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Newsletter 709 MORGNEC ROAD ● SUITE 202 ● CHESTERTOWN, MD 21620 ● (410) 778-1661● FAX (410) 778-9075

KENT COUNTY 4-H TIMES

9th 4-H Have

a Heart Food

Drive Club

Challenge! Feb 1 - 27!

January/February 2015 Edition

4-H Achievement Banquet – Sunday March 1st – All Invited!

Ag Center

Auction Sat. March 21st

10 am, Ag Center ~

Clean-up

March 14th

, 8:00 am

Other Upcoming 4-H Events:

Interview Workshop, 2/4

Leaders Council, 1/27

Animal Science Webinar, 1/27

Record Book Judging, 1/31

Club Officer Training, 3/7

4-H Re-Enrollment

Deadline – FEB 2nd

JLC

1/13 & 3/10, 7:00 pm

EO

4-H Achievement

Banquet

3/1, 12:30 pm

Millington Fire House

Ach Practice–2/28@9

am

Kent 4-H Inclement Weather Policy If Kent County schools are closed or dismiss early due to inclement weather, all 4-H events are cancelled. For weekend activities, a

decision will be made by Friday at 12:00 noon and posted on our 4-

H Facebook site. Listen to WCTR 102.3 FM & 1530 AM and media for local closings.

4-H Legislative

Day in Annapolis

Monday Feb 16th 8 am – 5 pm

Must register by Feb 6th

!

4-H is getting even Greener! – If you would like to receive your 4-H Times newsletter by

email or email link, please contact the 4-H office and we will switch you over for the next newsletter! Thanks for helping save paper, toner, electricity and other valuable natural resources.

January

15 DEADLINE: 4-H Senior Portfolios Due to MD 4-H Office (for eligibility for National Trips)

15 Ag Center Board of Director’s Meeting, 7:00 pm, Kennedyville United Methodist Church

16-18 Horse World Expo & 4-H Horse Art Contest, MD State Fairgrounds, Timonium

16-19 State 4-H Winter Camp, Patuxent River 4-H Center

18 State 4-H Awards Gala, 3:00 – 6:00 pm, Laurel Racetrack

19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday ~ Extension Office Closed

20 DEADLINE: ALL 4-H Record/Memory Books due to Extension Office by 4:30 pm.

DEADLINE: 4-H Achievement Award Nominations Due to Extension Office

24 4-H Healthy Living Summit, Thendera 4-H Center, Dorchester County

25 New 4-H ONLINE Family Online Re-Enrollment Session, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Extension Office. Please register to attend! Come and do your children’s re-enrollment in the new system. 2 additional sessions 1/30 & 1/31

26 4-H Toy Drive Committee – Wrap-up Session & Thank You Writing, 7:00 pm, Extension Office

27 4-H Annual Report to the Kent County Commissioners, 6:15 pm, Commissioners Office, 400 High Street.

4-H Leaders Council, 7:00 pm, Extension Office

27 4-H Annual 2015 Animal Science Volunteer Webinar Update

Cecil Hands on Animal Science for Volunteers – Cheese-making. Kent volunteers invited!

30 New 4-H ONLINE Family Online Re-Enrollment Session, 6:00–8:00 pm, Ext. Office. Please register to attend! 31 Kent 4-H Record Book Judging Day, 9:00 am Judging, Lunch provided @ 12:00 noon – Lots of Volunteers,

Parents, Supporters needed and welcome – no previous experience necessary!

31 New 4-H ONLINE Family Online Re-Enrollment Session, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Ext. Office. Please register to attend!

30 CLUB DEADLINE: All completed club financial packets due to Extension Office

February 9th

Annual 4-H Have a Food Drive Challenge

2 DEADLINE: 4-H Member Re-enrollment! ALL current 4-H’ers must re-enroll to participate in 2015!

Paper or ONLINE accepted DEADLINE: 2014 Diamond Clover Reports for Levels 1-5 must be submitted to 4-H Office

DEADLINE: 2014 4-H Service Learning Logs due to the Extension Office

DEADLINE: 2015 4-H Haiku Contest Entries due to 4-H Office

2 UME 4-H Volunteer Training, 6:00 – 9:00 pm, Extension Office. Must register by Feb 1st

3 State 4-H Interview Day #1 for Out-of-State Trips, 4:00 – 7:30 pm, MD 4-H Ctr., College Park

4 4-H Interview Workshop for Seniors, 7:00 – 8:30, Extension Office Registration Deadline 2/2/15

6 Deadline: Registration due for Tractor Certification Weekend, Feb 20-22.

7 State 4-H Interview Day #2 for Out-of-State Trips, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, QA County Extension Office

14 State 4-H Interview Day #3 for Out-of-State Trips, UME Carroll Co. Office, Westminster, MD

14 – 16 MD 4-H State Council (formerly State Teen Council) Retreat, Annapolis

16 President’s Day ~ Extension Office Closed

4-H Legislative Day in Annapolis, 8 am – approx. 5 pm, Annapolis. Registration Deadline 2/6/15

17 DEADLINE: To sign up for Achievement Banquet Youth Leadership Positions

DEADLINE: To submit photos for 4-H Year in Review

20-22 4-H Tractor Safety Certification Weekend, QA Co. 4-H Park – For all youth 13-17 years, required 14-15 years old.

24 State 4-H Animal Science Webinar Series – Animal Science Events for Youth

Cecil Hands on Animal Science for Volunteers. Kent volunteers invited!

28 Achievement Practice for MC’s and all 4-H’ers who have leadership positions, 9:00 am, Extension Office

Rabbit & Poultry Workshop Day: Judging, Breed selection, etc., QA Co. 4-H Park. All Youth Invited!

March

TBD 4-H Insect Workshop Series

1 4-H Achievement and Recognition Banquet, 12:30 pm, Millington Fire House

4 4-H Public Speaking Workshop, 7:00-8:00 pm, Extension Office. Registration Deadline 3/2/15

5 4-H Fair Animal Division Chair Meeting, 7:00 pm, Extension Office

6 DEADLINE: Fair Premium Book Cover Design Due by 4:30 pm. Theme “4-H: Fun for the Whole Herd!”

7 Kent 4-H Club Officer Training, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon, Extension Office. Registration Deadline 3/2/15

MD 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon Event, 8 am, Hagerstown, MD

10 JLC (Jr. Leadership Council), 7:00 pm, Extension Office – All 4-H Youth Welcome!

12 UME 4-H Online Training for New Volunteers, 6:30 pm. Must register with Kent Office 2 weeks prior.

13 Kent 4-H Public Speaking and Communications Contest, 6:30 pm, Extension Office

14 Ag Center Auction Clean-up, 8:00 am, Kent Ag Center

State 4-H Horse Bowl, College Park

18 4-H Fair Indoor/Outdoor Event Chair Meeting, 7:00 pm, Extension Office

19 Kent Ag Center Board of Directors, 7:00 pm, Kennedyville United Methodist Church

20-21 4-H Animal Science Livestock Overnight (Beef, Goats, Pigs), QA County 4-H Park. All youth invited!

21 Ag Center Auction, 10 am Silent Auction, 11 am Live Auction – Kent Ag Center, Tolchester

(24-26 Annual 4-H Faculty/Staff Retreat. Beth will be out of the office)

27 Regional 4-H Public Speaking Contest, 6:30 pm, Easton High School

28 MD 4-H Foundation Sporting Clay Fundraiser, Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor

31 4-H Leaders Council Mtg., 7:00 pm, Extension Office. NEW DATE!

April

17-19 4-H Engineering Camp at the Rock 4-H Camp, Harford County

May

1 DEADLINE: All 4-H Breeding and Performance Animal Leases are due to Extension Office!

DEADLINE: All 4-H Dog and Horse and Pony ID Cards are due to Extension Office!

DEADLINE: All 4-H Market Livestock Ownership Deadline – feeder dairy and beef steers, swine, sheep, & goats

DEADLINE: All Commercial Livestock Ownership Deadline

June

1 DEADLINE: New 4-H Member Enrollment Deadline for eligibility to compete in the 2015 Kent County Fair

DEADLINE: 4-H New or Change of Project Sign-up deadline for eligibility to enter that Project in the 2015 Kent

Co. Fair

3 New Family Fair Orientation Night, 6:30 pm, Extension Office

15 DEADLINE: KENT COUNTY FAIR ENTRY DEADLINE FOR ALL PRE-ENTERED EVENTS! Entries

must be delivered to the Extension office by 4:30 pm or postmarked by Monday June 15th

24-28 Eastern Shore 4-H Camp for 8-13 year olds, Thendera 4-H Center, Dorchester County

Welcome New 4-H’ers Kaleb Maristch

Thomas Martinez

Brayden Mitchell

Congratulations to:

RJ Baldwin, Hill Family, Grace Kelley, Cassie and Kyle Plummer and volunteer Jack Kemp – will be recognized for state and national level activities at the State 4-H Gala on January 18th. Well done!

Kyle Plummer – who attended National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, GA over the Thanksgiving holiday. He had a great time and will make a presentation on his trip at Achievement in March. Great job representing Kent and MD 4-H!

Cassie Plummer – who competed in Dairy Judging at the North American International Livestock Expo in Louisville, KY as part of the Maryland 4-H DJ “B” Team. Cassie placed 33rd individually, the highest MD overall placing! Great job Cassie!

Clay Crushers 4-H Shotgun Team Members who participated in the MD State 4-H Shotgun Match on October 25th. Here are the results: Senior Advanced: RJ Baldwin-3rd Senior: Brett Balwin-5th, Zakary Kendall-7th (1st in Skeet!), David Jenkins-14th, Kayla Thompson-15th, James Lockwood-22nd, Charles Willis-34th, Noah Jones-35th *Brett, Zak and David earned the opportunity to try for the state shotgun team that will go to Nebraska in June.

Intermediate: Elijah Jones-5th, Matthew Hofstetter- Joshua Jones - Chandler Welch-

Vincent Conte, Austin Hill and Chase Robertson – who competed at the MD 4-H State Rifle Match September 6th in Mariottsville. Austin placed 10

th in Seniors, Chase Robertson placed 2

nd in Junior Prone and Vincent Conte placed 5

th

in Junior Prone. Complete match results can be seen at http://www.orionresults.com/maryland4h . Congratulations!!!!

