WOW!! To think that I have only two short months left of being a council member, it’s unbelievable. I have learned so much from being chosen as a council member. I have learned so many more things about the 4-H program, as well as realizing many new things about myself. I often like to think that council helped me mature during this sweet sixteen year of mine.
Pennsylvania 4-H State Council is much more time- consuming than anyone could ever imagine. I think that it really helped to prepare me for my future college life. During my term, I relied on my parents less and less to help me through assignments. They did not need to remind me about upcoming events. Throughout the term, my advisors helped me learn that excuses can only get you so far. You need to get your work done, and done on time. Whenever I’m talking about excuses, I always like to throw this one little quote out there, something that my favorite teacher used to say: “Excuses are like bellybuttons, everyone has one.” You should try to memorize this quote, and try not to make excuses. Council is much more than “being the face of 4-H”, it’s an experience like no other. Words can not even explain all of the opportunities one may be offered.
Some advice for any incoming council member, you must prepare yourself for the most amazing year of your life. But also be ready to put 110 percent of the work in. You will really thank yourself later. Any PA 4-Hers should come up and talk to someone in one of those one of a kind green blazers. I promise we don’t bite. Ask us what we’ve been up to, and how you can become more involved. Ask us anything that you are possibly wondering about; I’m sure one of us will have an answer.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Emily Gabriel
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
hello
Hello Everyone,
I hope this cold weather is treating everyone okay. November has been one busy month for me. Council and I had our phone conference this month. We finished up the last plans for state conference and talked about Farm Show. On November 7th I had the chance to attend a Harvest Party of the Ag people. The Southeastern PA AG Business Association was generous enough to give 4-H money and I was the representative. I was also able to attend Lycoming County’s 4-H Can Skate. I was able to help hand out the awards to the members and enjoy a night of skating. At this event I gave Lycoming County Council a certificate of appreciation and I gave Ev Simmons a little gift of thanks for helping me through the year. I have been busy collecting pop tabs and studying my lines for conference. I hope you all are excited for State Leadership Conference as my fellow council members and I are.
Till next time,
Justine Bush
V.P of Operations
I hope this cold weather is treating everyone okay. November has been one busy month for me. Council and I had our phone conference this month. We finished up the last plans for state conference and talked about Farm Show. On November 7th I had the chance to attend a Harvest Party of the Ag people. The Southeastern PA AG Business Association was generous enough to give 4-H money and I was the representative. I was also able to attend Lycoming County’s 4-H Can Skate. I was able to help hand out the awards to the members and enjoy a night of skating. At this event I gave Lycoming County Council a certificate of appreciation and I gave Ev Simmons a little gift of thanks for helping me through the year. I have been busy collecting pop tabs and studying my lines for conference. I hope you all are excited for State Leadership Conference as my fellow council members and I are.
Till next time,
Justine Bush
V.P of Operations
Friday, October 31, 2008
Hello 4-Her's
Hey 4-Hers
Hope you're all doing well. My life has been pretty crazy these past couple week.It's hard to believe but in just a few short months we will be upon farmshow AND......
THE 2009 4-H STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE!!
I hope you all are as pumped as I am...
Hope you all have a safe and happy halloween!!
your secretary,
Rachel
Hope you're all doing well. My life has been pretty crazy these past couple week.It's hard to believe but in just a few short months we will be upon farmshow AND......
THE 2009 4-H STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE!!
I hope you all are as pumped as I am...
Hope you all have a safe and happy halloween!!
your secretary,
Rachel
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Reflections
Greetings Everyone!!
As we are on the brink of winter, I hope everyone is filling their schedule with autumn activities before the snow comes, unless you are from the eastern side of the state. This past weekend, I finally was able to go home for a visit. It was in good timing too because I needed to gather some warmer clothes for the upcoming month! My visit to Somerset County began Wednesday evening and lasted until Sunday. I crammed as much into those few days as possible, including a few 4-H events. On Thursday, we celebrated the achievements of Somerset 4-H’ers at our annual Recognition Banquet and on Saturday, my club held its wrap-up meeting to finish up the year.
