Happy New Year! Welcome 2010!

On behalf of my entire family, we would like to wish all of you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!   

Happy Holidays!
Jim, Jana, Lauren, & Lily

Central Region 4-H Teen Retreat - March 19-21, 2010

The 2010 Central Region 4-H Teen Retreat "Make a Difference: Imagine, Believe, Achieve" will take place on Friday, March 19 - Sunday, March 21, 2010 at Seven Mountain Boy Scout Camp (located 15 miles below State College on Route 322).

More details and a registration brochure have been attached to the most recent 4-H newsletter; however for more information go to the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension website at http://clearfield.extension.psu.edu/  Click on the 4-H & Youth Link and then the Central Region 4-H Teen Retreat Link

The early-bird registration (by February 19, 2010) is $65.00.  Regular registration between  February 20 - March 12, 2010 is $85.00.

This is a great leadership opportunity for 4-H youth between the ages of 13 and 18!!!

Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council Elects Officers for 2010

On December 22, 2009, the Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council held a meeting to plan for 2010 event and hold officer elections!  A big congratulations goes out to our newly elected officers for 2010:

• Morgan Turner – President
• Liz McAndrew – Vice- President
• Marissa Douthit – Treasurer
• Victoria Garner – Secretary/News Reporter/Historian
• Chelsea Folmar – Social Chairman
• Ben Kline, Chelsea Folmar, & Katelyn Matthews – Advisory Board Representatives

A special thank you goes to our 2009 officers for all their hard work on the council this past year: Katie McAndrew – President, Yvonne Bush – Vice-President, Victoria Garner – Secretary/News Reporter/Historian, Amanda Owens – Treasurer, and Chelsea Folmar, Eric Michaels, & Zach Stephens - Advisory Board Representatives!

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the 2010 Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council can contact Jana Davidson, Advisor at jld289@psu.edu

Clearfield County 4-H Horse Members Take Home Top Honors at 50th Annual PA State 4-H Horse Show

21 Clearfield County 4-H members recently participated in the 50th Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Friday, October 23rd through Sunday, October 25th, 2009.   This year, we had a total of 8 first place winners!  Here are some snapshots of the first place award recipients!

Marissa Douthit & Leaguer’s Black TE and Francesca Varischetti & Shez Petitely Amazin took home first place in the Western Pleasure Pairs Class!

Francesca Varischetti & Shez Petitely Amazin received top honors in the Western Pleasure Horses - Senior Rider class!

Katelyn Matthews & Painted Little Love Scene took home the blue ribbon in Pinto Yearling Fillies class!

Shalise Gallaher & Daantje came out on top in the Warmblood Fillies of this Year class!

Brittany Shirley & Maplewoods My Little Flicka was a first place recipient this year in the Miniature Horse Fillies of this Year class!

Col Bobs Skipa Peanut shown by Katie McAndrew in the Palomino Yearling Fillies class earned top recognition!

Katie McAndrew is all smiles after her Palomino 3 Year Old Gelding, Docs Keystone Kid, was called out for first place!

Abby Lee and her Miniature Horse 3 Year Old Gelding, Romandaros Wave Over Wave, took home a blue ribbon!

Going out on top – In her final year as a 4-H member, Katie McAndrew of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, received a leather halter and tack trunk in a special ceremony held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 for being named the 2009 Pennsylvania Outstanding 4-H Horse Member!

Accept the Challenge....Be Part of the 2010 Leadership Academy!

Bungee jumping, sky diving, and public speaking make the list of top fears of individuals today; the things that make people sweat! But what do they have to do with leadership? To take a risk, or to undertake something that may make us uncomfortable, is an important part of living with passion. This isn’t to say that you have to run out and find the nearest sky diving school to enhance your leadership abilities. Risking can be as simple as looking at a situation where a decision is required and taking the road less traveled. Strong leaders know when they should follow a traditional path, and when looking at the big picture, a calculated risk could raise their team to the next level of efficiency or cohesion. As a leader, reflect on your own leadership situation and find some areas where a calculated risk may provide a breath of fresh air. Can you make a change in your decision making process? Develop a new product? Expend precious resources in a new, emerging area? Whatever the case may be for you, leave your comfort zone, check the situation and take the risk!

The Leadership Academy will once again be offered in 2010! Thanks to special funding, we offered the program to 13 teens from Clearfield & Jefferson counties this past year and focused on a variety of leadership-related topics including conflict resolution, citizenship, government, and group dynamics to name a few. “Full program” cost will range between $200 and $500 for each program participant but through special arrangements we will offer the course for $50.00 for first time enrollees. Graduates of The 2009 Leadership Academy may attend for $30.00.

The program will take place at the Foundry in Reynoldsville; however, we will likely meet at alternate sites (such as Penn State DuBois Campus) and our goal is to offer field trips related to our leadership topics. The first session will take place on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 and we will meet every-other Wednesday through April 21, 2010. The sessions will run from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Our focus will be students in grades 9 – 12; however, we will gladly accept mature teens in 7th & 8th grade! You DO NOT have to be a 4-H member to sign-up for the Leadership Academy. Last year, only 3 of the teen were 4-H members and the rest were students at Jeff Tech, so please inform your friends from school about this great opportunity to become better leaders!

Academy size is limited to 25 students. Become one of the elite members to participate in the Academy. As a member you will help determine the future direction for the Academy.

For additional information or to register, please contact Jana at jld289@psu.edu or (814) 765-7878 Ext. 3 no later than January 1, 2010!

Benjamin D. Kline - 2009 Recipient of the Mary Fisher-Owens Memorial Trust Scholarship

Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield County is pleased to announce that Benjamin D. Kline is the 2009 recipient of the Mary Fisher-Owens Memorial Trust Scholarship. Benjamin is the 18 year old son of Kevin and Christine Kline of Clearfield. Benjamin is a 2009 graduate of Clearfield Area High School, where he graduated with honors, and he is currently a freshman at Penn State University – DuBois campus, majoring in Animal Science. His future career goal is to become a large animal veterinarian.

Benjamin currently belongs to the Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council, the Clearfield FFA Chapter, and the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club, where he currently serves as club president. Over his years in the 4-H and FFA programs, Benjamin has made several contributions to both organizations. Benjamin helped implement the Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Master Showman Contest held during the Clearfield County Fair the past two years. Benjamin was a co-chairperson of the event this year, which is sponsored by Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council. For the past two years, Benjamin along with fellow 4-H teen council members, has been involved with Clearfield County’s Progressive Agriculture Safety Days and has helped organize and present the animal safety station each year. Benjamin actively participates in Clearfield County Fair and has held 4-H and FFA projects in the areas of beef steer, dairy cattle, and poultry. Benjamin received the honor of having the Grand Campion Market Beef Steer of the Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Livestock Show & Sale consecutively in 2008 and 2009.

Outside of his involvement with the 4-H and FFA program, Benjamin is an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church and was a past recipient of the Christian Leadership Award. While in high school Benjamin was active on the prom committee and Clearfield Bison Baseball Team.

“It has been a true honor having Benjamin as part of the 4-H program. Again and again, Ben has proven extreme dedication to all of his 4-H projects and responsibilities and is one of the hardest workers I know. Ben always maintains a positive attitude and has served as a great role model and mentor to younger members. I am confident that Ben’s determination to achieve all the goals he sets for himself will take him very far in life” Jana Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator

The Mary Fisher-Owens Memorial Trust Scholarship is open to all Clearfield County residents entering into Penn State University’s College of Agriculture Sciences as full-time, first-semester freshman. Applications are available at the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension Office and that deadline to apply is May 1st. The Mary Fisher-Owens Memorial Trust Scholarship is sponsored by Hazen Owens of Olanta and is based on the interest of a $10,000 trust fund.

Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club Members Participate in 4-H Equine Skill-a-thon

Three members of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club participated in the 4-H Equine Skill-a-thon held on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at Ag Progress.

The Equine Skill-a-thon, which is co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association and Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension, is an annual event for 4-H members across the state to participate in. Three components make up the skill-a-thon including:

• Identification Stations, which included any topics from 4-H horse project books
• A Written Test, which was on general knowledge of horses, horsemanship, and related topics
• Horse Judging, in which contestants judged one or two classes of 4 horses according to ideal conformation standards for the class

The skill-a-thon had 3 age categories: Junior Division for ages 8-11, Intermediate Division for ages 12-14, and Senior Division for ages 15-18. Grand Champion and Reserve Winners in each age Division won $200 and $100 savings bonds. Cash awards were given to individuals’ receiving1st trough 5th place. Entries were limited to 20 participants per division.

Representing the Clearfield County 4-H Program was three first time participants from the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club. The participants were Morgan Reardon, Violet Sleigh, and Sydney Turner, all of Philipsburg. Violet Sleigh placed 8th overall in the Junior Division (placing 1st in horse judging, 7th on the written test, and 10th on the identification stations). Sydney Turner placed 10th overall (placing 8th in horse judging, a 9th on the written test and 9th on the identification stations). Morgan Reardon placed 4th in horse judging and 10th on the written test.

All participants said the skill-a-thon was a great learning experience and would like to go back and take part in the program again next year!

In photo above from left to right are participants Morgan Reardon, Sydney Turner, and Violet Sleigh.

E-DATA - 4-H Member & 4-H Volunteer Leader Enrollment for 2010

E-data (Extension Data System) is Penn State Cooperative Extension’s new information management system. This new system will take the place of the paper 4-H Member Enrollment and 4-H Volunteer Leader Enrollment Forms. In addition to adding your enrollment information, this system will help inform you about upcoming club, county, regional, and statewide 4-H programs. The system also allows you to register for these programs, as well as cancel your registration to a program or event if a conflict arises. This program will not only cut down on paper usage, but allow you to be notified about upcoming opportunities immediately. This is not a county or a regional database as it was originally designed, but it was adopted by the ENTIRE state of Pennsylvania as a way to enroll 4-H members and leaders. If you, as a 4-H Leader, have already enrolled in the system earlier this year, you have now been given 4-H club access! I encourage all of you to go into the system and become familiar with it! I hope to have ALL current 4-H members and leaders enrolled by January 1, 2010!

How to get started with e-data: First, visit the you will need to visit the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension website - http://clearfield.extension.psu.edu/ Second, you will need to click on the e-data link at the bottom left hand side of the webpage. Third, you will need to set-up a Friends of Penn State Account at https://fps.psu.edu, where you will be given a user name and password to log into the system at http://edata.extension,psu.edu/ Once you log-in, you can begin entering you information into the system including your contact information, 4-H club, 4-H projects, etc… (PLEASE NAVIGATE BY USING THE TABS AT THE TOP OF THE SCREEN). Fourth, once you are finished entering items on a page, press the UPDATE button to save all your information. Remember, if 4-H members are in multiple clubs; please make sure to tell them to list themselves as a member in ALL the 4-H clubs they belong to. Leaders of multiple clubs should do the same!

Since this program is brand new and there are still some issues to work through, here is what is recommended for ALL 4-H Members & 4-H Leaders to do:

• If you enrolled in e-data for 2009, you will now need to re-enroll for the 2010 year. To do this, click CARRY OVER on the top right hand side of the PROGRAMS Tab.
• Complete as much information in the system as possible, then go to the PDF button on the top right hand side of the screen and print out the enrollment form. On the printed form, correct any errors or fill in any blanks that are shown. We have found that medical information has not moved to the PDF form, the 4-H member’s years in 4-H defaults to 1, and the parent signature is needed on the Code Agreement.
• Ask all 4-H members to submit hard copies of this form to you (the Organizational Leader) along with their $10.00 Educational Material Fee for 2010. Then submit hard copies of your 4-H club’s enrollment to the Extension Office.
  

4-H Day with the Penn State Lady Lions - February 7, 2010

This year’s 4-H Day with Penn State Lady Lions Basketball Game will take place on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center. The Penn State Lady Lions will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. A brochure with ticket order information was attached to the recent 4-H Fall Newsletter.

All tickets to this game are only $1.00 for 4-H members, leaders, and families. If you would like tickets to this event, please submit your complete order form to the Extension Office by Wednesday, November 25 along with your payment.  All ticket orders will be sent to the appropriate contacts on each order form when they are when received by the Extension Office.

4-H Horse Program VTC - December 8, 2009

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, Lew Trumble, 4-H Horse Program Associate for Western Pennsylvania, will be hosting a 4-H Horse Program Video Teleconference on the topic: "Competitive Trail Riding: What Is It & How Can I become Involved?"

The program will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and can be viewed at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office (VTC site) in Brookville, PA.

This program is open to all 4-H members, parents, and leaders wishing to gain more information on the 4-H competitive trail riding project!

Please contact Susan Alexander to register at (814) 849-7361 by Friday, December 4!

2010 Pennsylvania State 4-H Leadership Conference - "License to Lead"

Registration is now open for the 2010 Pennsylvania State 4-H Leadership Conference will be taking place Friday, January 29th through Sunday, January 31st at the Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center in State College. This year’s program is open to all Pennsylvania 4-H members between the ages of 13 and 18, as of January 1st. This year’s conference theme will be “License to Lead.”

The goal of this program is to provide a state level educational experience for Pennsylvania 4-H members that will build and enhance skills used throughout their 4-H careers and beyond. More information on this event, including a conference packet and schedule can be found on-line at:
http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/205.htm

· Early Bird Registration (register on or before November 2nd) - $240.00
· General Registration (register between November 3 – December 1st) - $250.00
· Late Registration (December 2nd – December 18th) - $260.00

All registration should be received by the Extension Office prior to the dates listed above to get the price quoted. Checks can be made payable to “PSCE Clearfield County Program Funds”

The Clearfield County 4-H Development Fund will offer a $100.00 scholarship for all Clearfield County 4-H members interested in attending the event this year! Please take advantage of this great leadership opportunity! To register for this event, please see the attached flyer. Remember, the final day to register for the conference is December 18th!!!!

Also, please remember to keep collecting your soda pop tabs for Statewide 4-H Service Learning Project “Checkout the Silver,” which is a program offered with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Food Checkout Day. This project benefits the Ronald McDonald Houses of Pennsylvania. We will turn in all tabs collected by our county at the 2010 PA State 4-H Leadership Conference! Please have your 4-H club’s pop tabs turned into the Extension office by January 15, 2010! To read more about this service project, visit
http://ps4-hc.cas.psu.edu/209.htm

November 30 - Deadline for 2009 4-H Project Books & Award Applications

DON’T FORGET ---- It is almost that time again to submit your 2009 4-H Project Books, as well as your award applications for:

• Outstanding 4-H Teen Leader Award
  
• Outstanding 4-H Club Officer Award (please submit with appropriate 4-H Officer Book, if applicable)
  
• 4-H Blue Ribbon Club Award
  

A packet will be going out to all 4-H Organizational Leaders with copies of these applications. The deadline for submissions has been moved from November 15th to November 30th this year!! Please note that most 4-H club leaders will want you to submit these books to them ahead of time to be judged at the 4-H club level! I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity to get recognized for all the hard work you placed in your 4-H projects, as well as leadership roles in your 4-H club!

All project books will be returned to 4-H club leaders at the 2010 Clearfield County 4-H Awards & Achievement Program!