To all the 4-H Toy Drive Committee members, donors, supporters, volunteers and parents who made the 15th Annual Drive a huge success. See the Toy Drive report later in the newsletter.

Lost – If you lost something, please contact the office – we may have it!

Found! From the Kent County Fair - Please claim or it will be donated.

- Wilson 33 x 22.9 cm cake pan with lid LAST CHANCE TO CLAIM!

Updates on Local, Regional and State Level Leadership Opportunities and Activities MD 4-H State Council (formerly Teen Council) – applications were due December 15

th for 2015. Any senior

age 4-H’er may apply and each county may have as many representatives as are willing although each county

has a max of 2 votes. Any Kent seniors interested, please contact the 4-H Office as soon as possible. Kent

currently has no representatives.

Junior Leadership Council – JLC 2014 The 6

th meeting of 2014 was held with the Leaders Council on November 25

th. All 4-H’ers interested in

Leadership, working with other 4-H’ers from different clubs, helping guide the Kent 4-H program and of

course, having FUN are welcome and encouraged to attend. Present: Austin Hill, Dylan Hill, Henry Myers,

Paul Myers, Cassie Plummer, Kyle Plummer, Jennifer Quinn, Laurie Quinn, Stephen Quinn, Casey Roberts and

next time You! See Leaders Council notes for November Highlights:

Next JLC Mtg. – Tuesday January 13, 2015; 7:00 pm, Extension Office.

CLUB NEWS and REPORTS

Clubs: should be working on club re-enrollment (paper and/or online) and complete Financial Reports

that are Due January 31st – Updating By-laws, etc.

Bits and Bridles 4-H Horse Club – Club members participated in both the Chestertown Halloween parade

and the Chestertown Christmas parade as a part of the 4-H Toy Drive Float. We also had a tree in the Festival

of Trees. BB meets the 3rd

Saturday day of each month at the Running W Kennel. Contact Stephanie, 443-262-

9735 or Avra, 443-480-3346, for more information.

Clay Crushers 4-H Shotgun Club – Club members participated in the State 4-H Shotgun Match in

October. (See the Congratulations section of newsletter for results). Members had also sold their shotgun shell

lights for the holidays. Join us every 2nd

and 4th

Sundays at the Kent County Gun Club and Sudlersville Skeet

Club. Russ Parson, Club Leader.

Fuzzy Tails & Shiny Scales 4-H Club – The October meeting was held at the Dill residence. Members brought their animals to

work with them. Jay Douthit spoke about “winterizing” tasks needed for rabbits and small pets. Members had their Christmas party

and election of officers in December. New officers are: President-Jason Douthit, VP/JLC-Jillian Lovett, Treasurer-Stephen

Quinn, Recording Secretary-Lila Ingersoll, Corresponding Secretary-Claire Ingersoll, Photographers-Emma Spray & Tina

Doyle, Pledge Leader-Ruby Doyle, Historian-Tina Doyle, Birthday Greeter-Chloie Massey and Parliamentarians-Casey

Roberts & Jennifer Quinn. The club meets the 4th

Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm. Contact club leader Carrie Douthit, 443-480-

6964, for more info.

Junior Dairy Associates 4-H Club –October was American Cheese Month and Jr. Dairy recognized this event with their 1st ever

Grilled Cheese Cook-off. Members made and cooked their sandwiches then had a taste testing for youth and adult division entries.

The Plummer family won the day with Cassie’s Jalapeño Grilled Cheese taking the youth division and Ms. Cheryl’s Bacon Apple

Cheddar sandwich winning the adult division. Both sandwiches will appear in the club’s upcoming “Udderly Delicious Dairy Dishes

Cookbook”. Members hosted a Christmas Party, election of officers and gift exchange in December. 2015 club officers are President:

Dylan Hill, VP/JLC-Henry Myers, Treasurer-Austin Hill, Secretary-Ethan Miller, Social Media-Cassie Plummer,

Photographers-Paul Myers & Paige Miller, Pledge Leader-Parker Miller, and Recreation Leader-Kyle Plummer. The club

meets the 3rd

Friday of each month, 7:00 pm at Kennedyville United Methodist Church and welcomes any youth interested in the dairy

industry!

Junior 4-H Rifle Club – Members began air rifle practices at the Ag Center air rifle range this fall. In November, club members

participated in a record book workshop and completed the rifle project record. 2015 Club Officers are President-Brayden Mitchell,

VP/JLC-Vincent Conte, Treasurer-Kaleb Maristch, and Secretary-Chase Robertson. All interested youth interested in learning

rifle marksmanship, age 8 and above are welcome! Contact leader John Curlett for more info at 410-778-0924.

Kent Clover Calf 4-H Club – KCC hosted a scrapbooking making workshop in October and elected officers in November. These

new officers will be installed at the December Christmas Party. 2015 officers: President Dutch Nickerson, V-P – Mitch Debnam,

Recording Secretary – Lexi Langenfelder, Corresponding Secretary – Abbey Todd, Reporter – Sarah Bitter, Historian –

Kendall Langenfelder, Pledge Leader – Anna Bitter, Birthday Greeter – Aubrey Clarke, Parliamentarian – Dylan Hill. KCC

meets monthly on the 2nd

Wednesday, 7:00 pm at Kennedyvillle UM Church.

Kent County 4-H Puppy Pals Dog Club – Club members walked in both the Chestertown Halloween parade and the

Chestertown Christmas parade as a part of the 4-H Toy Drive Float. Members have been practicing obstacle courses.

Members help officer elections and had a Christmas Party December 8th

(and

also watched part of the AKC Show from Madison Square Garden). The 2015

Officers are: President – Sarah Hofstetter, V-P – Grace Boege, Secretary – Abby

Zsebedics, Treasurer – Olivia Whitehair, Photographer – Natalie Whitehair. Weekly

practices are held 1st, 3

rd and 4

th Wednesdays at Radcliffe Creek School. Business meeting

is held the 2nd

Monday at Running W Kennel. Contact Bert Lindauer for more information

410-778-2887.

Shore Shots 4-H Archery Club – 2 Club members attended the State Archery Match in October at the Thendera 4-H Center (see

results in the Congratulations section of newsletter). The club purchased $500 worth of club bows through the Kent 4-H

Program to help new members. Members collected toys for the 4-H Toy Drive in December. Club meetings are held on the

1st & 3rd Sunday's of the month at Cypress Creek Archery in Millington. If anyone is interested in joining Shore Shots, please contact

a club leader so safety training can be organized. Contact club leader Teresa Quinn, taquinn65@gmail.com, if you have any questions.

Udder Delights 4-H Dairy Goat Club – Meetings are held the 4th

Monday, 6:30 pm, at the Friends Meeting House, Chestertown.

Contact club leaders Owen McCoy or Christine Betley for more information.

4-H Clover Bud Club – has been meeting monthly at Colchester Farm. Follow the club’s progress on the Udder Delights/Clover

Club Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1465580313653781/

All club REPORTERS! Articles, pictures, news, and announcements concerning your club will be printed in the 4-H Times but only if

you submit them! You can e-mail, fax, or mail reports to the Extension Office. E-mail articles to Beth at emshill@umd.edu . It will

appear here in the next newsletter.

4-H Project Updates and Reminders

Time for 4-H Record Books! Due Tuesday January 20th

by 4:30 pm Clarification of who is required to submit 4-H record books:

1. The only youth required to complete a record book (RB) are youth who have sold an

item in any Fair 4-H auction in 2014 or before: animal or baked good. The key is

“sold”. Since the youth benefited monetarily from the 4-H name, they are required to

do some extra work to continue to get that benefit.

2. Youth are not required to do a record book if they have never sold an animal or baked

good. We of course encourage all youth to complete their book, but at this time it is

not mandatory for all 4-H’ers at the county-level, nor does any club require it for

continued membership. (That has been a requirement of clubs in the past and it is a

requirement of some 4-H clubs across the state.)

3. A child may do a baking or market animal project and sell it without having done a RB the previous

year. This is only fair as youth may not decide their project until well into the 4-H year, or maybe a new

member. However, once they have sold, the requirement comes into play for the rest of their 4-H career

4. If youth choose, for whatever reason, not to complete a RB, they are ineligible to sell until they do

complete one.

5. To ensure that everyone is fully aware of this requirement, letters are sent in the fall to all 4-H auction

sellers from all previous years. Also, youth who do not do a RB and were notified that they did need to

complete a RB, are notified after RB submission that they are ineligible for sale in that year’s auction.

This has only happened a handful of times since this requirement went into place.

What is a COMPLETE record book to fulfill the requirement? The RB must include all of the requirements of

the RB type: (see project completion requirements below)

– Mini RB acceptable for a 1st year book with all required elements – Jr/Int: All About Me, Table of Contents,

1 page 4-H Story, 3 page Year in Review, Mini Project Record and an Animal Project Record completed the

best they can if they carried an animal project. Senior: All elements as above, but must do Essay on that year’s

topic and resume. (This is so they can enter their portfolio (essay + resume) for national trip opportunities and

don’t have to do 2 different RB’s.

-Jr/Intermediate RB - All About Me, Table of Contents, 2 page 4-H Story, Summary Record, 4-H Project

Pictures and 1 complete Project Record. (Correspondence and News Clippings optional, but if missing, will

count against in overall RB judging)

-Sr. RB – All About Me, Table of Contents, 2 page Essay on that year’s topic, Resume, 4-H Project Pictures

and 1 complete Project Record. (Correspondence and Clippings optional, but if missing, will count against in

overall RB judging)

Record Books – Important to Know!

Seniors 1. Portfolios (Essay, Resume and Application) were due Monday January 5

th to be eligible to go to

National 4-H Congress, Camp Miniwanca, West Virginia Older Youth Camp or Virginia Congress. I

will review them and return with correction suggestions by January 9th

. They must be returned to me

electronically by January 15th

so they can be sent to the State 4-H Office.

2. Full record books (Portfolio plus pics, project records, etc.) are due January 20th

.

3. 4-H Essay Topic: “Surely there are times when you did not accomplish what you would like to. How have these experiences (in which you were not your best) made you a better person?”

Juniors/Intermediates

1. There are no changes in requirements to the Jr. or Intermediate record books

Mini Record Books (Jr/Int/Sr) 1. May only be completed 1 time in a 4-H’ers career. This is designed to ease youth into doing a record

book and give them and their families an idea of expectations for future record books.

