Seasons Greetings!

Season’s Greetings PA 4-H!
I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season full of food, memories, and relatives. As the New Year sneaks around the corner, your PA State Council is busy preparing for one final event: State Leadership Conference! As the papers pour in, the t-shirts are printed, and the members are registered, the anxiously awaited State Leadership Conference (SLC) grows ever closer. With a larger array of workshop choices, an enthusiastic keynote speaker, and a sweet spy theme, what could be better! Also at SLC will be the changing of the state officer team, however; it will be a little different this year because the program year is changing. Since this term is only six months, the officers of the 2008 and 2009 team have been asked to step in and join a transition team which will fill in until State Achievement Days in mid-July until the new team takes over.
Not only do you, the members of PA 4-H, get to take part in the awesome event known as State Leadership Conference, but you can also give back to those in need. This year’s state project is “Checkout the Silver” and it only takes a few seconds of your time and you can do it in the comfort of your own home. I know you are probably asking yourself “Wait… How is that possible?” Not only is it possible, it is true! By simply saving the tabs from the tops of your soda cans, you can allow a family to stay with their youth while the youngster receives treatment in these challenging times. These soda tabs will be collected at State Leadership Conference and donated to the Ronald McDonald House located in Danville, PA.
I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone. I remember getting my jacket at SLC like it was yesterday. State Council has challenged me in so many ways for the better. I had never had an opportunity like this before and I probably never will again. It has been an honor to take part in this and I couldn’t have survived without the rest of the 2009 team.

Your final quote:
“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." -Vince Lombardi


As always, if you have questions please feel free to contact me!
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
PA State Vice-President of Internal Affairs

2010...Here We Come!

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the Christmas Season with your families. Much of my month has been spent doing just that and also finishing my first semester at Penn State.
I completed my search for SLC sponsors this month when I sent letters to over 50 businesses in the Lancaster-Harrisburg area. Thank you to all the donors across the state for their generous gifts to help make SLC 2010 possible!
In preparation for SLC, I've been working on a special PowerPoint that will play during the closing ceremony. This is one of the ideas that came from our trip to New Mexico this summer. As Reporter, it is also my duty to put together a scrapbook of all of our activites this year. That has been a big project for me in the past weeks.
The next event for State Council will be at the Farm Show. On January 8 we will attend the Governor's Dinner. On the 9th we will take part in Farm Show Opening Ceremonies and then do a demonstration called "Biofuel Blast".
After Farm Show, we do our Hotel Walk Through to plan our SLC set-up. Next is SLC 2010...License to Lead! Hope to see you there and bring all of your soda tabs for the collection!!

Countdown to SLC: 29 DAYS

Jeanette Blank
State Council Reporter/Historian

December Updates

Season's Greetings Pennsylvania 4-Hers!

I hope that you all had a wonderful winter break! As a council, we did not have a formal meeting. However, we are starting to prepare items for the Leadership Conference coming up on January 29th.

Our next event is the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show. On January 8th, we will be attending the Governor's Dinner and the following day we will be attending the Opening Ceremonies. I will also be there on the opening Sunday to give presentations at the Penn State Ag Booth about my 4-H experience. I will be making a presentation about my angora rabbits and background about the rabbit industry.

Hope to see you at Farm Show and SLC!

Until next time,

Alex Stepnoski
Council VPC

Hello PA 4-H,

It is hard to believe that the end of 2009 is just around the corner! The State Council has been busy keeping up with preparing for the State Leadership Conference which is coming up in a few short weeks. I hope you all are ready for some fun! The first thing we will be doing in 2010 is the PA State Farm Show. Saturday is Opening Ceremonies and only speaking for myself, I am proud to represent the 4-H program there. For all of you exhibiting at Farm Show, good luck with everything, you are at the largest competition for our state and represent the 4-H program through it all. The 4-H program will be having stage shows throughout the week and the council will be doing a few things with that as well at the 4-H booth were some of us Council members will be hanging out to answer questions and to talk. Come on over to chat and see what is going on.

The big event is almost here!! The 2010 State Leadership Conference "License To Lead" is approaching fast. I cannot wait to see all of you there. With all of the helpful and fun workshops, the amazing speakers, and of course all of you in attendance this conference will be a blast. So grab your notebooks and get ready to learn and obtain your License To Lead. The Council is still working hard at getting everything put together for the weekend.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. See you all in 2010!!

Laura Pifer

Happy Holidays!

Season's Greetings Everyone!
I can hardly believe that I am halfway through my senior year of High School and Christmas break is just next week! Things have been crazy as our council has been busy planning for SLC and are getting ready for the Farm Show. I can hardly wait to have the whole team together again! We have some great surprises for everyone at conference. You all will get to see sides of our team that have never been revealed including a special side of me. We have an amazing opening ceremonies planned along with new icebreakers to play. We hope you have fun as you get your License to lead!
On the other hand, it is sad as we approach our last month together, but know we will always have our great connection as the 2009 State 4-H council team! We have had some great memories and I have had the time of my life making a new "family"
Hope to see you all soon at either the Farm show or SLC!
Your Council Secretary,
Christy Lambert

Hello everyone! I hope all of your Thanksgiving breaks were filled with great food, family, and laughter. I know mine was. Just after Thanksgiving I did not go Black Firday shopping like many of you may have, I did one a little better. I boarded a plane to The beautiful state of Georgia. I was in Atlanta for The National 4-H Congress from Friday to Tuesday. During that time I was one of many representing Pennsylvania. I know I speak on behalf of everyone that went when I say that we learned a lot about the 4-H in the different states and Puerto Rico that were represented. We participated in workshops such as speed meeti ng where we had a few minutes to meet different 4-H'ers, Teambuilding, and then a few unique workshops that were selected. My selected workshops were Bake Bread:Build Communities, one on how to travel more efficiently, And Irish Step Dancing. At Congress we also participated in a service project. I did my service at an elementary school. There I got to help a second grade class prepare for their Christmas Program. Wew made costumes and decorated them with glitter. The children were very excited to work with us and had questions for some of us about where we were from. We later concluded on Tuesday with our closing ceremonies and ultimately the plane ride home. At the Pittsburgh airport we said our goodbyes to our Western region delegates and decided that everyone should attend the State Leadership Conference.
At the State Leadership Conference we have workshops planned for Saturday, we offer the opportunity to meet 4-her's from across the state and we have a service project Check out the Silver. Remember to save your soda tabs for the project and sign up for the State Leadership Conference before the deadline! It's coming up fast so hurry.

please comment with any questions you may have, I hope to see everyone in January! =)

Have a Happy Holidays,

Jamie Forinash
President

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving PA 4-H!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and didn't eat too much! I know I did with four dinners, three on Thursday alone!

On November 9, I attended the Snyder County Acheivement Night. I received a number of awards throughout the night including Outstanding 4-Her, Super Club (with my club, Backyard Bunnies), the county 4-H Scholarship, and recogniton for my participation in events. It was exciting to go home for this and see members in my local 4-H clubs again. I even surprised my family by coming home for this.

