An Interesting Year, Before and Ahead

Looking back at the year of 2012, a lot of interesting things have happened and many friends have been made, including those that I am so thankful to have on State Council!  I have reflected on the other past events and how they might influence this upcoming year, to which, I am looking forward to with enthusiasm!
In the upcoming year of 2013, so many things can happen.  Some planned and some not, but isn't that what makes life exciting?  I may not know what exactly to expect, but there's no doubt that I'll make the best of it either having fun with it or learning from it as David Brinkley once said, "Lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at you."
The new year is another layer of my foundation, which I will strive to make the best out of!

Happy New Year and may your surprises bring you forward!

"Even if you stumble, you're still moving forward." -Anonymous.

Time For Family And Fun!

                During the holidays, people travel near and far just to see their families. It really shows how important family is to us, especially during special times of the year. This year, I’ve realized just how many crazy things we will do for our family.

                My brother’s church needed a Santa Claus for their Christmas party, because their normal Santa Claus wasn’t able to come. Apparently, I was the first one my brother though of to be Santa. I didn’t think I’d be a very convincing Santa, especially because half of the kids were related to me. Luckily, after a few pillows were stuffed into the outfit, no one recognized me. Later, my cousin told me that I needed to work on my Santa, because his son didn’t think I was the real one.

                When my sister came home on the 27^th, and we got a ton of snow, we started right up with a family creation. Snowboating. We hook the snowboat to the tractor, a sled to the back of the boat, build a snow hill, and drive through the yard. We’ve also started using inflatable sleds behind the four wheeler, taking them over jumps. We’ve even tried rafts and pool toys, like the alligator. Sadly, he didn’t survive the jump.

                Maybe my family is just a little weird, but I still love them. Well, it’s time to go spend the rest of the day with my siblings and cousins! Happy New Year!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like.........

 Can you feel it?  Taste it?  Smell it?  Hear it?  Almost see it?  I can and so can everyone else in my house.  It's that time once again where the many corners of our home, barn, and garage begin to be taken over by it.  What is it?  Preparation for the much anticipated Pennsylvania State Farm Show, of course!  You all know what I'm talking about.  Oh no, hold the one pig back, push the other, walk them, clean them, feed them again.  Are there any treats for them in the fridge?  Just yesterday, I was so upset with my sister for giving them the macaroni salad.  I love macaroni salad!  It was only in our refrigerator for less than 10 hours and already, it became a special treat for the stinking pigs! 

We've all been there.  If not for our pig project, for our sheep, goat, horse, beef, poultry, rabbit, or cavy!  Of course we all knew the kind, almost summer-like temperatures weren't going to hold on forever and the second snow of the year came just in time for sheep washing day!  If you have a wool breed of sheep heading to this years sheep to shawl or sheep show, you know the rules.  "All sheep may be washed no less than two weeks prior to the contest." 

Let's not forget about the family living section.  Bakers praying their cake turns out as the best yet, woodworking projects being sanded, stained, and varnished just right, sewing projects finally getting that hem, knitting needles working as fast as they can possibly go, and practice shawls washed and ready for their debut at the fleece to shawl contest.  Yup, I've seen all those things happening here too!

Why do we do it?  Sounds like a lot of work!  We do it because we love it!  It has become part of us, and we look forward to it each and every year!  What other event in Pennsylvania opens its doors to the number of people who come there?  They come to see it, taste it, hear it, smell it, and touch it!

I'm going to be there and I hope to see you all there too!



My sister and me at last year's sheep show!

