Florida 4-H News Room: 4-H News from Around the State

MARILYN NORMAN INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME

2019-10-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Contact: Jeannette Rea Keywood, National 4-H Hall of Fame Chair, 609-827-0199, reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu

MARILYN NORMAN INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME

CHEVY CHASE, MD (October 11, 2019) – Dr. Marilyn Norman of Asbury, Iowa was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame on October 11 for her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H.

Honored by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension and the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program, Norman was one of 16 people inducted during the ceremony at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees are nominated by their home states, National 4-H Council; the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA); or 4-H National Headquarters/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based upon their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.

Honorees were presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book during the ceremony. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of the NAE4-HA in partnership with National 4-H Council and National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

More information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame event and past recipients can be located at: http://www.4-H-hof.com/

“We are proud to recognize the 2019 National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees for the passion, dedication, vision and leadership they have shown toward young people during their many years of service to 4-H,” says Jeannette Rea Keywood, National 4-H Hall of Fame Committee Chair.

Dr. Marilyn Norman's 38 year career brought leadership to Florida 4-H as State Program Leader during a critical time within University of Florida/IFAS. Marilyn brought a vision to Florida 4-H which she implemented with a clear strategy. In the role as 4-H Program Leader, she embraced a very daunting strategic plan following an external review and identified priorities for change. She was most instrumental in moving Florida 4-H forward, enhancing programs and funding, both internally and externally.

Marilyn took leadership in a successful grassroots legislative campaign that approved funding in the amount of $1.5 million annually to support programs for youth in Florida. Through this funding her vision to create five regional agent positions was achieved. These faculty mentored and supported county agents resulting in a reduction of attrition from 33% to 20%. Other significant leadership accomplishments include: 1) redeeming FL 4-H camping through partnerships with local communities and Operation Military Kids camp grants for 8 years totaling an average of $500,000 to support camp; 2) increasing external partnerships and promoting a cultural change within the Florida 4-H Foundation; and 3) ensured the safety of 4-H members through implementation of a volunteer screening policy. Finally, Marilyn was recognized as providing quality leadership experiences for the thousands of youth in 4-H. She strategically pushed for youth and volunteer engagement in all levels of programming, including governance. She was an advocate for youth voice and worked to instill a culture of youth-adult partnerships statewide.

Enhancing the welfare of others was a central theme throughout Marilyn's career. A key focus of her programs as both a 4-H agent and unit Leader in Chicago was designing programs, curricula, and family-focused methods that addressed violence reduction and family enhancement. These materials and programs were used successfully in over 400 Chicago agencies, inter-city minority families, and congregations. Marilyn's vision promoted the growth of Florida 4-H Day at the Capitol from an average of 100 participants to over 500 resulting in the delegation holding hands around the Capitol building.

Marilyn has served on countless committees as a 4-H advocate. Examples include her 7-year term on the Illinois Governor's Office Voluntary Action Advisory Board and a 2-year term on the UF Alliance Advisory Council. She served 2 terms as a city alderman, as a choir member, and an organist. Since retiring, she has served as an elementary school volunteer and remains a devoted advocate for FL 4-H annually reviewing youth portfolios, and agent award applications and permanent status/promotion (PSP) packets. Most recently Marilyn worked tirelessly as an advocate educating legislators to reinstate $500,000 of a 1.5 million budget cut and continues to support legislative funding initiatives for 4-H.

Marilyn was a 4-H member in Iowa for 8 years and began her career in Illinois (Tazewell County\Chicago North), then moved to Florida as a District Director prior to becoming the Florida 4-H Program Leader. Marilyn's work is evidenced by the countless national, regional and state publications and presentations. Two nationally recognized curricula teams in which she played an active role were "Leadership Skills You Never Outgrow" and Family 4-H". She is a life-member of NAE4-HA, after a membership of 38 years.

Marilyn is the definition of a professional. She exhibits the highest level of integrity, personal discipline, and trustworthiness both as a colleague and administrator. Her office door was open for faculty, staff, volunteers, and youth. Marilyn was a 4-H Program Leader all could trust from being on the job 6 weeks to 16 years. Her composure in the midst of chaos is exemplified in the testimony shared by a county agent who recalled she had been an agent for one year and experienced a conflictual volunteer situation. Marilyn's calm and confident support during this situation was very influential to this young agent and demonstrated her support for all in the name of 4-H.

