January Clover News

The January Clover News is now available.  Click HERE to view.

Comet Lovejoy travels through the Sun

Some very interesting things are taking place in space this week. The most recent is a comet that has plunged into the sun and survived to come out on the other side. The temperature in the corona of the sun can reach over 2 million degrees Fahrenheit so it was expected for the icy comet to simply disintegrate. NASA has taken some impressive video and there are some great links to follow.

Comet Lovejoy Survives Fiery Plunge through Sun

Comet Lovejoy survives 'death dive' into Sun's corona

4-H Honor Club

Membership in the North Carolina 4-H Honor Club is a great honor for 4-H’ers who have exhibited outstanding 4-H citizenship and leadership throughout their 4-H career. An Honor Club member continues to provide leadership and service to the total 4-H program throughout life.

In order to be eligible for membership, the applicant must have completed three or more years of 4-H club work and shall be at least 16 years of age and not more than 20 years of age on January 1 of the year of application.

Honor Club Applications are due to the Extension Office on January 25th. These must be signed by me before they can be forwarded onto the state office in Raleigh. For more information contact our office at 336-372-5597 or visit the NC 4-H website www.nc4h.org

Honor Club Application

WC District Lock-In

It's time again for the West Central District Lock-in. This year it will be January 13-14, 2012 in Caldwell County. The lock-in is open to youth ages 13 - 18 (must be 13 as of January 1, 2012).
Cost for the event is $15.

You must register by Wednesday, January 4th at 5 pm.
We will be leaving at 4:00 pm from the County Extension Office on January 13 and will return by 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 14th.

Please bring $10 for dinner on the way to the lock-in.

This will be a great time to meet new 4-Hers and participate in some fun workshops.

To register, contact the Extension Office at 372-5597.

Space is limited!!

Geminid Meteor Shower

Don't miss out on the last major meteor shower of 2011. Beginning tonight after 10 pm you should be able to see a great show. You have to pay attention because the meteors streak by at an amazingly fast rate. For more information on the Geminid Meteor Shower visit some of the links below.

Geminid Meteor Shower

Geminid Meteor Shower Defies Explanation (NASA)

Earth Sky

WREATHS FOR LUKE

Luke Hampton is a 17 year old Senior at Alleghany High School in Sparta, North Carolina. His parents are Randy and Benita Hampton. He broke his neck in a wrestling accident during a tournament on Saturday 12/3/11. He’s being transported to the Sheperd Spinal Trauma Facility in Atlanta, Georgia. In order to help the family with expenses some community members have joined together to sell Christmas wreaths.

Wreaths will be for sale for $10 and all proceeds will go to benefit Luke Hampton and family to cover expenses. You can also make donations at the State Employees Credit Union – account # 6100252 and is set up in Luke’s name. Wreaths will be available at the JV and Varsity Basketball games tonight and at the Wrestling tournament this Saturday 12/10 at AHS. Wreaths will also be for sale at 4 Brothers Country Junction, 21 Quick Stop, Glade Valley Country Store, CJ's Hardware and Alleghany Beauty Shop.

This community effort has been made possible by Mike & Julie Sprinkle, C. Grove Farms, Wishon Evergreens and more.

For more information contact Julie Sprinkle (336) 657-0563 , Brad Edwards (336) 200-1708 or Bill Nilo (336) 200-3411.

Holiday Craft Workshop

Cost: $8 ~ Ages: 8+
December 21st (9 – 12)
County Office Building
2nd floor conference room

Come join us for a morning of crafty fun. We will be making crafts for you to keep for yourself or give as gifts. We’ll also enjoy some festive snacks and holiday music. Register by contacting the office at 372-5597.

Registration Deadline is December 9th.

A Christmas Carol

Cost: $17

Ages: 8+

Limit: 6

Join us on Tuesday, December 20th as we travel to Barter Theater. We will follow the curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge on his ghost-guided look into his past, present and future intended to resurrect his long lost Christmas spirit.

