Welcome to another exciting 4-H Year!

It has been a dynamic start to the new 2008/2009 4-H year.  The Kitsap County 4-H Youth Development Program grew 23% from 2007 to 2008 and already has seen the creation of 8 new clubs throughout the county.

With the start of a new 4-H year, Kitsap County 4-H youth and teens are already discovering new avenues to engage and express themselves within their clubs, around the county and throughout the state of Washington. 

• A number of clubs are providing additional opportunities for youth to engage in a variety of projects related to their main project area. 
• 4-H TAG (Teen Action Group) is working on tie-blankets for the youth that have to enter the Alive Shelter for domestic reasons and on a rake-n-dash event where they’ll rake a few yards for people needing assistance (then leave a note that says “You’ve been raked by Kitsap County 4-H TAG”). 
• Two new clubs are focusing specifically on serving our special needs youth through a variety of projects (horse, robotics, goats, crafts) and field trips to expand learning opportunities for them and their families.
• A couple of teens have even taken on WSU State 4-H Leadership roles with State Ambassadors and Exchange Programs.

I encourage you and your club to set new goals for this year that focus on the service learning core of 4-H.  “My Hands to larger service” - let’s see how much we can do for our County, State, Country and World this year.  Feel free to send stories of your service learning accomplishments for highlights in the quarterly newsletters and for the  Tracy Sue Parker Award which then goes on to compete for the Chevron 4-H Community Pride Award at the State 4-H level. 

In addition to our 4-H youth organization “doing” for others, we have some wonderful people that will be assisting us this year as well.  For the past year, the Scouts have been frequenting our Twin Lakes 4-H Camp and one young man has stepped up and offered to complete a project for us out there restoring the nature trails.  Along with that, the Keith Birkenfeld memorial money left to our camp is entering the final stages and work will commence mid-November.  The generosity of Mr. Birkenfeld (a former Kitsap County 4-H member) will allow us to enclose our dining hall, upgrade our septic system and improve other facilities at the camp.   What a great way to start the new 2008/2009 4-H year! 

Kelly Fisk                                          
4-H Youth Development Educator

Update from Vicki’s Corner

ENROLLMENT TIME

Remember you need to enroll your club by November 15th.  After I receive your enrollment and enter the data, I will be emailing you your printout.  You can email me back any changes.  Please contact me if  you don't have email or if you cannot read my email.

Also, enrollment has to include the fees.  If you don't send in the fees, you are not enrolled and I will contact you.  If there are any problems with collecting fees and families who are having financial situations, please contact Kelly or myself and we can work on a solution.

There has been confusion as to the Photo Release form.  That is not a "mandatory" form, it is a volunteer form.  If you have families that do not want their children photographed throughout the year, please do not sign the form.  

This year, we have added a box for families to notify us if they are military.  It is not on the form that you have, please mark it on your enrollment somewhere.  Next year WSU 4-H will have it on all enrollment forms.

If you have any questions on enrollment, contact me directly at vavery@co.kitsap.wa.us.  I respond more via email because when I am out of the office I have a tendency to read my email, but not my voicemail.

Congratulations!

Peter Crabtree was recognized as the Class of 2008 “40 Under Forty.”  The young men and women in this category represent the future business community leaders who help influence, guide and encourage Kitsap Peninsula’s growth in the future.  Crabtree is the Founder/CEO of CBC Chocolate, LLC.

Leader Training

This year marked the beginning of an annual 4-H update training (which each club was responsible for sending a representative) which concluded with new Leader Training.  Due to unforeseen attendance numbers, our experiential learning model turned lecture-style immediately with over 90 Leaders in attendance.  Next October 2009, the sessions will require registration and will be limited to 30 Leaders per session.  We will spread this out over three days to allow enough room for all who want to attend. 

Also new this year—ALL Leaders (existing and new, no “grandfathering”) must complete the WSU Extension Online E-Learning for 4-H.  There are 4 units to complete which takes about an hour total.  If you do not have access to a computer or internet, please feel free to schedule a time to visit and complete it in the office or visit your local library.  If you have questions, please feel free to email me. 