On November 19, we held a Conference Call where we discussed more planning for SLC. We also discussed Farm Show and our involvement with it. Friday night we will attend the Governor's Dinner, Saturday morning Opening Ceremonies, and various demonstrations throughout the week. The whole Council will conduct the Biofuel Blast experiment with the public while individual members will do demonstrations about their projects.

During my Thanksgiving break, I counted over 18,000 soda tabs that will be taken to SLC for our service project to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Please remember to save your soda tabs and bring them to SLC...REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!!!!! So be sure to sign up!

Countdown to SLC: 60 DAYS!

In the spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank
State Council Reporter/Historian

"There is always something you can be thankful for."

November has come and gone

Hello to everyone,

It is so hard to believe that tomorrow will be December and then this year is over. The State Leadership Conference is getting closer! This month was a busy one for myself as an officer. On November 21st was the Indiana County 4-H Achievement Night and Carol asked me to speak since I am the first member from our county to be on the State Council. I told the members and their families who were present what all we do as a council, the different things we have done over the past year, and what is being planed for the months to come. I also encouraged everyone there to ask questions at the end of the night to learn more about becoming future council members themselves. Not to my surprise, some of the members did approach me and a few are seriously interested for future councils. Even some of the parents wanted to know more about us. I am so happy that I can represent 4-H in the way that I do.

My hometown of Punxsutawney has an annual "Home For The Holidays" Parade and this year there were two 4-H floats. Great job to the Gateway Horse club and the livestock club that put together their wonderful displays and showed our town who we are. Seeing all of you walking and participating in the parade made me proud of you and our amazing organization. It was a great idea and it showed all of those watching the parade what 4-H is and that it is not just sitting in the barn and showing at the fair.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season and to see you all in January at the State Leadership Conference. Bye for now!!

Laura Pifer

November Updates

Greetings Pennsylvania 4-Hers!!

I hope that you all had a good Thanksgiving! I went to Arizona to visit my family and what a temperature change! It was quite an exciting opportunity, especially since I have never been on the west coast during the holiday season!

For the month of November, I attended some club meetings and spoke about the upcoming Leadership Conference in addition to reminding them to collect soda tabs for the “Check out the Silver” campaign for the Ronald McDonald House. Also held on the 18th of this month was a conference call where we discussed leadership conference planning/setting up and farm show.

Our next council event is the Farm Show Governor’s Dinner in January and shortly after is a hotel walk through… and before you know it—the 2010 Leadership Conference will be hitting the Penn Stater-- and there is still time to register for this year's conference held Jan. 29-31, 2010!!

We look forward to seeing you around!

Have a good holiday!

Alex Stepnoski
State Council VPC

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble, Gobble,
I hope everyone has enjoyed their fall as the weather begins to become cold again and our winter months are soon to be here! I hope everyone enjoys the time off from school and time with their family. Also good luck and safe times go out to all those hunters!
Our council has had an exciting month once again as we get ready for SLC which is closer than we can ever imagine! We have some great activities planned and can not wait to share them with you all! I am both excited and sad about this event since it is the end of the 2009 council teams year. I look forward to bonding as a new team for next year though. We have also been busy planning for the 2010 Farm Show. I will have a busy schedule since this year I will be helping out with the State Council along with Showing a market goat and square dancing with my county 4-H club. If you see me around Farm Show don't hesitate to come and talk! No matter how many events I attend I still get excited to see Pa 4-H at it's best and all of our active members in action!
In the next few months please remember to keep saving those pop tabs and dont forget to register for the 2010 State Leadership Conference theres still room!
Until next time your State Secretary,
Christy Lambert

Happy Thanksgiving PA 4-H!

Happy Thanksgiving PA 4-H!
If fall is going anywhere as fast for you as it is for me, then it's flying by! I can't believe that it's almost time for State Leadership Conference and my first semester of college is almost over! I hope this finds you well and ready to enjoy some time off school with your family.
On October 31st we had a meeting in State College, PA where we discussed more planning for State Leadership Conference of the opening ceremonies and Farm Show in January. During Farm Show in January we will be attending the Governor's Dinner on Friday night and giving a bio-fuel presentation on Saturday. Also at our October meeting we were able to dress up in Halloween costumes and we had a special guest - State Council's former advisor, Dr. Bruce and her beautiful little girl Ainslee stopped by to say hello to everyone!
Reminder: STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!! Register as soon as you can and be prepared to receive your "License to Lead" on January 30-February 1, 2010. This year there are some great workshops planned ranging from Team building to a workshop about how to teach a workshop. Other workshops also include marketing, stress management, creativity, role modeling, delegation, and wellness in leadership, just to name a few!
Also, please keep collecting your soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House. These tabs are very easy to collect, but they can make such a large difference for families who need to stay at this great place while their child receives treatment at Geisinger Medical Center. This is a great chance to give back to your community and it only requires you to collect soda tabs!
The quote for the month is:
"At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent."
-Barbara Bush

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me!
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
Pennsylvania State Vice President of Internal Affairs

Pennsylvania 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Club Project Members Hop to San Diego, California for the National Convention

Held in San Diego, California on November 1-5 was the 86th Annual American Rabbit Breeder’s Association (ARBA) National Convention and Show. There were just over ten proud Pennsylvania 4-Hers who attended and competed in this event. At the ARBA Convention, members of this association have the opportunity to display their animals, socialize, and attend educational seminars. The youth members of the ARBA have the opportunity to participate in such contests as judging, breed identification, management, achievement, educational, and royalty. We have several youth to recognize for doing an excellent job in the national contests this year!

We are proud to have the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association King, Richard Vaerewyck. Hannah Wisniewski (our current PA State Rabbit Breeder’s Association (PaSRBA) Queen and Commodity Representative), Sarah Gregory (current PaSRBA Duchess), and Lia Schmittel were among the National Senior Judging winners. Sarah and Hannah were also tied for Second Runner-Up ARBA Queen. I received titles of the National Limited Management winner and District 9 Achievement winner. Morgan Turner and I also received an ARBA Academic Scholarship. Younger members Veronika Rodriguez, Tim Werner, Hailey Wolfe were among the National Junior and Intermediate Achievement Winners. Tim Werner also received a National Runner-Up Average Management award. Ashley Sloan received District 9 Unlimited Management winner. Bobby Sautner’s “Bunopoly” board game received national recognition in the Educational Contest. We are also proud of Rehanna Stepnoski for receiving National Best of Breed-- Youth with her Texel cavy (guinea pig).

If you would like to have more information or have any questions about what is involved in the 4-H rabbit and cavy projects, about PaSRBA, or ARBA, feel free to contact me at astepnoski@gmail.com!

Way to go Pennsylvania!

The month of October was filled with many different spookiness and of course 4-H!
I attended the annual Crawford County 4-H teen council's recruitment party. The theme was pirates and was held at our extension office. We had some new faces that were very interested in learning more about our county council and becoming more active in our 4-H program.

Our State 4-H Council has been completeing club visits and anticipating January for the 2010 State Leadership Conference! We have an exciting weekend planned and I know you don't want to miss out. Sign up today!! Contact your local extension office for more details and please feel free to contact myself or any of our State Council Ladies because we would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
REMEMBER TO SAVE YOUR SODA TABS!!!