We will leave the County Office Building at 12:30, so make sure you eat lunch before you come, and we will return at 6:30 pm.

Registration Deadline:  Friday December 9th

Clover News

The November Clover News is now available online.  Click here to view.

Crouse Park/Sparta Greenway Public Hearings

Please try to attend the Crouse Park/Sparta Greenway public hearings scheduled for October 25th at the Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation conference room, 1889 Hwy 21 South, Sparta, NC. This is an opportunity to hear from you about the proposed greenway and walk system that the Town of Sparta is working toward to provide fitness opportunity and improve the walkability of our town. There will be two morning meetings beginning at 10am and two afternoon meetings beginning at 5:30pm. The Comprehensive Greenway Master Plan will be presented at the first of both the morning and the evening meetings.

The Site Plan of Phase One will be presented at the second of both the morning and evening meetings. It is imperative for purposes of securing a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) Grant that we have a large turnout with lots of input from the public. We anticipate this proposed greenway and walk system will ultimately enhance the livability of our town and improve the health of our citizens.

4-H Science Fair

Who: Youth ages 9-18

What: 4-H Science Fair

Where: Catawba Science Center (Hickory)

When: January 7, 2012

Cost: $5

Deadline to Register: October 15, 2011

To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and occupations, the 4-H Science Fair ignites a spark of early youth interest in science and science careers. Currently, more than five million youth across the nation participate in 4-H science, engineering, technology and applied math year-long programming. Through the One Million New Scientists, One Million New Ideas campaign, 4-H is working toward a bold goal to engage one million new young people in science, engineering, technology and applied math programs by the year 2013.

Engaging youth in scientific exploration early on provides the necessary platform that they need to build a long-lasting interest in the field, and to make ongoing contributions to the sciences. Science is often an overwhelming and consequently overlooked subject for young people, but the 4-H Science Fair makes science exciting, accessible, and relevant. Youth will learn about science fair resources, how to construct a science fair exhibit and will be encouraged to continue their science exploration by applying what they’ve learned to their own science fair project.

Youth ages 9 to 18, parents and educators are invited to participate and compete in the 4th annual West Central District 4-H Science held on January 7, 2012 at the Catawba County Science Center in Hickory. Entry forms and a $5 registration fee are due by October 15, 2011. Prizes (1st place - $75, 2nd place - $50 and 3rd place - $25) will be awarded in three age divisions (9-10, 11-13 and 14-18) in four categories, life science, physical science, earth & environmental science and technology and engineering. 4-H Science Fair entry forms may be located at
http://lincoln.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=youth4h

Deep Fried at the State Fair

Check out this great story about our NC 4-H'ers. Below is the link on the ncagr.com website.

The 4-Her's are preparing for the upcoming State Fair

Deep Fried at the State Fair

Thanks to Shannon McCollum

Science Fair Workshop

You must register with the Extension Office by Wednesday 9/14 , 5 pm to attend the Science Fair Workshop. To register please call the office at (336) 372-5597 or e-mail amy_lucas@ncsu.edu. If you send and e-mail please include names and ages of participants.

NC State Fair

The NC State Fair is fast approaching and there are lots of opportunities that 4-H’ers can participate in at the State Fair.

http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/index.htm

You can view the premium book online at: http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/Competitions/HowToEnter.htm

For the Entry Deadlines - please refer to the Deadlines listed under each section. You must register online by September 23 this year. This is for everything so don’t miss this opportunity.

4-H Division IV - 4-H Competitions

http://www.ncstatefair.org/2011/Competitions/PremiumBook/2011DeptV.pdf

Please note that items must be brought to the State Fair – Educational Building by Monday NOON this year. This is a new time frame. We will be judging Tuesday October 11 beginning at 8:30 so we must have all items by NOON on Monday in order to organize them for judging. It would be very helpful for us if you can bring them as early as possible. We open on Wednesday October 5^th at 8:00 am. So please don’t wait til the last minute to bring them. We are even open on the weekend. Once we open on October 5^th – we stay open for entry drop off October 5 – October 10^th at NOON.

