August 12, 13 and 14

The 4-H year 2014-2015 ends on September 30th. Now is the time to take a few minutes for members to update your record books, complete your financial records and make a note of your accomplishments and awards from your entire 4-H year. As you close out this year take time to reflect. Did you meet the goals that you set for yourself and your club? What did you learn? What are your goals for this upcoming 4-H year? October 1st starts the new 4-H year. I am very honored to be starting another year and I am here to help to you.

Maryann’s Memorandum

September 2015 Making the Best Better

Scene and Herd UConn Extension Tolland County 4-H

Newsletter

www.tollandcounty4-hct.org

2016 74th Tolland County 4-H Fair

UConn is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Inside this issue:

Maryann’s Memo 1

4-H Fair Highlights 2

Annual Meeting and

Awards Dinner Flyer

3

Award Recommenda-

tion Forms

4-6

Calendar 7

FairBoard Applications 8-9

Tri-County Public

Speaking info and

forms

10-11

Paper Issues We will be sending out the Tolland County 4-H Newsletter Electronically The September and June Issues will also be sent via USPS All Newsletters are available on our website: Tollandcounty4-hct.org If you would still like to receive our Newsletter delivered by USPS please call 860-870-6929 or email Maryann.fusco@uconn.edu To request all Newsletters and other information sent paper copy via USPS - Thank you

Tolland County 4-H Fair Horseshow August 7

I am pleased to announce that Jules Peterson has started as the new FoodCorps service member working with the 4-H office with the afterschool program in the Vernon public schools. The 4-H in Vernon afterschool program is a cooperation between the UConn 4-H and UConn Community Outreach programs . Please stop by the office when you get a chance and say hello to Jules and also new and returning staff at the UConn Tolland County Extension office.

Winning Highlights From the 2015 Tolland County 4-H Fair

Page 3

Annual 4-H Meeting

and Awards Night

Saturday, October 17, 2015, Tolland Agricultural Center

Gold Building—Route 30, Vernon at 6:30 PM

(Doors Open at 6:15)

Come join the fun! Pick up your premium money!

Everyone can bring a dish and have a fun night out!

Bring a food according to your last name.

Potluck

A-G Salad/Vegetables

H-O Casseroles P-Z Meats

Cakes, pies, gift baskets and other items are needed for the silent and live auctions. Bring one if you can.

Help raise money and have fun at the same time. Make a theme basket or even a basket of cookies.

The auction is fun, please plan to take part.

Note: If you don’t come to the banquet, you must come to the 4-H office to pick up your premium mon-

ey. It cannot be mailed to you. Money must be picked up by November 30th, Monday through Friday

from 9:30 to 3:30. Call first and we will have it ready.

SUBMIT YOUR RECORD BOOK FOR 4-H AWARDS! County 4-H Awards will be presented at the 4-H Fair and County Awards Program in October. Recognition will be

presented to 4-H members that have done an outstanding job in their 4-H projects all year long. County awards are certificates or county medals. Parents and/or leaders may recommend a 4-Her for a county award. Attach your rec-ommendation to the 4-H record book and submit it on or before October 10th to the UConn Tolland County Exten-

sion Center, 24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT, 06066 (4-H Office) DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2015 County Recognition Certificates may be awarded to 4-H members of any age who have done an outstanding job in a project area for at least two (2) years. Certificates may be received more than once if the 4-H member continues to show growth and outstanding progress in the project area. Certificates are not a pre-requisite for receiving a county medal, but continue to show growth and citizenship in the project area. Leader recommendation is required. County Medals may be awarded to 4-H members twelve (12) years or older as of January 1st of the project year. A county medal is awarded in a project area only once. 4-H record book and leader recommendation are required. The nominee must: · Be involved in 4-H project for at least three (3) years · Exhibit continued growth and outstanding work in the 4-H project area · Exhibit leadership and citizenship in sharing/teaching project skills to other 4-Hers. 4-H Member Awards County medal awards are available in the following areas. Please indicate which area the 4-H member is being nomi-nated for. Recognition certificates may be awarded in any area in which a 4-H member has met the criteria, not only those listed below. Achievement Agriculture Beef Child Care Citizenship Clothing Dairy Dairy Foods Dog Entomology Forestry Gardening Poultry Public Speaking Photography Rabbit Safety Sheep Wood Science Swine

Fashion Review Leisure/Pleasure Food & Nutrition Food Conservation, Preservation and Safety Conservation & Natural Resources

