Happy New Year!!

I just wanted to take this 100th post for 2009 and wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year. A special thank you to all the 4-Hers, Club Leaders, Parents, Volunteers and Teachers and Staff that have made 2009 wonderful and I am looking forward to 2010. We had over 650 youth participate in more than 75 programs during 2009. It has been a wild and eventful year and we, all the staff at the Alleghany Extension Office, hope you have enjoyed the programs and opportunities that have been offered. We would love to have your input. If you have a suggestion for a program or just want to know more about 4-H, feel free to e-mail, call or stop by our office. Now is a great time to get involved in 4-H so if you have questions, please let us know.

Heres to a great 2010 and Happy 100th Birthday to NC 4-H!!!

Amy

"Is My Community Honey Bee-Friendly?"

It is time to start thinking about the Honey Bee Essay Contest. This year's topic is:

"Is My Community Honey Bee-Friendly?"

Earn $1 for every word you write. About two years ago, the national prize for first place was raised to $750!

Details and rules can be found at the link below. Please follow them precisely.

Essays are due to the Extension Office by February 1, 2010. For more information check out this link or contact me at 336-372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

2010 Volunteer Leaders Conference

“Go Green – We Did!!”

February 5-7, 2010

The 2010 NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Conference will be February 5-7, 2010, at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Conference Center in Research Triangle Park.

This is your opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars designed especially for 4-H volunteers and agents to create positive learning experiences for young people across the state. Annually, more than 350 conference participants gain skills and knowledge to help make the best better!

Pre-conference sessions will be offered on Friday, February 5. These three-hour sessions provide opportunities for intense topic investigation for focused learning. Regular conference registration opens Friday afternoon with the evening featuring an entertainment showcase and a service project.

Saturday features more than 40 offerings of workshops in either 90-minute or 60-minute settings. Everything from preparing healthy snacks to managing behavior, from leathercrafting to electric project work – there’s sure to be something for everyone! A tentative list of sessions is included for your review. We wrap up the conference on Sunday morning with brunch and a great speaker. It’s always a great training event!

For more information, full agenda and registration forms, please click HERE. For more information contact the Extension Office and ask for Amy at (336) 372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

Top 10 Reasons to do a Project Record Book

1)It's a great way to reflect on all the cool things you've done throughout the year!!
2)It's an easy and fun way to earn 4-H scholarship money to help you pay for camp and summer fun opportunities.
3) It's a great resource for when you get older. Helps you fill out college applications, job applications and resumes.
4) You will have a great sense of accomplishment.
5) Helps to improve your writing and record keeping skills.
6) Gives you time in the spotlight!!
7) You can win an award at district and state level.
8) It's something to share with your friends and family.
9) You can do them on any topic you choose. The possibilities are endless.
10) You may win a cash prize.

For more information on how to do a project record book contact your club leader or come by the Extension Office. I'll be glad to help.

You must be 9 years old by January 1, 2010 to compete at district and state levels but we encourage Cloverbuds (5-8) to compete at local level. Awards and recognition will be given to all age groups.

Project Record Books are due to the Extension Office by January 15th at 5:00 pm.

Forms can be accessed HERE or by contacting Amy or Michele at the Extension Office at (336) 372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu.

4-H Horse Bowl

Do you like horses? Want to learn more about them? Call Stacy Adams about becoming a member of the 4-H Horse Bowl team. You will learn about food and nutrition/ tack/ colors and markings/ riding and training techniques and much more!! HorseBowl participants will travel to Iredell County on January 30th to participate in the district competition. Open to any youth ages 9-19. You must be 9 years old by January 1, 2010 to particpate. You do not have to own a horse to participate. For more information contact Stacy at (336) 372-5164 or the Extension office at (336) 372-5597 and ask for Amy.

Citizenship Washington Focus Program Assistant

**Application Due Janaury 18th**

It's an experience you'll never forget. Get paid and live on the campus of the National 4-H Youth Conference Center while you spend some quality time in our nation's capital as a CWF program assistant. CWF program assistants ensure that CWF participants have fun and learn a lot during their stay here. They become licensed Washington, DC, tour guides and facilitate the program's educational workshops. Develop and enhance your leadership skills as you explore a variety of aspects of citizenship with Washington, DC, as the backdrop!

Applications are due January 18th!! Interviews are the end of January.

Applicants must:

• Have experience in leadership roles, public speaking, and presenting
• Be flexible and work well under pressure and with others
• Be at least 18 years old and no older than 25
• Have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with education beyond high school preferred. Courses in political science, communications, history, and education preferred
• Be a citizen of the United States
• Be able to read, write and speak the English language
• Pass a satisfactory background check
• Successfully complete the tour guide exam and meet the medical and physical requirements of DCRA

Employment available from May to August

Housing is provided

Form more information and application click here!

Application Deadline: January 18th (must be received in Washington by this date)

2010 NC State University Aquatic Sciences Day Camp

When: Saturday, March 27, 2010
Where: NC State University Campus
Online application must be submitted by January 15, 2010
Cost:$30.00, payable upon selection. Cost includes instruction, lunch and a t-shirt

Contact:Dr. Derek Aday, Department of Biology, NCSU at derek_aday@ncsu.edu

What:A day of fun and learning for high school students focused on activities and hands-on experience with aquatic ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, and aquatic animal health. Participating students will also explore career opportunities and degree options at NC State.

Target Audience:Accomplished, motivated high school students (preferably sophomores and juniors) interested in pursuing a career in aquatic ecology, fish biology, aquaculture, conservation biology, veterinary medicine, fisheries management, or a related field.

Benefits: This day camp will be taught by NC State University professors and graduate students actively engaged in research and teaching. NCSU boasts Top Five programs in both Fisheries and Veterinary Medicine. Participating students will receive hands-on experience and training that will help identify career paths, make contacts in the scientific community, and build credentials for a future application to NC State.

Application Process: Deserving students should be nominated by a high school science teacher (one student per teacher).

If you are interested in attending, please contact the Extension Office at 336-372-5597 for more information.

North Carolina 4-H International Exchange

Would you like to learn about people in other countries, travel to Japan, Costa Rica, Australia or Norway, host an Exchange student from Japan, or one of the Newly Independent States such as Russia or Ukraine, or just learn more about the world? North Carolina 4-H offers you that opportunity through the 4-H International Exchange Program. For more information and forms click HERE or contact the Extension Office at 336-372-5597. Deadline for Outbound Exchange Opportunities is January 15, 2010.

Minimum ages for travel:
13 to Japan
15 to Costa Rica
16 to Australia
17 to Norway

You must be the specified age by date of travel!!

December Clover News

The December Clover News is now available. Click here to find out all the great things going on. Happy Holidays!!

Gingerbread House Workshop

Join us for a sweet time and build your very own graham cracker gingerbread house to take home. Snacks will be served. You must pre-register for this event.

Who: Youth ages 8 and up
When: Tuesday, December 22nd,
10 am to 12 pm
Cost: $12 (some scholarships may be available)
Where: Alleghany Office Building, 2nd Floor Conference
Room
Registration Deadline: December 16th