Pinellas 4-H Youth Development

Come to the 4-H Open House!

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

The 4-H Open House is this Saturday, November 14. Along with the Open House, the judging of the Apple and (new this year) Pecan Cook-Off will also take place.
This event is a great way to learn about today's 4-H and the history of 4-H in Florida. Pinellas 4-H clubs will be here to display their project work with everything from LEGOS to dairy goats. There will be free activities and club fund raisers to support. Everyone who visits each display and fills out their passport will be eligible for a 4-H door prize. Two of the most popular activities are back - the Extreme Gingerhouse Building Contest and the Rockets Away rocket building and launch. Best in Show pet treats will also be there to promote this nation-wide 4-H fund raiser.
The 4-H Open House will take place at the Pinellas County Extension at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo from 10:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Here is what will be happening:
10:00
Apple Pecan Dish Drop off
Club Displays (all day)

10:30, 11:30, 12:30
Extreme Gingerbread House Contest

11:15, 1:30
Ballroom Dancing Demonstration

11:45
Rocketry Workshop

1:00
Apple Awards and Entry Sampling

2:15
Rocket Launching

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of youth success in Florida. Be part of the 4-H experience!

For more information on the 4-H Open House or 4-H in general, please e-mail jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

Disney will offer free admission to 1 million guests who complete a day of volunteer work next year!

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:43:00 +0000

The "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program will provide certified volunteers with a one-day ticket to any park at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., or Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla., in 2010. Disney is partnering with HandsOn Network, a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities, to connect people with projects and to certify that the work was done. Please visit the links below for more information.

Disney Link: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=Give-A-Day-Get-A-Disney-Day
Disney Press Release about program: http://corporate.disney.go.com/news/corporate/2009/2009_0929_volunteer_free_day.html

4-H Open House and Apple Cook-Off - November 14

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:09:00 +0000

It is almost time for the annual 4-H Open House and Apple Cook-Off. All 4-H clubs are invited to promote their clubs, sell items to raise funds, share 4-H activities and experiences, and enjoy the day with the Pinellas County community. As of this writing, we have the following activities lined up:
4-H Teen Council is hosting the Extreme Gingerbread House Contest;
Ochs 4-H Garden Club is sharing news of the vegetable garden ;
Horse clubs are offering equine related activities;
Tasting of Apple/Pecan Cook-Off entries;
Rocketry;
Best in Show pet treats;
Conservatives 4-H is hosting a goat ask me booth;
and the BBB’s will bring their ballroom dancing

There are more displays planned. If your club is interested in being part of the 4-H Open House, there is still time to reserve a table. Please contact Jean Rogalsky at (727) 582-2597 or jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.
A big part of this day has been the Apple Cook-Off. Now it will be an even bigger part as the Apple/Pecan sale. Not only are apple recipes welcomed, but pecan recipes as well. Apple recipes must have at least one apple and pecan recipes must have at least one cup of pecans to be eligible. Registration forms are available at http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/blog_4H/AppleCookOffPre-registration2009.pdf , or from the 4-H Office. The deadline for registrations is November 1, but the contest is limited to the first twenty entries. Recipes can be sweet or savory. Apples and pecans can be used in a variety of ways, so be creative!
After registering for the contest, be prepared to bring the finished product to the Extension Office by 10:00 A.M. November 14.
These events take place at Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. The Open House runs from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Come join us for a great time.

4-H Apple-Pecan Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Now is the time to order your juicy, crisp, fresh apples and crunchy pecans. The annual Apple-Pecan Sale is one of the major fundraisers which the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation sponsors each year. The sale runs from September 1, 2009 through October 1, 2009. All orders should be in by October 1. The apples will arrive the last week of October.
Apples may be ordered through your local 4-H club or individuals may order on their own.
If you are new to this fundraiser, you should know that the apples are picked and delivered to us within days. They are much fresher than the apples you buy in the stores. The pecans are this year's crop and come in several different varieties. The plain halves and pieces are in one pound bags. The chocolate covered and glazed varieties come in decorative 12 ounce bags. These bags make great gifts for all the upcoming holidays.
For more information about the sale and to download order forms, please go to: http://www.pc4hfoundation.org/ .

