Thursday, August 13, 2009

Community service opportunity to help those in need

Douglas County 4-H community, here's an opportunity to help Castle Rock residents.

Volunteers and applicants are being recruited for the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department's fifth annual Paint-a-Thon to be held in September.

Volunteers help fire department members prepare and paint the homes of Castle Rock residents who are physically or financially unable to do so themselves. Up to three homes will be given a face-lift Saturday, September 26 and Saturday, October 3. Each day begins at 8:00 a.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m. or when finished.

Volunteers should sign up by Monday, September 14. Participants must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.

All materials needed are provided, and volunteers get snacks, water, and lunch. Additional information and application forms for both volunteers and homeowners are available for download on the Fire page at www.CRgov.com or by calling 303-660-1066.

Original story located on www.yourhub.com at http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/Government/Story~644954.aspx.

4-H cooks and bakers, enter the Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship at state fair

I know we have lots of creative Douglas County 4-H members and leaders and parents in Douglas County (cuz you have to be 18 or older to participate), so I thought of you when I saw this press release. And if any you make a decadent chocolate dessert, don't forget your friendly 4-H Communications Specialist!

"Create your most decadent dessert with at least one Ghirardelli baking product (chocolate chips, bars and/or cocoa), and up to 10 other ingredients. This chocolate challenge--now a five year tradition at fairs--rewards winners with cash prizes, gift packages and winning ribbons.

The most mouth-watering desserts win! All types and kinds of recipes are welcome, as long as they are full of chocolate flavor. First and second place entries win $150 and $50 respectively. The top three winners take home a Ghirardelli gift basket, plus a prize ribbon, apron and award certificate. In addition, one random contestant will win a Ghirardelli gift basket.

Entries are judged on chocolate taste (40%), originality/creativity (30%), appearance (20%), and ease of preparation (10%). Ages 18 or older may enter; limit one entry per person.

The contest will be held on Friday, August 28, 2009; registration is now open with an entry deadline of Wednesday, August 26, 2009. It costs five dollars to enter and entry forms can be found at http://www.coloradostatefair.com/index.php?page=competitive_special_contests or by calling the General Entry office at (719) 404-2080."

The Colorado State Fair runs from August 28 – September 7, 2009.

Source: Media Release, August 13 2009, Christi Lightcap of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, www.coloradostatefair.com

October Fall Forum for 4-H leaders and parents

Douglas County 4-H leaders and parents, it's Fall Forum time.

This event is for 4-H Leaders and parents to receive training in a wide variety of topics. Learn about new projects and take advantage of a great training opportunity. Each year Fall Forum travels to a different 4-H district so that it rotates around the state. This year it will be held in Burlington October 16 -18 and will have a variety of special activities including a visit to the historic Kit Carson Carousel. The registration deadline is October 1st. More information will be released during State Fair.

Click here to download the promotional brochure http://www.colorado4h.org/Blog/docs/2009/2009-LeaderForum.pdf.

4-H clubs can raise funds by selling 2010 wall calendars

The State 4-H office has posted a fund-raising opportunity for 4-H clubs.

"4-H clubs and members now have the opportunity to sell 2010 wall calendars to help support their local 4-H. Many other groups like swimming clubs and mustang clubs have successfully raised funds through this creative initiative. The 12×12 calendar has several colorful images that highlight the many sides and faces of 4-H. 4-H members and clubs may purchase the calendars at 50 percent off the suggested retail price of $13.99 and can receive an extra discount if orders are placed by Aug. 15. The calendars are ready to ship immediately by Time Factory Publishing, the officially licensed source of the 2010 4-H Wall Calendar.

CALL or email NOW to get your club involved in this great fundraising opportunity, contact Shawn Dickensheets at sdickensheets@tfpublishing.com or 317.290.1333 extension 24."

CSU freshmen can be 4-H Scholars, receive stipend

Douglas County 4-H members, if you will be a CSU freshman this year, you can apply to be a 4-H Scholar and get a stipend. Read on for more information straight from the State 4-H blog.

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 Oct. 1, 2009.

  • 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.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

2009 Douglas County Fair and Rodeo 4-H contest results posted

Hello Douglas County 4-H Community,

What a great fair this year! We hope everybody had fun, saw some old friends, made some new ones, completed all their 4-H projects, and had lots of fair food.

Results for various 4-H fair contests are now posted on the website under the Contest Results tab located on the main 4-H page. Take a look.

See you at next fair!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Two Opportunities: Youth Advisory and Youth Congress

The Douglas County 4-H Office recently received two opportunities that might appeal to older 4-H members interested in the political process. The first is the Colorado Youth Advisory Council. Basically, the purpose of the council is to allow Colorado youth to have a voice in the legislature. The youth meet with senators, debate important topics, create bills, and focus on trying to help or alleviate critical issues facing children and teenagers. For example, this past year, a bill was passed by the Education Committee that focused on having a more environmental curriculum, such as a walk/bike to school day or a science class that focuses more on how to keep the planet healthy.

