Fairfield County 4H

CURRENT NEWSLETTER

Program Newsletter - April 2008

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April 2008 Newsletter

“4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning
leadership, citizenship and life skills.”

Ede Valiquette FC 4-H Educator - phone- 203-207-3264 - email-edith.valiquette@uconn.edu
www.fairfield county 4h.org

4-H State office - www.4-h.uconn.edu- 1-888-FOUR-H-CT (368-7428) toll free state 4-H number

We are at the midway point of the 4-H year! Have your enrollment forms been sent in? have you planned your club community service? Have you had at least one meeting about record books?
Have you started thinking about awards?

APRIL 2008
4 2008 COEEA Conference: Your Environmental Workout! Quinnipiac
University, Hamden, CT
11 Fairfield County 4-H Fair Planning Meeting – Zoo 6:30-8:30 Pizza party
12 State 4-H Day – State Public Presentation Finals, State 4-H Fashion Revue, State 4-H
Talent Show, Workshops, Photography, Art and Textile Art Contests, UConn West
Hartford Campus
13 Groom Squad, Sunnybrook Farm, Newtown
16 State 4-H Citizenship Day, Hartford
19- New England 4-H Dog Camp, Vernon
23 Volunteer and teen Leadership Dinner, My Place Restaurant, Newtown
26 Fairfield County 4-H Tech Day
26 4-H Food Show - Cancelled
28 4-H Night at the Redding Grange.
MAY 2008
1 Awards, Camperships and College Scholarship applications due
1 CT Report Forms due in Bethel Office for state award consideration
17 Set up for 4-H Benefit Horse Show
18 Spring Benefit Horse Show
19 After Show Pizza Party and Jump Pick Up
23 4-H Night at the Trumbull Grange

SAVE THE DATES
June Recognition Night
June 29 - July 1 4-H Teen Connection Conference at UConn

THANKS TO. . .
. . . Carol Maida for coordinating the Ad Campaign and to all leaders members and parents who
participated

. . . Happy Hoofers who are coordinating this year’s Groom Squad

. . . Teens Jonathan Malia, Amanda LoCascio, Elizabeth LoCascio and adults Joanne Malia and Liz Smith
LoCascio who are coordinating this year’s Tech Day

CONGRATULATIONS TO¼
. . . all who participated in this year’s Cover Contest for the 4-H Spring Benefit Horse Show:
Winner-Sarah Liska
honorable mention - Alyssa Marini and Cheyenne Ahmad
Participants - Jessica Gorman, Ben Schultz, Laura Early, Erin O’Brien

. . . Kristi Allen and Rebeka Rosales, our Fairfield County participants in the District Fashion Revue and Talent Show. Kristi will be representing our county at the State Fashion Revue April 12.

JUST A REMINDER
Save the date- Fairfield County 4-H Fair is October 18.

COUNTY HAPPENINGS
NEW DUE DATE FOR Record Books, starting this year will be due September 26. The July 1 date didn’t seem to work as well as the Committee thought it would. The new due date will give clubs a chance to meet at least once in September to complete their record books.

ENROLLMENT FORMS
Send in your enrollments- NOW we do not carry forward mailing lists and each member must be added each year. Your 4-H’ers could be missing out on important mailings. Your club is not officially registered until they are received.

NEEDED- Pictures for the web page - email or mail them to the 4-H office.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H FAIR - APRIL 11- FIRST MEETING
We hope to have the teens more involved in organizing, leading and conducting the Fair this year.
Teens Rock!!! Want to have a say in the Fair this year? This year, the Development Committee is committed to having more teens plan and run our 4-H Fair, held at the Beardsley Zoo, October 18. Our first planning meeting will be APRIL 11, 6:30-8:30 at the Zoo. Pizza party included. We will be electing Fair officers and committee chairs as well as recruiting adult advisors. We will have monthly meetings during the spring and then one meeting in the fall. Contact Ede if you are interested in being on the committee.
CALLING ALL HORSE LOVERS!!
GROOM SQUAD ACTIVITY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 13TH
Like horses? What is Groom Squad? Groom Squad is a fun activity for horse lovers! Teams of 3-4 4-Her’s are assigned a DIRTY horse and they have 1 hour to make their horse clean! All brushes and tools are supplied. 4-Her’s supply the elbow grease and teamwork. Team members will be judged on safety, teamwork, correct use of equipment, use of grooming tools, and the “finished product”. Ribbons awarded and refreshments provided.

