Orange Extension to Host Two Interns This Summer

Summer will be here before we know it!  There's a lot that will be happening, and we're fortunate to be able to expose two college students to careers in Extension via an official internship program.  Rising juniors and seniors in college are encouraged to apply for a position here in our office.

One intern will focus on Agriculture and Natural Resources programming, including 4-H youth components of ag.  The other intern will work with the Family and Consumer Science programs and 4-H.  Complete descriptions of each position, as well as information about how to apply, can be found online at http://www.ext.vt.edu/internship/index.html.  All materials will be handled/processed through offices at Virginia Tech.

Please help us recruit!

Bit N' Bridle Update by Delaney O'Donnell

On February 17th-18th, two members of the Orange County Bit N’ Bridle 4-H Club combined with Albemarle 4-H to form teams to compete in the Block & Bridle Hippology and Horse Judging Contest.

In senior judging, Delaney O'Donnell placed 4th in halter, 2nd in performance, 2nd in reasons, and 2nd overall as an individual. As a team, they placed 1st in halter, 2nd in performance, 2nd in reasons, and 1st overall.  In the junior judging division, Charlotte Manvell placed 2nd in performance and 7th overall as an individual. As a team, they were 2nd in halter, 1st in performance, 1st in reasons, and 1st overall.

In hippology, Charlotte was 8th in test and slides, and 11th overall. Her team was 4th in test and slides, 4th in stations and judging, and 4th overall.  Delaney was 3rd in test and slides, 2nd in stations and judging, and 2nd overall. Her team was 2nd in test and slides, 4th in stations and judging, 2nd in team problem, and 2nd overall.

Southern Regional Horse Show to be Held in Perry, GA, This Year

Southern Regionals will be held in Perry, GA, July 31-August 5, 2012.  Applications are due to the state office by March 30th and must include the $40 deposit.  Extension Specialist Celeste Crisman distributed information via the listserv today, so check your e-mail or contact the Extension Office for a copy.

Horse Project Members Advised of Changes to Qualifying Clinics/Shows

4-H members with horse projects who plan to show at the State Show this year should be aware of some changes for 2012.  Whereas multiple clinics were offered in the past, clinics are only being approved this year in disciplines in which 4-H shows are not available.  It's important to get the large show experience prior to qualifying for Lexington, so hopefully this new procedure will be beneficial for you.  A list of Northern District shows can be found online.  Also, please remember that the horse project declaration forms are due May 1st, but you may turn them in anytime if you know who your project horse will be.  Contact the Extension Office with any questions.

Finnish and Argentinean Teens Seek Host Families

Just a reminder for local families with teens:  you have an amazing opportunity to host a teen from Finland or Argentina for one month this summer.  Please consider enhancing your summer; give us a call at the Extension Office to find out more details.

4-H Camp Sign-ups Start Monday!!!

Time has really flown - we are almost ready to start registering kids for 4-H camp!  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 is THE day!!!  We're excited about this year's camp and want ALL YOUTH, ages 9-13, to take advantage of this fun learning opportunity.  Check out the brochure  for more details.

Opportunity Exists for Participation in National 4-H Congress

Teens who have an interest in serving as a Virginia delegate to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta in November are encouraged to begin the application process now.  National Congress delegates have a chance to explore career opportunities, participate in a variety of learning experiences and meet other 4-H members from across the country.  A 4-H portfolio and resume is required, and interviews will be conducted during State 4-H Congress in June.

Orange County has never sent a delegate to National Congress, so why not make this our year?!?  Contact the Extension Office to express your interest and we will do all that we can to help you succeed.  Good luck!

4-H TACO is Now on the Web!!!

Our 4-H TACO - Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange - program has a beautiful new website!  Please check them out using the link at right under "Favorite 4-H Links".  Many, many thanks to volunteer Jessica Harlow who crafted this great site and pulled together much information about everyone's favorite special riding camp!

Are You Ready to Give a 4-H Presentation?

It's that time of year again!  We are looking forward to some great 4-H presentations and speeches.  Some clubs have already held their club competitions and we want you to be aware of the county and district dates.  The county contests will be held Thursday, March 29, from 4-8 p.m. at the Extension Office.  Please call to schedule a time to present.  There is additional information available in the Document Library regarding presentations and public speaking categories.

The District Contests will be held Saturday, April 21, in Ruckersville.  Remember that each level of competition helps you achieve points toward becoming a 4-H All Star!

Loudoun 4-H Invites Orange Members to Stock Show University Clinic

Loudoun 4-H Beef Club invites Orange 4-H members to a Stock Show University clinic on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds.  This free event starts at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by mid-afternoon.  Lunch will be served for a nominal fee.

Sullivan's "professor" Derek Jones will be on site to give instruction on showing, clipping and fitting steers and heifers.  A Sullivan's rep will also be on site to sell products.  Juniors and seniors may attend this clinic; parents are requested to stay on-site with junior members.  For additional information, or to sign up by March 23, please contact Amy (starlightfarms@aol.com) or Shannon (shannon0924@hotmail.com).

List of Inbound Japanese Delegates Now Available

There's an exciting list of Japanese youth who will be visiting Virginia this summer, and now is your family's chance to select a child whom you would like to host.  The young people, ages 12-14, are interested in nature, festivals (hello...Orange County Fair!), rural areas, historical buildings, soccer, jewelry, shopping and more!  Think of all the cool stuff that central Virginia has to offer.

If you would like to see the list of delegates, please contact the Extension Office.  We would really like for an Orange family to host a 4-H LABO youth this summer, so we'll do what we can to help make the experience happen for you!

