4-H Newsletter:
May 2008 Text Version

Welcome Spring!
Spring...a time for new beginnings, fresh air, spring cleaning and buzzing bees.   With 4-H, spring is the perfect time of year to look back at all of the goals set and accomplishments made throughout this 2007/2008 4-H year.  Take time to celebrate past work and new beginnings, enjoy a club field trip outdoors or restructure club practices or goals to fit the needs of your ever-evolving club. 

Outdoor activities, new life and extra sunshine also bring about much excitement for new members looking to join a club.  Remember that 4-H and fair involvement do not end with the May 1st deadline.  4-H is a year-round youth development program aimed at youth discovering life skills through the experiential-learning process, no matter the project.  If a youth or parent calls to inquire about your club, share the excitement, club goals and activities planned for this summer and fall.  There is always a place for youth in our clubs, even if they can’t fully participate because of deadline restrictions.  Of course, if club ratios are at a max, we will do our best to help place youth in other clubs or assist in finding the club additional project leaders. 

So, enjoy your spring!  Take time to notice the little things and grow together as a club.  Tend to your lambs, gardens and art projects because before too long, we’ll all be buzzing at fair celebrating a year of exciting accomplishments. 
Kelly Fisk                                          
4-H Youth Development Educator

Departures
It is with great sadness to report the passing of Millie Eagan, 82, long-time WSU Extension 4-H Volunteer on March 15, 2008.  Millie, a Kingston resident, was involved in county and State 4-H Fairs and programs throughout Washington.  The Kitsap County 4-H Council will be planting a tree in her name at the fairgrounds.  Donations for the tree placement can be sent to Kitsap County 4-H Council, 345 6th Street, Suite 550, Bremerton, WA 98337.  

Toni Probert, our friendliest face at WSU Extension - Kitsap County resigned from her position May 2, 2008 due to budget restrictions in the county.  We are pleased that Toni will continue her position on 4-H Council the remainder of this year and wish her luck in her new position with the Home Builders Association.

Lauran Erickson, Kitsap County Fair and Stampede Manager, will be stepping down in May 2008.  We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Llama 4-H
~ Pam Flaman
The second weekend in June there will be another annual informal get-together of llama people at Panhandle Camp in Mason County.  Every year we have a showmanship clinic and an obstacle clinic as well as a llama hike, cart driving, fiber activities, and more.  Come for a day or stay for the weekend.  Cost is minimal.  For more information contact Pam Flaman at (360) 638-2213 or p_flaman@msn.com 

Beginner’s Sewing Camp
Open to all youth 8-18 years of age!

When?    June 23-27, 9am-12pm
Where? Island Lake Community Center, Silverdale

OR

When?    July 28-August 1, 9am-12pm
Where?   Long Lake Community Hall, Port Orchard

Learn to navigate your sewing machine, use basic sewing tools and be provided with several sewing projects, each designed to improve your sewing skills.  After learning the basics, you will have the choice of making shorts or one-seam pajamas in the fabric of your choice.   

Instructors:  Washington State University Kitsap County Clothing and Textile Advisors

Class Fee:  $30
Class Size:  10 students per session
Space is limited.

Questions?  Contact Barbara Gross at 360-871-5039

Congratulations Katy Schwab, Miss Kitsap Fair and Stampede 2008!
~Kelly  Fisk

Kitsap County 4-H would like to congratulate Katy Schwab, a 5 year 4-H member, in her new reigning position as Kitsap County Fair and Stampede Queen.   

The Queen represents the Fair at numerous functions and activities throughout the county.  Katie will participate in a variety of public speaking engagements, rodeos, parades, events and the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede.  We are very proud of Katy’s accomplishments.  Congratulations!

Like to cook?
~Submitted by Emily Grice

Display and use your talents at Kitsap County Fair. All you have to do is enroll in one food or nutrition project by May 10.  You can enter all kinds of cooked or canned products, create
educational displays, and participate in fun contests like table setting, actual cooking in the kitchen, and the food judging. If you want a yummy demonstration at a club meeting, contact me - Emily Grice, food activities superintendent - (206) 842-7883.

Kudos to Christina Krawiecki
~ Submitted by Susan Krawiecki

On April 12, 2008, Christina Krawiecki, a 16 year old Blue Ribbon Riders 4-H member from Port Orchard, WA tried out for Miss Kitsap Fair and Stampede. 