Headed to Harrisburg

Clearfield County 4-H members have been working hard over the past two months to prepare for the upcoming 50th Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show, which will be taking place at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg beginning Friday, October 23rd through Sunday, October 25th. Clearfield County is proudly sending 21 4-H members to compete in this event. The members qualified at either the 2009 District VIII 4-H Horse Show, which took place August 28th & August 29th at the McKean County Fairgrounds in Smethport, Pennsylvania or one of the five Regional 4-H Production Horse Shows that took place in Armstrong, Beaver, Lycoming, Huntingdon, and Chester counties on August 3rd through August 7th. This year’s participants, along with their horse projects and classes include:

Marissa Douthit of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with Leaguer’s Black showing in Western Pleasure Pairs and Zipaway TE showing in Quarter Horse Yearling Fillies

Chelsea Folmar of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with PSU Hollywood Kuel showing in Quarter Horse 3 Year Old Geldings

Shalise Gallaher of the Clearfield Area Cowboy Up 4-H Club with Eighty Six Carats showing in Western Riding, Whiz at Dee Bar showing in Quarter Horse 2 Year Old Geldings, Daantje showing in Warmblood Fillies of this Year, and Rosies Last Array showing in Four Year Old English Pleasure Futurity

Alexes Hannold of the Clearfield Area Cowboy Up 4-H Club with Take A Chance showing in Raised Box Keyhole Ponies

Ariel Korlinchak of the Top O’ the Hill 4-H Club with King Leo’s Lucky Glo showing in County Team, Hunt Seat Equitation (on the flat) - Senior Rider and Hunter Hack Horses, and Dzia Dzia Lollipop showing in Hunter Type Pony 3 Year Old Fillies

Abby Lee of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with Romandaros Wave Over Wave showing in Miniature Horse 3 Year Old Gelding, Romandaros Mystic Warpaint showing in Miniature Horse Yearling Fillies, and Romandaros Sir Majestic Rose showing in Miniature Horse 2 Year Old Fillies

Rachel Lines of the Open Range 4-H Club with Setting the Example showing in English Grooming & Showmanship - Junior Division

Katelyn Matthews of the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club with Jaspers Chase showing in Pleasure Pony Driving, Mabels Lad showing in County Team and Hunter Under Saddle Horses - Junior Rider, Painted Little Love Scene showing in Pinto Yearling Fillies, and Tinker Tailwinds showing in 5 Year Old English Pleasure Futurity

Elizabeth McAndrew of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with Ima Mischief Kid showing in English Grooming & Showmanship - Senior Division, Hunter Under Saddle Horses - Senior Rider and Hunt Seat Equitation (on the flat) - Senior Rider and Docs Sug O Pine showing in Hunter Type Horse 2 Year Old Fillies

Katie McAndrew of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with FP Zippos Image showing in Western Grooming & Showmanship - Senior Division and Open Trail Horses - Senior Rider, Docs Keystone Kid showing in Palomino 3 Year Old Geldings and 3 Year Old Western Pleasure Futurity, and Col Bobs Skipa Peanut showing in Palomino Yearling Fillies

Frances McAninch of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with Imperial Sailor showing in Stock Seat Equitation - Junior Rider, Novice Reining, and Western Riding

Kelsey Oswalt of the Top O’ the Hill 4-H Club with Sweet Caroline showing in English Grooming & Showmanship - Senior Division, County Team, English Pleasure Pairs, Open Trail Ponies, Hunter Under Saddle Ponies (13.0 Hands & Over), and Hunt Seat Equitation (over fences) -Senior Rider

Katie Russell of the Open Range 4-H Club with Black Jack Drifter showing in Pole Pending Horses and Raised Box Keyhole Horses

Arah Shaffer of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club with Romandaros Electric Blue Ice showing in Miniature Horse 3 Year Old Geldings

Kristin Shaffer of the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club with I’m a Daydreamer showing in Open Trail Ponies, Hunter Under Saddle Ponies (13.0 Hands & Under), and Hunter Hack Ponies and BB’s King of Knights showing in 5 Year Old English Pleasure Futurity

Brittany Shirley of the Rocky Ride 4-H Club with My Sweet Illusion showing in Pole Bending Ponies, Clover Leaf Barrel Race Ponies, and Western Pleasure Ponies (over 13.0 hands), Maplewoods My Little Flicka showing in Miniature Horse Fillies of this Year, V’s Twist of Art showing in Warmblood Yearling Fillies, and Beaus Spanish Nugget showing in 4 Year Old English Pleasure Futurity

Mercedes Shultz of the Rocky Ride 4-H Club with Dun Accounted showing in Western Pleasure Ponies (over 13.0 hands) and Maplewoods Hawks Lil Bubba showing in Miniature Horse Yearling Geldings

Derica Skarbek of the Turn n’ Burn 4-H Horse & Pony Club with Taija showing in Clover Leaf Barrel Race Horse and Peps Ben Chasin Cash showing in Quarter Horse 2 Year Old Fillies

Amber Sofronski of the Rocky Ride 4-H Club with Maplewoods Country Spirit showing in showing in Miniature Horse 2 Year Old Fillies

Francesca Varischetti of the Clearfield Area Cowboy Up 4-H Club with Shez Petitely Amazin showing in Western Pleasure Horses - Senior Rider, Stock Seat Equitation - Senior Rider, and Western Pleasure Pairs

Claire Washell of the Top O’ the Hill 4-H Club with Cherry Bar Barbie showing in English Pleasure Pairs, Hunter Under Saddle Ponies (13.0 Hands & Over), and Hunter Hack Ponies

I am extremely proud of all the 4-H members that qualified. We have a very competitive district and qualifying for the state show is a huge accomplishment. I know Clearfield County will be very well represented this year and I wouldn’t be surprised if our members come home with many top places in their classes.

The 2009 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show will be very special this year, as it will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In addition to the performance and production classes, numerous equine exhibits, clinics, and demonstrations have been planned, as well as look back to when the program began in 1959. As in the past, the 4-H members have been busy preparing stall decorations with a 1950’s inspired theme and are hoping to take home a good housekeeping award for their creativity, as well as their ability to keep their stabling area clean throughout the course of the show. Katie McAndrew, an eleven year member of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, will be honored at the recognition ceremony on Saturday, October 24th for being named this year’s Pennsylvania Outstanding 4-H Horse Member. Katie is the daughter of Joseph & Debbie McAndrew of Brockway.

4-H & FFA Members have Success at the 149th Clearfield County Fair

The Clearfield County Fair officially kicked off on Monday, August 3rd; however, many festivities took place a few days prior including the 2009 4-H Dairy Round-Up. The Fair concluded on Saturday, August 8th with our 26th Annual Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Junior Livestock & Poultry Sale. We had numerous highlights from this year’s Fair. Congratulations to this year’s Junior Livestock Sale Market Grand Champion Animals:

• Grand Champion Beef Steer – Ben Kline


• Reserve Grand Champion Beef Steer – Dani Maines (FFA)


• Grand Champion Dairy Steer – Kristen Knisley


• Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Steer – Reuben Hicks


• Grand Champion Swine – Dani Maines (FFA)


• Reserve Grand Champion Swine – Pedar Garred


• Grand Champion Lamb – Sean Garred, Jr.