Dr. Marilyn Norman to be Inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame

2019-09-17T12:29:00.002-07:00

September 18, 2019

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release

Contact: Jeannette Rea Keywood, National 4-H Hall of Fame Chair, 609-827-0199, reakeywood@njaes.rutgers.edu

Editors: States include: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin

SIXTEEN LAUREATES TO BE INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME

Sixteen individuals will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Friday, October 11, at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Each person will be honored for his or her lifetime achievements and contributions to 4-H. The National 4-H Hall of Fame honorees are nominated by their home states, National 4-H Council, the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA) or 4-H National Headquarters/National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) based upon their exceptional leadership at the local, state, national and international levels.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2019 Laureates recognized for excellence in citizenship, leadership, character and career accomplishments include: Charles B. Cox, Oklahoma; Richard J. Freeman, National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA); Frances L. Hagel, New Jersey; Edward L. Horning, Pennsylvania; Lillian Larwood, Oregon; Donna J. MacNeir, NAE4-HA; Reita Marks, West Virginia; Donna Menart, Wisconsin; Ruby N. Miller, Louisiana; Les Nichols, National 4-H Council; Marilyn N. Norman, Florida; Bill Peterson, Arizona; Howard F. Scott, North Carolina; LC Scramlin, Michigan; Peter J. Stortz, Alaska; and Chuck Todd, Washington. These laureates were selected for the National 4-H Hall of Fame because of their significant contribution to 4-H, the nation’s premier youth development organization that serves over 6 million youth nationwide.

“We are proud to honor and recognize the outstanding individuals who are the Class of 2019 Laureates for the National 4-H Hall of Fame. These individuals have touched the lives of many people, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of 4-H volunteers and members throughout the nation," said Jeannette Rea Keywood, chair of the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

The honorees will be presented with a National 4-H Hall of Fame medallion, plaque and memory book during the ceremony. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established in 2002 as part of the Centennial Project of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents in partnership with National 4-H Council and 4-H National Headquarters of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA. The purpose of the National 4-H Hall of Fame is to recognize and celebrate those people who have made a significant impact on 4-H and its millions of members throughout 4-H’ers past 100 plus years. For more information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame event and past recipients, visit http://www.4-H-hof.com/

About the National 4-H Hall of Fame
In 2002, the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA), National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA created the National 4-H Hall of Fame during 4-H’s centennial year. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major impacts within the 4-H movement at the local, state and national levels. Biographies and more information about inductees can be found on the National 4-H Hall of Fame website at http://www.4-H-hof.com/

About the 4-H Youth Development Program
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, serving more than 6 million young people across America annually with research-based programs in leadership, citizenship, communication and life skills. For more than 100 years, 4-H has connected the science, engineering and technology innovations of land-grant universities to local youth and families. 4-H National Headquarters at NIFA, USDA provides programmatic leadership for the 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H programs are offered in every county in the United States. More information about 4-H can be located at the national 4-H website at http://www.4-h.org

We are excited to have former 4-H agent (and alum) Shirley Bond as a National 4-H Hall of fame inductee.

2016-06-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL 4-H HALL OF FAME LAUREATES ANNOUNCED

4-H has announced the names of the sixteen individuals who will be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during a special ceremony to be held on Friday, October 7 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Laureates who will be honored for excellence in citizenship, leadership, character and career accomplishments include: Estella (Stella) Almeida, New Jersey; Janet C. Burns Athanas, Alaska; Shirley R. Bond, Florida; Dr. James L. (Jim) Byford, Tennessee; L. Ann Domsch, Kansas; Lila Jeanne Eichelberger, Illinois; Dr. Stanley J. Lamendola, Louisiana; Dr. Eddie L. Locklear, National 4-H Council; John L. Loyd, West Virginia; Dr. Steve Mullen, NIFA/4-H National Headquarters; Linda Gould Nierman, PhD, Indiana; Marvin Olinsky, Ohio; Nancy Hottle Scheerbaum, Pennsylvania; Dr. Wendy J. Stivers, Kentucky; William Viar, NAE4-HA; and Dr. Kathleen (Kathi) E. Vos, Wisconsin.

Each laureate was selected for the National 4-H Hall of Fame because of his or her significant contribution to 4-H, the nation’s premier youth development organization that serves over six million youth nationwide. 4-H programs in every state, U.S. territory and the District of Columbia as well as 4-H's three national partners…National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA); National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters at National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA, nominate outstanding individuals for this honor.

The National 4-H Hall of Fame was created in 2002 as a 4-H Centennial project to recognize and celebrate those people who have made a significant impact on 4-H and its millions of members over more than 100 years.
“These individuals have touched the lives of many people, from 4-H staff and colleagues to thousands of    4-H volunteers and members throughout the nation," said Jeannette Rea-Keywood, Chair of the National    4-H Hall of Fame.

