March 2018 April
Albany and Schenectady County Youth Programs
Hello 4-H’er!! Hope you’ve been able to handle the weather the last few weeks! Spring is hopefully right around the corner!! March means that Public Presentations are coming up too - we can’t wait to see what you have to show us!!! This is one of our favorite times of the year because we always learn so much from what you have to share with us!! And you’re learning such an important skill that will help you throughout your entire life!! So many of our 4-H members who have graduated from college or gone on to a job interview always come back to tell us how glad they are that they learned how to give a presentation when they were in 4-H. It will help you in so many ways later on! That’s a promise!!!
The 4-H horse members have been working really hard with Lynn Dente to get ready for the Regional Horse Bowl competition coming up on Saturday, March 10th. They’ve been having a good time practicing and learning a lot about horses! We are also looking forward to the 4-H Spring Brunch which will be held on Sunday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the 4-H Office in Voorheesville. The brunch was a huge success last year, thanks to our volunteers and our 4-H TAG members!! What a terrific way to raise funds for our 4-H Scholarship Fund, which in turn helps to fund 4-H trips, scholarships, and recognition events. We hope to see another fantastic turn-out again this year!! As you read this issue of the 4-H Clover News, there are lots of things happening…..you’ll find news from our 4-H Youth CAN and Urban Programs, and you’ll also see information about some 4-H camps that will be held this summer: 4-H Dog Camp at the Albany Obedience Club, a new 4-H Livestock Camp being held in Voorheesville, and another Canine Camp also being held in Voorheesville. Please make sure you mark your calendar for a 4-H Small Animal school which will take place on Saturday, May 12th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the 4-H Office in Voorheesville. As the weather gets better, make sure you take some time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air!! It’s good for the soul!!!! Talk to you soon!!!! ~Barb
March March 3 March 6 March 10 March 10 March 10 March 15 March 17 March 29 March 30
CCE Albany County 4-H Public Presentations; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Voorheesville High School Tractor Safety Orientation; CCE Albany County, 6:30 pm Capital District Horse Bowl Contest, Voorheesville High School Regional Dog Day; Albany Obedience Club, Glenmont; 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Schenectady Public Presentations Schenectady Volunteer Meeting Citizen Science Investigators Schenectady Teen Meeting Tractor Safety; Washington County
2018 April 2-3 April 8
April 13-15 April 19 April 21 April 28 April 28 April 28 April 28
April Tractor safety; Washington County CCE Albany County 4-H Spring Brunch; 11:00 am - 2:00 pm NYS 4-H STARR Conference, Syracuse Schenectady Teen Meeting Citizen Science Investigators Capital District 4-H Horse Communications Contest, Tamarac High School, Troy Capital District Public Presentations Contest, Tamarac High School, Troy Capital District 4-H Hippology Contest, Tamarac High School, Troy Earth Day, Lawson Lake County Park
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Equine Dentistry Join us for a fun and informative evening at the Equine Clinic at Oakencroft to learn about horse dentistry! Learn from experienced vets, ask questions while learning new information to use at home and to prepare for 4-H horse bowl and hippology contests! Event will be held on Wednesday, March 14th at the Equine Clinic at Oakcroft (880 Bridge St, Ravena, NY 12143) from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
Tractor Safety Calling all area youth 4-H and non, who are 14 years old and older, to participate in the 2018 Capital District 4-H/HOSTA Tractor Safety Program! This program is a great opportunity for youth who currently work on farms or around machinery, those who will be seeking employment on a farm, or anyone who would just like to learn more about farm and machinery safety. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of equipment including tractors and implements, skid steers, ATVs and chainsaws. They will also visit a variety of agribusinesses, and receive HOSTA certification upon successful completion of the program. Dates for this year’s 4-H Tractor Safety program are March 30th, and April 2nd and 3rd, and will take place in Rensselaer and Washington counties. Participants must attend an orientation meeting on March 6, 2018 at 6:30 pm before the program. If you are interested, please contact Ashley at [email protected]. The cost of the program is $20.00
Horse Education Day at SUNY Cobleskill SUNY Cobleskill and Fulton-Montgomery County, Schoharie County, and other neighboring counties will be hosting a Horse Education Day at SUNY Cobleskill on April 7th, 2018. Tentative time of the event is 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, but planning is still in progress. The cost of the meeting is $10.00 and will include lunch and a t-shirt. If you would like more information, please contact Ashley at [email protected] or 518-765-3500.
