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September 16, 2005
Volume 2, Issue 18
4-H News:
4-H Members Across America Help Katrina Victims
Teen Ambassadors Plan CWF 2006
Cass County 4-H Helps With Hurricane Relief
Fun in the Sun Camps Teach Healthy Lifestyles
Nominate Your Top 4-H Youth Volunteers
NFL Wristbands Benefit JCPenney Afterschool Fund
4-H in the Headlines:
This Edition's Top 4-H Headlines
Resources and Opportunities:
2006 Harris Wofford Awards
Novartis Animal Health Sponsors Sweepstakes
Books Gathered for Katrina Victims
YouthBuild Academy for Transformation Conference
Conservation Tillage Essays Could Win College Scholarships
2006 Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods Grants
4-H News:
4-H Members Across America Help Katrina Victims
The 4-H community is demonstrating its generosity in unprecedented ways as 4-H members, staff and volunteers roll up their shirtsleeves to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Despite being directly affected by the Category 4 storm that raged up the Gulf Coast and inland, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama 4-H have opened their doors to evacuees, providing 4-H Health Rocks! t-shirts, Ty 4-H Beanie Babies, shelter at 4-H camps and 4-H curricula and staff and volunteers to implement it. 4-H clubs in every state have joined together to collect items and raise money for their 4-H friends in the Gulf Coast states.
As we learn of acts of these acts of kindness throughout the 4-H community, Clover Corner News and 4HUSA.org will keep you updated with links, stories and photos.
Some already have shared your stories with Clover Corner News, and we thank you! Cass County, Mo., 4-H clubs are featured in this week’s edition. To submit a story email clovercornernews@fourhcouncil.edu. Be sure to send us high-resolution photos of your efforts!
On Thursday, President Bush addressed our nation with the current recovery efforts. He stated that the work is far from over. We hope you’ll continue your efforts to assist the victims of hurricane Katrina. Visit 4HUSA.org for links to the needs of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi 4-H including their state 4-H Foundations where you can provide financial support.
Thank you for all you are doing! Remember, wear the 4-H clover proudly when you are raising money or collecting items in your community for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
(East Baton Rouge, La.) LSU AgCenter 4-H agent David Carter in East Baton Rouge Parish shows youngsters how to operate the “trolley,” a team-building exercise for kids. The youth are taking shelter in the Baton Rouge River Center from Hurricane Katrina.
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Teen Ambassadors Plan 2006 CWF
Seven former Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) delegates who recently attended the program will return to the National 4-H Youth Conference Center on October 21 to participate in the first CWF Ambassador Retreat, created to encourage feedback from past delegates so CWF can be the best it can be.
Congratulations to this year’s ambassadors: Katlin Mulvaney of Opelika, Ala.; Nikki Shaw of Litchfield, Mich.; Alexander Edgington of St. Ansgar, Iowa; Jennifer Lamb of Longmont, Colo.; Stacie Wenig of Bowling Green, Ohio; Amanda Padro of Vineland, N.J.; and Ryessia Jones of Elizabethtown, Ky.
During the planning retreat, the CWF Ambassadors will meet with National 4-H Council President and CEO Don Floyd and other National 4-H Council staff to learn more about the behind-the-scenes details of the CWF program. The ambassadors will then look at past CWF conference schedules and activities and suggest how to improve CWF for 2006. The ambassadors also will research and advise National 4-H Youth Conference Center staff on how to better market CWF to youth.
The ambassadors’ one-year term begins with this planning retreat and concludes in October 2006. During their terms, they will work from their states to continue marketing the program and enhancing the schedule. Their final activity will be to attend the 2006 retreat to train the 2007 CWF Ambassadors.
To learn more about CWF, visit www.4hcwf.org, or for more information on the CWF Ambassador program, contact Rachel Cook at rcook@fourhcouncil.edu or 301-961-3819.
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Cass County 4-H Helps With Hurricane Relief
(East Lynne, Mo.)—R.C. Rushly of East Lynne was surprised when a large bus pulled into her driveway on Saturday morning. “It started out as a few pick-up loads, then we talked about bringing a cattle trailer, and before we knew it we had a bus,” stated Sarah Staude, Cass County 4-H youth specialist.
The Cass County 4-H program was looking for ways to help hurricane victims. Four 4-H centers in Louisiana were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. “Many of our families don’t have the resources to donate money to the Red Cross. After Katrina hit, I was receiving numerous phone calls from 4-H families that wanted to help and needed an outlet to do it,” Staude said.
The relief efforts were organized by 4-H leader, Brenda Thornton of Belton. Although details were limited, Thornton had heard that there were a group of Louisiana families moving to the Air Force base in Belton. She wanted to do all she could to help. Thornton contact Staude on the Thursday after Katrina hit and put the effort in motion. Before she knew it, a 4-H leader from the Wal-Center 4-H Club, had collected more than 60 bags of clothes, toys, kitchen items and other necessities.
