The 4-h MessageMATANUSKA-SUSITNA COPPER RIVER DISTRICT

809 S. Chugch, Suite #2 Palmer, AK 99645Phone: 745-3360, Fax: 745-5479, E-mail: dahecimovich@alaska.edu

University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service programs are available to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, national origin, or disability and in accordance with all applicable federal laws. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fred Schlutt, Director of Cooperative Extension Service, University of Alaska Fairbanks. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.

Achievement & Appreciation

Program

Harvest Dinner

Salute to Excellence

Youth in Governance

and much more!

America’s Arctic University

November 2011

I hope you all have been enjoying this beautiful fall! Now with the “snow on the pumpkin,” so to speak, I guess we must embrace winter with all of its challenges and opportunities! Hopefully, you will consider our nice long winter as a time to focus on some of our other 4-H project areas, such asthe more traditional foods, crafts and sewing, as well as more contemporary topics like robotics, computer graphics and digital photography. You might even want to plan for spring livestock or gardening endeavors. This might give you good ideas for Christmas lists too! If you haven’t already noticed, we have a lot of exciting activities coming up, including a Home, Health and Family Fun Day in January that will include our district baking contest, the State 4-H Leaders Virtual forum and both the State Livestock and Horse Contests. If your only experience in 4-H is a market livestock project, I urge you to take a few more steps to really experience what 4-H can be. The 4-H program is meant to be more than just a single activity or project; there are many other opportunities to be a part of the “4-H community” so you aren’t missing out. Yes, we are all busy and there are so many other things going on out there, but give it a 4-H try! If you have an idea or, better yet, want to lead or organize an activity, let us know! Finally, with Thanksgiving on the horizon, I hope you all take the time to enjoy the day. I give thanks for all that you do for 4-H and our community! Happy Thanksgiving!

DISTRICT TEENS All district teens are invited to get involved and help plan our district teen activities. Watch for e-mail announcements of upcoming activities!

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DISTRICT NEWS

November 1 Horse project roundup, 7 p.m., CES office2 Community Harvest dinner, 6 p.m., Palmer Senior Center3 Livestock committee meeting, 7 p.m., CES office (DATE CHANGE) NO Volunteer Leader Assocation meeting in November17 New leader orientation, 7 p.m., CES office18 Beef cutting workshop, Mt. McKinley Meats, $10, 2-5 p.m. Preregister at 745-336024-25 Thanksgiving holiday, CES office closed25-29 National 4-H Congress, Atlanta, GeorgiaDecember 1 Volunteer Leader Association meeting, 6:30 p.m., CES office Livestock Committee Meeting, 7:30 pm., CES office (DATE CHANGE)Coming up….. Western Regional 4-H Leaders Forum, January 12-15, 2012, Cheyenne, WyomingDistrict 4-H Home, Health & Family Fun Day, January 17, 2012Youth in Governance, February 12-17, 2012, JuneauState 4-H Leaders Virtual Forum & Livestock Contest, February 23-25, 2012National 4-H Conference, Washington D.C., March 24-29, 2012State 4-H Horse Contest, April 19-20, 2012

4H Coming At ractions!!!!

Mark Your

Calendars!

~ATTENTION NEW LEADERS~ New leaders must attend new leader orientation training within their first year. Our next class is scheduled for November 17, 7 p.m., at the CES office. Please RSVP so we know how many to plan for, or contact Lee to set up alternative dates, 745-3360. The new leader online volunteer training and many other resources are available online at: www.uaf.edu/ces/4h/newvolunteers/.

Page 3 NoveMber 2011

ACHIEVEMENT & APPRECIATION

PROGRAM Congratulations and thank you to all who helped out and attended our annual program. Please send a club representative to pick up certificates and fair exhibit premiums at the CES office, if you did not attend.

4H Coming At ractions!!!!