About the National 4-H Hall of Fame In 2002, the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents (NAE4-HA), National 4-H Council and National 4-H Headquarters at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA created the National 4-H Hall of Fame during 4-H’s centennial year. The National 4-H Hall of Fame was established to recognize 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff and pioneers who made major impacts within the 4-H movement at the local, state and national levels. Biographies and more information about inductees can be found on the National 4-H Hall of Fame website at http://www.4-h-hof.com/

Florida 4-H congratulates Miss Tampa 2016

2016-05-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

4-H Alum, Morgan Boykin is the current Miss Tampa 2016. Congratulations Morgan on this accomplishment.

See more at: http://wfla.com/2016/03/10/miss-tampa-2016/

Past Florida 4-H agent to be inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame

2016-05-11T07:46:00.005-07:00

A Florida 4-H Alumna who's helped thousands of young people aspire to be their best will be inducted into the National Hall of Fame. Florida 4-H congratulates Shirley Bond!

Pepin Academy 4-H program is what's right with Tampa Bay

2016-05-11T07:22:00.001-07:00

Introducing new experiences to children with special needs is very important for their growth and that's why Pepin Academy 4-H program is what's right with Tampa Bay:

See the video: http://www.fox13news.com/news/what-s-right-with-tampa-bay/139605035-story

Florida 4-H official announcement of the death of former livestock club leader and 2011 Hall of Fame inductee Mr. Bernard Lewis

2016-03-15T12:50:00.002-07:00

Bernard Lewis, 91 passed away Sunday, March 13, 2016.

Mr. Lewis was born in Woodville and spent remaining years in Quincy as a cattleman. Retired from U.S. Postal Service, retired Treasurer of Talquin Electric Cooperation Board, and was an Army Veteran of WW II and a member and former Deacon of Thomas Memorial Baptist Church where he was one of the first to give so the church could begin a full time childcare program.

Mr. Lewis served as 4-H Livestock Club leader for over four decades and transported countless kids and horses to 4-H Camp Timpoochee’s Horsemanship Schools. Mr. Lewis routinely held fish fries for youth attending area 4-H Horsemanship Schools and donated horses to be auctioned off in support of youth and their fundraising efforts.

In 2011 Mr. Lewis was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Contributions may be made to; Clark-Lewis-Moore Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund, c/o Gadsden Co. Extension Office, 2140 W. Jefferson St., Quincy, FL 32351. Independent Funeral Home (850-875-1529) is handling arrangements.

- Read more about Mr. Lewis' life and dedication to 4-H

Florida 4-H official announcement of the death of long time supporter and Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Bobby Damron

2016-03-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

Emeritus Professor Dr. Bobby Damron, a poultry science faculty member in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida from 1968-2003, and a 2015 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame Inductee, died Tuesday, March 2nd, 2016.

As a teen, Dr. Damron participated in the State 4-H Poultry Judging Contests, attended National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago, and completed projects in dairy, gardening, tractors, poultry, leadership, agriculture, swine, and field crops. The unique 4-H experiences did not end for Dr. Damron when he graduated from high school.

Participating in UF Collegiate 4-H Weekends at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake and working at 4-H Camp Cloverleaf helped Dr. Damron stay involved with 4-H. He also met his wife, Vera, while working at 4-H Camp. After college, Dr. Damron volunteered to help 4-H and FFA teams learn poultry science and prepare for judging contests.

On March 6^th, there will be a viewing at Kanapaha Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, FL. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Florida 4H Club Foundation, PO Box 110225, Gainesville, FL 32611. Please visit his memorial page at http://www.funeralhome.com/

New Florida Strawberry Festival Queen has roots in 4-H

2016-01-27T11:48:00.001-08:00

PLANT CITY — The new Florida Strawberry Festival queen isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

Haley Riley has been raising and showing livestock since she joined 4-H as a 5-year-old. And she’s not going to let the crown keep her from showing her steer, Wyatt Earp, at the festival’s livestock shows.

“This will be my last year to compete so yes, I’ll be there,” she said.

The 16-year-old Durant High School junior gets her love for agriculture naturally; several family members are farmers.

Read full article: http://www.tbo.com/plant-city/new-florida-strawberry-festival-queen-says-crowning-a-dream-come-true-20160123/

Sarah Hensley takes on new role as Youth Curriculum and Evaluation State Specialized Extension Agent

2015-11-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

GAINESVILLE, FL - After an extensive national search, Florida 4-H is pleased to announce that Sarah Hensley has accepted the position of Youth Curriculum and Evaluation State Specialized Extension Agent.