Due to this being the first year for the update training, there were a few clubs who did not attend and have since scheduled an update training with me in the office.  These update trainings will be held:

Monday, November 3, 10AM—12PM

Thursday, November 6, 2PM-4PM

Please let me know if you would like to attend one of these so as to have enough materials on hand.  Contact information located on the left side of this page.

Special Thanks to 4-H Superintendents

October 10, 2008

Dear 4-H Superintendents:

August concluded another successful Fair & Stampede. This year, we faced an unavoidable challenge when inclement weather flooded the Fairgrounds. Several employees and volunteers worked late into the night on August 19th sandbagging areas around the barns. Thankfully, we had a beautiful Saturday that brought thousands of visitors. We’re hoping that sunny weather is in the forecast for next year!

Parks staff and volunteers work hard each year to make the Fair & Stampede a huge success. Additionally, 4-H superintendents and participants contribute a large amount of time and effort to help with this event. You are an essential part of the Fair and its success. We couldn’t do it without you!

As you may have read in the area newspapers, local government agencies have faced and continue to face incredible financial challenges. In 2007, County departments were required to drastically cut their budgets to remain fiscally sound. The Parks Department was no exception and the 2008 Fair & Stampede budget was reduced by $75,000. Because of this mandatory reduction, we were forced to re-examine all expenditures to determine where cuts could be made. We face the same challenge in 2009 with an additional $35,000 in cuts to the Fair & Stampede budget.

Due to our budget restraints, one event that changed was the Volunteer BBQ. Previously, this BBQ was held in July. In August, we also provided food and refreshments for the volunteers on Super Saturday. The decision was made to combine those two events to save on food and set-up costs. I apologize that this information did not reach every 4-H superintendent. In 2009, we will again host the Volunteer event on Super Saturday.

I also learned that there were complaints about the new material that was purchased to line the livestock areas. I want to take this opportunity to explain this situation in more detail. For years, we purchased shavings from Day & Night Sawdust. I found out before Fair that this company was going out of business. We started looking for a new company that supplied shavings and could only find a few in Western Washington. With the sharp increases in fuel and material costs, the quotes we received were more than triple what was budgeted (which was unchanged from 2007). We then contacted other Washington Fairs to find out who they used. Several fairs told us that they no longer purchased shavings because the product was in limited supply and was too expensive. Instead, they are using “fines,” a by-product of shavings. Specifically, the Puyallup Fair explained that their livestock groups were happy with this product and so, with this recommendation, I decided to purchase the fines, as they were easier to locate and fit within our budget.

I understand that this product didn’t hold up as well as the shavings, but I imagine the weather played a big part in that. I do hope to find another company that can supply proper lining for the livestock areas, but with costs on the rise, this may be difficult. I want to be able to find a product that fits within our budget parameters while keeping everyone’s livestock safe and healthy. If anyone knows of an affordable alternative, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. This may be a problem that will need a team effort to be resolved.

We were visited again this year by the Auditor from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. As a group, our final score increased by more than 70 points and 4-H comprised 13 points of that increase. Congratulations to all of you and your groups for a job well done!

Thank you again for all of your hard-work and dedication to the Fair & Stampede. It is the passion of volunteers like you that have allowed this event to flourish all these years. I look forward to years of partnering with each of you for a successful Fair & Stampede!

Sincerely,
Frank Abbott
Fair & Special Events Manager

Fair Congratulations

I would like to send a big round of applause and congratulations to all Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, as well as the State 4-H Fair, participants.

Members exhibited with great professionalism and represented our outstanding 4-H Program well.  We are all so proud of the work you put into your projects throughout the year and the extra time you take to prepare for showing at the County and State Fairs.  WELL DONE!