VOLUNTEER

LEADERS ASSOCIATION

Volunteer Leaders Assocation is made up of leaders and representatives of all of our district clubs. These folks plan district activities, make decisions, exchange information and do many other things. Our next meeting will be October 13, 7 p.m. at the CES office. Officer nominations and elections will occur at this time. If you are interested in a position, please attend or let us know you are interested. We will be planning activities and dates, and more. Please be there to represent your club; we need all clubs to be part of our district decision making!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Teen Leaders of the Year: Briar ThurmondDistinguished Service: Kayla MielkeI Dare You Award: Ashleena RobertsOverall Achievement: Sr., Ashleena Roberts; Int., Donald Russel Roberts; Jr., Colton Roberts, Kamerin EwartDistrict Record Books: Grand Ch. Sr., Ashleena Roberts; Int., Donald Russel Roberts; Jr., Colton Roberts, Kamerin EwartChampion of Champions: Quillan Jacobson, foods, animal science; Ashleena Roberts, foods, photography, writing, horseLivestock Champion of Champions: Quillan Jacoboson, beef, poultry; Ashleena Roberts, lamb, goat, reindeerAg in the Classroom: Amy Roy, cavey, nat scienceArt: Donald Russel Roberts, Amy RoyCloverbud: Payten Ewart, Caleb Glaser, Emily Owens, Kayleena Roberts, Atti Jo TormeyBeef, Animal Science: Quillan JacobsonFoods: Quillan Jacobson, Kamerin Ewart , Ashleena Roberts, Colton Roberts, Amy RoySheep: Briar Thurmond, Eva Bingham, Laci Player, Ashleena Roberts, Colton Roberts, Russel Roberts, Jarret Tormey, Meredith Mapes, Temuijin Horsey, Jacob PlayerHorticulture: Quillan Jacobson, Kamerin Ewart, Amy Roy Poultry: Quillan Jacobson, Amy Roy, Kamerin Ewart, Mariah McCoy, Casey McCoy, Kayla Von Bergen, Ashley Knowlton, Jessica Owens, Cassidy Player, Ashleena Roberts, Colton Roberts, Russel Roberts, Cutter Tormey, Mariah Fry, Alexis Player, Krystan Ryan, Della Tryon, Temujin Horsey, Maria Beck, Julia Beck, Cooper Roberts, Nathan Owens, Summer HackerRabbit: Kamerin Ewart, Colton Roberts, Amy RoyHorse, Reindeer: Ashleena RobertsYak: Temujin HorseyGoat: Ashleena Roberts, Amy Roy, Meredith MapesSwine: Grace Miller, Jewel Gavulic, David SchliesCommunications, Photography: Amy Roy, Ashleena RobertsVersatility: Amy Roy, Ashleena Roberts, Quillan Jacobson, Kamerin Ewart, Donald Russel Roberts, Colton RobertsClubs of Excellence: Rimrock Riders, Winners Circle, Pioneer Peak (tie) Clover Challenge: Pioneer PeakLivestock Breeder of Champion: Eva Bingham, Madison Manary, Katrina Hammond, Jewel GavulicLeader of the Year: Crystal RobertsCommittee Member: Dorothy JacobsonDistinguished Service: Millie Tormey

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COMMUNITY HARVEST DINNER

The Harvest Dinner is November 2, 6 p.m. at the new Mat-Su Senior Center, across from Palmer Middle School. This great annual event features good local food, fun auction and dessert contest in celebration of Alaska agriculture. Thanks to the Mat-Su Farm Bureau, one of our 4-H market hogs is a featured guest!

Adult and youth help is needed for serving and cleanup. Auction items of all varieties are also needed. As proceeds are split between 4-H and FFA, this is a fun and tasty service activity that helps our district 4-H program. Contact Lee at 745-3360 to sign up to help.

APPRECIATION AND ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM DESSERT CONTEST WINNERS

CLOVERBUDS:CHAMPION: Payten Ewart, Cherry Chocolate Coconut CupcakesRESERVE: Kayleena Roberts, Lemon BarsRESERVE: Attison Tormey, Halloween Cookies

JUNIORS:CHAMPION: Caleb Glaser, Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Haylee Snegirev, Cherry Chip Cupcakes Emily Owens, Mini Pecan Pies Jason Owens, Earthquake Cake Cooper Roberts, Brownies Anne Marie Steward, Peanut Butter Cookies

