The new year

Another year over, a new one just begins. So this year I took the leap of jumping into the biggest role I have ever had in my life. By becoming an officer on State Council. This has been challenging at times so far, but I have enjoyed it thus far and am hoping that won't change when we really start getting into our events. We have Farm Show fast approaching and if any of you that are reading this you should come see us at the opening ceremonies! The whole team will be helping out in different booths throughout the complex, or be showing their market animals. Those of you that show animals or projects at the fair I wish you good luck! I hope everyone enjoys the Farm show. Farm show won't be the same for me this year because I will not be competing down at the Farm show for Square dancing. The last few year's my county has gone down to compete in the competition, but this year my county was unable to find enough people that were interested in competing so we aren't going down. This year I will be attending Farm show with my State Council team instead, which will be just as fun I'm sure.

State Leadership Conference is Wild for Leadership and it is on its way here! I hope that those of you that will be attending the event is just as excited for it as I am. The team has been working hard preparing for this event the passed few months. Everyone will create so many memorable moments throughout the weekend by making new friends and gaining leadership skills. There will also be great inspirational speakers there to get you thinking and maybe get you inspired to do something different. Throughout the weekend hopefully you will learn something that you will want to bring back to your county and show to your own clubs. There is so much that you can do with what you will get from the weekend. This weekend adventure is around the corner, and soon will be here. It will be a blast and I hope to see you all there!

For now it is time to celebrate the coming year. I hope that some of you when you are planning your new year's resolution that you will try to include something for 4-H as well, even if it is something very simple. For example trying a new project, or going to one of the state events(which I encourage you to do!) or going for an officer position for your club. Whatever you may decide to do it will be worth your efforts, you will learn something new from the experience. Just try to stick with it, even when it seems a little rough, it will get better and I hope that when you look back at it in the future that you will be glad you tried it. Enjoy the holiday!



Happy New Year everyone!
Reporter
Danielle Knapp

New Year, New beginnings

“You can’t change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.” Just like the quote suggests, the past is the past and it can’t be changed. It does not suggest, which it should, that the past is something to be learned from. The past is simply a tool that helps you improve, even if you didn’t have any mistakes.

December is a busy month for all of us: wrapping presents, sending cards and even listening to holiday music. For the State Council it is even a busier month with preparations for the PA Farm Show and State Leadership Conference. I hope everyone that is reading has sent in their application to attend SLC. It will be a roaring good time filled with many experiences that are not worth missing. Get ready to be picture perfect in a photo booth that will join us all weekend.

In the upcoming months our team will busy attending Farm Show, planning and attending SLC, while creating a memorable State Achievement Days. If you are visiting the Farm Show Saturday be sure to tune in at the opening ceremonies where you can spot us. If you are not up there for Saturday’s events you can stop by the 4-H booths in the Family Living building. This year there will also be a 4-H food stand selling pork BBQ.

Hope you all have a wonderful new year celebrating 4-H’s 100th anniversary!! A thought to ponder: “Don’t count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count.”

Happy New Year!

Ashley Mohn

State Council Secretary

Looking back

The year is 2012 and six youth are headed for the farm show opening ceremony. This is possibly one of the largest nerve racking moments of the new year. I can't wait till the farm show.

2011 was definitely one of my best year while in 4h. I look back and see many opportunities, and achievements that I have completed. I have met over 100 new friends and gone on the greatest opportunity a 4Her could have. My latest trip to Atlanta, Georgia for the national 4H Congress, was definitely the biggest highlight of 2011. There has also been many other opportunities that i have had, not only on state level ,but in my county to. I enjoyed 2011 ,but its time to look forward to 2012 and all of its twists, turns, and obstacles it might hurl at me.

I am looking forward to 2012, are you? This is your VPI and Council Sentinel. Garrett Richardson

Turkey Time

I must say this month has been my favorite of my time on council, but yet there are still more to come. At the begining of the month my county held our Annual Leader's Banquet where we recongize the 4-H leaders in my county. This I was givin the chance to speak as a State Council members and also tell about my experience so far. I have also had the chance to speak with a few people from Range Resources.

Thanksgiving was a good time for my family and I, but my vacation where I can sleep in everyday was cut short. I was chosen back in July to be a representative from my county to attend The National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. I left home at 3:00am on Friday and returned at 5;30pm on Tuesday. This experience was one that i wish i could have again. The first day we were there was our pin exchange which was really cool because everyone brought pins representing their state or the area in whih they came from. The second day we got to do icebreakers whhich I can honestly say helped me to meet so many new people. I meant a guy from Ohio, some girls from Hawaii and even a guy from Puerto Rico, there were tons more people that i meant that week. I even meant people from my own state that I didnt know before. Also i got to spend time with two fellow council members and enjoy that great experience.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, and if anyone went hunting, or is going hunting that they are safe and have fun.

