4-H NEWS

1-Copies of Dr. Kress Essential Elements Presentation Will Be Available

(Morgantown, WV) Cathann Kress, Ph.D., Director of Youth Development, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA, presented The Essential Elements of Youth Development to a capacity crowd at West Virginia University and live via satellite to 30 states and Guam during the fall meeting of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees.

During her presentation, Kress communicated a visionary strategy for the future of youth development education. The Essential Elements include engaging youth in the academic environment of America's 105 state land-grant universities and teaching knowledge and life skills that enhance the quality of life and create opportunities to promote positive youth development--often in challenging community environments.

4-H America's largest youth development organization is a community of young people who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H serves more than seven million youth.

Dr. Kress presentation was taped and copies will be made available. Contact Ann Bailey Berry, West Virginia University Extension Communications, at Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu for more information.


(Morgantown, WV) - Dr. Cathann Kress presents The Essential Elements of Youth Development at The National 4-H Council Board of Trustees meeting.
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2-National 4-H Council Board Elects West Virginia University President as New Chairman

(Morgantown, WV) West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty Jr. has been elected chairman of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees. He is the first university president to chair the National 4-H Council or its predecessor organizations in the 102-year history of 4-H. He succeeds Trustee Chairman Gary L. Davis, executive vice president of the J. C. Penney Company.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Over seven-million youth participate in university-based 4-H programs in their local urban, suburban and rural communities to gain these skills through experience-based activities, working together with educators, volunteers and mentors.

The National 4-H Council, headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, is the private sector partner of the 4-H youth development program, working closely with its federal government counterpart, the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture.

"I look forward to serving with such an outstanding group of committed individuals, Hardesty said. The trustees and staff of National 4-H Council are professionals and experienced volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of young people in our country. He joined the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees in 2000.

David Hardesty will continue the legacy of strong leadership for the National 4-H Council, said National 4-H Council President and CEO Donald T. Floyd, Jr. I appreciate his dedication to 4-H and the youth of America. President Hardesty is a talented leader and passionate advocate for young people.


(Morgantown, WV) - West Virginia University President David C. Hardesty Jr., Chairman, National 4-H Council Board of Trustees.
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3-National 4-H Council Executive Lauded for 30 Years in 4-H Youth Development

(Morgantown, WV) The National 4-H Council Board of Trustees recognized Susan W. Halbert, Senior Vice President, 4-H and Extension Relations, National 4-H Council, for 30 years of dedication to the 4-H youth development movement during its fall board meeting at West Virginia University.

Former National 4-H Council Board of Trustees Chairman Gary L. Davis, executive vice president, J.C. Penney Company, Inc., presented Halbert with the award, a Waterford crystal bowl with the inscription, Susan Halbert Celebrating Thirty Years Teacher - Leader - Partner - Mentor Advancing the 4-H Movement.

Halbert is a life-long 4-H member, a former county 4-H extension agent, district
4-H agent and state 4-H leader. She has been a member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents since 1973.

Halbert has worked at National 4-H Council for 15 years. In her current role at Council, Halbert provides leadership in the design and management of effective systems to advance the 4-H movement and enhance shared leadership of its key partners. She also has served as Council's senior vice president for organization and systems development, corporate resource development and youth corporate connections. She has managed internal Council teams focused on program and resource development, human resource management and information technology.

Halbert is an experienced leader of organization change processes and creative program development. Her background also includes extensive experience as a teacher/trainer, group facilitator, curriculum developer, evaluator, coach and mentor.


(Morgantown, WV) - Former National 4-H Council Board of Trustees Chairman Gary L. Davis presents Susan W. Halbert with an award for her 30 years of service to the 4-H youth development movement.
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4-Center Renamed "Ted Blum 4-H Center of Somerset County"
Submitted by Barbara A. Navatto, Somerset County 4-H Program Coordinator

(Bridgewater, NJ) The Somerset County 4-H Association rededicated the 4-H Center on Milltown Road in Bridgewater to Ted Blum, 4-H Agent from 1956-1984. The ceremony took place at the 2004 4-H Fair on the Showmobile, August 18. The Somerset County 4-H Center, is the largest center of its kind and is owned and operated by 4-H Volunteers.

