4-H TALK NEWSLETTER

January to Mid-February 2017

Inclement Weather Policy.... Yes, the snowy season will be arriving soon! Just a reminder……if Cecil County Public Schools are cancelled for the day, there is early dismissal or after-school activities are cancelled for the evening DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER ALL 4-H events are to be cancelled or during the weekend if the Cecil County snow emergency plan is in effect in the county both the day or evening events are cancelled.

Electronic 4-H Talk Newsletter………. We have transitioned from a paper copy of the newsletter to an e-mail version of our 4-H Talk Newsletter where you will be e-mailed a copy of the newsletter and notified that a new version is online, if you would still like to receive a paper copy, please contact April Barczewski at 410-996-5280 or adhall@umd.edu or mark it on your enrollment form by no later than January 31st. Also, if your e-mail address has changed from what is on your reenrollment form, please notify April Barczewski at adhall@umd.edu. If you know someone that is not receiving the newsletter, it might be because we have an incorrect e-mail address for them, please tell them to please get in contact with us.

Reenrollment Deadline………………. This is your last issue of 4-H Talk if we have not received your 2017 Reenrollment/Enrollment by January 31st. In order to get project information and keep up with all the 4-H news and events, be sure to turn in your 2017 4-H enrollment form now! Remember, you must be enrolled in the 4-H project area that specifically relates to the project that you are entering at the county and state fairs. New members have until May 1st to register for 4-H. Current and new members have until May 1st to register for any projects that they plan to enter in the Cecil County and Maryland State Fair. Members and volunteers who were enrolled in 2016 and have not turned in the required paperwork for 2017 should get their reenrollment forms into the Extension Office ASAP so as not to miss out on any 4-H opportunities. Please contact Micki in the Extension Office if you need your reenrollments forms reprinted.

RECORD BOOKS……………

Completing a record book is not something most 4-Hers think of as fun but it can be one of the most important things you do in 4-H. Learning to keep good records of the work you do is something that will help you in school and may lead to a successful career, plus more. Record Books will be due to the Extension Office by January 20, 2016 by 7:00 p.m. Your 4-H record book must be signed by your leader prior to submission the county level, so please make those arrangements well ahead of the due date. Any book submitted without a leader’s signature will not be accepted. Record books can be either typed or hand written. Forms are available online at our website, http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/record-keeping or in paper form from the Extension Office. A record book workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton. Please RSVP your attendance by the day of the workshop. Record Book covers are available to be purchased from the Extension Office for $3 each.

As a reminder we started using the State Animal Specific Forms in 2014 and those will be the ONLY Animal Forms that will be accepted in 2017.

Sewing Workshops 2016-2017

4-H Volunteer, Joan Gaffney, will be having county-wide Sewing Workshops every month starting in September. The workshops will take place from 2-4 pm at St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, 315 S. Main St, North East. If you would like to learn how to sew, please attend the workshops. These workshops are open to any 4-H’er, including clovers, parent or volunteer. Please RSVP for each workshop at least one week in advance by calling Joan at 443-553-7492. Below are the dates and topics. Please complete the flyer and bring it with you to the workshop! See the attached flyer with additional information.

• Sunday, January 15 “Sew-N-Tell” • Sunday, February 19 “Fabrics” • Sunday, March 19 “Tying and Sewing” • Sunday, April 23 “Embellish”

Hands-On Animal Science Classes

We will be offering fun, hands-on Animal Science classes for 4-Hers on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton. You do not have to attend all the class topics. Please RSVP online at: http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/cecil-county-4-h-hands-animal-science-classes or call 410-996-5280 the day prior to each scheduled class so that enough supplies can be gathered and materials prepared in advance. The dates and topics are as follows:

• January 24, 2017-More Cheese, Please! • February 28, 2017-Reproduction Redo • March 28, 2017-Digest This! • April 25, 2017-Chick This Out • May 23, 2017-Zoo“NO”sis • September 26, 2017-Brains, Hearts & Eyes Oh My • October 24, 2017-Meat of the Matter • November 21, 2017 (Session makeup date if inclement weather for an earlier topic or TBA)

All the classes will be very fun and energetic as all the sessions will be hands-on.