Listed are:

4-H Crafts

4-H Decorated Cakes

4-H Photography

4-H Entomology

4-H Hay Bale Decorating ( 1 per county)

September Clover News

The September edition of the Alleghany Clover News is now available.  Click here to view.


**Note - there is one correction - The 4-H Junior Day in Rowan County will be held on Sat. November 5th.  You must register by October 28th.**

Ashe 4-H Target Shooting Club

The next Ashe 4-H Target Shooting club meeting will be September 26th at the Wildlife Club in Laurel Springs at 6 pm.

The address for the club is 3250 Big Peak Creek Rd., Laurel Springs, NC.

Alleghany 4-Her's are invited to attend.

For more information contact the Extension Office.

Rowan County Open Horse Show

Rowan County Open Horse Show will be held October 15, 2011

English, Western & Gaited Divisions

(High Points for each Division and Class Category)

Riders of All Ages
Open to the public - 4-H membership not required to participate


Ellis Park Event Center

Start time: 9 AM
Gates open at 8 AM

Costs: $5 per class or $45 for 10 or more classes

Spectators: FREE

CLASS LIST

ENTRY FORM

For more information contact:

Pam Hipp (704) 278-3253;
Joey Bullock (704) 638-0827;
or Sara Drake at Rowan County Cooperative Extension
at (704) 216-8970

Burke County Fair : Open Horse Show

The Burke County Fair will be holding an Open Horse Show on Saturday Oct. 15th at the Burke County Fairgrounds.

Show registration will begin at 10 a.m. and the show will start at 1 p.m. The show will take place during the fair so their will be plenty of concessions available.

All proceeds from this show benefit Burke County 4-H. This show is open to all ages and all NC residents.

More information and entry forms can be found at the Burke County Fair website.

LAST DAY TO ENJOY THE FAIR

Today is the last day to come out and enjoy the Alleghany County Ag. Fair. Gates open at 12 PM with the District Dairy Show beginning at 3 PM, petting zoo and carnival opens at 4 PM (unlimited ride bands are $18 / individual tickets also available), Lawnmower Race starts at 5 PM followed by fireworks. For more information check out the FAIR BLOG.

Alleghany County Ag. Fair

Exciting things going on a the Fair tonight. Kid's night and petting zoo starts at 5:30 with fun activities for kids of all ages. Carnival at 6 and 4-H kids Cornhole tournament starting @ 6:30. Don't miss out on the great food and fun!

Alleghany County Ag. Fair

The 24th annual Alleghany County Agricultural Fair starts tomorrow, August 22. Tomorrow we will be accepting entries into the Exhibition Building from 12 pm - 6 pm the the Emerson Black Building. There are both youth and adult categories with over 70 categories for youth and more than 400 categories for adults. This is when youth and adults can enter their favorite picture, prettiest flower, most unusual vegetable or best Lego construction for competition in our Exhibition Building.

We will also be having a horse show beginning at 6 pm. Come out an enjoy the fun.

For more information please visit the fair blog by clicking HERE or contact the office at 336-372-5597.

Open Horse Show

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Alleghany County Fairgrounds - US Hwy 21 N, Sparta, NC

Gates open at 8:00 am. Registration begins at 8:30am
Show begins at 10:00 am

Registration: $5 per class or $20 to show all day; $2 for stick horse class. For full class list click here.

NOTICE: A current negative Coggins Test will be required for all horses at the gate.

Science Fair Workshop

There will be a science fair workshop on Monday, September 19, 2011 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the 2nd floor conference room of the County Office Building (90 S. Main St.). April Dilllon, 4-H Agent in Lincoln County, will be the instructor. The workshop is open to youth, parents, volunteers and educators. You will learn about the science fair process and do several hands on-experiments. This workshop will give you all the tools you need to get started on a great project for the district science fair to be held in January.