• Reserve Grand Champion Lamb - Dani Maines (FFA)


• Grand Champion Goat – Ben Junod


• Reserve Grand Champion Goat – Chelsey Hughes


• Grand Champion Turkey - Chelsey Hughes


• Reserve Grand Champion Turkey – Zach Stephens


• Grand & Reserve Champion Chicken – Carlee Freeberg


• Grand Champion Cornish Hen – Dustin Fisch


• Reserve Grand Champion Cornish Hen – Gust Fisch


• Grand Champion Capon - Dani Maines (FFA)


• Reserve Grand Champion Capon – Abby Junod


• Grand & Reserve Champion Rabbit – Ben Junod


• Grand Champion Meat Pen Rabbits – Devon Turner


• Reserve Grand Champion Meat Pen Rabbits – Morgan Turner


• Grand Champion Cheese - Jordan Fairman


• Reserve Grand Champion Cheese - Kristen Knisley

The 2nd Annual Master Showman Contest, which was held on Friday, August 7th, was another success event this year! The Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council planned and organized the event that welcomed 17 participants in 3 separate divisions. All three division winners won a belt buckle and all participants received a complimentary t-shirt. This year’s winners were Dani Maines (pictured above right) of the Clearfield FFA Chapter – Last Call Division Winner, Katie McAndrew (pictured above left) of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club - Senior Division Winner, and Katelyn Matthews (pictured above center) of the Rocky Ridge 4-H Club - Junior Division Winner. Other participants included: Austin Fairman, Jordan Fairman, Justine Flanagan, Jesse Freyer, Jack Garred, Pedar Garred, Reuben Hicks, Chelsey Hughes, Melinda Hutchins, Ben Kline, Nick Kovalick, Fran McAninch, Morgan Turner, & Sydney Turner. A special thank you goes out to our 2009 sponsors: Dave Gallaher, Jr., Wise Eyes Optical, Allen Pools & Spa Sales, At Home Realty Associates, Inc., Curwensville Feed Store, Gates Hardware, K & M Beef & Swine Production, and Whitmore Remodelers

Camps & Competitions Kept 4-H'ers Busy All Summer Long

From May through July, 4-H members from across the county really kept themselves busy!

Nick Kovalick of the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club traveled to Happy Valley for the 2009 4-H Dairy Days Cow Camp. This educational program was an opportunity for youth between the ages of 8-18 years of age experience modern dairy production practices. This year's camp took place on Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at Penn State University. Saturday’s hands-on workshops for the senior participants involved hoof care, genomic evaluations, and forage quality/rumen health, while junior workshops focused on biotechnology, calf health, and dairy products. Social events included a picnic, fun night with go-carts and par-3 golf at Tussey Mountain Fun Center, and an ice cream social.

On June 21st through 25th, Clearfield County sent 21 4-H campers to the 2009 Regional 4-H Camp held at Camp Kanesatake in Spruce Creek. Overnight Campers included: Mary-Beth Maguire, Adeline McCafferty, Morgan Reardon, & Violet Sleigh. Full Week/Traditional Campers included: Brooke Ell, Dustin Fisch, Gust Fisch, Cassandra Folmar, Chelsea Folmar, Abby Junod, Ben Junod, Nick Kovalick, Fran McAninch, Olivia McCafferty, Jaret McCracken, Kestrel Merritt, Michael Minicucci, Amanda Pennington, Brogan Peters, Heather Shimmel, & Sydney Turner. The campers took part in numerous fun-filled, adventurous activities, as well as educational workshops based on the camp theme “Keeping it Green.” We had 10 terrific camp counselors and volunteered and dedicated a great deal of their time into making sure each and every 4-H camper had an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. 2009 Clearfield County Camp Counselors included: Courtney Bakaysa, Yvonne Bush, Emily Johnson, Liz McAndrew, Katie McAndrew, Don Smeal, Devon Turner, Morgan Turner, Megan Williams, and Ariana Yaple.

July 28th through July 30th, we had 10 Clearfield County 4-H members travel to Penn State University to take part in the 2009 Pennsylvania State 4-H Achievement Days, where youth have the opportunity to take part in one of many competitive and non-competitive events. Our Horse Bowl team, with members Marissa Douthit, Chelsea Folmar, Liz McAndrew, and Katie McAndrew, took 3rd place. All 4 team members are from the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club. Our Shotgun Junior Division Team, with members JR McMahon, Tyler Passmore, and David Kephart finished in 2nd place. JR also received 1st place as an individual. All 3 team members are from the Clearfield County 4-H Top Guns. Abby Lee and Arah Shaffer, both of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, participated in State Chorus. Devon Turner of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club place 14th as an individual in the Rabbit & Cavy Contest. Finally, Fran McAninch of the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club placed 15th as an individual in the Horse Judging Junior Division Contest. During the closing ceremony and awards presentation on Thursday, July 30th, our very own Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council was recognized for being an Outstanding County Council. We received 3rd place in a statewide contest and the council was given a $200.00 monetary gift, which helped pay for activities and events the council sponsored at the 2009 Clearfield County Fair.

Katie McAndrew named 2009 PA Outstanding 4-H Horse Member

Katie L. McAndrew, daughter of Joseph & Debbie McAndrew of Brockway, was recently named the Pennsylvania Outstanding 4-H Horse Member for 2009. Katie will be recognized for her achievement on Saturday, October 24th at the 50th Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Katie is the first winner from Clearfield County since Janee Carr of Clearfield in 1995.

Katie, who currently serves as president of both the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club and the Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council, has been involved in the 4-H program for 11 years. Katie has been extremely active participating in both horse and leadership project areas. Katie has been recognized for her accomplishments at county, district, regional, and state level. In addition to qualifying and participating in the Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show annually with both performance and production projects, Katie has been recognized for her outstanding showmanship skills and has been rewarded with a Master Showman Ribbon at both the regional and state level.

Outside of the show ring, Katie has participated in the PA State 4-H Leadership Conference, Penn State 4-H Achievement Days, where she participated in both the Horse Judging and Horse Bowl contests, PA 4-H Capital Days, Regional 4-H Camp at Camp Kanesatake, where she has served as a camp counselor since 2007, 4-H Day at Kennywood, and numerous Regional 4-H Teen Retreats. Katie was recognized as one of Clearfield County’s Outstanding 4-H Teen Leaders for 2008. Recently, Katie was recognized as the Senior Division Master Showman during a contest held at the 2009 Clearfield County Fair. During this contest, Katie mastered the showmanship of a dairy cow, horse, lamb, and pig. Over her 11 year 4-H career, Katie has displayed terrific citizenship skills through her community service efforts. Through her 4-H club’s Adopt-a-Highway litter clean-up projects, sending care packages to troops serving in the military or children in need, and collecting items for our local food pantries, animal shelters, and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Katie has really made a difference in the lives of others within her community and truly lives by the 4-H Motto, “To Make the Best Better.”

“The entire Clearfield County 4-H program is extremely proud of Katie’s accomplishment! Katie is an extremely active 4-H member and serves as an outstanding role model and mentor to numerous 4-H youth members in not only her club, but throughout the county, region, and state.” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator

Katie is a 2009 graduate of Brockway Area High School and is currently a freshman at California University of Pennsylvania.

At the end of October, Katie will be traveling to the 2009 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show with three horse projects in a total of five classes. She will be showing two production horses, Docs Keystone Kid in the Palomino Three Year Old Gelding Class, as well as the Three Year Old Western Pleasure Futurity class and Col Bobs Skipa Peanut in the Palomino Yearling Fillies class. Katie will also be exhibiting her performance horse FP Zippos Image in the Western Grooming & Showmanship, Senior Division and Open Trail Horses, Senior Rider classes.

Clearfield County has been very competitive in the 4-H horse program and has had several finalists for this award of the years. Finalists include Janee Carr (1995 winner), Rebecca Moorhouse (1998), Jana Duttry (1999), Morgan Bacher (2003), Heather Mabie (2005), Joelle Palumbo (2006), Jenifer McAndrew (2007), and Katie McAndrew (2008 finalist & 2009 winner).