“We were excited to have that many items in only a few days of asking for them, and now the challenge was finding a way to get them somewhere and a place to put them,” said Staude. “With a wide variety of people in the 4-H program, we used our resources and found a location to store the items and a way to get them there.”
Thornton and Staude spent the many hours on the phone. Bob Posial, principal at the 9th Grade Learning Center in Belton agreed to open some space at the school for items that 4-H members donated. The items then are sorted and taken to locations in need of clothing, toys, toiletries, food, etc. Crabtree Transportation in Belton donated use of a bus.
“We are excited to help in any way we can. We are undertaking a large project, and have already collected bus loads and truck loads full of items,” said Staude. “Sooner or later we are going to need a semi to take the items south!”
(East Lynne, Mo.) Twins Ashleigh (right) and Amanda (left) Rushly hand a heavy bag a clothes to Kellan Thornton and his dad Pat in efforts to fill a bus full of items for Hurricane Katrina Relief sponsored by the Cass County 4-H program.
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Fun in the Sun Camps Teach Healthy Lifestyles
(Jackson County, Fla.)—Youth in Jackson County, Fla., have had fun in the sun all summer long. They learned about the benefits of good nutrition and physical activity during numerous four-day camps that focused on 4-H’s healthy lifestyles initiative. The camps were funded through Kraft Foods, Inc. and National 4-H Council.
The camps, offered in various areas of the county, filled up quickly with young people ages 5-12 eager to try the hands-on food activities. They were exposed to a variety of nutritional programs as well as physical activities including archery, swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, field games, team sports and dancing.
A “Fun and Fit Family Workshop” concluded each camping session. Parents were parents were encouraged to attend. At the workshop, youth demonstrated and prepared healthy snacks and meals for the adults to sample and performed original skits drawing from what they had learned. Talks by Extension educators, “Kids in the Kitchen” and “Family Fitness” informed parents about how to involve youth in preparing healthy meals at home and how to become fit as a family.
For more information about the Jackson County healthy lifestyles day camps, contact Heather Kent at the Jackson County 4-H Office, hckent@ifas.ufl.edu pr call 850-482-9620.
(Jackson County, Fla.) A young boy in the Jackson County 4-H program enjoys running around with some friends.
(Jackson County, Fla.) A 4-H member prepares to get healthier by bouncing on her pogo stick at the Healthy Lifestyles camps.
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Nominate Your Top 4-H Youth Volunteers
Plan now to nominate your program's top youth volunteers for The 2006 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards! This prestigious recognition program honors young volunteers in middle and high school grades for outstanding community service.
All county 4-H agents will be receiving detailed program information and applications in the mail. Information and applications also are available at www.prudential.com/spirit or by calling 1-888-450-9961.
Please note: eligible members of your program must complete their application forms by Oct. 31, 2005, and your program's top application(s) must be postmarked to the state-level judging committee by Nov. 7, 2005.
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NFL Wristbands Benefit JCPenney Afterschool Fund
Are you ready for some FOOTBALL? What better way to show your spirit than to sport your favorite NFL team's official wrist bands during the upcoming season? JCPenney is the exclusive retailer of the official NFL wrist bands that are sure to be the hit of the summer. Each set sells for $2.99 and includes two wrist bands in the team's home and away colors. All net profits from the sale of the wrist bands and NFL royalties go to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, which provides support to after-school programs such as 4-H Afterschool.
JCPenney also has a special opportunity for kids between the ages of 6-13. This summer the Take A Player To School Sweepstakes presented by the NFL and JCPenney Afterschool will give 33 lucky kids the chance to take an NFL player to school! The sweepstakes kicks off in JCPenney Stores across the nation on July 24 and will run through September 22. To enter the Take A Player To School Sweepstakes, visit any JCPenney Store or log onto www.NFLyouthfootball.com for a complete set of rules.
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This Edition's Top 4-H Headlines
As always, young people in 4-H are making headlines in newspapers across the country! Check out 4HUSA.org to read the following stories and more!
Delaware: Whodunits spice up science
California: 4-H Hero Pack Project Shows Support for Military Families
Tennessee: 150 Evacuees Due Wednesday At Tennessee 4-H Camp
Washington: Clarks Creek Home to 4-H Discoveries
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Resources and Opportunities:
Youth Service America is pleased to announce the prestigious 2006 Harris Wofford Awards, sponsored by State Farm Companies Foundation®. Established in 2002, the Harris Wofford Awards were created to honor former Senator Harris Wofford—one of our nation's greatest public servants. The awards recognize extraordinary achievements in three categories: youth (ages 5-25), organization (non-profit, corporate, foundation), and media (organization or individual) for actively contributing towards, "making service and service-learning the common expectation and common experience of every young person."
A selection committee comprised of distinguished leaders in the service field is convened by Youth Service America to review nominations. Award finalists will be honored and presented with an award of recognition at the 17th Annual National Service-Learning Conference, March 22-25, 2006 in Philadelphia, Pa. The recipient in the youth category will receive a $500 award for him/herself and a $500 award for the non-profit organization of his/her choice.
