5. Shooting Education
6. Environmental Education

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES:

1. Personal Appearance
2. Consumer Resource Management
3. Child Care
4. Housing and Interiors

FOODS, NUTRITION AND HEALTH:

1. Farm to Table (Ag, Food Production, Consumer).
2. Outdoor Cookery
3. Food Safety and/or Food Preservation
4. Health and/or Human Nutrition
5. Fruits and Vegetables
6. Protein Foods
7. Grains
8. Beef Ambassador (National Qualifying Event)

LEADERSHIP:

1. Leadership

PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE:

1. Soil (Land Appreciation)
2. Soil and Plant Science
3. Horticulture

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. Science and Technology
2. Interactive Presentation
3. Science Fair Presentation and Display

OTHER COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNTIES BY FOR 1999 VIRGINIA 4-H CONGRESS

ANIMAL SCIENCE:

1. Dairy Bowl
2. Avian Bowl
3. Hippology
4. Meat ID and Evaluation
5. Chick'n que
6. Turkey que

COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPRESSIVE ARTS:

1. Public Speaking
2. Share the Fun

   a. Vocal

   b. Drama

   c. Instrumental

   d. Variety

   e. Dance

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES:

1. Fashion Review

   a. with portfolio

   b. constructed garment

   c. purchased garment

Consumerama ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

1. G.O.O. (Great Outdoor Olympics)

PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCE:

1. Land Judging

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Undoubtedly, one of the greatest qualities of the Virginia 4-H program is its alumni and their service to the Commonwealth. The Virginia 4-H experience has provided the Commonwealth with many outstanding leaders including former Governors Mills Godwin and Gerald Baliles, former Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, and Chief Justice Harry Carrico of the Supreme Court of Virginia. In every community throughout the state, 4-H alumni are fulfilling the 4-H pledge in making our communities, country, and world a better place through community service and leadership.

In grateful appreciation for this service and in recognition that the Virginia 4-H program is proud of its significant achievements in building leaders, the Virginia 4-H Foundation will sponsor and coordinate a 4-H Alumni Recognition program. The proposed program will offer recognition at the local, district, and state levels. Additionally, state winner will be submitted to the National 4-H Council the nominee for the National 4-H Alumni Award. (Details of the Recognition follows:)

LOCAL UNIT: Each local Extension unit will be encouraged to include the presentation of Alumni Awards at the annual county achievement program or appropriate forum. Nominations should be invited, received, and selected by the county 4-H Committee or similar group. The Virginia 4-H Foundation will provide certificates and alumni pins to unit winners (maximum of three per unit).

DISTRICT: Local units will be invited to submit nominations to the Virginia 4-H Foundation for consideration of six district winners (one per district). Nominations should be individuals who have received the local unit alumni award. The Foundation's Awards and Grants Committee will review nominations and submit its recommendations to the Board of Trustees for approval. District awards (plaques) will be presented to the four winners during State 4-H Congress in June.

STATE: Annually no more than two individuals will be recognized with the VIRGINIA 4-H ALUMNI AWARD. This prestigious award will be presented at the Foundation's Donor and Legislative Reception, which is held annually in Richmond. Individuals who have made significant contributions to the total 4-H program and/or have achieved professionally and have made enormous contributions to society may be nominated for at-large nominations. District and at-large nominations will be reviewed for the selection of the state award. Nomination deadline will be October 15.

District winners who are not selected to the state level are encouraged to resubmit applications for the following year's application process (with additional or new information).

NATIONAL: The winner(s) of the Virginia 4-H Alumni Award will be submitted to National 4-H Council in formal nomination to receive the National 4-H Alumni Award. If Virginia's nominee(s) are chosen among the eight national winners, the special presentation program will be created to honor the recipient during National 4-H Week. The Foundation Trustees will coordinate the details of the National Award presentation program. Past Virginia winners of the award should be included in the presentation.

Criteria: At all levels of the Alumni Recognition program, criteria for consideration should include:

• Nominee's participation as a 4-H member
• Nominee's citizenship and leadership abilities as given evidence by community service -- local, state, national
• Career Accomplishments -- local, state, national
• Continuing Commitment to 4-H and its ideals

Application:

• National 4-H Alumni Nomination (Form 10)
• Letter attachment explaining contributions

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The Virginia 4-H Diamond Leadership Award is the highest and most prestigious award presented by the Virginia 4-H Foundation. It recognizes impeccable long-term service and leadership to Virginia 4-H. It is designed to recognize truly outstanding thinking, service, leadership, and stewardship to the Virginia 4-H program. It is understood that the recipient has made highly significant contributions on the local, district, or state scenes in a variety of ways and with longevity.

No more than two such awards will be presented each year. The intent of the award is to recognize an individual(s), not organizations, corporations, or groups.

Nominations may be submitted by Extension professionals, volunteers, and trustees. Ten copies of the nomination should be sent to the Virginia 4-H Foundation, 115 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, by October 15. Any materials received after this date will not be considered.

GUIDELINES FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS
Generally, there are four common elements involved in the nomination:

1. Personal Information: Typewritten nomination document that clearly identifies the candidate; kept within 2-page space limitation; include black and white glossy or color photo of nominee(s). Personal data should include, but not necessarily limited to: full name of nominee(s); current address; telephone number; birth place and date; educational background-institutions, dates of attendance, degrees; family--spouse's name, names and ages of children.