CCE Albany County 4-H Leaders Round Table Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Save the Date! All CCE Albany County 4-H club organizational leaders and project leaders are invited to join us at our spring 4-H leaders’ round table. We will share information and discuss plans for the upcoming 4-H spring and summer events, such as the Altamont Fair. Each club is strongly encouraged to send a representative. Light refreshments will be served. This is also a great opportunity to share what each club is doing! To register for the meeting, please contact Eileen DePaula at either 518-765-3500 or [email protected] no later than Wednesday, May 9.
2018 Schenectady County 4-H Public Presentations Saturday, March 10, 2018, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Schaffer Heights Community Room, First Floor Schenectady County youth can register by contacting Bonnie Peck at [email protected] or via phone to 518-372-1622 extension 261. We will need to know the following: Name, age, Club, type of presentation (Demonstration, Illustrated Talk, Formal Speech, Recitation, or Dramatic Interpretation), TOPIC, years giving a presentation including this year, and any special needs (electricity, powerpoint). Pre-register by March 6th. A preregistration form was emailed to leaders in January.
Schenectady County 4-H Volunteer Team Meeting March 15, 2018 6:00 pm 3rd Floor Board Room Schaffer Heights Building, Schenectady We will be planning workshops and educational events for the coming months. Please rsvp to Bonnie at the 4-H office by noon that day. If cancelled, only those who rsvp’d will be notified.
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Schenectady County 4-H Teen Meetings! Thursday, March 29, 2018 6:30 pm Thursday, April 19, 2018 Greenhouse Classroom Building 4-H Teens from Schenectady County will decide what community service projects, speakers, and social activities they will be doing in coming months. All 4-H youth ages 13 and up are welcome to attend these meetings each month and participate in events and activities. Possible activities may include having a workshop on bicycle maintenance and repair, building a display unit for the Composting Education Day that will be in July, going to STARR, etc. Please contact Bonnie at the 4-H office 372-1622 extension 261 or email [email protected] to rsvp.
4-H Citizen Science Investigators March 17, April 21, and May 19, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, and June 2 10:00 am-1:00 pm Sustainable Living Center Greenhouse Facility, Central Park Schenectady County 4-H is participating in a program with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that leads kids through a series of lessons that involve asking questions, doing experiments and/or making observations to answer their questions, and then reporting their findings to scientists. Participants will be learning about and investigating a topic about birds here in Schenectady County using a variety of tools and techniques. In addition, they will take part in the citizen science project eBird. This program is targeted at youth ages 8 and up. Participants are asked to attend all four sessions. The fourth session will involve creating a report to share at the Altamont and New York State Fairs. This project is open to youth from Albany County as well. Please pre-register by March 10th by calling 518-372-1622 or emailing [email protected]
Schenectady County 4-H Shooting Sports Program Schenectady County 4-H is offering a multi-session Shooting Sports Program this winter at Guan Ho Ha Fish and Game Club in Glenville. Dates have not been finalized at this time, but the plan is to begin in March.
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The class is open to youth ages 12 and up. A parent or guardian must be present for first meeting to discuss course standards and expectations. The course fee is $25 for the 6-8 week program. In addition all participants must join Schenectady County 4-H. Membership is $15 per family/per year. Class size is limited and will be filled on a first come/first serve basis. Only paid reservations will hold spots for participants. For a complete registration packet, contact Bonnie at the 4H Office by March 1st at 372-1622 or email [email protected].
Calling all 4-H dog lovers! The Albany County 4-H Super Dawgs Canine Club would love to welcome new members to join our canine activities! Do you want to bond with your dog, learn more about training and behavior, and meet some new friends? Please contact Ashley anytime for more information at [email protected] or 518-7653500!
2018 4-H Vegetable Marketing Program Over the past 20 or more years, 4-H has partnered with Golub Corporation to offer the 4-H Vegetable Marketing Program to 4-H youth in Schenectady, Albany, Schoharie-Otsego, Rensselaer, and more recently, Fulton-Montgomery. There have been many changes to the program that have led to the decision to end that partnership. In its place, the 4-H Programs in these counties are beginning a new program that will offer youth seeds/plants and education on how to market their vegetables at farmers markets and/or roadside stands. More varieties will be available than what was offered in 2017. Registration materials and workshop dates will be available from your 4-H Office by March 1st. Please contact your county 4-H office for more information or for a copy of the registration materials.