The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving Pinellas County 4-H Youth Development Program by receiving, managing and administering private funds. It was incorporated in 1972 and is chartered by the State of Florida. The Foundation is governed by an all volunteer board of directors composed of 4-H friends, 4-H alumni, donors and individuals. Membership to the Foundation is open to anyone in the community interested in working for the benefit of youth.
Each year the 4-H Foundation provides $6,000 in scholarships so that 4-H youth and volunteers can attend state, regional, and national events. These events include trainings, 4-H competitions, and 4-H camps.
What better way to support Pinellas County youth than through the 4-H Foundation fundraiser?
Enjoy your apples and pecans!

First Pinellas County 4-H Congress a Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:27:00 +0000

If you stopped by the Pinellas County Extension Office August 29, you would have witnessed the first Pinellas County 4-H Congress. Over 130 4-H members and their families gathered together for the day to kick off the new 4-H year. In addition to registering for the 2009-10 4-H year, members were able to choose project books, hold club officer elections, and attend workshops on goal setting, parliamentary procedure, and club websites. One of the highlights was the installation of officers from six clubs. The installation took place outside and the officers agreed to accept their positions of responsibility holding a lighted candle.

One of the best things about this day was the fact that it was initiated, planned, and largely delivered by volunteer 4-H club leaders. Leaders Lisa McBride (4-H2O), Liz Piquet (Crazy 4 Canines), Teryl Plaisance (Crazy 4 Canines), Chrissy Willett (Average Joe's), and Gina Hunter (BBB's) all worked together to plan everything from food (breakfast, lunch, and snacks) to workshops to entertainment.

It is not too late to register for 4-H. Please check the 4-H website at www.pinellascounty.org/4h and go to clubs. The link "view clubs" will take you to a list of clubs and leader contact information. Or contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org for more information.

Ochs 4-H Vegetable Garden Orientation

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:22:00 +0000

It's time to start gardening! And now is the time for your child or children to join the 4-H club at the Chester Ochs 4-H Education Center. This year's orientation will be August 17 at the Pinellas County Extension Office at 6:30.p.m. You must pre-register your child before coming to orientation as plots are limited. The cost to join the 4-H garden club is $15 per child (registration fee) and $10 per garden plot. Checks should be made out to Pinellas County 4-H Foundation. It would help if applications and fees were mailed to the Extension Office to my attention and to this address: Pinellas County 4-H, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774. The forms can be found at:
http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H/pdf/Enrollment2006.pdf and
http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H/pdf/Participation%20Form%202004.pdf.

Once we get started with the garden project, the Ochs 4-H Center will be open Tuesday and Thursdays from 3-5 and Saturday mornings 9-11:30. Most gardeners come for one or two days each week. There will be 4-H club meetings every other week on Tuesdays (4:00) and Saturdays (10:00).

If you want to learn more about the garden program, please contact me at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org or 582-2597.

Are You Ready for the New 4-H Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Come join us for the first annual County Congress! The idea for this congress came from three 4-H leaders while leaving Rock Eagle last year. During the past several months, they have worked with other 4-H leaders to create a day full of ways to make your next year in 4-H the best ever. County Congress will take place August 29 at the Pinellas County Extension Office. For more information and to register, please go to : http://www.4hpcc.weebly.comweeblylink_new_window or straight to the Average Joe's website:
http://averagejoes4-h.weebly.com/.

