Time Flies

Its hard to believe how fast time flies. It felt like yesterday I was driving to my first day of college, and now I have one month left of my second semester. So much has happened over these past few months it's hard to take the time and enjoy it. Now that is almost April I do have so many things to look forward to. Today my one dairy goat just had twins. The newcomers are boys and I named them Stanley, and Gomez. I was very excited and now my sister and I can start milking again. I also am looking forward to starting my internship this summer. I will be interning at Weis Markets in the Bakery. I am very excited. State Council is going to be very busy as well. We are getting ready for Capital Days, and working on the theme for State Days. The theme this year is Who Dunnit ? which is based off of the classic board game and movie of Clue. We are also selling window clings as our fundraiser. They are seven dollars each and say " I support Pennsylvania 4-H". Hopefully people are willing to buy and donate money to their State council. We are definitely working harder then ever, and the time July rolls around we will all be saying wow time flies! State Council Secretary ~Samantha Gstalder~

Thank You Venango 4-H

This past weekend, as I was traveling to the central region's leadership retreat, I stopped at the cranberry mall to get some provisions for my long journey to Camp Blue Diamond. (i.e. Red Bull and bugles) I was amazed at what I beheld when I walked in. Venango County 4-H was having their annual mall Children's Expo. 4-H'ers from all across Vengango county and some even farther, had set up around a dozen booths which all showcased what 4-H had to offer in their area. They had everything from miniature golf, to nerf gun shooting, to leather working; and all of it was still 4-H themed! Some how Venango County even got a 4-H bear mascot with green fur! Not only were there booths set up for the actual projects, but Venango County Council and their advisory board had booths set up to show how anybody who wants to become involved with 4-H can. I tip my hat to Venango County 4-H, I was so glad to see 4-H'ers out and about showing what 4-H has to offer.

Seeing their wonderful display of "Green" really made my day.

The Lives We Live...

When counting the amount of months I have been a 4-H member, on one hand I truly begin to reflect a lot more on everything I have accomplished and everything I have ahead in those very short months. As I stood up and introduced myself to the other Agriculture Representatives at National Ag Day as the Pennsylvania State 4-H President it still is unreal. Going back years ago as I attended my first SLC I saw those elite, powerful, highly respected youth wearing their green blazers. In my wildest dreams I never thought that would be me one day representing the State 4-H as State President. Now I am sure you just read that and said how cheesy but some of the best stories in life are the cheesy ones. Seven months ago this opportunity of a lifetime began and I was not sure exactly what to expect. I mean I knew what was expected of me and all the responsibilities I had but not so much the dedication and love I have for 4-H would grow to this extent. With each new opportunity that is has arose came new memories being created, new friends being made, and new networks being built. Being asked to come and speak at the Cumberland and Perry County Speak Out night was a honor to help express the chances the youth of 4-H have in the program. Getting ready to return to Washington, D.C. for National 4-H Conference is an exciting feeling. When there is a group of any size of youth, leaders, and volunteers that come together to represent one organization there is the common understanding that this organization changes lives for the better. With my freshman year of college very quickly approaching the end, the final stretch of the race has began. Picking out my last set of market goats brings it home that the end is near. But before we get caught up in the sorrow of what happened and how we are going to miss it, it is a key factor that we take on each and every event and task as though you have the love and joy of it never ending. I am looking forward to all that is ahead including; Capital Days, our trip to TN, and then the big finale at State Days. The knowing that with each one of these events skills are going to get passed on to others and you yourself are also going to learn from others, is one of the best feelings. So remember live each moment as it's your last because the end always comes sooner than we want! Meeting and Growing with the other six council members makes every challenge easier and worth every second of work put into this term as President. I mean even at those times when we are all just one hot mess. There are many times I overlook the fact of it being work because of the true passion I have for 4-H. In life take on the challenges set ahead they will only create a strong you!

Logan Hall

Your 2010-2011 4-H State Council President

Still no spring?¿?¿

Hey everyone hope you all are getting ready for a fun weekend at Capital Days. I am, but I will be a little late due to other requirements. I am ready to see the capitol again it is an exciting experience being in the rooms where our state leaders make important decisions. I want to see you all out there to enjoy an experience you will never forget!

I am so busy visiting colleges from Indiana  to southern Pennsylvania!! I am excited about college but scared to leave the comforts of home, especially if I am 4 hours away. But I am strong and will survive :)

signing off! your State Council Vice President of Events

CJ Adams

Spring is Near

Well with our temperatures lately I think that spring is finally on its way after this long hard winter. But then again it has been 60 degrees one day then 20 the next so nobody really knows. Lately I have been doing good with the things I've been doing. All of us on State Council did great, I think, on State Leadership Conference this year. We did a 50's theme and everyone that I have talked to said it went over very well and were all impressed. Also I have been getting ready for National Conference which is coming up soon and I'm very excited. In two weeks my marching band is going to Disney in Orlando for four days to march in the Disney Day Parade. Also, just on the previous Monday I received an award for my volunteering......FROM THE PRESIDENT!!! I was very excited when I found out that I had received this award. So March should be a great month for me and hopefully just as good for all you readers out there! Have a great month and keep inviting your friends to be 4-H members.

Family

For me Feb. was a month to just relax. I worked and did a few 4-H things but nothing major. I really need the time to catch up after last month. So I just kicked back and relaxed but I found my self saying I miss my fellow council members. Something I thought I would never say I figured I would be sick of them. I was wrong they are like my second family. When I joined council I didnt know it then but I was gaining 5 brothers and a sister in my eyes. We are all very close and enjoy being around each other so much. We even tend to fight like brothers and sisters at times. We make a great team because we all bring our own quilities to the table like brothers and sisters. Well March is gonna be more of a rush. 4-H starts back up in my county in March and im super excitied.
Until next time
Echo Kincaid
VPO