INTERMEDIATES:CHAMPION: Kamerin Ewart, Candy Bar BrowniesRESERVE: Grace Miller, Pineapple Upside-Down CakeRESERVE: Della Tryon, Mocha Brownie Torte Colton Roberts, Coconut Cream Pie Cutter Tormey, Corn Cob Cookies Emily Rogers, Chocolate Chip Cookies Katelynn Toth, Brownie Supreme Cade Snegirev, Nutella Fingers Eva Bingham, Crisp Ginger Cookies Donald Russell Roberts, Banana Cream Pie

SENIORS:CHAMPION: Quillan Jacobson, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry CheesecakeRESERVE: Jarett Tormey, Pumpkin Cream Bars (Alaskan Grown) Cullen Snegirev, Lemon Tarts Ashley Knowlton, Apple Pie Ashleena Roberts, 7-Layer Bars

HORSE AND LIVESTOCK NEWS

HORSE PROJECT ROUNDUP NOVEMBER 1! → What’s up with the Horse Project? → When can we plan this? → Who is Horse Council? → Why don’t we…?

YOUR help is needed for answers to these questions! Bring ideas and more as we plan our district horse activities. Please be part of the energy and direction for our 4-H horse program! November 1, 7 p.m., at the CES office.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY The Salvation Army has bell-ringing opportunities this holiday season. Shifts are usually two hours per individual or four to eight hours for groups who can rotate members. If interested, call Sue Smith at 745-7079.

PLANNING A SLEDDING ACTIVITY?

With the snow fast approaching, just a reminder that special event insurance is needed for sledding parties.

AG IN THE CLASSROOM Student Teaching This very successful and fun activity links teens with agriculture-related presentations to interested elementary school classrooms. Presenters receive a cash thank-you, and reimbursement for some materials, and they are also eligible for a $500 scholarship. This is a really great community service, teaching experience and way to show pride in your project. We have books with ideas for inspiration. Past presentations have included horse care, pizza, worms, ice cream making and much more. Join the fun! Contact Lee at 745-3360 to sign up. We are organizing earlier this year so we can hopefully reach more students. Also check out the Alaska Ag in the Classroom site: www.agclassroom.org/ak.

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Page 6 NoveMber 2011

PROPOSED MARKET LIVESTOCK CHANGES

Based on comments and suggestions from members and leaders, the Livestock Committee is considering some changes to the market livestock project requirements for 2012. Some of the ideas include:1. Replacing Rally Days with individual workshops2. A one day weigh-in / paperwork day3. Updated livestock record book4. Pre-fair record book check If you want to be part of the discussion and decision-making process, please plan to attend the Livestock Committee meetings in November and December: Note date changes due to schedule conflicts. We hope to see you all there!

STATE LIVESTOCK CONTEST (CRITTER EXTRAVAGANZA) &

STATE 4-H LEADERS VIRTUAL FORUMSAVE THE DATE!

Mark your calendar and invite your friends to our State Livestock Contest and Critter Extravaganza on February 24–25, 2012. Similar to last years contest, the event includes livestock judging, quiz bowl, a livestock related art and photography contest, skillathon, a variety of workshops, crafts and prizes and an ice cream social!

STATE AND NATIONAL NEWS

GOOD LUCK BRIAR!

4-H district teen Briar Thurmond will be competing in the Horse Presentations this month at National 4-H Eastern RoundUp in Louisville, Kentucky after her Alaska State Horse Contest win in April. Best wishes!

STATE VOLUNTEER LEADERS AND LEADERS FORUM

The State 4-H Volunteer Leaders meet the third Tuesday of the month by audio to discuss and plan 4-H activities on a state level. Our district representative is Cathy Glaser.

SCHOLARSHIPS for WRLF AND OTHER 4-H LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS

The James Matthews Scholarship, administered through UAF has a NEW deadline of February 1 for leader development activities from February - July, and August 1 for August - January activities. Forms are available at the CES office or from the CES website; www.uaf.edu/ces/volunteer/matthews/. District scholarship application deadlines are September and April 15, but applications may be considered at other times, if funds permit.Download forms at: www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/matsu/4-h.