2009 Southern Region Volunteer Leader Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:56:00 +0000

This is the training better known as Rock Eagle, taking place October 1-4, 2009 at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. While Rock Eagle is a great place to learn more about the 4-H program and ways to improve your skills as a 4-H volunteer, it is also a time to recharge and re-commit yourself to the 4-H program.
Registered volunteers in Pinellas County are encouraged to read the information provided at: http://florida4h.org/volunteers/srlf/index.shtml.
Attendees are responsible for arranging transportation. All are encouraged to carpool and share fuel expenses. Sometimes the journey can be as memorable as the event! The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation will offer partial scholarships to qualified applicants.
Registration forms can be found at the link above. The registration form and Georgia medical form are due at the Pinellas 4-H Office by August 7. If you have questions please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

Join the 4-H Expansion and Review Committee

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:59:00 +0000

The 4-H Expansion and Review Committee is a group of interested persons who meet annually to assess the current 4-H program. This group is actually part of the 4-H Advisory. Once a year the Advisory invites other community members to join them to discuss not only the current state of the program, but new ways to increase the reach of the program. Members bring to the meeting their own perspectives and ideas. If you are asking who should join this committee, the answer is anyone who cares about youth or the state of their community. Isn't that you?
You don't have to be a 4-H leader or even be knowledgeable of 4-H to join. The recruitment goal of the committee is to be geographically and demographically representative of Pinellas County. Just think, you could be the person who has the idea or knows the contact that could change a child's life for the better.
This year's meeting of the 4-H Expansion and Review Committee will take place July 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pinellas County Extension Office. If interested in participating in this meeting, or if you have questions, please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org or (727) 582-2597.

Marine Ecology Field Trip July 10

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Come join 4-H members and parents interested in Marine Science for a tour of New College Marine Lab and Mote Marine in Sarasota. The guided tour of the New College Marine Lab will begin at 9:30 am. There will be a guided tour of the facility including a Hawaiian Tank, local fish, living corals and a 10000 gallon fish haven. We will eat a picnic lunch before proceeding to Mote Marine ($12.00 admission) for the afternoon. We would do a self guided tour of the Mote Institute and head back home between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

This will be a great opportunity for 4-H members interested in participating in the Marine Ecology Event in November. Many of the organisms will be on display to view up close and personal. Even if you do not plan to go in November to Kissimmee, it is a good opportunity to see the many fascinating marine organisms that you do not have ready access to.

Bus transportation can be arranged if we have a minimum of 20 participants. The cost for the day would be $30.00 per person for all transportation and admission to Mote Marine. The bus will leave the Pinellas Extension Office at 8:00 a.m. If we have less than 20 we will have to carpool. Please confirm by June 18. A deposit of 12.00 per person (the cost at Mote Marine) is due on June 18. Any balance will be due 1 week before the tour. We will need a minimum of 3 adults with the tour. Contact Betty Lipe to receive your registration form at blipe@pinellascounty.org.

4-H Leaders, Volunteers, and Donors

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:48:00 +0000

It is time to celebrate our 100 years of success in Florida 4-H. The annual 4-H Leader, Volunteer, and Donor banquet will take place June 12 at the Pinellas County Extension Office. This year the celebration will be extra special as we continue to celebrate our Florida 4-H Centennial. Recognition of our adult volunteers and donors is as important to 4-H as is recognition of youth achievements.

Many people think the only way to volunteer for 4-H is to be a club leader. The invitation list to the annual dinner is testament to the variety of ways one can volunteer with 4-H. In addition to the club leaders, we also have activity and project leaders who may volunteer with more than one club. Fair and competent judges for 4-H events is a critical need, so we are sure to recognize these volunteers, even though we may only see them two or three times a year. Advisory Committee and Foundation members meet regularly to provide direction to the 4-H program and are an important group of volunteers. Other volunteers help with clerical tasks in the office and may never see a 4-H club meeting.

4-H donors are also a varied group. They may be an organized group like the Pinellas County Farm Bureau or the Dog Training Club of St. Petersburg. Many times they are individuals who donate to support a project or to send a deserving child to 4-H camp. Some donors remember the great times they had as a 4-H'er and make an annual general donation.

