Newsletter

University of Maryland Extension Talbot County 28577 Mary’s Court Suite 1, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 822-1244

Tom Hutson, 4-H Educator - thutson@umd.edu Bonnie Turley, 4-H Program Assistant – bturley@umd.edu

Talbot County 4-H Youth Development Maryland 4-H is the University of Maryland’s youth development program. Members learn

content knowledge and life skills including communication, leadership, and citizenship.

January 21, 2020

Upcoming Events

National Opportunities for 4-H Seniors: Youth Summit Series • Healthy Living Summit – February 13–16, 2020 • Photography Summit – February 26–March 1, 2020

The National Youth Summit Series brings together teens from across the country who are interested in learning more about certain topics. Designed for high school students, the Summits provide opportunities to learn

technical skills, participate in hands-on workshops, and learn from professionals in the field. All summits are held at the National 4-H Conference Center located in Chevy Chase near Washington, D.C. Learn about these opportunities at 4HCenter.org. The Healthy Living Summit commuter package costs around $476 and the other packages cost $610 to $725 depending on accommodations. The cost may seem high, but it includes up to eight meals, workshop spaces, field trips, and lodging for youth who stay on-site. If you want to put together a Talbot delegation, we will need an adult chaperone(s) and teen participants. REMINDER: THESE ITEMS WERE DUE TO THE EXTENSION OFFICE BY TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 Clover Records, Record Books, and Senior Resumes for 2019 if you want recognition Club Secretary’s Records and Club Treasurer’s Books Award Applications for Officers who want 2019 recognition (Presidents and VPs can

submit program books with meeting details filled out) Diamond Clover Levels 1–5 Completed Forms Friend of 4-H Nominations Family of the Year Nominations

Contact Mr. Tom or Ms. Bonnie if you had trouble completing any of these items.

Talbot Ag. and Education Center Annual Dinner Meeting Monday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ag. Center in Easton Attendees will learn about projects and events that took taken place at the Ag. Center during the past year as well as future plans. The dinner is catered, so checks for $12 per person were due to by January 21. There will be a silent auction to raise money for the Ag. Center. If you have a nice item or a basket of items that you would like to donate, contact Tom or Bonnie. Diamond Clover 6 service project members Karli Abbott, Jason Blades Hrynko, EJ Milhollan, and Tyler Redman will be this year’s guest speakers. Interviews for Leadership Trips Saturday, February 1 at Queen Anne’s County Extension Office

Seniors who apply for leadership trips go through an interview as part of the application process. Mr. Tom will be one of the interviewers because he always enjoys learning about teen members’ skills and accomplishments. Put this date on your calendar if you submitted an application.

Bayside Quilters Make It, Take It Free Classes February 1 Make a Bingo Game Board, Play Bingo, and Turn it into a Hot Pad (a fair entry) February 8 Fleece Hats (a fair entry) February 15 Recycled Jean Apron (a fair entry) All Classes run from 9 to noon at Trappe Fire House Come learn how to enhance your sewing and quilting skills as you create fair entries. Each session is self-contained. All youth are welcome. Youth under age 10 must have an adult present. Bring a sewing machine if you have one. If you don’t, Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore will provide a machine for you to use and all materials for the classes. Register with Tom or Bonnie by January 28. Let them know which classes you plan to attend. If you have questions about the class, call volunteer Ms. Lou Diefenderfer at 410-924-1764. 4-H Record Book Workshop Wednesday, February 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Extension Office in Easton

Are you new to 4-H? Are you wondering what all of this talk about record books means? Do you need help with your first record book? If so, come and learn what record books are, why they are important, and how to create a record book. We will provide snacks. Register with Bonnie or Tom by January 30. If you are a clover and you need help, or if you are a senior and you want to learn

to create a portfolio (a portfolio is a resume plus an essay and is also required for out-of-state trip applications), talk to us about scheduling a meeting with for you.

4-H State Dairy Skillathon Saturday, February 8 at 9:30 a.m. at Carroll County Ag. Center Registration is due January 31. 4-H State Dog Skillathon Sunday, February 9 at noon at the University of MD Animal Science Building in College Park Registration is due January 31. Public Speaking Workshop Tuesday, February 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Extension Office

Communication is an essential skill for success in life, and becoming a better speaker is one of the most important skills you can learn in 4-H. Does the thought of public speaking scare you? Would you like to be more comfortable speaking in front of people? If so, consider attending this introductory session. Participants will learn about clover presentations, radio spots, prepared speeches, extemporaneous speeches, interpretations, demonstrations, and

illustrated talks. You will also practice public speaking in a fun, non-threatening setting. Register with Tom or Bonnie by February 4. Lower Shore Winterfare Saturday, February 22 from 8:45 to noon at Christ United Methodist Church in Salisbury This year’s event will be a half-day program of fun hands-on workshops. It is open to youth of ages 8–18, and the cost is $15 per child. Register online by February 13 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winterfare-2020-registration-89058324847.