State 4-H Council Community Service Project Kudos!

Thank you to everyone that donated to Ethan Lacher’s State 4-H Council Community Service project blanket drive held during the month of October. Ninety-six blankets were donated to the Emergency VCA Animal Hospital in Newark, DE.

Ethan Lacher with his State 4-H Council Community

Service Project

Breakfast with Santa & Holiday Craft Workshop Thank You!

A thank you goes to the Camp and Junior Council 4-H members and volunteers that helped to conduct the Holiday Craft Workshop on Saturday, December 3, 2016. Over fifty youth and adults participated in the morning’s workshop. Everyone who attended seemed to have a great time. They also held a fun activity in the morning, hosting a Breakfast with Santa for families to come and meet St. Nick even complete with picture opportunities. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to our program! Benefit Auction Thank You! The twelfth Annual Cecil County 4-H Benefit Auction proved to be very successful! The live and silent auction raised over $11,000 for the County and Club 4-H programs in Cecil County. There were over 120 registered buyers for the auction. A BIG THANKS goes to all the clubs, volunteers and youth that gathered donations for the auction and purchased items at the auction. Also, thanks goes to the 4-Hers who modeled the auction items during the sale. In addition, we would like to thank our volunteers and teens that helped with wrapping, moving and organizing auction items, facility set up and clean up and the volunteers that helped during the auction to make it run smoothly. At the event, a fun time was had by all. Without the support of our wonderful community, the auction would not have been as successful as it was. The turn out and profits confirm that the community is behind the 4-H youth development program in Cecil County.

University of Maryland Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program 2017 4-H Participation Fee

Again in 2017, each 4-H club member will be required to pay the annual $10 participation fee which equals $.83 cents per month. These funds will be used to sustain 4-H programming across the state of Maryland. University of Maryland’s 4-H Youth Development Program is committed to continuing the long standing tradition of providing excellent 4-H programs for Maryland’s youth. Members can pay their fee to their primary club. If you belong to more than one club members only need to pay the fee to their primary club. Cecil County 4-H has already started collecting the fees and the fee will be due no later than June 15th so that membership cards can be issued to those in good standing. The fee is only for 4-H youth members ages 8-18 as of 1/1/17. There is no fee for clover members (ages 5-7 as of 1/1/17) or UME 4-H volunteers.

Maryland 4-H Ages for 2017

As we start the 2017 4-H project year we wanted to remind you of the Maryland 4-H ages.

• Clovers ages 5-7 as of 1/1/17 (members can compete in non-competitive events and receive participation ribbon at 4-H events)

• Juniors ages 8-10 as of 1/1/17 • Intermediates ages 11-13 as of 1/1/17 • Seniors ages 14-18 as of 1/1/17

Diamond Clover Program Information and Recognition Deadline

This Maryland 4-H Diamond Clover award is designed to encourage 4-H members ages 8 to 18 to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will enable them to acquire the skills necessary to lead successful lives as competent, caring and contributing citizens. If you would like to be recognized for completing a level of the Diamond Clover Award at this year’s 4-H achievement night, completed forms are due by January 31, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office. Forms can be found online at http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/diamond-clover-forms. You can also start planning now to complete a level in 2017 by completing your diamond clover plan. Please do not attach the diamond clover form in your record book as your form might get overlooked.

Community Service Program Information and Recognition Deadline

If you would like to be recognized for completing community service in 2016, service award records are due January 31, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office. C ollect all your community service hours for 2016 as you can get recognition for your actions and receive the President’s Service gold, silver or bronze pin or 4-H service green pin. Community Service refers to efforts to help others and to improve your community. You can be participating on behalf of a community, religious, and/or youth organization. It can be an individual effort or with a group such as a school-based service learning project. This can include club projects, community events, fair activities, and 4-H Camp services. Examples of community service include singing at nursing homes, gathering supplies for the troops, volunteering at a local hospital, purchasing items for those in need, and anything that benefits the community for those who are not as fortunate. Things that would not count are fundraisers, unless all the proceeds are given to an organization like the American Cancer Society or the local homeless shelter that helps others, and neither you nor your 4-H club are benefiting from the service. As a reminder, teaching youth citizenship is one of the core goals of the 4-H program, so each club should be doing at least two community service activities annually. Hours must be completed during the 2016 calendar year. Forms to track your service are available online at: http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/service-learning-forms. You can also start tracking your hours now to be recognized for your service in 2017.