This activity is open to all 4-Hers. Horse experience not necessary. There will be a short informational session on grooming before Groom Squad officially starts. Although there is no registration fee, YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER. Information has already been sent to members and leaders. Info on our web site.

VOLUNTEER and TEENS DINNER, April 23, MY PLACE RESTAURANT, NEWTOWN
On April 23, we will have our volunteer dinner meeting at My Place Restaurant. Compliments of 4-H. Who should attend? Adults and teens that are in leadership positions in their club and adults and teens who have served on county or state committees are invited to attend.

In addition to dinner, we will discuss:
• bulb fundraiser
• review next year's calendar with particular attention to public speaking and the Ad Campaign
• the elimination of speaking at the Grange as an option for one of the mandatory requirements for Super 4-Her.

TECH DAY – April 26
What is Tech Day? It is a fun day, full of science activities, held at the Bethel Extension Center. Tech Day is planned by teens and adult volunteers. 4-Hers and their friends are invited. Information has been sent and is also on our web page.

BULB FUNDRAISER
Because the Ad Campaign did not meet the goal this year, the Development Committee has decided to add another fundraiser this year to our schedule. After some research, the Committee decided that we will be selling spring flowering bulbs this fall. Bulbs will be sold in September and October. More info later.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H AD CAMPAIGN
The Ad campaign has ended. Thanks to all who participated this year. Attached are the results.

RECOGNITION NIGHT
Our Annual 4-H Recognition Night will be held at the Edmond Town Hall in Newtown on EITHER Friday, June 6 OR 13. Awards and Recognition will be given to 4-H members and clubs along with the College Scholarship Awards. So mark your calendars and attend this special fun night.

COUNTY AWARDS and ACTIVITY and COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS DUE MAY 1
Leaders have already received the award packets. All nominations are due May 1. Several awards are self-nomination. Talk to your leader if you are interested in applying for an award. See our county web site for extra forms. Going to camp?? Apply for an activity scholarship. They are not based on financial need.

WHAT DOES YOUR CLUB DO FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE?
To be a 4-H member in good standing in Connecticut each 4-H'er must complete a community service project. Let the 4-H office know what your club does for community service. There are so many good things being done by clubs we would like to give credit where credit is due! Send us pictures- they can go on the web site!

SPRING BENEFIT HORSE SHOW
The 2008 Spring Benefit Horse Show will be held Sunday, May 18. As we wind down with the Ad Campaign, we begin to gear up for the actual benefit horse show. Please plan to work that day. Workers are needed in the food booth, all four riding areas and for the raffle. If you cannot help the day of the show how about clean up and set up the day before the show or help with taking down the jumps the day after the show.

The Ad Campaign and the Horse Show is our major fundraiser for the year. With the money raised at this show, we fund all 4-H activities throughout the year including ribbons and awards. Talk to club members now about working. Club leaders will be receiving an e-mail for 4-Hers to sign up for the day, please help.

There is a job for everyone. Children 7 and 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Actually parents are needed to make this day a success. Youth who volunteer receive a ribbon. Every job is important.

Horse show proper – show starts at 8:30am and runs to about 5pm
-Ribbon runners and jump crew- handout ribbons to riders and put up a rail when a horse knocks it down. No horse knowledge necessary.
-Gate keeper- opens the gate when a horse leaves the ring. No horse knowledge necessary.
-Schooling ring steward- must have horse knowledge

Food booth
Food booth opens about 7am. We usually are short of help in the morning. We have two grills cooking after 10:30am. Food booth starts to close around 3pm.
-We need a volunteer(s) to help set up the food booth on Sat- 9am- noon. Adults and youth. We really need an adult to help load their car on Saturday and then be at the Food Booth at 6:30-7am to help unload, set-up and hopefully stay until about 10:30am.
-Cashiers-teens or adults
-Order fillers- youth any age
-Hot Pretzels - starting about 10am-3pm
-Snow cones- usually the Zoo club does this 10-3pm

Raffle
We will need some youth to help sell tickets. From 8am-noon. Usually the food handlers and the raffle kids switch off jobs.