2. They are judged separately from other record books and given their own awards.

3. Guidelines are available from the 4-H office or online.

Clover Memory Books – Clovers ages 5-7 years can submit a memory book in any format. The only required

elements are the Clover’s name, age and club name must appear in the book for identification and the

information inside must reflect 4-H events and activities from the most recently completed 4-H year (January –

December).

What else may be included in the 4-H Clover Memory Book?

1. You may use a notebook, scrapbook, composition book or any other folder for the memory book.

2. Ideas you may include in a 4-H Clover Memory Book: Drawings of 4-H events and activities in pencil, crayon, marker, paint, pen, or any other medium

Photos of 4-H activities.

Written words, poems, etc. about activities from 4-H year

Write short story – can be written by clover or dictated to parent

Collage – pictures, magazine cut-outs, ribbons, ticket stubs, memorabilia

Souvenirs from 4-H Year

Mailings to Clover – newsletters, cards, club mailings, invitations, thank you’s, etc

Make a scrapbook – with ribbons, pictures, etc

Song, tape, or CD with thoughts from 4-H year

Anything else clover would like to include

Other Clover Memory Book Hints:

3. Clovers should not keep a regular record sheet for 4-H projects – this is the time to be creative and unrestricted by

regular 4-H record books guidelines!

4. Memory books will not be judged competitively but will have positive comments from a judge.

5. ALL participants will receive a clover ribbon and sticker, pencil or other award and a $5 premium from the Kent

County Fair and the Maryland Ag Fair Board.

6. Clovers will be recognized at the 4-H Achievement and Recognition Banquet for their efforts in completing a 4-H

Clover Memory Book. Achievement is scheduled for the first Sunday in March.

FOR ALL Record Book Submitters:

All RB guidelines and links to the Summary Record, general Project Record and the Animal Project

Records are available on the 4-H website at: http://extension.umd.edu/kent-county/4-h-youth/record-books

Record book covers are available in the 4-H Office for $2.75.

Fair Premium Reports, Correspondence, News Clippings! If you are missing any of these items, they will

be available in the 4-H office. Please call ahead so it can be ready. The 4-H work day on December 30th

is a

great day to get copies!

Tabs – all RB must have tabs in between each section. The 4-H office has LOTS of recycled tabs available.

Most RB’s need 5-10 tabs.

NEW for DAIRY EXHIBITORS!!! If you are not planning on submitting your RB to a breed association,

you can complete the Livestock Large Animal Breeding Project Record rather than the Dairy Project

Record.

Requirements for 4-H Project Completion: To complete a Kent 4-H Project Record you must DESC:

1. D - Do the project

2. E - Exhibit the project – at a fair, show, school, gallery, bank, etc.

3. S - Speak about your project

4. C - Complete the project record

Public Speaking – Make sure you have completed public speaking for all projects you plan to complete in

your Record Book! If you have done a lot of public speaking in one year on many topics, in school, various

speech types – consider completing the Public Speaking project.

Questions??? Consult the RB Guidelines for the type of book you are completing or contact the 4-H Office.

Kent 4-H Basket at State 4-H Gala – “Gone Hunting” Basket Anyone wishing to donate any type of hunting gear, materials, anything, please have it here

to the 4-H Office by Friday January 16th

. The sale of the basket supports the Gala. 6 Kent 4-

H’ers and 3 volunteers are being recognized at the event. We currently have shotgun shell

lights, hunting socks, and $100 gift certificate to board a hunting dog. More is needed.

Please consider donating!

Promote the Health "H" by Becoming a Healthy Living Ambassador!

The Maryland 4-H Healthy Living Program is holding two Healthy Living

Summits in January to recruit and train Healthy Living Ambassadors. We are

asking clubs to designate two 4-Hers to come to one of these summits to

become "health officers" for their 4-H clubs and communities. These Healthy Living Ambassadors will learn healthy snacks, activities, and

exercises to take back to their clubs and counties to promote healthy lifestyles.

Mark your calendars for January 10th at the Montgomery County 4-H Office

or for the summit on January 24th at Thendara 4-H Center in Dorchester

County from 10am to 3pm. The summits are open to all 4-Hers ages 8-18!

Check out our flyer for more information and to sign up, or contact Suzannah

Macleod or Sandy Corridon.

Eastern Shore 4-H Tractor Safety and Certification

Friday – Sunday February 20 – 22, 2015; QA 4-H Park, Centreville

A weekend training to provide certification for youth ages 14-16 wishing to work on a farm. Younger

youth age 13 are welcome.

Federal law states: all 14-16 year old youth who seek employment in the Ag industry must receive the

training as required by the U. S. Dept. of Labor, with the only exception for youth working on their own

farm. When youth become 16, this law no longer applies to their employment.

Class provides 24 hours of intensive training.

A driving and written exam is included.

Reading prior to the training is required.

Registrations are due by February 6, 2015. Registration fee: $30

Kent 4-H will sponsor the full fee for up to 10 4-H’ers to attend. Contact the 4-H Office. If you do not

attend, full reimbursement to the 4-H Office is required.

Contact the 4-H Office for registration forms.

4-H Club Officers Training Saturday March 7

th, 2015, 10:00 am - 12:00 noon, Kent Co. Extension Office

Are you a new 2015 Club Officer? Did you get elected to a new position? Plan to attend Officers

Training! There will be new materials and fun for everyone. Learn and practice skills to make you a

more effective officer for your club. Must register by Monday March 2nd

! Snacks and materials will

be provided.

4-H Legislative Day in Annapolis

Monday February 16th

, 2015, 8:00 am (leave) - 5:00 pm (planned return) 4-H Legislative Day in Annapolis is scheduled for President’s Day, Monday, February 16. Registration

will be from 9:00-9:50 am and the morning program will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. In these times, it is so

important that youth connect with Government Officials to tell the 4-H story of the importance of, and how the

University of Maryland Extension provides solutions to communities throughout Maryland. The purpose of 4-H

Day in Annapolis is to educate youth on how government works, develop a sense of civic engagement and give

Maryland 4-H a united voice. County 4-H delegations making appointments and meeting with local Legislators

is an important part of the day. Youth can then tell the story of how the Maryland 4-H program has impacted

their lives. You must Register by Friday Feb.6th

so paperwork and transportation can be arranged. Beth will

not be attending, so anyone interested will need to work out transportation and a UME volunteer needed if

there is a group attending.

4-H Public Speaking Workshop Wednesday March 4, 2015, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Kent County Extension Office

A little scared to speak in public? So are many people, but it’s a skill everyone has to learn. Why not do

it now? Spend an hour learning what public speaking is, some do’s and don’ts, exercises to make

yourself better and practice speaking in an encouraging supporting atmosphere. Public speaking helps you in

interviews, presentations, as a 4-H ambassador and much more! Register by Monday March 2nd

to attend.

1. Join us in recognizing 4-H’ers, volunteers and special friends for their achievements and service to 4-H.

All families with someone being recognized will be notified by postcard. Questions? Call the 4-H Office. 2. Award Nominations – Know a deserving 4-H’er, family or volunteer? Nominations for awards can be

submitted through January 20th (same time record books are due). A nomination form is in this newsletter and on the 4-H website.

3. All 4-H Families – are invited and encouraged to attend. If you attend the banquet, please bring a

covered dish to share with enough for your family and at least 5 more. Salads, meat, breads, fruit dishes

and casseroles are welcome and appreciated. Please remember the following “H” in food preparation:

Hands – prepare your dish using safe food handling techniques (see fact sheet or go to

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Basics_for_Safe_Food_Handling.pdf or

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Cooking_for_Groups.pdf ).

Ice is available at the firehouse for dishes that need to be cold.

Food should not be served if unrefrigerated for over 2 hours.

4. 4-H Youth Leadership Positions!* These are county-level youth leadership positions that are fun! All

4-H’ers serving in these roles, will receive a mailing. Please sign up by Feb 16th

at the latest! MC’s, 5-10 Photographers – 2-4 Awards Presenters – 4-6

Greeters – 4-6 Photo. Assistant – 1 Ushers - 2

Banquet Director – 1 Guest Book Attendant – 1-2 Audio Visual Technicians – 1 - 2

Pledge Leaders – 2 Guest Book Assistant - 1 Dessert Table Assistants – 1 - 2

Food Table Attendants – 2-4 Beverage Dispensers – 2 Government Official Liaison - 2

*4-H’ers with positions are asked to attend an orientation and practice on Saturday February 28th

, 9:00

am at the Extension Office

* 4-H’ers with positions should arrive at the Firehouse by 11:45 am.

5. Each Club – is asked to bring 2 desserts – 1 to serve and 1 cake to sell in the 4-H Dessert Auction

6. Dessert Auction – The purpose of the dessert auction is to help defray the cost of the Achievement

Banquet. Funding also comes from the Kent County Commissioners, MD 4-H Foundation and

donors like you. Please plan to support the auction generously.

7. Club Responsibilities – Each club has a job for Achievement. Here is what your club did in 2014. Jobs

will be finalized at the Leaders Council Meeting on 1/27:

Clay Crushers – in charge of decorations

Jr. Dairy Associates – in charge of dessert auction.

Jr. Rifle – slice and plate desserts then serve desserts after the meal (this one is confirmed for 2015)

Kent Clover Calf, Shore Shots Archery Club – set-up

Puppy Pals, Bits and Bridles, Udder Delights – Clean-up

4-H SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY “Service Above Self”

1. Kent County Public Schools Service Learning Verification Forms – Many of you are accumulating service

learning hours toward your 75 hour graduation requirement. Great! 4-H can help you in that process. When you

participate in many 4-H service projects, you will receive the “KCPS Service Learning Verification Form” with

the information on the project already completed. You will need to complete the remainder and turn it in to your

school’s service learning coordinator. Additional forms are available in the 4-H office and are posted on the Kent

4-H website at http://extension.umd.edu/kent-county. If you need my signature for a 4-H project, please contact

me. Your 4-H club leader can also sign-off for club service projects. Call the 4-H office for more information or

contact your school coordinator.

2. 4-H Service Learning Award Log – Kent 4-H recognizes all Kent 4-H’ers who achieve any service

learning hours. They receive a certificate stating their accumulated hours and an award. To receive the

award, you must complete the MD 4-H Youth Development Service-Learning and Citizenship Record.

