Thursday, December 31, 2009

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

Monday, December 28, 2009

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.

Friday, December 11, 2009

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)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

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