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

Seasons Greetings!

Season’s Greetings PA 4-H!
I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday season full of food, memories, and relatives. As the New Year sneaks around the corner, your PA State Council is busy preparing for one final event: State Leadership Conference! As the papers pour in, the t-shirts are printed, and the members are registered, the anxiously awaited State Leadership Conference (SLC) grows ever closer. With a larger array of workshop choices, an enthusiastic keynote speaker, and a sweet spy theme, what could be better! Also at SLC will be the changing of the state officer team, however; it will be a little different this year because the program year is changing. Since this term is only six months, the officers of the 2008 and 2009 team have been asked to step in and join a transition team which will fill in until State Achievement Days in mid-July until the new team takes over.
Not only do you, the members of PA 4-H, get to take part in the awesome event known as State Leadership Conference, but you can also give back to those in need. This year’s state project is “Checkout the Silver” and it only takes a few seconds of your time and you can do it in the comfort of your own home. I know you are probably asking yourself “Wait… How is that possible?” Not only is it possible, it is true! By simply saving the tabs from the tops of your soda cans, you can allow a family to stay with their youth while the youngster receives treatment in these challenging times. These soda tabs will be collected at State Leadership Conference and donated to the Ronald McDonald House located in Danville, PA.
I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone. I remember getting my jacket at SLC like it was yesterday. State Council has challenged me in so many ways for the better. I had never had an opportunity like this before and I probably never will again. It has been an honor to take part in this and I couldn’t have survived without the rest of the 2009 team.

Your final quote:
“The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." -Vince Lombardi


As always, if you have questions please feel free to contact me!
Jessica Lehman
j.lehman09@gmail.com
PA State Vice-President of Internal Affairs

2010...Here We Come!

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the Christmas Season with your families. Much of my month has been spent doing just that and also finishing my first semester at Penn State.
I completed my search for SLC sponsors this month when I sent letters to over 50 businesses in the Lancaster-Harrisburg area. Thank you to all the donors across the state for their generous gifts to help make SLC 2010 possible!
In preparation for SLC, I've been working on a special PowerPoint that will play during the closing ceremony. This is one of the ideas that came from our trip to New Mexico this summer. As Reporter, it is also my duty to put together a scrapbook of all of our activites this year. That has been a big project for me in the past weeks.
The next event for State Council will be at the Farm Show. On January 8 we will attend the Governor's Dinner. On the 9th we will take part in Farm Show Opening Ceremonies and then do a demonstration called "Biofuel Blast".
After Farm Show, we do our Hotel Walk Through to plan our SLC set-up. Next is SLC 2010...License to Lead! Hope to see you there and bring all of your soda tabs for the collection!!

Countdown to SLC: 29 DAYS

Jeanette Blank
State Council Reporter/Historian

December Updates

Season's Greetings Pennsylvania 4-Hers!

I hope that you all had a wonderful winter break! As a council, we did not have a formal meeting. However, we are starting to prepare items for the Leadership Conference coming up on January 29th.

Our next event is the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show. On January 8th, we will be attending the Governor's Dinner and the following day we will be attending the Opening Ceremonies. I will also be there on the opening Sunday to give presentations at the Penn State Ag Booth about my 4-H experience. I will be making a presentation about my angora rabbits and background about the rabbit industry.

Hope to see you at Farm Show and SLC!

Until next time,

Alex Stepnoski
Council VPC

Hello PA 4-H,

It is hard to believe that the end of 2009 is just around the corner! The State Council has been busy keeping up with preparing for the State Leadership Conference which is coming up in a few short weeks. I hope you all are ready for some fun! The first thing we will be doing in 2010 is the PA State Farm Show. Saturday is Opening Ceremonies and only speaking for myself, I am proud to represent the 4-H program there. For all of you exhibiting at Farm Show, good luck with everything, you are at the largest competition for our state and represent the 4-H program through it all. The 4-H program will be having stage shows throughout the week and the council will be doing a few things with that as well at the 4-H booth were some of us Council members will be hanging out to answer questions and to talk. Come on over to chat and see what is going on.

The big event is almost here!! The 2010 State Leadership Conference "License To Lead" is approaching fast. I cannot wait to see all of you there. With all of the helpful and fun workshops, the amazing speakers, and of course all of you in attendance this conference will be a blast. So grab your notebooks and get ready to learn and obtain your License To Lead. The Council is still working hard at getting everything put together for the weekend.

I hope everyone has a Happy New Year. See you all in 2010!!

Laura Pifer

Happy Holidays!

Season's Greetings Everyone!
I can hardly believe that I am halfway through my senior year of High School and Christmas break is just next week! Things have been crazy as our council has been busy planning for SLC and are getting ready for the Farm Show. I can hardly wait to have the whole team together again! We have some great surprises for everyone at conference. You all will get to see sides of our team that have never been revealed including a special side of me. We have an amazing opening ceremonies planned along with new icebreakers to play. We hope you have fun as you get your License to lead!
On the other hand, it is sad as we approach our last month together, but know we will always have our great connection as the 2009 State 4-H council team! We have had some great memories and I have had the time of my life making a new "family"
Hope to see you all soon at either the Farm show or SLC!
Your Council Secretary,
Christy Lambert

Hello everyone! I hope all of your Thanksgiving breaks were filled with great food, family, and laughter. I know mine was. Just after Thanksgiving I did not go Black Firday shopping like many of you may have, I did one a little better. I boarded a plane to The beautiful state of Georgia. I was in Atlanta for The National 4-H Congress from Friday to Tuesday. During that time I was one of many representing Pennsylvania. I know I speak on behalf of everyone that went when I say that we learned a lot about the 4-H in the different states and Puerto Rico that were represented. We participated in workshops such as speed meeti ng where we had a few minutes to meet different 4-H'ers, Teambuilding, and then a few unique workshops that were selected. My selected workshops were Bake Bread:Build Communities, one on how to travel more efficiently, And Irish Step Dancing. At Congress we also participated in a service project. I did my service at an elementary school. There I got to help a second grade class prepare for their Christmas Program. Wew made costumes and decorated them with glitter. The children were very excited to work with us and had questions for some of us about where we were from. We later concluded on Tuesday with our closing ceremonies and ultimately the plane ride home. At the Pittsburgh airport we said our goodbyes to our Western region delegates and decided that everyone should attend the State Leadership Conference.
At the State Leadership Conference we have workshops planned for Saturday, we offer the opportunity to meet 4-her's from across the state and we have a service project Check out the Silver. Remember to save your soda tabs for the project and sign up for the State Leadership Conference before the deadline! It's coming up fast so hurry.

please comment with any questions you may have, I hope to see everyone in January! =)

Have a Happy Holidays,

Jamie Forinash
President