2. Service to 4-H and the Community At-Large: Evidence of the nominee's unselfish service to 4-H at local, district, or state levels through the giving of time, talents, and personal finances; the nominee's fulfillment of the 4-H pledge "To Make the Best Better" through his/her involvement and participation in civic, community, state, regional, national, and international public service-related activities.

3. Leadership with 4-H and the Community At-Large: Evidence of the nominee's leadership qualities as exemplified by his/her achievements in providing visionary guidance to the 4-H program in the local, district, and state arenas; the ability of the nominee to inspire and empower people to become productive, self-directed citizens.

4. Citation Statement: Concise (no more than 60 words), well written, easy to read narrative summary that pulls everything together in proper perspective, and which makes the best possible presentation of the nominee(s).

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Purpose:
To recognize business/industry, organizations/associations, governmental agencies/units, and other institutions who have worked closely with Cooperative Extension in supporting the Virginia 4-H program. This special recognition is limited to those who provide sustained and significant contributions to the 4-H program.

Criteria:
Recipients will be selected on the basis of the following criteria.

PLEASE ADDRESS THESE ITEMS ON THE NOMINATION FORM.

1. Significance and quality of contribution - Scope and depth of service to the 4-H program and effectiveness in helping to meet the goals of 4-H.

2. Tenure - must represent continuing support over a number of years.

3. The Partner-in-4-H recognition is not to be awarded to employees of Virginia Cooperative Extension or units of VCE; to employees of 4-H Foundations and related 4-H associations, whether local, city, county, or state.

Certification:

• Nominations shall be submitted to the Virginia 4-H Foundation, 115 Hutcheson Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0419, by October 15.

• Recipients will be presented an attractive solid walnut plaque at the Virginia 4-H Foundation Trustee's Donor and Legislative Reception in February.

• The program will be administered by the Trustees of the Virginia 4-H Foundation in conjunction with the State 4-H office.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE "BEGINNING OF LIFE" 4-H PROJECT

1. Each year I budget a percentage of my time and travel for training teachers in the "Beginning of Life" Project. If your unit is looking to start this project or you just feel a good refresher training course in this project is necessary, contact me as soon as possible to arrange a possible training session.

2. The "Beginning of Life" curriculum has been revised with reference to SOLs and a new format. We have six lesson plans, more useful student activity sheets and suggested activities. The new material will be available on or around January 1, 2000.

3. A few important items which agents should consider in using the "Beginning of Life" project.
   • All teachers should receive training in running this project every 3-5 years. Do not assume that just because the teacher has enrolled in this program for 10 years that they understand the program. Some units, which have the most success in this project, require all teachers to go through a basic training every 3-5 years in order to participate at all.

   • The "Beginning of Life" project is a school enrichment project which can and should introduce large numbers of 4-H age youth to the 4-H and Extension program. Use this program to open the larger door of 4-H and extension to these youth. Agents who successfully recruit 4-Hers through this project incorporate the following:

     Handouts for youth enrolled to take home and explain other 4-H offerings

     At end of project 4-H recruitment night through use of birth (hatch) announcements

     Use of class time to introduce youth to 4-H through promotional videos

     At end of project, certificate and follow up letters inviting them to 4-H functions

4. Please pay very close attention to procedures in ordering eggs from Brickland Breeders. If you follow these procedures, every effort will be made to get the fertile eggs to you, intact and on time. Remember the following:

   a. Egg prices do not include transportation.

   b. Payment of eggs must be received before any eggs are delivered.

   c. Fill out the order request completely and send in at least 2 weeks before eggs are needed.

5. It is strongly suggested that the agent or volunteer project manager coordinates and combines egg orders for two reasons:

   a. Orders more than 150 dozen can be delivered at cost or one trip can be made for eggs instead of multiple trips

   b. By combining orders and only running the program once or twice a year, it is easier to manage the enrollment, distribution of materials and questions. There is also less duplication of effort and the cost of the program drops.

6. Every year it seems a problem occurs which should never happen. A teacher allowed chicks to go home with a student in their class. This is a blatant example of animal abuse and will not be tolerated. It is also illegal in Virginia to distribute or sell fowl less than 2 months of age. State law 3.1-796.70 states "No person shall sell, or offer for sale as pet or novelties, in quantities of less than six, any living baby chick, duckling or other fowl under two months old. Violation of this section shall be punishable upon conviction as a Class 3 misdemeanor."

   This is not a new law. I do not bring this to your attention to create unnecessary concern on the part of those using this program. Just make sure teachers get the chicks to the 4-H professional or appropriate home. If at all possible try to distribute to a good home in numbers of 6 or more.

   It is the responsibility of the 4-H agent, volunteer, or technician responsible for this program to insure that all the chicks are accounted for and given an appropriate home at the end of the project. I suggest every agent, technician, and/or teacher read pages 30 and 31 in the leader's manual (#408-029) and make every effort to insure the chicks are treated humanely.

7. Small numbers of fertile eggs are also available from VA Tech from time to time through Phillip Clauer at $6.25/flat. These are available on a first come-first serve basis.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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