Christina and the other three contestants, and fellow 4-H'ers, Serenity Jensen, Sarah Bullock and Katy Schwab competed all day in different phases of the competition. 

They were interviewed by four judges, competed in a horse/rodeo knowledge test, had to learn a dance and perform it that evening, modeled their evening attire, performed riding skills (including a pattern provided by the judges), as well as a pattern each contestant made up with a wall run and the carrying of a flag.  They had to give a two minute speech in front of a crowd of 300+, followed by 1 ½ minutes of impromptu questions.

When the evening came to an end, Christina received many awards.  She was awarded:

  1. Horsemanship Award (which encompassed the riding portion)
  2. Professionalism & Promptness Award
  3. Sales Achievement Award (which encompassed soliciting sponsorships for the Miss Kitsap Fair and Stampede program, which she raised $1,350.00 for the program, the most raised)
  4. Dallas Foley Knowledge Award (a $300 scholarship award for scoring the highest on the horse/rodeo knowledge test)
  5. Denise McGee Miss Congeniality Award (an award voted on by the contestants). 

Christina did a fantastic job representing her community and 4-H.  She was awarded 1st Runner-Up for all her efforts and she looks forward to running again next year.  She said it was hard work, major fun and competition and that she learned a lot from this experience and looks forward to doing it again.

Financial Matters

There are a number of clubs that have yet to submit their club EIN numbers.  If you have received your EIN number from the IRS, please forward it to Kelly Fisk, at kfisk@co.kitsap.wa.us. 

IRS Form 990—N (e-postcards) were not distributed by the IRS in time for 2008 submissions and will therefore not be required by 4-H Clubs until 2009.   

Chris Clover
Chris Clover, the 4-H clover mascot, is in need of repairs.  We are looking to utilize our friend during the summer and fall events and are looking for a club or individual to take this on as a community service project.  Please contact Kelly at 360-337-7162 for more information. 

Kitsap County Fair and Stampede Information
 
DATE:  August 20-24, 2008
THEME:  “Kick It Up! Home Land Pride”

Super Saturday is August 2, 2008.
Improvement Purchases must be pre-approved by the fair office.  

The Kitsap county 4-H Teen Action Group (TAG) is experiencing a growth spurt!
~Kelly Fisk
Teens throughout Kitsap County 4-H are participating in a variety of teen leadership training and events in our community.  ALL TEENS are WELCOME!  Meetings take place the first Friday of every month, at 4:00 PM at the Poulsbo Fire Station (near Central Market) with other events, like a drive-in movie night, scheduled throughout the summer.

Teens have created thank you cards for Commissioners, hosted presenters at this year’s Super School, created spring garden pots for retirement centers and are working on a service-learning project for children arriving at shelters this year.  Teens wishing to get involved in camp program planning (4-H TAG Camp) meet after the general 4-H TAG meeting at the beginning of the month.  The next general meetings are June 6 and July 11, 2008.  A camp clean-up and drive-in movie night are planned for May 24, 2008.

Contact Kelly, 360-337-7162 or Corrina, 360-275-0211 for more information.

Kudos to Kitsap Lucky Horseshoes 4-H Club
After the Kitsap Humane Society took in eight neglected horses in January, the need to feed, care for and socialize the animals became critical.  That’s when the Kitsap Lucky Horseshoes 4-H Club stepped in with volunteer work and fundraising at Del’s Feed and Farm Supply.

The youth collected a total of $381.34 to assist the Humane Society with funds needed for the horses care.  We are so proud of the youth and leaders for seeing hope and finding a way to fill a need in our community.  Congratulations on your success!

Kitsap County Fair Board Scholarships
The Kitsap County Fair Advisory Board is please to announce the 2008 recipients of the John Chittenden Memorial Scholarships. Each recipient will receive a One Thousand Dollar scholarship. Funding for the scholarships is provided by the Dance for a Wish fund-raiser held annually in March.

This is the second year the Board has awarded the scholarships, which are open to 4-H, FFA or open class youth, who have exhibited at the Fair in the past two years, and who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. In 2008 the scholarship was renamed in honor John Chittenden, who passed away suddenly in 2007 while serving at Board President and Commercial Exhibits Director.

2008 RECIPIENTS:

Scott Boekenoogen, son of Steve and Shelly Boekenoogen, of Poulsbo. Scott is home-schooled and will earn his diploma from North Atlantic Regional High School, GPA 4.0. Scott plans to attend Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, majoring in Pre-veterinary medicine. He has been actively involved in 4-H for 9 years and currently serves as president of his club. He has won number awards and enjoys music, ministry and athletics; receiving a Varsity letter in soccer from Olympic High School.