SHINING STARS Jane Bewsher, Norah Bewsher and Peg Sauer for helping at the Lawson Lake Winter Festival.
Disciplines to be taught will include air rifle, .22 rifle. All instruction will be provided by 4-H trained and certified instructors. CLOVER NEWS MAR/AP 2018
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Youth Community Action Network (Youth CAN) Update Albany Youth CAN is continuing to work hard this year! The Ezra Prentice Youth CAN teen leaders are continuing to develop their action plan to address the issue of stray/wild animals in their community. The teen leaders are working to schedule a meeting with the new property manager of Ezra Prentice Homes to share information about the Albany Youth CAN program and discuss the issue of stray/wild animals. In February, the teen leaders made Valentine’s Day cards to donate to residents at local nursing homes. The Arbor Hill Community Center reopened in January and Albany Youth CAN teen leaders are so excited to be meeting there again! To help with the reopening of the Community Center, the teens met with the Director and will be assisting the center during their Reopening Registration Event. This event will invite members of the community to come to the Community Center, see the improvements made during the renovation, and register to use the facility. The teens will be volunteering at this event, helping the attendees register to use the Community Center facilities and providing tours of the building. During the month of February, the Arbor Hill teen leaders made Valentine’s Day cards to donate to local nursing homes in collaboration with the Ezra Prentice teen leaders. As always, we look forward to continuing to make a difference in the community!
CCE Albany County 4-H Teen Action Group members Holly Van Wie, Meghan Zautner and LeeAna Doolin helping at the JOANN Stores Craft with 4-H event. They helped store customers make Valentine’s Day cards to distribute to local nursing homes.
CLOVER NEWS MAR/AP 2018
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Albany County 4-H Youth Livestock Club
The 4-H Livestock and Canine Clubs joined forces to visit Taravale Farm and Kennel on January 28th, 2018. Youth from each club were able to learn more about sheep, working dogs, and herding from our host, Barb Armata. Barb and Bernie Armata started their farm in 1990, with a focus on border collies, sheep, and preparing for herding competitions. They maintain a flock of mostly Scottish Black Face sheep for their ability to stay fresh for the herding dogs for longer periods. The farm also has other breeds mixed in so dogs can get experience herding different types of sheep, as all breeds will have slightly different flocking tendencies.
The farm also employs two livestock guardian dogs, one of which, George, was very social with our group! The focus of the sheep on the farm is to have animals for the dogs to herd and because of this, not all the ewes are bred. About a dozen will lamb this spring, which are then sold for meat and breeding stock. Barb and Bernie also don’t rotate the sheep, but instead maintain a large open pasture, which creates perfect conditions for herding training and lessons. In addition to Barb’s instruction and demonstration, two other local herding enthusiasts joined our group. Warren and Rose were great additions and helped teach us all more about working dogs! This was a fantastic event, where both the canine and livestock groups could come together to learn some new and exciting information! After the herding demonstration, Barb showed us around her boarding kennel. This is a self-serve kennel, which Barb and Bernie have operated for several years. Learning about the work that can be done on a farm with a dog was very interesting, as well as the variety of breeds that can be used. A livestock guardian dog and a herding dog are totally different creatures!
Both the livestock and canine groups are looking forward to more fun upcoming events and field trips. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Ashley at 518-765-3500 or [email protected].
March 10, 2018 will be our Regional Winter Dog Day at Albany Obedience Club in Glenmont, NY. At this event, we will be inviting 4-H youth from around the region to come and learn more about caCLOVER NEWS MAR/AP 2018
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4-H Members Work With Elders to Learn Life Lessons 4-H members from Albany and Schenectady counties participated in a research project from Cornell University to learn about what people aged 65 and older have learned through their life experiences. The “Building A Community Legacy Together” project was an amazing partnership between 4-H youth and Master Gardeners, seniors at Beverwyck in Slingerlands and Schaffer Heights in Schenectady. Here are a few of the life lessons that were learned:
The Importance of Persistence and Hard Work – “Believe in yourself and make it happen. If you have a goal, go for it!” Keeping Healthy and Exercising – “Treat your body like a temple. This is the only body you have. Do the best you can and keep healthy!” Be Truthful and Respectful – “It’s important to be honest and have empathy for others. You never know what a person may be going through.” Just Move On – “You can’t change the past – learn how to pick yourself up and just keep going. Don’t give up!” The Importance of Family and Socialization – “Try to hold your tongue and make sure you understand that family relationships are more important than winning arguments about politics.” Kindness is Key – “Always be kind and appreciate each day of your life as it moves forward.” Be Your Own Person – “Life is not a popularity contest. You should do what you think is right and follow your goals. Be comfortable in your own skin.” Human Relationships are More Important than Material Objects – “Don’t let technology control you. Don’t expect external things to make you happy.” Change is Good – “Life is constantly changing. Flow with change, embrace it, and regard it as an adventure.” Travel Extensively – “Travel makes you more interesting and insightful. It expands you, enlightens you, and teaches you about the variety of people, lifestyles and cultures.” 80 – 90% of Success is Showing Up Pay Attention to the Small Things in Life!! The 4-H’ers learned good lessons for all of us to think about and live by!!!!!!!