Talbot 4-H Public Speaking Contest Monday, February 24 at 6 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Easton

One of the most important skills learned in 4-H is speaking clearly and comfortably to others. Members are invited to participate and have fun while giving a talk in one of these categories: clover talk—any kind of brief talk that youth of 4-H ages 5 through 7 want to give radio spot—a 30-second advertisement to promote 4-H prepared speech—a speech written at home prior to the contest extemporaneous speech—a speech written at the contest about one

of three random topics drawn from an envelope interpretation—a humorous or dramatic recitation of a published

work of literature (note: singing isn’t permitted) continued on next page…

We call this event a “contest” and give out awards to make it exciting, but the real purpose is for members to practice their speaking skills. It doesn’t matter how you place; what matters is that you become more comfortable with public speaking. Volunteers and other adults, if you would like to serve as a room monitor or timer, let us know. If you would like to be a judge, we’ll try to place you in a category where you won’t be asked to judge your own children or club members. We have so many participants that we need many adult helpers. The rules are on the state website: https://extension.umd.edu/4-h/4-h-program-areas/state-communication-contest and are in the program book you received from your club leader. If you need help, we can work with you to come up with ideas and prepare for the contest. Register by February 17. We need time to prepare contest materials. Be sure to tell us your name, age level as of January 1, 2020 (clover, junior, intermediate, or senior), category of talk, and title of talk (except for extemporaneous).

4-H Livestock Skillathon Saturday, February 29 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Registration is due February 19. Poultry Project Winter Small Flock Workshop Saturday February 29, 2020 from 9am–2pm at Carroll County Extension

Workshop topics will include breed characteristics, showing, production (meat and eggs), biosecurity, predator control, marketing, regulations for selling, feeds, egg grading and handling, health and care, poultry harvesting, and an “Ask the Experts” panel for other poultry questions. Questions? Contact Jonathan Moyle, jmoyle@umd.edu, 410-742-1178; Jennifer Rhodes,

jrhodes@umd.edu 410-758-0166; or Maegan Purdue mperdue@umd.edu 410-632-1972.

Talbot 4-H Achievement Program for the 2019 Program Year

Friday, March 13 at 6 p.m. in the Easton High School cafeteria This annual event allows us to come together and recognize the accomplishments of 4-H members during the previous year. Members who submit clover records, record books, and Diamond Clover levels will be recognized. Even if you didn’t do a record book this year, you are welcome to attend and enjoy the slide

show and awards plus a delicious dessert courtesy of Linda Brown, Jody Candel, and the Easton High School Culinary Program. Register by March 6.

MEMBER PHOTOS NEEDED! If you haven’t already done so, please select up to five photos of your 2019 4-H activities that you would like to include in the Achievement Program slide show. Volunteer Ms. Karla Wieland-Cherry has offered to create the Achievement Program slide show again this year (thanks!). Please e-mail your photos to dkcherry4@aol.com NOW so Ms.

Karla has plenty of time to work on the slide show. If you don’t have the ability to e-mail photos, let Mr. Tom or Ms. Bonnie know so we can scan photos from your record book. Healthy Living Expo Saturday, March 7 from 10 to 3 at the Eastern Shore Higher Ed. Center at Chesapeake College Are you interested in living a healthy lifestyle? Consider attending this day of interactive sessions. The flyer is attached to this message. 4-H Ambassadors Meeting, 5 to 6 p.m. 4-H Council Meeting, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 at the Extension Office (in Soil Conservation suite)

4-H Ambassadors: This group of youth leaders serves as a liaison between Talbot 4-H and local communities. They help us promote 4-H to the public. 4-H Council: This committee provides input for 4-H programs and events. Clubs are asked to send designated youth and volunteer representatives to report about recent club activities and take important information back to share with other members. Talbot 4-H Council meetings are open to

anyone who wants to attend. We will hold officer elections at the March meeting. Members, if you are interested in running for 4-H Council president, vice president, secretary, or historian or serving as Ag. Center rep. or Fair Board rep., come to the meeting prepared to explain why you want to be an officer. If you can’t attend, you may ask someone to nominate you or send us a brief explanation of why you want to hold a certain office. Dairy Project Workshop: Spring in the Ring March 21 and 22 at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center This workshop organized by the Talbot County Fair has a goal of providing hands-on learning for youth who may be interested in exploring the dairy project (4-H, FFA, or open). Topics to be covered are dairy nutrition, fitting, showing, health, and dairy judging. Participants do NOT have to have their own calves. There is an opportunity to have a calf provided for the weekend. This will allow youth to try out the project and have time to decide if they want to sign up for the project. We are also hoping that it will help build an interest in the dairy judging or quiz bowl program. The program costs $50 to participate.

Note that this workshop is NOT a 4-H workshop. The Talbot County Fair is responsible for the workshop and the overnight stay. Participants are subject to the Fair Board’s rules. Here is the link for details, registration, schedule etc. https://www.talbotcountyfair.org/spring-in-the-ring .

Eastern Shore 4-H Regional Public Speaking Friday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Easton High School (meet in the cafeteria) Each year, Talbot 4-H hosts this exciting public speaking event for members from all nine Eastern Shore counties. The top three members in each age level and

category at the county contest are eligible to participate in the regional contest, and others are welcome to help at the contest. This year each county will also be able to send 5 clovers to present in the cafeteria for contest visitors.

(Note: The county contest determines your eligibility for the state contest. The purpose of the regional contest is to create another opportunity for you highlight your public speaking skills here on the Shore.) This is your chance to have fun, share your public speaking talents with others, and watch presentations by members from all over the Shore! Adults, please contact Tom or Bonnie if you would like to be a judge, room monitor, or helper. Register by March 15. (Talbot 4-H coordinates the contest.) Tractor Safety Certification March 28 and 29 at Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park If you are 14 or 15 and want to work with farm equipment on farms not owned by their parents, federal law requires that you complete a tractor safety certification class prior to your employment. (Farmers who don’t follow the law can face large fines.) This 4-H weekend program will help you become certified. 13-year-olds can take the course but are not permitted to take the driving test until they turn 14. Older youth (and even adults) may take the course to improve their safety skills.

