Glenwood Park Livestock Show

Glenwood Park Livestock Show information is now available!  The Glenwood Show will take place Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Loudoun County 4-H Fairgrounds.  Show rules and entry form packet can be found on the document library in the "Blog Post Follow-Up Information" folder.

Beef entries are due by February 10^th and Sheep entries are due by March 10^th.  Any entry postmarked beyond entry due date will be charged double the normal fee.  No beef entries will be accepted if postmarked in excess of one week past entry due date. Sheep entries will be accepted up until the day of the show at double the normal fee.  Entry fees are not refundable and must accompany the entry form.  Checks should be made payable to GLENWOOD PARK LIVESTOCK SHOW.  Any returned check fees, bank fees, or other collection fees will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. 

A completed, signed “Health History Report for 4-H Members” must accompany each entry form.  No adding entries, substituting, or switching of classes will be permitted unless a mistake is made in printing the catalog. 

2015 Natural Resource Weekend

Natural Resource Weekend is heading here quickly!  The 2015 Natural Resource Weekend will be held January 24-25 at Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center.  This weekend camp is open to youth ages 9-19 and adult volunteers.  All youth under the age of 18 must come with adult supervision.

The cost is $60 per person before January 2, 2015 and $70 per person after January 2, 2015. 

Workshop topics include Wildlife ID and Tracks; GPS; Wildlife Anatomy; Snakes; Intro to the Wildlife Habitat Education Program; Bat Conservation; Duck Decoy Painting; and more!
Registration deadline is January 15.

For more information, please contact Jenny Thompson at the Louisa County Extension Office, or by e-mail at jthomp05[at]vt.edu
The registration brochure can also be found on the document library under the "Blog Post Follow Up Information" folder.

Youth in Action Award Applications

National 4-H Council is now accepting applications for the annual Youth in Action award to be presented at the 4-H Legacy Awards in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 2015. The Youth in Action Award is one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve. 

The Award recognizes one remarkable 4-H’er who exemplifies the life-changing impact of 4-H---a young person who demonstrates personal growth, community impact and project excellence through their 4-H experience. 

In addition to this great honor, the Youth in Action Award winner will receive:

• Scholarship: A $10,000 scholarship for higher education.
• Public Recognition: An all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to be recognized at the 4-H Legacy Awards on April 23, 2015. Promotion in the winner's hometown media as the national winner.
• Executive References: Official reference letters from National 4-H Council executives and corporate supporters.
• A Shopping Experience: A shopping experience (valued at $1,000) to select attire for the 4-H Legacy Awards event.
• Spokesperson Opportunities: Opportunities to serve as an official 4-H Youth Spokesperson through national media and events.

To qualify, applicants should be a 4-H member or recent alumni, ages 16-21, that represent the diversity and passions of 4-H youth nationwide, demonstrate outstanding leadership, showcase the essence of 4-H positivity and possess a proven ability to engage others. More detailed guidelines can be found at www.4-H.org/YouthInAction.

If you know of an outstanding 4-H member that fits this criteria, please encourage them to apply for this distinguished award.

Application deadline is January 12, 2015. Please visit the Youth in Action Award website for information on our past winners.

Questions? We're happy to help! Please email Rachel Mentzer atrmentzer@4-h.org.

Goat Club Christmas Parade Report

On Sunday December 7, 2014, the Orange County 4-H Goat Club decorated a float for the Christmas Parade. We had a Christmas tree, hay bales, and different types of stuffed animals on the float. There were three goats on the float when we rode through the city. Everyone had a great time.

                -Submitted by Goat Club Reporter Austin Connor Thomas

4-H Day at the Capitol 2015

4-H Day at the Capitol is approaching quickly!  This year, the event will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015.  This is an AWESOME event for 4-Hers to attend as it provides opportunities for 4-Hers to learn more about state government, meet local legislators, and encourage civic engagement (that citizenship part of Character Counts!).  Members will have the opportunity to meet with the local legislators in their offices; talk with them about what it is like to be a state lawmaker and the impact that they have on their local communities; explore the state capitol building; and be an overall fantastic ambassador for Orange County 4-H!

We have participated every year and the lawmakers always love to see us when we come visit.  They are always impressed by the knowledge that the 4-Hers possess about the lawmaking process and everything that they have learned in 4-H.  They will also tell you that one of the most important things that they have learned and have to use is parliamentary procedure!

This event is recommended for older junior and senior 4-H members as it is an early morning and then there is a lot of walking and waiting (sometimes we are in line to meet with the lawmakers as they normally have other meetings that they have to attend or constituents to meet with.)  4-Hers who attend this trip need to be prepared to share their 4-H story and come with questions and be ready to talk with the legislators.  The legislators love to answer questions and hear what you have to say!

As in years past, 4-H members who have not attended State 4-H Day at the capitol in the past two years will be eligible to receive a 4-H vest that is to be worn that day.  Due to having to have these vests ordered in time for the Capitol Day, if you have not attended before and would like to go Sarah must know if you are planning to attend no later than January 15.  If you have attended before and would like to go again this year, you will need to let Sarah know by February 1st.

If you have any other questions or need more information please call or e-mail Sarah.

Wreaths Across America Community Service Opportunity

** Wreaths Across America Community Service**

Organized by the Livestock Club

Wreaths Across America is a national event that honors veterans everywhere on the second or third Saturday every December by placing holiday wreaths on their graves.  The mission of the Wreaths Across America is to remember, honor, and teach.  The organization was started to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for American's freedom.  

On Saturday December 13^th a group from Orange 4-H will depart the Extension Office at 9:00 a.m. for the Culpeper National Cemetery.
We are expecting to lay the Wreaths beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the NEW section of the Cemetery on Chandler Street.

The Official Ceremony starts at 12:00 p.m.  If you wish to stay for it, you may want to have your own return transportation to Orange.

Please let Drema Rogers know if you will be participating, and if you will need transportation.

Drema is organizing the trip for the Livestock and Dairy Clubs.  If your club is interested in participating or for more information, please contact Drema Rogers on her cell 540-717-5631 (call or text is fine) or her home email at crabcrew[at]verizon.net.

For more information on the Wreaths Across America project, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

National Junior Honor Society Inductees

Congratulations to Orange 4-H members Gini Bryington and Abbie Gill for being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at Locust Grove Middle School!