ARE YOU A VOLUNTEER OF RECORD?
What is a Volunteer of Record? Are you a Volunteer of Record? Should you be a Volunteer of Record? A Volunteer of Record is a volunteer who has completed an application, has been accepted as a volunteer and who has attended a 4-H orientation. 4-H Volunteers of record are recognized by state law as official volunteers and are legally protected as such.

Any adult who works with youth in the 4-H organization should become a Volunteer of Record. Leaders and other adults who play active roles in club or 4-H activities should complete the application. The good news is that you do not have to complete an application very year. Forms can be obtained from the State 4-H web site at - www.4-h.uconn.edu. The application is listed under forms.

4-H AT THE GRANGE
The registration form is included in this newsletter- see the last page. 4-H Night at the Grange, scheduled for March 28th has been canceled. The NEW DATES are

Monday, April 28 at 7:00pm - 4-H Night at the Redding Grange.
Friday May 23- 4-H Night at the Trumbull Grange 4-H Night

The Trumbull Grange date will be TOO late for those 4-Hers wishing to use the Grange as a public speaking experience for Super 4-Her. If you want to use the Grange speaking event for Super 4-Her YOU MUST attend the Redding Grange.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY TEEN CORNER
CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS -- Give yourself a graduation gift and complete a Fairfield County College Scholarship application. Scholarships are available for teens entering technical schools, community and four-year colleges. The award is based on involvement and length of time in
4-H. Scholarships range from $100 to $1,000. Applications are due in the 4-H office May 1.

STATE HAPPENINGS
2008 4-H TEEN CONNECTION CONFERENCE
Teen Connection will be held at the University June 30- July 1. We are now recruiting teens who might be interested in helping to plan the Conference. See attached flyer for details. The first meeting is Feb 16.

CONNECTICUT 4-H WEB SITE- - www.4-h.uconn.edu Do you check out this site regularly?

CITIZENSHIP DAY 2008
State Citizenship Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2008. This day long event takes place each year at the State Capital in Hartford. If you are a 4-Her who is 12 years old or older you are welcome and encouraged to attend. Club leaders and parents are also welcome to participate. More information is available at the state 4-H website. (www.4-h.uconn.edu). Information about the day and a registration form is included in this newsletter.

4-H CAMP SEASON
The 2008 4-H camp season is currently being planned. There are several wonderful and fun filled 4-H camps in Connecticut. Brochures are available. Visit the State 4-H website at - www.4-h.uconn.edu

Want information on 4-H camps? Here's who to call:
Hartford County 4-H Camp - Marlborough (860) 289-4177
Windham Tolland 4-H Camp – Pomfret (860) 974-3379
Middlesex County Camp - Moodus (860) 873-2294
New London County 4-H Camp – Franklin (860) 886-7476

NEW ENGLAND DOG CAMP AND CLINIC
The New England 4-H Dog Camp and Clinic will be held April 19 at the Tolland Agricultural Center, in Vernon. Registration packets are available on the state webpage. Youth 12 and older may stay the weekend; those under 12 can participate Saturday only or may stay with a parent over the weekend. Dogs staying overnight must be crate trained. Approximate cost is $40 for the weekend or $20 for Saturday only. The weekend has a variety of workshops as well as showmanship and obedience classes. Fun games and activities are planned. For more information contact Linda Horn at Linda.Horn@uconn.edu.

2008 FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H SPRING BENEFIT HORSE SHOW
AD CAMPAIGN SUMMARY
FUNDS GENERATED BY 4-HERS Goal: $5,000 Sold: $2,365
Individual sellers
Highest Seller- Sarah Liska $ 335
Honorable Mention - Virginia Early 315
Gunner William 235
Kristi Allen 225
Extra Effort - Alyssa Marini 115
Shannon Spies 105
Highest 7 & 8 year old - Gunner Williams 235

100% Clubs
• Pineview Horseman-Oxford- Sarah Liska, Gunnar Williams, Alexandra DeGirolamo, Adam Iacoponi, Erin O’Brien
Participating Clubs
• Helping Hands, Norwalk- Kristi Allen, Nathan Allen, Rebeka Rosales
• Housatonic Horizons, Sandy Hook- Ashley Malia, Jonathan Malia, Mark Malia,
• Force 4 the Future, Bethel – Virginia Early, Andrew Early, Laura Early, Ben Schyultz
• Zoo Club, Bridgeport- Joshua Kopac, Andrew Kopac, Brendan Williams, Caitlin Neary, Cheyenne Ahmad, Gianna Gerrity, Emily Gaetano
• Wildwinds, Trumbull- Gwen Hawkes, Alyssa Marini
• Stamford Explorers – Michael Hoherchak, Sasha Hoherchak, Natasha Hoherchak, Klara Hoherchak, Brandon Gorman, Jessica Gorman
• Happy Hoofers, Bethel – Brenna Imperati , Devin Imperati, Shannon Spies, Rebecca Puglisi