Looking Ahead…

Talbot County 4-H Visual Presentations (Demonstrations and Illustrated Talks) Monday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church

This fun-filled evening is yet another opportunity for 4-H members to participate in public speaking. As you know, part of completing a 4-H project is doing a communication event related to that project. Here is your chance! Select a topic related to one of your projects and give a demonstration (step-by-step process of how to do something using props and other

demonstration supplies) or an illustrated talk (speech about a project using posters or other visual aids). The Green Clover 4-H Club, led by Ms. Carol Frampton and Ms. Linda Brown, sponsors the event each year. Thanks, Green Clover! Maryland Day and the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of Maryland in College Park Everyone is welcome to attend Maryland Day. This annual event allows visitors explore interactive exhibits created by many colleges and departments. The intent of the day is to promote the University by providing fun learning opportunities for the public. 4-H members who are champions (first place) at their county public speaking contests are eligible to compete in the state contest. Reserve champions (second place) are eligible to help with the contest and may compete if the champions are unable to participate. Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaigns

Spring, April 29–May 10 Fall, October 7–October 18

Eastern Shore Spring Show Saturday, May 9 at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park

This annual show allows 4-H members to show animals in a fun competition that helps them improve their showmanship skills. The information/registration packet will be available in the spring.

4-H Ambassadors and Council Meetings Tuesday, May 19 at the Extension Office (Soil Conservation suite) Talbot County Fair! July 9–11 at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center in Easton Website: talbotcountyfair.org Cecil County 4-H Camp August 9–14 at Harford County 4-H Camp on Cherry Hill Road in Street, Maryland Eastern Shore 4-H members are welcome to attend. Older members may offer to serve as counselors but must complete many hours of officer training. See the Cecil County 4-H website for details.

CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER If weather causes schools to close and/or cancels after-school activities, Talbot 4-H meetings and events for that day are also canceled. Weather may also cancel weekend 4-H activities, so be sure to check your e-mail for updates.

4-H is Open to Everyone! University of Maryland Extension programs are open to any person and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression.

If you require special assistance to participate in Extension programs, please contact the Extension Office in advance.

Talbot 4-H Seeks New Volunteers and New Clubs If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer or starting a 4-H club, contact Tom or Bonnie at the Extension Office, (410) 822-1244. We will be glad to set up an orientation and help you become a volunteer.

Parents, if you are already helping at club events and want to become an official 4-H volunteer, talk to Tom and Bonnie. Becoming a volunteer is easy, and the application/orientation process doesn’t take much time. Better yet, becoming a volunteer provides you with liability coverage under the Maryland Tort Claims Act.

It’s (ALMOST!) Time to Reenroll in 4-H for 2020 Volunteers and members, it is almost time to enroll yourself for the 2020 program year. The developers have hit a few glitches and are getting them worked out before 4-H Online 2.0 opens. The current opening date is January 31, but if it gets delayed again we will just wait a little longer. When the system opens, go to the 4honline website, click Maryland, and log in using the Family option. Until you re-enroll, the system will have you listed as inactive. Enrollment directions for the new system will be available soon. If you need help with enrollment, contact Tom or Bonnie. New families may need extra help.

MEMBERS, HOW OLD YOU WERE ON JANUARY 1 DETERMINES YOUR 4-H AGE. You NEVER change age levels in the middle of a year because it would cause too much confusion for 4-H contests and events. (For example, even if you turn 11 on January 2 you are still a junior for the rest of the calendar year.) Clovers—ages 5-7, Juniors—ages 8-10, Intermediates—ages 11-13, Seniors—ages 14-18

When members enroll, you agree to follow the Maryland 4-H Youth Code of Conduct (based on Character Counts) and the Animal Science Code of Ethics if you have animal projects. Parents, please review the code with your children. The Extension Office can give you a printed copy if you need one.

Enrollment Fees Will be Paid ONLINE Every member INCLUDING CLOVERS will be charged the $10 state participation fee up to a maximum charge of $30 per family. When you enroll online, the system will direct you to a payment screen. If you do not have a credit/debit card or need to

request scholarship help with your family’s fees, contact Tom or Bonnie. We don’t want the fee to be a barrier to any child’s participation. If your club plans to cover the enrollment fees for its members, your family needs to pay online first and then give your receipt to your club leader for reimbursement. Leaders, thank you for your help!

