Rolling in the New Year

As 2011 fastly approaches it is always great to look back and reflect on the things that happened in 2010. So I don't know about all of you but I have a list of the top 10 exciting things that happened to me during 2010... so here goes nothing. 1.) I Got my driver's license 2.) I got my first Dairy goat (Queen Latifah is her name and she is my pride and joy) 3.) I won the Pride award in band 4.) I got my first job at Scot's Lo Cost (which is soon to be a Weis) 5.) I graduated Montoursville Area High School 6.) I am a freshman at Pennsylvaina College of Techonolgy and I made the Deans list for the first semester 7.) I recieved a 4-H scholarship 8.) I won the most outstanding 4-Her in Lycoming County 9.)This christmas I got an ice cream Maker 10.) I am the New Secretary of 4-H state Council.

It is always nice to take a step back and look at the things you did before you move on. So the challenge is up for everyone. You should think about your most 10 exiciting things that happened in your 2010. Then you will be ready to move on and focus on the new year and your new year resolutions. So for now I hope everybody has a happy and safe New year.

State Council Secretary
~Samantha Gstalder~

Christmas, bagpipes, and the ASVAB

Based on my favorite gift I got this Christmas you'd think I was an 18-year-old in the '70s. The thing that I wanted most this Christmas was a record player. For the last few years my friends and I have been amassing a decent sized record collection of classic rock, polka, and any other genre we felt was necessary to have around. A new favorite pass time of mine now is listening to the Bagpipes of the Royal Scots Dragoons at 45 RPMs while they play amazing grace.

Another thing I've gotten around to doing over my vacation was taking my ASVAB. I buckled down and spent the three days prior to my test date reading The ASVAB for Dummies and actually found the information in it very useful, and would recommend it to anyone who plans on taking it. The book covers all nine of the categories in depth that are on the 225 question test.

Best Wishes to all, and may all your New Year's Resolutions come true!

God Bless.

Seth Jones VP of Internal Affairs

Winter, Oh How I've missed Thee

As December begins, along with deer season, that seems to be the real start of the holiday season for my family and myself. Thanksgiving for us is just a meal together for a couple hours; but deer season? Now that is an entirely different story. For three weeks in a row we spend the majority of our mornings in each other's company sitting in our stands waiting for our four-legged bounty to wander within accurate range of our generation (generations in my youngest cousin's case) old rifles.

Another thing I look forward to in the upcoming weeks is my eighteenth birthday. One of the downsides to being a December baby is no matter what, your party is always weather dependent. On more than one occasion I've had to delay it a week or three. But thankfully my birthday is just barely far enough away (on the 12th) from Christmas that I'm not one of the unfortunate souls that receives only one gift that "counts for both."

Well that is about everything on my mind at the moment, may you all have a wonderful rest of the holiday season with your families and God Bless!

-Seth Jones

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays to everyone here! I hope that your Thanksgiving was great and you had fun with all of your family members. We now know the Christmas is near because we finally have snow. So everyone get ready for some more holidays that are soon to come.

My Christmas is going to be extra special this year because I will spend it with two of my exchange siblings. My host sister from Brazil, Bruna, is coming to visit my family and I for three months, and will be arriving on December 19th. Also my exchange brother, Eray from Turkey, will be here too. My entire family is very excited for Christmas and New Years this year.

As many of you know 4-H National Congress was just held in Atlanta Georgia. I attended this conference and would recommend this to any 4-Her around the country. At National Congress we attended workshops, did community service, went on tours of Atlanta, and practiced leadership skills while meeting 4-Hers from 43 states and Puerto Rico. We also raised over $60,000 to build the second Clover House for the Habitat for Humanity organization. Some of the community service acts we took part in were cleaning parks, raking leaves, reading to underprivileged children, and helped the Books for Africa Program. We had several motivational speakers and all of them were simply amazing.

Happy holidays

Stephen McFall, Sentinel

Relax

As we rap up Thanksgiving and begin to think about Christmas I hope a few things are happening at you and your family's houses. I hope number one: you're eating to much of that tasty holiday food. :) Number two: I hope you're spending lots of quality time with family and friends the memories you make you will cherish for years. And last but not least, I hope you take some time to RELAX!! The months have been crazy and as the year is coming to an end we all need some relaxation so kick back and relax!! Don't allow the holidays to stress you out!! Have a great Christmas, and don't forget to relax!


Happy Holidays
Echo Kincaid
State Council VPO

Remembering to be Thankful

Thanksgiving has come and gone, the Christmas decorations are beginning to find their way out of storage and around the house. The smell of pine, and home baked pies and cookies fill the house. All the leaves have about fallen and the winter jackets are beginning to make an appearance. State Council has had a November of continuing to prepare for our filled January. State Leadership Conference is beginning to come together great! Also we know that as soon as Thanksgiving is over the thoughts and excitement of Farm Show is there. Thanksgiving gave me a time to catch up with some friends since we had a break from college and see family. Oh and not to forget to go and see everyone at the Extension Office, I have not seen in a long time. My first semester of college is coming to a close very quickly. The thoughts of my first semester going so fast truly shows how fast times goes by us. I am enjoying college and State Council and doing my best to take advantage of any opportunity that may come my way. As we all know Thanksgiving is a time of being thankful, I can honestly say I am blessed and very thankful to be one of seven teens who is getting the chance and privilege to represent PA 4-H. Hope everyone enjoyed their turkey and got lucky enough to see that trophy buck on the first day!

"Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out" -John Wooden

Enjoy Your Holiday Season!

- Logan Hall
2010 -2011 Pa State 4-H President

Gobble Gobble

Gobble gobble as the turkeys would say. As December is almost here Thanksgiving just ended. It was a nice six day break from school and good time with the family. My thanksgiving vacation started off great because we had two baby goats born and they are so cute. I named the little boy Eli and my sister named the little girl Izzy. They are both doing great and are healthy.
With all the excitement of the babies the next day was Thanksgiving. I love helping out in the kitchen. I made the pumpkin pie for dessert, and pan gravy which was very good if I do say so myself. Its always great to take time out the busy day life and enjoy time to relax and spend time with family. I hope everybody had a happy and safe Thanksgiving !!!

State Council Secretary
~Samantha Gstalder~

Season For Families

As Thanksgiving has just ended and I am still eating all the great leftovers, which is better than the meal in my opinion and watching plenty of football I find that that all truly doesn't matter as long as my family is together and enjoying themselves. That is the true meaning of this season. In the times that we live in it seems that money and material things get in the way of what truly matters to us and the core of our backgrounds and what the country needs to come back to. I have found that those moments with your family and loved ones are never returnable or replaced once they are gone they never come back. a job, shirt or computer is but a brother, mother of father are not. So no matter what that annoying boss may say the true meaning of this season is truly the heart of the matter. Family.

May God Bless,
Jonathan Yoder Reprtor/Historian

Getting colder, Growing Closer.

It is getting to that time of year when we slow down a little bit, and become a closer family. But for me I'm still staying very busy just like all of us state council members. In a couple weeks I am flying out of State College airport heading to Georgia to go to National Congress. I am very excited for National Congress, I will have the opportunity to meet 4-H'ers from all over the United States. And just yesterday we had Halloween, for Halloween me and my family all get together and we have a lot of fun. But it was cold, really cold here but we had a good time as a very good close family. I hope all of you reading this and everyone else have a very good month and happy Thanksgiving.

