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!

Upcoming 4-H Events in August

It is hard to believe that August is nearly here. Last week 40 4-H members from Pinellas attended Camp Ocala and next week 6 teens will attend 4-H Congress in Gainesville. Then we will be ready to end the 2009-2010 4-H year and begin the2010-2011 year. Here is what is coming up:

• August 20 - Achievement Banquet, also known as Awards and Recognition Dinner. At this event, county judged projects and club scrapbooks are on display. Those 4-H members who have completed projects receive their year pins and certificates. Other awards and recognition are presented as well. The veiwing of the projects begins at 6:00 p.m. This dinner is pot luck and takes place in the Magnolia Room.
• August 26 - Ochs Garden Orientation starts at 6:30 in the Magnolia Room. Participants must have pre-registered with Jean Rogalsky at jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.
• August 28 - 4-H County Congress is the kick-off to the new year. 4-H members can register, view and select project books, elect officers, and learn what they need to know to have a great 4-H year.

Make sure these dates are on your calendar now!

Are You Ready for the New 4-H Year?

Come join us for the first annual County Congress! The idea for this congress came from three 4-H leaders while leaving Rock Eagle last year. During the past several months, they have worked with other 4-H leaders to create a day full of ways to make your next year in 4-H the best ever. County Congress will take place August 29 at the Pinellas County Extension Office. For more information and to register, please go to : http://www.4hpcc.weebly.comweeblylink_new_window or straight to the Average Joe's website:
http://averagejoes4-h.weebly.com/.