4-H C ounty onnections

January 2008

Club Reports pg.3 New Projects Pg.4 Communications Day Pg.5 State 4-H Opps. Pg. 8

Ideas for Parents back page

Inside this Issue

University of California - Cooperative Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources

Merced County 4-H Youth Development Program

Serving Merced County Since 1917 University of California. United States Department of Agriculture and Merced County Cooperating

4-H County Connections is the newsletter of the Merced County 4-H Team & UC Cooperative Extension.

4-H Management Team

Educational Development Home Ec. Louise Farley Large Animals Small Animals Jaci Luxon Leadership Plant/Other Social Science Louise King Science/Tech Richard Mahacek

Promotional Development Board Advocacy Carole Dietz Delivery Russ Hill Evaluation Promotion

Resource Development Board Accounting Auditing Marie Janz Fundraising Marlene Murphy Incentives Linda Borba

All-Stars Brandon Gavette Molly Hanson Austyn Smith

Staff:

Richard L. Mahacek 4-H YD Advisor

Russell Hill 4-H Program Representative

Mai Thao 4-H HUD Program

Mia E. Torrez 4-H Secretary

Deadline for articles submitted is the 25th of the month.

Submissions may be mailed to: UC Cooperative Extension Attention 4-H Office 2145 Wardrobe Ave. Merced, CA 95340 Phone - 209-385-7418 Fax - 209-722-8856

Email: mercedfourh@ucdavis.edu

Website: http://merced4h.ucdavis.edu

The University of California prohibits discrimination or harassment of any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (covered veterans are special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized) in any of its programs or activities. University Policy is intended to be consistent with the provi-sions of applicable State and Federal Laws. Inquiries regarding the University's nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action/Staff Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 300 Lakeside Drive, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612-3550, (510) 987-0096.

IMPORTANT DATES

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FEBRUARY

Management Team Meeting 7:00pm Monday, Feb. 4, 2008

Tech Team Meeting, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008

President Lincoln’s Birthday, Office Closed Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008

President’s Day, Office Closed Monday, Feb. 18, 2008

JANUARY

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Office Closed Monday, Jan. 21, 2008

LCORT, Wonder Valley Ranch Friday, Jan. 25-27, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MEMBERS! JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

Meg Abdallah Madison Alvares Holly Baijnauth Chelsea Baker Hunter Baker Clinton Batchelor Marissa Bertuccio Sarah Bettencourt Walter Borba Randi Brazil Mark Brindeiro Christie Brown Jimmy Cagle Isaiah Clinton Natalie Collins Braden Coonce Trinten Cordeiro Clayton Cotta Colby Cozzitorto Houston Cozzitorto Natalie DelReal

Ondrea Edwards Keith Erickson Lupito Esquivel Savannah Fisher Leah Gollinar Mariah Gomes Celine Homen Austin Jean Trey Johnson Janet Jones Koven Kahl Redmond Lawson Ryan Layton Brianne Little Alexandria Lopes Kimberly Lough Anthony Machado Brittney Machado Amanda Marchese Nicole Marchese Cassidey Martin

Olivia Martinez Daniel Minor Tyler Moore Kristen Nascimento Ashley Norman Mary Ogden Cassidy Pacheco Saige Pacheco Gianna Pareira Dominic Pecchenino Morgan Pedrelli Eddie Perry Sareena Rai Patti Ramos Jennifer Ray Lucas Real Aaron Rodriguez Stephanie Rogers Keigan Roos Kristine Roth Bobby Ryan

Jacie Sagouspe Carolyn Schiber Roselani Sexauer Dayna Sheets Alison Sherman Haleigh Skarke Bianca Soares Andrew Sonnenfeld Talina Sousa Calli Souza Dana Souza Juliana Springer Emma Sweigard Bradly Terra Karch Thissen Marcus Torres Michael Torres Jessica Vause Erica Voris Der Vue Alysan Widick Willis Wolf

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Ballico-Cressey 4-H by: Caleb Johnson, Reporter The Ballico-Cressey 4-H Cooking project got together on their first day of Christmas vacation to bake fudge and cookies for the community. Just about everyone in the group came and even some extra family and friends. Everyone had a lot of fun.

In addition to baking all day, the group made a big pot of chicken soup from scratch for lunch. When it was time to leave members assembled plates and decided who in the community to deliver to. The members delivered plates to post offices, stores, and other supportive businesses in the community. The baking day was a big success and the group can’t wait to do it again next year.

Weaver 4-H by: Kate Wallace, Reporter

Happy New Year from Weaver 4-H!

We had a great holiday season filled with fun, Christmas spirit, and generosity. We started December with our annual potluck dinner meeting. At this meeting, we pre-pared Christmas cards for recovering American soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Hospital and addressed them for Christmas delivery. We hope they enjoyed reading them as much as we did making them.

Weaver participated in the annual Christmas tree decorating at the Merced Courthouse Museum again this year. Our tree decorating crew was led by Gabrielle Calderon, who is also our club Treasurer. Thanks to everyone who helped out, it was one of the best trees we have ever done! I hope you were able to visit the museum this year and see all the hard work other community groups did with their trees as well. They were beautiful!