If you have free time rake some leaves or go for a walk, remember winter months are coming so bundle up if you go outside and enjoy the fall colors while they last.

Jamie Forinash
President

Bumps in the Night

Happy Halloween Everyone!
Yesterday the Council held our monthly meeting, while dressing up to get into the spirit of things. We got alot accomplished including State Leadership plans, planning for the final upcoming months, and were able to talk about our SLC sponsors. The meeting held a surprise for everyone when our guest showed up. Dr. Bruce was in town and able to visit with our team for awhile!
The past month has kept the whole council busy as we participated in National Youth Science Day, held at Penn State. We also have been working hard to make contacts for sponsorship for our State Leadership Conference.
The next few months will be crazy as we prepare for conference, make our last club visits, and prepare for farm show. Just a reminder to everyone that registration is open for SLC. We all hope to see you there and hope that you are excited to see our surprises! Also, don't forget to keep saving those pop tabs!
Until Next time,
Christy Lambert
Council Secretary

Red, Orange, Yellow, and Snow!

Hey PA 4-H!

October has been a hectic month for me between classes and going to Penn State football games (and then that snow! It's October!), but I have also been getting to know 4-H members who live in my new home- Centre County.

During National 4-H Week (October 4-10), Christy and I along with members of the Centre County Teen Council, participated in National Youth Science Day in the Food Lab at Penn State University. We completed the Biofuel Blast experiment using various materials such as yeast and corn syrup to inflate a balloon. I also wrote a press release about National 4-H Week.

On October 18, I did my 8th club visit with the Centre County Teen Council, which was held at the Home Delivery restaurant in State College. It was nice to see people who I knew from early on in my 4-H years but lost contact with.

October 31 was our second Face to Face business meeting. Four members were present and in costume to liven up the meeting! We were excited to have a visit from our former Council advisor Dr. Jackie Bruce who was visiting from North Carolina! We also listened to Eric McGinnis talk about fundraising and the Keystone Society. Our State Program Leader, Christy Bartley, also stopped by to have lunch and meet with us. We continued to make plans for SLC about Opening Ceremonies and adjusting to the new changes that will be made for Closing Ceremonies. Our next big event will be the Governor's Dinner at Farm Show.

Registration is now open for SLC so be sure to get yours in and continue to collect soda tabs!

COUNTDOWN TO SLC: 90 days!

Jeanette Blank

State Council Reporter/Historian

"Good things come to those who wait. Better things come to those who try."

October is gone already

Greeting to one and all!

This year is flying by, and the month of October has already come to a close. Between talking to donors for the State Leadership Conference, and visiting 4-H groups, there is no wonder where the time disappeared to. Earlier this month I had the chance to represent 4-H at the Jefferson County 4-H Achievement Banquet. I felt this an honor because even though I do not participate in 4-H in the county it is still the one I grew up in, and my step-mom and little sister are active in the program there. While there I gave a small speech about what sort of opportunities there were outside the club level, and challenged the leaders who were present to urge the members of their clubs to become more involved. It was not just about becoming more involved in their counties, but to expand their knowledge by attending, regional and state events, such as State Leadership Conference. After the program was over for the night, many of the leaders came up to me to thank me for coming and tell me that they would begin to encourage their members to become active outside of the clubs.

Besides talking with other 4-H members, parents, and leaders this month, the entire team has been busy contacting donors to make this year's State Leadership Conference the best one ever. The date is quickly approaching, and the fun is just beginning. Today is a meeting of the State 4-H Council where we will continue to talk and make plans, as well as finalize some business that needs done in order to make the best conference yet. Keep watching our blog to find out what is new with the State 4-H Council, our members, and Pennsylvania 4-H.

Laura Pifer

October Updates

Greetings!

Currently, the council is working on further fundraising efforts for the 2010 Leadership Conference. We are also talking to local clubs promoting this event. I shared my conference experiences with the attendees of the Bucks County 4-H parent and leaders’ meeting as well as a few other local clubs.

Council members Jeanette and Christy attended the National 4-H Science Day at Penn State this month.

The 2009 PA State 4-H Council is having a face-to-face meeting on October 31st at Penn State Main Campus. Further planning for the 2010 Leadership Conference will be discussed at this meeting. We will also have a conference call in November. I will also be attending Farm City Day on November 20th at Philadelphia City Hall.

Keep saving those soda tabs for the service project and we are looking forward to seeing you at this year's leadership conference!

Alex Stepnoski
State Council VP-Conference

SLC Registration is now open!!!

Greetings PA 4-H!
I hope each of you are enjoying your fall and the beautiful changing of the leaves. This fall has gone so fast, however; winter follows all too closely. Now what goes best with winter? You may be thinking hot chocolate or an open fireplace but I'm thinking STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE!
The registration for State Leadership Conference is now open! Sign up today! This year we have great events planned ranging from workshops on 'How to Teach a Workshop' to our speaker for Saturday night, Mr. Rhett Laubach! Prepare to receive your "License to Lead" at this one of a kind event just for you, the Pennsylvania 4-H youth! This awesome event may only be three days in State College, but you will meet friends and make memories which will last a lifetime, and that's not all! You will learn leadership skills to take back to the clubs in your county which will last a lifetime!
Also a quick reminder to keep collecting your tabs because they go to a great cause called the Ronald McDonald House located in Danville, PA. These tabs help to pay for families to stay there when their children are receiving treatment at Geisinger Medical Center.
The quote for this month is one which I have posted on my mirror in my dorm. I hope you get as much from it as I do.
"You're alive. Do something. The directive in life, the moral imperative was so uncomplicated. It could be expressed in single words, not complete sentences. It sounded like this: Look. Listen. Choose. Act."
-Barbara Hall

Enjoy your classes, register for State Leadership Conference, and keep collecting those tabs!
Great job so far PA 4-H! Please contact me with ANY questions you might have!
Sincerely,
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
PA State 4-H Council Vice-President of Internal Affairs

PA 4-H on Facebook and Twitter

Hi Everyone!

Pa 4-H is now on facebook search for Pennsylvania 4-H
and you can follow us on Twitter @PA4H

See you all soon at 2010 SLC!
The State Council

September is over already

It is hard to believe that this is the end of September already. The year keeps flying by. Only four more months and it is time to get your "License to Lead" at the 2010 State Leadership Conference. All of us have been hard at work to talk to businesses from our areas who are willing to help sponsor the event to make it the best Conference ever. Also next week is National 4-H Week. I know that I will be promoting 4-H all over my college campus, as well as the rest of the team doing the same where they are. Be proud where you are. Wear a 4-H t-shirt that will get people asking questions. Don't be afraid to put out an announcement at school. Be a spokesperson for 4-H like we the Council are. Coming up this month as well is the Science Day at Penn State - University Park on October 7th. This deals with current scientific issues in the world today and will let participants join in on science experiments to see how things work. On an ending not, support 4-H with all of who you are and keep up with us the Council to see what is going on in PA 4-H.

Laura Pifer

County Fairs-there's nothing better!