A copy is included in this newsletter! Complete the form with 2014 4-H and Non-4-H service

activities and hours and submit to the 4-H Office by February 1, 2015 for recognition at the 4-H

Achievement Banquet.

3. Kent 4-H Adopt-A-Highway Project - 2014 11th Year Pick-ups – Complete!!

Adopt-a-Highway is a rewarding way to help keep our environment clean, earn service learning hours and have fun too!

Thanks to everyone who helped with the 2014 pick-ups. 4-H Adopted Highway – 1 mile section of Rt. 213 north of

Urieville Lake. Accumulation totals are:

2014 Accumulated Statistics: 4 Pick-ups ~ 13.0 Volunteer Hours Contributed ~ Bags: 7Trash/2.5 Bag of Recycling

4-H Accumulated Stats (Since `04): 44 Pick-ups ~ 392.75 Volunteer Hours ~ 113 Bags of Trash, 14.5 Bags of Recycling

4-H 15th Annual Toy Drive Complete!

Wow! The 15th Annual Toy Drive is complete! All gifts were packed and delivered to the families prior to Christmas. 4-H

and the Lions collected about $2000 in donations plus many toys as well. Approximately 650 children received toys, all in

Kent County. A complete list of donors, contributors, and funding will be presented later in January. Thank you to the

4-H’ers and families who helped with the Planning Committee: Jason Douthit, Aiden Dunlap, Austin & Dylan Hill, Grace Kelley, Thomas Martinez, Henry Myers, Cassie & Kyle Plummer, Laurie, Jennifer & Stephen Quinn, Casey Roberts, Max

Scott, Abbey & Paige Todd Other 4-H’ers and Youth – Bits & Bridles 4-H Horse Club Members, Abby Crockett, Mark & Mitch Debnam, Kent County High School Youth, Ashton Mooday, Puppy Pals 4-H Dog Club Members, Grace Taylor

Here is a breakdown of what we spent:

Walmart, DE - $1,648.32

McDonalds, Chestertown - $150.00

Family Dollar, Chestertown - $112.36

Dollar Tree, Chestertown - $90.10

Dollar General, Chestertown - $171.46

Total spent in toys and gifts (from 4-H/Lions) - $2,172.24

Wrap-up Mtg. & Thank You’s - Monday, January 26, 2015, 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Extension Office

The 4-H Youth in Action (YIA) Award is one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve! The Award

recognizes one remarkable 4-H’er who embodies the life-changing impact of 4-H---a young person who

demonstrates personal growth, community impact and project excellence through their 4-H experience. The

Award is presented to one young person every year during the annual National 4-H Council Legacy Awards in

Washington, D.C. In addition to this great honor, the 4-H YIA winner will receive:

Scholarship: A $10,000 scholarship for higher education.

Public Recognition: An all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to be recognized at the 4-H Legacy

Awards. Promotion in the winner's hometown media as the national winner.

Executive References: Official reference letters from National 4-H Council executives and corporate

supporters.

A Shopping Experience: A shopping experience (valued at $1,000) to select attire for the 4-H Legacy

Awards event.

Spokesperson Opportunities: Opportunities to serve as an official 4-H Youth Spokesperson through

national media and events.

To qualify, applicants should be a 4-H member or recent alumni, ages 16-21. Please review the full guidelines,

which outlines the qualifications, application requirements and award information before starting your

application. The Youth in Action Awards online application will be available now at

http://www.4-h.org/get-involved/sponsor/4-h-legacy-awards-gala/youth-in-

action/?utm_campaign=EMAIL&utm_source=PRO&utm_medium=112514&utm_term=YIAAWARDS

4-H Mall Trends Spotters Program - Trend Spotters is a new opportunity for innovative and fashion-forward

4-H youth offered by the 4-H Mall. Each month the 4-H Trends Spotters respond to themed

challenges with product suggestions to be created and sold on the 4-H Mall. If an idea is

selected, the 4-H’er is included during the entire design process. To learn more go to:

http://www.4-hmall.org/trendspotters.aspx

MD 4-H International Programs Webpage - http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/4-h-program-areas/maryland-4-h-international-programs

Host a Japanese Student this summer! A group from Japan will be coming to

Maryland this summer. Host families will be needed. The Hill Family hosted

Kyosei Umoto this past summer and really enjoyed the experience. The above

website has information on outbound Travel opportunities, Hosting

opportunities and resources for International Exchanges. Check it out!

Outbound travel applications will be due in December.

Also check out State’s 4-H International Exchange Program website -

http://www.states4hexchange.org/ , the organization Maryland works with/for

international exchanges.

4-H PROMOTION

2014/2015 4-H Ambassadors: Audrey Betley, Kendall Langenfelder, Maya Betley, Lexi Langenfelder, Jason Douthit, Kylee Naumann Club Posters – Posters were distributed to clubs this fall. Hang them up all over the community then tell your leaders

and the 4-H Office. Great for promotion in your Record Book.

Record Books – 4-H Promotion is a section in the Summary Record and Mini Project Record – don’t forget to include

club booths, banners and trash cans at the Fair, radio or television appearances (ex – RJ Baldwin was on Fox 45

Morning News at the MD State Fair about his 4-H welding project!), UME Open House, posters, invitations to 4-H,

wearing 4-H gear for National 4-H Week, Commissioners Nat. 4-H Week Proclaimation and so much more!

4-H Promotion on the Radio – Would you like to promote 4-H? 4-H is looking for youth, adults, parents and

volunteers interested in talking about 4-H on the radio. Extension is part of the noontime “Today on the Shore”

segment every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. on WCTR, airing at 102.3 FM and 1530 AM. This is a 15+ minute “chat” with

host Keith Thompson. If you would be interested, please contact Beth for scheduled 4-H dates. This is a great public

speaking opportunity! Next date is Thursday February 5th, 12:10 pm. at the WCTR studios, Flatland Road,

Chestertown.

Kent 4-H and Social Media Facebook – Kent County 4-H is on Facebook! 4-H posts updates regularly so Friend us and stay in the

know! Look for us at “Kent County (Maryland) 4-H”

4-H 2015 Haiku Poetry Challenge! The 2015 contest concludes Feb 1st, 2015. Get your

entry in anytime between now and then. 2015 Rule: There are no rules except the poem just must be 4-H related. A 2015 Haiku form has been included in this newsletter. 10 entries are already in – now we need yours! Submit to office in person or email to

emshill@umd.edu. A prize of $25 for the 4-H Mall will be awarded to the overall winner. All participants will also receive an award at the 4-H Achievement Banquet. Prize categories include: Most Creative, Funniest, Best Represents Theme, Most Feeling, Best 4-H Promotion, Cleverest, and of course the Overall Winner.

Information from the Maryland 4-H Foundation and National 4-H Council http://www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com/ ~ www.fourhcouncil.edu

20th Annual Maryland 4-H Foundation Sporting Clays Tournament – A 50 target shoot to benefit the MD

Shooting Sports programs. The shoot will be held Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Schrader’s

Bridgetown Manor, 16090 Oakland Road, Henderson, MD 21640, (410) 758-1824.

Awards include: 3-4 Lewis Classes depending on number of shooters, ladies-youth-team awards

and door prizes.

Registration at: 9:00 a.m. Shoot begins at 9:30 a.m. Last Shooter starts at: 11:30 a.m. Pit Beef

Lunch Served: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Adults $60.00, Youth $40.00

For additional information or to register, contact Brittany Hoffman, MD 4-H Foundation, 301-314-7835/301-

314-7826 or Schrader’s at 410-758-1824. Email: bhoffma2@umd.edu

Out and About with the University of Maryland (College Park and Eastern Shore)

What’s going on at Your land grant University?

Dear University of Maryland family: During this holiday season, I want

to recognize and thank our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends

for making the University of Maryland such a special place. Because of

your dedication and hard work, the University once again demonstrated excellence in

education, research, arts, public service and athletics in 2014. This year's holiday

video is a testament to the positive impact our University makes in our world. To view it, click on the link

www.umd.edu/holidaygreeting . Please forward it to friends, family and colleagues so that they might share in

the festive Terrapin spirit. All best wishes for the holidays. Sincerely, Wallace D. Loh President, Univ. of MD

VOLUNTEER & PARENT CORNER

Online UME 4-H Volunteer Training Available Monthly

All potential volunteers interested in the online training option, you must have completed all UME Volunteer paperwork,

been interviewed, completed a position description, and have complete reference checks on file before attending the

training. The Kent 4-H Office will then register you for the class that works for you. Volunteers should contact Theresa

Rich, trich@umd.edu, a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the class date. All classes will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

2015 Dates: 2/11, 3/12, 4/13, 5/12, 6/11, 7/13, 8/11, 9/9, 10/15, 11/9, and 12/8

Kent UME 4-H Volunteer Training – Face to Face (F2F)

The next 4-H training at the office will be Monday February 2, 2015, 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Ext. Office If you are a 4-H parent or are currently helping with 4-H, you are strongly encouraged to attend UME

Volunteer training. Completion of the training provides legal protection in your volunteer duties through the

MD Tort Claims Act. All volunteers working directly with you, club and project leaders and chaperones MUST complete

the training. All materials are provided. A snack will be provided but no dinner. Please sign-up by 2/1/15.

MD 4-H Volunteer Association – The state volunteer association is reorganizing. They have a retreat January

28-29, 2015 in Annapolis. Look for great things from the association in 2015!

4-H Leaders Council Notes: Highlights from the November 25th joint meeting of Leaders Council and Junior

Leadership Council Meeting.

Played No Prop Games from Jim Cain’s book “Teamwork and Team Play”. A copy is available in the office for

clubs to use. Beth has lots of resources for Recreation Officers.

The 2015 Achievement and Fair Theme were selected – “4-H: Fun for the Whole Herd!” Thanks to Casey Roberts

for the idea and for everyone for selecting the theme from about 20 ideas.

The Achievement Awards Nomination form was distributed. A copy is in this newsletter, online and in the office.

The next Leader’s Council Meeting is Tuesday, January 27, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at the Extension Office. Agenda will

include record book review and RB judging, Achievement assignments and preparations, selection of 4-H Award

winners, finalizing 4-H financial packets, finalizing 4-H re-enrollment, winter/spring event planning and more!!

