Be part of the National Soil Project at Northeastern University! July 31, 2009

You can help the National Soil Research Project at Northeastern University, Boston, where students are measuring the humic (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) contents of the nation’s agricultural top soils. HA and FA are vital organic components of healthy soils. They retain water, act as pH buffers, improve soil texture/porosity and regulate many other soil functions.

We’re concerned that our HAs and FAs are being destroyed over time, leading to poorer and poorer soils. Weak soils potentially can be re-built with HAs extracted from biomass and compost. To get a clear picture, HAs and FAs have to be analyzed apart from short-lived soil organic matter such as leaves and corn stover. The Northeastern University group has many years of experience in isolating and measuring HAs and FAs. Results to date on 150 samples indicate wide variation in soil HA and FA contents.

We need to double or even triple the number of samples to be analyzed. We can do that with your help! Your job will be to collect and mail a one-pound, dry soil sample to Northeastern University for analysis. Your mailing cost will be paid back if you ask.

If you would like to participate, contact g.davies@neu.edu for complete information. The Northeastern University team will publish the results and share them with you and your family on request. Your part in this great project will be something to be truly proud of!

 Geoffrey Davies, Ph. D., D.Sc., FRSC
Matthews Distinguished University Professor
Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115-5000
Web:<www.hagroup.neu.edu>

2009 National Science Experiment: Biofuel July 30, 2009

On 4-H National Youth Science Day, October 7th, young people across the nation will get a chance to examine one of the most important issues facing our nation today-energy. Youth will discover, learn and have a blast—exploring alternative fuels through Biofuel Blast, the National Science Experiment. Developed in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension and Wisconsin 4-H, the experiment is designed to spark an early interest in the sciences—all part of 4-H’s bold goal to engage a million new young people in science, engineering and technology programs by 2013. You can find everything you need to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day online at http://www.4-H.org/NYSD. The site has lots of useful information, including the experiment facilitator’s guide, interactive tools, event planning kits and much more. Plus, new features, information and promotions will be added in the months and weeks leading up to October 7th—so make sure to register to receive event updates today. We’re looking forward to another successful 4-H National Youth Science Day!

Applause for 4-H Youth July 27, 2009

This email was received shortly after North Carolina 4-H Congress from Hariett Edwards, a 4-H Specialist from NCSU.

“Hopefully most of you have made it back to your counties now, and many of you are already packing for camp or your next great adventure, but I did want to stop to mention to you that you and our 4-H members once again did an incredible job with Hands to Service on Wednesday morning.

 I’ve received photos from one site, emails from three sites, and have had two phone calls from site coordinators asking to please be included again next year.  Your work to support and encourage the kids is noticed and appreciated, and please let the participants know that they made us proud to be associated with them and with our clover!!!  Two coordinators commented that they would never have believed that such small groups of kids could accomplish all that was done in such a short time —- another testament to the work ethic and dedication of our 4-H’ers!

 Just to give you a sense of what you participated in, we placed 743 youth and adults at 42 work sites with 26 agencies in the Triangle area, so conservatively we provided a benefit valued at approximately $22,300.

 Thanks to all of you who took extra steps to insure that your members had an opportunity to participate in a service activity.  I realize that sometimes it’s not the most convenient day of Congress to have folks going all over the area for service, but please know that the kids value it, and the community does as well.

 Thanks, again, for making it happen!”

 Harriett C. Edwards, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor & Extension 4-H Specialist Department of 4-H Youth Development & Family and Consumer Sciences College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, NC State University
Email: Harriett_Edwards@ncsu.edu

We are very proud of all that you accomplish.  Thanks for putting “our hands to larger service” into action!

A Weekend of “Reel” Fun July 23, 2009

North Carolina Operation: Military Kids (OMK) is proud to sponsor “HOT SHOTS!” A Weekend of “Reel” Fun workshop 21-23 August 2009 in Raleigh, NC for youth ages 13 to 18 years of age. Participants will learn how to take great pictures, create exciting videos/visual aids, and sharpen your presentation skills.  This weekend will provide military youth the opportunity to learn more about digital photography and creating exciting/fun videos.

