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

4-H Family House Fire

A Greensboro 4-H Family lost everything in a house fire on Sunday, November 22. Below is an excerpt from the newspaper about the tragedy.

Please keep this 4-H family in your thoughts as they go through the re-building their lives and their home. Carolyn Ivey, Guilford County 4-H leader, is coordinating collecting items for this family. Carolyn Ivey, iveycm@aol.com, 5118 Smith Dairy Road, Gibsonville NC 27249.

The Kline Family needs everything. If you would like to send a monetary donation, please make checks payable to Northeast McLeansville 4-H Club and send to address above in care of: Carolyn Ivey. If you would like to donate household or personal items, they may be dropped off at the Guilford County Extension Office, 3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro.

Please contact Pam Marshall, Shannon Wiley, or Peggie Lewis at
336.375.5876 for drop off arrangements.
Thank You for your Kindness in this time of need!
Peggie


Fire destroys home, kills family's pets By Angela Evans

An Elon family was at church in Greensboro on Sunday when a fire destroyed their home in Elon. The family returned to find their home and its contents destroyed, and family pets killed by fire. Jonathan Kline, 37, of 998 Milesville Road, told Fire Marshal Vernon Massengill that he and his family left home about 9:30 a.m. to go to church in Greensboro.

The fire was reported about 2:40 p.m., and neighbors later contacted Kline.
Kline told The Messenger that neighbors said the fire consumed his house in just 15 minutes. "The firefighters did a great job putting it out," Kline said. "It's just unfortunate that it's an old house and once it hits those timbers, it's going to burn quickly." Kline, who has been living in the home just over two years with his wife Heather, 34, son Jacob, 9, and daughter Sarah, 11, said the wood-frame structure was nearly 100 years old.
The family of four lost their 12-year-old house cat in the fire, along with their son Jacob's goldfish and 51 chicks

The Caswell County Sheriff's Office contacted the American Red Cross to assist the family, who are staying at Days Inn in Yanceyville until they make other arrangements.

The Klines are in need of clothing and shoes, and wear the following sizes:

Jacob, clothing size 10, shoe size 3

Sarah, clothing size 12, womens shoes size 5

Jonathan, medium shirt, 32 waist, shoe size 11

Heather, clothing size 10, shoe size 7

"I want to thank the community for their help during this difficult time," Kline said.



If you have items you would like to donate we will collect them at the Alleghany County Office through Wednesday, December 16th and deliver them. For more information contact Amy 336-372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

Holiday Safety Leads to a “Greener” Season

This holiday season, make small changes that will increase your home’s safety, lower your utility bills, and conserve energy. You will be creating a safer home while saving money on your energy bills and you will be helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s
E-Conservation Program has many energy saving suggestions to help North Carolina consumers reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency in the home.

LED Lighting:

LEDs are Safer:
Unlike traditional incandescent Christmas lights, LED lights do not get hot – a big plus if you will be using them on a real tree; and beneficial for any use. Because LED holiday lights are cool to the touch, replacing your old strings of 7-watt bulbs with LED lights can decrease the chances of home fires.

LEDs are More Energy Efficient:
LEDs use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights, saving you money on your holiday utility bills, and reducing your impact on the environment.

LEDs Last Longer:
LED lights last up to 100,000 hours. Assuming you use your Christmas lights five hours a day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, that’s only 200 hours of use each year! How’s that for long-lasting?

LEDs are More Durable:
Since LEDs use light emitting diodes (not incandescence) to produce light, there are no filaments to have burn out; and thus, no bulbs to replace. Just plug in your Christmas lights, and they’re ready for use. Also, since the bulbs are plastic, rather than glass, there’s less chance of breaking lights while you’re stringing them up, and less time spent fussing over how they’re packed up after the holidays. Just toss them in a box, and forget about them until next year.

LEDs Come in a Variety of Styles:
Big bulbs, small bulbs, colored bulbs, white bulbs—LED Christmas lights come in a wide variety of styles – so there’s truly something for everyone. You can even find snowflake-shaped lights, rope lights and net lights.

LEDs are Inexpensive:Strands of indoor/outdoor lights can be purchased from big-box retailers for as little as $9.99 a strand.