For Sale or Free to Good Home

• Border collie puppy. Female, spayed, 11 months, born 10/7/07. Tri-color ( black with white and tan). UKCI registered, chip, complete medical history. Shelby has grown into an awesome young lady whose personality shines every day. Excellent traveler. Has had 8 weeks of puppy training and can sit, stay (short time), shake, roll over, etc. Greatest joy is people, other animals, going anywhere in car / truck, and trips to the pet stores. UKCI registered, chipped, spayed. Vet. info complete. Very intelligent, loving, and playful. Kennel trained, house broke, very clean. She needs a family with kids, animals, and must have a fenced yard still to run free in. Asking $500.00 and Shelby will bring all her things ( kennel, toys, food, etcl). We love this dog. Her personality is wonderful. We want the best for her.  If you are interested call 360-377-9919 or e-mail soybean882000@yahoo.com for more info. We reserve the right to visit your home with Shelby before placement. Shelby will make the final decision.
• Lionhead male. Zeus is about 2 yrs old and friendly. He's been handled a lot and likes to go outside in harness to play in the grass a couple of hours a day. He loves his yogurt treats and will sit up for them. I also have papers from the breeder for him. Please contact cammym@u.washington.edu
• The Bantam is a Mille deFleur (I think). Lucas been hand raised and is pretty gentle. You can flip him on his back and mess with his toes and beak, head and wings with very little fuss. He likes to be held and will go to sleep in your arms if you pet him. I would really love to find the good homes for both of them. Contact cammym@u.washington.edu

Financial Matters

• For all issues about status under GEN 2704, whether the club is requesting an EIN (SS-4 form) or inclusion under GEN 2704, or questions related to filing requirements, determination letters, or general status questions, all clubs should start with the State 4-H Program Office.  Do not contact 4-H National Headquarters.
• If your club hasn’t completed an EIN request from the IRS, log onto www.irs.gov to begin the process.  ALL CLUBS are REQUIRED to have their own EIN number.  
• The general Kitsap County 4-H Council EIN can no longer be used.   
• Some clubs received a notice from the IRS regarding filing; if you did, please follow directions on the letter. More info on next page.

Additional 4-H Tax Exemption Updates

--Submitted by Pat BoyEs

I realize that keeping track of all of the IRS requirements is increasing challenging. Please review the latest material noted below and follow up with Kevin Wright at wrightkc@wsu.edu or Pat BoyEs at boyesp@wsu.edu should you have any additional questions.

Beginning a year ago, in response to new filing procedures for small tax exempt organizations earning $25,000 or less, we sent instructions to you   to update eligible and qualified 4-H clubs and affiliated 4-H organizations listed under a group exemption for 4-H (GEN 2704).   The tax exemption update distributed in July, remains current (see fact sheets at http://www.national4-hheadquarters.gov/).   Some highlights in review are:

•  4-H organizations that are eligible for federal income tax exemption under GEN 2704 are chartered 4-H clubs and duly authorized affiliated 4-H organizations — under the control of Extension.

•  This does not include affiliated groups that function under the authority of their own board of directors or other authorities, nor families — as the IRS does not recognize a single family group as a qualified subsidiary of GEN 2704.  

•  Affiliated groups not under the control of Extension need their own 501(c) 3 status.

•  I submitted EIN records for 4-H organizations deemed eligible for inclusion under GEN 2704.

•  Following data cleaning efforts, such as removing records where multiple organizations were using the same EIN, a 4-H a national data was set to the IRS in March for them to update the GEN 2704 list.   Entities being added to GEN 2704 will become tax exempt when the IRS updates each record.

UPDATES:
As indicated in the tax exemption update posted on the web, the IRS encountered delays in processing the GEN 2704 list.   The IRS is dealing with the volume of data as well as the frequency of error in the data — such as EINs that belonged to other organizations and EINs that didn ' t match the IRS ' records for organizations listed.  

As a result, the IRS put a hold on updating GEN 2704 records and began a series of discussions and negotiations with National 4-H Headquarters.   We continue to work to identify more efficient and effective procedures for managing tax exemption for qualified 4-H entities that fit with current tax code.   We do not have plans to collect additional EIN records in December as originally planned.   And, we will follow up when we have information about how 4-H clubs and qualified, affiliated 4-H organizations can update existing IRS records, including tax years.

TAX EXEMPTION LETTERS:
National 4-H Headquarters, USDA will generate “ emergency letters ” upon request to chartered 4-H clubs and duly authorized affiliated 4-H organizations under the control of Extension up through June 1, 2009.   “ Emergency letters ” are for clubs that cannot accept funds or grants without some evidence of tax exempt status to share with a funder.   To request such a letter, we need an electronic “ paper trail ” as follows:

•  The State 4-H Program Director (not a designee — that ' s me) submits the request to National 4-H Headquarters.
Allow approximately 2 weeks for National 4-H Headquarters to respond to emergency letter requests.   Letters are mailed to the 4-H organization contact and copied to the State 4-H Program Director (me).

