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.