Tips for Clubs Club Officers Leaders, if you haven’t done so in your club updates or charter papers, please give Tom and Bonnie a list of your club’s 2020 officers. New Members Contact Information Leaders, we want to make sure we account for all new members especially with the delay in 4honline registration. If you have new families who have been participating but are waiting to enroll, let Tom or Bonnie know the names of the children and the email addresses so we can contact them with information such as the newsletter and provide support for them. Club Visitors This is a great time of year for potential new members to visit clubs. Please make new people feel welcome. Everyone should have a positive experience with 4-H whether they end up joining a club or not. We want to keep growing and developing our clubs. New families are

not familiar with the many policies, activities, and events that 4-H offers. Remember that they may need a lot of “translation” by members and leaders in order for things to make sense. Volunteer Professional Development Training with Jamie Morris State Volunteer Specialist Ms. Jamie Morris is making a variety of training opportunities available. Here is a list. Conflict and You: Deal with It!, Conflict Dynamics Profile, Creating a Culture of Appreciation, Real Colors; Volunteer Refresher (for those with 5+ years of experience), Volunteer Management, Overnight Chaperone Training, Youth and Adult Partnerships, Teaching and Leading and Coaching- Developing the Skills of Youth. The charge ranges from free to $20 depending on the training. Jamie also offers other trainings in Individual Conflict Resolution or Third Party Conflict Resolution (available after completing individual training) and other trainings as needed. Some in-person trainings may require a minimum number of participants and others may be available online. If internet connectivity is an issue, we could arrange to have online trainings at the Talbot Extension office. Keep an eye out for trainings that interest you. Public Speaking Pointers Aurea Sellmeyer, a 4-Her in Montgomery County has recently completed a Diamond Clover project. As part of her project, she created a public speaking video called "Tips for Talks”. This is a resource that can be used with 4-H members as they develop public speaking skills. Here is the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGt9EMC7U0o

Support the Maryland 4-H Foundation The Maryland 4-H Foundation provides financial support to the Maryland 4-H program through club, county, regional, and state events; national project and leadership-based trips; scholarships; and much more. The Foundation holds several fundraising events each year. Proceeds support the Awards Gala, national trips, and a variety of educational initiatives across the state. Talbot 4-H greatly appreciates your contributions to and participation in Foundation fundraisers. Would you like to learn more about the role of the Maryland 4-H Foundation in promoting youth development across the state? Go online to www.mymaryland4hfoundation.com. Diamond Clover Level 6 Service Projects

Jason Blades Hrynko, Sara Chapple, Ashton Milhollan, Brian Milhollan, and Pippa Milhollan will be working on their 2020 service projects this spring. Tyler Redman, Kate Chapple, Kara Hutchison, Josh Cherry, and E.J. Milhollan submitted their final reports from projects and were

recognized at the State Awards Gala on January 19. Sara Chapple was also recognized for completing Level 5. (See photos.)

Karli Abbott has almost completed her project and will be recognized in 2021. As always, we are grateful to volunteer Diamond Clover Project Specialist Debbie Urry for providing project guidance and to volunteer Sharon Pahlman for reviewing proposals. Do you need certain items for your Diamond Clover service project? If so, send Ms. Bonnie and Mr. Tom a list with an explanation of why you need those items. Then we can share the list with our 4-H families and see if anyone has supplies

to donate. For example, Sara Chapple’s project will need musical instruments to use with children at the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center. Leadership Trip Opportunities for 4-H Seniors

4-H seniors, you are eligible to apply for out-of-state trips. Information about the trips is available online at extension.umd.edu/4-h. There are specific deadlines for submission of senior portfolios if you want to apply for a trip, so pay close attention to the deadlines.

International Exchange Opportunities for 4-H Seniors We previously shared information about international exchange opportunities through Maryland 4-H. If you are interested in one of these trips, check the information available through the Maryland 4-H website: extension.umd.edu/4-h.

Hello, New and Reactivated Talbot 4-H Clubs! The Busy Beavers Clovers have branched off and will become the Talbot 4-H Clovers this year under the leadership of volunteers Ms. Amanda Kane and Ms. Sherye Nickerson. Youth of 4-H ages 5–7 from anywhere in the county are welcome to participate. The new Skipjacks 4-H Club has branched off from the Chesapeake Bay Club under the leadership of volunteers Ms. Melanie Chapple and Ms. Victoria Milhollan. We wish them luck with their spring activities.

The Saddle and Paws club is back after a brief dormant period and is now Saddle, Paws, and STEAM under the leadership of volunteers Ms. Karla Wieland-Cherry and Mr. David Cherry. They still love animals, leadership, and public speaking, but they will also incorporate science activities into the club. Talbot County Fair Board has Positions Available! As you know, the county fair doesn’t just happen magically on its own; it takes a team of dedicated people to plan, coordinate, and carry out this fun, exciting annual event. The Fair Board currently has volunteer positions available for people who are interested in joining our team! If you love the fair and have time to devote to it, contact superintendents Amanda Clougherty or Sean Clougherty about becoming involved. Talbot 4-H Ambassadors are also invited to participate in the Fair Board and contribute ideas from a youth perspective.

Financial Literacy Training is Available for 4-H Members and Clubs

You may know Laura Heikes from the Midway booths at the Talbot County Fair, but Ms. Laura is important to Extension in other ways. She is a member of our Extension Advisory Council and is always looking for ways to support our programs. She works for Shore United Bank, and she and her colleagues are

interested in offering financial literacy training for 4-H members and clubs. If YOUR club is interested in learning about money management, please contact Tom or Bonnie so they can get you in touch with Ms. Laura. She can design the training to meet your interests/needs and adjust it to fit the amount of time you have available.

Animal Science Updates

Animal Project Records Can Help You Organize Your Information There are special animal science project records that you may use instead of the standard 4-H project record. These forms give you space to keep track of important details related to many animal species and are much more useful for animal project members than the generic project record. Find them online: extension.umd.edu/4-h/4-h-program-areas/animal-science-resources.