On Thursday, I slept in before heading into town for some appointments. I must admit, I was a little nervous about driving since it had been over a month since I was last behind the wheel. After visiting my aunt and running errands for her, I went to pick my sister up and ended up helping decorate for the banquet. It was good to see an excellent turnout from our new Somerset County Council members who will be serving for the upcoming year. Eventually we left, returning later for the banquet later. After everyone enjoyed dinner, I had the honor of speaking. I shared a little about my 4-H experience well as informing the audience on State Council in general. Other 4-H members shared what they learned through showing livestock and attending the national 4-H archery contest. Also, achievement awards and scholarships were presented to recipients. Thank you to all sponsors and Congrats to all recipients! It was a great evening and the dinner was just as tasty as always!
At our roundup event on Saturday, club leaders and members shared about their projects and activities over the past year. One of the things I enjoy about my club is the diversity in regards to the projects taken. Some of the projects I completed this year were Market Steer, Market Lamb and a gardening project. Our gardening theme this year was “Blooms for Birds, Bees and Butterflies”. It was interesting to see how successful everyone was. My sister, cousin and I planted our garden together, and actually attracted some butterflies!! We did lose a few plants but what did make it thrived. Now, the club will begin to focus on practicing for the farm show square dance competition. I would encourage other clubs to consider this if you do not dance already, it’s a great experience!!!
In my little bit of free time, my grandfather and I went to see and work with my new steer. (It cannot be at home because my Pap had back surgery). Now I will be going home more often to work with it and I am looking forward to summer so much more. It was good to go home and see everyone. I especially love Fall so it was good to be surrounded by mountains and the open spaces rather than being on campus for a little. (I love campus but it will never compare with home!!!)
I hope everyone is having a great fall and enjoying Penn State football!!
Yours in green,
Danielle Shaffer
PS4-HC President
As we are on the brink of winter, I hope everyone is filling their schedule with autumn activities before the snow comes, unless you are from the eastern side of the state. This past weekend, I finally was able to go home for a visit. It was in good timing too because I needed to gather some warmer clothes for the upcoming month! My visit to Somerset County began Wednesday evening and lasted until Sunday. I crammed as much into those few days as possible, including a few 4-H events. On Thursday, we celebrated the achievements of Somerset 4-H’ers at our annual Recognition Banquet and on Saturday, my club held its wrap-up meeting to finish up the year.
On Thursday, I slept in before heading into town for some appointments. I must admit, I was a little nervous about driving since it had been over a month since I was last behind the wheel. After visiting my aunt and running errands for her, I went to pick my sister up and ended up helping decorate for the banquet. It was good to see an excellent turnout from our new Somerset County Council members who will be serving for the upcoming year. Eventually we left, returning later for the banquet later. After everyone enjoyed dinner, I had the honor of speaking. I shared a little about my 4-H experience well as informing the audience on State Council in general. Other 4-H members shared what they learned through showing livestock and attending the national 4-H archery contest. Also, achievement awards and scholarships were presented to recipients. Thank you to all sponsors and Congrats to all recipients! It was a great evening and the dinner was just as tasty as always!
At our roundup event on Saturday, club leaders and members shared about their projects and activities over the past year. One of the things I enjoy about my club is the diversity in regards to the projects taken. Some of the projects I completed this year were Market Steer, Market Lamb and a gardening project. Our gardening theme this year was “Blooms for Birds, Bees and Butterflies”. It was interesting to see how successful everyone was. My sister, cousin and I planted our garden together, and actually attracted some butterflies!! We did lose a few plants but what did make it thrived. Now, the club will begin to focus on practicing for the farm show square dance competition. I would encourage other clubs to consider this if you do not dance already, it’s a great experience!!!
In my little bit of free time, my grandfather and I went to see and work with my new steer. (It cannot be at home because my Pap had back surgery). Now I will be going home more often to work with it and I am looking forward to summer so much more. It was good to go home and see everyone. I especially love Fall so it was good to be surrounded by mountains and the open spaces rather than being on campus for a little. (I love campus but it will never compare with home!!!)
I hope everyone is having a great fall and enjoying Penn State football!!
Yours in green,
Danielle Shaffer
PS4-HC President
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Happy October
Hey Everyone,
I hope everyone is having fun during this Fall season. As winter rapidlyapproaches and a new year dawning many 4-H's are hard at work getting ready for the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January. After the Farm Show there are only a few short weeks before the State Leadership Conference. The State Council is hard at work to make this year's conference a memorable one. Early bird registrations are already open, so visit your local county extension office and sign up. Remember this year's theme is Dive into Leadership. I hope to see you there immersing yourself into all the possibilities .