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CCE Albany County 4-H Clover Chefs Our 4-H Clover Chefs have been busy learning many new kitchen skills and creating some delicious foods! In December we made pizza and decorated some beautiful cupcakes to share with others. For January we had a breakfast for dinner evening. Everyone had a lot of fun making some very yummy food!
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CLUB SECRETARIES & NEWS REPORTERS
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Secretaries: Mohawk Monarchs News Reporters: Udderly Awesome Kids Pony Pals - Johanna Luhrman
Mohawk Monarchs Report At the first meeting of 2018, the Mohawk Monarchs learned about first aid. We also learned how to make butterfly bandages. We will continue our first aid unit next meeting by making a personal kit. This activity may be modified for presentation during the Fair. Next month we will be selecting our public speaking topics and practicing in front of some of our battle hardened members. The Pony Pals 4-H Club Report The Pony Pals 4-H Club watched a presentation on wild mustangs on January 10th at the Albany 4-H office. First Elaine Larsen talked about how historically horses began to be domesticated for the purpose of meat. Then people learned that they could ride these horses or have them pull things. After the tractor was invented many horses were simply released and these horses became the mustangs we know today. These horses overbred and started competing with farmers' livestock for grazing grounds. "Mustanging" started and this involved driving in vehicles behind the horses until they fell down with exhaustion, they then would be taken to a slaughter house. One day a woman named Velma Johnston saw the abused horses in the back of a truck and she thought it wasn't right! She spread the news about this and she sent a letter to congress complaining about how the horses had been treated. All the letters sent from many people about this problem were the second largest letter campaign to congress about one single issue. Then congress made a law in 1971 protecting the mustangs so no one could harass or hurt them. Today the horses are very over populated and don't have enough to eat. Each year some of the horses are taken away and kept in holding and a few are then sold. It was a very good presentation and we all learned many new things.
Udderly Awesome Kids At our meeting that we had we made Christmas centerpieces. My 4-H leader had Christmas decorations that she didn’t need so we decided that we could use them. We each got a basket or a ornament shaped bowl and then we put green styrofoam in the bottom. She had artificial holiday flowers and red little berries. They all came out pretty cool and good looking. Our next 4-H meeting will be in January and we will be doing another craft.
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Saturday, May 12, 2018
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
CLOVER NEWS MAR/AP 2018
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Barbara Stevens 4-H Issue Leader Albany County [email protected]
Eileen DePaula 4-H Program Educator Albany County [email protected]
Sarah Jones 4-H Subject Educator Albany County [email protected]
Bonnie Peck Association Resource Educator Schenectady County [email protected]
Ashley Pierce Agriculture Program Coordinator Albany County [email protected]
Sean Taylor 4-H Subject Educator Albany County [email protected]
Teresa Tymchyn Layout & Production Albany County [email protected]
24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186 518-765-3500 ● FAX 518-765-2490 ● www.ccealbany.com ● www.facebook.com/ccealbany Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County 4-H Programs are offered to all clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County office if you have any special needs.
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Spring Brunch Hosted by Albany County 4-H Teen Action Group and Albany County 4-H Leaders Association
Sunday, April 8, 2018 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County Voorheesville, NY -Brunch Buffet-Silent Auction-Door Prizes-Special GuestsRSVP by Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Seating is limited, reservations required. Proceeds will benefit the 4-H Youth Development Scholarship Program
Spring Brunch Sunday, April 8, 2018 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Name ___________________________
Phone # ______________
Number attending @ $10.00/pp _____ Please make checks payable to CCE Albany County and send to: Attn: Eileen DePaula CCE Albany County 24 Martin Road Voorheesville, NY 12186 Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County office if you have any special needs.