Hey PA 4-H!
September has been a more relaxed month for Council as we ease into college life.
On September 12, I attended Snyder County 4-H Round Up. This is where all the 4-Hers have their final projects judged. I had several projects judged including Rabbits, Teen Leadership, President Book, and Camp Counselor. After judging was over and helping with Teen Council clean-up, we enjoyed a meal provided by various families.
My county fair, Beaver Fair, was held September 20-26. On Sunday my brother, sister, and I had our rabbits checked- and weighed-in. One of my sale rabbits just made its maximum weight; had it been over I would not have been able to sell it. Monday night was the show. Although my breeder rabbits (the older ones) did not do very well, my meat rabbits (the ones for sale) and showmanship classes went much better. In the Single Fryer class I came in second…to my nine year old sister! But she went on to win Grand Champion so I was very proud of her. In the Senior Showmanship Division, I won first and advanced o compete for Supreme Rabbit Showman, but came in second. Thursday night was the Livestock Sale and I sold my Meat Pen and Single Fryer rabbits.
I have also continued to find donors for SLC 2010. I contacted more smaller businesses around my hometown as well as larger corporations (Tyson Foods, Hoard’s Dairyman Magazine) and some famous 4-H alumni (Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Craig Morgan, Luke Bryan, and Ricky Skaggs).

In the Spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank
State Council Reporter/Historian

COUNTDOWN TO SLC: 121 DAYS

“Your health affects all you do. The key to good health is to eat right, sleep right, exercise right, and treat others right.”

"Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower"- Albert Camus

September is transitioning into the windy, blustery, and never ending days of Autumn. This is my favorite season because of the beautiful colored trees, the fresh air, truck pulls, the endless county fairs, and the beginning of Holiday Season. For me I have been at school for a majority of this month.
This month for council two of our officers, Jessical Lehman, Vice President of Internal Affaires, and Alex Stepnoski, Vice President of Conference attended the 4-H Tailgate in lovely Penn State. All of our Council team is busy attending club visits and promoting the program. I've been preparing and anticipating some activities during national 4-H Week and the month of October.
Just earlier this week I spoke at the Family living Leaders Meeting in Crawford County. I talked about State 4-H Council and all of our activities and anticipated activities yet to come for the year.

Remember in the coming months to continue to check for updates on our blog, and to also SAVE YOUR SODA TABS! I know I'm saving mine and I can't wait for State Leadership Conference to come around so we can tally them while having an awesome time with our theme, License to Lead. Remember to communicate with your county extension office so you don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills while representing your county program and meeting other 4-Her's like you from across the state.

I look forward to next time, and to meeting everyone.

Sincerely,

Jamie Forinash
President

Fall colors

Hello everyone!
I hope you all are enjoying the nice fall leaves and Friday night football games at your local high schools. This month has been an easy month for the council. Our monthly meeting was canceled but we still had planning to do. I have been working hard at getting my club visits and contacts made for the State Leadership Conference. I am excited for our conference as the time is drawing near. I hope to see an increase in numbers and everyone as excited as I am. Be sure to visit our Web Site to find out more.
The next thing the council is going to be taking part is the science day next Wednesday. I can not wait to attend and see what all is in store. I have a feeling it will be tons of fun.
This month I also presented a table at my community fair. I helped over 200 kids make seed necklaces. Bean plants will be growing strong in Berlin!
I wish best of luck to everyone as schools are now in full swing, and try not to get burnt out too fast!
Until next time,
Christy

Where has summer gone?

Hello fellow 4-Hers!
As I sit here in my dorm writing this blog to inform you of all the exciting events within PA 4-H, a cold, damp wind whips the dried leaves past my window and I am reminded of how quickly this year is flying by, before you know it State Leadership Conference will be here again!
This month has been probably the fastest month of my life. I have never been so busy, but at least it keeps things from getting dull. I have been driving home and back to college all week because this week is my fair (Bloomsburg Fair) and I don’t want to miss my final year of showing! If any of you stop in, please feel free to find me in the dairy or equine barn!
State Council has been off again working hard to serve you to our best ability. Your Vice-President of Conference, Alex, and I attended the 4-H Tailgate in State College on September 12th where we once again had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Bruce McPheron, Dean of Agricultural Sciences at the Pennsylvania State University. We also met with an array of 4-H alumni, some of whom so graciously donate time and funding back to our wonderful 4-H program. Please be sure to thank these people for all of their hard work and dedication, 4-H would not be possible without the tremendous amount of support we receive from our amazing volunteers and alumni!
As for State Leadership Conference, we have some extremely exciting items planned for this year! Our theme is “License to Lead,” a spy/James Bond type theme and our workshops range from 360 Communications to Stress Management. Just wait until you hear our speaker too! This year we are having Rhett Laubach speak to you! Rhett Laubach is funny and entertaining but also has a many very important messages within each story which I hope that you can use in your own life.
Lastly I would like to remind you to keep collecting those tabs! It’s not hard to do, but it can make a world of difference for a family in need. Remember, all tabs are donated to the Ronald McDonald House located in Danville, PA. These tabs are used to pay for families to live at Geisinger while their child undergoes treatment. Simply collecting these tabs will make a huge difference for these families, so please keep collecting!

The quote I will leave you with is:
“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.”
-Denis Waitley


Have an amazing fall and I can’t wait to see you soon!

Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
PA State Vice-President of Internal Affairs

September Updates

Happy Autumn!


Members of the 2009 PA State 4-H Council are currently contacting the last of this year’s donors and are beginning to promote the upcoming Pennsylvania State 4-H Leadership Conference on January 29-31, 2010. The theme for this year’s conference is “License to Lead”. Council members are also making club visits and making promotional media to make others aware of the conference. There will be an array of workshops to choose from. Some selections include teaching workshops, exploring diversity, creativity, and stress management. Rhett Laubach will be the keynote for this year’s Saturday night banquet. PA 4-H is still collecting soda tabs for the “Check Out the Silver” service project. The proceeds from the soda tabs will go towards the Ronald McDonald House.

Our next meeting is a face-to-face at Penn State Main Campus on October 31.


Until next time,

Alex Stepnoski
Council Vice President of Conference

The month of August was filled with many different activities that were both time consuming and at sometimes entertaining.

Throughout the month of August I know everyone was trying to soak up the last of summer and the sun. I stayed busy preparing myself for Freshman year of college and with the many 4-H activities Crawford County and Pennsylvania has to offer.

First I participated in Ag Progress Days. I helped with the 4-H booth we had set up. During the three days two State Council members would volunteer at the booth along other 4-H volunteers each day. At this booth we made seed necklaces. These necklaces were used to help interest children and adults in our 4-H science projects as well as the program. I think a majority of the kids and families that visited our booth would agree that it was awesome to make the necklace and have a final product of their own plant. I brought my mom to Ag Progress Days and she commented on the crowds that it attracts and the progression of agriculture and some newer inventions she discovered while walking the grounds.