Blum's vision was to construct a building where 4-H members would meet, learn and play. In 1961, Somerset County 4-H members voted overwhelmingly to discontinue receiving fair premiums (cash prizes) in order to establish a 4-H Center Building Fund. Six acres were purchased on Milltown Road in Bridgewater in 1964. Ground was broken in 1972, the building completed in 1973 and dedicated in 1974. As a team, Mr. Blum and the 4-H Association worked toward this goal.

Blum, Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University, Cook College, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2002. Always believing that 4-H is a family affair and in 4-H, you're part of the family, Blum was responsible for dramatic increases in enrollment and staff. During his tenure, the 4-H Fair grew to be the largest free fair in NJ, camping programs were extensive, recognition for Outstanding 4-H'ers was instituted and the 4-H Prep Program, for younger members, was born.

The Somerset County 4-H Association is honored to rededicate the 4-H Center to the man known as "Mr. 4-H". Many 4-H'ers believe his encouragement, example and attitudes inspired them to reach their individual potential. His faith in the abilities of 4-H members and volunteers and commitment to the program created the 4-H Center and laid the groundwork for many years of Free Family Fun at the Somerset County 4-H Fair.


Ted Blum, or "Mr. 4-H" as most of Somerset Counter refers to him, spends time with his dog.


The Somerset County 4-H Center was renamed "Ted Blum 4-H Center of Somerset County."
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5-New Orleans Hornets Pick East Carroll 4-H for Christmas Gift Program
Submitted by Linda F. Benedict, LSU Communications

(East Carroll, LA) The New Orleans Hornets professional basketball team sponsors a program each December to aid a select organization. This year they have picked East Carroll 4-H. The Hornets will purchase more than $15,000 worth of gifts from Toys R Us and distribute them at minimal charge to 4-H members. "That is the poorest parish in the state. But they are big supporters of the Hornets," said Terril Faul, 4-H state director.

For the past two years, the Hornets have allowed 4-H members to attend a basketball game at a discounted price. And for both games, the East Carroll group had the most participants of any parish in the state, Faul said. The community helps make it possible for the 4-H members to attend, Faul said. The 4-H agent in the parish, who will coordinate the gift-giving, is Krishanda L. Mayers. More information will follow after the event in December. Contact Kris Mayers at kmayers@agctr.lsu.edu for more information on the event.
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6-Lights on Afterschool! Just Around the Corner

Lights On Afterschool! is ahead of the game with participation from 4-H Afterschool programs in communities across the country for the October 14, 2004, event.

The only event across the nation of its kind, Lights On Afterschool! is a celebration that aims to inform the public about after school programs that keep kids safe, help working families and improve academic achievement. Right now, 274 4-H-involved sites are participating. 4-H Afterschool's goal is 350.

Only one week remains until the deadline for registration. Sign up to hold a Lights On Afterschool! event by visiting http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa_2004/get_involved.cfm


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RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES
7-Make a Difference Day is Only Two Weeks Away!
Make A Difference Day began with a simple idea: Put your own cares on hold for one day to care for someone else. Now in its 13th year, the nation's largest single day of volunteering has hit its stride. Join The national day of doing good on October 23, 2004 with your 4-H club. For ideas or to find out the best way to publicize your event click here.
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8-What is Your Family Doing for National Family Volunteer Day?
National Family Volunteer Day falls on Saturday, November 20th this year. What is your family going to do? Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation, National Family Volunteer Day is a part of a week-long celebration leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. There are numerous resources to help you plan or find programs in your community during National Family Week:
Click here to find a local volunteer center.
Click here to gather educational material or project ideas.
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9-Free Brochures Available in Youth Development
The National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth is committed to helping today's youth grow into secure, happy, and healthy adults. Youth, parents, teachers, and youth development professionals can visit their website, www.ncfy.com, for more information. They list a number of resources available including copies of their free brochures, a literature database, an event calendar, and much more!
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