For more energy saving tips, go to E-Conservation.net. The E-Conservation Program was created to inform and educate North Carolina consumers about ways to both reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency in the home. This project is designed to reach and teach consumers to be proactive in reducing their home energy consumption and in saving money through no-and low-cost energy efficiency measures, behavioral changes and home retrofits.

Military Extension Internship

A new initiative and partnership between the Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Defense has provided the funding for a national, military childcare/youth development internship program. Through this initiative, students and recent graduates will have the opportunity to develop professional skills in childcare and youth development through practical work experience with military children, youth, and families. Interns’ compensation will include travel to and from the internship site and housing for the duration of the placement. Interns will be placed on military installations across the United States.

The Military Extension Internship Program will continue to accept applications for its inaugural term through December 7th for placements beginning January 11, 2010. More information and application materials can be found at www.extension.purdue.edu/military, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Application materials for Summer 2010 internships will be available after December 21st.

Family Fun Volunteers Contest (Deadline: November 30)

Does your family volunteer together? FamilyFun wants to hear about what it is you do -- and why! Tell FamilyFun about your family's commitment to service and your family (or nominee) could win up to $5,000 to donate to the charity of your choice! With judging help from HandsOn Network, FamilyFun magazine and Disney are giving away four grand prizes of $5,000 and five first-place prizes of $500 to each winner's favorite charity. All families participating in the contest will receive a FamilyFun Volunteers' certificate. The contest ends November 30, 2009.

For more information check out this website.

The November Clover News is now available. Click here to find out all the new and exciting things going on. We apologize for the delay in getting out your mailed copy, we had some issues with postage. It is in the mail and you should be receiving it in the next couple of days. Be sure to pay attention to registration deadlines. If you have questions, please let us know at 336-372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

Pumpkins Galore

Did you know that pumpkins are really a squash and some can grow to over 1000 pounds? Check out this special edition NEWSLETTER devoted entirely to bright orange treats growing in the fields. Find out facts about their life cycle and anatomy as well as some fun facts you may not have known. For more information on pumpkins or how you can grow your own, contact the Extension Service at 336-372-5597.

Military Appreciation Day & Veteran's Day Opportunities

Here are a few Veteran's Day Opportunities sent by J. Scott Enroughty Project Manager Extension Assistant/Military Programs.

Golden Corral's Appreciation Dinner

Golden Corral's 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide.

The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization.

To locate a Golden Corral near you, visit www.goldencorral.com/locator.


Belk Discount

Belk is having a grassroots events, which allows Local/Federal Goverment employees and Military families to receive a special 20% discount on October 27, 2009. This would be on all regular & sale priced merchandise with very limited exclusions. All Belk stores will be participating. We too at Belk, appreciate the efforts of our military and the sacrifices their families endure to make us safe here at home. We have stores in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV. For the discount coupon please click HERE.



Veterans Day offering at Applebees

On Wednesday Nov. 11 (Veterans Day), Applebee's will be offering all US
Veterans and active duty military personnel (including Reserves and
National Guard) a free entrée, including traditional sides, at all
domestic Applebee's restaurants. Military personnel can select from
one of six entrees:

7 Ounce Sirloin, Three Cheese Chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Fire
Pit Bacon Burger, Chicken Tenders Platter, and Oriental Chicken Salad.

For more information feel free to visit www.applebees.com and click on
"Veterans Day".

Leaders' Fall Day Reminder

Just a reminder that the deadline to register for the upcoming Leaders' Fall day is quickly approaching. The event will be held on November 14th in Rowan County from 9 am - 1 pm. This is a great time to get some ideas for your club or networking with other 4-H Volunteers. It is also a good opportunity to talk to others if you are interested in starting your own club. You do not have to be a current volunteer or club leader to attend. Please note the registration deadline has been moved to Wednesday, November 4th by 5 pm. You can register by calling the Extension Office at 336-372-5597.

Lunch and limited transportation will be provided. For more information, contact Amy at amy_lucas@ncsu.edu or by calling the Extension Office.