ANNOUNCING THE 4-H REGIONAL SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARDS

The National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who demonstrate exemplary service to 4-H, while promoting service through volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege. In 2012, eight regional honorees will be selected. Each region will have its own “Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer” and “Volunteer of the Year.” States are invited to submit an application for each of the two categories. The eight regional winners become nominees for the national award, and one volunteer in each category will be named the national winner. 1. The “Volunteer of the Year Award” is for individuals who have served as 4-H volunteers fof “less than 10 years” at the county, district or state level. 2. The “Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award” is for individuals who have served “10 or more years” at the county, district or state level. 3. A completed nomination will consist of an overview resume of the applicant’s 4-H and relevant community volunteer experiences and three (3) letters of recommendation. A template for the resume is provided and should be followed in developing the nomination packet. A packet missing any of the four components is eliminated. Nominations/letters of recommendation must address the following selection criteria: - Positive impact the nominee has had on 4-H and on 4-H youth. - Nominee’s ability to work with young people on projects and activities in a way that promotes decision making, problem solving, meeting challenges, mastery and youth/ adult partnerships (positive youth development opportunities). - Nominee’s innovative approaches to engaging youth and increasing diversity among participants. - How nominee exemplifies a “mentor-learner” relationship with participants. - Dedication to a safe and inclusive environment. - How nominee models character and professional behavior when interacting with participants, families, and community partners. - Nominee’s innovative approaches to performing volunteer service. - Increased funding/resources/new initiatives generated by nominee. - Recruitment of additional volunteers. - Personal growth from being a 4-H volunteer (that you have observed). - Letter writers should be aware of the scorecard and address the relevant points in developing their documents. Award recipients: 1. Regional winners will be announced by December 15, 2011. 2. Regional winners will be recognized at their 2012 Regional Volunteer Leaders Forum. “The state 4-H volunteer specialist will work with National 4-H Council to determine another award venue if a regional forum is not scheduled for 2012.” 3. Each regional winner will receive a personalized plaque, and $200 cash award to be donated to a local 4-H program of their choice. 4. National winners will be announced in April, 2012, National Volunteer Month. 5. National winners will be recognized at the 2012 NAE4-HA Awards Program in Florida. Each will receive a plaque and $1,000 cash award to be donated to a local 4-H program of their choice. 6. Awardees should be prepared to provide information in subsequent years regarding the impact of their awards on their community.

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YOUTH IN GOVERNANCEFebruary 12-17, 2012

The Youth In Governance program is once again available thanks to the generous donations of the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office and British Petroleum. A select few 4-H individuals from around the state will be provided an opportunity to understand the legislative process from this close-up experience. Donations cover the costs of up to four adults and eight youth to participate in the program in Juneau. Names from each district in ranking order need to be submitted to Marla Lowder by January 6, 2012. Initially, each district will have one slot. If a district does not use it, that slot it will be available to a second person from another district. Names will be placed in a drawing and selected until all slots are filled. Additionally, there are two wild card

slots available, if needed. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Juneau, a couple of meals and personal spending money. Ground transportation at the conference, lodging, meals and entertainment expenses will be provided. Four chaperones are needed, preferably from districts that are sending teens. Chaparones are responsible for their airfare and the $200 registration fee. Two pre-conference audios are scheduled for the youth and chaperones at 6 p.m., January 24 and January 31, 2012. These audios will provide a trip overview and assign some tasks for completion before departure. Participants are expected to arrive the afternoon of Sunday, February 12. Get-acquainted games and a week in review will occur at 8:30 p.m. that night. The program begins on Monday; conference schedules are available. The group will depart on Friday, February 17, in the morning/early afternoon. Districts are encouraged to select youth through an application process and rank elibility, if more than one youth applies. Subsequently, if you have more than one interested youth who does not receive one of the funded slots and is willing to pay his or her own way, cost for the week is $750 plus the airfare. Here are some guidelines to follow during the selection process.Youth must:1. Be at least 14 but not older than 18 by the conference.2. Have an interest in government.3. Be able to participate in audios.Please consider giving youth who have not had an opportunity to go first priority, especially for the scholarship.Chaperones must:1. Be an individual who is willing to guide their local teens through the program and be the available to chaperone the Juneau trip. Must participate in Juneau for the duration of the program.2. Be interested in helping the teens learn the legislative process and gain their own knowledge.3. Attend teleconferences.4. Be a registered 4-H leader.5. Be involved with the selection process of the local traveling teens.6. Be actively participating with the teens at the conference.7. Actively escort teens during the conference and any free time.Please submit in writing (e-mail) your name, how many years you have been a leader, how you will help with your duties listed above and why you want to attend the program. We ask that each district and the military submit the names of their youth and all chaperone applications by January 6, 2012, to Marla Lowder either over the phone at 907-474-2427 or by e-mail at mklowder@alaska.edu. If you have any further questions, contact Marla Lowder at above information or Priscilla Rice at 907-488-4564 or e-mail rice@gci.net.

