Comedy Basketball Fundraiser Postponed to February 19th

The Rockets basketball comedy show scheduled for Sunday has been postponed until Friday, February 19th, in the evening. Tickets already sold will be honored at the door; tickets with the new date will also be printed, so those wishing to buy tickets may still do so.

The decision to postpone was not easy to make, but with the constantly changing weather forecast and concern about the condition of the parking lots on Sunday necessitated a delay. We hope to see everyone February 19th, and thank you for supporting the 4-H TACO (Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange) Program!

Forestry Camp Available to Youth Consider Natural Resources Careers

The Virginia Department of Forestry and its partners are once again offering Forestry Camp at Holiday Lake 4-H Center, June 14-19, 2010. This active, all hands-on camp for youth ages 13-16 (boys and girls) features a Lumberjack Field Day, a trip to a local papermill, classes in ecology and fire fighting, and much more! Of course, there are also traditional camp activities such as high and low ropes courses, recreation, swimming, and time to make friends from across Virginia. Cost is very low due to much financial support from sponsors. Participants must be nominated, so call the Extension Office if you want to go. Nominations are accepted now through the beginning of April.

Teens Have Outstanding Opportunity Through VCFC

Teens ages 16-19 have an awesome opportunity to learn about business cooperatives, meet teens from across the state, and stay at Graves Mountain Lodge for a FREE weekend, all through the VCFC Youth Leadership Conference! The Virginia Council on Farmer Cooperatives hosts this annual event to help youth learn about the cooperative way of business in Virginia and across the country. Local co-ops sponsor participants, and all of the teens we have sent in the past have reported the conference to be a very worthwhile endeavor. The event dates are April 9-11. Contact the Extension Office by early February if you desire to attend.

Crazy Pets Club Visited by Therapy Dog

Members of the Crazy Pets 4-H Club were visited by Willoughby, a therapy dog, and his human, Sally, at their January meeting. Willoughby is a member of Barks and Books, a reading porgam at the Orange Public Library. Next month members will learn about the many opportunities available in 4-H. Come see what Crazy Pets is all about--first Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Outbound Exchange Opportunities Available, but Act Fast!

If you are a 4-H'er (or young alumni up to age 26) who would like to travel abroad with 4-H, we need to act fast to submit your application. IFYE programs go to Europe, Australia, Costa Rica, and more while LABO goes to Japan. Please contact Kaci for more info. There's only about a week to get the application submitted!

4-H Japanese Exchange Possibilities

Konnichiwa! (That's hello in Japansese.) The Virginia 4-H Japanese Exchange program is currently recruiting families to host Japanese youth this summer. Families with children between ages 11 and 18 are encouraged to consider this worthwhile endeavor. Delegates will be here July 22-August 18 and do not expect any "special" arrangements--simply incorporate them into your daily lives! Please contact the Extension Office for more info about hosting this summer. Thanks!

Today We Remember Denny Wayland, Friend of 4-H

It's hard to believe that it's been four years since Denny Wayland, longtime friend and supporter of 4-H, died. Our memories of Denny are fond, and our thoughts are with his family today.

4-H Camp Counselor Applications Available TODAY

If you are age 14-18 and want to supervise and be a role model for younger children in a camp setting, we have an opportunity for you! We are now accepting applications for 4-H Junior Camp Counselors and encourage you to submit your packet before January 29th. Camp counselors are key to our camp success and we need males and females to fill available positions. Camp will be held June 13-17, 2010, in Front Royal. Cost is only $100 for the week and includes all transportation, room, and board. Visit http://ocva4-h.pbworks.com to download an application packet.

Save the Date for the 2010 Anglers Sports Show

OCHS 4-H and Jr. B.A.S.S. Anglers invite you to save the date for their annual sporting show, to be held March 6 and 7 at Orange County High School. There will be many vendors related to all things fishing and gaming, as well as fun booths for the kids and plenty of educational opportunities. Make plans to join them, and stay tuned for more details! To be a sponsor or to assist with the show, please call Becky Gore at 661-4300 (OCHS).

Steer Weigh-in Saturday

Members planning to show or sell a steer at the Orange County Fair this summer are reminded of the annual Steer Weigh-in this Saturday, January 9, 2010, from 8-9 a.m. at Glenmary Farm in Rapidan. Please contact the Extension Office for directions.

All youth planning to tag a steer must have a completed 4-H enrollment packet on file in order to be eligible to nominate a steer.

Learn What the Crazy Pet Club Has Been Up To Lately, and Join Them Tomorrow Night for a Meeting!

Update submitted by Susan Schmidtke, Crazy Pet Club Leader:

The Crazy Pet Club had an exceptional meeting in December! The Orange County Animal Shelter hosted our members and presented important and interesting facts about just what it is our shelter does here in Orange County. Not only does the shelter take in abandoned and surrendered animals, the shelter has vaccination programs, spay and neuter programs and contacts for animal resources to support pet owners during tough times. Our shelter even holds adoption days at Petsmart.

We learned how many animals end up at the shelter each year (1,000+), that our shelter is a 'no kill' shelter and they don't just take in dogs and cats. Ferrets, hamsters, horses and emus have found their way to the shelter. We learned about fostering and many volunteer opportunities such as spend a little time just to play with or read to the cats and dogs!

Animal Control Officer Ginny Strong took the time to explain to our members about animal rights and her job to assist animals who are abandoned or abused. We were able to meet a couple of the shelter animals including 2 week old bottle fed kittens and adorable dogs. One of our families even adopted a dog!

We brought donations of aluminum cans for recycling, old towels and toys for the animals and we got so much in return! It was an evening of giving and receiving, perfect for December.

And to kick off our new year? We are going to meet a certified therapy dog and learn what it took to earn her service vest. I'll bet our member will be surprised to find out which types of animals make terrific therapy and service animals! Care to join us? Come on out! We are meeting at 6:30 on January 5th in Unionville. E-mail the extension office for directions or more info!