You must register by: Wednesday, September 14th.

If you would like to register, please contact Amy Lucas at (336) 372-5597 or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu.

Governor's Page Program

North Carolina 4-H is excited to offer the opportunity to our 4-H'ers to serve as a Governor's Page once again this year during National 4-H Week - October 3-7, 2011. So we are very excited to have the opportunity for our 4-H'ers. I have been given 8 slots for Pages this year so get those applications in quick!

Each applicant must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old, and in good academic standing with their schools.

All applications must be submitted by August 26th so please see the application if you are interested. If you need more information on the program and specific requirements, please see their website at:

http://www.volunteernc.org/programs/pageProgram.aspx

Please be sure to read over this as it gives very specific information regarding the pay for pages, meals, and lodging for each delegate.

Alleghany 4-H’ers attend State 4-H Congress

4-H’ers from Alleghany County attended North Carolina 4-H Congress July 18-21st in Raleigh, North Carolina. 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 four days of activity. More than 500 4-H’ers, volunteer leaders and North Carolina Cooperative Extension agents attended 4-H Congress.

4-H’ers who attended from Alleghany County included Bryanna Lindberg, Natasha Hamm and Arianne Hurtado. While at 4-H Congress, delegates were able to take part in activities such as presentations, workshops, and were also able to participate in a hands-to-service project benefiting the Second Harvest Food Bank. This year the 4-Her’s packaged over 42,000 pounds of rice and 3,500 pounds of pasta. Delegates also had the opportunity to tour the 4-H exhibit at the NC State Library and elect their incoming state officers.

All Alleghany 4-Her’s participated in state presentations. Bryanna received a silver medal in the public speaking category where her topic was Malaria while Natasha and Arianne received bronze medals for their team presentation on the Dirty Secrets of Blood Spatter in the Science and Technology category.

Open Horse Show

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Gates open at 8:00 am. Registration begins at 8:30am.

Alleghany County Fairgrounds - US Hwy 21 N, Sparta, NC

Concessions will be available.

Registration: $5 per class or $20 to show all day. For full class list click HERE.


NOTICE: A current negative Coggins Test will be required for all
horses at the gate.

DIRECTIONS

Carquest Mowdown

SATURDAY JULY 23, 2011

Gates will open at 12 pm and tickets are $6
Children 8 and under FREE.
Concessions available at 3pm.

For more information contact the Extension Office at 336-372-5597.

Proceeds make our upcoming Agricultural Fair possible. For more information on the Fair click HERE.

Justice Carlisle Higgins Fairgrounds

1525 US Hwy 21 N

Sparta, NC

DIRECTIONS

AMRA

A Football Experience

Have you ever wondered what it will be like to play football in college?  If so, join us as we experience a day in the life of a college football player.  Our intern, Daniel Aldaco, will take us on a tour of Greensboro College.  We will see the campus and the athletic facilities.   Please bring money for lunch (approx. $10).  If you are interested in this fun day, come by the Extension Office to register.

June 17 ~ 8 am – 5 pm

Ages:  10+

Cost:  Free ~ Limit: 10

Due to the newsletter's late delivery to some, we have extended the registration deadline until Friday, June 10th.

Barter Theatre

Before her three little pigs leave home, Mama Pig tells them to beware the Big Bad Wolf and his passion for pork. The two youngest pigs ignore her warnings and build houses out of sticks and straw. When the Wolf blows them down, it's up to Sam, the oldest pig sibling, to save the day. Can she outsmart the Wolf before he turns her family into barbecue? Come join this zany adventure based on the beloved fairy tale.  

 If you are interested in joining us for this fun time, come by the Extension Office to register.

June 16 ~ 8 am - 1:30 pm

Ages: 5 -9  

Cost: $15     Limit: 6

Bring a bag lunch & drink

Due to the newsletter's late delivery to some, we have extended the registration deadline until Friday, June 10th.