Your Council Historian,
Jennifer Lucas
I hope everyone is having fun during this Fall season. As winter rapidlyapproaches and a new year dawning many 4-H's are hard at work getting ready for the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January. After the Farm Show there are only a few short weeks before the State Leadership Conference. The State Council is hard at work to make this year's conference a memorable one. Early bird registrations are already open, so visit your local county extension office and sign up. Remember this year's theme is Dive into Leadership. I hope to see you there immersing yourself into all the possibilities .
Your Council Historian,
Jennifer Lucas
Monday, October 27, 2008
Don't Be Afraid to Be a Leader
As I always say, time sure does fly when you are having fun!! At the beginning of the month, we all gathered at Penn State for our October face-to-face meeting. It was great to see the girls and catch up. We’ve all had a lot of little jobs to do since summer.
We spent a bunch of time making final decisions about the 2009 State Leadership Conference. I’m personally excited about all the new workshops that are being offered. It seems like the last few years have had some repeats. A few of my favorites are Connecting with Different Age Groups, Managing Change, Problem Solving, and Working with the Public.
Those are just a few of the workshops that I know I could use to better myself as a leader. I’m also pretty psyched for our Saturday night speaker. I saw a few clips of his work and cannot wait to see him in person. Hopefully you will all agree.
Remember to keep your eyes and ears open for information about the Leadership Conference. Don’t forget that all registrations have to be in no later than December 19th. If you are a little nervous, bring a friend, then you’ll both have a great time, and a lot of stories to share back at you county level.
Oh and I almost forgot, if you’ve been saving those pop tabs, the conference is your chance to show off just how many you have. The tabs will be collected by counties and weighed. The county with the most tabs will be recognized for all their hard work. If you haven’t been saving them, don’t worry. You still have time. My new favorite thing to do is “detab” all the soda cans at parties. You’ll be surprised how many you come home with!!!
Until next time,
Emily Gabriel
We spent a bunch of time making final decisions about the 2009 State Leadership Conference. I’m personally excited about all the new workshops that are being offered. It seems like the last few years have had some repeats. A few of my favorites are Connecting with Different Age Groups, Managing Change, Problem Solving, and Working with the Public.
Those are just a few of the workshops that I know I could use to better myself as a leader. I’m also pretty psyched for our Saturday night speaker. I saw a few clips of his work and cannot wait to see him in person. Hopefully you will all agree.
Remember to keep your eyes and ears open for information about the Leadership Conference. Don’t forget that all registrations have to be in no later than December 19th. If you are a little nervous, bring a friend, then you’ll both have a great time, and a lot of stories to share back at you county level.
Oh and I almost forgot, if you’ve been saving those pop tabs, the conference is your chance to show off just how many you have. The tabs will be collected by counties and weighed. The county with the most tabs will be recognized for all their hard work. If you haven’t been saving them, don’t worry. You still have time. My new favorite thing to do is “detab” all the soda cans at parties. You’ll be surprised how many you come home with!!!
Until next time,
Emily Gabriel
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
hello
Hello 4-Hers,
Now that winter is setting in and animals put away for winter I hope all you members are looking forward to the State leadership Conference! My fellow Council members and I are busily planning and finishing the last preparations to make this event wonderful. On October 11th Council got together for a meeting and finalized a lot of the plans for State Conference. We hope that all the members over 13 years and over will join us. I have sent out 15 donor letters to help receive donors for our conference, and have even had one donate. I am at college right now and I have even had the chance to talk with my floor in the resident hall about saving pop tabs for me, and they are. On October 15th I had the chance to attend the Lycoming County’s County Council and talk to them about State Conference and encourage them to attend and to continue to save the pop tabs. October 21st was the Teen Advisory Committee meeting where I was asked to speak on State Council and State Leadership Conference. It was also held in my county so I was a part of the quest they had along with serving drinks and ice cream. I had the chance to talk with other teens in Montour, Snyder, Union, Columbia and Lycoming Counties about the opportunities on running for State Council and was even informed on two of the members present were running. Next month is a busy one for me. With school coming to an end for the semester and then I have two 4-H events back to back. Even with all that I will still find the time to study my scripts and make sure everything is around for January 30th, 31st and February 1st to make a wonderful conference.