The two Dauphin County Fleece to Shawl teams from last year

Looking back at the year

     Looking back at this year its safe to say a lot has changed in my life.  Things as simple as my driving status and what I'm doing athletically. To things that that will change my life for the better such as my college choice to my position in 4-H.
    On of the first things I was able to do in the beginning of the year was to get my drivers license, after not being able to pass two times, and then after so many months of working hard and saving, with some help with my project animals, I was finally able to buy my own truck.
     For most of my high school career I was not planning on going to college.  At the end of Jr. year our school had my class have interview with our guidance councilor asking what we had planed after high school. I told her I was just planing on going into the workforce.  Then she simply asked if I would at least look.  So I did as such, I found Penn College, and I was very interested in this school so I decided to visit there.  After the tore I knew I wanted to go to this school.  I am now accepted, have my spot reserved, and I know when my placement testing is.
     Football is a large part of my high school career and I worked all summer for a starting spot on the team. during summer workouts I was doing the the little stuff right. I was not the strongest, but I was technical and I stayed quick.  Finally, coach had me rotating in.  I was going to play! Then the the next week I'm on the phone telling coach I cant play this season because I had a life time opportunity that I was not letting pass by me. That's it my football career is over. So I thought, latter in the season I was once again on the team as a manager.
     When I found out that I was going to be a Sr. Councilor at 4-H camp I thought I did everything I could possibly do to become the best leader that I can be.  That thought easily changed after I was inducted into council.  Now I work with a work with a wonderful team.  Ones that I have worked with before, ones that I've that I worked against, and ones that I never really worked with.  With that said, I love working with everyone on this team.  It has been a great year and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us.

Not just a football team it's a family

     I would just like to take this opportunity to say great job to my high school football team. They made it to the PIAA AAA District 10 finals, unfortunately were not able to win the game. Altho they did not come on top at the end I know that the senior's and the rest of the team left it on the field and everyone was very proud of them. 

     Hello there this is John and you might of not know but before I was inducted to state council I was one of the players. 

     We had just finished summer workouts and we had a week break until two-a-days started. I was inducted within that brake. I remember getting home and calling the head coach about the opportunity that was given to me. I was not sure what his reaction was going to be, what he would say, or if he would try to talk me out of it. I was pleasantly pleased when he said that thinks that my choice was a good one. 

     Now that I was able to tell the coach now what was the team going to say to me on the first day of school. I was plaining on being called a quitter, or lazy, but that wasn't the case. Everyone thought what I was doing is great and I recall on one of my friends saying that I'm "awesome at 4-H".  

     Many players and even their parents missed me on the field saying that it was just not the same. I think that the person that was upset the most was our school Athletic Trainer. And then one game latter on in the season I seen that the team was down a manager or "water girl". I went to our trainer and asked if he wanted help. He said yes in a hart beat. Once I was back on the field I made sure that the team knew I was there hitting their helmets and shoulder pads. The faces on the player seem very happy, at least that's what I thought. Latter during that game when I was standing near our trainer he asked me what I was doing next Friday night and if I wanted to do it again and for the rest of the season. I quickly said yes with a huge smile on my face. Then once again I was part of the team, not as a player as I once was but as a manager or "water girl". (yes they called me water girl, but I didn't mind)

     Hello there this is John and you might of not know but before I was inducted to state council I was one of the players. 

     We had just finished summer workouts and we had a week break until two-a-days started. I was inducted within that brake. I remember getting home and calling the head coach about the opportunity that was given to me. I was not sure what his reaction was going to be, what he would say, or if he would try to talk me out of it. I was pleasantly pleased when he said that thinks that my choice was a good one. 

     Now that I was able to tell the coach now what was the team going to say to me on the first day of school. I was plaining on being called a quitter, or lazy, but that wasn't the case. Everyone thought what I was doing is great and I recall on one of my friends saying that I'm "awesome at 4-H".  

     Many players and even their parents missed me on the field saying that it was just not the same. I think that the person that was upset the most was our school Athletic Trainer. And then one game latter on in the season I seen that the team was down a manager or "water girl". I went to our trainer and asked if he wanted help. He said yes in a hart beat. Once I was back on the field I made sure that the team knew I was there hitting their helmets and shoulder pads. The faces on the player seem very happy, at least that's what I thought. Latter during that game when I was standing near our trainer he asked me what I was doing next Friday night and if I wanted to do it again and for the rest of the season. I quickly said yes with a huge smile on my face. Then once again I was part of the team, not as a player as I once was but as a manager or "water girl". (yes they called me water girl, but I didn't mind)

Lehigh County Awards Banquet

On November 9th, I had the honor of being invited to speak during the Leihgh County 4-H Awards Banquet.  As part of the event I got the opportunity to be the keynote speaker in which I got to promote 4-H State Wide 4-H events. 

