Hi Everyone! Wow April is done and Prom and Graduation are among us. There have been so many exciting happenings across our state that continue to shape our 4-H program.
The Month of April for me began with Community Service with the Crawford County 4-H Teen Council. We volunteered our time at the Pymatuning Fish Hatcheries for their Annual Spring Open House. We did activities such as teaching youth how to cast fishing poles, and fish printing on t-shirts. Jordan and I took advantage of the option to dress up as “Freddy the Fish”, and “Bobber the Dog.” This month was also officer training with the Crawford County 4-H Teen Council. The Council invited the officers from each of the 48 clubs to be trained specific to their offices.
Instead of a conference call this month our State Council team met one day in advance to Capital Days to have a meeting and prepare for the Capital Days festivities. There we continued to plan State Achievement Days, and State Leadership Conference activities. During Capital Days State Council was the Mistress of ceremonies. Council also had the wonderful opportunity to meet with our State Legislators and the Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. During these appointments we discussed important topics such as the current bills that were on the floor for the Senate and the House. We also talked about the recent cutbacks in agriculture and tourism presented in the Governor’s budget.
The 4H delegates that arrived for Capital Days participated in different workshops such as the parliamentary procedure workshop presented by the Collegiate FFA. That workshop prepared them for the mock legislative sessions. During these sessions the delegates debated three different bills that ranged from topics of possession of tobacco and tobacco use by minors, the witness protection act, and starting school before Labor Day.
Capital Days was our first event as 2009 State Council, and I really enjoyed meeting all of the delegates. Please join us for State Achievement Days.
Until next time,
Jamie Forinash
Pennsylvania State 4-H Council President
“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.” – James Dean
Your 2014 State Council
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April's Happenings!
Wow! April has found me busy with tons of work both for school and council. As the month began I was busy preparing for our council’s first big group event- Capital Days, while attending musical practice and studying for my last nine weeks of my junior year. After much preparation, the council represented 4-H well at our State’s Capital in Harrisburg! This was a learning experience for all of us and gave me so many great memories! Sunday started with our council’s very first opening ceremony followed by mixers. That night we also held our first committee meeting. Up bright and early on Monday the council members had the honor of meeting with our state Representatives and Senators, along with Secretary Wolf. At the end of our very busy day was an exciting evening. The Green and White parties met for the mock legislation followed by a dance and ice cream social. Within the blink of an eye it was time for closing ceremonies on Tuesday. Jeannette and I had the honor of announcing this year’s service project “food check out day.” We mentioned ways to get involved and reminded counties about saving pop tabs for the contest that will take place at next year’s Leadership Conference. I would like to thank all of those who attended this event and hope more plan to attend next year! I look forward to other upcoming 4-H events as summer is approaching.
Christy Lambert
Secretary
Christy Lambert
Secretary
Hey Everyone!
April was yet another amazing month for the 2009 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council. We had a conference call so all six of us members and our advisors Dr. Bruce and Mya Rushton could touch base and get on the same track in preparation for Capitol Days. Then on the 18th Council arrived at the Hilton in Harrisburg to do final . As the preparations for the Capitol Days event. By the time that everyone else arrived at the hotel we were ready for action. That evening, the first committee meetings of the Green and White parties were held. I had the honor of being the Green Party Chair. During the meetings, the delegates went over three bills that had actually gone through the House of Representatives and Senate of Pennsylvania. Monday was an extremely busy day for all. First thing in the morning, after breakfast, the council members headed over to the Capital Building for meetings with legislators. We started out the day by going to a Representative from my area, Representative Sam Smith. He could not meet with us personally so we talked with one of his staff members, Michelle Rudloff. Throughout the rest of the day we were all over the Capital Building, including the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Also during a visit to a Senator Don White, who is also from my county, we had our fist experience on the Senate Floor. We also had the chance to sit down and talk with Dennis Wolff, Secretary of Agriculture, about what his job entails and how it is related to our 4-H program. After our time at the Capital Building was over, we had another chance to re-group with our committees for one last chance to meet before the mock legislative meeting. During the meeting Jessica, the White Party Chair, and I gave our committee reports between each bill that was discussed and Jamie did an amazing job of being the Speaker. Tuesday was our last day in Harrisburg as well as our Legislative Breakfast. There was a good turnout and a lot of chatter between legislators and 4-H members from their respective regions. Throughout our time in the State Capital we also heard from many speakers including: our State program leader Christy Bartley, Gwen Bower who spoke about the legislative process, Lori Connelly who taught everyone about dining etiquette, and Representative H. Scott Conklin. All in all Capitol Days 2009 was a great success. To those who were not there this year, I strongly encourage going to the event in 2010. As for now, have a great month and I will catch up with everyone in May!
