4-H Apple and Pecan Sale

If autumn is in the air, it must be time to order apples and pecans from the Pinellas County 4-H Foundation's biggest and most delicious fundraiser! Our favorite apples are back, so order your Crispin and Empire apples today! Pecans are this year's crop and come plain in halves and pieces for creating holiday treats and snacks. Order the glazed or chocolate covered pecans in their festive bags for the perfect holiday gift. For all the details and order forms, go to : http://www.pc4hfoundation.org/.

Don't delay; orders are due October 3. Apples arrive the last week in October.

Do you have a favorite apple and/or pecan recipe? The 4-H Apple/Pecan Cook-Off takes place November 6 as part of the 4-H Open House at the Extension Office. All entrants must pre-register. Registration forms are available at the 4-H Foundation web site listed above. The finished product must be delivered to the Extension Service Office by 10:00 a.m. the day of the event. Need more details? Check the registration form at http://www.pc4hfoundation.org.

4-H County Council Meeting September 10

The first County Council meeting of the year is on September 10th at 6:00 p.m. at the Ochs 4-H Educational Center at 14644 113th Avenue North, Largo. County Council is a county level club that serves the Pinellas County 4-H Program through decision making, community service and leadership. This means all the 4-H clubs can have a part in planning 4-H events and activities. This is a great way to learn leadership skills and have fun at the same time. It is a step up to participating in District Council.

In the past, County (Teen) Council members have taught classes at District Congress, prepared meals at Ronald McDonald House, led activities at the 4-H Open House, held a retreat at fort DeSoto, and tubed down a river. What are your ideas for the 2010-2011 4-H County Council?
Any 4-H member may attend a County Council meeting, but you must be an Intermediate or Senior (at least 11 years old) to be a voting delegate.

Please respond to the 4-H Office if you will be attending the meeting, if you are interested in County Council, or in any part of the 4-H program, at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

4-H Goal Setting - Tips for 4-H Members and Parents

Embedded into every 4-H project are important life skills that teach youth how to be successful in whatever endeavors they pursue in their life. This is part of how 4-H ‘Makes the Best Better”. At the beginning of the school year all 4-Her’s with assistance from their leaders and parents, set project goals and make plans to achieve those goals. Goals must be SMART; Specific, Measureable, Attainable , Realistic and have a Time frame for accomplishment.

Example:
· SMART goal
I will catch, fillet & cook a flounder that I catch in the Gulf of Mexico from my kayak with a saltwater rod and reel and 40 lb test line by 12/31/2010
· Not SMART goal
I will finish my fishing project book.

So crack open those project books, select the activities you want to complete and choose the clover award you wish to accomplish by the end of the year. Document this information in your project book and also in the project summary report, then have your parents and club leaders document and sign how they will help you reach your goals. When you are done, celebrate that you have joined the top 3% of successful Americans who write out goals and plans for their lives.

An End to a Great 4-H Year and a Great Beginning to 2010/2011

On August 20 4-H clubs and supporters gathered at the Pinellas County Extension Office to recognize their 4-H'ers for a job well done. Over 100 4-H'ers received their project completion year pins. Blue ribbon projects were exhibited for viewing. In addition, twenty-three members and clubs received Performance Standard Clover Awards for over-all participation and support of the 4-H program. Crazy 4 Canines received an Emerald Clover for their excellence in participation, organization, and performance.

Several 4-H members received project medals. In addition, the Achievement Award went to Crazy 4 Canines' Kaymie Van Benthuysen. Recognition was also given to those 4-H members who have achieved 20 and 40 4-H blue ribbons.
Receiving 20 blue ribbon were Olivia Cook, Michaela Polmann, and Beverly Strautmann. Matthew Galiano of Average Joe's 4-H received his 40 Blue Ribbon pin.

The biggest news of the night was the announcement of the Clubs of the Year. The small club of the year is the Conservatives 4-H Club. The large club is 4-H2O. Congratulations to both clubs for a year of excellent 4-H projects, activities, and representation.

Congratulations to you all!

4-H does not spend much time resting on their laurels because on August 28th 100 4-H members and supporters conducted their second annual County Congress. At the Congress, organized by 4-H club leaders, families could register for the new year, learn goal setting, attend a mock 4-H club meeting, elect officers, attend officer training, install the officers, join County Council, review project books, get ready to sell apples and pecans, and spend the day with a great group of people.
Many thanks to the 4-H volunteers for presenting this fabulous day!