Bridget
2011-2012 Historian

End of the year activities

The last of the autumn leaves have left the trees and cold weather is ready to settle in. November was one of the fastest months this year. It started of with a face to face meeting to start planning the fast approaching State teen Leader Conference in January. It is now the ending of November and I just got back from Atlanta, Georgia from the National 4H congress. I had a Mind-Blowing time. If I was allowed to attend next year I would.

Thanksgiving this was a extra special, because on November 21, 2011 the Lord gave my aunt a little package. This package was named Aiden. Unfortunatelly I was recovering from a cold so I wasn't allowed to hold him

As the snow begins to fly and the cold winds begin to blow only two things come to mind
,Christmas and Farm Show, both are very enjoyable and interesting. I can't wait for either of them. I want to wish everyone a merry christmas and a good luck to all the hunters out there.


,Your council sentinnel and VPI
Garrett Richardson

Gobble Gobble!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving because I know I sure did! Even though I worked everyday on our break away from school, I still am so thankful that my family was able to come celebrate with us! My sister now lives in North Carolina, my other sister goes to college, my grandma lives an hour away, and my other Grandma lives in Virginia! So, it's always hard to get together when all of have such busy schedules. Thankfully, the busy schedules died down and we were able to all come together for a great Thanksgiving and one that I will always remember!

This month I also got to represent the 4-H program by giving an interview on WTAJ news channel. It was a blast! I went with one of the local 4-H Horse Clubs and their miniature horses to talk about the State 4-H Horse Show and what the 4-H Program is. Not only did I get interviewed by a news station, but also by public relation majors that go to Penn State. They wanted to understand what 4-H is, what goes on, and how it affected my life. They couldn't believe how much 4-H impacts just one person and the opportunities it gives to it's members. It was a pleasure to talk to them about 4-H.

Our council has been working long and hard on the State Leadership Conference! We had a face to face meeting this month and were able to cover a lot of business. We can't wait for people to see what we have in store for SLC! (:

Truly,
Liz McAndrew
State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations and Events

Climbing the 4-H ladder

"The ladder of success is never crowded at the top, except in 4-H." The first part of the quote was stated by Napoleon Hill, but I added the line after the comma because I believe 4-H gives every member opportunities to be successful in whatever their task is. In different projects, skills learned or even placing in events there will always be other 4-H members climbing the ladder too. You must remember that you have something special to offer and you need to shine through your fellow members. It may be crowded but each member has their strengths and weaknesses but with support from your peers, everyone will have a opportunity to be at the top of the ladder.

November was full of exciting 4-H events. The highlight of this month was being able to attend National 4-H Congress. While on the visit to Atlanta, Georgia I participated in different workshops and tours in the Atlanta area. There were 49 Pennsylvania delegates that traveled with me. Not only did I meet 4-H members from around the nation but I also got even closer to 4-H members from Pennsylvania. This chance is once in a life time opportunity, that I had the pleasure to participate in. Next year, I encourage all members to apply for a spot in the 2012 delegation.

I also went into a local school's classroom and taught the class about this year's National Science Day. The students participated in the activities tied in with the day. They loved the hands on experience to create their own wind turbine.

As December comes, holiday cheer fills the air. This season enjoy the holiday with your family. Family helps to make your 4-H career so much better. On that note, here is something to think about: "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind."

Ashley Mohn

PA State council secretary

An end to the month, brings a beginning to a new one.

This month has been a preperation for hard times ahead. I have had to do so many things, and yet I was still able to spend time with my family. State council has been busy preparing for State Leadership Conference. We had our very first face to face meeting together at the beginnig of this month. I would say that it was successful. It was great to see everyone again after the few months that we hadn't seen everyone together since our training weekend. We spent all day together deciding on great things to come for State Leadership Conference. I am excited for the event, and I with all our planning and hard work will be enjoyed by the attendents.



In November I have been busy with a lot of things. One of them includes a yearly program that I have participated in since '07 it is called NaNoWriMo. It is where the participant writes 50,0000 words in the month of November. It could be anything you want, just to get you to write and get your creativity flowing. It is great fun and a way I spend time with my siblings, two of them participate in it as well and we have a good time with it. I have won every year since I started, but this year I am having trouble with it. I am uncertain whether I will be able to complete it or not, but at least I have tried. I still have a bit to do, but I think I am determined to try to complete it before 12 AM today. If I don't, then there is always next year! I can start working on my novel that has come from it, and maybe get it published within a few years. I enjoy the ideas I have gotten throughout the process and sometimes wonder where they come from.


Some ideas that seem to appear out of no where become great ones, and I would have to say the same for my story. Now it needs some major editing but that is something that I can always do later, when i have it all written, because I cannot always remember an idea that comes to me, I don't have a tendacy to write every one of them down and instead store them in my memory, which I will say isn't the greatest idea.