Until next time,
Justine Bush
Vice President of Operations
Now that winter is setting in and animals put away for winter I hope all you members are looking forward to the State leadership Conference! My fellow Council members and I are busily planning and finishing the last preparations to make this event wonderful. On October 11th Council got together for a meeting and finalized a lot of the plans for State Conference. We hope that all the members over 13 years and over will join us. I have sent out 15 donor letters to help receive donors for our conference, and have even had one donate. I am at college right now and I have even had the chance to talk with my floor in the resident hall about saving pop tabs for me, and they are. On October 15th I had the chance to attend the Lycoming County’s County Council and talk to them about State Conference and encourage them to attend and to continue to save the pop tabs. October 21st was the Teen Advisory Committee meeting where I was asked to speak on State Council and State Leadership Conference. It was also held in my county so I was a part of the quest they had along with serving drinks and ice cream. I had the chance to talk with other teens in Montour, Snyder, Union, Columbia and Lycoming Counties about the opportunities on running for State Council and was even informed on two of the members present were running. Next month is a busy one for me. With school coming to an end for the semester and then I have two 4-H events back to back. Even with all that I will still find the time to study my scripts and make sure everything is around for January 30th, 31st and February 1st to make a wonderful conference.
Until next time,
Justine Bush
Vice President of Operations
Monday, October 6, 2008
hello
Hello 4-Hers,
This month has been kind of busy for me. With school work, college activities and 4-H events, it’s hard to know what sleep is. State Council had a conference call on September 15th. We talked about our State Leadership Conference, and we are starting to finalize different ideas. I know for some or even most of the 4-Hers, that the 4-H year is coming to a close. With only a little time left before the snow hits Pennsylvania and the animals are left to rest for the winter. Come to the State Conference and listen to guest speaker’s talk about how to work with the public, manage different age groups, build character and run effective meetings to just name a few. Take the skills you can learn during the weekend back to your clubs and share with everyone. But, let’s keep up the pop tab collecting, as we want to help the Ronald McDonald House. The tabs will be collected on Friday night of the Conference so make sure you remember to bring the tabs along. State Council and I hope to see you at the State Leadership Conference January 30, 31 and February 1st.
Until next time
Justine Bush
This month has been kind of busy for me. With school work, college activities and 4-H events, it’s hard to know what sleep is. State Council had a conference call on September 15th. We talked about our State Leadership Conference, and we are starting to finalize different ideas. I know for some or even most of the 4-Hers, that the 4-H year is coming to a close. With only a little time left before the snow hits Pennsylvania and the animals are left to rest for the winter. Come to the State Conference and listen to guest speaker’s talk about how to work with the public, manage different age groups, build character and run effective meetings to just name a few. Take the skills you can learn during the weekend back to your clubs and share with everyone. But, let’s keep up the pop tab collecting, as we want to help the Ronald McDonald House. The tabs will be collected on Friday night of the Conference so make sure you remember to bring the tabs along. State Council and I hope to see you at the State Leadership Conference January 30, 31 and February 1st.
Until next time
Justine Bush
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September Happenings
Greetings from Penn State!!!
Here on campus, I feel like the biggest difference from home is the faster pace of life. I was always busy at home, but I still can’t believe how quickly September has gone by! This month has had very many exciting things going on in the 4-H program. This past weekend the first donor tailgate was held before the Penn State football game. I was awarded the opportunity to meet with 4-H alumni and donors. The event signified the beginning of the Keystone Society, an organization of 4-H donors. The gifts they provide will benefit 4-H in the form of an endowment. The event included delicious food, music, and of course college football on a large screen. I enjoyed chatting with everyone about the impact of 4-H in my life and the struggles and successes I have experienced so far as a freshman at college. It was great to hear their stories as well.
In other interesting news, I was watching TV this week when I learned about an initiative of some other 4-H alumni. Various country music stars have teamed up with National 4-H to produce a new CD entitled Clover Country: Songs from Famous 4-H Alumni. Proceeds from the sale of these will be used to support 4-H as well. For more info, visit www.clovercountrycd.com.
So many people work so hard to ensure the success of 4-H now and in the years to come. Thank you for all your hard work!!! At the county level, make sure you let your local sponsors know how much their generosity means too! The lessons we learn in 4-H are something that stays with you always.