Morgan B. Turner is selected as the 2009 Lewie Greene 4-H Memorial Scholarship Winner

The Clearfield County 4-H Program is proud to announce that Morgan B. Turner is the 2009 recipient of the Lewie Greene 4-H Memorial Scholarship.

Morgan is the 18 year old daughter of Mark & Sally Turner of Philipsburg. Morgan is a member of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club, as well as the Clearfield County 4-H Teen Council.

Morgan has belonged to the Clearfield County 4-H Program for 9 years and over the course of her involvement has completed numerous 4-H projects including horse, rabbit, embryology, poultry, sheep, wildlife, sewing, archery, bicycling, public speaking, and teen leadership. Morgan said all of these projects taught her something new and she had a wonderful, educational experience completing each one. Morgan’s tremendous animal skills and knowledge helped her to have several reserve and grand champion rabbits in the Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Junior Livestock & Poultry Sale held each year during the Clearfield County Fair. In 2007, Morgan also raised the Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb.

In her 4-H club, Morgan has served in many leadership positions including president, vice-president, treasurer, news reporter, and teen leader. Morgan has also served as a 4-H camp counselor for the past three years. Her outstanding leadership abilities helped Morgan to receive the honor of being named Outstanding Clearfield County 4-H Teen Leader in 2008, as well as being named a runner-up in 2007, and a Clearfield County Outstanding 4-H Junior Teen Leader in 2005 and 2006.

According to Morgan, 4-H has been a major influence on her life by teaching and enhancing her skills in public speaking, discipline, decision making, and hands-on learning all while having a good time and meeting new friends. Morgan also credits 4-H for helping expand her love of animals by giving her the opportunity to gain knowledge through showing and caring for them. “Morgan has been an outstanding role model and mentor to all youth involved in the Clearfield County 4-H Program. She has participated in numerous programs throughout the county region, and state including PA State 4-H Achievement Days, Regional 4-H Camp, Regional 4-H Teen Retreats, Bi-County 4-H Public Speaking & Presentation Contests, numerous horse and rabbit shows, and both club and county community service projects.” Jana Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator.

In addition to 4-H, Morgan is a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders Association (PaSRBA), American Dwarf Hotot Rabbit Club (ADHRC), Mid-Atlantic Dwarf Hotot Specialty Club (MADHC), and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Morgan is a 2009 graduate of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School and is currently a freshman at the Pennsylvania State University majoring in Biological Engineering. She plans to apply the engineering principles she gains with her future degree to conduct research in various aspects of agriculture.

2009 Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Junior Livestock Sale Scholarship Winners Announced

The Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Committee is very pleased to announce the ten recipients of this year’s 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Scholarship. Each recipient met all of the eligibility requirements, which included being enrolled in some form of post-secondary education and being an active Livestock Sale Participant within 4 years of applying. 4-H and FFA members are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years as long as they continue to meet the scholarship requirements. Former 4-H and FFA members are also eligible up to their fourth year after graduation. All scholarship applications were due to the Livestock Sale Committee on September 15th.

Josiah Delwyn Fry was also named a recipient this year. J. Delwyn is a former member of the Harmony 4-H Club and is a junior at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Aerospace Engineering. J. Delwyn is the son of Barry and Regina Fry of Westover.

Another scholarship recipient is Tyler Johns. Tyler is a member of the Clearfield County 4-H Livestock Club. Tyler is a freshman at Penn State University - DuBois Campus majoring in Agribusiness Management. Tyler is the son of Denny and Pam Johns of Curwensville.

Benjamin Kerr was also chosen as a recipient. Benjamin is a former member of the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club. Benjamin is currently a senior at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Accounting. Benjamin is the son of Mike and Paula Kerr of Clearfield.

Benjamin Kline, a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club and Clearfield FFA Chapter, was also named as a scholarship recipient. Benjamin is a freshman at Penn State University - DuBois Campus majoring in Animal Science. Ben is the son of Kevin and Christine Kline of Clearfield.

Another scholarship recipient is Danielle Maines. Danielle Maines is a member of the Clearfield FFA Chapter. Danielle is currently a senior at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Agricultural Sciences. Danielle is the daughter of Frank and Melony Maines of Clearfield.

Eric Michaels, a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club and Clearfield FFA Chapter, was also a chosen recipient this year. Eric is a freshman at Penn State University – DuBois Campus majoring in Agribusiness Management. Eric is the son of Jim & Joy Michaels of Curwensville.

Another scholarship recipient is Michael Moyer. Michael is a former member of the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club. Michael is a freshman at Penn State University - Behrend Campus. Michael is the son of Jim and Michele Moyer of Clearfield.

Mitchell Stephens is another recipient of the scholarship. Mitchell is a member of the Clearfield FFA Chapter. Mitchell is currently a senior at Penn State University – University Park Campus majoring in Animal Science. Mitchell is the son of Greg and Cathy Stephens of Woodland.

Zachary Stephens was also awarded this year’s scholarship. Zachary is a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club and Clearfield FFA Chapter. Zachary is a freshman at Penn State University – University Park Campus majoring in Biological Engineering. Zachary is the son of Greg and Cathy Stephens of Woodland.

Rounding out the recipients is Morgan Turner. Morgan Turner was also chosen as a recipient. Morgan is a member of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club. Morgan is a freshman at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Biological Engineering. Morgan is the daughter of Mark and Sally Turner of Philipsburg.

“A very sincere thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this scholarship possible, especially all of our 2009 buyers, all of the very special people and businesses that donated money directly to the scholarship, and the Livestock Sale Committee for adopting this scholarship and helping it get bigger and better each year!” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we had over $4,000 distributed in scholarships this year!

If you would be interested in donating to the scholarship fund, please contact Jana Lynne Davidson at the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension Office at (814) 765-7878 Ext. 3. Donations can also be sent directly to the Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Livestock Club, P.O. Box 104, Clearfield, PA 16830. All donations are appreciated and money collected between now and next September will be distributed to eligible 4-H and FFA members in 2010.

“Both 4-H and FFA are very similar programs that really help youth develop into tomorrow’s leaders through skills and knowledge gained through their work on numerous projects.” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator.

The FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The FFA program is for high school aged youth up to the age of 21. FFA members live by the motto “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

4-H is a non-formal youth development educational program of Penn State Cooperative Extension for all youth between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, or veteran status.
The 4-H program is a community of young people across America, who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H members live by the motto “To Make the Best Better.”

For more information on how to get your children involved in the 4-H or FFA program, please contact Jana Lynne Davidson at Penn State Cooperative Extension of Clearfield County at (814) 765-7878 Ext.3

The Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Committee is very pleased to announce the ten recipients of this year’s 4-H & FFA Livestock Sale Scholarship. Each recipient met all of the eligibility requirements, which included being enrolled in some form of post-secondary education and being an active Livestock Sale Participant within 4 years of applying. 4-H and FFA members are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of four years as long as they continue to meet the scholarship requirements. Former 4-H and FFA members are also eligible up to their fourth year after graduation. All scholarship applications were due to the Livestock Sale Committee on September 15th.

Josiah Delwyn Fry was also named a recipient this year. J. Delwyn is a former member of the Harmony 4-H Club and is a junior at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Aerospace Engineering. J. Delwyn is the son of Barry and Regina Fry of Westover.

Another scholarship recipient is Tyler Johns. Tyler is a member of the Clearfield County 4-H Livestock Club. Tyler is a freshman at Penn State University - DuBois Campus majoring in Agribusiness Management. Tyler is the son of Denny and Pam Johns of Curwensville.