4-H Animal Ownership Deadlines for Fairs and Shows If you will be showing 4-H animals at the next county fair, you must own your animals (or have a signed lease agreement if applicable) by the dates listed below. Maryland 4-H allows you lease performance animals such as horses and registered breeding livestock

but NOT market animals. January 1 beef and dairy steers May 1 swine, lambs, goats, commercial beef heifers,

commercial breeding sheep June 1 registered heifers, performance animal leases All other ownership deadlines are determined by each county fair’s show rules.

Market Hogs: Get Your Hogs Early! Because Talbot County has one of the earliest county fairs, please remember to buy your project hogs early in the spring or at least buy hogs that were born early in the year. This will give them more time to grow and reach market weight by fair time.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Ear Tags for Cattle and Swine Cattle and swine entering Maryland fairs and shows must have an official Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) ear tag AND a Maryland 4-H tag. The RFID tag replaces the USDA tag used in the past. Maryland is moving to modern animal tracking method. RFID tags can be scanned with an electronic reader and can be used to trace animals to their points of origin.

MDA expects breeders to put in the tags at the point of origin (birth). If you plan to buy cattle or swine that DON’T have RFID tags, ask the breeder to tag them BEFORE you buy them. If this isn’t possible, you can find a veterinarian who is willing to put in RFID tags for As usual, 4-H livestock will get the normal Maryland 4-H ear tags on tagging and weighing day in May.

Animal Ownership and Showing 4-H project animals MUST be registered in the member’s name or follow approved leasing procedures. Clovers (ages 5, 6, and 7 as of January 1) are NOT permitted to show animals in any 4-H fairs and shows. This is a rule that follows the National 4-H Council policy. (Note that some OPEN shows allow children of clover age to participate.)

Two Rabbits Need a New Home Two rabbits need a home. One is a white and brown Lion Head doe almost two years old. The other is her baby, a brown buck almost 6 months old. They are free to a good home and may come with a free rabbit cage. Contact Allison Worm at allisonworm@gmail.com

Do You Have Animal Project QUESTIONS?

Contact Tom, Bonnie, or Livestock Coordinator Susan Behrens with your 4-H livestock questions. Others experts include Tresa Hutchison (swine, goats, rabbits), Ryan Snow (dairy). Cindy Spies or Justine Spies (beef and sheep), Karla Wieland-Cherry (poultry and dogs), and Shannon Dill (horses).

Important 4-H Websites

Maryland 4-H Program Information extension.umd.edu/4-h U of MD Extension Talbot County/4-H extension.umd.edu/talbot-county Order 4-H Project Books & Supplies shop4h.org National 4-H 4-h.org University of Maryland Extension – State extension.umd.edu Talbot Agriculture and Education Center talbotagcenter.org Talbot County Fair talbotcountyfair.org Maryland State Fair marylandstatefair.com Maryland 4-H Foundation mymaryland4hfoundation.com

Recent Talbot 4-H Educational Events and Service

Karli Abbott Represented Maryland at National 4-H Congress Senior member Karli Abbott represented Maryland at this national leadership event held at the end of November that brought together members from around the country. When you see Karli, ask her about the exciting things she did and the interesting people she met on the trip. Karli will also represent Maryland at the National Make It with Wool Contest this month. Wow, she is always busy accomplishing things! Elaina Steinly was Selected to Attend the 2020 National 4-H Conference We would like to congratulate member Elaina Steinly being selected as Talbot’s 2020 delegate to the National 4-H Conference held at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland outside of DC. Good luck, Elaina!

Talbot 4-H Members Turned Out for the Toys for Tots Holiday Drive Again this year, 4-H showed up with lots of friends for the annual Toys for Tots toy distribution. Sorting night was changed to daytime this year, so the Extension Office sent adults to help with toy sorting because members were in school. However, Talbot members were back at it again this year helping parents select toys for their families during the annual giveaway. We want to thank members and adults who helped! The organizers asked us to tell you that they appreciate your annual contributions.

Mr. Tom Helped to Run the National Youth Agri-Science Summit As a member of the National Youth Agri-Science Summit Planning Committee, again this year Mr. Tom Hutson helped to plan and run the Summit that took place January 9–12 outside of Washington, DC in Chevy Chase. He also taught agriculture workshops there. Last year, Kara Hutchison represented Talbot 4-H, but this year we did not have Talbot teens in attendance. If you are interested in going next year, talk to Mr. Tom.

Talbot Members and Volunteers Received Many Awards at the Maryland 4-H Awards Gala!

On January 19, Talbot members and families were recognized for their accomplishments at the Maryland 4-H State Awards Gala. As mentioned previously, members received Diamond Clover recognition (see the Diamond Clover section) and Karli received national trip recognition.

Talbot’s very own Saathoff family was honored as Maryland 4-H Family of the Year, one of the most prestigious state awards, for their multi-generational contributions to 4-H!

The Saathoff family consists of the four Saathoff (maiden names) sisters Theresa Shortall, Carol Frampton, Linda Brown, and Emma Jean Morgan and their families. They were all honored for outstanding contributions to 4-H Youth Development. Together, they and their spouses, children, and grandchildren have promoted positive youth development and touched the lives of so many youth for more than 50 years. It is difficult to imagine another family more dedicated to Maryland 4-H! We want to thank volunteer Ms. Della Andrew for helping us put together the details for the award nomination.

