4-H is getting lots of press this year

There have been several 4-H related stories posted to yourhub.com lately (written by others) and here are the links:

Both livestock-related
http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/General-News/Story~502236.aspx

http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/General-News/Story~502244.aspx

About our 4-H ambassador:
http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/About-Town/Story~500724.aspx

Fashion Revue results

Fashion Revue Grand and Reserve Champions were announced in a press release to the community newspapers and all douglas county hubs on www.yourhub.com. You can see it here:
http://denver.yourhub.com/Parker/Stories/Goings-on/General/Story~501887.aspx

Also, most placings are up on the website under contest results. Unit placings will be added later as time permits - you know how busy it is this time of year!

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/douglas/4h_files/fcs.gen/contestresults.htm

Are you a freshman at CSU? Read this!

4-H'ers who are attending CSU as freshmen can apply to be a 4-H Scholar. The Scholars promote the positive experiences they had in 4-H and spend up to 20 hours a month representing 4-H at key activities, speaking at public events, and meeting with stakeholders and donors.

For their efforts, each Scholar receives training, public relations support materials, reimbursement for expenses, and a $1,500 annual stipend toward college expenses. The person selected is eligible to continue to serve as a Scholar throughout their college career - advancing with each grade level - as long as their grades and activity commitments are met. The freshmen applicants must be willing to make a four-year commitment.

To apply, interested persons enrolled at Colorado State University must submit the following to Gary Small, 106 University Square, Fort Collins, CO 80523-4050 by October 1, 2008:

• complete résumé that includes 4-H experiences, years in projects, leadership and speaking experiences and skills, community service activities, work-related experiences, awards and special recognitions.
• A (draft) letter of thanks to the Colorado Farm Bureau thanking them for their contribution and funding support for the 4-H Scholars Program;
• A short paragraph (100 words or less) explaining why they wish to become involved in the 4-H Scholars Program;
• a personal statement of desire for the Scholar position.
  

Individuals applying will make a 10-minute presentation before the selection committee on "the scope of 4-H today and what 4-H has meant to them."

Please direct questions to Gary Small at 970.491.1537 or gary.small@colostate.edu.

We Were Sweating Bullets

Last weekend the Douglas County Shoot gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "sweating bullets." You would think that the 100 degree temperatures would put people in less than agreeable moods, but not even the sweltering temperatures could put a damper on the enthusiasm displayed by 4-Hers, leaders, and parents.

For this agent, it was a great learning experience. Yes, I still don't know the difference between some of the events, but I have a better understanding of why so many members are drawn to shooting sports. The competition with oneself and others, the camaraderie of the members, and the caring of the shooting sports leaders just make the program exemplary. The emphasis on safety in each discipline contributes to the overall quality of the program also.

As you can see from the pictures here on the blog, 4-Hers are able to learn a variety of shooting sports disciplines. Anyone interested in the program can call our office or ask their club leader about the shooting sports projects.

Thanks to all those who helped with the Douglas County Shoot and survived the heat. You are a great bunch of dedicated people!

Thanks for reading.

Mary Baldwin

Fair Board presents 90th anniversery poster to County Commissioners

The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Board presented a 90th anniversary poster to the Board of County Commissioners at their Business Meeting on Tuesday, July 22 at 1 p.m. in the Philip S. Miller Building Hearing Room at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

This year's Fair and Rodeo reflects back to the past 90 years at our county's rich history and heritage. The County has changed from a rural, agricultural-based community to a suburban bedroom community in the last 30 years.

For the entire story, click this link:
http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/General-News/Story~499320.aspx

Bruff Shea is quoted and so is Bob Thomas.

2008 Douglas County Shoot Results

The 2008 Douglas County Shoot concluded last weekend, and the results are in. They have been posted on the website at http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/douglas/4h_files/shooting.htm.

State Shoot info (also included in the letter sent to SS participants on July 2):

First Weekend – Aug. 16 and 17
.22 Rifle ContestSaturday 8/16/2008 - Pueblo West Sportsman's Club (Pueblo)
Air Rifle/Pistol ContestSunday 8/17/2008 - Colorado State Fair Events Center (Pueblo)**
Muzzleloading ContestSunday 8/17/2008 - Pueblo West Sportsman's Club (Pueblo)
Archery ContestSunday 8/17/2008 - Pueblo West Sportsman's Club (Pueblo)
** Those shooting Air Rifle/Pistol AND either Muzzleloading or Archery may shoot Air Rifle/Pistol on Saturday late afternoon.