Next was the Crawford County Fairweek. This was a busy week for myself and many other Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence and Venago County 4-H'ers just to name a few. All these children and young adults ages 5-19 had one thing in common, exhibiting their projects whether it was a 4-H project or a cloverbud project. I myself had a market swine project at the fair, but this was not my only responsibility. I was responsible for helping younger members throughout the barns, I was responsible for promoting the 4-H program, and also to have fun my final year exhibiting a 4-H project. The first Monday of our fair my work brings a company van/busof elders to the fair for a few hours and they ask for volunteers. Well I volunteered. I got to work with one elder who used to be on my street and another I did not know so well. We had a good time though. we visited the different barns, and homeshow buildings. We finished our day with an icecream cone that would benefit the dairy barn exhibitors. Some Highlights of my fairweek included defining 4-H and my experience to this young family from Oregon, being dragged 50 feet by a 300lb pig, my pig laying down while I gave him a bath, and all the questions I was asked by spectators about my pig and why I would ever want to shave his tail.
Just after fair ended we no longer tore down our tents and packed oiur showboxes up and I started school. It took what seemed forever to move in, but I'm here now. I enjoy all of my classes.
I'm looking forward to SLC and meeting everyone! I know it will be an awesome weekend so remember to get your "License to Lead".

See you in October!

Jamie Forinash
President

goodbye summer, hello senior year

The summer has ended and as I look back I think WOW what a great 3 months it has been! I started out my summer with my county 4-H camp and have ended it with my county fair. In between these events I don’t think I have had a moment I regretted. Over the past month I have been busy recovering from State Days along with doing club visits, and contacting donors for our State Leadership Conference. The council team also participated in Ag Progress Days. This is an event that takes place every year near State College. Pa 4-H had tables set up to promote the program along with a table where seed necklaces could be made. I never knew it could get so hot and so many people could show up at one event! Now as I begin my senior year of high school I look forward to our state leadership conference. I cannot wait for 4-H members to gather together again and see what surprises our team has for you this time! I promise you will have fun and learn tons! I wish best of luck to everyone as they start both school and college classes again.
Your secretary,
Christy
P.S. keep saving those pop tabs

Where has the summer gone?

Hello to everyone!
Where has the summer gone. With everyone going back to school, whether it be high school or college it is hard to believe that it is this time of the year again. The month of August was a busy one for the PA State 4-H Council. After coming home and recovering from a very busy State Achievement Days we were ready to go for Ag Progress Days. Sitting in the 4-H building and talking to the kids was a lot of fun for me. Helping them to learn about 4-H for the first time or even just expanding their knowledge on the organization was the highlight of my day. At our station, the children could make a "seed necklace" which consisted of a bean seed, a wet cotton ball and a plastic baggie on a string. After a few days in the sun and being kept close the the child's body, the seed would begin to sprout. The children were amazed! They could not believe that this would happen. It was great to see that amazement in their eyes.

Besides Ag Progress Days, I have been to another fair this month and am in the process of getting ready for the Indiana County Fair starting today. The fair is the high point for any livestock member, like myself, and is where you can show your stuff and present the project you learned about through 4-H. I am looking forward to representing the State 4-H program this week and also being able to talk to visitors to the fair that ask questions about why I am there. It always makes me feel good when I can help someone who knows very little about 4-H to learn about who we are and what we do.

Good bye for now and keep checking up on the State 4-H Council to see what we are up to!

Time for "Back to School"...

Hello all!
It has been another busy month for Council, both with 4-H and the fact that most of us are new college students (or beginning Senior year)!
This month I began contacting donors to sponsor our SLC 2010 (which is quickly approaching so don’t forget to look for a registration form coming soon!). Some of my contacts have been Cargil, Lancaster Farming, Farmshine, and various small businesses around my hometown. I will also be contacting some celebrity 4-H alums such as Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, and Faith Hill.
I attended the monthly County Council meeting of Columbia County on August 6. I talked about SLC, Checkout the Silver, and asked for feedback on our State Days video. I also did a leadership activity with them.
On August 13, I participated in my county’s Ag SCItment Day Camp. This event was run by the Snyder County Teen Council and organized by our summer assistant, Melanie. I was a group leader for the older children and took them to stations where they learned about first aid, watersheds, environment, made a birdhouse, made ice cream in a bag with the Dairy Princess, and more. This event was great because we had many community kids not in 4-H attend the event.
I did another club visit on the 16th with the Eager Beaver Dairy Club (which was awesome because my Dad helped to found that club and was one of the first members).
At Ag Progress Days, I spent an afternoon in the State 4-H booth making Seed Necklaces. It was so much fun working with the kids!

As always, remember to check out our Council Newsletter at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm.

Countdown to SLC: 151 days

In the Spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette

“Some people are nearsighted: they only live for the present. Other people are farsighted; they see beyond today.” -Unknown

As summer comes to a close....

Greetings!
I hope that each of you have enjoyed your summer as it rapidly comes to a close, I guess all great things must come to an end. I know for most of your State Council we are getting ready to enter a collegiate environment full of new experiences and friends.

As your State Council we have had a little time to catch our breath this month after an extremely busy July which included a trip to New Mexico and State Achievement Days at Penn State University. I truly enjoyed getting the chance to take part in the many events at State Days, from the Talent show to our first ever State Days video! Although it was hot (and a little rainy), I believe a great time was had by all and many memories were made during those short three days.

On August 18th through 20th members of State Council attended Ag Progress Days in Rock Springs, PA. While here, each member helped youth create “seedling necklaces”. These seedling necklaces consisted of a Navy Bean seed wrapped in a damp cotton ball and placed inside a small sandwich bag. When the necklaces were worn around the necks of the children, their body heat helped the little seed to grow and within 2-3 days, a seedling was visible. I made one myself and brought it home and the little seedlings are already about 11 inches tall!

While at Ag Progress Days your Vice-President of Conference, Alex Stepnoski, and I were able to meet with your Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolfe and have pictures taken on Wednesday morning. Alex and I also had the chance to talk to the Pennsylvania State FFA officers that morning and had pictures taken with them.

As I bring my little letter to a close, I will leave you with the monthly quote I have promised:

“Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.”
-Samuel Johnson

Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication PA 4-H!
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Jessica Lehman
PA State 4-H Council – Vice President of Internal Affairs

August Updates

Greetings everyone!

Can you believe that summer is almost over? It really flew right past us as we traveled to New Mexico, emceed State Days, attended Ag Progress Days, exhibited at our county fairs, and begin contacting out Leadership Conference donors!

Speaking of events, August 18-20 was the Ag Progress Days event held ten minutes away from State College. At this event, we led a seedling necklace activity at the 4-H building. Youth plant a navy bean seed in a wet cotton ball and store it in a plastic baggie that is then tied around their neck. When I attended the event on Wednesday with Jess, I met with the Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. We also met the State FFA Officer Team.

Also this month was a conference call where topics such as State Days, Ag Progress Days, SLC, and National 4-H week were discussed.

I also put the State Days Video on YouTube! Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUadO3itRDk

Our next event is the Penn State Tailgate Party on Sept. 12 from 10-1.


Until next time,

Alex Stepnoski
State Council VP of Conference

July Updates

Greetings everyone!