Some requirements for Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) include:

*Applicants must be 14-19 years old. They may be attending a Colorado junior high, middle or high school (including on-line school), be home-schooled, participate in a GED program, or have obtained a high school diploma or GED.

*There are 17 different vacancies in senate districts (for specifics on which senate districts are open you can check the website), and it is preferred that applicants be from the open senate districts. However, if an applicant's senate district is already filled, but he/she is still interested, the applicant can request an at-large spot. (Note: At-large spots are much more competitive).

*Only four meetings are held during the year so it is important that applicants be available to come to these meetings.

More information is available at http://www.civiccanopy.org/

Another opportunity is right in Douglas County. It is presented by the Partnership of Douglas County Governments and is a free day of learning and networking with other kids and elected officials. The contact information is listed below; for further information, contact Carla Turner at cturner@douglas.co.us.

4-Hers are famous for getting involved in their communities. If you are interested in political science, these are great opportunities.

Get involved!

Thanks for reading,
Mary Baldwin

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Give input on rural land use at Douglas County Open House August 5

Douglas County 4-H community, many of you enjoy a rural lifestyle. You may be interested in this upcoming meeting. See information below straight from the county website.

"Public input on rural land use and lifestyle values is welcome as part of a Douglas County-hosted open house on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Hearing Room of the Philip S. Miller Building, 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

Prioritizing rural land use and lifestyle values in the County is a goal of the recently-formed Douglas County Rural Framework Ad Hoc Committee, whose members have been evaluating the County’s rural land use and lifestyle policies and regulations throughout June and July. The open house is designed to report Committee progress to date, as well as provide an opportunity for the public to comment on Committee accomplishments.

“Public input is a valuable part of this process to ensure that the revised Rural Framework meets the needs of the Douglas County community,” said Commissioner Steven A. Boand.
The goal of the Committee is to provide the Board of Douglas County Commissioners with recommendations on possible changes to the Comprehensive Master Plan policies and/or zoning and subdivision resolutions pertaining to rural land use in October 2009.

For more information, please visit www.douglas.co.us/commissioners/adhoc/Rural_Framework_Committee.html and subscribe to receive updates on project progress and upcoming meetings, or contact Principal Planner Jeanette Bare at 303-660-7460."

Original article located at http://blogs.douglas.co.us/newsroom/2009/07/16/rural-values-the-focus-of-aug-5-open-house/

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

4-H JC Penney Afterschool Fund First Robotics Team Opportunity

If you are interested in robotics, check out this announcement from the state office:

Announcing 4-H JCPASF FIRST Robotics Team Mini-Grants Funding Opportunity!

National 4-H Council is pleased to release the RFP for the 2009 4-H JCPenney Afterschool Fund FIRST Robotics Team Mini-Grants. To review the RFP and apply for funding, please visit our online portal at http://grants.4-h.org/.

If you are interested in this grant, please contact Connie Cecil at connie.cecil@colosate.edu or by calling 970.491.7883 ASAP.

Questions about these grants can be directed to 2009JCPFIRST@fourhcouncil.edu.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

New Douglas County 4-H Blog Template

If you're reading this blog, you're seeing the fantastic new 4-H template we've uploaded! But we can't take credit for the new design. Douglas County 4-H member Jessica McKinney designed the template and generously offered it for the blog.

Next time you see Jessica, let her know what a great job she did!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

2009 Horse Bowl and Hippology Team results

Congratulations to the following Douglas County 4-H members!

Coached by: Laura Jordan
Assisted by: Anastasia Kellogg

Hippology Team Problem
4th – Douglas County

Hippology Top Ten Individual Overall
3rd – Jennifer Jennings
5th – Tori Worley
6th – Sarah Tey

Hippology Individual Judging Top Ten
1st – Sarah Tey
9th – Jennifer Jennings

Hippology Stations Top Ten
4th – Tori Worley
6th – Jennifer Jennings

Hippology Examination Phase Top Ten
4th – Sarah Tey
8th – Tori Worley
9th – Jessica McKinney

Hippology Overall Team Placings
3rd - Douglas County

Horse Bowl Overall Individual
2nd – Jennifer Jennings
10th – Jessica McKinney

Horse Bowl Overall Team
2nd - Douglas County

2009 State Meat Judging Team results

Congratulations to these Douglas County 4-H members!

Coached by Paul Clayton and Terra Thorpe.

High Individual Retail ID
2nd – Jake Hutton
11th – Julie Collins
13th – Peydon Banister

High Individual Reasons
2nd – Jake Hutton
6th – Peydon Banister
10th – Julie Collins

High Individual Overall Placings
3rd – Jake Hutton
6th – Peydon Banister
10th – Julie Collins

High Individual Overall
2nd – Jake Hutton
10th – Peydon Banister
11th – Julie Collins

High Team Retail ID
3rd – Douglas County

High Team Reasons
2nd – Douglas County

High Team Overall Placings
2nd – Douglas County

High Team Overall
Reserve Champion Team – Douglas County