At the end of the month on top of writing in my NaNoWriMo story I, like everyone else; was preparing for Thanksgiving. I had a great time spending time with my family, and enjoy this time of year. To those of you that went Black Friday shopping, more power to you. I stayed home on the farm, not interested in going down the hill into town. I was instead preparing for Opening Day. I was putting up tree stands all day. Then got excited for the big day. When that day arrived, I awoke before the sun so that I could get into my stand. I was grateful for the beautiful day, because it was said to rain the week before but nope, it was nice and clear. There was an occasional breeze but it was a pleasent day. I even ended up getting a buck at the end of the day. I hope that everyone enjoyed the day as well, whether hunting, or spending their time doing something outside, or however else you spent your day!



Enjoy the nice weather while it lasts, because winter is just around the corner. Now for some of you that is good news, but for those of you that are similar to me and like the warm weather over the cold, its time you start hybernating! Just kidding, just make sure you bundle up. Some of the greatest moments are ahead of you, like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, making snow angels, having snowball fights, or building forts and snowpeople, or what have you. I enjoy doing a bunch of them on a nice winter day, but one of my favorite thing to do is cuddle up by a warm fire, with some hot cocoa in hand.

It may get nasty outside in winter time, but there is still good times to be had with it, there is always going to be some bad with the good. That's life. You just need to learn how to enjoy yourself along the way!



I hope everyone is doing well.

Sincerely,

Your Reporter,

Danielle Knapp

A Successful Year In the Backwoodsmen 4-H Club

Just the other night the Backwoodsmen 4-H club held its annual award ceremony. Even though not many of the members showed up, we still had a good turn up. In the beginning I was honored with the opportunity of giving a speech on "What 4-H Means to Me". I hope that I was able to convey just how much I appreciate what 4-H has done for me. 4-H has a huge part in developing the person I am today. After I gave my speech members recieved their awards for attending at least half of the business meeting, community services, county activites, and club activities. Some members also recieved awards from the horse project leader. There were many who got these awards. Near the end of the ceramony the leaders announced the high point 4-Her of the year. For the senior there was a tie between my sisters Kate and Lizzy. I am very proud of them. They both represent the 4-H program with enthusiasism and love for the program. I hope this year will be another successful year in the Backwoodsmen 4-H club, as every year the club becomes stronger.

I hope everyone is safe and doing well,

until next time,

Sarah Bassett, President

Happy Halloween Everyone!

I hope that everyone has had a great halloween. Whether it be spending time trick or treating with family, or carving a cool design into a pumpkin to make a jack o'lantern, or just sitting around watching the halloween specials on tv; just make it fun. I spent Thursday night trick or treating with my siblings and my nephews. It was a lot of fun, but it was COLD! We didn't go for very long, because none of us really wanted to stay out for too long in the cold weather. I noticed though that there were kids being taken door to door by their relatives in a car! Yea, I am not going to lie. I was shocked by that. Now granted, it would be nice for that night to do that, but still I think the fun of it is being able to take a nice stroll around the town, plus it's better for you and the kids. Good exercise.

Taking it to a different subject, but similar meaning. I think that it is important to work toward your rewards. Now, some people wouldn't mind having things just dished out to them so they can just gobble it up and get the complete benefit from it, but where is the satisfaction in that? There isn't. That person may like it, but it will be an empty way to live. When you work hard in order to accomplish a goal or task then you will be able to enjoy the outcome of it. You will be able to look back and (hopefully) feel satisfied of what you have done. Your hard work may not be for the benefit of yourself, but could be for others. You 4-Hers know about hard work and getting fulfillment out of the rewards, even if they are small feats.

This month for me 4-H has been dwindling down to a slow beat. It is weird not seeing my 4-H friends as much, because I used to see them every week and now with school and everything else going on I hardly see them anymore besides at meetings. We keep in touch of course, but still it's strange to not be going to as many 4-H events anymore. I have been busy trying to convince several in my county, and surrounding counties to come and join in on the fun at SLC! It's going to be a great time, and I cannot wait to see you there.

I have a busy month planned ahead of me as October passes. Ah November. The month of NaNoWriMo! Where I (as well as many others) and several of my siblings are challenged to write 50,000 words in a month. It's a lot of fun, and crazy. I have to balance that with school, work, family, and Council. Luckily it is only a month long, and one that will keep me busy. At the end of November a few Council members are going to be joining you out to National 4-H Congress, and I hope that everyone that is going this year will have a great time! I have gone before, and LOVED it. So enjoy yourself, and accept the challenge before you! Those of you just hearing of it this year, be sure to contact your Educator about it so that you can go next year, you won't be sorry. (....well you might if you don't find out more about it!)