Happy fall everyone! (and football season too!)
Danielle Shaffer
PS4-HC President
Here on campus, I feel like the biggest difference from home is the faster pace of life. I was always busy at home, but I still can’t believe how quickly September has gone by! This month has had very many exciting things going on in the 4-H program. This past weekend the first donor tailgate was held before the Penn State football game. I was awarded the opportunity to meet with 4-H alumni and donors. The event signified the beginning of the Keystone Society, an organization of 4-H donors. The gifts they provide will benefit 4-H in the form of an endowment. The event included delicious food, music, and of course college football on a large screen. I enjoyed chatting with everyone about the impact of 4-H in my life and the struggles and successes I have experienced so far as a freshman at college. It was great to hear their stories as well.
In other interesting news, I was watching TV this week when I learned about an initiative of some other 4-H alumni. Various country music stars have teamed up with National 4-H to produce a new CD entitled Clover Country: Songs from Famous 4-H Alumni. Proceeds from the sale of these will be used to support 4-H as well. For more info, visit www.clovercountrycd.com.
So many people work so hard to ensure the success of 4-H now and in the years to come. Thank you for all your hard work!!! At the county level, make sure you let your local sponsors know how much their generosity means too! The lessons we learn in 4-H are something that stays with you always.
Happy fall everyone! (and football season too!)
Danielle Shaffer
PS4-HC President
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back to the Basics
Oh my! Where, oh where has my summer gone?! August literally flew by. The first week was spent at State College for a new and great experience-State Days. It was a blast; my favorite part had to be our opening skit. I just love being the center of attention. : )
As soon as I got back home, I was doing final prep for my county’s fair queen contest and packing. I decided to opt out of my family vacation to the beach and stay with my aunt, so I could have the amazing opportunity to run for fair queen. (The interview portion was the third day of my family’s trip.) I think I did very well at the interview. During the live part of the competition, I gave a great speech about “Why you should come to my fair”. Everyone said the speech was awesome, but unfortunately didn’t make top four. I always have next year!
Then, out of nowhere was my fair week. It went great! I took two firsts, a third, and a fifth with my rabbits. In sewing, I got a second on my gown I made, and little clutch to go with it. Then, on Friday, I spent most of the day preparing my pooches for the big dog show. Both of my dogs did very well. My little sister showed our younger pup, Harley, and shocked everyone when she placed second in showmanship!! My dog, Scrappy Doo, and I did very well placing in every event from dress up to obedience. I even tried a new class this year, brace, which involved both of my dogs. We did okay, and actually ended up winning a first place ribbon. Overall my fair week was…excellent. It was a great way to finish off the summer!
Now I’m back to school and very busy with field hockey practice and games everyday, plus keeping up those grades and working on the weekends. I’m not sure how I even find time to have fun, but I do. So as we all get back into the school groove, remember to have fun and do your best.
Check back for some updates.
Emily Gabriel
As soon as I got back home, I was doing final prep for my county’s fair queen contest and packing. I decided to opt out of my family vacation to the beach and stay with my aunt, so I could have the amazing opportunity to run for fair queen. (The interview portion was the third day of my family’s trip.) I think I did very well at the interview. During the live part of the competition, I gave a great speech about “Why you should come to my fair”. Everyone said the speech was awesome, but unfortunately didn’t make top four. I always have next year!
Then, out of nowhere was my fair week. It went great! I took two firsts, a third, and a fifth with my rabbits. In sewing, I got a second on my gown I made, and little clutch to go with it. Then, on Friday, I spent most of the day preparing my pooches for the big dog show. Both of my dogs did very well. My little sister showed our younger pup, Harley, and shocked everyone when she placed second in showmanship!! My dog, Scrappy Doo, and I did very well placing in every event from dress up to obedience. I even tried a new class this year, brace, which involved both of my dogs. We did okay, and actually ended up winning a first place ribbon. Overall my fair week was…excellent. It was a great way to finish off the summer!
Now I’m back to school and very busy with field hockey practice and games everyday, plus keeping up those grades and working on the weekends. I’m not sure how I even find time to have fun, but I do. So as we all get back into the school groove, remember to have fun and do your best.
Check back for some updates.
Emily Gabriel
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