Hello 4-H’er!! Hope you’ve been able to handle the weather the last few weeks! Spring is hopefully right around the corner!! March means that Public Presentations are coming up too - we can’t wait to see what you have to show us!!! This is one of our favorite times of the year because we always learn so much from what you have to share with us!! And you’re learning such an important skill that will help you throughout your entire life!! So many of our 4-H members who have graduated from college or gone on to a job interview always come back to tell us how glad they are that they learned how to give a presentation when they were in 4-H. It will help you in so many ways later on! That’s a promise!!!
The 4-H horse members have been working really hard with Lynn Dente to get ready for the Regional Horse Bowl competition coming up on Saturday, March 10th. They’ve been having a good time practicing and learning a lot about horses! We are also looking forward to the 4-H Spring Brunch which will be held on Sunday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the 4-H Office in Voorheesville. The brunch was a huge success last year, thanks to our volunteers and our 4-H TAG members!! What a terrific way to raise funds for our 4-H Scholarship Fund, which in turn helps to fund 4-H trips, scholarships, and recognition events. We hope to see another fantastic turn-out again this year!! As you read this issue of the 4-H Clover News, there are lots of things happening…..you’ll find news from our 4-H Youth CAN and Urban Programs, and you’ll also see information about some 4-H camps that will be held this summer: 4-H Dog Camp at the Albany Obedience Club, a new 4-H Livestock Camp being held in Voorheesville, and another Canine Camp also being held in Voorheesville. Please make sure you mark your calendar for a 4-H Small Animal school which will take place on Saturday, May 12th from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the 4-H Office in Voorheesville. As the weather gets better, make sure you take some time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air!! It’s good for the soul!!!! Talk to you soon!!!! ~Barb
March March 3 March 6 March 10 March 10 March 10 March 15 March 17 March 29 March 30
CCE Albany County 4-H Public Presentations; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, Voorheesville High School Tractor Safety Orientation; CCE Albany County, 6:30 pm Capital District Horse Bowl Contest, Voorheesville High School Regional Dog Day; Albany Obedience Club, Glenmont; 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Schenectady Public Presentations Schenectady Volunteer Meeting Citizen Science Investigators Schenectady Teen Meeting Tractor Safety; Washington County
2018 April 2-3 April 8
April 13-15 April 19 April 21 April 28 April 28 April 28 April 28
April Tractor safety; Washington County CCE Albany County 4-H Spring Brunch; 11:00 am - 2:00 pm NYS 4-H STARR Conference, Syracuse Schenectady Teen Meeting Citizen Science Investigators Capital District 4-H Horse Communications Contest, Tamarac High School, Troy Capital District Public Presentations Contest, Tamarac High School, Troy Capital District 4-H Hippology Contest, Tamarac High School, Troy Earth Day, Lawson Lake County Park
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Equine Dentistry Join us for a fun and informative evening at the Equine Clinic at Oakencroft to learn about horse dentistry! Learn from experienced vets, ask questions while learning new information to use at home and to prepare for 4-H horse bowl and hippology contests! Event will be held on Wednesday, March 14th at the Equine Clinic at Oakcroft (880 Bridge St, Ravena, NY 12143) from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
Tractor Safety Calling all area youth 4-H and non, who are 14 years old and older, to participate in the 2018 Capital District 4-H/HOSTA Tractor Safety Program! This program is a great opportunity for youth who currently work on farms or around machinery, those who will be seeking employment on a farm, or anyone who would just like to learn more about farm and machinery safety. Participants will gain hands-on experience with a variety of equipment including tractors and implements, skid steers, ATVs and chainsaws. They will also visit a variety of agribusinesses, and receive HOSTA certification upon successful completion of the program. Dates for this year’s 4-H Tractor Safety program are March 30th, and April 2nd and 3rd, and will take place in Rensselaer and Washington counties. Participants must attend an orientation meeting on March 6, 2018 at 6:30 pm before the program. If you are interested, please contact Ashley at [email protected]. The cost of the program is $20.00
Horse Education Day at SUNY Cobleskill SUNY Cobleskill and Fulton-Montgomery County, Schoharie County, and other neighboring counties will be hosting a Horse Education Day at SUNY Cobleskill on April 7th, 2018. Tentative time of the event is 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, but planning is still in progress. The cost of the meeting is $10.00 and will include lunch and a t-shirt. If you would like more information, please contact Ashley at [email protected] or 518-765-3500.