Beverly Vrendenburg Outstanding 4-H Horse Member Award In memory of a former 4-H leader, and extension office secretary, this 4-H award is presented annually to a 4-H member who shows outstanding involvement in a horse project. Qualifications include an up-to-date record book detailing leadership and citizenship activities and Connecticut Recognition form. The Beverly Vrendenburg Outstand-ing Tolland County 4-H Horse Member Award application is available at tollandcounty4-hct.org Rules and Regulations: 1. 4-Hers must have had a horse project for a minimum of two (2) years. 2. Previous year’s record book will be judged on completeness through September 30th, current year’s book will be judged on completeness through submittal date. 3. Must be standard 4-H project record for horse. 4. Past winners are eligible to compete. 5. Award is judged on: 50% Horse Project, 25% Leadership and 25% Citizenship. 6. 4-H members are strongly encouraged to submit an application for themselves. 4-H leaders may also submit rec-ommendations for qualifying members. 7. The 4-H Advisory Committee will select the recipient, and the award will be presented on October 17th.

Contact the office for the Beverly Vrendenburg Outstanding 4-H Horse Member Award nomination form

Awards and Recognitions

Page 4

Awards and Recognitions

Page 5

For 4-H Year 2014-2015: Tolland County 4-H Award Application Name: __________________________________________ Number of Years in 4-H: _____________ Age: __________ Name of Club: _____________________________________________________ Please Check One County Recognition Certificate County Medal Leader Recommendation Record Book Must Be Submitted Area of Award Requested (see instruction page): _________________________________ Leader’s Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Write a statement of why this 4-H member should be considered for the recognition requested. Include quality of work, attendance, motivation, what you have observed s/he has learned, and leadership. Please be specific. State actual events where the applicant exhibited behavior that qualifies him/her for this award. Use separate sheets of paper as needed

October 9th by 5pm is the deadline for all submissions!

Awards and Recognitions

Club Citizenship Awards Has your club done something interesting this year? A special 4-H project or an interesting community service? Submit your story to the Tolland County 4-H Office by October 9th to be considered for the Club Citizenship Award, which will be presented at the October 17th Awards Dinner. The $50 award sponsored by the Tolland County 4-H Advisory Committee can be used by your club in any way to support other community service activities. In case of a tied score, preference will be given to a club that has not received this award before.

Friend of 4-H Certificate Do you know a person who isn’t formally a part of 4-H but who has been instrumental in the 4-H program this year? If you do then nominate them for a “Friends of 4-H” certificate at the annual banquet this coming year. Write who this person is and how this person has been a Friend to 4-H this year. Let us thank them for their help. Please include your name and contact information. The one requirement for this certificate is that the recipient is not formally a part of 4-H (for example- an active member, leader, registered volunteer, alumni or employee of UConn 4-H). They will be called up during the annual banquet to receive a certificate so make sure to invite them to it!

Use separate sheets of paper as needed. October 9th by 5pm is the deadline for all submissions!

Dates to Remember

2015 –2016

September 9

Fair Board of Directors meeting

Applications for new Directors

Still available

September 18

The Big E Begins

September 13

4-H Day at the Big E

Tickets for 4-H members and ac-

companying volunteers are availa-

ble for in person pick up at the

TAC office see page

September 27-September 30

National 4-H Dairy Conference,

Madison, WI

September 29

Deadline: Fair Board Director and Advisor applications due TAC

September 30

TC 4-H Fairboard Applicant

Interviews

October 4

The Big E ends

October 4-10

National 4-H week– everywhere!