One very special donor is the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation who is sponsoring this event.

So if you are a 4-H volunteer or donor, watch your e-mail for your invitation. If you are not a volunteer, and want more information, please contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org for more information.

Are You Ready for 4-H Camp Ocala?

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:30:00 +0000

The long awaited camp packets are ready and are available at the Pinellas 4-H Office. This 4-H residential camp is open to all registered Pinellas 4-H members. Be sure to complete and return your packet, filled out completely with all necessary forms and signatures and a $50 deposit, as soon as possible. Space is limited, so don't be left behind. The cost is $195 for the week and includes everything except transportation.
You may download the packet and checklist here:
http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/blog_4H/2009_Camp_Packet.pdf

http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/blog_4H/checklist_camp_documents.pdf

Save the date! Camp orientation will be June 15 at 6:30 at the Pinellas Extension Office. Camp counselor training will be in Pasco County June 5th. If you are interested in applying for a camp counselor, please contact Pinellas 4-H Agent Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

District IX 4-H Congress May 16

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:07:00 +0000

District IX 4-H Congress will be held at the Manatee County Extension Office on May 16th. District Congress is a fun, educational opportunity for Junior and Intermediate 4-Hers ages 8-13. 4-Hers participate in workshops and activities designed to develop leadership skills and learn about opportunities available in 4-H. At District Congress 2009, will have a Florida 4-H 100th Birthday Party! This year's workshops will reflect on the 100th anniversary of Florida 4-H as we celebrate a, "Century of Youth Success!" Classes offered this year are:

Leather Crafts

Orienteering

Bullying Prevention

The Power of Wind

Healthy Cooking

Community Service

Sewing

Hydroponics

Decorated Wood Crafts

To see a description of the classes and download the registration form, go to: http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H/pdf/2009DCInfoReg.pdf

The registration fee is $5.00 and is due with the registration form to the Sarasota County 4-H Office by May 7st. If you have questions, please contact Sean Russell District IX 4-H Council President : (941)-504-3245 or sdscience@verizon.net

4-H Operation Military Kids Summer Camps 2009: Building Life Skills through Outdoor Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:14:00 +0000

Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming, Archery, Sports, Arts, Crafts, Camp Fires, Dancing and a Military Fun Day with Soldiers, Equipment and Displays!! If you think you might enjoy these activities, then do we have a camp for you!! Join us as Florida 4H, Operation: Military Kids and the Florida National Guard join forces to offer military children of all branches and components a low-cost and exciting summer camp opportunity for 2009. Cost for each 5-day residential camp is $50 for the Active, Guard, and Reserve components and $170 for retiree and non-military youth. The Senior Camp is $220 for retiree and non-military youth.

Operation: Military Kids Summer Camps ‘09 - “Building Life Skills through Outdoor Adventure” will be held on three separate occasions for children 8 to 12 years old beginning at Camp Ocala located on beautiful Lake Sellers in the Ocala National Forest in Altoona, Florida June 22-26, 2009.

The second camping experience will be at Camp Timpoochee located just minutes from the “Emerald Coast” beaches in Destin, Florida July 13-17, 2009.

And finally, we close out the OMK Summer Camps ’09 experience by returning to Camp Ocala July 27-31, 2009.

All cabins at Camp Ocala and Camp Timpoochee are air-conditioned.

Before we close the summer with our younger kids, we are also offering a Senior Camp for teens 13-18 from July 20th through the 24th. This will be held at Camp Cherry Lake located on scenic Cherry Lake just 14 miles north of Madison, Florida. This camp is a place to grow, learn about nature and make new friends. Rustic cabins, an open-air pavilion, a dining hall and an auditorium are all nestled among beautiful live oaks on gently sloping banks. What a great place to enjoy all these exciting activities while networking to forge bonds that can last a lifetime!