Summer Fun

The 2011 Summer Fun Newsletter is now available online. Click here to find out what fun & exciting activities we have planned for this year. We must have updated (2011) Enrollment, Medical & Media Release forms.


If you are interested in attending any of these activities, you must come in person (to the Extension Office) to register and if there is a fee, payment is due at time of registration.


For more information, please call 336-372-5597 or you can email Amy or Michele with any questions.

West Central 4-H Clothing Competition

We are pleased to announce there will be a 4-H Clothing Competition held during the WC District Activity Day - June 22 in Davie County. Anyone interested in participating should contact the Extension Office as soon as possible. We are only allowed to enter the top two submissions for each age division: 9-10, 11-13, 14-18. For complete rules and entry form, visit the link below. Contact the Extension Office for more information (336) 372-5597.

WC 4-H Clothing Rules & Entry Form

Deadline to enter: June 8th

District Activity Day

Ages: 5-19 (cloverbuds (5-8) are noncompetitive)
Davie County
June 22, 2011

Come show off your presentation skills at the upcoming District Activity Day scheduled for June 22 in Davie County. Competition is open to youth ages 9-18. Presentations should be 5-12 minutes in length. The is also a cookery division and an Expressive Arts portion where you can showcase your talents. Cloverbuds ages 5-8 are also encouraged to participate, but they will not be judged on a competitive level. Top winners at the district level will be invited to present at the state level at NC4-H Congress in July. Depending on category, winners will receive cash prizes, medals and scholarships to attend Congress.

For more information contact the Extension Office or visit the link below for information on categories:

Presentation Categories 2011

Registration deadline: May 31 - you must present at the office prior to attending district activity day

Horse Club Meeting

The next horse club meeting will be Friday, May 27th at 4 pm. Everyone needs to meet in the courthouse parking lot to go to the horse sale in Surry County. They sale begins at 7 pm. Those going will be stopping for dinner before the sale. Everyone is welcome. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Extension Office at 336-372-5597.

Dairy Quiz Bowl and Skillathon Contest.

Three Alleghany and Yadkin 4-H youth recently traveled to Iredell County to participate in the North Carolina 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl and Skillathon Contest. The Alleghany/Yadkin team placed third in the state in the Senior Division Quiz Bowl portion. This is a state level competition with more than 75 participants. Congratulations to Jessica Wyatt, Kalli Spaugh and Natasha Hamm. Both Jessica and Natasha are Alleghany 4-Hers

from L-R is Elizabeth Moretz (coach), Kalli Spaugh, Natasha Hamm and Jessica Wyatt)

2011 Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat

WHAT: Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat

WHO: Youth of Ages 9-19

WHERE: Asheboro, North Carolina

WHEN:July 10-14, 2011

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION : May 27

APPLICATION FORM

AGENDA

CONTACT INFO: For more information pleas contact the Cooperative Extension service (336) 372-5597 Or amy_lucas@ncsu.edu

COST: $125 per person (scholarships may be available)

NOTE: Medical media and code of conduct need to be turned in with application form.

The Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat is scheduled for July 10-14, 2011. This is a regional event that rotates between NC, SC, VA, GA & FL. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to learn more about the Dairy Industry and what it has to offer. This event will take place at the Hampton Inn in Asheboro, North Carolina. The retreat is for youth ages 9-19 and for any p

arents and dairy youth program volunteers who wish to attend. The cost of the retreat for North Carolina participants is $125 per person. Sample agenda and more information can be found at the links below.

2011 Carquest Spring Mowdown

RACE HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

The 2011 spring lawnmower race will take place May 14th at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds beginning at 5 pm. Don't miss out on the first mower race of the season! Proceeds go to support the Alleghany County Fair. Without this race the fair would not be possible!

Gates will open at 2 pm and tickets are $6
Children 8 and under FREE.
Concessions available after 3pm.