Until next time,


Danielle Knapp
Reporter

Happy Halloween

This month Northumberland County held it's first county council meeting. I am happy to say that a total of 10 people were able to attend plus the 2 advisers. This is a record amount since we tried restarting the county council 2 years ago. We are now able to plan events for the teens in Northumberland County. I am looking forward to the fun day we are planning in Feburary. Also this month I was able to attend the TAC (teen advisory committee) Meeting. TAC is essentially a multi-county meeting. I believe there were 5 counties represented at the meeting. After discussing the upcoming events, in the region and state, we played Minute to Win it games. Personally I enjoy these games because most are very challenging. I have found that I am very good at the game where you slide the cookie from your forehead to your mouth. Since this month is Halloween the Backwoodsmen 4-H club was going to participate in the Danville Halloween Parade. The theme was "4-H more then a 3 ring circus". The Tuesday before the parade members gathered at the 4-H center to assemble the float and make clown hats. We also played games and had snacks to enjoy. For the Backwoodsmen the 4-H years is under way and all members are excited to get started on their projects. I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloweens.

Until next time,

Sarah Bassett, President

Burrr!

It's October and we have snow! I have got to say, I am not a fan but unfortunately it's that time of year when everyone starts bundling up and getting ready for winter. Snow isn't the only thing that has happened this month! Deer running around, more school, more soccer, Halloween, and the STATE 4-H HORSE SHOW! Now that's what I call a great month, or is it?

The only way of putting this is by saying, I got hit by a deer. That is how my month started. I was on my way to school, just driving minding my own business when all of a sudden I heard BANG! I saw a deer head right in my driver's side windshield. Talk about scary! I had no idea what to do. I never ever had something like this happen to me and I was scared. I pulled off the road and called my mom crying and hyperventilating. The deer died and my car was definitely not looking it's best. My windshield was cracked, my door had a huge dent in it, my side mirror wasn't there anymore, and my car wasn't running right. So, since I didn't have a car anymore, my mom let me use her brand new 2011 Toyota Camry. Not a good idea. Less than a week later, I was on my way to school again when two deer ran out in front of me. I didn't hit the first one, but the second wasn't so lucky, and neither was I. It damaged the front corner of the drivers side and I have never felt so unlucky!

As the month went on, I felt my luck finally changing! I finally got my Chemistry grade back to an A so now I have straight A's and my soccer team has never been doing so well! We ended the regular season 13 wins and 5 losses. We were seeded 4th in the district and recently won our first playoff game! It has been a very exciting season and cannot wait to play in the semi-finals.

Finally, the State 4-H Horse Show. The show that I work towards with my horses all year for! I was very excited because I made it with my production horse, Peanut, who is only 3 years old and my project horse, Kid, who is 11. I made it with Peanut in a riding class and a halter class, which is based on the horse's body build and with Kid, I made it in Showmanship, which is a pattern class. The day finally came for me to show Peanut. I was a little uneasy about riding her because earlier in the year, I was bucked off of her twice! But I realized, I had to forget about the past and look forward. I ended up getting second in the halter class and took fifth in the riding class. I was so excited to hear I was fifth in the riding class because there were 14 horses and only 6 placed. While at States, my mom started to notice that my other horse, Kid, wasn't acting right. We took his temperature and it was 105.5, when it should be 101. We called the vet down and she examined him and asked plenty of questions. She finally concluded, that he had tick fever. I still couldn't tell you exactly what it is but I can tell you that it made him sick and lethargic. She told us that he would have to be administered 3-7 doses of IV medication. The first starting that day. At that time, we weren't sure if I would be able to show him or not. If his fever was down then I could. Thankfully, on the day I showed, his fever was back to normal but his attitude and behavior were not. He was very grumpy and was still lethargic. I did end up taking him in the class, and I'm glad he stuck with me because we ended up placing 7th out of 25. I have never been so proud of my horse.

The month started a little rocky but ended great! Planning for SLC is still underway and I can't wait for everyone to see how great it is going to be this year!

Sincerely,
Liz McAndrew
State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone, this month has been a real treat. So far I have seen the first snow of the year and I just finished up my 4h round-ups. They were very enjoyable. This October was filled with both tricks and treats.I got a after school job working at a dairy farm. During my job I got to deliver two calves. I also tagged my pigs for farm show, now all I have to do is feed them till they make weight. If they do we will be the first exhibitors of the Hereford breed of pig at the state farm show. One trick I helped play this month was, we had a surprise birthday party for our county extension agent, Carol Schurman. She thought she was coming to a 4H round-up , but was surprised and was shocked to see so many people there.