Sarah previously served as the regional specialized 4-H agent to the central extension district. Previous statewide duties included healthy living projects, Cloverbud programming for 5-7 year olds, and serving as the program chair for Florida 4-H University.

As program chair for Florida 4-H University Sarah helped lead the program into it’s current workforce preparation focus.

As the new Youth Curriculum and Evaluation State Specialized Extension Agent, Sarah will provide statewide leadership for the design, adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of 4-H educational programs and curricula that support Extension faculty, staff, and volunteers in carrying out the mission of the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

Sarah will continue to be based in Gainesville, Florida at Florida 4-H State Headquarters and will report to the State 4-H Program Leader.

Florida 4-H Welcomes Grace Carter, State 4-H Citizenship and Leadership Coordinator

2015-10-05T07:17:00.002-07:00

Florida 4-H welcomes new State 4-H Citizenship and Leadership Coordinator.

Grace Carter grew up in the Florida 4-H Program in Duval and Nassau Counties. She participated in a medley of 4-H events such as county fairs, public speaking, county and district councils, the Florida 4-H Executive Board, and state events. After graduating high school, Ms. Carter worked at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake for four summers. Currently, she is working on a Master of Public Administration and a Master of Arts in International Affairs at the University of North Florida. Grace’s first day as State 4-H Citizenship and Leadership Coordinator is October 5th, 2015.

Five Inducted into Florida 4-H Hall of Fame

2015-07-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

Five outstanding individuals who exemplify the spirit of 4-H take their rightful place in the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Mr. Terry Stout, Ms. Frances Dianne Spann, Ms. Shirley Risser, Mr. Barry Hoffman, and Dr. Bobby Damron are honored as members of the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame for their contribution to the 4-H program.

Putting Agriculture at Kids’ Fingertips

2015-06-12T05:06:00.000-07:00

As Kalan Taylor talked about agri-business in Sumter County last week, she hoped it would inspire some of the young people in her audience to pursue a career in agriculture.

Taylor, the 4-H agent with the UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension Offices, spends much of her time sharing the history, present and future of agriculture with Sumter County youth.

During the first “Fresh from Sumter County” Ag Awareness Camp, more than a dozen children and teens traveled the county for a firsthand look at local agriculture. Taylor and Martha Maddox, the family and consumer science agent for UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension, led the tours.

Taylor’s goal was to show the children the diversity of agriculture and let them know there are thousands of careers available in the agriculture field.

“It’s not necessary to be a farmer or raise livestock to work in the field,” Taylor said. “In fact, there are more than 25,000 careers listed in the agriculture field.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sumter County had 837 farms in 2007, a number that had increased to 1,367 by 2012.

In 2007, the market value of products sold was about $29.4 million; by 2012, the total was more than $42 million.

The numbers include farms, ranches, nurseries, greenhouses, horticulture, floriculture and sod.
The children started each day at the Sumter County Extension office near Bushnell.

“We had a pre-test to see what the children knew about tours for the day and then ended the day back in the office,” Taylor said. “We talked about what we saw, what is involved with each business.”

Taylor said most of the campers who took the tour are members of the 4-H club, Sumter Farm Kidz, and have some experience with raising animals and farming.

Because of that experience, Taylor was able to delve deeper into the subjects and talk more about career opportunities in agriculture.

The first stop on the four-day program, on Monday, was the Sumter County Farmers Market, where they saw the harvest from farms around the county.

On Tuesday they visited the cattle auction, which is part of the Sumter County Farmers Market. It is held each Tuesday and averages 650 to 700 animals weekly.

“The farmers market was established in 1937, and local farmers brought their produce and livestock to sell,” said George Smith, foreman of the cattle auction.

Smith started working with the auction when he was 15 years old, left for a while and came back for a career than spans more than 30 years.

“I remember when we were moving 2,200 to 2,500 animals through the market every Tuesday,” Smith said. “There’s fewer large ranches in the county and the state. There’s only a few auctions left in the state and we’re the only one that’s member-owned. We’re a co-op instead of an individually owned business.”

This was just some of the information Smith shared with campers during their visit to the cattle pens. A tour on walkways over pens gave the children an elevated look at how the process works.
“I loved the cattle market and seeing the cows in the ring while they were being sold,” said Aubrie Persing, 11. “We’ve visited a lot of places, but all there was to learn about the auction was interesting.”