One of our club’s projects each year is the Toys for Tots toy drive. This year was a great success as we were able to collect more toys than we have in years past. Gabrielle Calderon and

I, project chairman, delivered the toys to the Marine Recruiting Office just in time for Christmas. It was a fulfilling experience for both of us to be able to deliver these toys for children less fortunate. The Marines were very excited and surprised with all the toys.

Before Christmas, members of our club and Community Pride project donated their time to help wrap gifts that were presented to children in the foster care program. We enjoy helping others and our community during the holiday season.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and wish you a great year!

2008 Countdown to Record Books

Feb. 4, 2008 @ 4-H Classroom, 6-7 pm • Have you started recording in your record books? • It is all about you. • Learn what to put in your 4-H personal story. • Discuss 4-H photographs and news clippings.

Mar. 3, 2008 @ 4-H Classroom, 6-7 pm WANTED 4-H Volunteers and 4-H members Personal Development Report Personal page, 4-H star ranking

1. 4-H projects completed 2. 4-H project/skill activities 3. 4-H events attended Apr. 7, 2008 @ 4-H Classroom, 6-7 pm

WHAT - review guidelines for 4-H record books WHEN - April 7, 2008 @ 6 pm WHY - consistency for judging record books WHERE - 4-H Classroom, Merced Personal Development Report 4. 4-H Leadership development 5. 4-H Citizenship/community service 6. 4-H Communication skills 7. 4-H Honors/recognition 8. 4-H Lifestyle activities

Communications Day judges are needed. If you are interested in participating as a judge please contact the 4-H office at 385-7418 or fill out the form on page 5 and turn it in. Communications Day will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at Le Grand Elementary School in Le Grand.

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Merced County 4-H office has been approached by a possible leader interested in leading a project for falconry or hawking. Falconry is an art or sport which involves the use of trained raptors or birds of prey that are used to catch game. This could possibly be tied into 4-H projects such as camp, avian science, shooting sports-hunting, or wildlife. If anyone has any interest in participating in falconry as a project please contact the 4-H office to let us know of your interest. Interested mem-bers must be the age of 16 to participate.

The Livestock Judging Contest that serves as the 4-H California State Qualifier will be held at California State University at Fresno. Contest date is Saturday, April 12, 2008. Registration must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2008. More information is available at: http://www.ca4h.org/projresource/livestock/index.asp

The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. has announced the essay topic and rules for the 2008 4-H Beekeeping Essay Contest. There will be three cash prizes for the national winners: 1st place, $250; 2nd place, $100; and 3rd place, $50. Entries are due by February 15, 2008 to Eric Mussen, at the UC Davis Entomology Department. More informa-tion is available at http://www.ca4h.org4hresource/ir/Forms/2008 4-H

There has been expressed interest in starting a Countywide Judging Project. The project may include non-livestock, small animals, reason giving, performance, as well as traditional livestock judging. If you are a teen member who would be interested in participat-ing as an Emerald or All Star project or if you’re a project leader that would be interested in helping to develop this project please contact Carole Dietz at 383-6453 or Russ Hill at 385-7418 for more information.

California 4-H Camping Conference, Ready to Deliver, held April 18-20 at the Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School, Fish Camp (Green Meadows). This year’s conference emphasizes camp staff development and how to create quality training for teen staff. It also provides networking opportunities for professionals, volunteers and youth who make camp pro-grams happen. Connie Coutellier, Field Executive for Camp Fire USA who served eight years as Director of Training for the Ameri-can Camp Association, will lend her expertise in creating meaningful, engaging camp training sessions. Connie is a national expert in the camping field and author of several books including Day Camp from Day One: A Hands-On Guide for Program Administrators and Camp is for the Camper: A Counselor’s Guide for Youth Development. • Other program highlights include: • How to manage behavior and create engaging program-

ming. • A copy of the newly developed 4-H Camp Staff Training

Manual for each camp attending. • An opportunity to design camp web pages. • Fresh program ideas. • Certifications in archery, community first aid, and food

safety. The $120/person fee covers all meals, lodging and material expenses.

Fashion Opportunites The UC Davis Student Fashion Association invites high school and college fashion designers and crafters to their second annual SFA Fashion Show on Saturday, March 8 at the Veteran's Memorial Theater in Davis. Student fashion designers can apply to show their designs, either one piece or a collection. Anyone can apply to sell handmade crafts at the show and tables in the gallery are $10. The show will also have a "Trashion" component highlighting fashions made from recycled materials, used clothing that has been re-styled, or anything relating to the concept of green fashion. Tickets to the evening show will be $5 with proceeds donated to charity. For more information or an application, contact Joan Chandler, (jlchandler@ucdavis.edu) or Polina Seeger, (pseeger@ucdavis.edu) or call 530-752-4417. Designer and vendor applications are due by January 31, 2008.