Laura Henning, daughter of Dale and Sue Henning, of Silverdale. Laura attends Central Kitsap High School, GPA 3.484. Laura plans to attend Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana, majoring in equine journalism and studies. She has been actively involved in 4-H as a member of the Blazing Saddles Club. She has won numerous awards, including the William Greaves Award and Distinguished Scholar awards; she enjoys music and served as Princess of the Silver Spurs Riding Club.

Peter Crabtree, son of Glen and Colleen, of Kingston. Peter attends West Sound Academy, GPA 3.4. Peter plans to attend Seattle University, majoring in business administration. He has been actively involved in 4-H and has exhibited at the Fair for 12 years. He is the recipient of numerous awards including Award of Distinction, both in culinary arts and drama, and he enjoys art. In 2005 Peter started his own company, CBC Chocolates, and in 2007 opened his first retail location in downtown Poulsbo.

The 2009 application is available online www.kitsapgov.com/parks/Fair_Stampede.htm

Leader Training
~Kelly Fisk

As a member of Washington State University’s Volunteer Development Action Team and the NW District 4-H Committee, I am honored to represent the needs of Kitsap County Leaders and the youth we serve to the state.

The state and district are currently undergoing revisions with their volunteer training units and requirements.  Below you will find the most current information and how it will be implemented into Kitsap County 4-H.

New Age Limit—Club Leaders, in the NW District, must be 21 years of age.  Project Leaders must be 18 or older.
Training time requirements are dependent on the county.  All material in the Extension Staff training units must be covered with no time minimums.  Kitsap County will no longer hold three Saturday trainings in order to best meet the needs of our county.
Resource Leaders who do not work directly with youth will only be required to complete the online E-Learning.
Club Leaders will be trained specific to the operations of the club (orientation to 4-H, group leadership, conflict management, art of delegation, public presentations, etc.), unless they act as club leader and project leader (and will therefore need both.  Existing leaders (already trained) need only complete a short annual update in October.
Project Leaders will be trained on specifics to youth interactions (orientation to 4-H, project leadership, reasons/judging, experiential education, conflict management, etc.).  Existing leaders having already completed training will receive an update in October of every year.

As a youth development organization, modeling what we teach is of utmost importance.  The youth you engage and educate look to you as role model.  Modeling lifelong learning practices is critical to societies growth.  I encourage you to attend any of the upcoming continuing education courses offered throughout the year. 

Our next leader training is May 8, 2008, 6-8PM at the Eagle’s Nest. 

Look for more training availability in the July 2008 newsletter. 

TEEN CONFERENCE
“Rise to the Challenge” - June 29-July 1, 2008

A bus will travel from the Westside to Pullman for teen conference this year.  Cost is $30 per person.  Early Registration is $115 through May 15, 2008.  Regular registration is $125 and runs from May 16-June 16, 2008.  To register, log onto http://4h.wsu.edu

Tacoma Rainiers 4-H Night!
Join fellow 4-H members, leaders and families on June 27, 2008 for a night of fun when the Rainiers face off with the Salt Lake Bees. 

Tickets are $9.50 per person and include dinner at the ballpark (hot dog, chips and soda), post game fireworks show, nightly program (The Dirt), recognition during the game and player autographs before the game. 

The deadline to order is June 13, 2008.  Order forms are available at the WSU Extension Office.  Any questions or further information e-mail Lindsay Enger, lenger@tacomarainiers.com or by phone 253-772-1083.  

2008 Northwest Junior Sheep Exposition

Held concurrently with the Washington Ram and Ewe sale, this year’s expo is taking place at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake, WA, July 17-19, 2008. 

Contact Scott Mortimer at 509-345-2541 for more information.

eXtension

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Some searchable subjects includes:

  1. Animals (breeds, manure, etc.)
  2. Caregivers
  3. Corn
  4. Cotton industry
  5. Disasters
  6. Diversity
  7. Entrepreneurship
  8. Gardens, lawns and landscapers
  9. Geographic Information Systems
  10. Horses
  11. Imported Fire Ants
  12. Organic Production
  13. Parenting
  14. Personal Finance
  15. Soybeans
  16. Wildlife Damage Management
  17. Youth Science, Engineering and Technology
  18. Beef or dairy cattle