For more information contact the Extension Office at 336-372-5597.

Justice Carlisle Higgins Fairgrounds
1525 US Hwy 21 N
Sparta, NC

DIRECTIONS

AMRA

The North Carolina Farm to School Calendar Contest

Create artwork for the 2011-12 North Carolina Farm to School Calendar. Artwork should feature “Scenes of North Carolina Agriculture”.

FOURTEEN entries will be chosen to illustrate the calendar for the 2011-12 school year.

All North Carolina public school students in grades Kindergarten through Six are eligible to participate.

Entry Details

Students’ art work must be original. Creativity and lots of color are encouraged.

The calendar will highlight the diverse agriculture throughout the state. Artwork entered in the contest MUST include the theme “Scenes of North Carolina Agriculture”.

Markers, crayon, watercolor, ink, pencil, acrylic, tempera paint or colored pencils can be used. No 3-dimensional art, pastel, chalk, paint-by-numbers, commercial art kits or computer generated work.

SIZE: Entries must be 11 by 8.5 inches, HORIZONTAL pictures only.

Entries must be on white or light colored paper that will allow duplication, scanning and display. Do not use ruled notebook paper.

Entries must be flat. Do not fold, matte, mount, laminate or frame art. Use of cartoon characters, TV figures and logos is not acceptable.

An official entry blank or copy MUST be completed and securely taped to the back of each entry. Please do not staple or glue forms to artwork. Make sure entry form is filled out completely and that writing is legible. Only one entry per artist.

The Calendar

The winning art will be used for the cover and inside illustrations.

A minimum number of calendars will be sent to each school district before the start of the 2011-12 school year. Additional copies will be available through NCDA & CS on a first-come, first serve basis. Calendars will be available free of charge.

Awards

Each student who enters the contest will receive a personalized certificate of participation. Fourteen students will receive a $50 savings bond and their artwork will be featured in the 2011-12 NC Farm to School Calendar and on the Farm to School website

Deadline…

Entries must be received (not postmarked) by May 1, 2011.

ENTRY FORM

2011 NC 4-H Horse Program Spring/Summer Newsletter

Inside you will find information on the 2011 NC State 4-H Horse Show and the 2011 Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships. Full newsletter is available at the link below.

Horse Program Newsletter

Poultry Science Summer Institute

JULY 31 - AUGUST 4

Deadline to register: May 2, 2011

What is the Poultry Science Summer Institute?

The summer institute is a four-day, four-night conference designed to broaden the high school student’s understanding of the educational disciplines, scholarship opportunities, careers and industries related to poultry science.

Who can attend & how much is it?

Any high school student (rising 11th and 12th graders) with an interest in the biological sciences or a career in the poultry industry may apply to attend. You must list as a reference a high school science teacher, counselor, County Extension agent, 4H leader or vocational agriculture instructor.

Cost for the conference is only $50.00, which includes your lodging on campus, all meals, field trips, workshop materials, great goody bags and entertainment.

How do I apply?

Once you’ve decided to join us, just follow the simple steps below. There’s nothing to lose!
Fill out the registration form before the May 2nd deadline.
Complete a brief personal statement indicating why you are interested in the experience (this is very helpful when we are selecting who will be chosen to attend!).
Mail or fax your form to Melissa Scherpereel at the address on the bottom by May 2nd.
We will notify you of your acceptance by the second week of May.
Space is limited to 15 - 20 and this program is very popular. If you are not accepted the first time, please consider applying again next year.

What's in it for me?

You will get to see what campus life is really like at North Carolina State University when you come to the summer iInstitute. You will be staying in University Towers, a private residence hall (with a pool), going to local fun spots, doing hands-on-experimentation in a classroom setting, and doing all sorts of things that college students do. In other words, you'll get to "try us on for size". Students participating in the program will get to interact informally with numerous NC State Univ. faculty, staff and current poultry science students. Attendees will learn about the vast field that is Poultry Science as well as specific information on our Poultry Science Degree Program and areas such as:

Career Fields & Areas of Opportunity
Scholarship Requirements and Availability
Internships while Attending College
Employment Connections upon Graduation
How to Apply to College and When
and about anything else you would like to know about POULTRY!