On October 5 I attended national Science day in state college at the Berkey Creamery. there i got to help kids ages 8-13 leaen about wind energy. It was very interesting. I am enjoying my council experience so far it is extremely time consuming ,but it is worth it. Also State Leadership Conference registration is coming up, its going to be a roaring good time i hope to
see you all there.

your council Sentinel,
Garrett Richardson

The fun just keeps on going

Wow where to start with this past month. This month was just as busy as September. At the begining of the month my family and I attended the Keystone International Livestock Expo/ NJSA Eastern Regional pig show. I took two of my favorite Duroc gilts up. At this show youth could participate in many different contests, there was a cornhole tournament, showmanship, skillathon and of course the pig show it's self. The weekend was a blast between showing these two for the last time, and seeing fellow sheep exhibitors that I have shown with my whole life and don't get to see to often. The worst part is, I think i spent more of my time in the sheep barn than in the pig barn.
Then soccer season came to an end two weeks ago, but we were defenitly busy the whole month with games and practice. The last game of our season I ended up missing unfortunately, but I'm so glad I didbecause it was worth it. I attended the National FFA Convention out in Indianapolis, Indiana and loved it. It was amazing, especially getting to see all the cordoury jackets walking the streets of Indianapolis!
November is going to be just as much fun, I can already tell. We get to have our actual face-to-face meeting, plus National 4-H Congress!! Not to mention more planning for what is going to be an AWESOME State Leadership Confrence. The officers are already going Wild about it! We're defenitly hopeing to see you there!

Letting go of fear

Who would have thought snow would be on the ground before Halloween? With snow and ice comes change: change in the weather and change in what we wear. "The key to change...is to let go of fear." As 4-H members we must let go of the fear we may have so we can grow as a club and as individuals. Change at first is out of the normal, but as we let go we experience new things that help us grow.

During October I had the opportunity to help with National Science Day. As a council member I was a group leader with 3 younger 4-H members in my group. During the event we built 2 wind turbines and measured which one was the fastest. I also presented to my 4-H club on activities they can get involved in through the state.

As a council we had our second conference call. We are getting wild for leadership as SLC packets were distributed to county 4-H educators. We are working hard to make this year’s SLC an amazing safari adventure. We look forward for 4-H members to join us through our jungle experience in late January.

Here is something to think about: "When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what happened." Which one are you?

PA State 4-H Council Secretary,

Ashley Mohn

Happy Hollowean

This month Northumberland County held it's first county council meeting. I am happy to say that a total of 10 people were able to attend plus the 2 advisers. This is a record amount since we tried restarting the county council 2 years ago. We are now able to plan events for the teens in Northumberland County. I am looking forward to the fun day we are planning in Feburary. Also this month I was able to attend the TAC (teen advisory committee) Meeting. TAC is essentially a multi-county meeting. I believe there were 5 counties represented at the meeting. After discussing the upcoming events, in the region and state, we played Minute to Win it games. Personally I enjoy these games because most are very challenging. I have found that I am very good at the game where you slide the cookie from your forehead to your mouth. Since this month is Halloween the Backwoodsmen 4-H club was going to participate in the Danville Halloween Parade. The theme was "4-H more then a 3 ring circus". The Tuesday before the parade members gathered at the 4-H center to assemble the float and make clown hats. We also played games and had snacks to enjoy. For the Backwoodsmen the 4-H years is under way and all members are excited to get started on their projects. I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloweens.

Until next time,

Sarah Bassett, President

What a Month

So much has gone on this past month for me, ranging from the West Alexander Fair, down here in Washington, soccer games, county council meetings, preparing for Keystone, and yes of course, working on plans for the up and comeing State Leadership Confrence!!!

The West Alexander Fair, is the smallest in my county, but probably my favorite of the two. This year's fair went real well, but i dont think that there was a night that we could just sit around and enjoy a nice warm night. It was cold and rainy, and the night of the pig show, the LIGHTS went out!!! Talk about fun, lucky we had people with genorators around though. Plus to make that night even better it was my little sister's birthday. The lamb show went real well, I had a small lamb this year that i wasn't sure how he'd place, but I got Champion lightweight with him and got him donated back to me during the sale. Our sale also went well, we had many people come to support both Washington and Ohio County (W.V.) 4-H clubs, and the 2 FFA chapters.

The soccer season for me has gone well so far, we aren't doing as well as previous years but that's ok because we keep our heads held high and positive attitudes. For County Council, we had elections this month, unfortunately i had to miss the meeting but lucky we have a good president taking over.

Now my 2 favorite things i've done so far this month, prepare for K.I.L.E, next weekend, and plan for SLC!! This year i'm exhibiting 2 Duroc gilts which I take alot of pride in, also my sister is taking 2 gilts that were born from 2 of my litters this past spring, these 4 gilts i'm hopeing do well. This year's State Leadership Confrence is one to look forward to! It's going to be a weekend full of fun! Plus were going wild.

This past month was crazy, i mean with school starting, a fair, soccer, and me taking my driver's test, plus getting my 2 gilts to cooperate was fun. Now i can't wait to see how the rest of the year goes, and i can't wait to meet everyone this year at all the events!

Your 2011-2012 Pa State Historian,
Bridget McConn

Side by Side

"The nice thing about teamwork is that you always have others on your side." This quote is one of the meanings of our council. Where ever we look, where ever we go, there is always someone to turn too. It may me a fellow member, an advisor or even past council member. They are always here building us to our fullest potential to serve you. That being said, boy to we have things planned for you! Our first conference call came and went... One of the topics of discussion was SLC. Who's excited to join in some fun and leadership building???? I know our team is! We are planning the event so you, the PA 4-H members, will have a roarin' good time! Contact your county extension agent for more information on how to register.