Laura Pifer
April was yet another amazing month for the 2009 Pennsylvania State 4-H Council. We had a conference call so all six of us members and our advisors Dr. Bruce and Mya Rushton could touch base and get on the same track in preparation for Capitol Days. Then on the 18th Council arrived at the Hilton in Harrisburg to do final . As the preparations for the Capitol Days event. By the time that everyone else arrived at the hotel we were ready for action. That evening, the first committee meetings of the Green and White parties were held. I had the honor of being the Green Party Chair. During the meetings, the delegates went over three bills that had actually gone through the House of Representatives and Senate of Pennsylvania. Monday was an extremely busy day for all. First thing in the morning, after breakfast, the council members headed over to the Capital Building for meetings with legislators. We started out the day by going to a Representative from my area, Representative Sam Smith. He could not meet with us personally so we talked with one of his staff members, Michelle Rudloff. Throughout the rest of the day we were all over the Capital Building, including the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Also during a visit to a Senator Don White, who is also from my county, we had our fist experience on the Senate Floor. We also had the chance to sit down and talk with Dennis Wolff, Secretary of Agriculture, about what his job entails and how it is related to our 4-H program. After our time at the Capital Building was over, we had another chance to re-group with our committees for one last chance to meet before the mock legislative meeting. During the meeting Jessica, the White Party Chair, and I gave our committee reports between each bill that was discussed and Jamie did an amazing job of being the Speaker. Tuesday was our last day in Harrisburg as well as our Legislative Breakfast. There was a good turnout and a lot of chatter between legislators and 4-H members from their respective regions. Throughout our time in the State Capital we also heard from many speakers including: our State program leader Christy Bartley, Gwen Bower who spoke about the legislative process, Lori Connelly who taught everyone about dining etiquette, and Representative H. Scott Conklin. All in all Capitol Days 2009 was a great success. To those who were not there this year, I strongly encourage going to the event in 2010. As for now, have a great month and I will catch up with everyone in May!
Laura Pifer
April Updates
Greetings!
To prepare for the upcoming Capital Days event, held on April 8th was a conference call where we discussed our meetings with legislators, our bills, and a bit about the AEE banquet and the New Mexico trip.
The council team arrived at the Hilton Hotel for the 2009 4-H Capital Days event in Harrisburg on Saturday, April 18th in order to prepare for the mock legislative sessions, meetings with our legislators, and review other items on our agenda.
To kick off our 4-H Capital Days program, we had our opening ceremonies dinner with our guest speakers: State 4-H program leader, Christy Bartley and Ms. Gwen Bower. Ms. Bower talked with the 4-H delegates about how a bill becomes enacted into law. After dinner, the council team led ice breaker activities Representatives from the Collegiate FFA also came to share information about parliamentary procedure. Afterwards, the information was applied while at the mock party meetings for the majority party (green party) and minority party (white party). The bills that were discussed are House bill 63 regarding the sale of tobacco, Senate bill 111 about the Witness Protection Act, and House bill 188 regarding the start of school before Labor Day.
Monday was very eventful with back to back Senator and Representative appointments. We had the opportunity to meet with Special Assistant to Lieutenant Governor Tony Moscato; Secretary of Agriculture, Dennis Wolff; Senators Charles McIlhinney, Donald White, John Gordner, and Robert Robbins; and Representatives John Evans, David Millard, and Samuel Smith. The council also hosted a working luncheon on table manners with special guest Lori Connelly to prep us for the Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday; the mock legislative meeting with the green and white parties; a banquet with special guest representative Scott Conklin; and Dairy Promotion ice cream social, dance, and movie.
To close the 4-H Capital Days event, on Tuesday, April 21st, the delegates had an opportunity to meet with their legislators at the Legislative Breakfast. At the breakfast, Secretary Wolff and head of Penn State Cooperative Extension, Daney Jackson offered a few words. As Capital Days came to a close, we unveiled the 2009-2010 Service Learning Project, “Check out the Silver”. We ask that counties, throughout the year, start collecting metal tabs from soda and juice cans to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses! Those regions who collect the most tabs will be recognized at the 4-H State Leadership Conference.
In short, the 2009 4-H Capital Days was a great success and we are all looking forward to our trip to New Mexico and State Achievement Days!
Until next time,
Alex Stepnoski
Council Vice President of Conference
Hi everyone,
April brought some wonderful spring weather and also the Council’s first state event.
On April 2, I attended the Union County Teen Council meeting, held in Mifflinburg, PA. While there, I talked about my duties as a State Council member, our Checkout the Silver project, and the upcoming Capital Days. I also led a personality trait test called “How Full Are Your Sails?”. The Teen Council is rather new, so as the meeting progressed they asked for my opinion on various events they plan to do in the coming year.
On April 4, the Central Susquehanna Counties held a mandatory Camp Counselor Training in Sunbury, PA. Here I took part in various training exercises, planning tenting area activities, and choosing workshops to lead. Our region’s 4-H Camp Brule will be held in Sullivan County on June 21-26.
From April 18-21, the Council participated in our first state event…Capital Days, held in Harrisburg at our beautiful capital and the Hilton Hotel. While the members were taking tours of the capital and attending workshops, the Council met with Senators and Representatives from across PA, including: a staff member for Rep. Samuel Smith, Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Woolf, the assistant to the Lt. Governor-Tony Muscato, Rep. John Evans, Senator Donald White, Rep. David Millard, Senator John Gordner, Senator Robert Robbins, and Senator Charles McIlhinney. That evening we held a mock legislative session where we discussed and amended three real bills being discussed by our legislators. The final day it was the members’ turn to meet with legislators at our Annual Legislative Breakfast. This was actually my first time at Capital Days and I enjoyed it very much. You can visit a Capital Days blog at http://pa4hcapdays.blogspot.com/.