Talbot County 4-H Council Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at the University of MD Extension Office

President – Abigail Meadows Vice President – Kate Chapple Secretary – Ashanty Perez (absent) Historian – Ag. Center/Fair Board Representative – Attendance (from Ambassadors/Council sign-in sheet): Della Andrew, Mary Branic, Ava Brown, Karli Abbott, Susan Behrens, Jason Blades Hrynko, Kate Chapple, Sara Chapple, Josh Cherry, Carol Frampton, Samantha Haas, Josh Hrynko, Linda Hrynko, Tom Hutson, Abigail Meadows, Ashton Milhollan, Brian Milhollan, EJ Milhollan, Pippa Milhollan, Sophia Myers, Emily Nikolauk, Lyla Roe, Tracy Roe, Bonnie Turley, Jesssica Watts, Roxane Watts, Karla Wieland-Cherry

Call to Order and Pledges

Updates from 4-H Council, Ambassadors, and State Council • State Council - Jason Blades Hrynko and Pippa Milhollan are our 2020 representatives. The

retreat was this past weekend. Pippa attended. The new topic for this year is local issues. They made recycled fabric dog toys during the retreat. She enjoyed it. Jason was at a robotics competition and couldn’t attend the retreat.

• Ambassadors – The Fair Board is seeking Ambassadors who would like to represent 4-H. Talk to

Fair Superintendents Amanda Clougherty and Sean Clougherty if you are interested.

Old Business • Review of Past Events and Activities

o Diamond Clover Level 6 Service Project Completion o New Diamond Clover Level 6 Projects – Jason is doing benches for seniors at the Ag. Center.

Austin is doing a catio for Baywater Animal Rescue. Brian is doing a bridge and trails for Baywater Animal Animal Rescue. Pippa is doing a dog park that will also be open to outsiders going there to walk their dogs.

o National 4-H Congress o Holiday Activities and Service Projects o National Youth Agri-Science Summit

• Other Old Business?

Club Activity Reports • Talbot 4-H Clovers (submitted by Sherye Nickerson and Amanda Kane and club rep. Sophia Myers)

Sophia is the club’s new 4-H Council representative. Last Friday, the club met at the YMCA. They talked about getting ready to do their public speaking presentations. They each chose a topic they want to talk about. It could be about animals, hobbies, or other topics. The clovers get to learn about different things

and do crafts. Last Friday they also did a snowman craft. Sophia brought her snowman craft to the Council to show everyone. Sophia enjoys being a clover.

The leaders submitted information about the December meeting. In December, we got into the Christmas theme. We divided into two teams and had five minutes to plan out on paper how each team was going to make a Christmas tree out of green cups. They we executed the plan, had a snack, and played a holiday left-right game.

• Bay Hundred Blue Crabs (submitted by Roxane Watts and club rep. Jessica Watts) The club worked on a tree and a wreath for the festival of trees. Jessi and Bradley worked on their theater projects and took on roles for the musical Big Fish. The club is on hold for a little bit, but Jessi is working on her Diamond Clover proposal for the school. She will make a care closet with personal care items for students who need them. This is to meet a need that the school identified.

• Busy Beavers (submitted by Linda Hrynko, Della Andrew, and club reps. Jason Blades Hrynko and Emily Branic) The Busy Beavers were busy through the holidays. In December, a food collection was given to a needy dialysis client. We helped the Optimist group put up Christmas trees at the YMCA and held our Christmas meeting at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center. We made crafts, played games, enjoyed a family luncheon, went to Dixon House to play music and sing, and then built and rode our float, “Save the Turtle”, about recycling, in the Christmas Parade. Members and parents assisted at the Toys for Tots program.

In January 2020, we had our recognition program for the Busy Beavers. We recognized each member for the number of their years in 4-H. The Busy Beavers have 9 members. 100% of members are turning in their record books. Tyler was recognized as completing his Diamond level 6 project at the Maryland 4-H Gala. We are planning to visit the Dixon House in February to give our Public Speaking Presentations and sing. We will be meeting in March to clean up the graves at Spring Hill Cemetery and to pick up sticks from the grounds of St. Marks Church. Jason was accepted as a representative on the State 4-H Council for 2020. Jason is working on his Diamond level 6 project, Benches for Seniors. Elections were held for 2020. Autumn Redman, President. Emily Branic, Vice President. Ian Branic, Secretary. Ava Brown, Treasurer. Ava Brown, reporter / photographer. Jason Blades Hrynko and Emily Branic, County Council Representatives. Pledge leaders: Abigail Meadows and Ashanty Perez. tees. Music Committee: Abigail Meadows and Ashanty Perez. Recreation Leader: Josh Hrynko. Jason Blades Hrynko, Joshua Hrynko, Ava Brown. Junior Leaders: Jason Blades Hrynko, overseen by Linda Hrynko, will lead the Community Service Committee. We are off to a busy start for 2020.

• Chapel District (submitted by Susan Behrens, Tresa Hutchison, and Lyla Roe)

The Chapel District 4-H Club met on December 6, 2019 at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center. A regular meeting was held. Several members gave speeches and demonstrations. Hayden Hutchison ”Camp Rocks”, Couper Barletta “Showing my dog Knight”, Lyla Roe ”Showing a Holstein Cow”, Owen Roe “Showing Cows”, Harper Callahan “The Cordova Parade”, and Lyla Roe ”Pipe Cleaner Ornaments”. The club sponsored a small decorated tree at the annual Festival of Trees in Easton. Club Members made Christmas ornaments and played two games. They also brought in donated items and then wrapped the gifts for a local Angel Tree. Everyone enjoyed the holiday refreshments.