Out of State Trip Opportunities for Members 4-H Ages 14-18 As Cecil County 4-H senior aged members (14-18 as of 1/1/17), you are eligible to apply for four Out of State 4-H Trips. These trips include the National 4-H Congress, West Virginia Older Members Conference, Camp Miniwanca and Virginia 4-H Conference. National 4-H Congress is a once in a lifetime experience, where youth from all across the nation get together to address the needs and issues of youth, listen to motivational speakers and socialize with fellow 4-Hers. Congress takes place at the end of November. West Virginia Older 4-H Members Conference is a Leadership Development Conference that occurs at the end of June in Jackson’s Mill, West Virginia. Camp Miniwanca is a leadership conference that occurs during the summer. Virginia 4-H Conference takes place in June in Virginia and is a 4-H leadership development program. Nominees must be 4-H age 14-18. Applicants must be enrolled in 4-H and not older than 4-H age 18 the year the trips take place. Youth interested in applying must do a 4-H resume, essay, fill out an appropriate selection process application and receive an interview. This year’s essay topic is: What three adjectives best describe 4-H and describe how they relate to your 4-H experience.”. Completed applications, essays and resumes are due by January 6, 2017 to adhall@umd.edu or dropped off at the Cecil County Extension Office. Youth that are selected to represent Cecil County must be available for an interview. The closest regional interview will be held on February 4, 2017 in Centreville, Maryland. You can access the Maryland 4-H website for additional information and to download an application to http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/youth-

Camp Counselor and Adult Staff Trainings for 2017

Like 4-H Camp? Will you be actual age 15 or older in by August 6, 2017? Want to help more? If you are interested in being a camp counselor the first training will be Saturday, January 20-21 at the Rocks in Harford County (as an overnight lock in). Camp is always looking for more adult volunteers, even if it is just to teach a class, or come down for one activity, so please contact us if interested. Please be aware that becoming a camp counselor or adult staff member is a very big responsibility and does require commitment. These are the set dates and are not expected to change. Please mark your calendars now. For the day trainings, you will need to bring $5 for lunch, or bring your lunch with you - there is a kitchen available. If you have any questions about 4-H Camp or becoming a camp counselor, please feel free to contact Camp Director, Susan Knight at susank@ardenttitle.com. She can be reached at work at 410-996-9780.

The tentative trainings dates/times and locations are as follows:

• Friday, January 20-Saturday, January, 21 at the Rocks • Saturday, February 25 from 8 AM-5 PM, Ebenezer Church, Rising Sun • Saturday, March 25 from 8 AM-5 PM, Ebenezer Church, Rising Sun • Friday, April 7-Sunday, April 10, On Site Weekend Training at the Rocks • Saturday, May 7 from 8 AM-5 PM, Ebenezer Church, Rising Sun

Winterfest Class Ideas

Attention: Volunteers, Parents and/or Teens. If you would like to teach a one, two or three hour class at Winterfest on Sunday, March 5, 2017 starting at 1 PM and running until 4 PM at Fair Hill, please contact Vicki Stone at vstone@umd.edu by no later than Friday, January 6, 2017.

Dairy Quiz Bowl Practices

The first Dairy Bowl Meeting for 2017 will be held on Monday, January 9th, at 7:00 PM in the Cecil County Extension Office. Additional practices will be scheduled after the first meeting. 4-H Dairy Bowl includes questions pertaining to both dairy cattle and dairy goats and is similar to "Jeopardy", except all questions are dairy related. If you can't make the first meeting but are interested in participating, contact April at 410-996-5280 or adhall@umd.edu. The State contest is Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Livestock Skillathon Practices

Whether you carry a livestock project or not, Livestock Skillathon is a great way to work with other 4-H’ers and learn information about livestock (Beef, Sheep, Swine & Meat Goats). Topics include: Anatomy/Parts, Breed, Equipment, Feed & Retail Meats Identification; Meat, Hay & Wool Judging with questions and Quality Assurance topics. Please contact April Barczewski if you are interested in participating in county Livestock Skillathon practices. The State contest is Saturday, March 4, 2017 in Hagerstown.