“Troubles, like a washing machine, twist us and knock us around but in the end we come out brighter.”
God Bless,
Jeanette Blank
State Council Reporter
April brought some wonderful spring weather and also the Council’s first state event.
On April 2, I attended the Union County Teen Council meeting, held in Mifflinburg, PA. While there, I talked about my duties as a State Council member, our Checkout the Silver project, and the upcoming Capital Days. I also led a personality trait test called “How Full Are Your Sails?”. The Teen Council is rather new, so as the meeting progressed they asked for my opinion on various events they plan to do in the coming year.
On April 4, the Central Susquehanna Counties held a mandatory Camp Counselor Training in Sunbury, PA. Here I took part in various training exercises, planning tenting area activities, and choosing workshops to lead. Our region’s 4-H Camp Brule will be held in Sullivan County on June 21-26.
From April 18-21, the Council participated in our first state event…Capital Days, held in Harrisburg at our beautiful capital and the Hilton Hotel. While the members were taking tours of the capital and attending workshops, the Council met with Senators and Representatives from across PA, including: a staff member for Rep. Samuel Smith, Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Woolf, the assistant to the Lt. Governor-Tony Muscato, Rep. John Evans, Senator Donald White, Rep. David Millard, Senator John Gordner, Senator Robert Robbins, and Senator Charles McIlhinney. That evening we held a mock legislative session where we discussed and amended three real bills being discussed by our legislators. The final day it was the members’ turn to meet with legislators at our Annual Legislative Breakfast. This was actually my first time at Capital Days and I enjoyed it very much. You can visit a Capital Days blog at http://pa4hcapdays.blogspot.com/.
“Troubles, like a washing machine, twist us and knock us around but in the end we come out brighter.”
God Bless,
Jeanette Blank
State Council Reporter
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Hello again!
Hello everyone!
This is Jessica Lehman checking in again! I hope this finds everyone well and ready for the lovely summer weather on it’s way! Thank you for checking up on our blog and staying up-to-date on current happenings in the State 4-H program!
Your officers have had an excellent month full of workshops and traveling. With Capital Days rapidly approaching, we have been busy preparing so you have the most fun and educational experience possible. On March 18th all the officers had a conference call where we covered everything from Capital Day’s appointments (where we get to meet with your Representatives and Senators from across Pennsylvania) to ideas for the “License to Lead” State Leadership Conference in January. On Saturday, March 28th, Laura, Alex, Jeanette, and I headed to Bradford County to present workshops on the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the activities of State Council. After visiting with an array of 4-H members we all returned back to our respective corners of the state to prepare for more adventures to come!
As I bring my letter to a close, please feel free to contact me through my email (j.lehman09@gmail.com), calling me, visiting with me at any of your state events, or inviting the State Officer team to visit one your local activities. I look forward to seeing you at Capital and State Achievement Days! I would like to leave you with another quote which I hope that you find inspirational throughout the last few weeks of school. I will try to leave you one each month and hopefully you find them as valuable as I do!
"The way to learn to do things is to do things. The way to learn a trade is to work at it. Success teaches how to succeed. Begin with the determination to succeed and the work is half done already."
-Anonymous
Until we meet again,
Jessica Lehman
Pennsylvania State 4-H Vice President-Internal Affairs
This is Jessica Lehman checking in again! I hope this finds everyone well and ready for the lovely summer weather on it’s way! Thank you for checking up on our blog and staying up-to-date on current happenings in the State 4-H program!
Your officers have had an excellent month full of workshops and traveling. With Capital Days rapidly approaching, we have been busy preparing so you have the most fun and educational experience possible. On March 18th all the officers had a conference call where we covered everything from Capital Day’s appointments (where we get to meet with your Representatives and Senators from across Pennsylvania) to ideas for the “License to Lead” State Leadership Conference in January. On Saturday, March 28th, Laura, Alex, Jeanette, and I headed to Bradford County to present workshops on the offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the activities of State Council. After visiting with an array of 4-H members we all returned back to our respective corners of the state to prepare for more adventures to come!
As I bring my letter to a close, please feel free to contact me through my email (j.lehman09@gmail.com), calling me, visiting with me at any of your state events, or inviting the State Officer team to visit one your local activities. I look forward to seeing you at Capital and State Achievement Days! I would like to leave you with another quote which I hope that you find inspirational throughout the last few weeks of school. I will try to leave you one each month and hopefully you find them as valuable as I do!
"The way to learn to do things is to do things. The way to learn a trade is to work at it. Success teaches how to succeed. Begin with the determination to succeed and the work is half done already."
-Anonymous
Until we meet again,
Jessica Lehman
Pennsylvania State 4-H Vice President-Internal Affairs
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