The exciting part of the event was the honor I received to meet so many new 4-Hers.  Before I spoke I got to sit down and speak with 4-H Leaders, Parents, and Youth.  Sitting there I learned about clubs I never heard about and projects that seemed unreal.  Lehigh County has a Veterinarian Club that I never would have guessed as a project. 

Once I got to speak I had tremendous fun promoting Camping, Capital Days, Achievement Days, Leadership Conference, and State Council. 

I was able to promote Camping seeing how it benefits four 4-H groups: Youth, Pre-Teens, Teens, and Parents.  4-H youth love camp because of its fun and interactive experience with nature.  Pre-teens love camp because they get to chill with cool teenagers and be away from embarrassing adults.  Teens learn valuable life skills such as working with youth that is difficult to come by if you don’t experience camping. Parents love 4-H camp because it is a place that is safe and secured filled with caring counselors and staff.

Capital Days has by far been my favorite event to talk about.  The experience of meeting with state legislatures is a significant experience for any 4-Her.  Also learning how to implement Parliamentary Procedure was a new experience for me. 

Achievement Days is one of my favorite events because I get to hear of all the different events that 4-Hers compete in which is their passion.  We get to compete and then watch 4-Hers talents and fashion revue.

Leadership Conference is the event to go to this year for one reason, Chocolate River.  That’s right we are celebrating Leadership by grabbing our golden tickets and setting off into the wonderful world of chocolate.  At SLC we learn the importance of being a leader and improve our leadership skills.

The final experienced I mentioned was State Council.  Being part of this amazing team is truly the better part of being on the State Council.  I have gotten to meet people that I never would have hoped to meet.  The best part on State Council is not your personal experience but the team experience. 

I hoped my message that I gave to my fellow 4-Hers from Lehigh County was truly appreciated and will inspire 4-hers to pursue 4-H outside of their county, on a state level.

Thankful for National 4-H Congress

Pennsylvania Delegation  

Last summer, I discovered a unique opportunity to be able to combine two of my greatest joys in life: 4-H and traveling. I had the privilege to travel to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia last November as one of forty Pennsylvania delegates. This premier national event gathers the best 4-Hers from across the county to celebrate their achievements and allow them to have a five day convention filled with fun learning experiences. In order to make National Congress a coveted and special trip, 4-H members may only attend National Congress once as a delegate. While at National Congress 2011, I heard of a leadership position that I could apply for to be able to be granted a second trip back to congress. This National Congress “Design Team” consists of eight passionate 4-Hers from across the country who serve as liaisons for all 800+ delegates and they assist other nationally recognized adults in the planning and execution of National Congress. As you may have concluded at this point, I applied for the design team, was humbly granted a spot on the team, and I got to travel back to Atlanta this Thanksgiving.

International Night with Tyler Shaw, your Vice President of Events 

The benefits of being on the design team were greater than I could have ever imagined. We had the distinct opportunity to meet with prestigious individuals in corporations such as Coca-Cola and AGCO. The personal networking that came out of being a National 4-H Congress design team member was unbelievable as well. Meeting several National 4-H Council members was significantly noteworthy to avid 4-Hers such as us.