School has now been is session for a good five weeks... Hope everyone is having fun and learning to build their future. It is going to be a full semester for me with a lot of homework and projects. Just as school is picking up the pace, my 4-H life slows down. Now that our fairs and state shows are over our members can relax and enjoy their meetings. The next event I will be attending is 4-H science day held at Penn State. I am looking forward to helping school students have a hands on experience for the big science world.

Enjoy the beautiful weather before snow and ice come. Here is a thought to ponder: "Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile." -Vince Lombardi

PA State 4-H council secretary,

Ashley Mohn

The Best of September

This has been a very busy but successful month! Where to start? My final season of Varsity Girls Soccer started, I had my 18^th Birthday, had my senior pictures done, participated in Clearfield County’s Agricultural Safety Days, and represented the State Council at the 4-H Tailgate! Along with so many wonderful events, the first month of my last year in High School is now over.

Now that I have that big mouthful of words over, I can tell you a little more detail! It’s sad to say, but it is my last year of soccer. I will miss my teammates so much and the memories that we have made over the last several years. Our girl’s soccer program started my freshman year and it’s amazing to see how far our young team has come. From only winning 3 games our first year to now making it to districts. So far our record is 6 wins and 5 losses but I know we can work together and make it our best year yet!

My 18^th birthday went very well, even though my mother and oldest sister couldn’t be there. They were in ITALY! I was kind of bummed that I couldn’t go with them but I’m glad they had a great time! For my birthday my other sister, Katie, invited me to stay with her for the weekend at her house at college. I had a great time catching up with her and picking out my homecoming dress. She even baked me a cake! After returning home, the rain finally stopped and I could have my senior pictures taken. I haven’t seen them yet, but I can’t wait till they are done!

This was my first year participating in my county’s safety days. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially bringing one of my horses and my comical duck Koda. I spent the morning with some of my fellow county council members teaching 2^nd graders safety around animals. I also had the opportunity to talk to them about the 4-H program and the opportunities it gives kids their age.

Recently, I attended the 4-H Tailgate at the Ag. Arena in State College. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got there, but it ended up being a really neat experience. I had the opportunity to talk with a lot of different people and learned a lot of new things. The Seeing Eye dogs caught the eye of almost everyone there and the work they do is incredible. It was a lot of fun and I definitely would want to go again!

Seeing how this month was so busy and exciting, I can’t wait till October starts! I can already tell you, it will be one that I will always remember!

Liz McAndrew

State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations

Fall is in the air!

The season of fall is upon us all. With the change of season we get to enjoy the scenic beauty while traveling places, because the leaves change to several different colors and create a beautiful sight. The bad thing is that with the change to fall it promises that winter will be here shortly. I will admit that I am not a big fan of that season. With winter brings a lot of fun things to do, but I don't like the cold that comes with it. There are plenty of you that do like winter I am sure and that is good news for you!



This is the time of the year where 4-H seems to calm down a little for my county. With it being fall it slows down a bit, because schools having started and the 4-Her's have less time to do things, but still we get together and think back over what happened during this year and plan for next year. My County Council group is currently planning our Achievement program which is only a weekend away. We get to dress up in board game characters, because our theme for that night is board games. I am still working on picking out who I want to be for that night and deciding how to go about creating my costume.All over County's are planning their own end of the year achievement programs, and I hope that they all go over with success and that everyone has a good time. For those of you that have already had that program I hope that you can think back on it as a great time.



Now even though you are going to be busy with school, and many other after school programs just remember to take some time to enjoy the change of the season. Some ways to do that is by picking apples and making cider, apple sauce or just eating them plain, or picking pumpkins, or raking up the leaves that fall off the trees and then jumping in them; because no matter what you are never too old for that!




Enjoy these fall days!


Danielle Knapp

Reporter

Sight to see

September Seventh started the beginning of a long battle for many in our state. Tropical storm Lee gave it his all and hit hard, causing flooding that can only compare to that of the hurricane Agnes in 1972. Within the Central Pa area, over 100,00 people were evacuated from there homes. There have been seven people who have lost their lives to this disaster. Trees and debris are all over the streets and and in peoples homes. As you drive down the streets all you see is piles of ruined furniture and trash from peoples homes, piles that are as big as cars.

Even with all that was going on, the first people to check-in to see if all is okay, were other 4-Hers. 4-H is a family, and this really showed during the flooding of 2011. I always knew that 4-her's were close but never knew how close. The night that the flooding happened, texts came pouring in, not just from other local 4-Hers but also from other around the state who heard what was happening.Everyone was seeing how they could help, or just checking in. Just getting that text shows how much others care. This event was one that we all hopefully don't have to go through anytime in the near future, but one that helped bring us together.