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MERCED COUNTY 4-H COMMUNICATIONS DAY

Saturday, March 8, 2008 Le Grand Elementary School, 13071 Le Grand Rd, Le Grand

-Please complete one entry form for EACH presentation- □ Judge □ Room Host □ Mini member Division (2nd & 3rd grade) - select division below □ Junior Division (4th & 5th grade) - select division below □ Intermediate Division (6th, 7th, & 8th) - select division below □ Senior Division (9th grade & up) - select division below ****************************************************************************** □Demonstration - teaching / showing how to do something Team/Ind. □Illustrated Talk - informational with visuals Team/Ind. □Prepared Speech - no visuals Individual □Interpretive Reading - now more then children’s literature Individual □Impromptu Speech-senior division only, topic provided Individual □Share the Fun - Group skit, theme performance Group only □Cultural Arts- Group or individual cultural or performing arts Group/Ind. □Educational Display- Poster display of program or theme Team/Ind. □Audio-Visual - slides, video, or digital production Team/Ind. □Scientific Demon. Or Illustrated talk-use scientific steps to solve problem Team/Ind. □Camp Staff Interviews - use a Camp Staff application available at the office □Photography Display—maximum of 2 photographs ****************************************************************************** Title __________________________________________________________ Club Name _____________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________ Phone_____________ Address ____________________________ City ____________ Zip_______ Email ______________________________ If a team or group presentation, list others, attach list if necessary: Name(s) ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Does it need to be done outside? Yes No Are you presenting in more than one category? Yes No Do you use audio/visuals i.e. computer, slides, other? Yes No If yes, list _________________________________________________ Special needs? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

Return to the 4-H Office: 2145 Wardrobe Ave., Merced Fax: 209 722-8856 NO LATER THAN Monday, March 3, 2008

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2008 Statewide 4-H Recognition and Record Book trainings. These trainings are targeted towards a county training team (max 10 per county) of 4-H members (7th grade and up), 4-H volunteer leaders, and 4-H Staff. Trainings will be held on various dates throughout the state (note: additional dates are being offered). Registrations are due January 31, 2008 and available at http://www.ca4h.org/council/i-r/index.asp. Dates & Locations:

• February 2, 2008, UC Davis • February 3, 2008, Stanislaus County • February 23, 2008, UC Davis • February 24, 2008, Shasta County • March 1 , Los Angeles County • March 2, Orange County • March 15, 2008, Fresno County • March 16, 2008, Santa Barbara County • April 12, 2008, Mendocino County

Become a 2008-2009 4-H State Ambassador! Youth (ages 16-19) and adult advisors are now being sought to provide statewide leadership. Ambassadors act as a 4-H representatives, conduct team projects, and plan the 4-H State Leadership Conference. Applications are due March 31, 2008 and available at http://www.ca4h.org/leadership/ambassador/index.asp

Are you interested in helping put on a state 4-H event? The State Fashion Revue Committee still has openings for teens and adults. Contact Kylie Deal, Teen Chair, at registersfr@sbcglobal.net or Sue Moore, 4-H Staff Liaison at samoore@ucdavis.edu or 209-533-6990. State Fashion Revue will be held May 31,2008 on the U.C. Davis campus as part of State Field Day. Look for event information to be posted soon at: http://ca4h.org/projresource/fashion/.

2008 State 4-H Field Day: Information for the event is now online for the State 4-H Presentation Day, Fash-ion Revue, Horticulture Contest, Judging Event and other activities during the day. Find more information at http://www.ca4h.org/projresource/fieldday/

Merced County TECH Team Meeting Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 starting @ 6 pm; Dinner @ 5:30 Interested youth and adults are encourage to attend. During the fall meetings we focused on GIS / GPS and the Web page design. Before our January meeting we visited the Merced City Civic Center to view the special GIS map display from the area, including a display of 4-H member made maps. The next couple of TECH Team meetings will continue that focus with work on 4-H club web sites and computer map-ping activities. If your club is interested in a web site con-tact Richard at 385-7418 for more information. Other tech team meetings will be on printer repair, computer and VCR cleanup and electric game repair for the 4-H Barnyard. Also to be introduced at the February meeting will be a new computer controlled sewing machine we got with the assistance of the Newhall Foundation. This will be for multiple uses by tech team, local club projects in clothing and arts and crafts and others. It will be able to embroider designs made on the computer to add a little technology to your project. We are also looking at getting a computer controlled woodworking router/carver. Let us know if you think you would want to use these technology enchantments for your projects. We also loan out GPS units for some group projects to do back home, this could include community clean up maps, animal locations for bio-security, map location to potential new 4-H camp sites, or your ideas! Maps that you create can be exhibits at the upcoming fairs this spring & summer. TECH Team is a countywide 4-H project; join us in February for dinner at 5:30 and the meeting at 6 pm. We need more adult volunteer leaders to assist in the activities so let us know if you are interested in helping. Also mem-bers and leaders, please let us know if you are interested but can’t attend on the first Thursday as other dates are possible.

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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

Merced County 2145 Wardrobe Avenue Merced, CA 95341-6445

For special assistance regarding our programs, please contact our office.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 641

Merced, CA

JANUARY 2008