National 4-H Week (October 4-10)

Even though National 4-H week is almost over it's not too late to get involved with Alleghany 4-H

In Alleghany County there are more than 400 youth 4-H members and 50 volunteers involved in the 4-H program.

The fundamental 4-H ideal of practical, "learn by doing" experiences encourage youth to experiment, innovate and think independently. 4-H programs are offered through school-based, after-school and camp settings and within community clubs.

You can join the 4-H community today. To learn how to become a 4-H member or volunteer leader in Alleghany County, contact Amy Lucas, Extension Agent - 4-H Youth Development at the Alleghany Extension Office at (336) 372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu.

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of National 4-H Headquarters (USDA). The 4-H programs are implemented by the 106 Land Grant Universities adn the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at http://www.nc4h.org/.

Wilkes County Fair and Livestock Shows

The Wilkes County Fair is just around the corner. The fair will be held on October 13-17, 2009 at the Wilkes County Fairgrounds. For more information and directions check out the Wilkes County Fair WEBSITE.

Tuesday, October 13 - Beef and Meat

Goat Shows

6pm at the Livestock Barn

Entry Forms due by October 5th.

Thursday, October 15 Pet Show

5:30 pm Livestock Barn

For a full list of classes and registration forms click HERE.

West Central District 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Fall Day

**SAVE THE DATE

The upcoming Leaders' Fall day will be Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Rowan County Extension Center in Salisbury, North Carolina from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

This event is open to those who are current leaders or volunteers or to anyone interested in learning more about 4-H.

Cost: Free

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

The deadline to register is Friday, November 6th!

This year workshop topics include: What is ACE, Project Books from A to Z, Goat Basics, Woodworking, Friends of State Parks, Etiquette, Gifts by Nature and Sew Resourceful. For a detailed agenda, please click HERE.

Transportation will be provided, at no charge, to the first five registrants. For more information or to register contact the Extension Office at (336) 372-5597 or e-mail amy_lucas@ncsu.edu.

4-H Zooms into National 4-H Week

National 4-H Week will take off with a speedy start on October 4th, as the 4-H emblem makes its debut appearance in a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The well-known national icon will be featured on the 'TV panel' of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon at Kansas Speedway that day. The placement of the 4-H clover on the No. 24 Chevrolet was made possible through a generous donation by DuPont, sponsor of both the No. 24 team and of 4-H.

National 4-H Week is an annual celebration for the 100-year old youth development organization. The highlight of the week includes the highly anticipated, 4-H National Youth Science Day, which brings together millions of youth to participate in the National Science Experiment. This year's experiment, Biofuel Blast, will introduce youth to alternative energy. DuPont is a premier sponsor of 4-H National Youth Science Day and the Biofuel Blast National Science Experiment.

"The appearance of the 4-H emblem on Jeff Gordon's car in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup is a wonderful salute to 4-H by DuPont, and an amazing way for us to begin National 4-H Week," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council. "Now, millions of current 4-H'ers, 4-H alumni and racing fans alike can watch with excitement as the clover takes to the track for the first time."

The Kansas event is the third in the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, and the 1.5-mile track is the site of two of Gordon's 82 career victories in NASCAR's premier division.

"4-H has been a leader among youth development organizations, enriching the lives of millions of young people for more than100 years," said Gordon. "It is an honor to have such an iconic emblem featured on the DuPont Chevrolet and to provide such an exciting way to help the nation kick-off National 4-H Week."

4-H National Youth Science Day was created to spark an early youth interest in science education and to combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science in college and future careers. Participants in this year's National Science Experiment will learn how cellulose and sugars in plants - such as corn, switchgrass, sorghum and algae - can be converted into fuel, and how alternative energies can be used in their own communities. Youth will create their own biofuel through Biofuel Blast, lead discussions about what they've learned, and see how their small creations are a part of a larger, global discussion.

"Research into biofuels and bio-based materials is an important area for our company, and we are proud to sponsor 4-H in their extraordinary effort to help young people understand one of the most important issues facing our nation today," said James C. Borel, group vice president, DuPont Agriculture.