Kent County All Stars are Getting Active! All Stars is an organization of 4-H alumni with the purpose to

support 4-H. Former Kent 4-H’er and All Star Bill Thompson is reorganizing the group to be more

active. For more information on the MD or Kent All Stars or to see the copies of the All Star

newsletter “The Maryland Trail”, contact the Extension Office. For more info on All Stars, contact

Bill Thompson at 410-778-2706.

4-H Youth Development Volunteer Opportunities:

Club Leader or 4-H Club volunteer

Workshop Leader – share your talents with children in a one time or multi-session format

Public Speaking and Demonstration Judge

Kent County Fair Judge – art, photography, crafts, fashion, woodworking, baking, and so much more!

Project Leader/Coach – Animal Science Knowledge Bowls and Judging events, and more

Animal Science – anatomy, animal care, nutrition, vet science etc.

Environmental Science – water quality, Chesapeake Bay, wildlife, air quality, forestry, natural resources, etc.

Human Science – healthy living, nutrition, active lifestyles, leadership, citizenship, etc.

Science, Engineering and Technology Volunteers – robotics, GPS/GIS, rocketry, aerospace, etc.

Fundraising

Developing or Helping with Family Events – bowling nights, 4-H Halloween Fright Night etc.

Service Learning – 4-H Toy Drive, 4-H Have a Heart Food Drive Challenge, etc.

4-H Volunteers Needed!!!

Could you help here? Here are volunteer positions where 4-H needs your help! There are certainly

volunteer needs on this list and you can create volunteer positions also!

1. Workshop Leaders – Do you have a skill you are willing to share with your people? 4-H is

looking for volunteers willing to lead workshops and teach young people a skill, talent or

something, just for fun. Ideas include – cooking, baking, origami, crafts, woodworking, sewing,

fishing, animal track plaster casting (we have a kit!), art (drawing, painting, sculpture, etc.),

writing, communications, workplace skills, holiday decorations, food preservation, scrapbooking,

making educational displays, gourds, jewelry making, or any skill you can share!

2. Kent County Fair 2015 – 4-H Department Chairs Needed: Indoor Chairs are responsible for taking in

entries on the Tues. and Wed. of Fair week, getting judges, organizing entries, recording results, placing ribbons and

score sheets with awards, and presenting the awards for viewing during the fair. Chairs are encouraged to help with

fair clean-ups, especially in your designated area. New ideas are always welcome.

4-H Photography Co-Chair – this is a desperately needed position!!! Please consider taking on this

crucial volunteer role. Questions, contact Beth Hill at the Extension Office. 4-H Clothing Chairs – currently there is no clothing/sewing division chair for the fair. Easily handles by one

person. Judging done prior to fair. 4-H Promotion Division Chair – This is a small indoor division – club booths, promo posters, banners, trash

cans and parade entries. Responsible for taking in entries, organizing entries and recording results. 4-H Cake Auction Co-Chair – Join Sharon Redding in organizing and implementing the 4-H Cake Auction.

Chair works with the Food Prep Chairs and the head of the kitchen and heads the Cake Auction Saturday night. Pre-4-H – This chair takes in pre-4-H entries, arranges the displays and puts on ribbons. There is a judge

If you are interested in helping with any of these positions, please contact Beth at the 4-H Office, 410-778-1661.

FAIR AND SHOW NEWS

Kent Agriculture Center, Inc., Board of Directors Meeting Highlights Fair Website - http://www.kentcountyfair.org/; Facebook-

https://www.facebook.com/groups/353480669766/#!/KentCountyFair

2015 Board of Directors: John Plummer (Pres.), Ann Baldwin (VP & Commercial Exhibits Chair), Amanda Bird Miller

(Sec.), Shannon Bitter (Treas.), Patrick Welch (Awards), _________(Volunteer Coordinator & Publicity), Casey Hurd

(Grounds), Holly Langenfelder (Food and Gate), Kevin Miller (Animal), Cindy Todd (Fair Indoor/Outdoor Division),

Beverly Clark (Entertainment) and (4-H Youth Rep).

The Board is completing recruiting new members to fill spots of Board members who have completed their terms.

Past Treasurer Susan Taylor and the 4-H Office completed the grant paperwork for the Maryland Agricultural Fair

Board. It is the completion of the grant that brings in approximately $9,000 in premium money.

New Board member and Treasurer Shannon Bitter are now on board.

Future plans – The capital campaign has begun for a new Exhibit Hall. ½ of the proceeds from the Kiss the Pig

Contest (over $3000!) has the fundraising underway!

Next Meeting: Thursday January 15, 2015; 7:00 p.m., Kennedyville United Methodist Church.

EASTERN SHORE SPRING SHOW (ESSS) Saturday May 9, 2015 at the QA County 4-H Park

Dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goat, dog, rabbit and cavy exhibitors need to begin planning for this event. Make sure

animals are registered in time if appropriate, tagged or tattooed as needed, leasing papers are

completed by May 1st, veterinary appointments are made, CVI’s completed and animals are

prepared for show. The show book should be available in March and entries will be due in April

2015. Any youth who would like to serve on the planning committee for your species, please

contact the Extension Office. It’s a great regional leadership experience.

Kent County Fair July 16-18, 2015 THEME: “4-H: Fun For the Whole Herd!”

Since 1982, celebrating 33 years of the Fair at the Kent Ag Center! See YOU there!

Fair Website: http://www.kentcountyfair.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/353480669766/#!/KentCountyFair

Fair Suggestions – If you have any suggestions to help improve the Kent County Fair, we want to hear it! If it is 4-H

related, contact Beth Hill at emshill@umd.edu if it is a general fair issue, contact the Kent County Ag Center Board in

writing at PO Box 386, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Note: unless a volunteer is willing to taking on the chair position, there will not be a separate meat goat show at the

fair. Pet whethers and market goats will be shown through the dairy goat show and livestock show.

Starting to Prepare for the 2015 Fair – What should I be doing???

Decide what projects you want to do at the fair and make sure your sign up for them during re-enrollment, however,

you have until June 1, 2015 to sign up for new projects and still be eligible to show it at the fair.

Do your record book! Especially if you plan to sell a project in the Fair 4-H auctions. See the RB requirements.

Make sure cattle have the required US shield tag ID’s.

Check out the 2015 MD Animal Health Fair and Show Requirements on the MDA website -

http://mda.maryland.gov/AnimalHealth/Pages/Fairs-Shows.aspx Hard copies are available in the Extension Office.

Become familiar with the MD 4-H Animal Science Online Resource Handbook – your source for all 4-H animal

science policy’s and guidelines. Found on the MD 4-H website at

http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/4-h-program-areas/animal-science-resources

MD 4-H Animal Science Webinars – plan to log on and participate. Links to past webinars from 2013/2014 are

available on the 4-H website under Programs, Animal Science

o Tuesday January 27, 2015, Topic: Animal Science 2015 Program Update

o Tuesday February 24, 2015, Topic” Animal Science Events for Members

See preparations for ESSS above.

Plan to attend the New Family Fair Orientation on Wednesday June 3rd

, 6:30 pm, Extension Office

August 27 – September 7, 2015; 134th

Maryland State @ State Fairgrounds in Timonium

2014 State Fair Animal Results are Online at: http://www.marylandstatefair.com/ . Click on Competition, then

4-H.

New leadership took over for the State Fair the end of 2014. Andy Cashman is now in charge. There have been new

hiring’s and many shifts in positions. Any that affect our Kent 4-H program will be reported.

New for 2015:

Rabbit exhibitors will now be able to bring 5-6 animals

The state fair class book will be posted sometime in January.

The market hog release time has been changed. Please check the schedule when it is released.

Good News! Additional fans for the Cow Palace Show Ring have been approved.

Cecil County Breeder’s Fair - will take place on May 30 and May 31, 2015 at the Cecil County

Fairgrounds in Fair Hill, MD (4640 Telegraph Rd, Elkton, MD 21921)

OTHER LOCAL FAIRS AND SHOWS Talbot County Fair – July 8-11, 2015 Talbot County Ag Center: http://www.talbotcountyfair.org/

Cecil County Fair – July 24–Aug. 1, 2015 Fair Hill, Elkton: http://www.cecilcountyfair.org/

Caroline/Dorchester Co. Fair - Aug. 5-8, 2015 Caroline Co. 4-H Park: www.caroline-dorchestercountyfair.org/ Queen Anne’s County Fair – August 10-15, 2015 Queen Anne’s 4-H Park, C-ville: http://www.queenannescofair.com/

Harford County Farm Fair – July 30 – Aug 2, 2015 Bel Air: http://www.farmfair.org/

4-H Kent Beef and Dairy Steers – Ownership deadline was January 1, 2015. Animals were

weighed and tagged on January 3rd

. Dairy steers must have been born after December 1, 2013

and beef steers after January 1, 2014.

2015 Feeder Steers – dairy feeders must have been born after December 1, 2014 and beef feeder

calves after January 1, 2015. Both feeder steer divisions will be weighed and tagged in May

2015. (Date to be determined.)

Dairy Cattle 4-H Dairy Bowl and Dairy Judging – practices are set to begin in January.

The state coach’s meeting is Tuesday, January 13th

at 7:30 pm in the Howard County Extension

Office. However, there will be a conference call-in option. Contact the Extension Office if interested in

attending.

Cecil County 4-H Educator April Barczewski will take over the State 4-H Dairy Bowl program and

conduct the contest on Saturday April 18th

in College Park.

Jeff Semler will be taking over the state 4-H dairy judging program following the departure if Kiera

Finucane. The state contest will be Saturday September 5th

during the Maryland State Fair. Practices in Kent

will begin this spring.

All Youth interested in participating in either or both events, please contact the Extension Office so

you can be notified of practices.

Goats and Sheep Scrapie tags can be ordered at 1-866-873-2824. MDA provided this contact.

Contact Susan Schoenian, sschoen@umd.edu, 301-432-2767x343 for additional info on goat & sheep programs.