It's that time to dress up again

As the 31st dawned upon my friends and I we had to decide what to wear. Having no idea what to wear we just went and bought wigs. This head dress was not only a wig it's the world famous Mullet wig best thing ever invented. It was time to get candy, we did feel like 10 year old's again, it's funny seeing 17 year old kids have so much fun. Now all the candy down the hatch we wonder what's next? Maybe some turkey...Eh i cant wait for the snow!!! Winter is my FAVORITE season. When I was in grade school I loved waking up and seeing the 6 inches of snow, that had just fallen, covering the road and hope school is delayed. This year I am on my schools co-op program and go to work at 6:30am and work till noon then school. I still love waking up and seeing the snow cover the roads, just because I have my 4x4 truck to play on the roads. But I want this year to go slow. But any who untill next time your President of Events,

CJ Adams

Changing Leaves, Carhartt Vest, and Apple Cider FALL IS HERE

From the leaves changing colors to straw bales with pumpkins everywhere for decorations you know Fall has truly arrived. As council members, we are all continuing to grow closer and the friendships are getting stronger but we are always getting to see those hidden sides of members, that is their creative side. The October meeting was held in State College and every council member came dressed for the season. There was the pirate, the superheroes, the ninja, the Renaissance man, the reality star, and the none other than the State Council Advisors. Everyone is beginning to understand how each other works best and the certain strengths that one may have that another may not. A few of us helped out at the Bucks County 4-H Office Training the night before the meeting in State College so it was a busy weekend for State Council. I have to say guys this time I was really lucky to only have a five minute drive from Del Val to the training, no worries though the luck will get passed around. We are all in the thrill of planning the State Leadership Conference, it is going to be a great weekend! Don't miss out, register at your County Extension Office!!!!! As each activity passes the memories continue to be made, the leadership skills begin to become stronger, and the friendships become closer.

-Logan Hall
2010 - 2011 4-H Pa State Council President

Ready for Winter

I would have to say that October is definitely one of my favorite months of the year. Despite the fact that it means that the school year is now in full swing, It is without a doubt the most beautiful month up here in northwestern PA. It also means archery, squirrel, and bird season. In case you hadn't caught on, I'm pretty much a hunting fanatic. I might just be one of those people that prays for snow during those cold winter months, so that in case my aim is a little off tracking my deer is much much easier. I actually look forward towards spending a few hours at the gun club and making sure my rifles are all sighted in.

On another note this school year is looking pretty good, and funny enough three of my teachers are either transferring to another school next year, or are retiring so they too have a similar condition to "senior-itis."

Thanks for reading my entry!

God Bless.

As council continues

As our council year continues we are all beginning to become more comfortable with each other learning more and more about each other every time we talk! We are learning to work together better and are having fun doing it. This month we had our first face to face meeting and I think all of council would agree we accomplished alot even though the meeting had to be cut down an hour do to half of council traveling to Bucks County (Close to the Jersey line) to help with their officer training on Friday night!! The officer training was a learning experience for not only the kids attending but council also because there were 3 of us each teaching a different office at the same time with different slide shows in the same room. A challenge yes, but we did it and I think the kids got alot out of it. The meeting the next day was fun. With council dressed up in there favorite Halloween costumes from Jersey shore characters to Batman, and even a pirate everyone looked great. We all had fun working on our State Leadership Conference. We are working hard making it a State Leadership Conference no one will forget. Council keeps us busy with monthly activities but we do not only promote 4-H together at state events we go back to our counties and work just as hard to promote 4-H. This month was a busy month for all 4-Hers since we had National 4-H week at the beginning of this month and alot of counties are wrapping up the year getting ready for a new one. In my home county (Somerset county) we had our awards banquet where I was asked to give a brief description of State leadership conference. I then did community service work at Red Ribbon Kickoff in my county promoting 4-H to the less fortunate kids in my county. Along with all my 4-H activities I have to keep up on my school but yet I still look forward to all the 4-H activities to come and am already excited to start the month off preparing for the farm show with my animals and with my square dance team. So as I finish up this post I would like to say Happy Halloween and have a safe and happy month until next time my fans!!

Sincerely
Your State Council
Vice President of Operations
Echo Kincaid

The most wonderful time of the Year

As Penn State football is in full swing and hunting season is to come this above all seasons is my favorite time of the year. Even though I am not a big fan to walk down my driveway everyday to catch that dreaded school bus=, the brown, orange, red, and bright yellow leaves make it all a little better and the occasional squirrel or a deer walking past the creek give me something to watch as I wait. Many people say fall is just the lead way to the long dreaded and dreary winter. I think winter is the warm up to the green spring. To leave everyone this month with a thought, the other day as I was in literature class I read a quote by an untitled writer. It went like this, "You will miss 100% of the shots you do not take in life. thanks for listening."

Sincerely
Jonathan Yoder.
2010-2011, Pennsylvania State 4-H Historian/Reporter

Trick or Treat

October, the month of ghouls, ghost, and goblins, but for me it was 4-H. It was a very busy month for me, as it started off as National 4-H Week. During that week I went to National Youth Science day and I gave a presentation to 4th graders at Loyalsock Valley Elementary School. I also had a few 4-Hers and I record a PSA to give to the local radio stations for them to play them throughout the week. All of these events were ways to promote the 4-H program and they were all very successful.
I even enjoyed a fall break from college and during that break I went with my 4-H club on a Haunted Hayride. The Hayride was fun and of course scary. Its something my club does every year and its always a blast, but the people with chainsaws scare me every time! School, work and council have been keeping me very busy because before I know it, its almost Halloween. So for thoes of you who are trick or treating tonight or tomorrow night Have a Happy and safe Halloween!

State Council Secretary
~Samantha Gstalder~

Stepping up to the challenge.

So far, since I have been elected to the position of Historian/Reporter on the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council it has been like a dream. I wasn't sure about the reporter part at first, but I became pretty good at technology in a short period of time. With everything going on in my life I have been keeping up with time management. I have lived by the saying that when a challenge is sent your way it is your duty to step up to it. No matter how big or small if you set your mind to it you can achieve it. Over the Summer and into this school year that quote has helped me out. I hope it does the same for you.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Yoder
2011/2011 Council Reporter and Historian

New friends or is it a family?

This August we all took the challenge to be on state council. We were all unsure of what we were getting ourselves into. We are still unsure of all the challenges ahead but I must say I am already enjoying the new friends I have made. Although I don't see them much right now, we all keep in touch like a distant family. This family is bound together with the love of 4-H. As our council year goes on I'm sure I will think of my fellow council members more and more like brothers and sisters and I'm sure I will think more and more of my advisors as the year goes on. I feel the year is off to a good start. We made a lot of progress at our training weekend and got a lot accomplished on our first conference call. I feel the 4-H Keystone Society tailgate was a huge hit and I had a lot of fun (even though Logan and I froze our hands off dipping ice cream). It's one of the little things I will remember about my council experience. I feel that our council works together well and that we accomplish a lot. I'm already having loads of fun on council and I think the other members are too. I just want to remind everyone to be thinking about State Leadership Conference you won't regret attending!

Until next time,

Your State Council Vice President of Operations,

Echo Kincaid :-)

Seth's Aptly Titled Blog Entry

This July, I decided I was going to run for PA State 4-H Council. I didn’t really know what State Council was all about, but I just felt like it was something I had to at least attempt. And I am sure glad I did! Every past member that I have talked to has said that it had been their single most rewarding experience yet. I can’t wait to grow and hopefully get those same benefits that they did.

Also, this year I started my senior year of High School. So this means I’ve spent most of this summer tying to get my 50 hours of volunteer work in for my senior project. I have been spending my hours dressed as "Eddie the Gun Safety Eagle". Eddie Eagle is a gun safety program that is sponsored by the NRA. Unfortunately twenty five pounds of polyester eagle on a hot summer afternoon isn't my idea of a good time. But I know that this program has benefited countless youth across the nation, since its development in 1988. I am so thankful that my 4-H leader for recommending it to me.

Despite the fact that summer is gone and fall is coming, closely followed by winter; winter means that my Dead Eye shooting 4-H club is going to be starting up soon. Dead Eye is not a club that runs all year round like many other ones do; so I am one of those few people that actually looks forward to December and January.

I'm Seth Jones, PA 4-H State Council VP of Internal Affairs, signing out.

God Bless.

Coming Back

Last year I spent my sophomore year of high school in Brazil as a foreign exchange student, which taught me to appreciate what I do in life and to do the most I can possibly do. While I was in Brazil I thought a lot about my 4-H clubs and the opportunities that they gave me. I thought it would be a good idea to run for council, I was the first person from my county, McKean county, to be on Pennsylvania State 4-H Council.