CCE Albany County 4-H Leaders Round Table Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Save the Date! All CCE Albany County 4-H club organizational leaders and project leaders are invited to join us at our spring 4-H leaders’ round table. We will share information and discuss plans for the upcoming 4-H spring and summer events, such as the Altamont Fair. Each club is strongly encouraged to send a representative. Light refreshments will be served. This is also a great opportunity to share what each club is doing! To register for the meeting, please contact Eileen DePaula at either 518-765-3500 or [email protected] no later than Wednesday, May 9.
2018 Schenectady County 4-H Public Presentations Saturday, March 10, 2018, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Schaffer Heights Community Room, First Floor Schenectady County youth can register by contacting Bonnie Peck at [email protected] or via phone to 518-372-1622 extension 261. We will need to know the following: Name, age, Club, type of presentation (Demonstration, Illustrated Talk, Formal Speech, Recitation, or Dramatic Interpretation), TOPIC, years giving a presentation including this year, and any special needs (electricity, powerpoint). Pre-register by March 6th. A preregistration form was emailed to leaders in January.
Schenectady County 4-H Volunteer Team Meeting March 15, 2018 6:00 pm 3rd Floor Board Room Schaffer Heights Building, Schenectady We will be planning workshops and educational events for the coming months. Please rsvp to Bonnie at the 4-H office by noon that day. If cancelled, only those who rsvp’d will be notified.
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Schenectady County 4-H Teen Meetings! Thursday, March 29, 2018 6:30 pm Thursday, April 19, 2018 Greenhouse Classroom Building 4-H Teens from Schenectady County will decide what community service projects, speakers, and social activities they will be doing in coming months. All 4-H youth ages 13 and up are welcome to attend these meetings each month and participate in events and activities. Possible activities may include having a workshop on bicycle maintenance and repair, building a display unit for the Composting Education Day that will be in July, going to STARR, etc. Please contact Bonnie at the 4-H office 372-1622 extension 261 or email [email protected] to rsvp.
4-H Citizen Science Investigators March 17, April 21, and May 19, 1:00 - 4:00 pm, and June 2 10:00 am-1:00 pm Sustainable Living Center Greenhouse Facility, Central Park Schenectady County 4-H is participating in a program with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that leads kids through a series of lessons that involve asking questions, doing experiments and/or making observations to answer their questions, and then reporting their findings to scientists. Participants will be learning about and investigating a topic about birds here in Schenectady County using a variety of tools and techniques. In addition, they will take part in the citizen science project eBird. This program is targeted at youth ages 8 and up. Participants are asked to attend all four sessions. The fourth session will involve creating a report to share at the Altamont and New York State Fairs. This project is open to youth from Albany County as well. Please pre-register by March 10th by calling 518-372-1622 or emailing [email protected]
Schenectady County 4-H Shooting Sports Program Schenectady County 4-H is offering a multi-session Shooting Sports Program this winter at Guan Ho Ha Fish and Game Club in Glenville. Dates have not been finalized at this time, but the plan is to begin in March.
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The class is open to youth ages 12 and up. A parent or guardian must be present for first meeting to discuss course standards and expectations. The course fee is $25 for the 6-8 week program. In addition all participants must join Schenectady County 4-H. Membership is $15 per family/per year. Class size is limited and will be filled on a first come/first serve basis. Only paid reservations will hold spots for participants. For a complete registration packet, contact Bonnie at the 4H Office by March 1st at 372-1622 or email [email protected].
Calling all 4-H dog lovers! The Albany County 4-H Super Dawgs Canine Club would love to welcome new members to join our canine activities! Do you want to bond with your dog, learn more about training and behavior, and meet some new friends? Please contact Ashley anytime for more information at [email protected] or 518-7653500!
2018 4-H Vegetable Marketing Program Over the past 20 or more years, 4-H has partnered with Golub Corporation to offer the 4-H Vegetable Marketing Program to 4-H youth in Schenectady, Albany, Schoharie-Otsego, Rensselaer, and more recently, Fulton-Montgomery. There have been many changes to the program that have led to the decision to end that partnership. In its place, the 4-H Programs in these counties are beginning a new program that will offer youth seeds/plants and education on how to market their vegetables at farmers markets and/or roadside stands. More varieties will be available than what was offered in 2017. Registration materials and workshop dates will be available from your 4-H Office by March 1st. Please contact your county 4-H office for more information or for a copy of the registration materials.