These weeks have been set aside to honor military kids and are full of learning, fun activities and much, much more. It’s guaranteed to provide them with an exciting Outdoor Adventure they’ll never forget!

ALL forms and money must be received by MAY 15th

Campers must be 8 years of age by June 1, 2009. Senior Campers must be 13 years of age by September 1, 2008.

Download your camp brochure at the Florida OMK website.

Lots of fun activities and YOU can have it all!! Don’t wait, sign-up today!!

For more information or assistance:
Cliff Lewis, OMK State Coordinator
Phone: 863-519-8677
email: sgmlewis@ufl.edu

4-H Cloverleaf is Now Online Only!

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:59:00 +0000

In order to reduce cost and increase sustainability the 4-H Cloverleaf is now online. That means you will no longer receive your copy every other month in your postal box. If you have completed your annual membership or volunteer enrollment and provided us with your email address you will receive it via email. If you are not sure if 4-H has your current email you can email Shelley at ssarabia@pinellascounty.org and provide her with it. We will also continue to post it on the 4-H website and here on the 4-H blog. On the blog you can subscribe to the blog, which will not only deliver your 4-H Cloverleaf to your inbox, but all of the other posts about activities and events that come up. So here is the April 2009 4-H Cloverleaf!
http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H/cloverleaf/April2009.pdf

4-H Centennial Message

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Please watch the following video message from Dr. Marilyn Norman, Associate Dean for Florida Extension, 4-H Youth Development, as she shares with you the plans for the 2009 4-H Centennial and the goals for Florida 4-H for the years to come.
http://webdev.ifas.ufl.edu/icsvideo/ComingsGoings/ComingsGoingsFeb09.html

Celebrate 100 Years of 4-H Making Communities Stronger

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:23:00 +0000

A century ago in Florida, boys learned about planting corn and girls discovered how to grow tomatoes in 4-H clubs. Today in Pinellas County, thousands of youth and adults grow and work together for positive change through dozens of projects in 4-H Youth Development. And, while growing vegetables still takes place in some 4-H clubs, learning leadership, citizenship and life skills are the true missions of the program facilitated by Pinellas County Extension.

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of 4-H in Florida, and the Pinellas County chapter is hosting a celebration. Volunteers, alumni, youth and their families are welcome to join in the event. The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation Centennial Celebration and Fundraising Dinner is planned for Friday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Banquet Masters, 8100 Park Blvd. N., in Pinellas Park.

The donation for the celebration is $50 for each adult and $25 for each youth. The celebration includes dinner, guest speakers and dancing entertainment before and after dinner. Reservations are requested by Monday, March 2. Those who cannot attend the celebration but would still like to donate are welcome to send a contribution to the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation, P.O. Box 66595, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736.

All proceeds from the fundraiser support the 4-H Foundation that fosters new and innovative youth programs. When you donate, you support scholarships to camps and other 4-H events. You also fund operating expenses for clubs and programs for schools, after school and families. Through these programs, youth ages 5 through 18 learn by doing, set goals, solve problems, make new friends, give back to the community and build connections with others.

For more information about the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation Centennial Celebration or to purchase tickets, please email erhan.ozey@pc4hfoundation.org or call (727) 641-8344 or view the following link http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/blog_4H/centennial_invitation.pdf

Please pass this information along to friends, family, and colleagues!

2009 Florida 4-H Volunteer Forum

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Registration for this year's Florida 4-H Volunteer Forum is now open. The Forum takes place at 4-H Camp Ocala on the weekend of April 24-26 and costs $85 for the full weekend. This forum is open to adult 4-H volunteers and offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about new programs and new ways to deliver old programs. Just as importantly, 4-H volunteers can network with volunteers from other counties, learn from each other, and make friends in the process.
The volunteer forum is sponsored by the Florida 4-H Volunteer Association. In addition to workshops, there will be the election of association officers and a silent auction. The theme for the weekend will be the Florida 4-H Centennial. Participants are asked to bring scrapbooks and pictures from their county's history.
If you are a 4-H volunteer interested in spending an enjoyable weekend learning with great people in a beautiful natural location, you should download the forms at: http://florida4h.org/events/state_volunteer_forum.shtml
and learn more about this weekend.
Registration forms and payment should be returned to your county 4-H office.