To everyone who was affected by the Tropical Storm Lee flooding, we hope you are recovering well, and know that we are all here for you.

Lia Schmittel

Vice President of Events

plan,plan,plan

As State Leadership Conference creeps closer to us every day, the state council has been thinking up ideas to make this years conference a roaring good time. So far we have thought up a theme and have pounced on a few ideas to keep the kids entertained. We have also hunted down our speakers and cornered them according to their presentations. we have also decided on some snacks. how does animal crackers sound! I know that you are thinking that it sounds a little corny ,but it can't be because corn isn't found in the jungle.


Our theme is Wild for Leadership, and as the name insiuates this year's conference is gonna be a wild time. As for now i can say no more about State Conference .I hope you are ready to break out your inner jungle self. Your gonna need it. So get ready to be wild for leadership. Hope to see ya there. State council Sentinel Garrett Richadson.

Starting a New Year

Hi everyone, my name is Sarah Bassett. I am soo excited to be serving as your 2011-2012 State 4-H Council President. First I would like to say some random facts about myself so you can get to know me. I have been in 4-H for 9 years (since I was 7), some of my projects include Horse, Air Rifle, and Teen Leadership. I have participated in many other projects, but these are the ones I enjoy the most. I participate in band, cross country, and track & field as extra-curricular activities. I enjoy reading and going on trail rides with my friends.
Last month at State Achievement Days 8 4-H members enthusiastically joined the council. We are all very excited about having the opportunity to represent the 4-H program across the state. After State Days we had a couple of weeks to do research on the 4-H program and prepare for Training and Orientation Weekend. Unfortunately by the time we got to the weekend we lost a member. However, while at the training the rest of us were able to start bonding. We have a long way to go in becoming a tight team, but I have faith that we will be come close shortly. I am excited about the themes we have chosen for the State Leadership Conference and State Achievement Days. I am also looking forward to conducting sessions on Parliamentary Procedure, as the council has decided to do this year. Once again, I am thrilled to have this chance to work with everyone this year.
Untile next time,
Sarah Bassett
Pennsylvania 4-H State Council President.

Hello everyone! I'm Bridget McConn and I'm the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council Historian for the 2011-2012 year! I'm 16, a junior at McGuffey High School and a member of this wonderful organization for 9 years. In those years I have carried numerous projects ranging from sheep, both breeding and market, hogs, breeding and market, market goats, sewing, babysitting and I'm sure theres a lot more to add to this list. I've attended day camps, SLC, Capital Days and many more 4-H events but this year will be the most exciting one, it'll be like no other year that I have had in 4-H!

This year started out the same way that everyone has. It was nothing special until I talked to my county extension agent. While we were talking I told her how much I had enjoyed attending all the State Events that she has allowed me to go to, I even mentioned how cool the blazers were that the council got to wear. After that she looked at me and told me I could wear one, now when she told me that i wasn't sure whether or not I really wanted to do it. I went ahead and talked to my aunts, one who has been a chaperone at all the events i go to, and the other is the FFA advisor at a neighboring school. I told both of them about State Council and they both said it would be something to try. So I got the application from Pam, filled it out and sent it in. I attended State Days where i had my interview and found out that I made council. However it never sunk in that i made it onto council until I stepped onto the stage with the rest of the new team. This team has already survived a weekend together, and that is the first of many more to come.

A new beginning..

Hey everyone! I am Danielle Knapp and I am your State Council Reporter.

So here we go! It’s the start of a new adventure for the team of 2011-2012 State 4-H Council. We have gotten past standing in front of everyone on stage during induction in July, and we just got finished with Officer Training this past weekend. The team is still getting to know each other, but we did have some bonding time during training. I am excited to represent all of Pennsylvania 4-H for the next year. I can honestly say that when I first came into 4-H I wouldn’t have ever imagined that I(me! Who was a completely introverted kid, that never spoke at all) would be stepping into such a position.

I am looking forward to this upcoming year. All of us at State Achievement Days were unsure about what we were getting ourselves into, and are still unsure about it at times. I hope that we all stick through it as a team, and grow into a great one that will create memorable times. This is going to be a chance of a lifetime. So we are going to make the best out of it. We are going to gain so much from this experience.

We are already off to a good start. During Officer Training we set our goals and picked out the upcoming event themes. We also got the chance to meet and hear from a lot of good presenters and took in so much information in such a small weekend. We learned a lot about each other and how to become a good team during this training, but we still have more to learn. By the end of this term, we are going to be a great team and wish that we could do it longer together.

This next year will be my very last as a 4-H member. It’s going to be filled with State Council duties, and I am sure I am going to be running around like crazy, but I know that if I need any help that I can ask many people, whether it be my family, my advisors, my fellow council teammates, or alumni council members. This is going to be something I will remember for the rest of my life, and I am glad that I took on this challenge before it was too late. I don‘t want to have any regrets as a member of 4-H, and this role will help me achieve that. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in 2011/2012 through being in this position of 4-H.