Currently, more than five million youth across the nation take part in 4-H science, engineering and technology (SET) year-long programming that introduce youth to new areas of interest and help them explore environmental and scientific issues. 4-H SET programming span from robotics, rocketry, and computer science, to agricultural science, GPS mapping and renewable energy.

According to a longitudinal study by Tufts University, youth who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to get better grades in school, to seek out science classes, to see themselves going to college, and to contribute positively in their communities. In addition, 4-H youth have been shown to better resist peer pressure and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Glow in the Dark Party

Who: Youth ages 8—15
When: Friday, October 9—Saturday, October 10
Cost: $5
Where: Surry County Extension Office
Registration Deadline: September 30th

Don’t miss out on this exciting sleepover adventure as we make our way to Surry County for a glowing night of food, games, arts and crafts, entertainment, and a glow in the dark obstacle course all in celebration of National 4-H week (October 4th-10th).

Saturday morning we will be traveling to Fisher River Park to participate in the Big Sweep project.

We will meet at the Alleghany Extension Office at 5 pm on Friday and will return on Saturday around 12 pm. Snacks and breakfast will be provided. We encourage you to invite a friend even if they are not currently a 4-H'er. Space is limited so be sure to call now to register.

You will be given a suggested list of things to bring when you register.

For more information and to register contact the Extension Office at (336) 372-5597 or e-mail amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

West Central 4-H District Science Fair

When: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Where: Catawba Science Center

Deadline for entry: September 30, 2009

Set up begins at 8:00 am
Judging begins at 9:00 am
Entry Forms due by September 30th
Hands-on science workshops while you wait for judging!

PRIZES
Junior (9-13) and Senior (14-18): 1st—$75,
2nd place-$50, 3rd place-$25
Electric and Energy Junior and Senior:
1st-$100, 2nd place-$50, 3rd place-$25
Cloverbuds (5-8) may enter a project or science poster in a non competitive category

What is required at the science fair?
1) A tri-fold display, explaining the steps of your project
2) Some participants include visuals showing parts of their projects
3) A copy of your research paper is also optional
4) Be prepared to answer judges questions about your project

For more information on completing a science fair project visit: www.sciencebuddies.org

Entry forms can be found HERE or by contacting the
Extension Office. Need help finding a project or for more information contact Amy Lucas @ (336) 372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu.

September Clover News

The September Clover News is now available. Click here to find out all the new and exciting things going on.

Open Youth Horse Show

The second Open Youth Horse Show of 2009 will be held on Saturday, September 12th. The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. Click here for the Show Program which lists all the classes for the day.

The cost to participate in the show is $4 per class or $20 to show all day. Friday night (September 11th) there will be a show pre-registration as well as an open ring from 7 - 8:30 pm.

RUN WITH THE PACK WINNER

Congratulations to Kacey Caudill, an Alleghany County 4-H'er for being one of the selected winners in the Run with the Pack competition sponsored by North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives and NC 4-H. Kacey won three tickets to the upcoming NC State vs. Gardner Webb football game on September 19th as well as meals and a chance to go out on the field before the game. Congratulations Kacey!!

Youth Conservation Day

Cade Bullins Memorial

Youth Conservation Day

When: September 26, 2009 9am - 4pm

Where: W4 Farms in Dobson
Who: Youth ages 5-15

Come and enjoy this FREE family event and learn about fishing, hunting, sportsmanship safety, environmental education, and more at the Cade Bullins Memorial Youth Conservation Day.

Youth will rotate through stations and experience hands‐on learning focusing on things such as:
Station 1: Archery
Station 2: Fishing
Station 3: Fly Fishing
Station 4: Orienteering & Hiking Safety
Station 5: Shooting Range/Hunter Safety
Station 6: Turkey Education
Station 7: Side Demos

Side‐demonstrations include:
Bird Dog Demo
ATV Safety
Agency Informational Booths
Pre‐registration is required!
Deadline to register is Friday, September 4th.
For a detailed brochure, click here or call 336‐401‐8025.