July has certainly been an action-packed month for the State Council. On July 11-17, we attended the State Conference at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. We met the NM State 4-H Leadership Team members. We also helped set up the team’s fundraiser, a carnival. The proceeds went toward the University of New Mexico’s cancer research efforts. As a council, we taught public speaking and people skills workshops to the delegates. We were inspired by the Leadership Team’s use of technology at their opening ceremonies. We also observed differences in the events, such as in the State Conference we attended. It is essentially Leadership Conference and State Days combined. In addition to spending time with the NM Team, we toured the Farm and Ranch Heritage museum and the NASA facilities.

A week after the New Mexico expedition, we attended the Summer Leadership Institute from July 26-28. We participated in conflict management and positive attitude workshops. We also toured the Pasquerilla center on the Penn State campus. The 2009 PA State 4-H Achievement Days was held at Penn State University July 28-30. The theme for State Days was “Rev Up”. For the Opening Ceremonies, the council wrote a script and filmed a movie showing the 4-Hs, Head, Heart, Hands, and Health competing for the title of the “Clover Cup”. The overall message reflected in the skit was that head, heart, hands, and health work together. We also had speakers Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences Bruce McPheron, Christy Bartley, State 4-H Program Leader, and Ms. Laurie Stewart, our keynote. We also emceed the 4-H Talent Show and Awards Ceremony in addition to introducing the commentators of the State Fashion Revue.

The next event that we will be attending is Ag Progress Days in the Penn State area August 18-20. See you there!

Alex Stepnoski
2009 Council VP Conference

This month of July was spent mostly with our State Council Team. First in the beggining of July was our trip to New Mexico. The New Mexico State Leadership Team invited us to join them for their State Conference which was a combination similar to our State Leadership Conference and our State Achievement Days. While at the the conference we presented on two workshops. One was on Public Speaking and the other on People Skills. In New Mexico we really got to see how beautiful it is and how different the climate is. As a team we brought back many different ideas that we hope to use at our State Leadership Conference. Thank You to the New Mexico Leadership Team for having us at your State Conference, it was truly an amazing learning experience that I know we will never forget.

Our next Council adventure was State Achievement Days at the Penn State University. For State Achievemnt Days we planned the opening ceremonies and announced the 4-h'ers that placed in the top 5 during closing ceremonies. Opening ceremonies got everyone "Rev'ed Up" with our first ever State Days video. In our video four of our State Council members played one of the four H's and they competed in a race across campus to try to win the "Clover Cup". I played the character Carly Carrot who was representing team "Health". Our State Council Team had a lot of fun making the video and plan to include different media and technology like that in the future for other events.

During our week we met with Ms. Christy Bartley our State 4-H Program Leader. We met for lunch and talked about some differneces we noticed between New Mexico and Pennsylvania's programs. We also went over some changes that may occur with our program.

I hope everyone had a safe trip home after closing ceremoies ended. Congratulations to all the 4-H's who came to State Achievement Days and Good Luck for next year. Please remember to save your soda tabs for our statewide sevice project collected during the State Leadership Conference to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.

Look for your State 4-H Council at Ag Progress Days.

Make the most of the rest of Summer.

Sincerely,

Jamie Forinash
State 4-H Council President

July!

Hello to one and all!!!

Wow did the month of July fly by! So much happened this month between the New Mexico trip and State Achievement Days. I guess it is better to start at the beginning and work toward the end.

At the beginning of the month we were all preparing for our trip to New Mexico State University. It was a great experience and we had a blast (I know that I did!). After the New Mexico Council visited Pennsylvania for our State Leadership Conference, it was decided to return the favor and attend their State Conference. We flew out of the State College Airport on July 12 and ended up in El Paso, Texas later that afternoon. After the flight, three total, we had a nice drive through the mountains up to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Throughout the week we participated in an array of activities that included a carnival, visiting the NASA testing facility, the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, and presenting two leadership workshops. Our first workshop was on public speaking. We got the members involved by using our Fish Bowl method and having them practice impromptu ideas. The other workshop focused on people skills. We presented ways to be able to speak with people and how to stay yourself while being professional. The New Mexico 4-H members also taught us a few things along the way. At their dances, they Two Step to everything, and we had the chance to try it for ourselves. That week brought us even closer as a team and gave us the chance to show ourselves to another part of the country. It was time to head home to cooler temperatures and a different time zone on that Friday. All of our luggage followed us to New Mexico and it kept up on the way home too. The only trouble we ran into was on our final flight from Detroit to State College, when the plane's navigation did not work and we had to stay in the airport until 12:30 am on Saturday. This gave us the chance to talk to others in the airport about 4-H.

Then there was State Achievement Days!! As I am still unpacking from this past week, I look back on what happened. We started out with the amazing video, that Alex was a genius with. Our theme for the week was "Rev Up" so what better to do than have a race between the Head, Heart, Hands, and Health? All in all the message behind the race was that when all 4 of the H's work together is when they are at their best. Dean Bruce McPheron gave the opening welcome and our State Program Leader, Ms. Christy Bartley presented the awards to three incredible 4-H members. Following opening ceremonies came this years keynote speaker, Ms. Laurie Stewart who spoke on an array of topics spanning from respect to peer pressure. For Wednesday the contests began and the council had a meeting over lunch with Ms. Bartley to bounce some ideas around about the program and things we thought of during our visit to New Mexico. Thursday brought on Closing Ceremonies and the awards which went amazing. After that everyone cleaned up and headed home.

This is only a summary of what went on for the council over the past month and believe me that so much has happened. Keep watching for more updates from the 2009 State 4-H Council to see what we are up to and what is going on in Pennsylvania 4-H.

Good bye for now!
Laura Pifer

Summer fun!

Hello fellow 4-H enthusiasts!

I hope this little note finds you all well and recuperating from all the fun activities at State Achievement Days located at the Pennsylvania State University. Your State 4-H Council has had a very busy month. On July 12th we all flew out of the State College Airport on the first leg of our journey to New Mexico. After one connecting flight from Detroit to Houston and another connecting flight from Houston to El Paso, we boarded a van and set out for Las Cruces, New Mexico. Las Cruces is home to New Mexico State University, where the New Mexico State 4-H Conference would be taking place. We were invited to attend the New Mexico State Conference by the New Mexico State Officer team, which as some of you know, attended the Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference in January of 2009. I know I speak for all of your council when I say the experience we had in New Mexico was one which we will never forget. Throughout the week we participated in an array of activities which included a tour of the NASA Test Facility in White Sands and the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. One difference between New Mexico’s conference and our own is that they do all of their contests and leadership workshops in one event while Pennsylvania’s events are split into State Leadership Conference and State Achievement Days. While in attendance, we presented two workshops, one on public speaking and one on people skills. Not only did we gain a vast array of new ideas, your State Council also learned how to “Two-Step” (with the help of the New Mexico Leadership Team of course). At the conference there was a dance every night we were there so learning this dance was critical. After many fond memories, we boarded our first plane and headed back for Houston. Our flights were all good except for the last one on the way home, which was from Detroit to State College. A glitch was found in the navigation system and we had to wait until 12:30 A.M. to board another plane. We didn’t mind waiting though because we would rather have a plane in full working order than coming home quickly on one with a broken navigation system!