Second Weekend- Aug. 30 and Sept. 1
Shotgun Skeet ContestSaturday 8/30/2008 - Pikes Peak Gun Club (Colorado Springs)
Shotgun 5-Stand ContestSunday 8/31/2008 - Pikes Peak Gun Club (Colorado Springs)
Shotgun Trap ContestMonday 9/1/2008 - Pikes Peak Gun Club (Colorado Springs)

For all our bug lovers...

The Wildlife Experience is hosting an event called "Bringing the Butterfly Pavilion to You" on July 23 at 6:00 p.m. where you can see live insects. A new movie follows in the Extreme Screen Theater called "Bugs!" at 7:00 p.m.

Visit their website at www.thewildlifeexperience.org or call 720-488-3344 to reserve tickets. It's $4.95 for kids 2-12, $7.95 for adults and $6.95 for seniors. They are located one mile east of I-25 on Lincoln Avenue.

Study shows significant drop in activity once kids become teens

According to a 9news.com report, findings released on Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association show that 9 year olds average three hours a day of acitivity while 15 year olds get less than an hour. Pediatricians are concerned about increases in health problems for children such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Some doctors are recommending children as young as 8 years old be placed on cholesterol-lowering medications if tests indicate high cholesterol levels. Sedentary activities such as video games and participation in social networking sites online are partly to blame.

4-H can play an important role in helping youngsters maintain higher activity levels and healthier lifestyles, affecting them positively throughout their adulthood.

For more information, go to this 9news.com link to view the story: http://www.9news.com/news/world/article.aspx?storyid=95910&catid=347

Good news for Douglas County 4-H! Oh, and we need volunteers...

Hey 4-H gang,

Some of our Highlands Ranch promotional efforts are paying off. The Highlands Ranch Whole Foods Market has asked us to staff a booth at their Farmers and Food Artisans Road Tour 2008 on Sunday, August 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. They are working to raise awareness for local farmers, and they want to include 4-H.

But that's not even the best part. They have also adopted Douglas County 4-H as their beneficiary for this quarter. They are donating 5% of total sales on Tuesday, August 19th!

So we need a little help:

• kids to volunteer for the booth on Sunday, August 17th. Set up will start at 10:00 a.m. and tear down will commence at 3:00 p.m. until completed.
• shoppers to go to the Highlands Ranch Whole Foods on the 19th and spend a little money.
• word of mouth - let friends and family know to shop there too!

Call Melody at the office to volunteer or if you have questions.

Help Wanted for 2009 Western Region 4-H Leader’s Forum

Every 13 years Colorado takes a turn at hosting the Western Region 4-H Leader’s Forum (WRLF). In 2009 it will be Colorado's turn, and the event is scheduled on Feb. 25-29 in Denver. More than 30 volunteers on the planning committee attended a meeting during State 4-H Conference to continue their dedicated work on WRLF.

What is WRLF? It’s the most comprehensive training opportunity for 4-H volunteers in the Western United States. It’s also a great place to network, learn from new and experienced leaders, and get re-energized! There’s still time to get workshops submitted for WRLF. Proposal forms are at: http://colorado4h.org/wrlf09/workshopstours.shtml

The state is asking for help. Please go to this page and scroll down to see details and contact information: http://www.colorado4h.org/communications/update/2008/080711.shtml.

4-H Leaders Fall Forum

4-H leaders, this year's Fall Forum will be held the weekend of Oct. 17-19 at the Adams County Fairgrounds.

Over 30 workshops are guaranteed to meet the needs of 4-H Leaders across the state to better prepare them to work with 4-H members! Click here for the brochure: http://colorado4h.org/msc/slf-booklet.pdf.

Hunter safety course - a little early

While the 4-H due date to have your hunter safety course completed is past this year, it's never too soon to think of next year. 4-H'ers enrolled in shooting sports must complete hunter safety training by April 1 every year.

Here is a course coming up next week hosted by Colorado Division of Wildlife instructor Adam Zaborowski. Classes run July 15-17 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Parker library. Participants must attend all three classes and pass a test on the last evening. Miminum age is 8 and parents must accompany children on the first night.

To book your spot, you must register in person at the Parker library to pick up course materials and pay the $10 registration fee.

For more information, call the instructor at 303-753-2779.