COVER CONTEST
Winner Sarah Liska
Honorable Mention - Alyssa Marini and Cheyenne Ahmad
Participants- Jessica Gorman, Ben Schultz, Laura Early, Erin O’Brien

PLANNING COMMITTEE NOW FORMING FOR
FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H FAIR

VOLUNTEERS and TEENS are INVITED to JOIN the
2008 FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H FAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Fair is October 18

OUR FIRST PIZZA PARTY PLANNING MEETING
is
FRIDAY APRIL 11, 6:30-8:30, AT THE ZOO (CASINO)

Committee Expectations
• Teens must be at least 13 years of age.
• Committee members must be able to attend 50% of the planning meetings. (we anticipate 4 )
• Committee members must attend the Fair, October 18.

First Planning Committee Meeting Agenda
Get acquainted; Review Fair 07; Establish overall schedule for the day; Discuss possible community service projects; Establish sub-committees for Fair 08; Discuss jobs of Fair 08 officers; Nominations of Fair 08 officers; meeting dates

All Fair officers and Committee Chairs will be teens with adult serving as advisors

INTERESTED? RSVP your interest and/or attendance to this meeting to EdeValiquette 203-207-3264 or edith.valiquette@uconn.edu

ALL ARE WELCOME

4-H NIGHT AT THE REDDING GRANGE
Starts at 7:00pm

Monday, April 28 at the Redding Grange.

Come join us for a 4-H evening where you “STRUT YOUR STUFF”. Give a speech, demonstration, talk or share your talent! Presentations should be 3-5 minutes. Pick any subject that interests you. Present as an individual or as a team. This is a wonderful learning experience for those who have never given a presentation before. 4-H Night gives you the chance to give your presentation and also fulfill a requirement if you want to receive the Super 4-Her award. (you must either have presented at the County Public Presentation this past January or present at the Redding Grange to be eligible for the Super 4-Her award.)

Registrations are due April 21th. Participation in the Grange program is not guaranteed if forms are received past the due date.

Directions

4-H NIGHT AT THE GRANGE, APRIL 28th
Registration Form
Presentations should be 3-5 minutes

Registrations are due April 21st. Mail or email info to Fairfield County 4-H Office, 67 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801

Name______________________________________________________________

Age________

Email______________________________ Phone ______________________

Club_________________________ Title of Presentation_________________________

Type of presentation ____speech _____illustrated talk ______speech (Power point not available)

Registrations are due April 21. Participation in the Grange program is not guaranteed if forms are received past the due date.

SAVE THE DATE
IT WILL COME QUICKLY!!!!!
START PLANNING NOW!!!!!

FAIRFIELD COUNTY 4-H FAIR
October 18, 2008
Beardsley Zoo!!!!

Exhibits, Ribbons, Workshops,
Community Service Project

Something for everyone
!!Be there or be square!!

“4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.”

Announcing
Connecticut 4-H Teen Connection
CSI: UConn
(Career Search Investigation)

Visit the beautiful
University of Connecticut,
Storrs Campus, for 3 days &
2 nights of fun and challenging activities.

• This is your chance to:
• Explore new skills and ideas
• Meet teens from all over CT
• See our campus

University of Connecticut

June 29 through
July 1
2008

Sate 4-H Program
Nancy Wilhelm
4-H Program Coordinator
1376 Storrs Road,
Storrs CT 06269-4134

• A chance to explore career opportunities
• Many interesting workshops
• Dorm life at its finest
• Participant Dance
• A safe & fun campus environment
• High School aged participants
• Adult supervision by UConn Faculty & 4-H volunteers
• Fast-paced and action-packed schedule!

Phone: 860-486-4127 or
1-888-FOURHCT

Fax: 860-486-0264

Email:
Nancy.wilhelm@uconn.edu

4-H
Making the Best Better!