Webinar Short Course: Pasture Management for Small Ruminant Producers - The UMD Small Ruminant Extension

Program will host a winter webinar series on consecutive Wednesday evenings in February and March 2015. The focus of

the webinar series is Pasture Management for Small Ruminant Producers. Sub-topics include: planning a pasture system

(Feb. 4); pasture plants, including alternative forages (Feb 11); pasture and grazing management (Feb 18); pasture

nutrition (Feb 25); and pasture health problems (Mar 4). The instructors for the webinars will be Jeff Semler Ag Agent in

Washington Co. and Susan Schoenian, UME Sheep & Goat Specialist. Webinars will begin at 7 p.m. and last for

approximately 60 minutes, followed by a 30 minute Q & A session via a chat box. Anyone with internet may participate

in the webinars. High speed access is recommended. Pre-registration is not necessary. Instead, interested persons are

asked to subscribe to the Univ. of MD’s webinar listserv by sending an e-mail message to listserv@listserv.umd.edu. In

the body of the message, types subscribe sheepgoatwebinars. The webinar listserv is used to communicate with webinar

participants and notify subscribers of upcoming webinars. All webinars are recorded and will be converted to YouTube

videos. For additional info go to http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/2015webinars.html.

The 1st-ever Maryland Small Ruminant Expo will be held Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the Frederick Co.4-H

Camp & Activities Ctr. in Frederick, MD. The all-day event will feature separate adult & youth educational programs.

The adult program will be divided into four educational tracks: 1) Forage/pasture; 2) marketing; 3) production and health,

and 4) alternative enterprises. 2 tracks will go concurrently. The youth program will include sessions related to fiber,

dairy, meat, and science (wet lab). Activities will be mostly hands-on. Lunch will be a taco bar, with a choice of lamb

&/or goat meat & sheep &/or goat milk cheese, all sourced locally. Speakers will include extension experts and producers.

Featured speaker is Dr. Lindsay Lane, past UMD farm manager, who managed a flock of mostly Katahdin sheep. Pre-

registration is required by February 14. The registration fee is $35 per adult and $25 per youth (ages 8-18). You can

register online line via EventBrite at http://2015mdexpo.eventbrite.com. You can pay by credit card, but there is a small

fee to do so. You can also mail your registration information and payment to the Maryland Small Ruminant Expo,

Western MD Research & Education Ctr, 18330 Keedysville Rd, Keedysville, MD, 21756. Checks should be made

payable the University of Maryland. For more information go to http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/2015Expo.html.

Wild & Woolly is a newsletter for sheep and goat producers and anyone interested in small ruminants. It is published

quarterly by University of Maryland Extension and the Western Maryland Research & Education Center. In between

issues of the newsletter, be sure to visit the Shepherd’s Notebook blog at http://mdsheepgoat.blogspot.com or visit the

UME Small Ruminant Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MDSmallRuminant.

Livestock Tails – Beef, Sheep, and Swine 2015 Swine Weighing and Tagging – we will return to weighing and tagging swine in 2015. Rate of gain requirements at

the state level are back in place. Rules will be the same as 2013 and previous years. Everyone will get additional details as

we get closer to events.

We will however implement better biosecurity practices than we have used in the past and we will probably have

a revised schedule for our May weigh-in.

Breeding farms will be tagged first for sure.

All animals should be isolated at home following the weigh-in.

No sick animals of any species should be brought to weigh-in.

No extra people or animals (like dogs) should be brought to the weigh-in.

New Record Keeping App for I-Phones Now Available – through a $50,000 grant from

Tractor Supply, 4-H now has its own electronic livestock record keeping tool. 4-H educators had

a chance to demo this at the December Animal Science In-service and it looks great! You can

enter each of your animals (with pics if you want) and then individually keep track of vet

records, feeding, weigh-in weights, etc. You can also use it for breeding stock with sires,

breeding dates etc. Unfortunately, right now it is only available for Apple products. Reports can

be printed out as Excel spreadsheets. One note, the information is NOT being backed up to the

cloud, so if your devise fails, you may lose you information. Make sure you back it up regularly.

If you use this tool, let me know how you like it!

Need an easier way to keep track of your 4-H animals' records? You know there's an app

for that!

Download the 4-H Livestock Record app, available in the App Store now:

http://bit.ly/1oCuaCk

The Horse Connection www.equinestudies.umd.edu

MD 4-H Horse and Pony Rule Book Available at the MD 4-H Horse Program website - www.4hhorse.umd.edu, Maryland

Horse Web Site: www.mdhorse.org .

Horse World Expo will be held January 16-18, 2015 at the MD State Fairgrounds in Timonium.

State 4-H Horse Bowl – will be held Saturday March 14th at College Park in the Plant Sciences Building.

Questions from teams are due February 1, 2015 to Chris Johnston. Registration is due by February 27th.

State Horse Judging – will be held Saturday May 30th on the University of Maryland Campus.

State 4-H Horse Advisory meetings – are held several times per year for 4-H equine volunteers, educators, etc.

and designed to help guide the MD 4-H horse program. 2015 meetings will be held Sunday March 29th and

Sunday November 15th at the Maryland 4-H Center. All volunteers and those interested in the horse program are

welcome to attend.

State 4-H Dressage and Combined Test – will be held Saturday October 4th at the Carroll County Ag Center.

Maryland Horseman’s Party – is tentatively scheduled for Sunday November 1st. This event is being revamped

so look for more info in the coming months.

Facebook – the Maryland 4-H horse program has a FB page. It is a great way to get all the current 4-H horse

information and keep tract of events and deadlines. Check it out at University of Maryland 4-H Horse Horse Jamboree – Montgomery County hosting the Friday – Sunday event possibly at the Claggett Center. Dates

and location will be posted when they are available.

4-H ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE On the Wild Side - Camping, Shooting Sports, Nature, Gardening, Conservation, Recycling and Outdoors!

Entomology News – All Things Buggy! Mealworm Starter Colonies available – following the 4-H Tuesday’s with Bugs

workshop series, extra mealworms are available to any 4-H youth who would like to start your own colony. Mealworms

are the larval stage of the Darkling Beetle. The larvae and adults eat grains (in this case oatmeal). Mealworms are used for

food for lizards, bluebirds and even humans! They are easy to raise, do not smell, and are great fun to have around. You

will need a small shoebox size or larger plastic tub, a lid (with sufficient air holes, preferably screen), a place for the box,

1 small potato per week for moisture and permission from your parents. If interested, contact the office to get your

mealworm colony started!

MD 4-H Shooting Sports The MD 4-H Shooting Sports Program website: http://www.md4-hshootingsports.umd.edu/

Shooting Sports Eligibility - In order to be eligible for participation in a MD 4-H shooting sports competitive

event, the 4-H member must have been enrolled in and completed a basic beginner course taught by a 4-H certified

shooting sports instructor of the appropriate discipline. Youth must be actively participating in a local program and

the 4-H instructor will determine if the youth is adequately prepared to safely participate in the scheduled 4-H state

matches. 2015 enrollment/participation dates are: Rifle: State Match September 12 - On or before July 1, Archery: State Match 1st or 2nd weekend in October - On or before August 1, Shotgun: State Match October 24 - On or before September 1.

UME’s Home and Garden Information Center will end 800 phone service number –

1-800-342-2507 on December 22nd

and will focus on digital outreach and services.

Keeping up with changes in clientele needs and teaching tools is a hallmark of

Extension work. As society increasingly goes digital, so have our clients. Call

volume to our 800-horticultural hotline has consistently decreased by 10-15% each year. Horticulture consultants known

for their professionalism, expertise, and practical answers will focus exclusively on the “Ask an Expert” service, website

content, and media outreach. Clientele can send questions through “Ask an Expert” found on most UME pages. An e-mail

answer from one of our horticulture consultants will be delivered within 48 hours.

Also locally, if you are in need of assistance regarding horticultural matters, please feel free to contact Sabine Harvey at

410-778-1661 or email her at sharvey1@umd.edu. She will be happy to assist you.

Sabine Harvey, UME Kent County Extension Program Assistant, Horticulture

MD 4-H Engineering Events 2015 Maryland 4-H Engineering Camp for Intermediate and Senior age 4-H’ers, is

scheduled for April 17-19, 2015 at the Rocks 4-H Camp, Harford County. Kent 4-H will

be offering scholarships to Kent 4-H’ers interested in attending. Stay tuned for more

information soon!

Maryland 4-Hers Win at National Youth Engineering Challenge Oct 17, 2014; Author: David S. Ross (Edited for space in this publication)

Maryland 4-Hers won 1st place in three events – Aerospace, Robotics and Small Engines. The Maryland

4-H Engineering Team returned from a successful trip to Lafayette, Indiana, for the 64th National Engineering

Challenge, September 28 – 30, 2014. The 9 members participated in both individual and team events and

collectively in the Engineering Bowl. They attended educational workshops at Purdue University and an educational fieldtrip to Fair

Oaks Dairy, a large modern operation, and Braun Corporation, manufacturer of wheelchair vans, wheelchair lifts and mobility

products. Safety is a major component of the Engineering Challenge.

The MD team members are state senior 1st place winners at the 2014 Maryland State Fair. These events include agricultural

tractor operator safety, lawn tractor, arc welding, small engines, electric/energy, computer, robotics, aerospace and bicycle. The youth

first compete in their county. Most counties offer these 4-H activities. More information can be found at the national website:

http://www.ydae.purdue.edu/naengr/naengr.html

The MD Robotics Team of Bryce and Kaitlyn Davey and Jacob Newton (Carroll Co.) competed in both the Autonomous (robot

pre-programmed for a task) and the Remote Controlled (robot driven by an operator in remote control) events and placed 1st in both.

Mr. Andrew George Davey (Carroll Co. Volunteer) attended as robotics coach.

The MD Aerospace Team of Kevin Kai Huang and Patrick O’Hanlon, (Montgomery Co.) placed 1st in the Aerospace Event,

building a rocket from miscellaneous supplies and successfully launching and recovering it. Dr. Richard Lempicki (Montgomery Co.

Volunteer) served as Aerospace Coach. The aerospace participants visited aerospace related sites on campus where many astronauts

have trained.

In individual competition events, Emmett Wolf (Carroll Co.) placed 1st in the Small Engines Event, Joshua Frick (Baltimore Co.)

placed 2nd

in the Bicycle Safety Event, Thomas Wolf (Carroll) placed 3rd

in Lawn Tractor Safety, and James Thomas (Baltimore Co.)

placed 3rd

in the Agricultural Tractor Operator Safety Event.