2009 Role Models Today Writing Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:09:00 +0000

Here is an opportunity to participate in a writing contest from the University of Florida's College of Journalism! The Role Models Foundation would like to invite high school students to participate in their 2009 Role Models Today Writing Contest. The best entries will receive a $100 cash prize and may be published on http://www.rolemodelstoday.org/. To enter the RMT Writing Contest all students have to do is submit an essay on the theme, “One of the most important issues facing the nation in the news today” by March 16, 2009. For contest rules and for more information, please download the flyer at: http://rolemodels.jou.ufl.edu/rolemodels/writerszone/contest09.pdf

County Events

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:46:00 +0000

Now is the time to start preparing your act for Night of the Arts or planning your demonstration/illustrated talk for Demonstration Day. County Events will be here before you know it.

Night of the Arts will be held March 6, 2009 at 7 pm. So polish up your favorite tune or grab a few (no more than 4) of your club mates and put together a skit or practice your favorite dance. Registration forms will be available from the office or on the web. Turn in your registration form by phone, fax, mail, or email by February 16, 2009. Night of the Arts will be held at Northwest Church of Christ, 6355 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg.

Demonstration Day is March 21, 2009 at 9 am at the Pinellas County Extension Office. Every 4-H’er is expected to present a demonstration as part of their project, so why not take that extra step and present it at Demonstration Day? Contact Jean Rogalsky at 582-2597 or email jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org to make arrangements for help with your demonstration. Deadline for Demonstration Day registrations is March 2, 2009. Again you can mail, fax, email or phone in your registration but mark the deadline on your calendar today.

There is also a Poster and Photo Exhibit Contest. Registration for this competition is included on the Night of the Arts form. Information for the Dairy Poster Contest has not been released.

The links to the two registration forms are below.

Demonstration Day Registration - http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H/pdf/2009Demonstration%20Day%20Entry%20Form.pdf
Night of the Arts Registration- http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/4-H/pdf/2009entry%20form%20night%20of%20the%20arts.pdf

Happy 100th Birthday Florida 4-H

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:52:00 +0000

The year 2009 marks the Florida 4-H Centennial. Counties and Districts across the state are planning a number of Centennial events. Here are a sampling of events happening:

The official start of the celebration starts at the Florida State Fair. Come see the 4-H exhibits and play 4-H putt putt golf at the Ag Hall of Fame building. The Floida State Fair runs from February 5-16.
District IX Council is hosting a Florida 4-H Centennial Celebration on January 31st from 10:30 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., at Selby Public Library in Sarasota County . This event will have an open house format, featuring interactive booths and displays designed to highlight a variety of 4-H program areas. There will also be hands-on activities, crafts, games, face painting, a marine science touch tank, and more! At this event, attendees can take part in our Centennial Community Service Initiative by making cards to be sent to deployed military personnel. The goal to make at least 100 cards!
The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation is planning a Centennial Banquet Friday, March 13, 2009. The banquet will take place at Banquet Masters in Pinellas Park. Tickets for adults will be $50.00 and will include dinner, entertainment, and a guest speaker.
Across the state, 4-H members are planning tree planting activities with the goal of planting 100 trees per county. Local clubs will be working with their families, schools, and municipalities to achieve this goal.

For more information on the Florida 4-H Centennial or for volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.florida4h.org/events/centennial.shtml or call the Pinellas County 4-H Office at (727) 582-2215.