REMINDERS:
•  All 4-H tax exemption questions by county level colleagues and 4-H organization leaders must be routed through the State 4-H Director ' s Program Office not directly to National 4-H Headquarters and not directly to the IRS.
•  Remove from your files and websites outdated tax exemption information — such as the tax booklet from the early 1990s, and the Kirby letter — as these are no longer supported by the IRS or USDA.

We very much appreciate the IRS ' support and willingness to work with us on tax exemption issues.  

Additional Project Information Online

--Joy Faerber

You will find a link named “Additional Project Information” on the homepage of Projects and Publications. (at 4h.wsu.edu) Hopefully this will make the extra project information easier to access than it has been in the past. While you are on the Project and Publications homepage, be sure to explore the other links, also!

Waitsburg Livestock Judging Clinic

--Carla Rowe

The annual Waitsburg Livestock Judging Clinic will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 22 at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds in Waitsburg, Washington.   This is an opportunity for 4-H and FFA members to judge the confirmation of horses, beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats.   Participants receive a free lunch after judging, courtesy of the Walla Walla Cattlemen ' s Association. For additional information, please contact chairman Jim Burres at (509)337-6545.

National Cattlemen's Beef Association Youth Activities

Sponsored by The Farm Credit System Foundation
--Submitted by Pat BoyEs

This is truly “ A New Day in the Sun ” for the beef industry as the National Cattlemen's Beef Association   introduces a series of   Youth Activities at the 2009 Annual Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona. The concept for youth activities originated with current NCBA President, Andy Groseta to draw in young people interested in the beef industry and engage them in critical association activities. For the first time NCBA is encouraging youth attendance at the convention through youth competitions.   Those youth competitions include:

• Quiz Bowl – Thursday, January 29
• Public Speaking Contest – Thursday, January 29
• Team Marketing Contest – Thursday, January 29
• Cattle Judging Contest – Friday, January 30

All youth ages nine and up are welcome to compete. Awards vary by contest, so youth are encouraged to compete in more than one competition.

• youth contest rules
• entry form

Information about the Annual Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show will soon be available online at www.BeefUSA.org.

Do You Have Talented 4-H'ers?

--Submitted by Pat BoyEs

The National Association of County Agricultural Agents is hosting their annual meeting in Portland Oregon in 2009.

The 4-H Esprit de Corp committee is heading up their 4-H Talent Program for Monday night at their dinner. This is 4-H' s opportunity to showcase their talented performers. There is money to cover travel and housing expenses.

If we could have demo tapes, VT or CD/DVD' s by November 15, 2008 we could review them in December and then by January 1st have information out to the kids and their families.

If you need more information please feel free to call or email, if not we appreciate your willingness to assist with this project and in getting the word out.

Woody Davis
4-H Youth Development Professional
OSU Extension Service - Columbia County
505 N. Columbia River Highway
St. Helens, OR   97051
(503)397-3462 x- 4 - office
(503)397-3467 - fax

email: woody.davis@oregonstate.edu

Washington 4-H Summer Exchange Program

This past summer, 30 Washington 4-H families hosted a summer exchange delegate!  They experienced a different culture without leaving home and learned how quickly their delegate became a family member!  These summer delegates learned about 4-H and what it means to "learn by doing".  Most of them spoke limited English when they arrived.  By the time the 4 weeks had gone by, they had no trouble in expressing their  appreciation and gratitude to their host families.
 
Can't find the time and money to travel? Enjoy the exposure to different cultures which traveling brings? Looking for a low-cost project or experience in which the whole family can participate and grow together? The 4-H International Exchange Summer Inbound Program allows families to gain the benefits of international travel right here at home by hosting an exchange delegate from Japan, Korea and other participating countries/destinations such as Finland, Puerto Rico, etc. Families often find they are drawn closer together and see their lives in a whole new perspective as they welcome a new son, daughter, brother, or sister in their circle.

