4-H State Achievement Days at Penn State

State Days July 28-30

Application Deadline- Must be received by June 18th

Imagine having fun meeting 4-H teens from across the state while competing in contests related to your project area. Think you are good at shooting an air rifle, giving a presentation, or judging horses? Or that you have lots of knowledge about rabbits, dogs or archery? Want to experience staying in college dorms and seeing the Penn State campus? Can you sing or like to design computer graphics for marketing? If this sounds like fun, come and be part of this exciting three-day event held at Penn State each summer.

This program is open to qualified 4-H members ages 13 (as of 1/1/09) and older. The first day is devoted to registration, a service project, the opening ceremony with a motivational/entertaining assembly, and some social time. Some contests may have a special session that afternoon as well. The second day is devoted to your contest and educational program in the morning and afternoon. Then there is some free time to relax before dinner. The evening often offers choices like the Fashion Review, movie, and a dance. On Thursday the morning is devoted to the awards assembly and then the trip home!

While most of the members have already been practicing for their teams, there are several events (like The Apprentice, State Chorus, and Ag Career Exploration) that allow teens to attend that might not be in a specific program or project area. There is also a talent showcase that allows those members who are already going to State Days in another contest to perform if selected. With the exception of these few events, you should be taking a project in that area and/or work with a designated coach. For example, if you plan to compete in Physical Fitness, you MUST attend the practices, study nutrition, and be approved by the coach who is Karen Moore. There is a new puppetry program too!

Barb Schwarzer (from Toastmasters) and I will help those interested in doing public speaking or demonstrations. Anyone planning to do the tractor driving must get an approved adult to work with them and sign off that they have seen you actually drive through a course similar to the one you will be required to do. You also need to study the parts of the tractor.

Winners in many of our state contests can go on to national competition. In recent years, our Avian Bowl went on to competition in Kentucky, our public speaker went to the Eastern National 4-H horse Roundup in KY, and four members of our Air Rifle Team competed at the National 4-H Shoot in South Dakota.

If you want information on the photography, poster art and small animal essay contests which are judged during State Days but are not a team event, go to the State Days website at: http://pa4h.cas.psu.edu/77.htm and print off the requirements and information you want. Let me know in advance if you plan to enter as these must be sent to Penn state ahead of time.

If you want to go, you MUST have your application and check to me by June 18th. Cost is $135 per person payable to "Mont. Co. 4-H Dev. Fund." Your portion pays for the registration for the contest, lodging (in the dorms), meals, and other related event activities at Penn State. Your only additional cost should be meals en route. We pay for the bus and chaperone costs which run about $3,200 in addition to what you pay. Those who sign up will receive details regarding attire, medical forms, transportation, etc. We travel by bus and leave from the 4-H Center Tuesday morning (about 8:15 AM) and return there Thursday afternoon (about 4:00 PM). If you are not staying in the dorms and only driving up for the contest and going home, talk to me as there is a reduced fee for that option. The single room request on the application is for chaperones only.

If you want to go to the Tuesday afternoon session regarding "What Does Penn State Have to Offer" be sure to check that on your form. Do the same with the Talent Show (also requires a video) and fill in the required papers (see the website). Because we have encountered some problems in the past, we will not accept State Days applications without the check.

Again, please go to http://pa4h.cas.psu.edu/77.htm to look up and print off your event rules and regulations so you know what to expect of your contest. Completed applications and checks MUST be received in the office by June 18th so don't wait till the last minute to apply. Late registration costs are $175. This includes any applications coming to us after the June 18th date and prior to July 1st. We will only accept late registrations if there is room on the bus.

There is a service project that everyone will participate in on Tuesday afternoon once we get on campus. You will get details once you register for the event.
You may download the application on the Montgomery 4-H website:
http://montgomery.extension.psu.edu/4-H/2009SAD.pdf

Ambler 4-H Club Service Project at Elmwood Park Zoo

The Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown contacted the Montgomery County Ambler 4-H club and asked for a Cotton-Top Tamarin sign board to be constructed and painted. The Ambler 4-H club purchased the sign board wood and paints and the 4-H club leader designed the Tamarin sign board. Three Ambler 4-H leaders and senior high school member David Robbins constructed and painted the Cotton Top Tamarin sign board. Ambler 4-H club has also performed community service by constructing the Butterfly sign board (2000) and the Tree Frog sign board(2008) for the Elmwood Park Zoo at no charge to the zoo. Great Job!