On Thursday, the campers visited Shady Brook Peaches, a pick-your-own peach orchard. The orchard’s picking season started in late April and will finish up in a week or so. But plenty of peaches remain on the trees, as the children found out during their tour of the farm.

As they walked among the rows of fruit trees, they learned how to tell which peaches were ready, and they sampled the produce while orchard owner Leonard Northup answered questions and pointed out the different varieties of fruit.

Rylee Yarbrough, 9, said she learned a lot on the walk through the orchard.
“I learned today there’s 4,000 trees on 75 acres and (Northup) has five different varieties,” Yarbrough said. “That’s a lot of trees and peaches.”

Northup said he hasn’t totaled up the number of peaches sold this season. He’s been too busy with the pick-your-own operation, and he’s also working to build a commercial business.

“Growing peaches is new to Florida, and I’ve worked with the University of Florida’s agriculture department as they developed peaches that need less-cold temperatures to produce a quality product,” he said. “This is our second harvest, and locally people are loving the peaches. We’ve had hundreds come through here on weekends. Now we have to build a commercial market.”

They finished the week on Thursday afternoon at Bud Fussell’s farm, near Webster. Fussell is president of the Sumter County Farmers Market board and sells his produce at the farmers market.
“By concluding the tours with Bud, we allow the kids to see the process — right now he is picking watermelons and beans, I think,” Taylor said. “They get a better picture of how a farm works, from growing to marketing.”

Other stops during the week were the Forestry Service to see how wild lands are preserved, a nursery, a dairy and a cattle ranch.

Patricia Steele is a staff writer with The Villages Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9029, or patricia.steele@thevillagesmedia.com.

This article was originally published at http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/news/villages/article_a7a7acd0-0ccc-11e5-93a1-2ff8222a1717.html

Florida 4-H Welcomes New Associate Program Leader

2015-06-11T06:44:00.001-07:00

Florida 4-H welcomes Chris DeCubellis as our new Associate Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development!

Chris joins State 4-H Headquarters from Gilchrist County where he has maintained a strong track record as a County Agent and an admirable passion for 4-H and for all youth.

Chris brings ideas for helping strengthen Florida 4-H programs and reach in both rural and urban areas. He will officially begin in this new role on July 1, 2015.

4-H Member Zoe Barbeau earns the Congressional Award Gold Medal

2015-05-18T11:58:00.003-07:00

RCFJAS 4-H Club

St. Lucie County, Florida

Contributing Author: Linda Jones

https://www.facebook.com/RCFJAS4HSTEM

Jubilee Clark, Nathaniel Quirion and Zoe Barbeau in the Statistics scene from the 2014 annual RCFJAS 4H Science Fair Boot Camp skit at the Savannas Preserve State Park Education Center. Photo Credit: Erin Barbeau

Zoe Barbeau has earned Congress’ highest award for youth – the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Congressman Patrick E. Murphy presented Zoe and 21 other young people of the Florida 18th Congressional District with their gold medals, the most medals earned for any Congressional District in the nation in 2015.

The Congressional Award is a voluntary, non-competitive program, open to young Americans, of any gender, race, academic or athletic ability, or socioeconomic background. The Congressional Award has no minimum grade point average requirements. It accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities who are willing to take the challenge.

The program involves setting goals in four program areas; Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

As a physical fitness goal, Zoe earned the both the Bronze and Silver Presidential Champions Awards. Her ultimate goal was improved conditioning and strength, which enabled Zoe to earn her D rating as a competitive foil fencer. Georgina Love of the Treasure Coast Fencing Academy and also Zoe's Congressional Award advisor commented, "Zoe was able to apply her strategic focus not only on her academics and other requirements of the Congressional Award but to her physical fitness as well. She realized that with fencing being a perfect meld of body and mind, if she achieved a high level of fitness it would enable her to set in motion the mental part of the game. I have seen a strong and increasing growth in her ability to combine different skill sets and apply them to whatever comes her way."

This 17 year old young lady pursued creative writing as one of her personal goals. Zoe completed the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) Young Writer’s Program twice and Camp NaNoWriMo once. Her next goal is to write and illustrate a web comic.

Zoe has volunteered over 500 hours at the Hoke Library in Jensen Beach and the Savannas Preserve State Park. Her overall goal was to promote both STEM and 4-H to her community. As a member of the Research Coast Florida Junior Academy of Science (RCFJAS) 4-H Club, Zoe was a key participant in the RCFJAS annual science fair boot camp hosted by the Savannas Preserve State Park and Indian River Lagoon Science Fest. As a Savannas volunteer, she has set up a coloring sheet station at the Education Center, cared for the butterfly garden, and is the corn husk doll making expert. But her passion is instilling a sense of wonder about nature in grade school student with educational outreach, whether it is dip netting with 4th graders or introducing Leroy the box turtle to kindergarteners.