 Hosting Summer Inbound Program Delegates

Japanese and Korean youth ages 12 - 18 will visit the U.S. and Canada the third week of July to the third week of August. (The majority of the delegates are ages 12 - 14.) They are members of one of three Japanese organizations devoted to the study of foreign cultures and languages, and the benefits of international exchange. Youth delegates are placed in homes with a host sibling of the same gender and similar age.

Finnish and other participating international youth ages 15-19 will visit the U.S. from mid June to mid July.  Most of them have an association with the 4-H in their home country.  Youth delegates are placed in homes with a host sibling of the same gender and similar age.

Being a 4-H International host family is easy, fun, rewarding and educational. Just welcome the delegate into your home and treat him or her like one of the family. The delegate will want to join in everyday activities, help with chores and otherwise fit in as a brother, sister, son or daughter. No special activities need to be planned, although many families and visitors enjoy the opportunity to take occasional sightseeing trips to local attractions and landmarks during the visit. Host families appreciate the chance to develop friendships which reach around the world. They find that the delegate teaches them not only to understand other ways of life, but to understand and appreciate their own way of life, as well.

Expectations of host families are:

• Have fun!
• Provide the delegate with meals and lodging.
• Include the delegate in all family activities.
• Read the materials sent by the 4-H International Exchange Programs Coordinator.
• Attend an orientation session(s). (Host Family Orientations are held in the spring.)
• Contact your 4-H International Exchange Programs County Coordinator or the State Coordinator immediately if illness or other major problems arise.
• Be flexible, patient, and willing to communicate both verbally and non-verbally with your delegate. Most of the participants will have limited English communication skills.
• The host sibling of the delegate must keep the exchange uppermost in mind during the hosting month, and make sure the delegate  feels comfortable around friends and is included in activities.

WSU State 4-H Teen Leadership Opportunities

Core committee
State Ambassadors
County Teen Reps
Equine Advisory Committee
State Advisory Board
State Fair Board
KYG Planning Committee

Look for more opportunities about the positions online at 4h.wsu.edu.  More information to follow on our own Website at Kitsap.wsu.edu

The Congressional Award: America’s Award for Youth

To register:

Are you a young person between the ages of 13 1/2 and 23?
Do you enjoy helping your community, taking on new challenges, playing sports or exploring?
Would you like to be recognized by a Member of Congress for the work you’re already doing?

If you answered YES to the previous questions, register for the Congressional Award now.  You can Register online or by mail.  For more information, log onto

http://www.congressionalaward.org/congress/youth/youth_register.htm

APPICATIONS FOR SUPERINTENDENT AND CHAPERONE IN KITSAP COUNTY ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

If you’ve made a difference by volunteering in your community over the past year, you could win $1,000 and a fabulous trip to Washington, D.C., next May—by applying for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award!  Even more importantly, you could win recognition that might inspire other young people to follow your example. 

It’s easy to apply:

1. Visit http://www.prudential.com/spirit and click on the application link.  When asked for the access key, type the word “spirit” in the blank.

Once you complete the application online, print it out, sign it and have a parent sign it.
Submit your printed application to the WSU Extension Office and we’ll take care of the rest.
If you need a paper application, please call 1-877-55-8491 toll-free.

The Secret Life of Bees: 4-H Connection

Many of you may know that National 4-H Council has partnered with Fox Searchlight Pictures' feature film, "The Secret Life of Bees" to support 4-H's Science, Engineering and Technology communication efforts. Nearly 700 4-H professionals enjoyed this fabulous film, based on the novel by author Sue Monk Kidd, during an exclusive 4-H screening at the Galaxy III Conference in Indianapolis.

This exciting partnership also revealed that Ms. Kidd is a 4-H alumna who credits her 4-H club experience in entomology and reading as a positive force in her life and career: "Wouldn't you know-- my history with 4-H has to do with books and bugs. So perhaps it is not completely surprising that I grew up not only to read books, but write them, and that one of those books was about the secret life of the Apis Mellifera."

You can find out more about the film, read Ms. Kidd's full story, follow her on a special backstage tour, and view special souvenirs by visiting www.4-H.org. "The Secret Life of Bees" was released on October 17 to great reviews and is in theaters everywhere now.

Please direct any questions to Nancy Cole (301-961-2926) at National 4-H Council.

CALENDAR INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE.  IT IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED BY WANDA MEEKER.  THANKS WANDA!!!