Youth Leadership Team partner 

and new friend from Idaho, 

Trevor Kauer

Though meeting all of these “bigwigs” was impressive, what really made my 2012 congress experience spectacular was meeting as many of the 4-H delegates as I could. Sure, having a one on one conversation with Miss America, Laura Kaeppeler, and finding out we were in the same Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia was neat, but in no way did I have an affect on her life. Having the chance to talk with such enthusiastic 4-Hers from all over and hear how much fun they were having really brought back memories from when I was a delegate having a blast with some of my best friends in 4-H. I also remembered that I looked up to the design team as such high 4-H role models. They put in their hard work to achieve their positions and they put in a lot of time to creating the congress experience that I had. I had to keep my mentality from when I was a delegate in the back of my head. It was incredible humbling to hear people look up to me as a 4-Her and to be asked how could they become a design team member next year.

My mom, Toni Stuetz, was our state 

advisor at congress and our southeastern 

PA chaperone on the flight home. It was 

her birthday so we celebrated with 

cheesecake at Chili’s!

Even though National Congress 2012 is officially adjourned, the impacts and memories will live on forever. I had a marvelous time listening to so many different 4-H stories and trying to get to know lots of excellent 4-H members. I sure can’t wait for my future in 4-H and possibly attending other national 4-H events such as National 4-H Conference and/or Citizen Washington Focus!

Sincerely,

Cecilia Stuetz

Pennsylvania State 4-H Council Secretary

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

One Horsie Flashback

After taking my outdoor senior pictures with some of my horses this fall, I began to reminisce about how I first got started riding horses. As of right now, I have currently shown in western pleasure, trail, hunter under saddle, jumping, and most recently, contest classes.

                I first started riding at the age of five because of the influence of my sister, who was ten. At the time, I was just sitting on our horse, Baron, while my sister took lessons on her horse. When I turned six, my parents got me an extremely lazy horse that was ironically named Superman. I took lessons and showed him in walk-trot at open shows. My favorite class was walk-trot barrels, but I could never get Superman to do anything other than walk. Although Superman was quiet, I was terrified to ride.

                Finally, I was eight, and able to show in 4-H. My parents realized that Superman and I weren’t a great match of personalities, and we tried a pony from Tennessee. My pony’s name was Sammy, and he is the reason I’m no longer afraid to ride. In fact, I became so brave that I would run him around the yard bareback. I showed him western pleasure and trail, but we would occasionally run a barrel class or take a few jumps for fun.

                While I wanted to keep Sammy forever, I was ten and beginning to grow out of the 12.3 hand pony. My sister was getting more serious about showing, and I figured I should too. That’s when we got Chip, my western pleasure and trail horse. Chip and I clicked right away, and our first year was extremely successful. We qualified for the state horse show in showmanship and pleasure. Our second year we qualified for our favorite class, trail, and we made the top five at states.

                Between the two years I showed Chip, I showed my sister’s horse, Henry. I decided to try something different and teach him to run so we could go in contest classes. It was an interesting year, but I was glad to go back to Chip again.

                My next horse was also a hand-me-down from my sister. When I was thirteen, my sister aged out of 4-H and went to college. At the time, Otis was a 16.3 hand four year old appendix. He’s a beautiful horse, no one wanted to part with him yet. With him being so tall, it was obvious to me that it would be best for him to be shown hunter under saddle. So, that winter I spent the majority of my time learning how to ride hunter well. After the first few years of riding in circles on rail, we both became bored with it. I decided to try some jumps with him. Otis was a natural jumper, and never refused a fence. We both loved jumping, and we’d spend hours at our lessons but never be too tired to take another jump. We were even training with a world champion jumping coach, and I thought we’d be jumping at least until I went to college. Sadly, one summer Otis refused a jump. We later found that his front hooves were too soft to be jumping anymore. I decided that I didn’t want to go back to riding on the flat, and we ended up selling Otis.