Benjamin Kerr was also chosen as a recipient. Benjamin is a former member of the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club. Benjamin is currently a senior at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Accounting. Benjamin is the son of Mike and Paula Kerr of Clearfield.

Benjamin Kline, a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club and Clearfield FFA Chapter, was also named as a scholarship recipient. Benjamin is a freshman at Penn State University - DuBois Campus majoring in Animal Science. Ben is the son of Kevin and Christine Kline of Clearfield.

Another scholarship recipient is Danielle Maines. Danielle Maines is a member of the Clearfield FFA Chapter. Danielle is currently a senior at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Agricultural Sciences. Danielle is the daughter of Frank and Melony Maines of Clearfield.

Eric Michaels, a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club and Clearfield FFA Chapter, was also a chosen recipient this year. Eric is a freshman at Penn State University – DuBois Campus majoring in Agribusiness Management. Eric is the son of Jim & Joy Michaels of Curwensville.

Another scholarship recipient is Michael Moyer. Michaels is a former member of the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club. Michaels is a freshman at Penn State University - Behrend Campus. Michael is the son of Jim and Michele Moyer of Clearfield.

Mitchell Stephens is another recipient of the scholarship. Mitchell is a member of the Clearfield FFA Chapter. Mitchell is currently a senior at Penn State University – University Park Campus majoring in Animal Science. Mitchell is the son of Greg and Cathy Stephens of Woodland.

Zachary Stephens was also awarded this year’s scholarship. Zachary is a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Beef Club and Clearfield FFA Chapter. Zachary is a freshman at Penn State University – University Park Campus majoring in Biological Engineering. Zachary is the son of Greg and Cathy Stephens of Woodland.

Rounding out the recipients is Morgan Turner. Morgan Turner was also chosen as a recipient. Morgan is a member of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club. Morgan is a freshman at Penn State University - University Park Campus majoring in Biological Engineering. Morgan is the daughter of Mark and Sally Turner of Philipsburg.

“A very sincere thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this scholarship possible, especially all of our 2009 buyers, all of the very special people and businesses that donated money directly to the scholarship, and the Livestock Sale Committee for adopting this scholarship and helping it get bigger and better each year!” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we had over $4,000 distributed in scholarships this year!

If you would be interested in donating to the scholarship fund, please contact Jana Lynne Davidson at the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension Office at (814) 765-7878 Ext. 3. Donations can also be sent directly to the Clearfield County 4-H & FFA Livestock Club, P.O. Box 104, Clearfield, PA 16830. All donations are appreciated and money collected between now and next September will be distributed to eligible 4-H and FFA members in 2010.

“Both 4-H and FFA are very similar programs that really help youth develop into tomorrow’s leaders through skills and knowledge gained through their work on numerous projects.” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator.

The FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The FFA program is for high school aged youth up to the age of 21. FFA members live by the motto “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

4-H is a non-formal youth development educational program of Penn State Cooperative Extension for all youth between the ages of 8 and 19, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, or veteran status. The 4-H program is a community of young people across America, who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H members live by the motto “To Make the Best Better.”

2009 National 4-H Week

October 4 - October 10, 2009 is National 4-H Week!

During this special time, as many 4-H clubs reorganize for the 2010 4-H year, I hope that you all do your very best to promote this wonderful program to youth within the community!

With over 150 projects available and 17 4-H clubs located throughout Clearfield County alone, the 4-H program truly has something for everyone!!!

Happy 4-H week everyone! Remember to keep it green!!!!!

New Clearfield County 4-H Plat Books Have Arrived!!!!

The latest edition of the Clearfield County Plat Book is now available at the Clearfield County Cooperative Extension Office, located on the second floor of the Multi-Service Center in Clearfield. The Clearfield County Plat Book is not only a great source of historical land information, but it contains specific information to all land located in each Township of Clearfield County including landowners, streets, roads, streams, lakes, and boundary lines. With its vast amount of county land information, the plat book makes for an excellent gift. The cost of each plat book is $40.00. Plat books can also be purchased at Bob’s Army Navy Store, Clearfield Agway, the Clearfield County Assessment & Tax Claims Office, and Wayland Farm Supply/Agway of DuBois.

The Clearfield County 4-H Program adopted the Clearfield County Plat Book a several years ago as the 4-H Program’s main fundraiser. All the money collected from the sale of these books goes towards funding programs offered through the Clearfield County 4-H Program, as well as building the Clearfield County 4-H Endowment Fund, which will ensure the 4-H program is continues to grow well into the future. Over 200 youth belong to one of the seventeen 4-H clubs located throughout the Clearfield County. With the help of this fundraiser, 4-H members are given the opportunity to participate in many county, regional, and state programs, as well as numerous trainings offered throughout the year for both 4-H members and volunteer leaders. The plat book fundraiser covers many of the costs associated with these events.

E-Data will be in full swing - October 1, 2009

For those of you that attended the 2009 4-H Club Officer & Volunteer Leader Training this past February at the Tri-County Church of God in DuBois, you heard about the new E-Data on-line registration system from the Central Region's Volunteer Development Educator, Deb Burrows of Clinton County.

Beginning October 1, 2009, the E-Data System will be the ONLY way to enroll as a 4-H member of 4-H volunteer leader. This will also be the primary way to register for programs and events offered throughout the county, region, and state. Therefore, paper copies of enrollment forms will become a thing of the past, so please hold off on sending paper forms to our office for 2010. All 4-H members and leaders will be required to enroll on-line through this system. Both myself and my office staff will NOT be able to register for you! This system should make enrollment in the future a lot easier, as your information will be saved in this database and you will only need to make a few updates each year.

Attention 4-H Leaders & Members - Please stay tuned for further details that will be coming out in a mailing next month!

Watch for New Posts Soon!!!!

Greetings,

My apologies to all of my faithful blog readers for not posting in quite awhile, but there have been so many 4-H summer activites that have kept me busy starting with 4-H Camp in June and ending with the Clearfield County Fair in August!

On August 12, I welcomed my second daughter, Lily Grace. Lily was born at 11:57 a.m. weighing 7 pounds/4 ounces and being 17.5 inches long. Lily joins big sister, Lauren, who is 3 years old.

I am currently on maternity leave until October, so please stay tuned for new blog posts after I am back to work! In closing, please find a photo of the new addition with her proud big sister!!!!!

Happy Fall!!!!!

Regional 4-H Horse Driving Clinic Scheduled for June

Regional 4-H Driving Clinics will be held in three different locations across the state in June. We thank Mr. Lorin Nauman and Ms. Samea Baker, for taking time from their busy schedules to conduct the clinics.

Ms. Baker is an American Driving Society Judge and Technical Delegate in both Pleasure Driving and Combined Driving. She has judged many horse shows for all disciplines of driving and currently holds a USEF “r” card. She has also shown many champions at carriage shows, including Devon and has been long listed for 2003 and 2005 US World Pony teams. Mr. Nauman started by driving draft teams in Wyoming as a means of accomplishing winter chores. In 1998 he moved to Pennsylvania, and later apprenticed with driving instructor, Olaf Nyby of Norway. In 2004 he went to Wales, UK, where he trained, and tested through the British Driving Societies Driving Proficiency Program, obtaining his light harness horse instructors certification. Since then he has operated his boarding and training center in Centre County, PA. He has been very supportive of the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse program by offering his services as a driving clinician in various locations across the state.