I hope to see a lot of you at the upcoming events!

Danielle Knapp

Your 2011/2012 State Council Reporter

Hi my name is Garrett Richardson. I am the Sentinel for the 2011-2012 PA state 4H council. i am 16 years old and I have been in 4H for 7 years. My 4H projects consist of pig, dairy, rocketry, forestry, wildlife, and cooking. My most recent adventure has been joining state council.

At the beginning of the year my county extension agent came to me and asked if I would be interested in joiing state council. Being the curious soul that I am, I asked her more about it. She then proceeded me to tell me about it. At first I was sold on the idea ,but then I found out that one of my older 4H members had been on state council. Her name was Laura Pifer. The more she talked about council the more I became interested. Then August came around and i found myself applying for council. The first major speech I had to write was to be given to all of the 650 State day participants. To be honest I was more than nervous I was petrified. I got up on stage did my speech and waited for my interveiw. The interveiw went fairly well. That night is when I would find out whether I made the cut or not. I DID!!!! That was the exciting most petrifying news in my life. Then I met the team. So far we have gotten along. We (the council) finished State Days. The next big event together Training Weekend. That weekend was the most challenging yet fun weekend in my life so far. No major problems have encountered the council yet.

Some upcoming events for the state council are:


Penn State Tailgate on September 24 from 9 am 'til 12 pm at the AG Arena
Feel free to come join us.

P.S. State Leadership Conference is coming up fast don't forget to register you wont want to miss it:)!!

Let the Journey Begin!

I had always lived in my sisters’ shadows doing the same activities they did but this year I wanted to change that. I wanted to step out of their shadows and start my own journey in the 4-H program.

While talking with my extension educator, the subject of State 4-H Council was brought to my attention. She told me that it would be a great opportunity for me because it stands for everything that I was looking for. I wanted to gain more experience in 4-H, make a difference in the program, and finally do something that was my own. I filled out the application and waited until I heard information back on what was going to happen at State 4-H Achievement Days. I was given the requirements and got to work! I wrote a one minute speech, a presentation on the Impact 4-H has had on my life, and prepared myself as best as I could for the interview. I gave it my best and I finally heard back that I had made it on the 2011 State 4-H Council! I was so ecstatic that it didn’t even matter to me if I had an officer position or not. To my surprise, I was named as the Vice President of Operations! I was so proud of myself that I had accomplished my goal and was given the opportunity of a lifetime!

The first event, as part of the new council, was Ag. Progress Days. It was the first time I attended and certainly will not be my last! I had a blast working at the Youth Building and meeting people from all over the state. Next came the Training weekend. At first, I had my doubts to whether I was capable of taking on my duties and making it through the year. But as the weekend went on, our council became more of a team and started to help each other get through the long and tiring weekend. They helped me bring my spirits back up and reassured me that I was capable of the responsibility. I am so grateful to have a supportive council and I cannot wait to get started working with them and representing the State 4-H Program!

Sincerly,
Liz McAndrew
State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations

The Beginning

Hello to everyone! My name is Lia Schmittel and I am your 2011-2012 State Vice President of Events. I am just over myself in excitement about this coming year.

I am seventeen and now a senior at Lower Dauphin High School. This year as part of my school day I am interning at the Dauphin County Penn State Cooperative Extension Office. I am very proud to call myself a Dauphin County 4-H'er. This year my projects include: dairy beef, breeding and market sheep, rabbits, chickens, pigeons, goats, swine, sewing, kitting, and baking. I am a member of seven different clubs in my county and also a club in Lebanon County. I joined 4-H six years ago after getting my first pair of rabbits. When not doing 4-H actives (which isn't very often) I can be found water skiing or at the local community theatre.

July was the beginning of it all. We had our applications in and were exchanging emails about the upcoming State Achievement Days. The nerves were building as the days drew closer. Opening ceremonies was our time to introduce ourselves to the rest of the delegates at State Days, man there were a lot of delegates there. The next day was our interviews, it was nerve racking but in the end wasn't that bad. Later that day we were brought together to meet the rest of the team and to get our offices. We were all in shock at that point, thinking what have I done and being totally excited at the same time. Closing ceremonies was our big night, induction. Standing out there in front of the all the delegates, knowing that you get to represent them for the next year was one of the greatest feelings.

After getting home from State Days we all had some time to let it all sink in and to enjoy a few weeks of summer. Ag Progress Days was here before we knew it. That was a great three days, talking with people and also getting to know each other. Our next stepping stone was our Training weekend. That was an intense three days, full of very knowledgeable speakers and fun team bonding. We learned a lot about each other and ourselves, and about how to become a team.

Come and join us at the Tailgate next month September 24th from 9a.m. till 12p.m. at the Ag arena!!
The year is full of endless possibilities and I am so very excited to see what it holds next.

Lia Schmittel
State Vice President of Events