MARCH 2003

Date Saver 2003

March 16-22 - PA 4-H Week 
March 22 - 4-H Foods Day at Seton Hill College
March 22 - PSU Spring JudgingContest
March 25 - New Leader Orientation
March 28-30 - Shooting Sports Leader Training
March 29 - Annual Westmoreland Co. Equestrian Swap
April 8 - Livestock Leader Training
April 12 - Textile Science Meeting
April 29 - County Council Dance
May 2-5 - Sr. Diary Member Field Trip
May 10 - State Forestry Field Day
Read on for further details!

UPCOMING EVENTS

PA 4-H Week

March 16-22nd is PA 4-H Week.  Why not plan a club event to help promote 4-H?  This is an opportunity for you as an individual or your club to promote 4-H.  Ask to decorate a local business window, develop a 4-H bulletin board, do some 4-H announcements.  This year's theme is “When YOUth Get the Chance”. Even just wear your 4-H T-Shirt.

Spring Judging Contest for Dairy and Livestock Members

Dairy and Livestock members are invited to try their skill at conformation and type evaluation at the Penn State sponsored judging contests on March 22nd.  Any age 4-H member is welcome to participate but four people make up a team.  You can also participate as an individual.  The contest begins at 9:00 a.m.  In the dairy contest members will judge eight classes of dairy cattle.  Depending on age and experience some participants will give reasons on some of the classes.  In the livestock contest members will judge six classes.  Again, depending on age, reasons will be given on some classes.  Cost is $5.00 for your lunch.  If you are interested, you need to contact the Extension office.  We will be going to Penn State by bus and leaving at approximately 6:00 a.m.

PSU College of Agricultural Sciences Open House

Penn State College of Agriculture is holding an open house March 22, 2003, from  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  4-H members and families are invited to meet with deans and faculty, current students and to tour college and university housing and Ag facilities.    

4-H Foods Day is Coming

Come join the fun at 4-H Foods Day.  Food and Nutrition members and others who are interested should come to Seton Hill College on Saturday, March 22, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The Dietetic students have put together fun workshops that will tingle the senses and be fun too!  Cost of the day is $10.00.  Deadline for registration is March 17th so sign up today!

Attention New Leaders

A new leader orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Extension Office, Donohoe Road, Greensburg.  This session is designed to help new leaders through the screening process.  It also is designed for other leaders who have not completed the screening process.  We will also go over issues that are important to being a 4-H volunteer.  We look forward to welcoming new

4-H leaders to the program! 

Dairy Leaders Update Evening

Dairy leaders are encouraged to attend a dairy leaders update on April 3, 2003, 7:30PM at the Extension office meeting room.  We will look at the new project books, talk about an educational program at the Derry Fair or other ideas for programs for the members.

Hey Livestock Leaders

You should plan to attend a leader training April 8, 2003, 7:30 p.m.  at the Extension office meeting room in the Donohoe Center, Greensburg, PA.  You will get ideas for meeting topics and fun ways to involve the kids.  We will also look at teaching quality assurance to 4-H market livestock members and discuss the issue of fitting products.  Contact the Extension office to register by April 4th. 

SW 4-H In Betweener's Retreat

Hey 4-H members age 9-12!  A retreat with YOU in mind is coming up soon!  The SW In Betweener's Retreat will be held April 11-13th at Camp Lutherlyn in Butler County.  The theme is "Celebrations from Around the World".  Activities will be centered around crafts, games and 4-H projects that are celebration oriented.  You'll have the chance to meet and have fun with kids your age from other counties.  Cost of the event is $70.00 but the 4-H Development Fund will pay $20.00 so your final cost would be $50.00.  Use the enclosed registration brochure and register today.  Deadline for registration is March 31st. 

Spring into Fashion   April 12, 2003

Textile Science and self improvement members circle April 12th, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on your calendar for a special session of self improvement and textile science tips from the professionals.  Preparing for Fashion Revue is sewing your garment and more.  Enclosed is registration information.  Check it out registration is due by April 4th.

Put on Your Dancing Shoes

County Council invites all 4-H members to the 2003 Kick Off Dance on April 29th.  The dance will be held from 7:00-10:00 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.  Guests are welcome.  Admission will be $3.00 or $2.50 if you bring a nonperishable food item.  All donations will go toward the Westmoreland County Food Bank.  Bring a friend, we have planned a great evening of fun, music and dancing.

Officer Training Date Selected

Please mark April 30th on your calendar for Officer Trianing Night.  This is a great way for new officers to learn about their position and for other club members to see what being an officer is all about.  More details will be coming soon.

Exciting Trip for Senior 4-H Dairy Members

Senior 4-H dairy members (13 to 18 years old) should have received a letter detailing the career trip to New York and Vermont scheduled for May 2 - 5th.  Registration is due by March 21st with a $50.00 deposit. Stops on the trip include Sunny Morrisville, University of Vermont, Shelburne Farms, Vermont Teddy Bear Company and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream manufacturing. It sounds like fun! Don’t miss out.