SHINING STARS Jane Bewsher, Norah Bewsher and Peg Sauer for helping at the Lawson Lake Winter Festival.
Disciplines to be taught will include air rifle, .22 rifle. All instruction will be provided by 4-H trained and certified instructors. CLOVER NEWS MAR/AP 2018
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Youth Community Action Network (Youth CAN) Update Albany Youth CAN is continuing to work hard this year! The Ezra Prentice Youth CAN teen leaders are continuing to develop their action plan to address the issue of stray/wild animals in their community. The teen leaders are working to schedule a meeting with the new property manager of Ezra Prentice Homes to share information about the Albany Youth CAN program and discuss the issue of stray/wild animals. In February, the teen leaders made Valentine’s Day cards to donate to residents at local nursing homes. The Arbor Hill Community Center reopened in January and Albany Youth CAN teen leaders are so excited to be meeting there again! To help with the reopening of the Community Center, the teens met with the Director and will be assisting the center during their Reopening Registration Event. This event will invite members of the community to come to the Community Center, see the improvements made during the renovation, and register to use the facility. The teens will be volunteering at this event, helping the attendees register to use the Community Center facilities and providing tours of the building. During the month of February, the Arbor Hill teen leaders made Valentine’s Day cards to donate to local nursing homes in collaboration with the Ezra Prentice teen leaders. As always, we look forward to continuing to make a difference in the community!
CCE Albany County 4-H Teen Action Group members Holly Van Wie, Meghan Zautner and LeeAna Doolin helping at the JOANN Stores Craft with 4-H event. They helped store customers make Valentine’s Day cards to distribute to local nursing homes.
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Albany County 4-H Youth Livestock Club
The 4-H Livestock and Canine Clubs joined forces to visit Taravale Farm and Kennel on January 28th, 2018. Youth from each club were able to learn more about sheep, working dogs, and herding from our host, Barb Armata. Barb and Bernie Armata started their farm in 1990, with a focus on border collies, sheep, and preparing for herding competitions. They maintain a flock of mostly Scottish Black Face sheep for their ability to stay fresh for the herding dogs for longer periods. The farm also has other breeds mixed in so dogs can get experience herding different types of sheep, as all breeds will have slightly different flocking tendencies.
The farm also employs two livestock guardian dogs, one of which, George, was very social with our group! The focus of the sheep on the farm is to have animals for the dogs to herd and because of this, not all the ewes are bred. About a dozen will lamb this spring, which are then sold for meat and breeding stock. Barb and Bernie also don’t rotate the sheep, but instead maintain a large open pasture, which creates perfect conditions for herding training and lessons. In addition to Barb’s instruction and demonstration, two other local herding enthusiasts joined our group. Warren and Rose were great additions and helped teach us all more about working dogs! This was a fantastic event, where both the canine and livestock groups could come together to learn some new and exciting information! After the herding demonstration, Barb showed us around her boarding kennel. This is a self-serve kennel, which Barb and Bernie have operated for several years. Learning about the work that can be done on a farm with a dog was very interesting, as well as the variety of breeds that can be used. A livestock guardian dog and a herding dog are totally different creatures!
Both the livestock and canine groups are looking forward to more fun upcoming events and field trips. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Ashley at 518-765-3500 or [email protected].
March 10, 2018 will be our Regional Winter Dog Day at Albany Obedience Club in Glenmont, NY. At this event, we will be inviting 4-H youth from around the region to come and learn more about caCLOVER NEWS MAR/AP 2018
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4-H Members Work With Elders to Learn Life Lessons 4-H members from Albany and Schenectady counties participated in a research project from Cornell University to learn about what people aged 65 and older have learned through their life experiences. The “Building A Community Legacy Together” project was an amazing partnership between 4-H youth and Master Gardeners, seniors at Beverwyck in Slingerlands and Schaffer Heights in Schenectady. Here are a few of the life lessons that were learned:
The Importance of Persistence and Hard Work – “Believe in yourself and make it happen. If you have a goal, go for it!” Keeping Healthy and Exercising – “Treat your body like a temple. This is the only body you have. Do the best you can and keep healthy!” Be Truthful and Respectful – “It’s important to be honest and have empathy for others. You never know what a person may be going through.” Just Move On – “You can’t change the past – learn how to pick yourself up and just keep going. Don’t give up!” The Importance of Family and Socialization – “Try to hold your tongue and make sure you understand that family relationships are more important than winning arguments about politics.” Kindness is Key – “Always be kind and appreciate each day of your life as it moves forward.” Be Your Own Person – “Life is not a popularity contest. You should do what you think is right and follow your goals. Be comfortable in your own skin.” Human Relationships are More Important than Material Objects – “Don’t let technology control you. Don’t expect external things to make you happy.” Change is Good – “Life is constantly changing. Flow with change, embrace it, and regard it as an adventure.” Travel Extensively – “Travel makes you more interesting and insightful. It expands you, enlightens you, and teaches you about the variety of people, lifestyles and cultures.” 80 – 90% of Success is Showing Up Pay Attention to the Small Things in Life!! The 4-H’ers learned good lessons for all of us to think about and live by!!!!!!!
