Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Open house for rural lifestyle planning initiative

Douglas County 4-H community, you might be interested in this upcoming meeting. Here is a quote from a recent press release:

"Recognizing the importance of the rural lifestyle to Douglas County, the County Commissioners have requested creation of a rural lifestyle planning initiative. An open house to launch the initiative will be held on May 14th from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Douglas County Events Center.

Called the Rural Framework Committee, the citizen-based committee will collect and convey information regarding regulations and policies that support the rural lifestyle.

Issues that will be addressed by the Framework Committee will include land use, water supply and approaches for implementing the defined rural values and priorities, including possible changes to the Comprehensive Master Plan policies and/or zoning and subdivision resolutions pertaining to rural land use.

For additional information please visit http://www.douglas.co.us/commissioners/adhoc/Rural_Framework_Committee.html , call 303-660-7460 or email jbare@douglas.co.us."

Original story posted at http://www.douglas.co.us/news/Rural_Framework_Committee_Announcement.html

Monday, April 27, 2009

Miss America Gives Credit to 4-H

Ask Katie Stam about her passion for community service, and she’ll tell you it all started with 4-H. Long before winning her title as Miss America, Katie Stam from Seymour, Ind. would spend hours in 4-H performing in creative dramatics, competing at the Jackson County fair, and visiting with 4-H friends and family. It was there that she learned the values of leadership, mentorship, and community service. And like most 4-H kids, she collected blueribbons and trophies along the way to mark her accomplishments.

In January the Indiana farm girl was crowned Miss America 2009 and now that she’s in the national spotlight, Stam is getting the message out that community service is important and rewarding. Stam’s platform, Promoting Community Service and Involvement, aims to get youth involved in their own neighborhoods.

With community service as her national platform, Stam could potentially transform the way millions of young people think about giving back to their communities and 4-H. “4-H is such an advocate for community service,” says Stam.” It encourages you to reach out to people in so many different ways.”

She is also the National Goodwill Ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network and is the official spokesperson for Zerosmoke.

Stam is currently being considered for Time Magazine’s annual 100 Most Influential People List. The annual list asks the public to rate each candidate on their influence on the world. Those recognized fall in one of five categories: Leaders & Revolutionaries, Builders & Titans, Artists & Entertainers, Scientists & Thinkers, and Heroes & Icons. Within each category, the 20 most influential people are selected, for a grand total of 100 each year. If you think Stam deserves your vote visit www.time.com. Voting ends April 28.

Author Ellen Butler, Colorado State 4-H Office

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Douglas County, get the 4-H word out at the Teen Short Film Contest!

As part of their ongoing teen contest series at the library in Castle Rock, the Douglas County Library District invites all young film makers ages 12-18 to submit a short film between May 1 and June 16, 2009. Awards will be given for the top three films at a red carpet event on June 30.

This would be one way to do a little promo for the Douglas County 4-H program and win a fun award.

For all the details, go to http://denver.yourhub.com/HighlandsRanch/Stories/News/About-Town/Story~607039.aspx.

4-H-themed scrapbooking supplies

I know some Douglas County 4-H Clubs complete scrapbooks every year and display them at the county fair. I thought I would mention that you can find 4-H themed scrapbooking supplies at the online 4-H Mall! There are several fun items like stamps, kits, stickers, and paper.

Check it out at http://www.4-hmall.org/. Enter the word "scrapbooking" in the search box located on the upper left column of the main page.

Food, fun, and friendship on field trip

The Douglas County 4-H Foundation strikes again! Once more, they funded a field trip to the Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute for a van-ful of 4-H'ers on Monday, April 20. Kids toured classrooms to see culinary students at work, took a look around the campus, and then were treated to a 5-course gourmet meal prepared by student chefs and served in a 5-star restaurant setting. While the standard 5 courses were served - appetizer, salad, soup, entree, dessert - several choices were available, and all got to try something different.

Everybody said they had a good time and would recommend the field trip to other 4-H'ers next year. Watch the newsletter for an announcement around February or so.