The clinics are scheduled as follows:

• June 9-Clinton County-Clinton County Fairgournds-Samea Baker-clinician
  Contact Helene McKernan- 570-726-0022
• June 18-Erie County-Lorin Nauman-clinician
  Contact Lisa Gette- 814-774-8528
• June 24-Wayne County-Lake Equestrian Center-Samea Baker-clinician
  Contact Kim Mikulak- 570-253-5970 Ext. 4110

The clinics will begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at dark. Enrollment is limited to 15 equine/cart combinations for Erie County; all other clinics will be limited to 20 equine and carts. Verification of a current rabies vaccination and current negative EIA/Coggins is required for all animals. Adults and non 4-H members are welcome, as space permits. Clinic fees are: $10.00 4-H members (with equines/carts); $15.00 for general public (with equines/carts) and $5.00 for spectators. Clinic participants will learn how to prepare, harness and drive draft horses, pleasure horses and ponies, or minis, with emphasis on proper turnout and safety techniques for handling and driving. Current 4-H driving rules and procedures also will be included as well as industry standards.

2009 PA Outstanding Horse Member Award Applications Available

All 4-H horse members between the ages of 15 and 18, as of January 1st, are eligible to compete for the 2009 PA 4-H Horse Program Outstanding Member Award. Applications are available in the Extension Office and are due back by Friday, July 31, 2009 to be considered. A winner and four to five finalists from across the commonwealth will be recognized at the 2009 PA State 4-H Horse Show in October and win terrific prizes which may include a tack trunk or leather horse halter and lead rope. This is a great opportunity for all 4-H horse members.

Clearfield County has had several 4-H members receive recognition over the past few years.

An application can be found at Penn State Dairy & Animal Science website at http://www.das.psu.edu/ Under 4-H Programs, click on Horses, then the Opportunities & Awards Link on the right hand column.

2009 Clearfield County Fair Premium Books Are Ready

The 2009 Clearfield County Fair Premium Books are now available! If you haven't received one in the mail, feel free to pick one up at either the Clearfield County Fair Office or the Extension Office. This year's Clearfield County Fair will tak place Sunday, August 2 - Saturday, August 8, 2009!

All 4-H/Department 10 Entries should be completed on a 4-part form, which are available at the Extension Office. To make it easier on those doing filing entries for the Fair, please use a separate 4-part form for each different category such as swine, goats, sheep, horses, dairy, vegetables, etc.... You may have been told differently in the past, but please try to process the forms this way! All Clearfield County Fair entries must be received by the Clearfield County Fair Office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009! No late entries will be accepted! Please submit the canary yellow copy to the Extension Office.

For open show entries or any entries outside of 4-H/Department 10 - please use the entry forms available in the back on the premium book.

2009 4-H Day with the State College Spikes

Just a reminder ----- ticket orders are still being accepted for the 2009 PA 4-H Youth Achievement Night at the Ballpark with the State Colleg Spikes, as they take on the Jamestown Jammers. The game will take place on Friday, July 10, 2009.

The Spikes are a short-season class-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. They share Medlar Field at Lubrano Park with the Penn State baseball team located on the Penn State University Campus. Fireworks will follow the game and there will be an ooportunity for a lucky 4-H member to throw out the Cermonial First Pitch!!!!

Tickets are only $4.00 each, but must be ordered by Friday, May 22nd through the Extension Office. More information and a registration brochure was included in the Spring 2009 4-H Newsletter; however, additional registration flyers are available through the Extension Office.

For more information on the State College Spikes, visit STATECOLLEGESPIKES.COM

2009 Pennsylvania 4-H Capital Days

4-H’ers from across Pennsylvania met in Harrisburg for the 45th Annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Capital Days, an annual citizenship awareness event that was held April 19-21 at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. Two 4-H members from Clearfield County were in attendance at this event. Katie McAndrew and Elizabeth McAndrew, both the Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club represented Clearfield County this year. Katie & Elizabeth are the daughters of Joseph & Debbie McAndrew of Brockway.

The goal of the two-day program is to introduce 4-H’ers to Pennsylvania government through a series of hands-on, interactive experiences, says Phil Hoy, youth program management coordinator in Penn State's department of agricultural and extension education. “Participants will learn how laws are passed by participating in a mock legislative session. They are grouped into the majority and minority parties to discuss their party’s stand on the issues, and then come together as full house and vote on three bills that include issues such as internet laws, school calendar year, and tobacco possession for minors.”

Other activities included being welcomed by Representative Scott Conklin, as well as several workshops on Pennsylvania’s legislative process, diversity issues, personalities, and interview skills.

“This event introduces youth to an experience that they typically would not be exposed to in a traditional classroom setting. The Pennsylvania 4-H State Council served as master of ceremonies as well as conducting the mock legislative sessions. This helps us to illustrate the importance of the 4-H experience in leadership and citizen development,” says Hoy.

“4-H Capital Days is one of several opportunities for Pennsylvania’s youth to learn to be engaged with their communities,” states Christy Bartley, state 4-H program leader. “4-H members learn about local, state, and national governments through several opportunities during the program year.” 4-H partnered with Representative Scott Conklin to plan and implement this year’s event.

Standing in photo from left to right is 4-H member Elizabeth McAndrew, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff, and 4-H member Katie McAndrew during the Legislative breakfast on Tuesday, April 21, 2009.

2009 4-H Public Speaking & Presentation Contest Results

On Tuesday, May 5th at 6:30 p.m., Clearfield County hosted the 18th Annual Bi-County 4-H Public Speaking & Presentation Contest in the Hiller Auditorium of Penn State University – DuBois Campus. The event was open to all Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, and Jefferson County 4-H members, ages 8 through 18, as of January 1st. 7 4-H members from Clearfield & Jefferson Counties participated in one of four categories, including Senior Division Public Speaking, Junior Division Public Speaking, Senior Division Presentations, & Junior Division Presentations.

This year, topics included baking with yeast, being prepared, piano music, herpetology, the layers of mud, kittens, and rabbits. Individuals entering into the Public Speaking contest where asked to give a 4 to 7 minute original talk on any topic. Participants in this category were only allowed to use note cards; no other illustrative material was allowed to be used. Individuals entering into the Presentation contest where asked to conduct a presentation about a 4-H project, hobby, or activity they have been involved with. Junior Division participants were given up to 8 minutes for their presentation and Senior Division participants were given between 10 and 12 minutes for their presentation.

In the Public Speaking Senior Division competition, Chelsea Folmar, a member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Riflery Club and Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, received first place and a monetary award of $20.00. Chelsea is the daughter of Scott & Crystal Folmar of Luthersburg.

In the Senior Division Presentation competition, Kathleen Thomas of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club received first place and a monetary award of $20.00. Kathleen is the daughter of Pamela Thomas of Morrisdale.

In the Junior Division Presentation Contest, Amberley Spicher of the Gateway 4-H Club received first place honors. Amberley is the daughter of Marty & Sherri Spicher of Punxsutawney. Second place honors went to Sydney Turner of the Thundering Hoofbeats 4-H Club. Sydney is the daughter of Mark & Sally Turner of Philipsburg. May Betts, a member of the Free Spirit 4-H Club was recognized for thirst place. Mary is the daughter of Dan & Sue Betts of Hawk Run. Cassandra Folmar, dual member of both the Clearfield County 4-H Riflery Club and Town & Country 4-H Horse and Pony Club, received fourth place. Cassandra is the daughter of Scott & Crystal Folmar of Luthersburg. Fifth place went to Kimberly Ward of the Free Spirit 4-H Club. Kimberly is the daughter of Shawn & Laurie Ward of Morrisdale. Each junior division participant received a 4-H bag filled with 4-H items.

All participants received a certificate of achievement and a ribbon.