Application

Photos

Camp CHILL

What: Camp CHILL is a 1-week overnight camp experience focusing on healthy lifestyles through nutrition lessons, fun physical activities, team-building, and traditional camp programming. Fee includes follow-up reunion/assessment October 22nd for participant and one parent.

Where: Sertoma 4-H Educational Center

Date: June 12-17, 2011

Who: Camp CHILL was created to target those students who are in the 85%-97% BMI range, placing them “at risk of obesity.” Campers must be rising 6th through 9th graders as of August 1, 2011.

Cost: Only $199 ($100 non-refundable deposit by May 1, 2011) SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE (financial application and forms located on www.campsertoma.org)

Activities: swimming, archery, nutrition classes, field trips, cooking with a chef, zumba, kickboxing, self-defense, dance, campfires, and more!
Sponsored/Developed by Community Partnerships

CONTACT SERTOMA 4-H EDUCATIONAL CENTER
1105 CAMP SERTOMA DR.
WESTFIELD, NC 27053
336-593-8057
WWW.CAMPSERTOMA.ORG

Horse Club Meeting

The next 4-H Horse Club meeting will be April 30, 2011. Participants are asked to meet at the County Extension Building (90 S Main St) at 9:00 am to travel to a Friesian Farm in Yadkinville. Anyone interested in attending, please contact the office at (336) 372-5597. You do not have to own a horse to be a member of the horse club.

4-H AIRE (Application, Interview, Resume & Essay)

AIRE is an opportunity for older youth to prepare for filling out college applications, making a resume, and having job interviews.

AIRE also known as Application, Interview, Resume & Essay is a 4-step process by which youth are chosen to attend National events such as National Congress, National Conference, and International Leadership Conference.

Any youth ages 14-18 can participate. Age is determined by age as of January 1 of the current year. Youth are chosen from this program to attend National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference and International Leadership Conference. You must complete an application and submit a resume of no more than two pages. An essay of 500 words or less is also required. Essays can be on any topic that relates to you. Applications, Essay and Resume’s are due to the Extension Office by Wednesday, May 11th. The Interview portion of AIRE is conducted at NC 4-H Congress in Raleigh in July. For more information contact the Extension Office or visit the links below.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

RESUME INFORMATION

INTERVIEW INFORMATION

FORMS

PLANTS ARE HERE!!

All plants from the plant sale have arrived. Pick-up will be today (Friday) from 9 am - 5 pm. If you have questions or need to make other arrangements, please contact the office at (336) 372-5597.

Citizenship North Carolina Focus: A Capital Experience

4-H Citizenship North Carolina Focus will be held June 13-15, 2011 in Raleigh at the Sheraton Downtown. This is open to two (2) 4-Hers from Alleghany County, ages 14-19. Participants will participate in hands-on workshops, panel discussions, distinguished speakers, and open discussion will help you discover how government impacts your everyday life, and how you can impact government in return. You will learn about state government, learn about working with public officials, hear from prominent North Carolina officials, and visit legislators.

Applications must be received in our office by Friday, April 29 2011!!

Cost for the event is $125 (scholarships may be available).