Thanks to Stacey Collins for dropping everything and volunteering to be our van driver!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Seeking Douglas County 4-H members to write for blog

Hello! We would like two or three DC 4-H members to become regular blog posters, a minimum of every two weeks and more often if there's something to say. We're looking for all kinds of information! Here's a short list of ideas:
  • reports on 4-H events you've attended
  • recruitment for 4-H and Cloverbuds
  • tips on every kind of project we do in 4-H
  • tips on how to do record books
  • top ten lists such as why 4-H is the best youth development program to join
  • interviews of club leaders, fairboard members, 4-H agents, CSU Extension state people
  • "Where are they now" updates on former DC 4-H'ers
  • reminders of upcoming events and deadlines
  • recipes
  • 4-H-related poems
  • and more.....what can you think of?

If you are interested, please contact Melody ASAP at 720-733-6940 or by email no later than April 24th. There will be a short meeting/training on Wednesday, April 29th at 3:30 p.m. in the 4-H office to discuss expectations, information that can and cannot be posted, a review on how blogs work, etc.

I know for a fact we have some writers out there, so don't be shy! Call me!

Melody

Monday, April 13, 2009

Douglas County 4-H is increasing focus on Family and Consumer Sciences and general projects!

It's true! FCS and general projects are a very active and important part of Douglas County 4-H, and now there's a way to formalize planning and communication about this aspect of 4-H. Your new agent, Michael Lackey, has a great idea. Read on...

"We will hold the first meeting of the Family and Consumer Science/General Project Committee meeting on May 5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the extension office meeting room.

These committees will be used to maintain the positive influence that 4-H has on developing youth in Douglas County. The hope is that these committees will guide their program areas in a positive direction and benefit all the youth involved.

We would like positive input from superintendents, leaders, parents and perhaps more importantly 4-H members. The committee will bring positive suggestions and solutions to issues that may be of concern, so ultimately I can make an informed and educated decision. They will also be used to plan activities and clinics to provide leadership opportunities and project training to prepare youth for continued success."

Michael asks that all interested persons RSVP to him ASAP at his email at mlackey@douglas.co.us.

C'mon! I know for a fact there are good ideas and lots of opinions out there on these projects. Now is not the time to be shy!

This may be a limited time offer if interest is too low. Get the agent while his time is more free!

Friday, April 10, 2009

New safety texting program launched by the Douglas County Sheriff and the DC School District

Hello Douglas County 4-H,

There is an interesting new program being established in our high schools called Text-A-Tip. The purpose is to give students a way to easily contact the school district and the sheriff''s office on matters of school and student safety. In emergencies, 911 is to be used unless it is unsafe to call, and then students may use the Text-A-Tip Program. The program went into effect on April 7th.

There are more details available online through the through our own Colorado Community Newspapers at www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com. Take a look at this link: http://www.coloradocommunitynewspapers.com/articles/2009/04/10/highlands_ranch_herald/news/text_tip_ranch.txt

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

National 4-H news you should read about

There's a lot of important stuff happening out there in 4-H world. I found some interesting headlines. Take a look.
  • Youth Programs Critical to Nation's Future
  • ESRI Awards Software Grant to 4-H Clubs
  • 4-H Youth Participate in National Ag Day 2009
  • 4-H Expands Healthy Living Programs with $1 Million Grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation
  • Kids' Ideas Offer New Views on State's Issues
  • Miss America Credits 4-H with Passion for Service
You can find all of these stories on this blog: http://4hblogs.org/ccn/#story8

Friday, April 3, 2009

4-H Foundation Spring Fun Shoot

Third Annual 4-H Foundation Spring Fun Shoot

Please join the 4-H Foundation at the 3rd Annual 4-H Foundation Spring Fun Shoot!

Who: Open to participants age 8 to adult; you do not need to be a 4-H member to participate.