This story was originally published at: https://www.facebook.com/RCFJAS4HSTEM

Young girl sells pig to help friend suffering from cancer

2015-03-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

FANNING SPRINGS, Fla.-- A young North Central Florida girl is using her experience with animals to help a friend in need.

Regan Varnes is a 4th grader at Chiefland Elementary School and is a part of the Kountry Bumpkins 4-H group. She is raising a pig called Socks, as part of a project. After hearing her friend was suffering from cancer, she decided to give all the money she would make from auctioning off her pig to help her friend. Once she announced this. some people in the Tri-County community rallied behind her.

"It was humbling," said Karen Tillis, one of the people at the auction who bought into Socks. "I thought that it was amazing how our community came together to support this little girl."

The sale for Regan's pig will be kept open for donations until the end of the auction on Friday.

This story was originally published at: http://www.wcjb.com/local-news/2015/03/young-girl-sells-pig-help-friend-suffering-cancer

It All Began With Agriculture

2015-03-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

4-H has always taught life skills to youth, and it all began with agriculture.

Florida 4-H began as a program to teach farming methods to rural youth and became a community-based program that taught millions of young Floridians how to “Learn By Doing”.

“Agriculture is firmly cemented in the foundation of Florida 4-H and thanks to the resources of the University of Florida IFAS Extension and a nationwide network of extension professionals, agriculture remains an important part of Florida 4-H programming.” Shaumond Scott, State 4-H Communications Coordinator.

In 1909, UF Dean of Agriculture J.J. Vernon organized corn clubs for boys in Alachua, Bradford and Marion counties. Clubs for girls followed in 1912. After 1915, Florida A&M University directed a program for African American youth. The clubs were part of a national movement that became known as 4-H and is now one of the largest youth organizations in the country.

4-H offers a diverse set of program and activity options for its members, yet teaching life skills is a constant.

4-H Members can choose from more than 50 projects that focus on science, engineering and technology, animals and agriculture, food & nutrition, outdoor adventures, marine science, public speaking, art and wildlife. 4-H learning is experiential- where youth learn life skills and use their skills to give back to their communities.

Since 1965, all Florida 4-H programs have been administered at the University of Florida where they are led by faculty and supported by volunteers.

Michael Gutter named new Associate Dean and State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities

2015-02-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida Dean and Director for Extension Nick Place announced Tuesday that Professor Michael Gutter has been promoted to associate dean and state program leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities within the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Gutter, who has been serving as interim program leader for the Family and Consumer Sciences Initiative, will officially begin in this new role Feb. 6.

“Michael Gutter has had overwhelming support from many of our faculty through this search process and I am highly confident in his visionary leadership for this critical position in UF/IFAS Extension,” Place said in an announcement to faculty and staff. “He has a strong passion for youth, families and communities, which came out clearly in his interview. He sees many opportunities where we will be able to grow and strengthen these Extension programs across the state in both rural and urban areas.”

Gutter has a Bachelor of Science degree in family financial management and a doctorate in family resource management with a specialization in finance, both from The Ohio State University.
“Strong youth and families need strong communities and vice versa,” Gutter said. “I am honored to have a chance to work with our outstanding state, regional, and county faculty in our 4-H Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Community Development Initiatives. By continuing to honor our history and looking toward the future, together we can make the best even better and improve the lives of Florida’s youth and families, while strengthening our communities.”
Gutter has received several awards including the 1999 Texas Instruments Award for an Outstanding Paper, 2001 ACCI Dissertation Award, 2003 School of Human Ecology Excellence in Outreach Service Award, and the 2008 American Council on Consumer Interests Mid-Career Award.

The common theme that connects Gutter’s research, teaching and outreach is helping households achieve financial security. This has involved research examining how socioeconomic status, financial education, personal psychology, and financial socialization are related to financial behaviors. In that context, Gutter currently explores how financial education is related to financial behaviors.
Gutter’s outreach projects at UF/IFAS include Managing in Tough Times, Florida Saves, Get Checking, Military Family Learning Network, and the Florida Master Money Mentor. His projects focus on enabling access to resources and services as well as improving people’s knowledge and understanding about family resource management. These projects have had funding from the Consumer Federation of America and Bank of America. He regularly tweets on personal finance topics under @mikegutter on Twitter.

