April Showers Bring May Flowers

As the old saying goes"April Showers Bring May Flowers". I believe it means that if you are in a situation and need input, that it will all be ok, that something good will come from it. It may be at first hard to find that one good thing, but first take a step back and review the situation, then look at your progress, and finally that one good thing will be right under your nose and it's that you had not noticed it at first. It is like losing the TV remote, it is always in the last place you think not to look. Another great saying to finish what I am trying to say is. "A piece of gold did not start out as a piece of gold, It started out as a lump of coal". This means if something at first looks ugly or your not satisfied with something. Just keep brushing up on it or polish it till it is gold. And finally as I leave you this month and pursue my endeavors in life and State Council I leave you with a final note. "look to the past for guidance and reference, but do not emphasize upon it yet look to the future for adventure and life". Best wishes and happy endings.
Jonathan Yoder 2010/2011 reporter and historian

Hakuna Matata!

I just recently watched The Lion King and I heard the famous song. This song was song by the greatest duo ever, Timon and Pumba. For the readers who don't know how the song goes, it goes like this...


"Hakuna Matata!


what a wonderful phrase


Hakuna Matata!


Ain't no passing craze


It means no worries


For the rest of your days


It's our problem-free philosphy


Hakuna Matata!"


This is a simple and lovable song. I loved this song when I was little, and I still love it to this very day. It makes me think back when I was little and didn't have a care in the world, but now that I am older and out of high school I soon learned that time flies, and there is always so much pressure. At this point in my life I have a lot going on. I'm leaving for Capital Days tomorrow, and as soon as I get back I have my finals for college, and as soon as college is over I am starting my internship along with a summer class. Oh yeah the pressure is on! But as I was thinking about what to write in this post, I just thought back to the good old days of watching the Lion King. Hakuna Matata was the song that stuck out to me the most. I realized that no matter how busy I am, and no matter how much pressure I am under, I will always remember to take a step back from the craziness, and sing this song, because after all it means NO WORRIES!
State Council Secretary
~Samantha Gstalder~

Coming to a Close

Time has been going so fast since we got inducted as State Council members last year. We have all done so much and learned a lot about not only the 4-H program and the people in it, but also about ourselves. The seven of us came together one day and didn't know a thing about each other but now we are pretty good friends, for only knowing each other for less than a year. This weekend we are going to Capitol days which should be an adventure for all of us but I think we will have fun. In July we are going to the Tennessee State Leadership Conference, we are all very excited to see our friends again. But soon after that we are heading to our final event as State Council members, State Days. Though we are all excited to see everyone at States it will bring an end to our terms. Hopefully we will all keep in touch because I'm going to miss you guys! Well, have a great month everybody.

Where did the months go?

Like most people I too commonly get caught in the rush, and speed of life and forget many times to stop and notice the little things. My freshman year in college has a remaining seven days of classes before finals. This year in college has been filled with memories, building friendships, taking chances, figuring how to fit everything into 24 hours, and lots of laughs. There have been challenges along the way, as expected with most occurrences throughout life. Mixed feelings are closely accompanied with the summer approaching very quickly. The feeling of accomplishment of my first year in college is incredible. Yet, the understanding of how fast this year went and how fast the future years will go is slightly unsettling.
Looking back on the past month the rewarding events in my life continued to expand. Being a delegate at 4-H National Conference was an opportunity that expanded the views on government and 4-H as a whole. Meeting 4-H members, volunteers, leaders, and educators from all over the nation builds networking systems and friendships that last a lifetime. As we walked though the hallways at the House of Representatives and the Senate creates a sense of importance and meaning.
My term is not over until I hand over that gavel and then even after handing over the title does not eliminate the passion, or the duty of representing an organization that means so much. As I get ready to travel to Harrisburg for 4-H Capital Days I know that this opportunity is once in a lifetime and sharing the passion of 4-H is an honor!
The next three months will be filled with experiences, opportunities, laughs, tears, smiles, and fun times. The months are decreasing quickly while the friendship and passion for the organization continually increases.


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

Spring Is In The Air

I am finally so happy to see that Spring is finally in the air! Even though that means allergies for some like me, It is finally good to see an end to old man winter and see the preview to summer as I like to call it. Even though April is sometimes still a bit cold and it rains a lot, It's like the old saying."April showers bring May flowers." And I really hope May comes soon. April is nice though because Everything comes to life and you can see all the little critters come to life in the woods and on the farm. That also means a busy schedule for Council and the beginning of a new year for 4-H and hopefully a new brigade of Pennsylvanian 4-Hers coming on board from all over the commonwealth. I hope this year that the Pennsylvania 4-H grows enormously with numbers of new 4-Hers, maybe hopefully even doubles. As for now I hope you enjoy spring as I have by walking in the woods and magnifying the beauty and bounty of wildlife and seeing new life and beginnings no matter what the journey is that they may be traveling on. Thanks,
Jonathan Yoder 2010/2011 historian and reporter

What happened to Spring?

Well, to kick of this month I went to Florida with the Smethport Marching Band. While I was gone I heard nothing but good about the weather back home. I heard sunny, 60, and no snow! When we returned from our trip everything that I heard I saw. Great weather and all that snow finally melted away. But, after waking up the next morning is all I saw was snow. I really thought that we finally caught Spring but yet again old man winter still came through and pulled ahead. For 4-H events that happened this month I attended the Central Region Teen Retreat and had a wonderful time. Johnathon, Seth, and I presented about some state events and about Council at the retreat. Now I am headed for 4-H National Conference held in Chevy Chase Maryland. I hope this will be a great time and expand my knowledge in 4-H. So, for everyone out there, have a good month and maybe Spring will finally arrive!

As spring comes to town

As spring comes to town we find ourselves getting MORE snow!!! We can only hope it disappears soon. Three of our council members and some other 4-Hers from the state of Pa are heading to D.C. tomorrow for our national 4-H conference. I know we are all really excited. As we continue our council year we continue to plan capital and state days and get ready for our trip to TN. We are also working hard to fund raise money for our council. I am looking forward to seeing you all in the near future. I hope you all brave the weather till mother nature gives us spring. I know I'm sure ready for some warm weather. Until next time my loyal followers, Your VPO Echo Kincaid

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.