4-H Kit Kat Club Fundraiser

The 4-H Kit Kat Club is proud to hold a fundraiser on Sunday, June 14th from 11AM-3PM to raise funds and donations for the local SPCA and the Cat Angel Network. We will be at the Trappe Feed & Pet Supply 325 W Main Street, Trappe (behind Dairy Queen) We are gratefully accepting:

• Food (dry and canned)
• Cat Litter (especially pine)
• Old towels and blankets
• Bleach
• Newspapers
• Small and medium plastic litter boxes
• Kitten milk replacement
• Paper towels
• Small toy mice
• Monetary donations are always appreciated

Please come and visit us!

An Invitation to NON Equestrian 4-H Members!

Attention Non-Equestrians!!

• Have you ever wondered what goes on at a horse show?
• Why do they dress like that?
• What's the deal with riding around in that ring?
• What is a lead change and where are the posts for posting?
• How does a horse bend a pole with no hands?
• Does a horse really fit through a keyhole?

Timber Talk Trotters would like to invite you to stop at the 4-H Center on May 30th and find out!There will be breakfast goodies for early birds and a cookout for lunch. Grab a bite to eat - stay for an hour or make it a day! We would love to see you and answer any horse show questions you might have!

CLICK HERE for a photo of a Timber Talk Trotters Event!

THE OFFICIAL INFO:
Timber Talk Trotters 4-H Horse Club is holding their annual open English,
Western and Driving show on Saturday, May 30th at the Montgomery
County 4-H Center @ 1015 Bridge Road (Rt 113), Creamery, PA. The
show starts at 8:00 am. Please contact Leslie @ 215.234.9376 or
lesliekblair4@comcast.net for a copy of the prize list.

Matthew Bailey Scholarship / Outstanding 4-H Member Award

Dear Matthew Bailey Scholarship and Outstanding 4-H Member Applicants:

Thank you for your interest in either of the above referenced awards. Both are the highest honors in the local 4-H Program and are highly coveted.

The application for the Matthew Bailey Scholarship and Outstanding 4-H Member Awards is now on the 4-H website at:
http://montgomery.extension.psu.edu/4-H/2009MB-OMApplication.pdf

I want to call the following to your attention.

First, all applications and leader recommendations are due on July 1. There are no exceptions granted for any reason when applications or recommendations are received late (not even if your mom, dog, cat, bird, goat, sheep, any other being or alien ate it). You are encouraged to remind leaders so that your recommendations are received on time, and as per the description outlined on page 2. (Sometimes busy leaders forget, so a gentle reminder is often welcomed.)

Second, read all guidelines and instructions carefully, and follow them. Submitting an incomplete application will put you at a severe disadvantage.

Applications may be submitted online to patticolby@msn.com, with a copy to Nancy Kadwill at nmk1@psu.edu. In the reference line, be sure to include the words "4-H Scholarship/Outstanding Member Application". For the signature areas, just type in your name and the date on the appropriate lines, and after your name, type the words "I approve". (The same instructions apply for leaders wishing to submit recommendations online.) For the extension office signature, you may leave that blank, and I will verify with Nancy that she has approved the application.

The application consists of 10 pages (the last 4 are Leader Recommendation forms).

Finally, interviews will be conducted on July 8 and July 22. On both evenings, the times will be 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 8 p.m., and 8:45 p.m. When you submit your application, please indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for interview dates and times. Watch your email after 7/1/2009, for confirmation of your interview. Emails will include the words "4-H", "Interview", and "Confirmation", and they will generate from "Gary or Patti Colby".

Please read and follow all instructions carefully. If you have questions, please send an email to patticolby@msn.com.

Good luck!
Patti Colby,
Chairperson of the Selection Committee

Presentation Night Contest Canceled

The Presentation Night Contest has been canceled due to low enrollment. We may try to have something of a similar nature at another time of the year, possibly Friday night at the Fair

Earth Day - Clean Up Day at the 4-H Center

In recognition of Earth Day, the 4-H Livestock Club is sponsoring "Clean Up Day at the 4-H Center" on April 25 from 1 to 5 pm. All 4-H Clubs are invited and encouraged to participate!

Why is this important? We have a terrific facility that is available for our use, and we do not have to pay rent. Let's all help maintain the property so that we can continue to use it!

Here are some of the things we need to do:

1. Weed, mulch, and edge the flower beds.
2. Clean the attic and basement.
3. Replace the walkway to the shooting sports area (at least remove the old one).
4. Remove/replace rotting poles and ties around the facility.
5. Clean lights in the barns.
6. Rake sand and permaflex back into the show rings.
7. Barn cleaning (not to be confused with barn raising).
8. Repair a door.

We need parents and kids to participate. If you have these "tools", you may want to bring them (please label your stuff):

• Gloves.
• Rakes.
• Shovels.

To volunteer for Clean Up Day assignments, please email Patti Colby at patticolby@msn.com or Jerry McMahon at deepcreek28@verizon.net

Water and snacks will be provided.

Let's work together and celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up the 4-H Center.