Brian Myers served as Interim Associate Dean and State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development for 15 months. Myers will assist with the leadership transition, then return to his faculty position in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication in March.

By Kimberly Moore Wilmoth, 352-294-3302, k.moore.wilmoth@ufl.edu
Source: Michael Gutter, 352-273-3529, msgutter@ufl.edu
Nick Place, 352-392-1761, nplace@ufl.edu

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Originally published on 2/4/15 at http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/2015/02/michael-gutter-named-new-associate-dean-and-state-program-leader-for-4-h-youth-development-families-and-communities/

Exploration and Agriculture: Connecting the Next Generation with Science to Grow the Future

2014-12-12T08:12:00.002-08:00

Last week, we entered a bold new era of exploration and discovery as NASA launched the Orion spacecraft, a major step testing the possibility of going to Mars.

As NASA contemplates sending human missions to Mars, one question we must answer is: what will the astronauts eat and what foods will assist future missions? NASA and USDA are working together to develop plants that can grow, thrive, and produce in new environments – signaling opportunities for fresh, nutrition-rich food for astronauts on long duration space flights.

In conjunction with the Orion launch, I toured the Kennedy Space Center’s Space Life Science Center with local 4-Hers. Together, we marveled at the research, technology, and biotechnology found in NASA’s labs. We saw dwarf plums that USDA and NASA developed together, designed to fit in small spaces and produce fruit continually – not seasonally. We saw plants growing without soil and plants growing with minimal water.

We saw some of the science that NASA is using to begin growing food in space, learned about the technologies that are being developed to enrich our agricultural production and conservation efforts here on Earth, and discussed all of the possibilities that science holds for us as farmers and ranchers. Do roots grow towards gravity or water? Do plants have to only make fruit within one season?

USDA and NASA cross paths in many ways. Through satellite imagery provided by NASA, USDA can make better drought and flood predictions and help forecast global food supplies. Working with USDA, NASA has developed new varieties of plants that can thrive in space exploration environments. We share data, science, and the experience of exploration as we push the boundaries of both of our fields.

Last week was about making science and the opportunities involved in the production of food available real to the students I met with – and to inspire them to consider their part in our future.

These students and I both left with a deep sense of opportunity and excitement about the intersection between USDA and NASA. Growing tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers requires investment and engagement at all ages. Together with these youth, our scientists will build an appreciation for the fundamentals of agriculture along with a pioneering spirit.

Last week, we entered a bold new era of exploration and discovery as NASA launched the Orion spacecraft, a major step testing the possibility of going to Mars.
As NASA contemplates sending human missions to Mars, one question we must answer is: what will the astronauts eat and what foods will assist future missions? NASA and USDA are working together to develop plants that can grow, thrive, and produce in new environments – signaling opportunities for fresh, nutrition-rich food for astronauts on long duration space flights.
In conjunction with the Orion launch, I toured the Kennedy Space Center’s Space Life Science Center with local 4-Hers. Together, we marveled at the research, technology, and biotechnology found in NASA’s labs. We saw dwarf plums that USDA and NASA developed together, designed to fit in small spaces and produce fruit continually – not seasonally. We saw plants growing without soil and plants growing with minimal water.
We saw some of the science that NASA is using to begin growing food in space, learned about the technologies that are being developed to enrich our agricultural production and conservation efforts here on Earth, and discussed all of the possibilities that science holds for us as farmers and ranchers. Do roots grow towards gravity or water? Do plants have to only make fruit within one season?
USDA and NASA cross paths in many ways. Through satellite imagery provided by NASA, USDA can make better drought and flood predictions and help forecast global food supplies. Working with USDA, NASA has developed new varieties of plants that can thrive in space exploration environments. We share data, science, and the experience of exploration as we push the boundaries of both of our fields.
Last week was about making science and the opportunities involved in the production of food available real to the students I met with – and to inspire them to consider their part in our future.
These students and I both left with a deep sense of opportunity and excitement about the intersection between USDA and NASA. Growing tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers requires investment and engagement at all ages. Together with these youth, our scientists will build an appreciation for the fundamentals of agriculture along with a pioneering spirit.
- See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov/2014/12/11/exploration-and-agriculture-connecting-the-next-generation-with-science-to-grow-the-future/#sthash.jylmoUmJ.dpuf

This story was originally published at http://blogs.usda.gov/2014/12/11/exploration-and-agriculture-connecting-the-next-generation-with-science-to-grow-the-future/