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CCE Albany County 4-H Clover Chefs Our 4-H Clover Chefs have been busy learning many new kitchen skills and creating some delicious foods! In December we made pizza and decorated some beautiful cupcakes to share with others. For January we had a breakfast for dinner evening. Everyone had a lot of fun making some very yummy food!
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Secretaries: Mohawk Monarchs News Reporters: Udderly Awesome Kids Pony Pals - Johanna Luhrman
Mohawk Monarchs Report At the first meeting of 2018, the Mohawk Monarchs learned about first aid. We also learned how to make butterfly bandages. We will continue our first aid unit next meeting by making a personal kit. This activity may be modified for presentation during the Fair. Next month we will be selecting our public speaking topics and practicing in front of some of our battle hardened members. The Pony Pals 4-H Club Report The Pony Pals 4-H Club watched a presentation on wild mustangs on January 10th at the Albany 4-H office. First Elaine Larsen talked about how historically horses began to be domesticated for the purpose of meat. Then people learned that they could ride these horses or have them pull things. After the tractor was invented many horses were simply released and these horses became the mustangs we know today. These horses overbred and started competing with farmers' livestock for grazing grounds. "Mustanging" started and this involved driving in vehicles behind the horses until they fell down with exhaustion, they then would be taken to a slaughter house. One day a woman named Velma Johnston saw the abused horses in the back of a truck and she thought it wasn't right! She spread the news about this and she sent a letter to congress complaining about how the horses had been treated. All the letters sent from many people about this problem were the second largest letter campaign to congress about one single issue. Then congress made a law in 1971 protecting the mustangs so no one could harass or hurt them. Today the horses are very over populated and don't have enough to eat. Each year some of the horses are taken away and kept in holding and a few are then sold. It was a very good presentation and we all learned many new things.
Udderly Awesome Kids At our meeting that we had we made Christmas centerpieces. My 4-H leader had Christmas decorations that she didn’t need so we decided that we could use them. We each got a basket or a ornament shaped bowl and then we put green styrofoam in the bottom. She had artificial holiday flowers and red little berries. They all came out pretty cool and good looking. Our next 4-H meeting will be in January and we will be doing another craft.
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Saturday, May 12, 2018
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Barbara Stevens 4-H Issue Leader Albany County [email protected]
Eileen DePaula 4-H Program Educator Albany County [email protected]
Sarah Jones 4-H Subject Educator Albany County [email protected]
Bonnie Peck Association Resource Educator Schenectady County [email protected]
Ashley Pierce Agriculture Program Coordinator Albany County [email protected]
Sean Taylor 4-H Subject Educator Albany County [email protected]
Teresa Tymchyn Layout & Production Albany County [email protected]
24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186 518-765-3500 ● FAX 518-765-2490 ● www.ccealbany.com ● www.facebook.com/ccealbany Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County 4-H Programs are offered to all clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County office if you have any special needs.
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Spring Brunch Hosted by Albany County 4-H Teen Action Group and Albany County 4-H Leaders Association
Sunday, April 8, 2018 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County Voorheesville, NY -Brunch Buffet-Silent Auction-Door Prizes-Special GuestsRSVP by Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Seating is limited, reservations required. Proceeds will benefit the 4-H Youth Development Scholarship Program
Spring Brunch Sunday, April 8, 2018 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Name ___________________________
Phone # ______________
Number attending @ $10.00/pp _____ Please make checks payable to CCE Albany County and send to: Attn: Eileen DePaula CCE Albany County 24 Martin Road Voorheesville, NY 12186 Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County office if you have any special needs.