Consider nominating outstanding youth advocates, co-workers, funders, donors, partners, board members, colleagues, non-profit institutions, and members of the media that have increased the effectiveness, sustainability and scale of youth participation across the United States. Self-nominations are permitted.
To apply, please visit www.ysa.org/awards, choose the nomination category, and download the appropriate application. Submit complete nominations by October 12, 2005.
For more information about the Harris Wofford Awards, contact the Grants Department at 202-296-2992 ext.11 or email woffordawards@ysa.org.
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Novartis Animal Health Sponsors Sweepstakes
This year, cattle producers will buy the 200 millionth dose of Vira Shield®. To mark this milestone, Novartis Animal Health is sponsoring the Vira Shield Legacy of Leadership sweepstakes. This sweepstakes helps beef and dairy producers pass their legacy on the next generation of agriculturalists.
Five sweepstakes winners will receive $5,000 to use toward education expenses. These direct cash awards will not be tied to a single institution. Winners also will receive a free trip to accept their cash awards at the 2006 National Cattlemen's Beef Association Annual Convention in Denver or the 2006 World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif.
No purchase is required to enter or win, but an additional entry will be provided for every dose of Vira Shield vaccine (up to 600 doses) purchased between May 1, 2005, and November 30, 2005.
For an entry form and a copy of the official rules, go to www.ViraShieldSweepstakes.com. The Legacy of Leadership sweepstakes ends November 30, 2005.
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Books Gathered for Katrina Victims
First Book is launching BOOK RELIEF, in response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. The goal of Book Relief is to distribute at least 5 million books to displaced children and adults, to schools and literacy programs embracing the evacuees, and eventually to replenish schools and libraries in the Gulf Coast as they are rebuilt.
This publishing industry-wide initiative includes the major publishers, the Children’s Book Council, the Library of Congress, the Association of American Publishers and many others who are joining daily. The initiative is already providing books—more than 70,000 books have already been shipped to Katrina’s youngest victims.
This long-term relief project is expected to last at least two to three years. Book Relief also involves a public call to action. The public is being asked to “sponsor” books—every $.50 donation will sponsor one book—to raise the necessary funds to help First Book in its efforts.
Please visit www.firstbook.org for additional information and updates.
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YouthBuild Academy for Transformation Conference
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is sponsoring the YouthBuild Academy for Transformation Conference from October 24-26, 2005. The Conference, which will take place in Arlington, Va. outside Washington, DC, will provide workshops and meetings on leadership, diversity, overcoming adversity and attendance retention.
For more information on the conference click here.
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Conservation Tillage Essays Could Win College Scholarships
Entries are welcome for the Conservation Tillage Essay Contest being sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by Phoenix Rotary Equipment. The contest is open to high school seniors and college students enrolled in 2-year and 4-year universities, community colleges and vocational/technical schools.
Phoenix will award scholarships totaling $2,500 to two students, including $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place.
The deadline for submissions is Nov. 14, 2005. Winners will be announced during the 14th annual National No-Tillage Conference, Jan. 11-14, 2006, in St. Louis. The winners are not required to attend the conference.
Only winners will be notified personally; winners will be named in a future issue of No-Till Farmer.
Essay contest information is available on the Phoenix Rotary Equipment Web site at www.phoenixrotary.com.
For more information, contact Phoenix Rotary Equipment Ltd., 41 18th Ave., Nisku, Alberta T9E7T5 Canada. Phone: (888) 891-9929. Fax: (780) 955-2006. E-mail: sales@phoenixrotary.com.
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2006 Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods Grants
CTCNet is pleased to announce the 2006 Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods grants program. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2005.
CTCNet will award Youth Visions grants to eight community technology programs throughout the United States. Each grantee will receive $20,000 and must contribute at least $8,000 in non-federal matching funds. Orientation and preparation for selected programs will begin in December 2005.
Program operations will begin in January 2006 and the program must be completed by July 30, 2006.
Youth Visions grants are designed to give youth and community technology programs the opportunity to use multimedia tools and training to engage in community decision-making to strengthen their neighborhoods.
Organizations that serve at-risk youth (ages 14-18), are engaged in community partnerships and have experience providing video and other multimedia training are eligible. CTCNet will provide a flexible curriculum and evaluation support for a 5-6 month program integrating community-based activities and multimedia training. Additionally, each grantee organization will be required to host a capacity-building workshop to help other youth-serving organizations learn to use multimedia tools to promote youth engagement in their communities.
Applicants must be willing to take part in a participatory process aimed at building a strong curriculum and evaluation methodology that may be used by future sites engaged in the program.
To learn more about the grant, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and to register for the application assistance calls, visit http://www.ctcnet.org/youthvisions.
The Youth Visions for Stronger Neighborhoods program is made possible through a generous grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service's Learn and Serve America program .
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Posted in category 2004-2006 CCN Archives at 5:17 PM