Subscribe Via E-mail for Notifications When New Information is Posted to the Blog

Simplify your life by signing up for e-mail updates to our Orange 4-H blog.  Rather than having to check the site, you will receive an e-mail notice that new information has been posted.  Enter your address above, in the area between the calendar and the first post.  Let us know how this new system works for you!

NEW!!! We Now Accept Credit Cards Online for Extension Registration Fees

Good news!  Orange Extension customers can now pay online with a VISA, MasterCard or e-check for program registration costs.  The link at right, just above the clover, will direct customers to a secure website for payment - the same company that handles all Virginia Tech tuition payments, etc.

4-H camp and summer workshop registrations are two great examples of how we plan to use this new technology.  Just remember, the online system is for payment only; you still must register with the office for each program in which you wish to participate.  Give it a try!

District Horse Contests Packets Released

March 3rd is the date for Northern District Horse Contests.  Informational packets were released today.  Youth interested in a horse presentation or other contest area in order to qualify for the state Equi-Smartz weekend should plan to compete March 3rd.

Consider Hosting a Summer Teen from Argentina

Host families with teens are needed to host incoming 4-H delegates from Argentina. Can you open your home to a visitor from July 9 to August 7th? This is a great opportunity to learn about another culture and expand your family's horizons. Timing is of the essence - if you want to host you need to let us know ASAP so we can get you the application and reference form.

Also, if your children are currently taking Spanish in school, what better way is there to learn the language than to live with someone who is fluent?

Bit N' Bridle Members to Attend Virginia Tech Clinic this Weekend

Best wishes to Charlotte Manvell and Delaney O'Donnell of the Orange 4-H Bit N' Bridle Club as they represent our county at the Virginia Tech Block & Bridle Horse Judging Event this weekend.

Elgin Crowned 2012 Virginia Dairy Princess

Orange 4-H Dairy Club member Molly Elgin was crowned the 2012 Virginia Dairy Princess at the state dairyman's convention.  Molly is pictured below with Miss Virginia.  As Virginia Dairy Princess, Molly will represent the dairy producers of the state and promote milk and dairy products for their healthful benefits.  Congratulations, Molly!  (Who, by the way, had the befitting nickname of "Moos" as a 4-H Camp Counselor!)

Consider Hosting a Japanese 4-H Youth Exchange Delegate

Are you looking for the summer of a lifetime without the costs of world travel?  The 4-H Japanese LABO Exchange program may be just for you.  Host a young boy or girl, age 12-14, and share our American culture while learning about Japanese culture.  It's only a month, but the memories will last a lifetime!  Please contact the Extension office for more details about this great program.

District Livestock and Dairy Dates Announced

The Northern District Livestock Judging Contest will be held Saturday, March 31st.  Details are expected out next week.

The District Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest will be hosted by Orange County on Saturday, April 14th.

Volunteer Conference Topics Announced

4-H volunteers in the Central District are hosting the spring leaders' conference, and all Orange 4-H volunteers are invited to register.  Conference dates are April 14-15, 2012, and the event will be held in Nottoway County.  Workshops scheduled include:  scientific method, shooting sports, scrapbooking, cooking, Parliamentary procedure, and table-top hydroponics.  The Extension Office is willing to provide scholarships for volunteers who wish to attend.  Please contact Kaci or Sarah for more details.

Teens Have Opportunity to Attend Two Summer Special-Interest Camps

Teens who are interested in attending the Forestry Camp at Holiday Lake or the Youth Conservation Camp at Virginia Tech may be able to qualify for a full scholarship from the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District.  We have heard wonderful feedback on these events, both of which offer incredible opportunities for youth interested in forestry and conservation.  These camps help youth network with a number of professionals around the state.  Visit www.culpeperswcd.org for more information.

High School Scholarships Available from Culpeper SWCD

The Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District has posted their college scholarship application, which is due April 13th.  Visit www.culpeperswcd.org for an application packet.  A total of $3,000 will be awarded to students in the Culpeper District (which includes Orange) who are majoring in a field related to conservation.  Seniors:  please don't miss out on this great opportunity!

Dr. McCall Visits Dairy Club to Teach Vaccination Schedules and Techniques

Dr. Melinda McCall, DVM, of Louisa Veterinary Service, was a guest presenter at the Dairy Club's February meeting.  She spoke on calfhood vaccinations and then conducted a hands-on workshop for members, who practiced injections on tangerine fruits.  We thank Dr. McCall for volunteering her time and for this creative way to bring the farm into the meeting room.

Delegate Ed Scott met with local members, too

Orange and Madison members visit with Senator Bryce Reeves in his office in Richmond

NCBA Results Are In

Results from the NCBA (National Cattlemen's Beef Association) are in.  Congratulations to Blake Hopkins, who placed third out of 240 contestants in the livestock judging contest!!!  And kudos to Garrett Hopkins, who placed fifth in public speaking (see blog post and photo from yesterday).

Way to go, Blake and Garrett, representing Orange 4-H in two NATIONAL CONTESTS.

Hopkins Presents Speech at National Cattlemen's Beef Association Meeting in Nashville, TN

With that title, you were likely expecting an older Hopkins, but this time it's the youngest member of the family.  Garrett Hopkins wrote and delivered a speech about the cattle industry at the annual meeting of the NCBA - National Cattlemen's Beef Association.  Garrett and additional delegates from Orange County attended the meeting in Nashville, TN.  Congratulations, Garrett, and thanks for representing 4-H!  Make sure we see you back on the roster for 4-H district public speaking contests in April.