 Registration deadline is Monday, 10 August 2009. Registration forms can be found at www.nc4h.org/military/index.html or www.operationmilitarykids.org

 This opportunity is presented to children of deployed military personnel at a cost of $25 (non-refundable).  “Deployment” is defined as those who have returned from deployment on or after December 1, 2008; those who are currently deployed; and those who are on alert for deployment within the current calendar year (2009).

This minimal registration fee is made possible by the generous support of donors and through the Operation Military Kids initiative, a partnership between USDA and the Department of Defense.

Join the newest 4-H Club in Brunswick County! July 22, 2009

The meeting date has been set for Brunswick County’s newest 4-H Club.  The new club with meet on August 22nd from 10am-12pm at the home of club leader, Joe Mabe,  in Leland.  The club is open to youth ages 5-19 years old who have an interest in rabbits.  You do not have to own a rabbit to join.  If you’d like any additional information or directions to Joe’s house, email leslie_wilson@ncsu.edu or call Leslie at 910-253-2610.

Kid’s Barbeque Competition

A barbeque competition for kids will be held on October 10th, 2009.  It is a fundraiser for  the Young Leaders’ Program, which provides scholarships for kids to camp.  Check out the website for full details!http://www.hubbahubbasmokehouse.com/favorites/future-legends/

Teams of 1 – 4 kids, ages 7 – 17, along with 1 adult coach can enter this competition.  The fee for a team to enter is $100.  There are sponsors that are looking for groups of kids so if you need a sponsor, email Leslie_wilson@ncsu.edu.   Everyone will cook ribs.  They can also enter sauce and “Cooks’ Choice.”  Teams are judged on themes.

For more information about the contest, check out the website, then contact steel@hubbahubbasmokehouse.com

There will be  trial cook-off on Sat., Aug. 29 from 9:00 – 12:00.

A Letter from our State 4-H Leader July 21, 2009

Next week we will celebrate 100 years of North Carolina 4-H as a part of State 4-H Congress.  As we move into next week, I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to campus and field faculty and staff that have worked so hard over the past couple of years leading efforts related to the North Carolina 4-H Centennial at the club, county, district and state levels.  I also want to thank our 4-H youth leaders at the club, county, district and state levels who have been so critical to us in this effort.  Furthermore, it is important that we acknowledge and express appreciation for the great work and support of our volunteers, alumni, donors and the 4-H Honor Club who play such a vital role in the state 4-H program.  This has truly been a team effort that has stretch across North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

 

The Centennial has provided an opportunity for us to celebrate our past, highlight our current program and consider our next steps for North Carolina 4-H.  It has offered us an opportunity to reconnect with 4-H alumni and past supports.  Additional we have and continue to use the Centennial to engage new audiences and supporters.

 

It has been and will continue to be a great time in our history that we will always remember.  As we go through this next week and months ahead, I would like to share with you a part of a conversation I had this week with Jim Harrill, the son of L.R. Harrill our first state 4-H leader.  JIm shared that as a youth he had the opportunity to travel with his dad to various 4-H events.  He said one of his most memorable experiences was when his dad would do orientation for camp staff.  As part of that orientation he would say to the staff, “if a young person does not go home from camp a changed and better person, then we have failed.”  Many of you recognize these words as they are publicly displayed at MIllstone 4-H Camp.  These words continue to embody what it is that we do through North Carolina 4-H.  We have the opportunity to change lives.  This opportunity is indeed our greatest opportunity and responsibility.

 

Thank you for your continuing leadership and service for North Carolina 4-H.  We look forward to a great week Congress celebrating our past, highlighting today and considering the future of 4-H.  Thank you for your efforts to, “make the best better.”