When: Sunday, April 26, 2009 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Where: Quail Run Shooting Park, 35027 County Road 27, Elizabeth, CO 80107

Cost: $50 per person - cost includes fun shoot with ten stations with clay targets followed by lunch

What: 100 Round Sporting Clay Shotgun Event

Lewis class scoring system will be used.

To register and get directions, contact Quail Run at 303-646-3868. Registration is in progress. For more information, please contact Scott Candelaria at 303-841-1107.

It's contest season in Douglas County 4-H

Hi everybody. Here's a "cut and paste" of information presented in your April newsletter on upcoming contests.

Creative Cooks Contest
Saturday, April 18 at 9:00 a.m. in Kirk Hall
Registration is closed.

Demo and Speech Arts Contest
Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension office
Downstairs conference room
Registration due April 24 to the Extension office

The Demonstration/Speech Contest is open to all 4-H members including Cloverbuds. You may enter in the following categories: Demonstration, Horse Demonstration, Prepared Speech, Impromptu Speech, and Horse Speech (Sr.) Registration forms will be posted to the web site the first week of April. Hard copies available at the office.

Cake Decorating Contest
Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. in Kirk Hall
Registration due May 1 to the Extension office

This contest is open to cake decorating project members only. You may enter into the unit you signed up for as a project. Unit 1 members have 30 minutes to decorate their cakes; all other units have 1 hour except for Unit 7, which gets 1.5 hours. Every unit will be broken down into Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors. Winners in each division will represent Douglas County at the State Cake Decorating Contest. Cloverbuds are also welcome to enter this contest, but are not eligible for the state contest. Registration forms will be online the second week of April. Hard copies available at the office.

Rocket Fly Day
Wednesday, June 17 at 5:00 p.m.
DC Fairgrounds Outdoor Arena
Registration due May 29 to the Extension office

This contest is open to rocketry members only. Cloverbuds are not allowed to participate. Registration forms will be posted online the first week of May. Hard copies will be available at the office.

Fashion Revue
Monday, July 27 at ? in the DC Events Center
Registration due July 6 to the Extension office

This contest is open to any sewing, heritage arts, or decorate your duds member who has made a wearable garment. This contest is also open to Cloverbuds. Registration forms will be posted online the first week of June. Hard copies will be available at the office.

Talent Show
June 18th - watch for details.

The Douglas County 4-H Council needs you!

Have you ever wondered who the poultry superintendent is? Want to know how to pronounce the council president's last name? Would you like to have a verbal explanation of the new COOL requirements?

You can get answers to all these important questions simply by attending the monthly 4-H Council meetings. Leaders and parents share information and network during meetings, and the kids get to attend their own 4-H Youth Council meeting.

What are you waiting for? Come to the April meeting on Monday the 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension office.

We'll keep the light on.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

EPA News Release (HQ): EPA Launches Video/Photo Project in Celebration of Earth Month

In anticipation of Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency today launched an interactive video and photo project asking the public to share the ways they enjoy and protect their environment.

These projects are part of EPA’s multi-event celebration of Earth Month and of EPA’s 39 year history - which will highlight the agency’s renewed commitment to protecting human health and the environment. The EPA is asking filmmakers and photographers around the world to submit their own videos and photos documenting what steps they take to protect the water they drink, the air they breathe and the overall environmental health of their communities. Participants can submit their video entries to the EPA’s Earth Day Video Project group on YouTube. Photo entries should be submitted via Flickr.

Categories in the video project are:
Reducing your carbon footprint
Conserving and protecting water
Protecting the environment
Reduce, reuse, recycle

Categories in the photo project are:
People and the environment
The beauty of nature
Wildlife

EPA officials will select videos and photos to feature on the website throughout April. The agency will accept videos and photos from today through the end of April. This release is the first of several to announce EPA’s planned Earth Month activities.

To participate in the Earth Day Photo project: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/photoproject/
To participate in the Earth Day Video project: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/videoproject/

This would be a great project for 4-H members enrolled in photography. In addition to this opportunity, photography project members should also explore the possibility of entering the lightning photography activity. This activity could win intermediate and senior level 4-H members $100 for a lightning photo.