Two local individuals served as judges for this year’s contest. Judges for event included Joan Robinson-McMillen. Ms. McMillen currently serves as a Clearfield County Commissioner, where she is the second woman to serve as a commissioner for the county and is the first woman to serve in the role as chairperson. Ms. McMillen resides in Clearfield with her husband Kevin and son Harrison. Also serving as a judge was Rachel Carr-Davidson. Rachel was an 11 year member of the Graham Township 4-H Club of Morrisdale. In 2004, Rachel was crowned as the Clearfield County Fair Queen and a few months later was recognized as a Top 5 Finalist for Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. Ms. Davidson is still very involved with the Clearfield County Fair Queen Program and the “Queens for Kids” charity. Ms. Davidson is currently employed through Magna Card in DuBois and she resides in DuBois with her husband Michael.

The competition was followed by refreshments and an awards ceremony. “A very special thank you goes out to all of the 4-H leaders, parents, and guests that helped support the youth, as well as Penn State – DuBois Campus for allowing us the use of both the Hiller Auditorium and Quiet Lounge.” Jana Lynne Davidson, Children & Youth Development Educator.

In Photo Above: Front from left to right, Cassandra Folmar of Luthersburg, Mary Betts of Hawk Run, Sydney Turner of Philipsburg, and Amberley Spicher of Punxsutawney. In back from left to right, Joan Robinson-McMillen – Judge, Kimberly Ward of Morrisdale, Kathleen Thomas of Morrisdale, and Rachel Carr-Davidson – Judge.

Welcome Leah Carr - 2009 4-H Summer Program Assistant

As many of you already know, I will be expecting my second child this summer! My due date is August 19, so I plan to be around most of the summer including the 2009 Clearfield County Fair. Since the summer is such a busy time, I was lucky enough to obtain help from a past 4-H member. Therefore, I would like to welcome Leah Carr as the 2009 Clearfield County 4-H Summer Assistant.

Leah was a member of the Graham Township 4-H Club for 11 years. Last year, she ended her 4-H career serving in the role of president of her 4-H club, as well as being named the recipient of the 2008 Lewie Greene 4-H Memorial Scholarship. Last summer, Leah was crowned the 2008 Clearfield County Fair Queen and this past January was named First Alternate in the 2009 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Contest held in Hershey, PA. As a Fair Queen, Leah has dedicated a lot of her time to helping with the Queens for Kids charities including pancake breakfasts and the Annual Music Fund Fest to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. Leah has also had numerous speaking engagements throughout the county over the past year.

Leah was a 2008 high honors graduate of West Branch Area High School, were she finished second in her class! She is currently finishing up her freshman year at Penn State University - DuBois Campus majoring in Business with a minor in Agricultural Business. Throughout her first year of college, despite her busy schedule with classes and fair queen duties, Leah has been recognized for her hard work by receiving many awards and scholarships. Leah plans to attend Penn State University Main Campus in the spring of 2010. She is looking forward to working with our office this summer and anxious to meet many of you! Leah will be starting at her position with our office mid-May and working into October when I return from maternity leave. Please help me welcome Leah! I know she will do an excellent job this summer!

Clearfield County Fair Queen Applications Now Available

If you are interested in competing for the title of 2009 Clearfield County Fair Queen, entry forms are now available at the Extension Office.



EACH CONTESTANT MUST BE:

• Be a resident of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.


• Be sixteen years of age and not over twenty years old by June 1.


• Have her parents or guardians consent if under 18 years of age..


• All contestants must be of the female gender.


• Be single, never married, have had no children and must not marry, nor become pregnant during her reign.


• Not be a former Clearfield County Fair Queen or a State Association Queen winner.


• Be willing to promote the Clearfield County Fair by speaking at dinner meetings, club dinners, public affairs, etc.


• Be available to reign for a period of one year.


• Be willing to work around livestock, such as cattle, horses, sheep, swine, and poultry.


• Be willing to write a 300 word or less essay on what the Clearfield County Fair means to me.


• Be willing to attend the Clearfield County Fair every day.
  Be available to attend the Pennsylvania State Fair Association's Queen Contest in January for four days. (All expenses will be paid by the Clearfield County Fair and Park Board for the Queen and one parent/guardian only)


• Proof of graduation must be presented if already out of high school.

Each year, Clearfield County 4-H members always do extremely well in this competition! This is a great opportunity to develop skills in public speaking and meet interesting people from across the county. Entry forms are available at the Extension Office, as well as the Clearfield County Fair & Park Office. Entry forms are due to the Clearfield County Fair & Park Board Office by June 1, 2009.

More information on the Clearfield County Fair Queen Program can ebe found on the fair's website at http://www.clearfieldcountyfair.com/ under the Fair Queen Link.

This year’s Clearfield County Fair Queen Contest will take place on Sunday, August 2!

Penn State Youth Dairy Cow Camp UPDATE

GOOD NEWS - registration details are now complete for the 2009 Penn State Youth Dairy Cow Camp!

Interested in learning about dairy cattle??? The Penn State Youth Dairy Cow Camp is an exciting opportunity for youth 8-18 years old to experience modern dairy production practices. This year's camp will take place Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, 2009 at Penn State University. Saturday’s hands-on workshops for the senior participants will involve hoof care, genomic evaluations, and forage quality/rumen health. Junior workshops will focus on biotechnology, calf health, and dairy products. Social events will include a picnic, fun night with go-carts and par-3 golf at Tussey Mountain Fun Center, and an ice cream social.

Instruction at the Camp is provided by faculty and staff of the Department of Dairy and Animal Science at Penn State University. The cost to attend this event is $50.00. Each youth camper's fees cover meals, chaperoned lodging in university residence halls, and all program materials. In addition, you may bring spending money for souvenirs and other items.

A registration sheet can be found at:
http://www.das.psu.edu/pdf/Dairy%20Daysregistration-2009.pdf

Registration is due by May 16!

4-H Horse Camp in Armstrong County - June 12-14, 2009

Armstrong County has graciously offered an invitation for our county to participate in a 4-H Horse Camp taking place Friday, June 12 - Sunday, June 14 at the Crooked Creek Horse Park in Ford City, PA.

Horse events to be offered throughout the weekend include:

***TRAIL

• Competitive Trail


• Mounted Orienteering


• Equi caching


• Mini Trail


• Trail Class


• Judged Trail

***DRIVING

• Draft Driving
  
• Mini Driving


• Pleasure Horse & Pony Driving

Registration information will be available next month (May). To request registration information, please contact Jana at (814) 765-7878 Ext.3 or jld289@psu.edu

To get more details on the 4-H Horse Camp, please contact Lew Trumble lpt3@psu.edu or (814) 333-7428 or Suzanne Boarts at sab25@psu.edu

Lewie Greene 4-H Memorial Scholarship - Due August 1st

ATTENTION SENIORS-----The Lewie Greene 4-H Memorial Scholarship is a $250 monetary award presented to an active Clearfield County 4-H member who plans to enroll in either a two-year or four-year post high school curriculum. Applications for this scholarship are available in the Extension Office, please contact Jana at (814) 765-7878 Ext. 3 or jld289@psu.edu if you would like an application sent to you. All applications are due to the Extension Office by August 1st.

An applicant's involvement it the 4-H program, as well as their financial need will be taken into account during the selection process!

Mary Fisher-Owens Memorial Trust Scholarship - Due May 1st

ATTENTION SENIORS------The Mary Fisher-Owens Memorial Scholarship Trust is a scholarship sponsored by Hazen Owens of Olanta, PA. To be eligible to receive this scholarship, you must:

• Be a resident of Clearfield County


• Be enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University (any campus location)


• Be entering as a full-time, first semester freshman.

Applications for this scholarship are available in the Extension Office, please contact Jana at (814) 765-7878 Ext. 3 or jld289@psu.edu if you would like an application sent to you. All applications are due to the Extension Office by May 1st.