The MD team placed 4th

in Engineering Bowl, losing by 1 question in each round they competed in. MD did not have contestants

in computer, electric/energy or welding this year. Most of the contestants participated in a Mouse Trap Car Challenge to build a

vehicle powered by two mouse traps; the best car from Indiana traveled over 40 feet.

Each event was comprised of a written exam, a presentation, parts identification test, a practical exam, and a demonstration of

skills component (operation of a vehicle, computer programming, or welding). Dr. David S. Ross, UMD Professor Emeritus and

Extension Ag. Engineer (retired), was the MD coordinator and Chair of the National Bicycle Safety Event. Mr. Dwayne Murphy,

Baltimore Co. 4-H FEA was the MD Co-Coordinator and Chair of the National Welding Event. Extension Agricultural Engineers and

4-H professionals and volunteers from participating states conducted the Event. Lincoln Electric, Landis + Gyr, Stuart C. Irby

Company and John Deere, are national sponsors and the University of Maryland Extension; Maryland 4-H Foundation; Fair View

Farm; Maryland Agricultural Fair Board and equipment dealers are local sponsors of this program. - See more at:

http://extension.umd.edu/news/maryland-4-hers-win-national-youth-engineering-challenge#sthash.pXVA311n.dpuf

Adolescent Substance Abuse Coalition (ASAC) News www.kentasac.org, email info@kentasac.org

Kent County 4-H is a member and Beth Hill is a member of the ASAC Board.

The next community meeting is Monday November 17, 5:30 pm, at Recovery in Motion (near the Whitsitt Ctr.)

In July, new co-chairs Latosha Brooks (the Prevention Coordinator, Kent

Behavioral Health) and Nicole Benner (Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake) took over

the leadership of ASAC. Steve Atkinson, Bill Clark, Ken Collins, Beth Hill, Becky Taylor and Ida

Dacey make up the remainder of the ASAC Board.

ASAC is a coalition of community members, volunteers, agencies, law enforcement, schools, private

business and youth serving organizations. For more information on how you can become involved

locally with substance abuse issues, please visit www.kentasac.org or on Face Book at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/353480669766/#!/KentASAC

Teen Drug Use: 14 Mistakes Parents Make September 20, 2014 by Talbot Partnership Leave a Comment

Talbot Partnership wants parents to know that they can do a lot more than some realize to help protect teens from drugs or

alcohol. One key is avoiding simple mistakes, like these 14 cited by addiction specialist Dr. Joseph Lee, a spokesman for

the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and medical director the Hazelden Center for Youth and

Family, an addiction treatment facility in Minneapolis.

1. Failing to set expectations - Teens who know their parents disapprove of drug use are less likely to use – and vice

versa. Dr. Lee says it’s best to let your kids know how you feel about drugs before they hit their teenage years.

2. Ignoring mental health issues - More than two-thirds of young substance abusers suffer from mental health problems,

such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. As a rule, substance abuse and mental health issues come

together in young people. If your child undergoes an evaluation for drug abuse, make sure it includes a thorough mental

health screening.

3. Assuming experimentation is no big deal - Experimentation doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction, and some parents

figure that there’s nothing especially worrisome about a child trying drugs or alcohol. In fact, even dabbling in substance

abuse can cause big problems, such as car accidents, sexual assault, and serious overdoses. It’s not a normal rite of

passage.

4. Being dishonest about your drug use - Parents often feel uncomfortable discussing with their children their own

experiences with drugs or alcohol. There’s certainly no reason to wax nostalgic about the “glory days,” but Dr. Lee

recommends being honest if kids ask. “I am not aware of research indicating that an informed discussion with kids about

your drug use leads to them to use drugs,” he says.

5. Blaming yourself (or your spouse) - There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, and there’s no use in shouldering all the

blame (or blaming your spouse) if a child has a drug or alcohol problem. Feeling guilty isn’t just unpleasant, it can

complicate substance abuse treatment – by dividing the family just when it’s important to pull together as a team.

6. Setting a bad example - Think teens simply don’t pay much attention to their parents? Research suggests otherwise.

Parents should remember the power they have to positively influence their teen’s choices through their own behaviors. 7. Being judgmental - Being firm is one thing, but “laying down the law” in a moralistic way can close off lines of

communication. Try not to be judgmental or to jump to conclusions. Do all you can to make your child feel comfortable

about coming to you for help, if it’s needed.

8. Failing to consider risk factors - Just as obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, smoking is a risk factor for teen substance

abuse. Other substance abuse risk factors include early aggressive or disruptive behaviors, depression, ADHD, and

anxiety. If your child has any risk factors, get help.

9. Confusing intelligence with maturity - Just because a child is smart doesn’t mean he/she is mature enough to have

good judgment about drugs and alcohol. The brain region responsible for judgment – the prefrontal cortex – doesn’t fully

mature until a person is in his/her mid-20s.

10. Not locking the medicine cabinet - Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem in the U.S. The CDC says one in

five teen’s experiments with prescription drugs at some point, and most teens obtain the drugs not from drug dealers or the

Internet but from friends and family. Be sure to keep track of all drugs in your home. If you no longer need pills, get rid of

them. And pay attention to other substances around the house that have the potential for abuse, including solvents,

aerosols, etc. (ASAC’s Rx Round-up is April 2015!)

11. Failing to consider family history - Like many diseases, addiction can run in families. If it runs heavily in yours, it

might be a good idea to adopt a strict no-drinking policy in your home. There are no hard and fast rules for what is

acceptable for all families, Dr. Lee says. And a teen can develop a substance abuse problem even in the absence of any

family history of addiction.

12. Not noticing changes in your teen - Changes in sleep, mood, friends, activity level, academic performance, weight,

personal hygiene, etc. can all signal a substance abuse problem. So pay attention. Monitor your child’s welfare with

particular care at times of transition – moving to a new school, onset of puberty, breakups with boyfriends or girlfriends,

etc.

13. Putting off getting help - Two million children between the ages of 12 and 17 need treatment for a substance abuse

problem, according to a recent survey. But only about 150,000 get the help they need. If you think your teen may have a

problem, have him/her assessed by a child psychiatrist, pediatrician, or another expert. Remember, prevention and early

interventions are key.

14. Not talking about driving - The top three causes of teen death in the U.S. are accidents, homicides, and suicides.

Each of these problems is linked to substance abuse. Make sure your teen knows about the dangers of driving

under the influence – and pay attention to his/her whereabouts.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10007444.html?tag=page

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also

visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

2015 National Drug Facts Week National Drug Facts Week (NDFW) is January 26 to February 1. National 4-H Council is partnering with the National Institute on Drug Abuse for the second year to help teens shatter the myths associated with drug abuse. Stay tuned in early January for the release of the 4-H NDFW activity that teaches youth how drugs affect the way the brain sends and receives messages.

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/national-drug-facts-week

Donated Funds to Kent County 4-H – provide scholarships to:

4-H’ers for National 4-H Congress and other 4-H Out-of State trips, Leaders Forum, Camps, etc.

Volunteers for training (like shooting sports), Volunteer Forum, 4-H In-services and more!

And also to purchase teaching tools like bowl buzzers, learning labs, games, awards for 4-H’ers

The Donation and Scholarship Funds are supported by the annual Chuck Clark Fishing Charter Auction, the

20% received by 4-H from the Annual Cake Auction, the New Fair Kiss the Pig Contest and generous

donations. Anyone wishing to contribute, please contact the 4-H Office at 410-778-1661 or email Beth Hill at

emshill@umd.edu. Support is greatly appreciated!

OTHER GREAT ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, INFORMATION & OPPORTUNITIES

Safety Everyday!

MAKE SAFETY YOUR FIRST PRIORITY! Front End Loader Safety - Needless tragedies remind us of how dangerous agricultural equipment can be, especially for

children. Big farm equipment is fascinating to children, but adults have to resist the temptation to use them for

entertainment or recreation.

Only use a front-end loader for its intended work purpose.

Never allow a person to ride in the loader, bucket or attachments.

Do not lift people in the bucket for any reason.

Keep the bucket low during travel.

Watch for overhead clearance when the bucket is raised.

Do not walk or work under a raised loader.

Operate the front-end loader slowly and cautiously.

Resources:

Front–end Loader Safety: http://nasdonline.org/document/1125/d000914/front-end-loader-safety.html .

Front–end Loader Safety Tips: http://www.isri.org/docs/default-source/safety-point-newsletter/front-end-loader-

safety-tips-.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Tractors-Front end Loaders: (image) http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/tractors/frontendloader.html

Tractor Loader Safety: http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/192/pdf/0192_1_80.pdf/ Produced by the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education. For more information, contact us at 903-877-5998 or by email to agcenter@uthct.edu

CHARACTER COUNTS! Fairness ~ Trustworthiness ~ Respect ~ Citizenship ~ Responsibility ~ Caring

To learn more about CC! visit www.CharacterCounts.org , Josephson Institute Center for Youth Ethics.

The key to a better life: Complain less, appreciate more. Whine less, laugh more. Talk less, listen more. Want less, give more. Hate less, love more. Scold less, praise more. Fear less, hope more.

– Michael Josephson, founder of Character Counts

Kent County 4-H Club Meeting Information

Betterton, Fairlee, Galena, and Rock Hall – These Communities need a 4-H Club! You can help by volunteering, start a 4-H club, reap the rewards of helping youth become the best they can be?