4-H ANNOUNCEMENTS

Regional Camp Counselors Needed

Applications Due:  NOW!

Camp Dates:  June 15-18,2003

Place:  Laurelville Mennonite Center

Training:  Westmoreland County

Training Date: April 4 & 5, 2003

Responsible 4-H'ers are needed to serve as teen counselors for the Southwest Regional Camp.  As a camp counselor you will help younger 4-H'ers have a super camp experience.  Campers will be 8 to 12 years old.  Teens must be 14 years old to apply as For an application and more information please contact the Extension office at 724-837-1402.  Applications are due not later than March 24th.

PA 4-H Member Recognition

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences will again recognize outstanding 4-H members for their excellence in the 4-H program for leadership, community service, and communication.  Applicants who are are high school juniors and seniors will be considered for a College of Agricultural Sciences Scholarship if they are planning to attend Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.  Application forms are available from the Extension office and must be completed and returned by March 20th.  Regional winners as well as state winners will be announced.  

State Forestry Field Day Offers Something for Everyone

Pennsylvania's 4-H Forestry Field Day is slated for May 10, 2003 from 9:;30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Laurel Haven Conservation Education Center in Julian, PA.  This event is open to all 4-H'ers who have taken or are planning to undertake any 4-H forestry project.  Two options are offered again this year.  There is a "Beginner's Option" for younger 4-H'ers (ages 8-11) and an "Invitational Option" for older youth (ages 12-18).  Participants signing up for the Beginner Option will be introduced to tree identification, compass use and tree measurement.  All these are components of the Trees + Me = Forestry 4=H project.  This option is noncompetitive, educational and fun.  No advance study is required. 

4-H'ers in the Invitational Option will participate in a forestry knowledge and judging contest.  A handbook with everything one needs to know is available through your Cooperative Extension office or can be downloaded from the website http://pa4h.cas.psu.edu/forestryfd.html.  The top four teens will be eligible to participate in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in Weston, WV.

Market & Breeding Beef Project Animal Deadlines

This is the time of year that all market steers should have been identified.  If you haven't heard from your leader, contact the Extension office.  Breeding beef animals must be identified by

June 1, 2003.  Market and breeding goat, hog and sheep deadlines are June 1st.

Animal Science Leasing Programs

If members are interested in leasing an animal for the 4-H program this year, they need to have their lease forms and management plan in the Extension office by May 1st.  If you would like to take a look at the Leasing Program Description and rules, please call the office for a copy.  Don't forget this needs to be completed and filed each year. 

Dairy Judging Team Forming

Eric Poole former 4-H member will be coaching the dairy judging team for Westmoreland County. Any interested 4-H member is welcome to join the training sessions. Eric will help you prepare for the spring dairy judging contest in addition to learning to evaluate conformation of dairy heifers and cows. Contact Eric at 724 493-5311 or the Extension office.

Request for Special Funds

Are you interested in attending an upcoming 4-H function but need help with registration fees?  If so, help may be available for you.  Contact the Extension office and request the 4-H Request for Special Funds form.  Forms must be completed and submitted to the Extension office before the registration deadline of the event you wish to participate in.

State 4-H Capitol Days   A Good Citizenship Experience

4-H members age 15 or older interested in participating in a hands on citizenship experiences are encouraged to apply for the chance to represent Westmoreland County at the 2003 State 4-H Capitol Days in May.  You would travel to Harrisburg and visit with state government departments, meet with your local legislators and have fun with other 4-H members from across the state.  This is a first hand look at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Applications are due in the Extension office by April 9th for review by the selection committee.

Updates for 4-H Horse Members

Summer horse show dates have been set:

*May 31      Harrold Alwine (point)

*June 14     Cloverleaf (point)

June 29       Rough Riders (point)

July 13        Covered Bridge (point)

*July 19      Hoofbeats (points)

*July 26      Flour Bag Fort (open/qualifying)

August 3    Trailblazers (point)

August 10   JHSC (point)

Other Dates to Remember:

March 27th, 7:00 p.m. - Clinic on horsemanship skills level II, Kelly Livestock Center, Westmoreland Fairgrounds.

March 29th, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - the Equestrian Swap at the 4-H Building, Westmoreland Fairgrounds

April 24th - Clinic on The Art of Jumping, Where to Begin and the Skill to Go Farther, Pam Nealer, Clinician. 

May 1st - 4-H Horse Project health papers are due to your leader.

