4-H Open House and Apple Cook-Off - November 14

It is almost time for the annual 4-H Open House and Apple Cook-Off. All 4-H clubs are invited to promote their clubs, sell items to raise funds, share 4-H activities and experiences, and enjoy the day with the Pinellas County community. As of this writing, we have the following activities lined up:
4-H Teen Council is hosting the Extreme Gingerbread House Contest;
Ochs 4-H Garden Club is sharing news of the vegetable garden ;
Horse clubs are offering equine related activities;
Tasting of Apple/Pecan Cook-Off entries;
Rocketry;
Best in Show pet treats;
Conservatives 4-H is hosting a goat ask me booth;
and the BBB’s will bring their ballroom dancing

There are more displays planned. If your club is interested in being part of the 4-H Open House, there is still time to reserve a table. Please contact Jean Rogalsky at (727) 582-2597 or jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.
A big part of this day has been the Apple Cook-Off. Now it will be an even bigger part as the Apple/Pecan sale. Not only are apple recipes welcomed, but pecan recipes as well. Apple recipes must have at least one apple and pecan recipes must have at least one cup of pecans to be eligible. Registration forms are available at http://pinellas.ifas.ufl.edu/blog_4H/AppleCookOffPre-registration2009.pdf , or from the 4-H Office. The deadline for registrations is November 1, but the contest is limited to the first twenty entries. Recipes can be sweet or savory. Apples and pecans can be used in a variety of ways, so be creative!
After registering for the contest, be prepared to bring the finished product to the Extension Office by 10:00 A.M. November 14.
These events take place at Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. The Open House runs from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Come join us for a great time.

4-H Apple-Pecan Sale!

Now is the time to order your juicy, crisp, fresh apples and crunchy pecans. The annual Apple-Pecan Sale is one of the major fundraisers which the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation sponsors each year. The sale runs from September 1, 2009 through October 1, 2009. All orders should be in by October 1. The apples will arrive the last week of October.
Apples may be ordered through your local 4-H club or individuals may order on their own.
If you are new to this fundraiser, you should know that the apples are picked and delivered to us within days. They are much fresher than the apples you buy in the stores. The pecans are this year's crop and come in several different varieties. The plain halves and pieces are in one pound bags. The chocolate covered and glazed varieties come in decorative 12 ounce bags. These bags make great gifts for all the upcoming holidays.
For more information about the sale and to download order forms, please go to: http://www.pc4hfoundation.org/ .

The Pinellas County 4-H Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving Pinellas County 4-H Youth Development Program by receiving, managing and administering private funds. It was incorporated in 1972 and is chartered by the State of Florida. The Foundation is governed by an all volunteer board of directors composed of 4-H friends, 4-H alumni, donors and individuals. Membership to the Foundation is open to anyone in the community interested in working for the benefit of youth.
Each year the 4-H Foundation provides $6,000 in scholarships so that 4-H youth and volunteers can attend state, regional, and national events. These events include trainings, 4-H competitions, and 4-H camps.
What better way to support Pinellas County youth than through the 4-H Foundation fundraiser?
Enjoy your apples and pecans!

First Pinellas County 4-H Congress a Success!

If you stopped by the Pinellas County Extension Office August 29, you would have witnessed the first Pinellas County 4-H Congress. Over 130 4-H members and their families gathered together for the day to kick off the new 4-H year. In addition to registering for the 2009-10 4-H year, members were able to choose project books, hold club officer elections, and attend workshops on goal setting, parliamentary procedure, and club websites. One of the highlights was the installation of officers from six clubs. The installation took place outside and the officers agreed to accept their positions of responsibility holding a lighted candle.

One of the best things about this day was the fact that it was initiated, planned, and largely delivered by volunteer 4-H club leaders. Leaders Lisa McBride (4-H2O), Liz Piquet (Crazy 4 Canines), Teryl Plaisance (Crazy 4 Canines), Chrissy Willett (Average Joe's), and Gina Hunter (BBB's) all worked together to plan everything from food (breakfast, lunch, and snacks) to workshops to entertainment.

It is not too late to register for 4-H. Please check the 4-H website at www.pinellascounty.org/4h and go to clubs. The link "view clubs" will take you to a list of clubs and leader contact information. Or contact Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org for more information.