The Chapel District 4-H Club met on January 10, 2020 at the Talbot Agriculture and Education Center. A regular business meeting was held. All members are working on their record books. An election of officers took place. Officers for 2020 are President: Couper Barletta, Vice President: Hayden Hutchison, Secretary: Martha Harrison, Treasurer: Emma Boyle, County Council Representative: Lyla Roe, and Scrapbook: Martha Harrison and Ella Barletta. Members then divided into two groups and members participated in all the activities presented. Kara Hutchison spoke about Maryland commodities and had each 4-H’er make a bracelet with colored beads each representing a different Maryland commodity [corn, soy beans, beef, etc.]. Tresa Hutchison discussed gelatin as a byproduct of swine. By using gelatin, bird seed and cookie cutters each member made a hanging bird feeder. Susan Behrens reviewed the Diamond Clover program with each 4-Her individually. Many club members were able to complete a couple of levels.

• Chesapeake Bay (submitted by Melodie Haufe and club rep. Bree Haufe) The Chesapeake Bay 4-H club finished 2019 in Holiday Style. Our club planned a theme, bought decorations on sale after Christmas and started making decorations for our Candy Cane Christmas Tree in February 2019. We continued to make decorations throughout the year and even entered our creations in the Talbot County and Maryland State Fairs then we turned them back in for the actual tree decorating. Our club has been decorating a tree for Festival of Trees to benefit Talbot Hospice for the past three years. We started with a miniature and moved to a 4-foot tree and this year we were asked to do an 8-foot. Andrew Ottey was very pleased with how it turned out and would like to make a 10-foot tree next year. We are not sure we are ready for that, but we did do a great job on our 8-footer. The

Festival of Trees is very cautious with youth groups doing large trees because of the price that people pay for the tree and the quality they expect, but we didn’t let them down and were invited back next year after getting lots of praise from Friends of Hospice.

We helped once again with Toys for Tots. We missed the first night since they moved it to school hours, but were able to helps the next two. This is a project that our club enjoys every year.

We had our annual Christmas Party at The Haufe Home and had festive treats and did a fun gift exchange along with Christmas wreaths for next year’s fair. Billy Haufe and Andrew Ottey were the

only members to have perfect attendance this year. We talked about our club projects for next year and plan to stick with the ones that we have always liked the best, Community Service and Arts and Crafts. The core of our club has always been about serving the community and we love doing crafts with Mrs. Stephanie Whitby’s guidance. All members were present at our December meeting and we elected new officers for 2020.

Andrew Ottey – President Christian Ottey - VP Bree Haufe - Secretary Billy Haufe - Treasurer Katherine McQuillan - Reporter Caleigh Freeman - Safety Chairman Becca McQuillan - Pledge Leader Our club is looking forward to another great year in 4-H in 2020.

• Green Clover (submitted by Carol Frampton and club rep. Abigail Meadows) The Green Clover Club enjoyed our December meeting. We started the meeting by filling the stockings we had helped make with supplies for older people. We then took our stocking to Candlelight Cove where we sang Christmas carols. The photos show the stockings and our club caroling.

Everyone enjoyed this outing. We then returned to the church where we met the Easton Town Police to give them the toys the 4-H’ers had brought for the toy drive. See the photo below. Everyone then

enjoyed making a snowman craft. We played some games and enjoyed refreshments that the members provided. In January we elected officers as follows: Co-Presidents – Elise Lankford/Elaina Steinly Co-Vice Presidents – Abigail Meadows/Sophia Principe Secretary – Madeline Principe Co-County Council Representatives – Samantha Haas/Mary Claire O’Connor Pledge Leaders – Natalee Gowen/Annette Clougherty/Patrick Pietuszka Recreation Leaders – Daniel Clougherty/Reilly Pietuszka Song Leader – Jenna Pietuszka Historian/Scrap Book – Rylee Gowen/Abbi Hutchison Program/Jr. Leaders – Jessica Meadows/Rebecca Brault, Karli Abbott The leaders answered any questions anyone had about completing their record books and encouraged everyone to turn them in by 1/21/2020. We then made arrangements for the Corn and Soy Bean Awards Program which were displayed on January 16, 2020. See the photo to the left.

• Saddle, Paws, and STEAM (submitted by Karla Wieland-Cherry and club reps. Levi Nickerson and Emily Nikolauk)

The January 3 meeting was called to order by Mrs. Cherry. The reactivated club opened the meeting with the Pledge of Alligience and the 4 H pledge. Mrs. Cherry reviewed the 4H motto, the colors and what the colors mean. Everyone then introduced themselves. There was one guest in attendance Kendall.

The club then voted on the officers for the 2020 year of the Saddle Paw and Steam club. Emily Nikolauk President, Lizzie Nikolauk, Vice President, Levi Nickerson Secretary, Bear Kane Treasurer. Council members are Emily, Levi and Bear.

Treasurer Report as of January 3rd, 2020: $0.00. Potential donations with Talbot Optimist Club and other was mentioned.