Help teens raise awareness for Alzheimer's

4-H'ers so often make a difference in the community, that we thought we would share information about another group of teens making a difference. It may also be a way for any interested 4-H members to get involved in a good cause.

"Teens Who Care or TWC as they like to be called, have joined up to walk in this year's Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk ® on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Denver's City Park. Teens Who Care was formed by sophomore Jacquelyn Palmer in honor of her grandmother, Rebecca E. Bouquet, who died from Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk ® is a grassroots fundraiser in which volunteers of all ages become champions in the fight for a world without Alzheimer's.

Memory Walk is the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer education, counseling, support groups, 24-hour Helpline and research to find better treatments and eventually a cure for this fatal disease. More than 7,000 people will gather pledges and come out to walk in support of the 65,000 people in Colorado who are living with Alzheimer's disease. Since 1989, Denver Memory Walks have raised nearly $6 million; statewide, Colorado Memory Walks have raised more than $10 million dollars. For information call the Alzheimer's Association at 303-813-1669, the Helpline at 800-272-3900, or visit www.alz.org/co. "

5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's today.

The original story appears on yourhub.com: http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/General-News/Story~491385.aspx

Canned food donations needed

Hello fantastic Douglas County 4-H Program,

Please open your hearts and your pantries to help Douglas County families in need. One of our 4-H clubs, Hooves and Arrows, has arranged for a canned food donation area at the 2008 County Shoot on Saturday, July 19th. They'll be there from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

The shoot is at the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Range in Sedalia. From Castle Rock, take Highway 85 north just past Louviers. The range is on the east side of the road. Just follow the signs to the donation area!

This year, food banks are running low. Your donations will benefit a program called Care and Share. Even if you aren't participating in the shoot, you can still donate!

Thank you for your help.

Peachy Keen 4-H Fund Raiser

Peach pie, peach jam, peach cobbler, peaches on ice cream, fresh peaches - these are a few of my favorite things in August and September in Colorado! If visions of these treats are dancing in your head now, you should know about the Annual 4-H Exchange Peach Sale.

In order to earn money for an exchange with 4-Hers in Delaware next summer, the Douglas County 4-H Exchange members are ordering luscious Palisade peaches. The peaches come in a 25 pound box and your cost is $35. This year all orders must be made by August 18 and delivery to Kirk Hall on the Douglas County fairgrounds will be September 4. To order, contact any exchange member or sign up for your peaches on the order sheet on the 4-H Office bulletin board.

The exchange is a great experience for 4-Hers who want to understand the history and cultures of other areas of the U.S. When our 4-Hers travel to Delaware they may have the chance to go crabbing, learn about colonial times, see the similarities and differences in 4-Hers' family life in another state, and just plain have fun. They may even plan a day in our nation's capital, a experience every citizen should have and appreciate.

Palisade has the best peaches and Douglas County 4-H has the best kids. Why not support both?

Thanks for reading.

Mary Baldwin

The Ultimate State Conference Poem

Noah the 4-H Bard stikes again:

It’s the annual event,
Of true competition.
Where 4-Hers gather,
For one great mission.

To win the prize,
Of buckles and plaques.
And for bragging rights,
As they get back.

They meet in Fort Collins,
Where the teams unite.
To battle it out,
In a triumphant fight.

Judging livestock and horse,
Our judgers took stand.
Showing nothing but talent,
And ambition, first hand.

And who can forget,
The demos and speeches.
Grasping attention,
Like mind gathering leeches.

We congratulate all,
Who did so well.
And for those who ask,
These kids aren’t for sell.

So thank you all,
For joining the fun.
Good luck next year,
For this poem is done.

Happy Independence Day, 4-H

Happy red, white, and blue to all of you from the Douglas County 4-H Office staff. Some thoughts:

You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism. ~Erma Bombeck

Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better. ~Albert Camus

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to secure liberty for their souls. ~Robert J. McCracken

Let freedom never perish in your hands. ~Joseph Addison

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country! ~Daniel Webster

4-H USA - An Online 4-H Community

Want to connect with 4-H members all over the U.S.? This site, started by the National 4-H Council, is a great way for you to make new friends and get new ideas from 4-H members everywhere.


We encourage you to join this community of youth that are just like you: learning leadership, citizenship and life skills through the wonderful and exciting 4-H programs. Registration on 4HUSA is free and open to anyone, youth and adult alike! And you don't even have to be a 4-H member to register - so check it out!