4-H According to Mary

4-H is a program in which young people and adults alike learn a variety of life lessons. Over the years as a 4-Her, a 4-H leader, a 4-H parent, and a 4-H Agent, I have discovered a multitude of lessons. Some have been comical, some heart-wrenching, some heart-warming, but all have had a part in making me who I am.

Throughout the 2009-10 year in 4-H, I plan to share several of the stories that have a lesson (or moral, as you will). As members, leaders, and parents, you may not agree with my evaluations of each event, but they all help me put 4-H in perspective. So here goes with the first installation of “4-H According to Mary.”

With county fair just finished, the following story seems fitting. This one is from the “parent” standpoint.

It was 1993 and my eight year old daughter had prepared for her first county fair in Kansas. She had worked so hard in perfecting the skill of making a quick bread that everyone in the neighborhood had fresh baked lemon nut bread over the course of the summer. Of course she had saved the best looking loaf to enter in local county fair. Even though I was her mother, as a foods judge I can tell you that the bread looked nearly perfect – EXCEPT to the judge.

Now I don’t know from whence they uncovered this judge, but my bet is that she was a last minute fill-in who had never judged foods before – at least not quick breads! I heard the entire interview as I stood about six feet in back of my daughter. When the judge said, “Honey, this quick bread is wonderful, but it shouldn’t have this crack down the middle of the top crust,” I think I almost sucked all the air out of that building. (For those of you that don’t know the characteristics of a good quick bread, it should have a crack down the middle.)

When that kid, who had worked so hard and learned so much, came back to me with tears in her eyes and asked, “Mom, isn’t my bread supposed to look like that,” I said, “Yes.” It was difficult to explain to an eight year old that just because you do a good job, you don’t always get credit for your skills. But in this case, I explained, everything was not lost because she did learn a lot in the project and, ultimately, she knew more about quick breads than the adult judge!

Yes, that white ribbon was not a prized piece of memorabilia in the Baldwin household, but my child took more away from the experience than a tangible decoration that has long ago been discarded.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Ribbons lose their luster, but knowledge can never be lost.

Douglas County 4-H Talent Show press release

Even though we've announced Douglas County 4-H Talent Show results, it's always nice to see the official press release sent to local media and posted on yourhub.com. Drumroll please...

http://denver.yourhub.com/CastlePines/Stories/Goings-on/Story~649898.aspx

Volunteer opportunity in Castle Rock

Here is all the pertinent information straight from the source.

"The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce is seeking Artfest Volunteers for the 2009 Artfest, September 12 & 13

The Twentieth Annual Artfest is a two-day celebration of art and culture located in historic downtown Castle Rock. Enjoy an eclectic display of art mediums by
over 180 juried artists from around the country, including paintings, ceramics, glass and wood working, leather, photography and sculpture.

Live Mainstage Entertainment, strolling performers, food, beverages, sponsor and nonprofit booths and a children's area with art activities complete this
popular festival.

Come join us and have fun while you meet new people, involve yourself in the community and participate in Castle Rock’s biggest event!

Each volunteer receives:
A Free Artfest T-Shirt
Entrance to Artfest for the Weekend
A minimum of 3 hours is required
Double shifts are available
Meets High School Community Service Requirements
Available Hours:
Friday Morning & Afternoon Set-up
Saturday 8:30-11:40
Saturday 11:30- 2:40
Saturday 2:30-6:00
Sunday 8:30 - 11:40
Sunday 11:30-2:40
Sunday 2:30-6:00
Sunday Evening Tear Down 6:00 pm

To volunteer please contact:
Michael or Gisella Likens 303-663-1869
gisella@gopixel.com "

State Shoot results are up

And here's the link:

http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/pf/state_ss_result_index.html

2009 Douglas County Fashion Revue press release

Hello Douglas County 4-H,

The press release for Fashion Revue has been submitted to the local papers and to yourhub.com along with a fabulous picture of our very own Senior Grand Champion Anneliese Phippen modeling her Civil War era ball gown. Take a look at http://denver.yourhub.com/Roxborough/Stories/Goings-on/Story~649148.aspx.

Happy reading!

Join the CSU Rams at Colorado State 4-H Day

The state 4-H office is encouraging everyone to support 4-H and enjoy Rams football. Take a look at their press release below.

"Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 12, 3:00 p.m. to join us for Colorado State 4-H Day with the CSU Rams!

Held in conjunction with CSU Ag Day, 4-H Day with the Rams will offer discounted tickets at $30 per ticket which also includes a CSU t-shirt, soda, and hotdog or pretzel. Come enjoy great food, the CSU Rams football team, and support 4-H. A portion of ticket sales through this offer will benefit Colorado 4-H.

In order to receive your free t-shirt and coupons, tickets must be reserved by September 1, 2009. Please contact the State 4-H Office at 970.491.1152, the State 4-H events office at 970.491.0246 or email Mike Macklin at mmacklin@rams.colostate.edu to order your tickets or if should you have questions.

For further information on CSU AG Day, please click on http://agday.agsci.colostate.edu/
Hope to see you there!"

4-H Cloverbuds have 50's fun at their own county fair

Hello Douglas County 4-H,

We've submitted a press release for our little Cloverbuds. You can take a look at this link on yourhub to read it: http://denver.yourhub.com/CastlePines/Stories/Goings-on/Story~648814.aspx

Here's one our Cloverbuds now, Jessa VanBibber, at Primary Fair...

Douglas County 4-H announces 2009 scholarship winners

Hello, Douglas County 4-H community. The 2009 4-H scholarship winners were announced in your May 2009 newsletter, and now a press release has been sent to local newspapers and online media.

To see the press release on yourhub.com, take a look at this link.

Congratulations scholarship winners! Good job.

Sheep shearing school in September 2009

Interested in learning more about sheep shearing? See information below.

CSU Extension and the Montana Sheep Institute invite you to participate in Wool Harvesting School. The goal is to provide students with basic shearing skills and how to effectively assemble and maintain shearing equipment. Students will also learn proper techniques of wool packaging.

Equipment will be provided for use by students; however, students are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it.

The beginner school starts Friday, September 25 and concludes Saturday afternoon, September 26. It will be held at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in Brush, Colorado.

The cost is $125 which includes educational materials. Registration deadline is September 11 and a minimum of eight (8) students is required for the school. A maximum number of 16 participants will be enforced as individual instruction is a priority.

For registration information, contact Steve LeValley, Extension Sheep Specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1171 at 970-491-1321 or by email at steve.levalley@colostate.edu.

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.