Mrs. Cherry then went over upcoming events in the county for Talbot 4-H’ers. The club will be participating in the Oral speaking contest on February 17th, 2020. The 4-H awards ceremony will be March 13th, 2020 at the Easton High School. Mrs. Karla is working on a slide presentation and encourages everyone to send her pictures.

The club did three activities. First, Mrs. Cherry then did a learning activity on facts about chickens. The group will each to get pick out a chicken to show in the July 4 H fair. The group made bracelets using

beads and pipe cleaners. Finally the group worked on their public speaking skills. Everyone got a chance to stand up and practice speaking in front of an audience.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:15pm. February meeting date TBD.

• Skipjacks (submitted by Melanie Chapple, Victoria Milhollan, and Brian Milhollan) The month of December was busy for our club. Members helped both nights at Toys for Toys. We had our club Christmas Party at the Chapple's home with a fun Christmas gift exchange, gingerbread and ornament making and lots of great food.

We started off January with a bang. We welcomed many new members and are looking forward to other families to join our club in February. We will be also participating in a huge canned food drive for St. Vincent de Paul to help fill their food cupboard for the winter months.

We had our first meeting of the new year at Willow Construction and started a two sided snowman/ scarecrow wood art for the fair. Thanks to Mr. Eric Milhollan for all the supplies and his guidance. It was fun project for all the members and members are looking forward to completing the second half of the project in February. We had our awards and formally welcomed all new member. We are starting two new club projects in 2020, baking and visual arts. We are also looking forward to entering the Talbot County Public Speaking Contest in February.

The Talbot County 4-H Skipjacks members at the December Christmas party.

Talbot County 4-H Skipjacks members volunteering at Toys for Tots.

Sara Chapple received her Level 5 Emerald Clover award and EJ Milhollan and Kate Chapple will be received their Level 6 Diamond Clover at the Maryland 4-H Gala on Sunday, January 19, 2020. We are so proud of all three of them for all their hard work. Sara Chapple, Brian Milhollan, Pippa Milhollan, and Ashton Milhollan are already starting on their Diamond Clover that were just approved in November.

• Extension Office

Mr. Tom and Ms. Bonnie spent a lot of time working on annual reporting requirements for clubs and the Extension Office. They also supported clubs that are dividing or reactivating. Ms. Bonnie put together supplies for various learning activities needed by club leaders. Mr. Tom attended the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Conference in West Virginia and was part of three presentations there. He also spent a lot of time planning for and helping to run the National Youth Agri-Science Summit. Now he and Ms. Bonnie are working to prepare documents submitted by clubs for upload to the new 4-H Online website when it becomes active. As usual, they also supported clubs with various needs.

New Business • Tobacco Vendor Education

The Health Department invited 4-H youth to serve as healthy living representatives again this year. Youth will work as a team, visit places in the county that sell tobacco products, survey them, and remind them of the importance of not selling tobacco to youth under 18. The Ambassadors may want to take on the project this year. It turns out that the Skipjacks will take on this project. Thanks, Skipjacks!

• Chromebooks

Caroline, Talbot, and Dorchester 4-H have a set of Chromebook computers (stored in Caroline County) that are to be used for youth computer science activities. Contact Mr. Tom or Ms. Bonnie if your club would like to plan an activity that needs computers.

The Talbot County 4-H Skipjacks members with their snowman wood art projects at January 2020 meeting at Willow Construction. Kate Chapple, Sara Chapple, & EJ

Milhollan at Maryland 4-H Gala.

• Talbot Humane and Baywater Animal Rescue Need Food

The shelter always needs pet food, especially cat food. Anyone who wants to donate dry or canned food should drop it off at the Extension Office and we will deliver it. Donations are greatly appreciated.

• New Members

Club leaders, we want to make sure we account for all new members. If you have youth who have been participating but are waiting to sign up, please let Tom or Bonnie know the names of the children and the e-mail addresses so we can contact them with information and provide support and supplies for them etc.

• Enrollment for 2020 The website developers are still working out a few issues with online enrollment. When 4-H Online 2.0 opens (tentatively January 31), there will be enrollment directions available because the website will look different from the current website. Remember that all families pay fees for members online. If someone in your club doesn’t have a credit/debit card or needs scholarship help, contact Mr. Tom or Ms. Bonnie.

• Club Chartering Modifications – Instead of going through the entire club chartering process every year, from now on existing clubs will submit their financial forms in the fall. Other forms called and “annual report” will be due in January, but we might try to continue to collect all forms one time a year in the fall.

• Mini-Professional Development Topics o The state office wants us to remind clubs to focus on positive learning experiences for youth and to

de-emphasize the importance of winning competitions. Developing skills and learning information are more important than coming in first place.

o This is a great time of year for potential new members to visit clubs. Please make new people feel welcome. New families are not familiar with the many policies, activities, and events that 4-H offers. Remember that they may need a lot of “translation” by members and leaders in order for things to make sense.

• Upcoming Events: Review the Newsletter Calendar of Events for Details

• Other New Business?

Next 4-H Council Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 17 Council meetings are usually held the third Tuesday every other month (except July) from 6 to 7 p.m. (Ambassadors meet from 5 to 6 p.m.) 2020 Meeting Dates: March 17 May 19 September 15 November 17

Would you like to help us promote Talbot 4-H to new members?

Our current club flyer is attached. Feel free to distribute it to people you meet. We will print copies for you if you would like to hand them out to potential new members.