Tuesday, December 21, 2010

2010 4-H State Marine Ecology Event

Last month, on November 6, 4-H members from around the state competed in the 4-H State Marine Ecology Event. Participants learned about marine plants, vertebrates, invertebrates, and ecosystems. There is also a marine and aquatic photography contest. This year 18 Pinellas 4-H'ers trained and competed at the event in Osceola County.
Here are the Pinellas County results:
Junior Team - Second: Danielle Moran, Eliza Fields, Marty Moran, and Hunter Monroe
Junior Individual -Second: Hunter Monroe
Intermediate Team - Third: Sabrina Brown, Katelyn Garner, Emily Plaisance, and Jozef Soja
Senior Team - Second: Matthew Garner, Jack McConnell, Matthew Galiano, and Chris Garner
Senior Individual - Third: Matthew Galiano
Photography- Aquatic Life - Honorable Mention: Eliza Fields

As you can see, the Pinellas delegation, trained and led by 4-H Leader Kevin Garner, did an excellent job representing us.

If you are interested in learning more about the 4-H Marine Science program, please contact me at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

This is a reminder just in case some of you are feeling stressed and think that your task list has gotten too long and the number of days left on the calendar too short. Remember that holidays are times of enjoyment and appreciating the best in our lives. Perhaps today is the day to cross a couple unfinished tasks off the list. Use that time to relax or spend with an old friend or your own family. It is ironic that those who fret about the lack of time often fail to realize that time is one of the best gifts of all to receive.
I know many of the 4-H families are busy right now with holiday preparations and purchases. Did you know that this time of year produces 25% more trash than the rest of the year? While you reduce stress this holiday, also adopt some of these greener practices from Pinellas County Utilities: http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/holidays/tips.htm. You may find that going green and reducing stress go hand in hand.