RACE Games Clinic

Rowan Advisory Council for Equestrian (RACE) 4-H Clubs will host a games clinic that is open to youth and adults on Saturday, October 3 at Ellis Park Event Center, 2056 E. Ridge Rd. Salisbury, NC. Both ENGLISH and WESTERN riders are welcome to partcipate. Two sessions will be offered. The morning session will begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up by 12 p.m. and the afternoon session will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Bring your horse and learn how to safely compete in games. We will work on desenstizing horses to game obstacles while riders increase their knowledge and skills in the area of horse games. The cost is $5 per horse/rider and auditors are free. Space is limited to 8 horse/rider combinations per session. Registration is open to Rowan County 4-H members and their immediate family only until September 24. Any available spaces as of September 25 will be offered to the general public. Registration deadline is September 25. Please call 704-216-8970 to register.

See You at the Fair!!!

Just a reminder. The Alleghany County Fair is just one week away. It's time to be getting those entries ready. We want to see all your accomplishments over the past year in categories from artwork to vegetables. For a full list of categories, click here. Youth and Adults are allowed to enter. Entries will be taken in on Monday, August 24th from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm in the Black Building at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds. Be sure to enter your best work for a chance to win cash prizes. Entry form and rules can be found here.

Be sure to also check out our full list of events and activities going on all next week. There are livestock shows nightly beginning at 6pm. Click here for a full class list. All entry forms can be found here. Scroll down to the livestock section.

Don't forget, Kid's night is Thursday, August 27th. For more information on the upcoming events visit the Alleghany County Extension website or contact our office at (336) 372-5597.

Hope to see you at the Fair!!!

Farm Credit wants to know how you "Keep it Rural"

You could win up to $3000!!

The first-ever video contest that lets you show off your appreciation for all thing rural! It's the Keepin' It Rural video contest. Dig out your funniest, most inspiring, unusual, bizarre, amazing, or just plain weird farm or rural themed videos. Or, grab your video cameral and shoot some new videos.

Enter today at http://www.ikeepitrural.com/

Official rules for the contest can be found here.

We Are 4-H: The Musical on YouTube

In 1982, Mark Dearmon, Julie Landry and Dan Cook began the North Carolina 4-H Performing Arts Troupe (4-H PAT), a unique theatre program for teens age 12-19. The concept was simple -- to produce and stage an original musical with only six days of rehearsals. At the time, many people thought they were crazy. How could you possibly produce an original musical in six days -- with TEENAGERS? For ten years, this audacious concept gave hundreds of 4-H’ers the challenge of their lives and resulted in a number of remarkable productions. Some of our students have gone on to perform around the country on stage and on the air.

In 1991, the curtain came down on the Troupe and for years, 4-H’ers, leaders and agents have talked about “bringing back the Troupe.” With the arrival of the 4-H Centennial, the temptation was too great and a team of original Troupe leaders and students began plans for the Troupe’s return. The goal: to write and produce an original musical highlighting some of the 100 year history of 4-H in North Carolina. Four of our former students -- John Hood, David North, Tracy Fitch and Shelley Peterson -- have returned this year as adult leaders along with producer Mark Dearmon and artistic director Dan Mason.

The focus of the 4-H PAT is the production of an original musical written for the Troupe. 4-H’ers were selected through auditions and interviews in March. They had six days of rehearsals to learn all their lines, songs, dances, and blocking. The same time frame challenged the tech staff and students to build the set, hang the lights, design sound reinforcement and run the show.

The Troupe staff believes that if teens are given a challenge and an opportunity, they will rise to the occasion. The learn-by-doing approach taken by the Troupe gives them that challenge and opportunity. In the process, our students have a chance to work with talented theatre professionals from around the country to rehearse and stage their original production.We hope you enjoy the Troupe’s return.It is the product of long hours of hard work and dedication by our students, their parents and our staff.

This past week musical numbers from We Are 4-H: The Musical on YouTube so they can be shared with others. We have added a page to the Troupe website (http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agcomm/4HTroupe/) that includes the links to each of the videos. The website also includes a page of select photos from the production and an order form for the Troupe's performance on DVD.