As I got back I have gotten back into the swing of 4-H and am now the president of McKean county council. One very inspiring person has passed away in our 4-H, Mr. Larry Stratton. He has been involved in 4-H since the 1940's. I have always looked up to him as a leader and a friend. So I initiated an award called the Larry Stratton award because he was such and inspiring person, we thought it would be appropriate.

Council is a challenge to balance with school, friends, sports, family and everything else we do in our daily lives. But I believe it will be a very rewarding experience to have. I am looking forward to a great year with all the new people I will meet and my new council friends that I can trust and ask questions without being judged.

All the Best,

Steve McFall
2010/2011 Sentinel

A Whirlwind of Adventure

These last two months have been such an adventure for me. The start of August meant State Achievement Days was just around the corner. I was getting prepared and nervous at the same time, knowing that I was running for state council. This was the first year that the 4-Hers running for state council would have to give a campaign speech. This speech was one of the hardest speeches I have ever given, and it definitely took me out of my comfort zone. That following day I found out I made it, I am the new 2010-2011 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council Secretary. Little did I know, state council would continue to take me out of my comfort zone.

With just being inducted into office, I was ready to head off to my first week of college. I am currently a freshman at Pennsylvania College of Technology, majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts. It was hard at first to adjust to the college life but I slowly got into the flow of things. Now that I am taking on College and Council my responsibilities have doubled. The State Council training was the first major challenge. It was long, tiring, and information overload! But the six other council members and I made it through the long days, we have learned so much about each other throughout that weekend, and we will continue to build our friendships.

After the training the work for council really had begun. To start off I attended the 4-H Tailgate which was a new experience for me. It was cool to see all the donors of 4-H, and I was able to meet a few of them. I spoke to one couple (before it was game time), and I asked them how they got involved in 4-H? The lady I spoke to said "she is a 4-H leader and they used to have different clubs for different activities". I asked her what kind of activities, her reply was "roller skating, bowling, .... and even stilt walking! I couldn't believe it, I guess 4-H really does take people to new heights (literally). It is awesome that 4-H can make that much of an impact.

September just flew by and National 4-H week is almost here. With me being on State Council this is the week to shine! I am getting ready to participate in National Youth Science Day which will be held at Penn State on October 6th. I will also be giving a presentation at Loyalsock Valley Elementary School, this will be for all the 4th graders and I will be talking about what 4-H is and some of the the opportunities in 4-H. I am excited to spread the word about 4-H and what the program means to me. This truly is an opportunity of a life time and so far, State Council has definitely been a whirlwind of adventure!

State Council Secretary
~Samantha Gstalder~

Another Chapter Begins

As my last years in 4-H I figured I would just do the same old things. Go to the fair, attend meetings, and go to camp. But this year is going to be way different. I decided to become a State Council Leader and make something different happen. We all met, a group of kids from all over Pennsylvania and had no clue about each other. At our first time together, at training weekend, we really got to know each other and are now good friends. Now I have a new group of friends to ask for advice and can trust to help me. With a busy year ahead of us we pushed through the weekend and moved onto new challenges.
As my 4-H year continues I get to travel to Georgia for National Congress. This is a new experience and cannot wait for it. Our regional camp is coming up and I can't wait to start planning for a great week of fun. As this new chapter starts I can only imagine all of the good times to come this year on State 4-H Council!

As Old Journeys End…New Ones Are Waiting To Begin

The high school years have came to an end for me and the fears of closure to 4-H came with graduation. I still had another year but with being hours away at college I knew I was going to have to take my name off several activities I help with in our county. Then I took the challenge! Starting college was not a big enough thrill for me, with my last year being in 4-H I wanted to take it to the limit. I ran for Pa 4-H State Council, a challenge...yes, a thrill....yes, questioning thoughts...of course. I knew I wanted to be on council, every year always returning to SLC I would talk to the council members and they would always say you should run for council, normally forgetting about it until the next event or missing the deadline or fearing to accept the task itself was always those barriers for me. But this year I knew if the steps weren't taken the regret of the unknown would be with me far past my 4-H years. In August I took stepping outside the comfort zone to a new level, speaking in front of 800 of my peers, leaders, and educators was the task that awaited. Was I nervous, no....I mean not until my name was called to give my speech. I did my best, I gave my presentation, I gave it my all in the interview and I think it paid off. My name is Logan Hall and I am YOUR 2010 - 2011 Pa 4-H State Council President. My term got on its way, along with other council members we helped at Ag Progress Days, attended and bonded at training weekend, (Sorry Mya the girls are gone and yea I guess you can say bromance at its best plus two girls haha ), and the Keystone Tailgate at PSU are just the very beginning activities I have taken part in. It is all starting to take full swing now, college, state council, family, friends. Post it notes, well they may have became my best friend. I cant wait to represent PA 4-H for the next year and get to know the other council members better as well as the entire 4-H Community. Oh and yea State Council benefits already took place too...PSU Game WE ARE PENN STATE. Getting to experience a person's first PSU Football game is priceless and unforgettable. Thanks Rebecca it was well worth rockin out the brown dress shoes and tan pants for it. Well PA 4-H I can't wait to represent each and everyone of you with the rest of council at all the state and local events. Let the journey begin 2010 - 2011 council!

Pa 4-H State Council President,
Logan Hall

...not quite the end

It is hard to believe that only 10 years ago I began my journey as a 4-Her. It seems like just yesterday I was running around the barns with all my friends at the Clarion County fair...and making new ones along the way. As I continue and soon end my journey through 4-H I continue to make good friends and more amazing memories. As the fair week comes to an end I realize that my time as a 4-Her is also drawing to an end. But I don't think of it as the end...just another stepping stone in my journey to becoming...a "grown up". Because when I "grow up" I want to be a 4-H leader! I want kids to have the amazing experience I've had. And while I haven't been able to fill up 4 paragraphs. I hope that everyone who reads this will realize just how much 4-H has meant to me and always will!
For the last time as
2010 4-H State Council Secretary,
Rachel Gruver

It's not forever

This is not forever... It may be my last post as a State Council Member but this will most certainly not be the end of 4-H in my Life. I've begun my journey as Adult Volunteer in Crawford County. It's only a matter of time before I have a club of my own to Lead and encourage.

State Days which is only in a few days will be the last event for the 2010 council as a council. So if you are attending you better be ready to have a TON OF FUN!!! the Green Gala is gonna rock! You're going to have fun attending all your events, meeting people from around the state, and chillen with The Coolest Girls in Pennsylvania, The 2010 State 4-H Council Girls that is. =)
Remember, like the Black Eyed Peas say in their one song... To Live it Up!

This month I've been promoting 4-H around the county. I've painted my car again as well as others and have helped with a few local fundraisers. This summer has especially been a special one for me and 4-H because I've found myself sharing my story as well as others 4-H stories of how the program impacted our lives. I did some volunteering this month of July. I feel I especially made a difference in one of my elders lives when I volunteered to go on a trip to walmart. I was paired with him and needless to say he was so excited that he spent all his money in the first 10 minutes that we arrived. So I improvised. We tried on hats and sunglasses and we sang some camp songs (The Lemme Song!!!) and we played some camp games too like Squirt! Vincent said this was the best time he's had with anyone at Walmart.

For me, 4-H has encouiraged me to be outgoing like this example, and think quickly on my feet. It has helped me in the workplace as well. I recently had a promotion and I know my time on council helped me with my interview skills as well as just my people/proffesional skills in general.

4-H has made such a difference in my life, and I hope anyone who was a shy 10 year old kid like I was, has a parent like mine that will begin this program with their child because it will really make a difference. I owe my accomplishments to this program. I reccomend it to anyone! And anyone interestred in making a difference and representing Pennsylvania remember to apply for State 4-H Council at State Days!

See you all there, and remember to stay safe during all your summer activities.