 

MS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marshall Stewart, Ed.D

Associate Director, NC Cooperative Extension Service Head and State Program Leader Department of 4-H Youth

An excellent opportunity for military youth! July 20, 2009

North Carolina Operation: Military Kids (OMK) is proud to sponsor “HOT SHOTS!” A Weekend of “Reel” Fun workshop 21-23 August 2009 in Raleigh, NC for youth ages 13 to 18 years of age. Participants will learn how to take great pictures, create exciting videos/visual aids, and sharpen your presentation skills. This weekend will provide military youth the opportunity to learn more about digital photography and creating exciting/fun videos. Registration deadline is Monday, 10 August 2009. Registration forms can be found at http://www.nc4h.org/military/index.html or http://www.operationmilitarykids.org This opportunity is presented to children of deployed military personnel at a cost of $25 (non-refundable) “Deployment” is defined as those who have returned from deployment on or after December 1, 2008; those who are currently deployed; and those who are on alert for deployment within the current calendar year (2009). This minimal registration fee is made possible by the generous support of donors and through the Operation Military Kids initiative, a partnership between USDA and the Department of Defense.

Goat & Sheep Roundup III July 9, 2009

NC Goat & Sheep Producers Roundup III on August 14 & 15 in Greensboro at the Guilford County Extension Center and NC A&T State University Research Farm to 4-H agents/leaders across the state. On Saturday, August 15th, we will have a “Youth Component” that focuses on “Sheep, Meat Goat, and Dairy Goat Showmanship” as well as “Evaluating/Selection of live animals for youth projects.” “Other 4-H livestock opportunities” and a Youth Quality Assurance Program for Goats & Sheep will also be taught. A skillathon will be held for both youth and adults after lunch on Saturday.

A brochure, registration form, and news release can be found at: http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu

– Crystal M. Smith, 4-H Youth Development Agent
NC Cooperative Extension-Franklin County Center
103 S. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, NC 27549
Phone: 919.496.3344
crystal_smith@ncsu.edu

4-H’ers Rock at District Activity Day July 8, 2009

Wow! What great accomplishments for Brunswick County 4-H’ers at District Activity Day!

Winning Gold for 4-H Entertains were Bryan and Justin Simmons, Mary Ellen Lewis, and James and Joshua Hooven. Justin Simmons won a Bronze Medal for his presentation on “Tractors: the Past, Present and Future”, in the 14-18 year age group. Samantha Lawrence won a Gold Medal for her presentation on “Strawberry and Banana Smoothies” in the 14-18 year age group. Stefanie Zapf won a Gold Medal for her presentation on “Sea Turtles” for the 14-18 year age group. Bryan Simmons won a gold Medal for his presentation on Horticulture Production and Marketing for the 14-18 year age group. Janzen Jones won a Gold Medal for her presentation on “Building Green Homes” in the 11-13 year age group. Mary Ellen Lewis won a Gold Medal for her presentation on “Red Wall Books” in the 9-10 year age group. Amber Yurgel won a Gold Medal for her presentation on “Babysitting” in the 11-13 year old group. John Macon Michaux won a Silver Medal for his presentation on “Viruses” in the 11-13 year old group. Sophie Zapf won a Silver Medal for her presentation on “Kitten Care” in the 9-10 year old age group. Savanna Michaux won a Participation Ribbon for her presentation on “Magic Tricks” in the 11-13 year old group.

Also, in the cloverbud (5-8 yrs old) age division, Bobbi Jane Lawrence participated with a presentation on “Life Cycle of a Butterfly”, Rosie Yurgel participated with a presentation on “Volunteering”, Lydia Lewis participated with a presentation on “Dwarf Hampsters” and Jenna Laforce participated with a presentation on “Dance”.

Career Exploration poster winners were Savanna Michaux winning Second Place for her Poster on Zoology and Perry Grosch winning Third Place for his poster on Archaelogy. Also participating in the contest were Stefanie Zapf (Zoology), John Macon Michaux (Virology) and Sophie Zapf (Actress).

There were 212 youth attending the District Activity Day this year in New Hanover County, which had the highest number attending of all the Districts!