4-H Million Trees Project

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:26:00 +0000

What better way to celebrate the Florida 4-H Centennial than to "Make the Best Better"? Florida 4-H members have a unique way to celebrate Florida 4-H's birthday by being part of a national initiative - The 4-H Million Trees Project. This project was started by a Pacifica, California 4-H'er who wanted to do something big to help combat climate change. The goal is to mobilize the approximately 7 million 4-H members in North America to participate by planting 1 million trees. These trees will then play a part in reducing atmospheric CO2.

It is estimated that there are 90,000 4-H clubs and units in the U.S. and Canada. If each club or unit planted twelve trees, this goal would be reached. The good news is that 4-H will be continuing this project for the next few years, until the goal is reached. This is a great idea for a club community service project and one that will last and continue to serve the community.

Here are some points and tips if you are interested in knowing more:

Clubs interested should register at both the national (4hmilliontrees.org) and Florida ( sfrc.edu/plt/4H_Million_Trees) websites. Building the network is critical.
The Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org/4h) is partnering with 4-H, but you may find other partners.
Joining the Arbor Day Foundation allows you to buy twelve trees for a dollar each annually for four years.
All trees planted must be native. They provide food and shelter for our native wildlife and thrive in our climate.
Plant the right tree in the right place. Large trees need large spaces.
Ask at your church, school, or community park for possible planting areas.
Planting is just the first step; please plan on follow up care. Newly planted trees need water daily.
Participating in this project teaches a 4-H member that they can personally change the world.

In 4-H we teach life skills. The 4-H Million Trees Project will contribute to empowering the next generation of leaders who will know they can make a difference individually and as a group.

For more information please check the websites listed above or call Jean Rogalsky at (727) 582-2597 or email jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

District IX Holiday Party and Potluck Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Jean Rogalsky) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Pinellas County 4-H is part of 4-H District IX, along with Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Polk, and Sarasota Counties. Each year 4-H members from throughout the district come together for a variety of reasons. District counties may camp together or hold district-wide competitions. Some of these events are hosted by our District Council, a group of teens from our district counties. District Council is best known for their fabulous 4-H District Congress, a day of workshops and activities open to 4-H juniors and intermediates.

A new tradition began last year with the Annual District IX Holiday Party and Potluck Dinner, held at the Pinellas County Extension Office. This year's event is December 12, beginning at 6:00 P.M. Each person attending is required to bring in one toy for admission. As part of our Florida Centennial Initiative, participants will be wrapping these toys at the party. These toys will later be delivered to needy families. The goal is to collect 100 toys to honor 100 years of 4-H in Florida.

Participants of the Holiday Party will take part in exciting activities and meet 4-H members from across the District. One of the activites will be to tour the beautiful holiday lights in the Florida Botanical Gardens. As this is a potluck dinner, each family is asked to bring two dishes to share.

To register your family for this event, please contact Sean Russell, president if District IX Council at sdscience@verizon.net.

4-H Operation Military Kids Essay Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Janet Golden) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:23:00 +0000

4-H Operation Military Kids has teamed up with the American Legion Auxiliary to offer the “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: How American Veterans Have Shaped the World” essay contest open to all students in 10, 11, and 12th grades. The essay winner can receive an all-expense paid tripe to the Auxiliary’s Americanism Youth Conference March 5-9, 2009 at Valley Forge, PA. The application deadline is December 1, 2008.

Please contact Georgene Bender at gmbender@ufl.edu or Cliff Lewis at sgmlewis@ufl.edu for more information. The Student winner will be notified by January 14, 2009.

Please Help Us Help You!

noreply@blogger.com (Pinellas County Extension) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:01:00 +0000

Here at Pinellas County Extension we strive to deliver the most current research based information available.

This year we began using blogs like this one and several others to make that information even more accessible. To help make sure that you as the reader are getting the most from our blogs we would like you to take a short survey. Please select the link below to access the online survey. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and your responses will be completely anonymous.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=U1FUx_2f3U_2favOG54FvmED7g_3d_3d

Thank you for your time and continued support.