To my fellow Council members, This is not the end, but only the beginning of the greatest days of our lives!!

It has been truly Wonderful,

Jamie Forinash

2010 Council Vice President of Operations

So Long, Farewell

Hey PA!
It's hard to believe that this is my last Council blog entry and in less than a week I will be hanging up my green jacket for good.

July 7th was my region's Teen Day Away. We played carnival-themed games throughout the day and had time to hang out with other teens.

This month Council had a Face to Face meeting where we did a lot of preparation for State Days. We finished our scripts for Opening Ceremonies, practiced daily scripts, and started decorations. Also in the afternoon we watched all your video entries for the contest. We saw some great videos, but you will have to come to State Days to see the winners revealed! Council has an exciting schedule while all of you are enroute to University Park; we have an appointment with Penn State President Graham Spanier, among others! We promise that Opening Ceremonies will be entertaining and full of sparkle! We are also excited to see how our new selection process for the next Council will work with the new voting system.

Sadly this is also the 2010 Council's final event as the Induction Ceremony will now take place at the conclusion of State Days. This has been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I wouldn't change a thing. I know that every Council member before me has said this and I probably didn't believe them then, but being on Council has changed my life. It's not as hard for me to start a conversation with someone I don't know and my time management skills are better than they were before! I recommend Council to anyone who is really passionate about 4-H.

I wish the best to my fellow teammates; they are some of the greatest people in the world and I'm proud to call them my friends! I love you all!

I can't wait to see you all at State Days!

For the last time, in the spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank
State Council President

Goodbyes

July has flown by and as we approach August I only have a few days left in office. Last year I was asked to be on the 2010 interim council. It took me some time to think about it but I agreed to do council just once more. I had the chance to attend the State leadership conference in January where I was inducted back into council. As the year went on the team went from being team members to being best friends. We have our share of funny jokes and some will make me laugh to the day. I know as I close this term our council has become strong young women. We share moments of laughter, and have been shoulders to cry on when we needed to just talk about something.
This month I went to a council visit where I promoted state days and also penny wars. They have been collecting pennies and some silver change to bring to state days. I went to my county fair where I did a presentation on my experience on council and a little about council to help promote it to the kids. The adults that attended liked that I talked about my experiences that way it gave the kids an idea of what goes on while serving 4-H.
The council team got together to finish our plans with state days. It was a long but successful day as we accomplished a lot! As the finishing touches will be added when we get to state college next week but we got a lot of the major details done. The Green Gala as the theme is a great way to show off talent and with the launch of the video contest. Members that submitted videos are in the chance to win $100 to $150 for their county! How exciting is it to win money to help your county! I would be excited! Open calls for state council applications are also being taken at state days. This is new this year as members can apply at state days to be on council.
I have finished the scrapbook and hope that as it gets passed to the advisor it can show other councils what we have done in 2010. We have been able to meet some amazing people over the year and the scrapbook can help show what we have done as a council.
As my time in council comes to an end, I wish the new council lots of luck as you start your journey as a 4-H state council member. You will represent an amazing program that helps the children. Where that green jacket with pride and promote the 4-H program around the state. Don’t judge your fellow council members before you get to know them. Work as a team and become friends. You never know you could end up becoming best friends by the end of the term. Just remember….. You are the face of 4-H. Serve them proud!
As I hang up my jacket for the last time, I hope the new council wears there’s with pride! I wish my fellow council members the best of luck on their journey’s, where ever life will take them!

Justine Bush
Historian/news reporter

Hanging up the Jacket

When I signed up for 4-H nine years ago I had no idea that I would be sitting here tonight writting my last blog as a state officer! Its been a CRAZY past year and a half! Over the year I changed SO much as a person!. I saw myself showing leadership skills in both the team and in all my other activities. I would honestly never be the person I am today without the experiences I have had as a council member. Traveling the state and getting to make friends with the rest of the team are moments I would never trade for anything in the world! Council has honestly helped me find myself when I didn't even know I was lost.

I told myself if I was asked to do it again I would say yes in a heartbeat. So in July when asked to serve a half term to help with the transition between councils I knew yes was my only answer. In January I headed to State Leadership Conference again and this time came home Vice President of Events! It was sad saying goodbye to Laura, Alex, and Jess but I have had a great time becoming new friends with Justine and Rachel!

Over the year, you the 4-H members. have seen the put together, serious council team always ready for the next task. However, I must say behind the curtain there is alot of craziness that goes on. We have our share of laughs and fun. We have countless inside jokes, laughed at our "dumb" moments, and even grew closer as we became the shoulders we each could cry on.

For those of you who are applying for council my best of luck to you. My advice is to never shut your eyes for a minute because you don't want to miss anything. Take all the brick walls you may have up down and be open to let council change you as a leader and as a person! You are representing an AMAZING program and should always be proud. Trust me, if you take your office seriously you will be wanting to never take that hot green jacket off. You will get the chance to be taught by some of the best people you'll ever meet. Take their advice to heart. Be friends with your team-you may find your new best friend or sister/brother at heart.

In less than a week I will drive to State College for the last time as an officer and hang up my now ,well broken in jacket. But I will forever take with me the memories, friendships, and lessons I have made. 4-H will always have a special place in my heart where ever my life takes me!

Good Luck to everyone next week!

For the last time your State VPE,

Christy Lambert

Blue Skies

There has been a lot going on this month Of June.... I'm sure everyone has been very busy across the state visiting family, going to the beach, having campfires, bailing hay, and getting a tan. These are some things I have been up to as well. I'm still working on my tan but hopefully by State Days I'll have a nice one. Remember to get your Health forms in for State Days and to finish signing up for the different categories you wish to display your talents.

I'm definately ready for State Days, and I can't wait to see the possible council inductees! If you are interested in becoming a State Council member please fill out the application as soon as possible. Applications are also available at State Days. I enjoyed my terms on Council and I recommend it to anybody who cares about the program and would like to make a difference. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at ps4hc.jforinash@gmail.com. I'd be more than happy to help in any way i can.

I hope you all submitted a video for the State video contest. I saw a couple and if I might add they look great! This month of June I helped out with the presentation contest in Crawford County. I'd just like to say good work and congratulations to all the participants and youth that placed. You all did very well and you could definately tell how hard you practiced on your speeches. Some of them were very informational and I enjoyed them. In Crawford County this month a couple members from their county council and myself promoted 4-H by writing on our vehicles with window paint and driving around the city of Meadville. We handed out pamphlets at a local eatery and answered questions about the program hoping to increase enrollment.

Remember to stay hydrated while you are out on your adventures this next month. Be careful on the 4th with the sparklers or other festive activities. And remember to Laugh and Smile uncontrollably, It's Summer, so enjoy it.

Stay cool,

Jamie Forinash
Vice President of Operations

Sunshine and Summertime....

Hey PA 4-H!
Wow this has been a busy month! Between Council, 4-H responsibilities in my county, my internship with Extension, and an additional 4-H internship, things have been crazy for me.
On June 3, I visited the Union County Teen Council during their monthly meeting. I talked with them about State Days, how to be on Council, and led a teambuilding activity that they all enjoyed.
On June 5, Justine and I traveled to Philadelphia for Farm to Table Day. There we did a soap-making project with the kids and talked to them about 4-H.
Council also had a Conference Call this month where we did planning for State Days. Our Opening Ceremonies script is in the works and we hope you will enjoy it!
During the week of the 20th, I attended Camp Brule as a counselor along with other staff and campers from Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties. It was a great week! It was bittersweet though for me because it was my last year as a counselor. During the week I served as one of two Key Counselors, sometimes called Junior Camp Directors. Part of my responsibility was to teach a workshop for the Campers-at-Training (CATs). They will hopefully all be counselors next year.
We can't wait to see you all at State Days and look forward to seeing those entries for the video contest! Remember to bring your spare change for the Penny Wars and keep saving those soda tabs for the Ronald McDonald House at SLC!
Please check out our NEW Council homepage: http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu , our newsletter, The Clover Clipboard and our Facebook page called Pennsylvania 4-H.