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2017 Cecil County Fair

The Cecil County Fair will be July 21-29, 2017 in Fair Hill (Clean - Up Day, July 30th ).

Animal Science Activities & Update 2017 Animal Ownership Deadlines for Cecil County & Maryland 4-H

• Enrolled in 4-H and applicable projects by May 1, 2017 to participate in 2017 Maryland State Fair and Cecil County Fair 4-H Events • Registration papers MUST be in the full name of the 4-H EXHIBITOR ONLY in order to be eligible as a 4-H project. • Poultry/Waterfowl and Rabbit/Cavy Ownership Forms due June 1, 2017 • Dog and Horse Identification Cards due June 1, 2017 • Breeding and Performance Animal Leases due June 1, 2017 (3 components-Guidelines, Agreement, and Statement of Understanding and Release)

o Breeding Animal Leases (Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine and Goats)-A member may not own and lease animals in the same general project area

o Performance Animal Leases (Horse, Dog, Alpacas and Llamas)-An animal may be lease by up to two different 4-H members and can be exhibited in a single class by only one 4-H member.

• Commercial (tagged) and Purebred Beef Heifers owned by June 1, 2017 • Market Beef Steers owned by January 1, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 1/7) • Beef Feeder Calves owned and tagged by May 19, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 1/7, 5/18 or 5/19) • Dairy Cattle owned by June 1, 2017

• All Dairy Cows must have been owned/leased by the youth before first freshening or before 2 years of age, whichever comes first. • Market Dairy Steers owned by January 1, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 1/7, 5/18 or 5/19) • Dairy Feeder Calves owned and tagged by May 19, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 1/7, 5/18 or 5/19) • Dairy Goats owned by June 1, 2017

o All Dairy Goats must have been owned/leased by the youth before first freshening or before 2 years of age, whichever comes first • Commercial (tagged) and Registered Breeding Meat Goats owned by June 1, 2017 • Market Goats owned and tagged by May 19, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 5/18 or 5/19) • Dog owned/leased by June 1, 2017 • Horse and Pony owned/leased by June 1, 2017 • Market Broilers & Duck Intent form on file by May 19, 2017 (Show subject to cancellation due to Avian Influenza) • Poultry owned by June 1, 2017 (Show subject to cancellation due to Avian Influenza) • Market Rabbit Intent Form on file by May 19, 2017 • Rabbits and Cavies owned by June 1, 2017 • Breeding Sheep owned by June 1, 2017 • Market Sheep owned and tagged by May 19, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 5/18 or 5/19) • Breeding Swine owned by June 1, 2017 • Market Swine owned and tagged by May 19, 2017 (Tagged & Weighed on 5/18 or 5/19) •

2017 Cecil County Fair Animal Ages and Weights (Tentative)

• Market Broilers-Pair of broilers, each weighing a minimum of 3 lbs. each, under 7 weeks old (Hatched on or after June 2, 2017) *Submit copy of order receipt/shipping label

• Market Ducks- Pair of ducks, each weighing over 7 pounds (Hatched on or after May 1, 2017) *Submit copy of order receipt/shipping label • Market Rabbits-3 rabbits, 3-5 pounds each, under 70 days old (Born on or after May 14, 2017) • Market Goat-55-135 pounds (Born after 9/1/16 and must have milk teeth) • Market Beef-minimum 1000 pounds (Born on or after 8/1/15) • Dairy Steer-minimum 1000 pounds (Born on or after 8/1/15) • Market Lambs-90-155 pounds (Born on or after 1/1/17) • Market Hogs-220-290 pounds (Born on or after 1/1/17) • Again, No Weight Tolerances in 2017! • Youth are allowed to sell a maximum of 3 animals in the livestock sale and 2 per species