For some of you out there, you may still be unpacking from State Achievement Days like I am! We had an excellent week with nearly perfect weather (except for Wednesday night!). State Days started out with a bang on Tuesday night, or maybe it was more like “Ready, set, GO!” with the first ever State Days video which showed the Clover Cup in full swing and how important it is for head, heart, hands, and health to work together. Then the College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Bruce McPheron welcomed everyone and spoke with us about using head, heart, hands, and health to enrich our lives every day. Following Dean McPheron was our very own State 4-H Program Leader, Ms. Christy Bartley. Ms. Bartley welcomed the anxious crowd of 4-Hers and presented awards to three dedicated youth. After Ms. Bartley, our keynote speaker, Ms. Laurie Stewart, took the stage with a presentation packed full of videos, a skit, activities, and personal stories. After explaining the importance of taking healthy risks, how to overcome peer pressure, and how to deal with issues within your life, everyone went back to their dorms for some much needed rest. Wednesday everyone was headed in their own direction with different events and activities for the day. From Fashion Revue and the Talent and Choral Review to Avian Bowl and Tractor Driving, there were plenty of things to do. On Wednesday, your State Council had the opportunity to have lunch with Ms. Christy Bartley and discussed some of the differences between PA 4-H and New Mexico’s 4-H and new ideas we had. State Achievement Days wrapped up on Thursday morning with Closing Ceremonies. After Closing Ceremonies, everyone gathered their belongings and began on their trip back home.

I would like to remind you to keep collecting tabs and other donations for the Ronald McDonald House. The tabs will be collected at the State Leadership Conference in January of 2010. Our State Leadership Conference theme this year is: “License to Lead,” a spy/James Bond theme. We have some really great workshops and speakers planned, so I hope to see you there!

As I have promised, here is my quote for the month. My hope is that you find them as useful as I do.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Until next time,
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
Vice-President of Internal Affairs

July- A Month of Excitement

Hello Pa 4-Her’s

July has been one of our council’s most busy months so far. It marked our term being half way done. Well, at least for some of us. With the 4-H year changing this year’s council team along with last year’s team has been given the opportunity to serve on a combined council team for six months.
I started out the month by contacting almost every club in my county in hopes to visit them all in a club visit. My work had paid off and I saw my action causing reactions when more and more pop tabs started to be collected.
In the middle of the month our team had the honor of traveling to New Mexico for their 4-H state conference! I had the best time and our team had the chance to do some personal bonding. During our tour to the Heritage center I even got to hold a Tumble Weed! We also had the chance to meet some amazing 4-H members across the nation and learn how to two step.
The last “race” for our team this month was our state 4-H achievement days. We had an awesome time revving everyone up for their contests and different events. Our term as a team is half way over and now core planning will begin for our State Leadership Conference-License to lead. It seems like just yesterday we were all strangers getting to know each other as we put on our green blazers. Now we are a “family” planning for the conference that we will retire from office at. I hope everyone enjoys their last month in summer vacation and good luck to everyone as school starts again!
Your secretary,
Christy Lambert

July-Council Bonding Time!

Hey PA 4-H!
July has been a crazy month for Council; it has also been the most time we have spent together as a team.
This month was one of the highlights of our year-New Mexico! On the 12th, we took flights from State College to Detroit, then to Houston, El Paso, and then an hour drive to Las Cruces, NM at New Mexico State University. As an exchange to the New Mexico 4-H Council’s trip to SLC in January, we took part in their State Conference, which combines the PA idea of SLC and State Days. This was a great bonding experience for our team as well as a way to see a new culture. While there we experienced “real” Mexican food, learning to “two-step” (because that’s the popular way to dance), and saw lots of desert! The best part was meeting the New Mexico Leadership Team and seeing the differences in our 4-H programs. We arrived back in PA on the 18th.
Two weeks later we met at Penn State University for State Days, arriving two days early for our mid-year leadership training. Throughout the week we emceed Opening Ceremonies, the Talent Show, and Closing Ceremonies. We also met with staff from Penn State and toured the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center. I hope you all enjoyed your time at Penn State University and if you did not attend State Days you join us in 2010!
In my own area, I have been attending several events. On July 8th, I attended Teen Day Away with the Central Susquehanna Counties region, which was hosted by Union County. The event had a beach theme and included many water games. I have also done club visits with the Super Stitchers and Just Kidding Goat Clubs of Snyder County as well as schedule two more visits for August.
Enjoy the last few weeks of your summer and I look forward to meeting you at Ag Progress Days!

Jeanette Blank
Council Reporter

“Kind words are like the seats in an airplane. You’ll still get to your destination without them, but the journey is a whole lot more comfortable with them.”

The Land Of Enchantment

Greetings from New Mexico!

At this year's State 4-H Leadership Conference, the New Mexico State 4-H Officer team visited Pennsylvania. We then had the opportunity to exchange and fly to the "Land of Enchantment" for the New Mexico State 4-H Conference. After three flights and an a brief car ride we arrived at The New Mexico State University! That evening we were welcomed by the New Mexico State 4-H Leadership Team over authentic Mexican cuisine at Si Senor's where we got to try green and red chili...delicious! Our first day was busy; helping to run a carnival and welcoming the New Mexico participants. The carnival consisted of an array of activities including pie throwing and a dunk booth which benefited cancer research. During the evening we participated in opening ceremonies. Speakers included Dr. Frank E. Hodnett and Rhett Laubach. Mr. Laubach motivated the crowd through his use of humor and experiences as a former 4-H member. Afterwards a themed dance sponsored by the State Officer took place.

This morning we participated in a New Mexico State University Campus scavenger hunt. This event was a challenge for us because we were very unfamiliar with the landmarks of the facility. The scavenger hunt turned out to me a lovely fast-paced tour of the scenery. Afterward we continued preparations for our Public Speaking workshop which we presented this afternoon. We provided information and educational activities for the participants to take back to their 33 counties and 7,000 4-H members. Currently we are waiting for the campaign speeches of the 2009-2010 Leadership Team to commence.

We look forward to enjoying the rest of our week here in New Mexico and we hope to see you at State Days in 2 weeks!

Sincerely,
The PA State 4-H Council

School is out and Graduation has past. Now begins the endless summer heat, campfires, and
4-H State Achievement Days! remember State Days is in July this year and you State Council has been planning out some last minute details, so "Rev Up" and come out and show off your skills.
This month of June included a Face to Face Council meeting at Penn State University on June 12th for Council. Also this month for me included Northwestern PA's Junior 4-H Camp, and MAAC.
At Camp I was a Senior Counselor so I presented a food workshop to go along with the theme, "AARRRRGH" (Pirates). I had the kids build a ship out of food and on their plates we created an ocean complete with fish and icebergs. At Camp we played a ton of games and sang songs. One song sticks out in my mind above all of them though, it was the Burrito song the New Mexico State Council taught us at State Leadership Conference 2009. The kids loved it because it was new and included food.
MAAC is the Mid-Atlantic Alliance of Cooperatives, and over the summer at Lock Haven University is a State Event that you have to be selected at a regional event to attend. This Cooperative Seminar teaches the basics of Cooperatives through having the kids form their "minicos" which are mini cooperatives. In their mini cooperatives they decide what products they will sell to the other scholars attending. They have to be creative because there is copetition among the minicos. At MAAC I was Scholar Staff. As scholar Staff we assisted Staff and anyone who needed our help and we did vespers and closing cermemonies. At the end of the week we had an amazing banquet and everyone reflected on their week as the scholars who were selected to go to NICE which is the National Event were called.
Remember State Days is coming up FAST so get packing and start planning on attending our State Leadership Conference in February!