In the spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank
PA State Council President

Favorite Time of Year

Some say that Christmastime is the most wonderful time of the year...but not me. For me, it's the crazy wonderful time of SUMMER! The fairs & showing horses....it's the best. Although this year summer has brought on something new, the thought of council being over in just a few short months...it's hard to believe everything we've been through. I'm sure most of my fellow 4-Hers are busy preparing their projects for the fairs! Good Luck to everyone & hope everything goes well. I know the Council girls and I are busy preparing for an awesome STate Days...can't wait to see what you guys come up with in terms of videos! :) Good Luck everyone
Your State Council Secretary,
Rachel

Sun Shine and Summer

The sun is shinning and the warm weather is here! What does that mean? Its summer time!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe in about a month I will be done with State council. The time has flown but it has been the best experience I had and was glad to be able to do it again. July 1st is the deadline for the Green Gala Video Contest. Did you submit your best 4-H project, recruitment or county council video yet? You still have a little bit of time. And your county can win up to $150! Your video will be featured at the opening of state days! Good luck to all video contestants! Also at State days is PENNY WARS! Bring your pennies and other lose change and see which region can win! All procees go to the Ronald McDonald house!

During the month I was able to travel to Philidelphia with Jeanette to help with the Fox Chase Table. We made soap with the children and adults that stoped at our table. It was very rewarding to be able to talk with the parents about my experience in 4-H, how it has helped me in life and the activities their child could get involved in. A lot of the parents thought this was a great program and signed their child up an took more information on the programs. Hopefully they can join clubs and start gainning the benefits like I was able to.

I started my volunteer work again and I am having fun while doing it. I get to help at the front desk of an independent living center. While working their I help by answering the phone and door, while entering information into the computer. Some times it gets caotic but I deal with one thing at a time.

State council is busy working on State Days and hope it will be fun for everyone. For more information be sure to check the website or contact your local 4-H office! Deadline is approach fast!

Hope everyone's summer is great!

Until then

Justine Bush
Historian/Reporter

Summer Time is here!

Hey guys!
I am super excited about summer time. Just two weeks ago I stood on stage giving my graduating class of Berlin Brothersvalley High School my farewell address. The whole time I kept thinking "o man, It's a good thing I competed in all those 4-H public speaking events 'cus that's alot of people!" I managed to make it through without crying and keep receiving compliments on my speech. Moral of the story, the next time your mom makes you take a 4-H project you don't want to. Do it! You never know when it might come in handy!

I have been enjoying my summer by showing in several Jack Pot shows in Bedford and Somerset Counties. Although my lamb and goat (Kia and Lexie) don't seem to place as well as I would like, I enjoy every minute of it!

Our council has been busy figuring some things out for State Days which is right around the corner! We have some special ideas for opening ceremonies and are already getting sad about turning our jackets in during closing ceremonies. Traveling the state for the past year and half is something I am sure none of us would trade for anything in the world!

This coming week I look forward to traveling to Greensburg to help at Regional Fashion Revue!
I hope you all continue to have a safe and fun summer and that I see you at State Days!
Christy Lambert

State VPE

It seems that time is passing more quickly now that school is out for the summer. I can hardly believe that it's 80 degrees and higher, with cloudless skies, and the sun shining outside nearly al the time now. I remember when it was 10 degrees and i had snow up to my hip! Seems like only yesterday ... It was only yesterday it feels like that we were inducted as the 2010 council at the State Leadership Conference. Speaking of inductions, Applications to be on State 4-H Council are now available!!! It's an amazing opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, and climb the leadership ladder! On council, I've made so many memories, and made the most amazing friends ever. 4-H is about making connections, learning, and creating leaders. I recommend this experience to anyone! Contact any of our coucil members, your extension office, and check us out on facebook for more information.
Reminder: Applications will still be accepted at State Days. This years theme is the GREEN GALA. It's definately gonna rock!! Be there. =)

Enjoy the beautiful weather while it's here,
Until Next time,

Jamie Forinash
Vice President Operations
ps4hc.jforinash@gmail.com

WOAH! Time is slipping by so fast! It's hard to believe I'm a high school graduate already, seems like just yesterday I was a little 8 year old girl showing my lamb for the first time. :) Well as I'm sure most of you are I have been crazy busy with work, graduation, more work, and working on the farm. Fair season is starting soon and I'm super excited. And as for the State Council girls and I...we've been busy planning things for State Days, it's going to be amazing && I hope to see everyone there at the GREEN GALA! It's going to be tons of fun. We'll be meeting in July to get the final details all worked out. Until the next time.
Your secretary,
RACHEL :)

Sunshine and green clovers

Hey Pa 4-H!
This month has been crazy for me with just about everything! Over the past month I have been getting ready to graduate. As my senior class treasurer I have been having fun planning different events like prom, graduation and senior fun week. This month I also was able to travel to Wallops Island for part of my Advanced Biology class where I had a blast jumping into huge mud pits, fishing, and identifying animals on hikes. On the trip I was actually able to meet 4-Hers from Virginia. Its amazing how universal the 4-H clover is and how it can start a conversation anywhere! Our council had a conference call this month were we made some huge leaps on our opening ceremonies for State Days! We all hope that back in your home counties you are preparing videos to be part of our contest. We also hope that you begin to save up coins for our penny war! I had my first livestock show yesterday at the Bedford county fair grounds. It was a great time even with the hot sun and heat. 4-H members from all around did an AMAZING job and I enjoyed seeing you all!
Take care and congradulations to the Class of 2010!
Christy (VPE)

It's Summer!

My summer started out with a crash, bang, boom! Well it literally did start with a crash. I wreck my car on the 12th. I am doing much better than I thought. I am slowly going back to work and seeing how much I can handle. I still get headaches but they say that it is normal. I am so thankful that my seat belt was on or people said I could of been dead. :(

Dispite being in a wreck I went to my county council meeting where I promoted both video contest and penny wars. One person seemed interest in the video contest and hopefully they will submit one. They are very excited to help with the penny wars service project and will be helping with it.

I have also submitted an article on Penny wars for the lycoming county news letter that was included in this months. This will help people understand the new service project and get more members to participate. There was also an article on the video contest. Members will have a better understanding of this contest and hopefully more videos will be submitted for State Days.

Council had a phone conference this month where we talked about State Days. It was great to be able to talk and figure out how we want the couple of days to look. We all had some great ideas and if we plan right most of them will be able to be implimented those days.

On June 5th Jeanette and I will be attending the Fox Chase day where we have planed to make soap with the children. This is the first time I will be attending and hope to have fun with the children.

As summer comes around and school lets out, good luck with project animals and also those project books! Fair is coming up and will be here around the corner!

until then,

Justine Bush
2010 Historian/Reporter

Here Comes Summer...

Summer is definitely on its way! We've been having some beautiful weather in Snyder County. Best of luck to all of you who are finishing up high school, including our own State Council members, Christy and Rachel, who will be attending college in the fall. Congratulations!

This month was not a very eventful month for me Council-wise. I attended my club's meeting this month after I came home from college. It was great because I haven't seen many of them in a long time.

We had a Council Conference Call this month where we mostly talked about State Days planning. Council is so excited to see your entries for our Green Gala video contest! We are in the process of making our script, choosing decorations, and deciding how we will spend our last days of Council.

This month I started an internship with the Snyder County Cooperative Extension Office. I'm working as the Agriculture Assistant where I work on programs like Well Water Quality, Noxious Weeds, and organizing a Grower's Market. It has been interesting to see the other side of Extension besides 4-H. I have now decided that if I do work in Extension after college, it will be 4-H related!

On June 5, Justine and I will be attending Farm City Day in Philadelphia County where we will be doing a project making soap. If you will be in the area, stop by Fox Chase Farm and say hello!

Please check out: our NEW Council homepage, http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/, our newsletter,. the Clover Clipboard, at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm, our Facebook page called Pennsylvania 4-H and our Twitter page, at PA4-H.