Bits and Bridles 4-H Horse Club – 3rd Saturday, Running W Kennel, Worton, 1:00 pm

Leaders: Avra Sullivan, 443-480-3346 and Stephanie Turner, 410-708-0994

Clay Crushers 4-H Shotgun Club – 2nd & 4th Sunday Afternoons, Sudlersville Skeet Club & KC Gun Club,

Leaders: Russ Parson, cell (443-480-0292) and Robert Baldwin (410-348-5727)

Fuzzy Tails and Shiny Scales 4-H Club – 4th Thursday of the Month, 6:30 pm. Winter – Presbyterian

Church of Chestertown, Summer – Lovett Farms, Worton

Leaders: Carrie and Jay Douthit (443-480-6964); Jessica Matthews (443-480-9308)

Junior Dairy Associates – 3rd Friday, Kennedyville United Methodist Church, 7:00 pm

Leaders: Beth Hill (410-778-1661) and Cheryl Plummer (410-648-6828)

Junior Rifle Club – Winter/Spring - 1st and 3rd Sunday, 2:00 pm, Kent Ag Center Rifle Range, Summer –

Fridays - Alexander Sporting Farm, Massey Leader: John Curlett (410-778-0924)

Kent Clover Calf – 2nd Wednesday, Kennedyville United Methodist Church, 7:00 pm

Leaders: Jennifer Debnam (410-348-5905), Carrie Douthit (410-928-5860)

Puppy Pals 4-H Dog Club – Wednesdays, 6:30 pm, Running W Kennel, Winter – Radcliffe Creek School

Business Meeting, 2nd Mondays at Running W. Leaders: Bert and Jim Lindauer, (410-778-2887)

Shore Shots 4-H Archery Club – 1st and 3rd Sundays, Cypress Creek Archery, Millington

Leader: Teresa Quinn (410-708-0217)

Udder Delights 4-H Club – 4th Monday, 6:30 pm, Chester River Friends Meeting House, Chestertown

Leaders: Owen McCoy (410-639-7217) and Christine Betley, (410-739-0304)

4-H Clover Bud Club (Youth Ages 5-7) – 4th Saturday, 10:30 am, Colchester Farm, Galena

Adult Leader: Christine Betley, 410-739-0304; Youth Leaders: Brian, Maya and Seth Betley

http://www.extension.umd.edu/kent-county If you have a disability that requires

special assistance for your participation in any 4-H meeting/program, please contact

University of Maryland Extension, Kent County Office at 410-778-1661.

4-H On the Web Kent County 4-H: http://www.extension.umd.edu/kent-county

Maryland 4-H - http://extension.umd.edu/4-h

National 4-H Council – www.fourhcouncil.edu and www.4-H.org

4-H Haiku challenge 2015!

Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry based on “on” or syllables in English. There are three lines of verse, following the pattern of 5, 7, and 5 syllables for each line. It does not have to rhyme but can if you are so inspired. Here’s your challenge! If you would like to try your hand at 4-H Haiku, submit your entry or entries about 4-H, the fair, 4-H projects, 4-H activities etc. Entries will be judged on originality, humor, best representation of 4-H, creativity, etc. An overall winning entry will be selected and announced at Achievement. The youth will have the Haiku published in the 4-H Times newsletter and on our 4-H website, and will receive $20 toward any purchase at the 4-H Mall. So start Haikuing! Entries can be submitted on paper or emailed to emshill@umd.edu. All entries must be submitted by February 1st, 2015. 2015 Rule: There are no rules! Just must be 4-H related.

Example: Working with your Hands Rules: Must be 4-H related Will build strength and character Must be your work

And calluses too! Must follow pattern

4-H Word Bank

Here are some 4-H related words to choose from or use your own!

Your 4-H Haiku!

Created by: Elizabeth M. S. Hill, Faculty Extension Asst, 4-H Youth Development

University of Maryland Extension, Kent County

Developed 9/29/10, revised 9/16/14

The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

4-H leader Head loyalty officer

green activities Heart parliamentary service

white challenge Hands community president

motto join Health project secretary

best Extension ribbons thinking treasurer

better skills fair recreation records

member citizenship judge country reporter

University responsibility ring family resume

Maryland experiential pledge science essay

USDA knowledge emblem animals portfolio

club mastery clover environment speaking

teach learn agriculture volunteer solutions

character celebration logo ribbon skills

*Please feel free to suggest new words for the 4-H word bank!

Kent County Fair Premium Guide Cover Design Contest

Due to the Extension Office by Friday March 6, 2015!

To be considered, entries must: Be hand drawn by the 4-H’er

Be done on this form or on white 8 ½” x 11” paper

For best reproduction of design, should be in black ink! Can use colored pencil.

Reflect the theme, “4-H: Fun for the Whole Herd” and have theme included in drawing

Include the fair name and fair dates – Kent County Fair July 16-18, 2015

Be submitted to the Extension Office by the March 6th

deadline

Entries will be judged by the Junior Leadership Council (JLC) on March 10th. The winner will be notified and

the cover will appear on the Fair Catalog and as the main stage backdrop. Good Luck!

Designed By: Age:

Equal Access Programs

4-H ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS NOMINATIONS FOR 2014 4-H YEAR

Please look at the following categories and nominate the appropriate number of individuals. The nominees DO NOT have to come from your own club. You do not have to nominate a person for every category. The nomination form is also available at http://extension.umd.edu/kent-county/4-h-youth/kent-county-4-h, Facebook and by email for leaders, volunteers, families and 4-H’ers to nominate deserving recipients. Nominations are due in the Extension Office by Tuesday January 20, 2015! Voting for awards will take place at the Leaders Council Meeting on January 27th, 2015. Previous awards winners are not eligible to win the same award. A list of previous year’s award winners is available.

1. “I DARE YOU”- Nominate 1 boy and 1 girl who accepts a challenge and attains their goals through hard

work, perseverance, dedication, and determination. The member may have been overlooked by their peers or

has not yet come to view themselves as a leader. Nominee must be at least 14 years of age.

1. 2.

2. “CHALLENGE TO SERVE”- This award is in honor of Mr. Stanley B. Sutton, former Kent County Agriculture

Agent and tremendous 4-H supporter. The nominee should be one who takes the extra step to help others in 4-H and/or

the community. The 4-H’er is there in times of need and will meet a challenge head on. The 4-H’er is not recognized on a

regular basis but has the determination to keep going. Please nominate 1 intermediate or senior 4-H’er.

3. “SPIRIT AWARD”- Nominate 1 Clover, 1 Junior, 1 Intermediate, and 1 Senior age 4-H’er and 1 adult

Leader or Volunteer who exhibits the 4-H spirit in their lives. They are people of character who exhibit the

ideals of Hand, Health, Heart and Head from the 4-H pledge and strive to “Make the Best Better!”

Clover:

Junior:

Intermediate:

Senior:

Adult Leader/Volunteer:

4. “4-H FAMILY OF THE YEAR”- Nominate 1 family who has consistently shown leadership ability and exceptional

participation in all phases of 4-H club work. Eligible families must have at least 1 member active on the local and county

level as a 4-H member, volunteer leader, donor, committee member, etc. They must be active in the program no less than

5 years. A family of the year application must be completed with the nomination for the family to be considered.

Name: *A nominated family MUST have a completed 4-H Family of the Year Nomination Form to be eligible for consideration. The forms are available

from your club leader, in the Extension Office, the 4-H newsletter or on the Maryland 4-H web site, www.maryland4h.org .

5. “MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD”- Nominate 1 business partner or individual who has provided the

most outstanding contribution (donations, time, in-kind, financial, support, etc. ) to the Kent 4-H Program in

2014.

Name: Address:

6. “4-H SAFETY AWARD” - Safety is an integral part of the 4-H program. Nominate 1 4-H’er of any age who

practices safety measures routinely in 4-H and beyond. They don’t take risks with animals or vehicles, always wears

safety equipment, and makes sure others act safely around them. Please add a sentence why 4-H’er is being nominated.

Name:

Supporting Sentence:

7. MOST ACTIVE 4-H’ER – Nominate 4-H’ers, 1 Junior, 1 Intermediate and 1 Senior, who has been the most

active in the Kent 4-H program this year. The youth may serve on committees, service projects, fairs and much

more. Only 1 4-H’er/ age division will be recognized annually. (Award began 2012 4-H year.)

Junior Name: Activities:

Interm. Name: Activities:

Senior Name: Activities:

8. 4-H Service Award – 4-H and community service go hand in hand. 4-H recognizes all 4-H’ers who provide

service to the community and complete the 4-H Service Log and return to the Extension

Office by February 1st.

9. “Diamond Clover Award” – This 4-H Award for all 4-H’ers. To be eligible, 4-H’ers must complete the

application form for the award level they are trying to achieve. The levels are Amethyst (1), Aquamarine (2),

Ruby (3), Sapphire (4), Emerald (5), and Diamond (6). Level forms are available in the Extension Office or on

the Maryland 4-H web site. Initial Forms were are due July 1 and completed forms with signatures are due

February 1st. (Level 6 DC Project Applications due September 15

th Annually!)

10. “FRIEND OF 4-H”- Nominate by listing name and address of any individuals or businesses that have

provided either financial, in-kind or moral support to your club or the whole county program. Friends of 4-H

will be called up front to the stage during Achievement to receive a certificate.

Name Address

1.

2.

3.

11. “Invited Guests”- Please list names and addresses of any special guests that you would like the 4-H Office

to send an invitation to our Achievement Banquet. Their name will be read by the MC and they will be asked to

stand up and be recognized. This is a nice way to recognize someone who is not a parent, but has gone out of

their way to support your 4-H program.

Name Address

1.

2.

3.

You may nominate more than 3 in categories #9 and #10.

Nominations are due to the Extension Office by January 20, 2015!!

Awards voting will take place by 4-H Leaders on January 27, 2015. Leaders unable to attend will submit

a ballot.

Nominations may be submitted by mail, drop-off, phone, fax or by email to Beth at emshill@umd.edu

709 Morgnec Rd, Suite 202 Chestertown, MD 21620; 410-778-1661, fax: 410-778-9075

Contact Beth Hill or Theresa Rich, 410-778-1661 if you have any questions

The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex,

color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity

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An

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4-H

Cam

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yout

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acti

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an e

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and a

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LE

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SK

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Tuc

kahoe

Spe

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day

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o th

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and

clim

b

amon

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sca

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th

Thoughts for January/FebruAry:

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." ~Albert Einstein

"True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new." ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Advice from a Snowflake - Michelle Cummings, Owner/Trainer/Big Wheel; Training Wheels

www.training-wheels.com

Advice from a Snowflake:

Keep Your Cool

Celebrate Your Uniqueness

Let Your Plans Crystallize

Take Time to Chill

Appreciate Small Wonders

Look at What We Can Accomplish When We Stick Together!

How might you use this metaphor in your programs?

(Our 4-H Program??? Let’s have a great 2015!)

NON PROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE PD

PERMIT NO. 157

CHESTERTOWN, MD

Elizabeth M.S. Hill

Faculty Extension Assistant, 4-H

& Youth Development

E-Mail: emshill@umd.edu

Theresa Rich

Administrative Assistant, 4-H & FCS

E-Mail: trich@umd.edu

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

KENT COUNTY

709 MORGNEC ROAD, SUITE 202

CHESTERTOWN, MD 21620