Ownership Deadline for Market-Ready Beef and Dairy Steers for 2017

The State ownership deadline is January 1, 2017 for Market Beef and Dairy Steers. We will be tagging and weighing steers on Saturday, January 7th from 9-11 AM. Steers must be in the individual name of the 4-H member. For the Cecil County Fair market ready steers must be born after August 1, 2015. Beef and Dairy Steers must be born after January 1, 2016 to be eligible for the Maryland State Fair 4-H participation

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HORSE NEWS………

2017 World Horse Expo 4-H Art Contest

The eleventh annual Maryland 4-H Horse Art Contest will take place this year during Maryland Horse World Expo to be held January 20-22, 2017 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Entries must be received by no later than Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in the State 4-H Office. If you would like to drop off entries at the Cecil 4-H Office they must be dropped off by no later than Monday, January 9, 2017 by 5 PM. Entries will be judged before the first day of the expo and will be displayed throughout the expo. The entry form is included in this newsletter and is posted on the Maryland 4-H website Horse Activities page at http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/4-h-horse-art-contest-maryland-horse-world-expo.

2017 World Horse Expo Maryland 4-H Booth Workers Needed

Again, the annual Maryland Horse World Expo is scheduled for January 20-22, 2017. Each year the Maryland 4-H Horse Program has been fortunate to have a promotional booth at this event. We are in need of volunteers to staff the booth. We have had terrific participation from 4-H Horse volunteers in past years with this important opportunity to promote the Maryland 4-H Horse Program. Below are the shifts that we need help with. We will be able to offer 2 one-day passes for each shift at no cost. Please let us know if you are interested in helping us out by responding to Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.eduwith your preferred shift(s), names of booth volunteers and their emails and telephone numbers by January 5th. NOTE: Shifts will be filled in the order that responses are received. Please contact Chris if you have questions. Below are the shifts:

Friday, January 20: SHOW HOURS 12pm - 8pm Shifts: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (booth set-up), 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Saturday, January 21: SHOW HOURS 9am-7pm Shifts: 9:00 am – 11:30 am, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday, January 22 SHOW HOURS 9am-5pm Shifts: 9:00 am – 11:30 am, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm, 4:30pm – 6:00pm (booth take down)

Cecil County 4-H Horse Bowl Practices

Practices will be on every Wednesday evening starting in January at the University of Maryland Extension-Cecil County 4-H Office (200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 1500, Elkton, MD) from 6:30-8:30 PM. Topics include: Horse Breeds, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding, Health, Diseases, Disorders and Parasites, Reproduction and Genetics, Equipment and Showing and Much More. Please contact Elaine Keys at 856-332-3380 or keys.elaine@gmail.com or Monica Mason monica.mason80@gmail.com at if you have any questions.

Cecil County 4-H Horse Judging Practices

It's that time of year! Horse Judging is just getting underway. We are looking forward to an absolutely terrific team again this year. Last year's team had an incredible amount of success (and fun!) at the State Competition and we are looking forward to the same this year! Horse Judging practices will be the First Wednesday of Every Month starting on January 4th (until it gets closer to competition time (of course). They will be from 6 pm to 8 pm at Drue and River's House, 511 Rickets Mill Rd, Elkton (Please note the new location). We will provide dinner, so please call, email or text Drue to let me know you are coming, and let me know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. We are planning a great practice program, so we hope you can come join us! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call, text or email Drue Chichi at 302-588-0197 or brickmanhouse@gmail.com.

Cecil County 4-H Horse Fun Day

Will be on Monday, January 16, 2017 with check in beginning at 8:30 AM and activities running from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM at the Calvert Grange on Rt. 273 in Calvert (2357 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911). A flyer containing registration information will be included in the next newsletter or you can register online at: http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/cecil-county-4-h-horse-fun-day. Registration is due by January 11th. This year’s horse educational topics include a variety of horse related educational topics and participating in horse science learning stations on a variety of topics. Participants will also have the opportunity to partake in ice breaker games, the horse hoopla t-shirt design contest, horse games, horse crafts and socialize with other 4-H Horse project members. Pizza, drinks and snacks will be provided. The program is limited to the first 40 registrants.