Love and Peace

Jamie Forinash
President

June Updates

Happy summer everyone! I hope that everyone is enjoying the nice break so far!

Jeanette and I attended the Farm to Table day on June 6^th in Philadelphia. While we were there, we taught children how to make seed necklaces. Each received a plastic bag, a cotton ball, a bean seed. The cotton ball was placed in water and the kids put that in addition to the seed in a plastic bag. To allow the seed to germinate, holes were punched in the bag to give kids the opportunity to wear the bags around their necks! Jeanette and I also talked with other 4-Hers in Philadelphia county about our roles as a council.

On June 12^th, the council had its first face-to-face (outside of an event) in the Ferguson Building at Penn State Main! During this meeting, we described such topics as our upcoming New Mexico trip, Ag Progress Days, State Days presentation/ SLI, and of course, 2010 Leadership Conference! We selected the awesome color of bright red for our t shirts! We are also working on an awesome opening ceremony presentation for State Days that all of you will be looking forward to!

Have an awesome summer and we’ll see you at State Days!

Alex Stepnoski
2009 Pennsylvania 4-H State Vice President of Conference

It's Summertime...

Hello everyone,
Summer is in full swing and I hope you are enjoying your vacation from school, college, or are spending time with your family. Since last talking with you, I’ve been taking part in many 4-H activities.
On June 6 I had the opportunity to visit a part of PA that I’ve never been to before…the suburbs of Philadelphia. For a small town girl like me, this was a neat experience, and Alex had to laugh at my mom and me for being amazed that they still have ice cream trucks and they aren’t just in the movies (which is the only place I’ve seen them)! Anyway, we attended Fox Chase Farm for their first annual Farm-City Day. Here Alex and I made Seed Necklaces with the kids (check out the June edition of the Clover Clipboard newsletter at ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/ to learn how to make one). We also had a chance to talk with members and club leaders in that area.
On June 8, I participated in Snyder County’s Presentation Night by doing a PowerPoint on “4-H Opportunities”. The following night I visited the Kreamer “All For One” community 4-H club, which was great because that was the club that gave me my start in 4-H. Later that week on the 12th, Council held a Face-to-Face meeting at PSU. We discussed our plans for State Days and SLC as well as our fast approaching trip to New Mexico. We also celebrated Dr. Bruce’s last day as our advisor.
My club, Backyard Bunnies, held a meeting on June 17th at a local park. For most of the meeting, the club aided the Checkout the Silver Project by counting all the soda tabs they collected so far. The total came to 23,360 tabs! Great job guys! Don’t forget to keep up your collection as well!
The Central Susquehanna Counties, made up of Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties, attended Camp Brule June 21-26. As a counselor, I helped with the Rocketry workshop, was a team leader, and helped with the various camp activities. I even took part in a “Cot Circle”, a tradition for the last couple years where counselors sleep with their cots in a circle around the fire ring rather than in their tent. Actually my tent site had a Cot “Corner” because only two of us were brave enough to do it! I met some great kids, and I can’t wait to go back next year!

“Remember when you see someone at the top of a mountain, they didn’t fall there.”- Unknown

Where has this month gone!?

Hello Hello Hello!
Where has the month of June gone to? For me this has been a busy month doing activities for State Council. On June 12th we had a face-to-face meeting of the team at University Park. We talked about so many things, including the up and coming trip to New Mexico. Saturday the 20th I helped the extension educator from my county, Carol Schurman, with a booth at "Stand For Children" at Mack Park in Indiana. The theme was nature so the kids that visited us got to make a bird feeder out of sticks, warn, and cheerio's and get to try to match the names of birds to their pictures. Carol and I also had a 50 second spot on the local radio station where I got to introduce myself as a State Council member. That next Monday, the 22nd, was our county presentation night and I helped as a Council member to run the score sheets and present the awards. This was my June as a Pennsylvania State Council member. Thanks for keeping up with what our team is doing and stay tuned for what will come in the next few months!!

Laura Pifer

Summertime fun!

Hello everyone!
I hope each of you are enjoying your summer now that school has come to a close. It is extremely hard for me to believe that one month has already flown by at record speed! I understand that there are a million and one activities to do this summer, but please take the time to check with your local 4-H educator to find 4-H leadership opportunities available to you such as State Achievement Days at Pennsylvania State University from July 28th to 30th. At events such as State Achievement Days, you not only have the ability to learn about new techniques in your project area,but you also get to listen to experienced speakers and spend time with your friends while exploring Penn State University! What could be better than that!
Your State Officer Team has been busy yet again putting the finishing touches on State Achievement Days, planning for State Leadership Conference’s “License to Lead”, promoting your state service project, and preparing to represent the Pennsylvania 4-H program in New Mexico! On July 12th, we will depart at 4:00 A.M. for New Mexico where we will assist the New Mexico State 4-H Council throughout their State Conference and then return back to Pennsylvania on July 17th.
As I come to a close, I ask to you to please take the time to look into further opportunities within this great state, every event is packed with valuable tools and new ideas which will come in useful for you or your local 4-H program. I also request that you keep collecting pop tabs, gift cards, and/or canned goods for the state service project, Food Checkout Day and if you have any questions at all please feel free to contact me at j.lehman09@gmail.com. Last but not least I would like to leave you with the quote I have promised, I hope you find them as useful as I do.

“The fact is, that to do anything in the world worth doing, we must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in and scramble through as well as we can.” -Robert Cushing

Enjoy your summer and I'll see you at State Achievement Days!
Jessica Lehman
PA 4-H SC Vice President of Internal Affairs

Summer is Flying By

WOW, I can’t believe how fast my first month of summer flew by! It seems like just last week I watched some of my best friends turn their tassels and say good bye to their high school years. As I sit down today to write this blog I have tons of things spinning through my head. I will head out to board an airplane for the first time in my life Monday morning at 1:30 am! I am traveling the whole way to Washington State as part of my county 4-H exchange trip. When I joined 4-H I never thought one of my opportunities was going to be traveling across the country on a set of wings.
Our council team held our first face to face meeting at Penn State University on the June 12th where we all received shocking news. Some changes are being made to the 4-H calendar year. This means the time new officers would take office would no longer make sense. Therefore, the 2008 and 2009 are invited to extend their terms and serve for six months, until July, as a new formed council. Emotions of both excitement and confusion took over. Being on the council is a lot of work but serving for another 6 months would be an honor! At this meeting the team also said goodbye to Dr. Bruce, one of our great fearless advisors.
Our council team is also working hard on a great State Days event! We’re all “Revved up” and hope to “Rev” you guys up as well! Good luck to everyone as they take part in their activities and I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Continue to have a safe summer and good luck to everyone in their livestock summer shows!
Your State Secretary,
Christy Lambert