October 7 4-H National Youth Science Day

October 9

Deadline: Pin and Certificate

Awards Recommendations due in

the TAC 4-H office

October 17

Tolland County 4-H

Recognition and Awards Dinner—

TAC. Doors open at 6:15 program

starts at 6:30

October 21

Tolland County 4-H Fairboard

Directors and Advisors

Orientation

November 6

Annual Fair Board Trip

November 7 4-H Adventures in STEM

Storrs campus

November 11

Fair Board of Director's meeting

December 9

Fair Board of Director's meeting

January 13, 2016

Fair Board of Director's meeting

February 5

Deadline: Registration due at

TAC. Tri-county Public Speaking

February 10, 2016

Fair Board of Director's meeting

February 13

Tri-county Public Speaking at

TAC

February 27

Sponsorship Kick off Dinner

March 5

State Public Speaking

West Hartford campus

March 12

Dairy /Beef Day

Storrs Campus

March 19

Expressive Arts Day

West Hartford Campus

March 26, 2016

Sponsorship Ad Turn-in Date

Spring Semi-Formal Dance

April 2

Goat Day– Storrs

April 9-April 14

National 4-H Conference

April 13

Fair Board of Director's meeting

May 7

New England Dog Clinic

May 11

Fair Board of Director's meeting

June 8

Fair Board of Director's meeting

July 13

Fair Board of Director's meeting

July 27

Fair Board of Director's meeting

Friday August 5, 2016

Barn Dance

Saturday August 6, 2016

4-H Fair Set-up

Sunday August 7, 2016

4-H Fair Horse Show

Wednesday August 10, 2016

4-H Fair Exhibitor Check-in

Thursday August 11, 2016

4-H Fair Livestock Check-in

Friday August 12 to

Sunday August 14

Tolland County 4-H Fair

Page 7

4-H Calendar

4-H Fair Board of Director Application

Page 6

For 4-H Year 2015-2016: Tolland County 4-H Fair Board of Directors (Youth) Application

Today’s date____________ Name: Your age on Jan 1, 2016___________

Address: City: State: CT zip:

Home Phone: Cell Phone: E-mail:

Please type or print very clearly

Best way to contact you to schedule an interview:

Years in 4-H__________ Name of 4-H Club(s): _____________________________ _________________________

(write “Independent” if you are an independent member)

1. List your leadership experiences in 4-H, school and/or community. Use back of page or additional paper as needed

2. Why do you want to be a 4-H Fair Board Director? Use back of page or additional paper as needed

Please review the Tolland County 4-H Fair Association By-laws and Meeting calendar with your parents. Amendment 1 Absence from Board of Directors Meetings Section 1 – Any Directors or Advisors who miss three

Board of Director’s meetings will be automatically dismissed from the Board. The Board may decide to reinstate the

ousted member. Directors or Advisors that find it necessary to miss a meeting must contact the Fair President or the

4-H office prior to 4 PM on the day of the meeting.

Please review with your parents, check and sign that you have read and agree to the 4-H Fair Association By-

laws

I have read and agree to the Tolland County 4-H Fair Association By-laws and Meeting calendar

______________________________________________ Youth applicant’s signature

I have reviewed the Tolland County 4-H Fair Association By-laws and Meeting calendar with my child

_____________________________________________________ Parent’s signature

Each Fair Board Director will serve on at least one committee, attend committee meetings and carry out the

responsibilities of that committee.

It is also expected that the Directors will attend Fair Board trainings and assist with fair board activities.

Each Fair Board Director will also have the opportunity to serve as a Fairboard Officer if elected. 4-H members elected to serve as a Director on the Fair Board will act in a responsible manner and be a role

model for younger 4-H members by following all safety procedures and regulations of the association.

UConn is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

4-H Fair Board Advisor Application

Page 6

For 4-H Year 2015-2016: Tolland County 4-H Fair Board Advisor Application

Today’s Date:________

Name:

Address:

Cell Phone: E-Mail:

Please type or print very clearly

Best way to contact you to set up an interview:

1) Please detail why you want a volunteer position working with the 4-H youth on the Fair Board

2) Please review the Tolland County 4-H Fair Association By-laws and Meeting calendar. Amendment 1 Absence from Board of Directors Meetings Section 1 – Any Directors or Advisors who miss three

Board of Director’s meetings will be automatically dismissed from the Board. The Board may decide to reinstate the

ousted member. Directors or Advisors that find it necessary to miss a meeting must contact the Fair President or the

4-H office prior to 4 PM on the day of the meeting.

Check and initial that you have read and agree to the Tolland County 4-H Fair Association By-laws

I have read and agree to the Tolland County 4-H Fair Association By-laws and Meeting calendar

__________

Initial Here

3) Please describe your skills and experience working with 4-H, youth and positive youth development 4) Fairboard Meetings start at 6:45 and typically end at approximately 8:30. Could you attend an advisors meet-

ing before or after Fairboard meetings?

Are you available to arrive at 6:00 for an Advisors meeting yesno

Are you available to stay until 9:00 for an Advisors meeting yesno Please use back or additional paper if needed: Return by email: maryann.fusco@uconn.edu, mail or in person to Tolland County 4-H, 24 Hyde

Road, Vernon, CT 06066 UConn is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Regional Public Presentation Competition

Hartford, Litchfield and Tolland County February 13, 2016; 9:00 am-11:45 am (there will be multiple rooms)

(Snow date February 20, 2016, 9-11:45) Tolland County Extension Center; 24 Hyde Avenue

Route 30, Vernon Ct. (Exit 67 from Route 84)

Must pre-register by February 5, 2016

Light refreshments are served at the end while judges’ scores are tallied All 4-Hers in good standing must engage in some form of public presentation every year. All 4-Hers are invit-

ed to participate in this competition to help develop your skills. 4-Hers may present a demonstration, visual

presentation (illustrated talk), or a speech. Winners in each County for each division (possible total of 12 win-

ners) will be invited to compete on the State Competition on March 5, 2016.