4-H Camps get much deserved recognition

In addition to traditional 4-H camp sessions, we conduct a variety of specialty camps each summer. Two of those camps were featured by local TV stations. Thought you would like to see the coverage on one of our /Operation Purple Camps /(at Swannanoa) and /Take Off 4-Health Camp/ at the Eastern 4-H Center. We are justly proud of all of our camps. It is gratifying to see two of them featured in such a positive way by area media.
Enjoy:
http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/wlos_vid_695.shtml (look for Operation Purple)
http://www.wnct.com/nct/news/local/article/take_off_for_health_camp_in_its_second_week/46680/

Larry Hancock

Extension 4-H Specialist

State Photography Winner

Photo by: Kacey Caudill

Each year, NC 4-H has a statewide photography contest sponsored by the North Carolina Agricultural Communicators Network. The purpose of this exhibition is to provide a showcase of 4-H members' photographic accomplishments. The exhibit is unveiled at 4-H Congress in Raleigh, NC each summer. The winning photos are then displayed at selected meetings and events throughout the year until the next Congress. For the second year in a row, Alleghany County 4-H is excited to announce that we have another state winner.

Congratulations goes to Kacey Caudill, daughter of Lori Hirschy of Sparta. Her picture entitled "Passing It Down" won third place in the 4-H Centennial category. The judges were impressed with the amount of thought and organization that went into the photo as well as the composition.

Kacey was chosen from over 180 entries from 40 counties in North Carolina.

Congratulations Kacey, on all your hard work.

All winning entries can be seen online at the Photography website.

Calling all Chefs!!!

As part of our Centennial Celebration, NC 4-H is creating a Centennial Cookbook celebrating 100 Year of Blue Ribbon Recipes. We need your help!! The goal is to have 4 recipes from each county submitted. If you have a recipe you would like to see published please click here for complete rules and guidelines. Recipes are due by September 1. Be sure to share your personal story about 4-H too. If you have any questions, you can contact the extension office @ 336-372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

North Carolina’s 4-H Centennial Cookbook Cover Contest

Are you creative? Do you love to use different art mediums to create a great visual image? Then this contest is for you!

North Carolina 4-H has been legendary as a program which helped girls and boys develop their foods and nutrition knowledge and skills. These same boys and girls became "Blue Ribbon 4-H’ers." 4-H members, volunteers, staff, donors, and friends are invited to participate in a creative contest to design the Cookbook Cover and/or the Category Pages within the Cookbook.

There are two different types of visual images requested:

I) 4-H youth are invited to participate in this unique Cookbook Cover contest to interpret the concept of Blue Ribbon 4-H youth creating Blue Ribbon 4-H Recipes for their families, the county fair, presentations, favorite foods contests, or muffin contests, etc.

II) 4-H youth are invited to create a page that can be utilized as a section divider for one of the recipe categories. The theme of 100 Years of 4-H Blue Ribbon Recipes should be incorporated within the graphic presentation while also focusing on the specific category chosen.
The cookbook categories are as follows:

Appetizers and Snacks, Beverages, Breads, Beef, Lamb, Pork, Dairy, Foods, Desserts, Egg Cookery, Main Dishes, Food Preservation, On the Grill, Poultry, Fish, Salads & Dressings, For a Crowd

For complete contest rules click here.

Deadline is August 15th so hurry and get your cover entries in.

RUN WITH THE PACK

Have you ever wanted to attend a NC State Football game and run on the field before the players come out? If so, this is your chance! North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and North Carolina 4-H are teaming up to give you the chance to RUN WITH THE PACK! Twelve North Carolina 4-H youth who have completed 3rd, 4th or 5th grade and are active in the 4-H program will be chosen for this incredible opportunity! First priority will be given to youth who participate in the 4-H Electric Presentation Program and those who receive power from North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.4-H’ers who are selected will run on the field prior to the September 19th NCSU Football game against Gardner Webb. Game time is at 6:00pm. Each 4-H’er who is selected will receive 3 tickets each to the football game as well as 3 meal tickets! If you are interested in this opportunity, please fill out the registration form found here.

Information is due no later than Wednesday, August 19th.

Volunteers Needed!!