WESTERN NATIONAL ROUNDUP

January 5-8, 2012 in Denver! This exciting opportunity for horse and livestock competitions is coming up soon. Check out:www.westernnationalroundup.org/.

CITIZENSHIP WASHINGTON FOCUS

The Citizenship Washington Focus website has lots of great information on this exciting summer program. Check it out at www.4hcwf.org. Several weeks are already filled. Registration for CWF 2012 is due no later than January 13, 2012.

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Hello 4-H'ers, Pioneer Peak 4-H Club has been busy getting ready for the new 4-H year! We had a chilly fundraiser over at Spenards Builder’s Supply and have already lined up several more to take place in 2012. Our club has also organized two teams to compete in the 4-H State Livestock Competition this upcoming February. The carcass evaluation results were exciting too; congratulations to Ashleena and Russel Roberts on first and second place in the Suffolk lamb division & Haylee Snegirev and Jarett Tormey on first and second place in the Dorper lamb division! We’re looking forward to this upcoming 4-H year and all the exciting stuff that’s planned. Have a great day! :) -Club Leader Crystal Roberts

RIMROCK RIDERS 4-H Club did very well at the Dessert Contest held at Achievement Night on Oct. 20, 2011. Champion awards went to: Quillan Jacobson, Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake; Kamerin Ewart, Candy Bar Brownies; Caleb Glaser, Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting; Payten Ewart, Cherry Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes. Reserve Champion went to Grace Miller for her Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. Record book awards went to: Quillan Jacobson, Kamerin Ewart, Grace Miller, Caleb Glaser, and Payten Ewart.

At the lastest meeting for the Winner’s Circle 4-H Club (which I will remember because cookies were served) nominations were received for club officers. We’ve got a pretty good number (of people) here, so be “wise in choice” for who you’re voting for. The voting will take place in November, at the church (typical), and I’m sure we’ll get some great officers.A few tips to all those who are nominated: • WRITE A GOOD REPORT—Always write a

short and simple speech that takes about five minutes and states how good you are at something that has to do with what you want to be. (For example, I said when I wanted to be a reporter, “I get good grades in writing and I’m pretty good at it. I’ve always wanted to do this because I love to write.”)

• STAY ON THE SAME TOPIC—When you write a report to be nominated for president, for instance, you CANNOT talk about how cute your pig is, or your boyfriend, or any of that stuff. It will give you a bad look. Just keep to the subject of how you can be a good officer, and you will be fine.

• MAKE SURE YOU LOOK NICE—Always smile when you give your report. If you have it written on paper, look up every once in a while, and read with enthusiasm and excitement, not like a robot. Most of all, keep calm. Try to push the feeling of anxiousness out of your system. Good luck! -By Mariah Fry

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Febr

uary

2012

Nat’l 4-HCongress

Nat’l 4-H Congress,Atlanta, GA

30

Office is closed 24 & 25

Harvest Dinner, 6 p.m., Sr. Center

VLA mtg., 6:30 p.m., CES

office

Janu

ary

2012

CES office is closed December 26-30 in observance of the holiday season

CES office is closed January 2-6 in observance of the new year holiday

WRLF in Cheyenne

WLRF

CES office closed for Martin Luther

King Jr. Day

Nov

embe

r

2011

Horse Project Roundup, 7 p.m., CES

Livestock mtg., 7 p.m., CES office

Leader Training, 7 p.m., CES

Beef class, 2-5p.m., Mt.

McKinley Meats

Livestock mtg., 7 30 p.m., CES

4-H Home, Health &

Family Fun Day

Dec

embe

r

2011

Youth in Governance

Leaders Virtual Forum & Livestock Contest