                I didn’t want to completely stop riding for my seventeen and eighteen year old years, but I didn’t want to buy a new horse as I’d be going away to college soon. My cousin offered her horse, Taz, who lives in my barn. Taz is nineteen years old, but he’s still one of the fastest and most experienced contest horses I’ve ever seen. I took her up on her offer, and although I always got anxious before I ran him, I had a great year. He’s one of the few horses that walk calmly into an arena, but when he sees the barrels, poles, or especially the keyhole, he takes off. It took me a while to trust him, but once I did, we were doing great for our first year. Taz is quite the opposite of Superman though. I couldn’t get Superman to do anything but walk, and I can hardly get Taz to do anything but run when we’re at a show. I took Taz into a practice pole class at a show this summer. As he calmly walked into the arena, I informed the man working the gate that I was going to try and make Taz trot the pattern for training. The man laughed and said, “With him, that shouldn’t be difficult.” As soon as I let up my grip on the reins slightly, Taz took off running. I slowed him down, but I never got him down to a trot. Our time wasn’t actually too bad considering it was a practice run and I was holding him back. When we left the arena, the man at the gate said, “You were trying to trot him?!” I simply smiled, Taz definitely knows what he’s doing, and it can be a lot of fun.

 

Horses have taught me a lot in the last thirteen years. They’ve been a huge part of my life as long as I can remember. Not only that, they’re also the reason I started 4-H! My horses aren’t just my animals, they’re my friends too.

Thanksgiving Thanks

Hello Everyone!

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone!  When I was sitting at the dinner table on Thanksgiving day, I started to think back to just how crazy and eventful this year has been.  Not only did I recollect and relish past events, I realized that I have a lot for which I should be thankful.  My family, friends, pets, and of course, 4-H, all crossed my mind.  I do not know where I would be without all the help and support offered by such influential and important people in my life.  So I would like to take this time to thank you all.

When thanking people, I would be remiss if I forgot to mention our troops.  My grandfather served in World War II and hearing about his experiences overseas has given me a different perspective on things.  It has really made me appreciate what our troops are doing for us.  So thank you all who serve our great country!

On a side note, PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN UP for the 2013 Pennsylvania 4-H State Leadership Conference!  It is going to be a blast with candy galore!  My team and I cannot express our excitement for this event and our eagerness to meet many of you there!

Until later,

Cassidy Baker
2012/2013 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council President

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more.  If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.”

Oprah Winfrey

A Rough Month

Hello Pennsylvania 4-H,

This past month has been a very stressful and difficult one. The reason that is has been, is because I had jaw surgery on November 7th. The surgery itself went very well, but the recovery is very long and stressful. I was lucky enough to not get my mouth wired shut after the surgery but I still had to wear a splint that kept everything in place which was extremely painful. I got the splint out at my doctors appointment yesterday but I still can't eat for another 3 weeks. Being that I absolutely love food and usually eat constantly, it has been very difficult to get used to, especially with all the delicious Thanksgiving food. I am trying my hardest to stay postiive though, and it makes me extremely happy that I will be able to eat at Christmas!

Due to my surgery I haven't really been able to do anything. I can not go to school, exercise, or eat, like I said before. I am just about bored out of my mind but my school work keeps me busy with something to do. During this time, I have also learned not to ever take anything for granted because it is very difficult when you can't do simple things that you are used to always doing. It has been very hard but my recovery is half way over so hopefully the second half will go faster than the first half did!

Despite my surgery and recovery I have still been recruiting and promoting SLC to 4-Her's across the state. I highly recommend that if you have not signed up that you do so! The State Council Team along with our advisors have been busy planning and working on SLC and it is going to be a blast and I hope that everyone that would like to, or is even questioning going, definitely signs up! It's going to be a great time!

Until later, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

Dawn Craft
2012-2013 Pennsylvania State Council 
Vice President of Operations

National 4-H Congress 2012

Part of PA 4-H delegation to National 4-H Congress 2012

Ok -so check out this picture.  It's part of the PA delegation getting their 4-H Swag on at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.  Look closely... Do you see it? 