In the spirit of 4-H,

Jeanette Blank

2010 State Council President

End of the School year!!

Oh the weather outside is Sunny!! Finals week is finally upon us, students are moving out of their dorms, and the clovers are blossoming. Today I am anticipating my last final, so I can finally say that Freshman year has been completed.

This evening I visited the Erie County Council Meeting and talked about what State 4-H Council does. They had questions about some of the times council meets and the events we plan and MC. I was also asked about Capital Days. That event just happened recently.
At Capital Days this year I was the Chair for the Majority Party, The Green Party. We practiced our Parli-Pro and debated three Bills currently in the House and the Senate. Our Mock Session got kind of heated when we brought both parties together to debate the bills. Both the White and the Green parties wanted their amendments to the Bills to pass.

During Capital Days our State Council got to meet with our different legislators and The Secretary Of Agriculture, Russell Redding. We talked about the 4-H program, our 4-H stories, Agricultural issues, and other topics of interest to our regions and counties across the state.

Also at Capital Days I met with many youth interested in applying to be On our State 4-H Council. The Application is online and ready to be filled out for those of you that are interested. Remmeber that you can apply at State Days too! We look forward to seeing you at State Days and many of the differnent events we attend. If you have any questions don not hesitate to contact myself or another council memeber. We would be more than happy to assist you. Enjoy the end of school.

Until next time,

Jamie Forinash
Vice President of Operations/Internal Affaires

P.S: Remember to start saving your pennies for our Penny Wars and the Soda Tabs for Check Out the Silver! You can never start to soon.

4-H is in full swing

Hello Pa 4-H! Hope you all are finding fun in our springtime weather and sports along with all the work that comes with getting livestock animals for fair and shows. One way I can always tell it's spring is when Pa 4-H holds the annual conference called Capital Days. This past Sunday, Monday and Tuesday around 60 members from across Pa joined together to learn more about our government and interact with our legislators. It was an amazing event and we had tons of fun! It took on a new feeling for me since this was the second time I was able to attend as a council member. I was more comfortable with things and this year I even was able to put my parli pro knowledge to work when I lead the green party in mock legislation.
At the event we also introduced our new service project in addition to the pop tabs. At state days this year we will be conducting a penny war where counties can bring in pennies to help out their regions and silver or bills to bring down other regions. Start collecting now to bring your region out on top!
In the next few months I look forward to promoting 4-H across my county and other local counties as 4-H comes into full swing with summer break! I can hardly believe that my interim council year is half over already!
Your State 4-H VPE,
Christy Lambert

It's almost summertime!

Hey Pennsylvania!!
I hope you all are enjoying the lovely weather we are having! This has been a busy month for Council and for me in working on upcoming events.

On April 1o, I attended Camp Counselor Training at the Northumberland County Extension Office. There we planned team, tentsite, and camp-wide activities for Camp Brule, which will be held June 20-25. I was also named Key Counselor , which means I will be working closely with camp directors and staff while also being in charge of counselors-at-training (CATs). For this, I and the male Key Counselor began planning our CAT workshop.

April 24-27, Council was at the Hilton in Harrisburg practicing icebreakers, scripts, the bills, and our Parli Pro workshop. Finally the delegates arrived on Sunday. Everyone did a great job during the committee meetings and the mock legislative session. Council spendt Monday doing visits with legislators including Senator Robbins, Senator Gordner, Representative Phillips, and Representative Metzger. We also had the opportunity to meet with Secretary of Ag Russell Redding, who presented each of us with a citation recognizing our service to PA 4-H. Be sure to post your comments about Capital Days on our Facebook page!

Justine and I will be doing a promotion at Fox Chase Farm in Philadelphia in June. Earlier this month I looked for a new activity to do during the event. We will be making soap with the youth who come by our table.

Communicating with State Council is a great way for you to have your ideas heard! We are 4-H members--just like you--who have connections with those people who make decisions about events and how PA 4-H is run. If you have concerns about anything or would like to request a state officer for your next event, please do not hesitate to contact us. My email address is jmblank3@gmail.com.

Please check out: our NEW Council homepage, http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/ , our newsletter, the Clover Clipboard, at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm, our Facebook page called Pennsylvania 4-H and our Twitter page, at PA4-H.

In the spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank
2010 State Council President

Busy Time of Year!

Hello PA 4-H
Wooo! Time sure is flying by!...It's hard to believe I will be graduating high school in less than 18 days!!! :) This past weekend, some members of Pa 4-H and I attended Pennsylvania State Capital Days, and it was a BLAST! Once we got home, I had to jump on the decorating bandwagon for this years prom...which is Friday! :)....anyways it's a busy time but I just wanted to check in and say hi and tell you all how excited I am for some upcoming 4-H events. One new thing that will be coming up is the Regional Penny Wars at State Days. it's sure to be a blast. You can start participating soon! Just donate your pennies at your local extension office....it should be fun, more info will be coming soon so keep and eye out for it!
Well, until next time
Your council secretary
Rachel Gruver

where is spring??

Hey 4-H members!

Over the weekend your state council and 4-H members from across the state had the chance to visit at the capital during Capital Days! While at Capital Days members participated in worskshops, mock legislator meetings and also meeting with their legislators. It was a great chance for members to gain more skills to be used in clubs. For example the workshop led by the State Council on Parli Pro will be helpful for members in their clubs.

Throughout the month I have been busy visiting with clubs, including Lycoming and Union County Team Councils. I promoted state council, talked about the new video contest at State days and just talked with members about 4-H. It was a great way for the members to see what is happening on the state level.

I am looking forward to summer and possibly attending camp, and of course county fairs! I will be able to help members out while promoting the 4-H program through out the counties.

I am done with school this week and then summer will start for me. But my summer is busy with work, horse shows and of course 4-H events!

Please done hesitate to contact me if you have any questions,

Email: horselovers08@gmail.com

Until then,

Justine Bush
Council reporter and historian

Welcome Spring!!

Welcome Spring!!
Hello PA 4-H! Hope your enjoying this beautiful weather as much as I am!
I actually just came in from my first horseback ride in 6 months!! It was fabulous. I am excited for a roadtrip to Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Ag Luncheon tomorrow! Although it will be an early morning and long day...it should be fun! :)
I want to wish everyone luck with purchasing their 4-H animals...I know I am going to be going to get my pigs pretty soon here!
I'm just so excited that the weather is changing...along with that change comes an event that I am looking forward to, which is PA 4-H State Capital Days! I hope to see everyone there!
Enjoy this weather and can't wait to see everyon in Harrisburg!! :)
Your Secretary
RACHEL

The Month of Green!

I hope the Sunshine is shining all across the state on this beautiful afternoon, and that everyone is able to enjoy it either before, during, or after school and work schedules. I know in Edinboro Pennsylvanaia there seems to be not a cloud in the sky. Trust me I'm not complaining, it has been rather gloomy lately.
Throughout this GREEN month of March and I mean literally green, I hope you all celebrated PA 4-H Week in style. I know I did. I posted my facebook profile picture with the New Mexico 4-H Leadership Team with the 2009 PA State 4-H Council, I wore a 4-H shirt everyday, I made 4-H Book marks available in my campus library and I talked a lot about the program to different individuals I encountered. I know especially excited were the elders I work for in the long term care facility where I spend my evenings. They loved listening to my stories of livestock judging and traveling with the council, and they all chuckled over the photos of my projects and myself over the years. Some of the faculty and administration asked me about the program and became very interested in 4-H Capital Days.
Speaking of Capital Days, it is just around the corner!!! I cannot wait for the discussions to begin and for the first amendment to a bill to happen. So Get Ready 4-H and start packing your suitcases because HARRISBURG HERE WE COME!!!

I enjoy making new friends and making 4-H connections, so feel free to friend me on facebook and we can talk about 4-H events and also remember PA 4-H also has a facebook page!!
If you would have any questions visit our website or feel free to email me at ps4hc.jforinash@gmail.com.

