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!

4-H Project Achievement

The 4-H project is the foundation of the 4-H program. While completing a project, a 4-H’er learns to plan, be organized, reflect, write, and practice public speaking skills as well as learn about the subject matter of the project. Each completed project is quite an accomplishment and something to be proud of. In fact, 4-H’ers use part of their 4-H projects for their school projects. Every 4-H’er who completes a project will receive an invitation to our 4-H Awards and Recognition Banquet August 15 and will be awarded a 4-H pin and certificate. Achievement is the first step to winning many 4-H awards.

Project achievement consists of four parts:
Demonstration – The demonstration must relate to the project book and presented to a group, preferably the club.
Exhibit – The exhibit is a small educational display that illustrates a part of the project. An example would be a display of samples of dog treats with their nutritional value.
Project Book – The project book should be neatly completed according to the instructions.
Project Report – Also called the Project Summary for Cloverbuds, the Project Report includes all your activities and accomplishments for the year. The 4-H leader must also sign this book.

4-H club leaders: Please turn in your club’s project judging sheets to the 4-H Office by June 23.

All blue ribbon projects should be brought in for county judging by July 12. These projects will be on display at the County Extension Office the week of August 11 until the Awards and Recognition Banquet August 15.

So now that school is out, what better time to complete your 4-H project?

If you have any questions about completing or judging a 4-H project, please call the 4-H Office at 582-2215 or e-mail jrogalsk@pinellascounty.org.