Volunteers are needed (youth ages 13+ and adults) who will be willing to help prepare and serve food as well as assist with set-up at the upcoming Informal Gathering hosted by Winterhawk, Kicking Deer, the Sesquicentennial Committee and the Town of Sparta. This event will be on August 15, 2009 at Crouse Park in Sparta. Come out for a exciting day of drumming, story telling, singing, dancing and much more. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 372-4107. More information can be found at http://www.ac150.com/.

Be part of the National Soil Project at Northeastern University!

You can help the National Soil Research Project at Northeastern University, Boston, where students are measuring the humic (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) contents of the nation’s agricultural top soils. HA and FA are vital organic components of healthy soils. They retain water, act as pH buffers, improve soil texture/porosity and regulate many other soil functions.

We’re concerned that our HAs and FAs are being destroyed over time, leading to poorer and poorer soils. Weak soils potentially can be re-built with HAs extracted from biomass and compost. To get a clear picture, HAs and FAs have to be analyzed apart from short-lived soil organic matter such as leaves and corn stover. The Northeastern University group has many years of experience in isolating and measuring HAs and FAs. Results to date on 150 samples indicate wide variation in soil HA and FA contents.

We need to double or even triple the number of samples to be analyzed. We can do that with your help! Your job will be to collect and mail a one-pound, dry soil sample to Northeastern University for analysis. Your mailing cost will be paid back if you ask.

If you would like to participate, contact g.davies@neu.edu for complete information. The Northeastern University team will publish the results and share them with you and your family on request. Your part in this great project will be something to be truly proud of!

Geoffrey Davies, Ph. D., D.Sc., FRSC
Matthews Distinguished University Professor Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5000
Web:<http://www.hagroup.neu.edu/>

Grayson Youth Livestock Show

When: August 15, 2009

Where: Elk Creek, VA

Deadline for Entry has been extended. For more information contact Kevin Spurlin at the Grayson Extension Department at 276-773-2729.

Entry form can be found here

Alleghany 4-H’er Inducted into Honor Club

An Alleghany County 4-H’er received one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve during the annual state 4-H Congress.

Congress is the high point of the 4-H year, bringing young people from across the state to the North Carolina State University campus and Raleigh for a week of activity. This year’s Congress was July 20-24 and included a celebration of 100 years of 4-H in North Carolina.

Cate Hall, 19, daughter of Bonnie C. and Al Hall of Sparta, was inducted into the 4-H Honor Club. Cate, a student at Wilkes Community College, has been active in the 4-H program for nine years.

New Honor Club members were tapped during a candlelight ceremony Monday night, July 20. Membership in the Honor Club is based on service to the 4-H program, leadership, moral standards, 4-H activities and project achievement. Less than one-half of 1 percent of North Carolina 4-H’ers are selected for membership each year. Members must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of three years 4-H experience.

Approximately 800 4-H’ers, volunteer leaders and North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents attended 4-H Congress.

The 4-H program is the youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State universities. More than 239,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 23,000 adult and youth volunteers.

For more information about 4-H in Alleghany and how you can get involved, please contact Amy Lucas at (336) 372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu.

4 H delegate attends annual Electric Congress

A delegate from Alleghany 4-H attended the annual 4-H Electric Congress, July 13-15 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Two hundred twenty 4-H'ers, adult leaders and Cooperative Extension Agents from 59 counties attended the three-day event. Since 1947, Progress Energy, Duke Energy and Dominion North Carolina Power have sponsored the annual congress to emphasize energy conservation and safe electricity use. The 4-H electric energy program is one of the most popular activities among Tar Heel 4-H'ers. The 4-H program is conducted by North Carolina Cooperative Extension at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State Universities. More than 239,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 23,000 adult and youth volunteers. Pictured from left are Amy Lucas, 4-H Agent - Alleghany County, James Hall, 15, son of Al and Bonnie Hall of Sparta and Wayne Huddleston, business relations manager, agricultural market, Duke Energy.

Open Youth Horse Show

The first Open Youth Horse Show of 2009 will be held on Saturday, July 25th. The gates will open at 7:30 a.m. and Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. Click here for the Show Program which lists all the classes for the day. The cost to participate in the show is $3 per class or $15 to show all day. Friday night (July 24th) there will be a show pre-registration as well as an open ring from 7 - 8:30 pm.