Enjoy the Weather!!!! and if you attend a College/University there's only 5 weeks left of school!!

Jamie Forinash
Vice President of Operations/Internal Affairs

Enjoying that winter-summer weather...

Hey PA 4-H!
I hope that all of you are enjoying this crazy weather! I know that here at Penn State we have been in shorts one day and winter coats the next day!

A lot has been going on in 4-H. On March 9, Jamie and I traveled to Harrisburg for a Penn State College of Ag Capitol Day. During the day we sat in on the College budget briefing, watched the opening session of the House, and later scooped ice cream for legislators and their office staff. I was so sore the next day from all that scooping! Jamie and I had a great time and my family enjoyed having her at our house.

While I was home for Spring Break I had a chance to go to my first 4-H club meeting since the summer. It was so exciting to see everyone and meet new members who have joined since I left. I also gave a short talk about what all I have been up to with Council since August.

All of us on Council are gearing up for our next events, Capital Days in April and State Days in August. During Capital Days we will talk to legislators about 4-H during office visits and lead all of you in a mock legislative session of the Green and White parties. Our theme for State Days has also been announced and will be Green Gala. Keep watching for information on a video contest that you can enter for the event!

This month also contained PA 4-H Week. To help celebrate, I posted a message on the PA 4-H Facebook page telling members to make their profile picture a 4-H theme. Be sure to check out the Pennsylvania 4-H page for the most up-to-date 4-H news!

Communicating with State Council is a great way for you to have your ideas heard! We are 4-H members--just like you--who have connections with those people who make decisions about events and how PA 4-H is run. If you have concerns about anything or would like to request a state officer for your next event, please do not hesitate to contact us. My email address is jmblank3@gmail.com.

Please check out: our NEW Council homepage, http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/ , our newsletter, the Clover Clipboard, at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm, our Facebook page called Pennsylvania 4-H and our Twitter page, at PA4-H.

In the spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank
2010 State Council President

where did the month go???

WOW!!! It almost the end of March already! And that only means I have 5 weeks of school left!!! I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather. I have been very busy this month with not only 4-H but also all my school events. This month I have attended the Lycoming County, County Council meeting where I talked to the teens more about getting involved in 4-H on a state level. I encouraged members to sign up for Capital Days as it is really fun to meet with legislators and talk to them about pretty much anything you would like to. Later in the month i attended a Teen Advisory Committee meeting. I was able to talk to members from different counties about not only what I have been doing but about being on council. It was a great way to promote the 4-H state council to other members and let them know that they can apply from now till state days and even at state days!

During PA 4-H week, I changed my Facebook picture to a council picture to help promote the 4-H program. Also during the week I wore a different 4-H everyday to help people see about the 4-H program and I talk to a few friends about 4-H! They are too old to be members but when I explained all the leadership qualities I have gained through 4-H they wish they had joined when they were able to. They saw that I had so much passion for an organization to wear a shirt to promote the program more. I am working on writting an article about some of the activities in 4-H to submit to be published in a newsletter.

I hope all the members are ready to get their project animals ready for show season or begin that sewing project. I know I am ready! With a yearling horse its been crazy to get him ready as he just wants to play with our pony but he does not want to play. Then over the weekend my sister and I got two baby heifer cows! What a new experience for both of us! I named my white and brown cow nina and my sister named her brown one ninja. Way to stick with the letter N! This is definatly new for us but I know with the help of other 4-H members we will do great!

I hope as April comes around, you get ready for PA Capital Days. Don't forget to brush up on Parli Pro and get ready for a exciting weekend!

Justine Bush
Historian/Newsreporter

Spring Fever

I can hardly believe that it is soon the end of March! Where did this month go? I have been busy promoting the 4-H program in what seem like everything I do. At the beginning of the month as a Pennsylvania Maple Princess I competed for the crown of 2010 Queen. During my news paper interview I was able to highlight one event that helped me better prepare myself for the title of queen. Of course I knew 4-H was the only program to pick. Although I did not win the crown it was a great time and I made some amazing memories. This week I am finishing my duties as princess as I attend and promote the maple industry at the Pa Maple Festival. I also have found myself doing small 4-H promotions without even noticing. For example, at events I attend through school. It is funny how a year ago I was shy about talking to people and now everything comes so natural.
Our conference call for this month was cancelled, but we have a lot of exciting events coming up! Next month Capital Days will take place. I am looking forward to this event since this year I will be able to enjoy it more without the stress of it being my first event. Last year at Capital Days, the event marked the first state function our team went to, which meant tons of stress for everyone and new experiences. I also am looking forward to attending a promotion in Philadelphia at the beginning of the next month. I have always wanted to travel there and now I have a perfect reason to go!
I hope to see each of you soon at an event and hope that you are enjoying this nice spring weather!
Your State VP of Events,
Christy Lambert

Time is Flying

Oh my it is hard to believe that the time really is flying by so fast. It's already March and significantly getting closer and closer to SUMMER VACATION!!! Well this month Jeanette Blank, Couincil President, and I attended The College of Ag Capital Day in Harrisburg. We had a lot of fun that day. We met different people who work with the College of Ag and also different legislators throughout the day and while we scooped icecream during the icecream social. I'd like to Thank Jeanette's Wonderful Family for letting me stay with them so that I didn't have to drive such a long distance to Harrisburg all in one trip.
While I was in the Harrisburg area I stopped down to Shippnesburg to spend some time with my friend Caleb on his Dairy Farm. I didn't wake up quite as early as they would usually for milking but I tagged along to get fertilizer and feed the Heifers. I would say my experience that day was more like a job shadowing opportunity and I loved every second of it! While I was there we chatted about MAAC the Mid Atlantic Alliance of Cooperatives, past 4-H and FFA events, and being a State Officer.
REMEMBER:The month of April is Capital Days! So practice your parlimentary procedure, and pack your suitcases becasue it's really gonna rock! I know your State Council is super pumped and ready for that week and your should be too. We can hardly wait to see everyone and meet all the new 4-H'er's to the event.

Enjoy the Sunshine, and remember sometimes it is necessary to apply sunscreen. =)
Have a Happy March!

Jamie Forinash
Council Vice President of Operations/Internal Affaires

PA 4-H Week!

Hey PA 4-H!

It's PA 4-H week. Be sure to tell us what you are all doing in your counties to celebrate !

So Glad to be Back!!!

Hey PA 4-Her's,

Well for those of you who don't know me, I am Rachel Gruver, your 2010 Interim State Council Secretary...as some of you may know, I was also the Secretary for PA 4-H State Council in 2008 and I am so pumped to be back!! This 6 months is going to be fabulous! I am looking forward to making new memories with new & former council members! This past weekend the other council members & myself were busy planning new and exciting things for this year and for Council in the future!! State Days is sure to be a blast. Also during the weekend we attended workshops about teambuilding, diversity, personalities, & parli pro. The PA 4-H State Council will be heading off to Harrisburg in April for Capital Days, can't wait to see everyone there!!
Well that's all I have for now...until next month,
Council Secretary
RACHEL!! :)

Looking Forward to a Great Year!

Hey PA 4-H!

I hope all of you are enjoying this winter wonderland that PA has become! Penn State University looks really pretty in this White Out, but I'm ready for spring.

Since our induction at SLC in January, State Council has met once for our Training and Orientation Weekend, held in Milroy from February 19-21. During the weekend, we talked about what is expected of each officer, particularly by the rest of the team; for each officer, we determined how we wanted them to Encourage, Lead, Motivate, Advocate, and Represent us and PA 4-H. Later we set goals that will be carried out during our term, including: informing more members about the Council and the new voting process, encouraging more teens to attend state-wide events, and adding a new service project. Throughout the weekend we had workshops on Parli Pro, The Dog Poop Initiative, Global Whining, and several others. It was a great way for our team, made up of past 2008 and 2009 Council members, to get to know each other.