Youth Application

Tenative Agenda

Horse Creative Writing Contests

The goals of the Horse Creative Writing Events are to provide an outlet for written expression for the 4-H member in horse related topics while encouraging youth to express their experiences and ideas in a creative manner. Furthermore, the Creative Writing Contests will recognize youth who have creative writing talent by expressing their ideas through writing.
Eligibility 
Each participant must be a current 4-H club member. Participants do not need to own their own horse. The contest will consist of a Junior and Senior Division. Youths who have reached age 14 but have not reached age 19 as of January 1 are considered Seniors. Junior individuals must not have reached age 14 as of January 1. Cloverbuds are not eligible.
Registration
Separate entry fee checks are required for each event, or the check and entry will be returned. (For example, a youth entering a poem, essay, and short story must submit three separate checks made payable to N.C. State University to cover the entry fee for the event). The entry form must be completed and submitted with a postmark dated prior to the registration deadline. Each creative writing submission must be submitted in quadruplicate as previously noted.
Forms
2011 Horse Short Story Contest Entry Form
2011 Horse Poetry Contest Entry Form
2011 Horse Essay Contest Entry Form 

Entries must be postmarked by May 2nd or they will be disqualified.

Dairy Quiz Bowl Practice CANCELED

The dairy quiz bowl practice that was scheduled for today has been canceled, due to the adverse weather. We will post when a new date has been scheduled.

Supporters of CES: 4-H, Agriculture, Natural Resources & FCS

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

We are reaching out and asking for your help and support. We have just received a very troubling e-mail concerning next weeks legislative discussion of the Higher Education Budget. There are now being discussions held of cutting CES in the range of 25% - 30% which could result in cuts of 300-400 positions. This is dramatically higher than what was originally expected. This cut would be felt through all departments of CES. As said by Dr. Joe Zublena, Associate Dean and Director, this would be devastating to our abilities to meet the current and future needs of our citizens. In 2010 CES reported over 5.8 million contacts.

What we need from you:

We need you to contact our local legislators. By phone is best since we are working on such a short time frame. See contact information below. If not by phone please send an e-mail or letter and show your support for CES.

For the full memo from Dr. Zublena, please click HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact the Extension Office at (336) 372-5597.

Don East
(919)733-5743
Don.East@ncleg.net
NC Senate
300 N. Salisbury St, Room 521
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925


Sarah Stevens
(919)715-1883
Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net
NC House of Representatives
300 N. Salisbury Street, Room 416A
Raleigh, NC 27603-5925

Dairy Quiz Bowl Practice

The next dairy quiz bowl practice will be Monday - March 28th at the Alleghany Extension Office (90 S Main St). Practice will begin at 4:30. Dinner will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact the office. Anyone ages 9 and up is invited.

Alleghany 4-H Horse Camps

Horseless Day Camp - July 26
The Alleghany 4-H Horseless Day Camp will be held July 26, 2011 at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds located in Sparta. Participants will enjoy learning beginning horsemanship skills while having fun with other 4-H'ers. Each camper must supply his/her own transportation to and from the camp. Upon acceptance to camp, participants will receive a camp manual outlining the planned activities and rules.

Horse Camp - July 26-30
Horse Camp will held July 26-July 30, 2011 at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds in Sparta. The nonrefundable camp fee is $100.00 per camper. This fee and all forms are due by June 14th to hold your slot. Spaces are limited and will be filled based on the following application. Attendance for camp is open to youth that are certified North Carolina 4-H members. You will obtain all forms upon acceptance.

Timeline for Camp:
Application is due by June 1st
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by June 5th
Entire Camp Fee and forms are due by June 14th
Day Camp is July 26th, 2011 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Required Forms:
Horseless Day Camp Application
Horse Camp Application
4-H Enrollment Form
4-H Medical Information and Informed Consent for Treatment
NC 4-H Camps Consent Form
NC Dept. of 4-H Youth Dev. Health History and Custody Release
NC 4-H and Alleghany Co 4-H Photographic, Video & Audio Optional Publicity Release

4-H Plant Sale - Only one week left!!!!!

Don't miss out on a great opportunity to get a jump start on spring and help out Alleghany 4-Her's at the same time. Deadline to get your orders in is March 15th. We've got a great selection of plants and herbs so click HERE or contact the office at 336-372-5597. Money goes to help send kids to camp and summer fun adventures.