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

2014-12-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

Florida 4-H Alumnus, former state officer, and this year's 4-H Leader of the Legacy Award recipient, Chandler Ash continues to serve as an anti-tobacco advocate.

video platform video management video solutions video player

This video originally appeared on WJXT4 Jacksonville http://www.news4jax.com/news/kids-and-tobacco/30176990

Local agriculture runs deep in new 4-H agent

2014-07-08T07:15:00.002-07:00

Highland’s County’s new 4-H agent Katie Whidden just wrapped up the program’s annual banquet last week. It was a big event, with about 200 kids, parents and leaders in attendance. There were fresh flower centerpieces on the table, rows of medals on the stage and even strobe lights. It was the first of many firsts for the extension office’s new hire
“I’m pretty happy,” said Whidden after the event, which was a little daunting for the agent who stepped into the job, her very first professional job, only a month ago.

Whidden graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s in agricultural education and communication this past spring. “I graduated on Sunday, had interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Friday I got a verbal offer for the job,” said Whidden. She said when she got the position she was “on cloud nine.”

Read More

Originally published on 7/8/14 at http://highlandstoday.com/list/highlands-agri-leader-news/local-agriculture-runs-deep-in-new-4-h-agent-20140702/

Ali Baker New State 4-H Resource Development Coordinator

2014-06-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Ali Baker has accepted the State 4-H Resource Development Coordinator position. She will begin her duties on June 6, 2014. In this role, Ali will work with the Florida 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, help manage tax status, and coordinate efforts with 4-H alumni. Ali previously held the position in the State 4-H Headquarters as Office Assistant. Please welcome Ali to this new role in Florida 4-H. She may be contacted at a.baker17@ufl.edu.

Positive Statewide Trends for Florida 4-H

2013-11-15T07:59:00.001-08:00

More than 220,000 youth participate in the IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program in counties throughout the state.

Here are some notable, positive trends during the most recent reporting year for Florida 4-H (2012-13 data):

· There were increases in 4-H club membership, camping, school enrichment, and after school programs:

4-H club enrollment increased 15 percent to 22,088 (from 19,158 last year) and the number of 4-H clubs increased by three percent.

Participation in 4-H camps increased 32 percent to 12,045 (from 9,141 last year).

Youth participated in 9,162 more 4-H projects than last year, an increase of three percent.

· Number of 4-H volunteers (both youth and adults) increased 25 percent to 19,096 this year (from 15,244 last year).

· Total 4-H enrollment remained fairly steady (222,942 youth participated; 229,723 including duplicates due to youth participating in multiple delivery modes such as clubs and camps).

Read more about the 4-H Impact at http://florida4h.org/impact

4-H teens take on health solutions for a healthier America

2013-11-12T08:06:00.001-08:00

4-H teens take on health solutions for a healthier America

“Given today’s health challenges, it is vital that we empower America’s youth to step up and take on real life challenges like obesity, teen pregnancy, underage drinking and local food deserts,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “We are grateful to Molina Healthcare for partnering with 4-H to give young people a platform to engage other youth and adults to create real-life solutions that improve health for themselves, their family, community and ultimately, the nation,” added Floyd.

The video challenge is one component of a multi-faceted campaign co-created by National 4-H Council and Molina Healthcare to empower American teens to step forward and raise their voices, posing solutions to today’s leading health issues. In the coming months, 4-H programs across the nation will be hosting Teens Take on Health town hall meetings, bringing young people together to discuss the top health issues they face and propose active solutions they can undertake to make a positive difference in their communities.

“Molina Healthcare is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve,” said Martha Bernadett, MD, executive vice president of research and innovation at Molina Healthcare, Inc. “We need to engage our young leaders if we want to make meaningful change, and this partnership with 4-H has given some of our brightest teens a platform to share their ideas and also the resources to implement them.”

View Photo Gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/florida4-h/sets/

State 4-H Events Coordinator to Start November 4

2013-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

State 4-H Events Coordinator to Start November 4

We are pleased to announce that Travis Shepard has been hired as the new State 4-H Events Coordinator. Travis is a recent UF graduate with specializations in Recreation & Event Management and Tourism & Hospitality Management. He has experience working at J. Wayne Reitz Union Audio Visual Services as the Student Special Events Manager. As a University of Florida student, Travis was very involved in putting on on-campus productions for a variety of student organizations and has been a director of several that have had up to 2,000 attendees. In addition, he has outside experience with RED Companies and has spear headed multiple projects, branded and promoted events, and worked with behind-the-scenes management and large budgets. Travis’ first day of work is Monday, November 4^th and we are all very excited!