     While many others were chasing the Christmas buys of the year on Black Friday, I was beginning my adventure at the Harrisburg International Airport!  We had to check-in with our group of ten by 5:30 am!  Not sure what to expect, I boarded the plane in anticipation of this years National 4-H Congress.  I had heard reports from other friends who attended in prior years that is was "life-changing", "amazing", and much more.  So far, I haven't ever been disappointed in any of the opportunities that 4-H has afforded me, so I was very excited and honored to have been selected to attend this year.     

 

     For my county, there were only two delegates afforded this trip.  So, the trip began with the usual, oh my, we need an ice-breaker here feeling.  At first, there wasn't a lot of "meshing", but we were all getting along just fine.  We landed in Atlanta, rode the train, and arrived at the magnificent hotel complete with five glass elevators transporting visitors to one of over 22 floors!  After getting settled in, we grabbed lunch, played cards, began "meshing", and got ready for a night full of events.  First up was dinner, then a state meeting, a pin exchange with many of our country's finest 4-H'ers, and then we were treated to a speaker.  If you haven't been to any 4-H events with public speakers, please take the time to do so, whether it's for State Leadership Conference, State Achievement Days, or any other event!  On this night, our speaker, Dan Thurmon, spoke to us about how to become a "Catalyst for Change", the theme of the conference.  He was fantastic!  His message was to never underestimate yourself.  Don't ever think that your younger kids in your club aren't looking up to you, because they are.  Set goals for yourself, always add to your list of goals, and don't be afraid to fail, it's how you learn.  Ok, we all got a lot out of this day and we still had four more days to go!

 

     For our second day, we began with a state flag ceremony and several workshops including team-building, speed meeting, baking, diversities, Pilate's, robotics, and more.  Later in the day, we were treated to an international dinner and a dance.  I enjoyed trying all of the different foods from so many different countries and the food was amazing!

 

     Some of the highlights on Sunday included an Inspirational Assembly delivered by a Holocaust survivor, very powerful and something that so many of us really should hear to appreciate all of the blessings in our lives.  He touched everyone of us as you could hear a pin drop in a room full of teenagers.  Our lunch was at the Fire of Brazil, another new experience.  Following lunch, I attended workshops and would you believe, I had a "baking workshop"?  After that lunch?  Oh boy!  I was stuffed!  Before I had any room in my stomach, it was time for dinner at the Atlanta History Center.  We didn't just eat, there were great shows!

 

     On Monday, we started with breakfast and then attended community service events.  I was assigned clean-up at a park in Atlanta.  I was struck by the fact that all the 4-H'ers that worked that day accomplished as much as one person working an entire year, and we weren't even there that long.  They were very appreciative of our attendance.  We then went on tours of Atlanta.  The one I experienced was the Coca Cola Factory.  Later that day, we had a Gala and dance.  Remember me telling you about those needed "ice-breakers"?  Well, they weren't needed anymore. 

 

     Sadly, Tuesday was our last day, but in usual 4-H fashion, we were treated to another speaker, Dan Clark.  He talked to us all about words and how they really influence us.  He also delivered a story about his version of "The 4-H's".  He, like all the other speakers, was very impressionable to say the least and I took a great deal from each of them.  Like all good things, our time came to an end.  Everyone had a great time and our trip home that day, you would have thought that we had been friends for years!  If you are ever asked or invited to go to National 4-H Congress, GO!  One more thing, the picture at the openning of my article - we are spelling 4-H.

 

       

 

    

 

    

 

Things are looking good!

As an end of the year party, my county council and I went to have a bit of fun celebrating Pennsylvania 4-H's 100 year birthday by playing laser tag, roller skating, and eating cake!  We recently started a local Theater Arts Club that I couldn't be more excited for and are soon having elections in our county council for offices, and so far, I seem to have votes for president!  I'm excited to start the new year and even more excited for the things I get to do!  Farm Show and State Leadership Conference coming up!

On the other hand, with marching band season over, I've been working on breaking my horse and my soccer team will soon start indoor soccer training, hopefully it's just as exciting as the tournament I played in a long time ago.

Until next time,

Stephanie McFall

Pennsylvania 4-H State Council

State Council Representative