Juniors (ages 9 – 12 as of Jan. 1, 2016) will need to give a presentation that is 3-5 minutes in length to be

eligible for the new state event. Juniors (ages 9-12) will be able to participate in the State Public Speaking

Contest in both the Speech category and the Visual Presentation category. Two county winners will be selected

to represent their counties at the State Junior Public Speaking Event on March 7th at the University of Con-

necticut in West Hartford in the Speech and in the Visual Presentation category. Juniors that are 7 & 8 as of January 1, 2016 years old may give shor ter presentations. They are not eligi-

ble for the state contest.

Seniors (ages 13 – 18 as of January 1, 2016) will need to give a presentation that is at least 5 minutes but

not more than 8 minutes in length. Two seniors from each county will be selected to participate in the State

Public Speaking Contest on March 7th at the University of Connecticut in West Hartford. One will be in the

Speech category and one will be in the Visual Presentation category. A visual presentation may be a demon-

stration, an illustrated talk or a power point presentation. Teams are not eligible for the State Contest. 4-Hers may choose any subject that is of interest to them. Think about your subject and begin to work on your

presentation. It can be about your project, or a serious, humorous or educational topic. Brief note cards are

okay. 4-Hers should refrain from reading their presentations from a written script. 4-Hers may choose to use a

lectern or may give their presentation without a lectern. A demonstration table and an easel will be available

for demonstrations, team demonstrations and illustrated talks if you wish to use them. 4-Hers wishing to use a com-

puter presentation for their illustrated talks must bring their presentation on a flash drive as well as an additional back up copy. Your

visual presentation should be used to enhance your speech. Internet connection is not available.

Ribbons will be presented to all contestants and winners will be announced from each county to present at the

State Public Speaking Contest on March 5, 2016. All 4-Hers that make presentations at this regional event will be eligible to present their demonstrations, illus-

trated talks or speeches at Eastern States Exposition in the New England Center during Connecticut 4-H day.

Important: You must register for the contest in order to participate. 4-Hers that are registered will be

called by the evening before or by 7AM on the day of the contest in case the event must be rescheduled due to a

major snow or ice storm.

Register for the contest by Friday, February 5, 2016. The information needed is on the next page.

______I will not need to use a computer and projector for a visual presentation.

Team Demonstration________ Name of other Presenters_________________________________________

***All visual presentations needing a computer and projector MUST be brought on a USB flash drive

or on your computer. Internet connection is not available ***

PUBLIC SPEAKING CATOGORIES

Speech - It’s best to use note cards only – involves telling about something of interest to you without the use

of visual aids. The speech can funny, serious, informative or argumentative.

Visual Presentations Demonstration – The demonstrator is doing something. Making, creating, or showing the audience how to do

something while telling about it. Illustrated Talk – Involves telling about something while using an illustration such as a diagram, chart, model,

or picture Power Point - A demonstration or illustrated talk that uses computer technology. For Power Point presenta-

tions you MUST have your presentation on a USB flash drive. A projector and screen will be provided.

Internet is NOT available.

Team Demonstrations - A team is TWO people. Both participants must have an equal role in the presentation.

If team members are in different age categories they will be judged in the category of the oldest team member. Team

Demonstrations are not eligible for the state contest.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Registration Form for Regional Public Speaking Contest Send to the Tolland County Extension Center; 24 Hyde Avenue; Vernon, CT 06066 or call 860-875-3331 with

all of the information by February 5, 2016. You may also e-mail the information to maryann.fusco@uconn.edu .

Please be sure that all the information is included in the e-mail.

Name_____________________________________________ Age on 1-1-15__________

Street_________________________________________________ _________________

Town_____________________________Zip____________ County_________________

Phone_____________________________E-Mail________________________________

Title of presentation_______________________________________________________

Check age catagory:

_____ Junior – ages 7-12 or ______Senior – ages 13-18

Check presentation category:

Speech______

Or

Visual Presentation – check one

Demonstration_______ Illustrated talk________ Power Point__________

Other: (please explain)

______I will need to use a computer and projector for a visual presentation.

Making the Best Better

UCONN-Extension Tolland County 4-H

24 Hyde Avenue, Vernon, CT 06066

Phone: (860) 870-6929

Facsimile: (860) 875-0220 CT 4-H website: www.4-H.uconn.edu

UConn Extension– Tolland County 4-H 24 Hyde Avenue Vernon, CT 06066