2003 PA 4-H Collector Baskets

The 2003 4-H state basket is now available for sale to 4-H families and friends fro the Bradford Basket Company.  This limited edition basket is trimmed in 4-H green, sports a brass tag stating "4-H Collector Basket, 2003 Pennsylvania Edition" and is designed to be hung on a wall if desired.  The cost is $42 without the protector and $50 with the protector, there will be a shipping charge. Their web sight is: http://www.bradfordbasket.com/Custom/.

New Arrivals in Time for Easter!

The new 4-H Back to the Farm Collectible Animals from Glory Bee are here.  They're cute, they're cuddly and they are perfect for stuffing in those Easter Baskets. We have a Cow, Rabbit, Dog, Lamb, Pig and Horse.  The cost is $10.00 each.  

 Time to Practice  "All Reasonable Effort"

4-H is a place for all youth between the ages of 8-19.  We all need to remember that all reasonable effort must be used this time of year when 4-H clubs and units are reorganizing.  Think about when and where your club meets. . . would you feel welcomed and safe going into an unknown home or community building.  Try not to overlap with religious holidays and other cultural events in the community.  Ask yourself about your club. 

1. Have you invited someone from a different culture and or race to join your club?
2. Does the club make sure that it provides experiences that appeal to both males and females.
3. Does the club try to hold meetings and or activities in a central location.
4. Make sure your meetings and or activities are handicap accessible.

All of us care about kids and want to make it a positive experience for them.  Just remember we cannot discriminate against any youth regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race religious creed, sex or sexual orientation.

“Take our Survey”

Please take a few minutes and visit the website at www.extension.psu.edu/survey.  Take the survey and make your opinions part of our plan for the next five years for Penn State Cooperative Extension. It will only take 5 to 10 minutes!

Project Grass "Grazing At I'ts Best

Project Grass is a statewide cooperative effort by local farmers and county conservation districts with assistance from the the United States Department of Agriculture and State agencies has developed a State Grassland Evaluation Contest.  The mission of Project Grass is to enhance Pennsylvania Agriculture and environmental quality through the utilization of grasslands.  The Grassland Contest is an outreach program for youth.  Its purpose is to educate youth on the value and benefits of grazing while offering scholarships to members of high scoring teams. 

The contest is open to FFA and 4-H students who are either currently enrolled at the high school level or have gradutated at the end of the school year prior to the national contest in June.  Project Grass will provide a $500 college scholarship to all members of the 1st place team, a $250 college scholarship to all members of the 2nd place team and a $500 college scholarship to the highest scoring individual.  If you would like more information on how to register for this contest please contact the Extension office. 

4-H Happenings

Congratulations to Westmoreland County's First

Westmoreland County sent its first Pork Quiz Bowl Team to the PA Pork Expo in Harrisburg. After two eliminations, the team placed third in the state.  Congratulations to April Hawkey, Kate Schramm, Jacob Logan and J.J. Himler.  Westmoreland County also had members participate in the Pork Public Speaking Contest which was also held at the PA Pork Expo.  Congratulations to Dane Logan who's talk on meat quality captured third in the state.  Josh Ebert on feed supplements and Brandon Gallagher with his speech on animal organ implants received honorable mention.  Special thanks to their coach Dawn Dancey.

County Council Members Enlist!     

After learning about the dangers associated with smoking, County Council members and leaders believe young people should not use tobacco.  Council members sponsored a T.A.T.U. (Teens Against Tobacco Use) program. T.A.T.U. meetings and activities are educational and fun. T.A.T.U. provides an opportunity for teen leaders to help younger children remain tobacco-free.  T.A.T.U. activities provide teens with personal growth through socialization, adventure, creativity, skill building, leadership and fun.  Teens will have an opportunity to gain or increase skills in public speaking, writing, research, video production, planning and teaching.  Teens will also make significant contributions to the community by helping others, community problem-solving, “real world’ experience, and citizen participation.  T.A.T.U. membership is open to all 4-H members.  Speakers are available for your club meetings.

If you would like to schedule a  presentation or learn more about how to keep our children smoke-free call Anne Lail at 724-837-1402 .

Harrold Alwine 4-H Horse Club

Harrold Alwine held their first meeting for the new year in February.  The business for the meeting included picking a date for our horse show and electing new club officers. New officers are:  President, Julia Tryon; Vice President, Seth Schultz; Secretary, Shelby Kozar; Treasurer, Holly Baker; J.H.S.C. Representatives, Julia Tryon, Shelby Kozar and Holly Baker; News Reporter, Justene Testa & Rachel Wolinsky; Refreshment committee, Matt & Jesse Kepple.  Becky Wolinsky will be our new organization leader.  A discussion was held about the club trip and Shelby Kozar did a demonstration.  The club donated $500 to the Glen Harris Memorial Fund.                                                        

                                             Justene Testa, Reporter

Sincerely,

Joann E. Logan

Extension Agent/4-H Youth

Cindy Arblaster

Extension Agent/4-H Youth

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