In the past month I also attended the Leader's Forum at the Penn Stater on February 13 and, along with Council Advisor Mya Rushton, gave a presentation on "Climbing the Leadership Ladder". It was great meeting the volunteer leaders from all over PA and seeing their enthusiasm for our events and leadership opportunities.

In March, Jamie and I will be attending the PSU College of Ag Capital Day (different, but similiar, to our 4-H Capial Days) in Harrisburg to talk with our legislators.

Communicating with State Council is a great way for you to have your ideas heard! We are 4-H members-just like you- who have connections with those people who make decisions about events and how PA 4-H is run. If you have concerns about anything or would like to request a state officer for your next event, please do not hesitate to contact us. My email address is jmblank3@gmail.com.

Please check out: our Council homepage, http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/, our newsletter, the Clover Clipboard, at http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/206.htm, our Facebook page called Pennsylvania 4-H and our Twitter page, also called Pennsylvania 4-H.

In the spirit of 4-H,
Jeanette Blank

2010 State Council President

Hello Pa 4-H

Hello Pa 4-H,
As you blog followers already know I am Chrisy Lambert. Last year I had the honor of serving as the council secretary. In January I hung my jacket up for a few minutes before putting it on again as the new 2010 Vice President of Events! I am so excited to serve Pa 4-H again for another six months! Last weekend our team met in Milroy to complete our training weekend. It was alot of fun and we made a great foundation and bonds for a strong 2010 team. We listened to workshops on diversity, body image, parli pro, and character. We learned alot and did our planning for the new year along with setting our goals. State days will be a blast with a creative theme and our new service project. Keep reading our blog to find out more as we work out details.
Take care and stay worm,
Christy

PA 4-H!!!

I hope as you get spring fever that your 4-H fever is here also!!!!! Your State Council is hard at work on event planing for the upcoming months. Last weekend the council had the opportunity to get together at the Hartman Center to team build, learn about each other and start planning our activities. It was wonderful to be able to come together as a team and be able to connect as a team. While at training weekend we came up with some goals that we want to accomplish over our term. Our goals include:

1. Inform more members about the council and the process by: providing packets with an application and letter during registration at Capital Days 2010, by providing a monthly article from March to July for A.T.S., visit a county council meeting and promote the council process by the end of July via power point/presentation
2. Encourage more teens to get involved in state wide events by: develop a brochure promoting statewide events by April 1st
3. Add new service project Penny Wars by: having a main collection at State Days, Flyer with explanation.

These goals will help to spread the word of 4-H and state council to members across the state of PA.

Over the next few months the council members will be busy with attending local meetings to promote 4-H activities to fellow 4-H members. I hope you join our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&story_fbid=369439024675&id=770080573#!/group.php?gid=8695351837

Think Spring!!!

Justine Bush
2010 Historian/Reporter

Life's a Dance, You Learn as You Go

Hey PA 4-H!
I hope that all of you had a great time getting your License to Lead at SLC 2010! I know I enjoyed myself the entire time. For those of you who missed it, here's what happened:

On Friday night, Council kicked off Opening Ceremonies by coming out of a giant vault (thank you, Phil Hoy) carrying bags of stolen soda tabs. One member tripped the laser alarm, beckoning Jamie Bond and her gang of Collegiate 4-Hers to save the day. Following some introductions, Mark Lowery came up to give the opening address. Following Mark's speech, Council led some icebreakers.
Saturday was once again filled with workshops on leadership. That evening we were blessed to have Regina Vella fill in for our scheduled Keynote Speaker Rhett Laubach, whose plane was grounded in Oklahoma. Following the address we held our dance, which was fun as it always is!
Sunday morning we presented a check to the PA Farm Bureau for $269 for the more than 620,000 soda tabs YOU collected! Great job PA! Then came the Closing Ceremonies, a difficult part for me as well as my team. As we each read our thank yous and goodbye, we took off our jacket and placed it on a chair. The 2010 Council, made up of 2008 and 2009 team members who will serve until August when inductions will be held during Stater Days, then came and put on the jackets. Your new State Council Team is: President-Jeanette Blank, Vice President of Operations-Jamie Forinash, Vice President of Events-Christy Lambert, Vice President of Internal Affairs-Emily Gabriel, Secretary-Rachel Gruver, and Reporter/Historian-Justine Bush.

The ceremony was really emotional as I thought about all the memories I have from the 2009 team. At the same time I am very excited to serve again in 2010 and serve PA 4-H as its President. Whoever would have expected that a shy 8-year-old would end her 4-H career as State President? Probably not my leaders, teachers, my family, and especially not me! The 2009 Council year definitely made me a better person and I will try to continue that this year as your President.

I already miss my "sisters".

See you all at Capital Days!
Jeanette Blank
2009 Reporter/Historian
2010 President

Is it January already?

The time has come. In less than 24 hours I will be headed to Penn State to meet the rest of the council team to get ready for SLC and welcome over 300 4-H members across Pa who will join us for an amazing weekend of leadership. I know I'm excited to get my license!
For the past week I have been loaded down with studying for mid terms, homework, rifle matches, forensics meets, and practice for the Pa maple contest coming up. However, during all these events my mind keeps drifting to one thing...SLC!
I can not believe that it has been a year since I met the 5 girls that are know like my sisters. We have had some great times over the past 12 months! This experience has truly been one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I will never forget the fear I had in myself during our training weekend in February when I never thought I'd be able to accomplish all that Pa 4-H required from me. Before I knew it I was taking part on conference calls and heading to Capital Day's to promote 4-H to our State Legislators. I immediately fell in love with promoting 4-H and getting to talk with fellow 4-H members and be looked up to. During the next few months I was kept busy with club visits, promotions in my county and communicating with my team.
In June we were sad to say goodbye to Dr. Bruce at our face to face. She had taught us so much and had so much to offer our team in the time we spent with her. During the meeting we also broke into working out all the details for Leadership Conference and got a HUGE piece of news! With the new 4-H year changing council also would be changing and the 2008 2009 teams would be able to participate in a 6 month council term. After much thought I knew that 4-H had given me so much over the past years and it was time for me to give back. Therefore at state leadership I will hand over my title and proudly take another.
July was one of the most exciting months imaginable for me. I was able to travel to the West Coast as part of a county 4-H exchange trip where I stayed in Raineer Washington and was able to visit Forks. Luck wasn't on my side and I didn't get to meet Jacob or Edward, but I made some great memories, and friends who share the same love for the largest youth organization in the nation! After returning home from a week in Wa, I was able to work with my fair animals for a week before heading with the rest of my team to New Mexico for their State Conference! While there I built confidence while partaking in different events I never thought I'd try. Human bowling, eating authentic Mexican food, and learning to two step dance are memories I will never be able to replace. This also gave the team a chance to bond without the stress of having to run an event of our own. The entire team had their share of blonder moments, and inside jokes. If you need an further explanation just ask Jamie about the stairs there or Laura about Magic Password.
Soon after returning home our team took stage at state days where we changed things up and opened with an amazing opening ceremonies thanks to Alex and every one's acting skills. Soon the event came to a close and we realized we made it halfway through the year!
August held a conference call and a trip to Ag Progress days. The weather was hot as I showed my animals at my County fair and started senior year.
October we met again for a face to face while dressing up for Halloween. I do have to say I make an amazing cow. We got a surprise visit from Dr. Bruce, and worked on getting ready for Conference.I also participated in National Youth Science Day at Penn State University.
As the months flew by we all met again for the Pa farm show where we attended the Governor's Diner and had the chance to mingle with people from all over the state. Our program was also well represented with an interactive booth/table. The days began to be counted down, and before I knew it I once again got in the car and headed to the Penn Stater hotel, where just 12 months ago I received the green jacket that changed my year and life, for the final hotel walk through!
Now as I finish my last blog for my 2009 council term I realize that I am going to pack my back yet again to head to not just any State Leadership Conference but the Leadership Conference where I will get my License to Lead and finish out my year at! I hope to see you all there and CAN NOT WAIT!!!
For the last time,
your State 4-H Secretary,
Christy Lambert