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Eastern Shore Spring Show

Eastern Shore Spring Show information will be emailed or mailed in mid-March to all who participated in 2016 and will be available online at the Cecil County Extension Website under the 4-H Fairs & Shows Link by mid-March. The show is scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in Centreville. Entries are due by April 15, 2017. If you are a teen member and interested in serving on the planning committee please contact April by no later than January 15, 2017.

Cecil County Breeders Fair

Cecil County Breeders’ Fair information will be emailed or mailed in mid-March to those Cecil 4-H’ers who participated in 2016 and will be available online by mid-March at the Cecil County Extension Website under the 4-H Fairs and Shows Link. The Breeders’ Fair Livestock, Rabbit, Cavy & Dog Shows are scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 2017, and the Horse Shows are scheduled for Sunday, June 4, 2017, at Fair Hill. Entries are due by May 1st. Cecil County 4-Hers are encouraged to take advantage of a great opportunity to participate. A planning meeting will be held on January 19, 2017 at 7 PM in the Cecil County Extension Office. All interested are welcome to attend.

Maryland Animal Health Requirements 2017

The complete Maryland health regulations and forms will be available soon online at http://mda.maryland.gov/AnimalHealth/Pages/default.aspx One major change in 2017: All Cattle and Swine entering Maryland Fairs and Shows MUST have for official identification a USDA Official Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag. Again this year-All animals except Rabbits will need to have an official identification. In-State Health papers will be good for 120 days from the date issued not the entire show season like in past years. Out-of-State Health papers will continue to be good for only 30 days from the date issued which is not a change. Health certificates will be three carbon copy pages and again will no longer need to be stamped by MDA as it will be your veterinarian’s responsibility to send the approved copy to MDA to be filed. Exhibitors will still be expected to do the Animal Health Self-Certification for Livestock, Poultry, Rabbits and Horses. If your animal requires vaccinations, they should be vaccinated at least 15 days prior to the first show so that the vaccinations are effective. At this point, Poultry shows will happen. (Again, shows subject to cancelation due to Avian Influenza).

State 4-H Animal Science Reminder Information

• An animal can be tagged either commercial or market but not both • 4-H project animals MUST be registered in the individual name of the 4-Her only

2017 4-H Healthy Living Summits

Maryland 4-H is still promoting the "Health H" by encouraging our 4-Hers to become Healthy Living Ambassadors for their local clubs. We've scheduled two Maryland 4-H Healthy Living Summits from 10 am until 2 pm on February 11 - Montgomery County Extension Office and February 25 - Queen Anne's County 4-H Park. The same agenda will be offered at each location -- workshops, food stations, games and lunch. Each 4-Her will go home with an assortment of healthy living messages to share at their local 4-H meetings and at county events as appropriate.Registration is free but we ask you to sign up so that we are prepared with enough materials for each participant. Go to the 4-H Healthy Living Page on our Maryland 4-H Website and click on the link to register at http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/4-h-program-areas/healthy-living. If any of our Current Healthy Living Ambassadors want to help at the Summit - emails have been sent to our list -- have them contact corridon@umd.edu -- with "Healthy Living" as the Subject.

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VOLUNTER

CORNER!

LEADERS CORNER!

University of Maryland Extension 4-H Volunteer Trainings

Are you interested in becoming a University of Maryland Extension Volunteer or do you know anyone that might be interested? Don’t wait because now is the time April and/or Vicki will be conducting trainings on the following dates:

• Tuesday, January 10, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton from 6:30-8:30 PM • Thursday, February 2, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton from 6:30-8:30 PM • Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton from 6:30-8:30 PM • Monday, April 3, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton from 6:30-8:30 PM • Monday, May 15, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton from 6:30-8:30 PM • Tuesday, June 6, 2017 in the Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton from 6:30-8:30 PM

If you are interested in becoming a 4-H Volunteer please register online at http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/cecil-ume-volunteer-training-registration or call the Extension Office at 410-996-5280 to confirm your attendance.

Cecil 4-H UME Volunteer Development Series

Volunteers and teen leaders are encouraged to enhance their skills by registering for the Cecil County 4-H Volunteer Development Series. You can pick and choose which topics you would like to attend. The topics and dates are as follows:

o 2/13-Food Safety o 6/13-Preparing Diamond Clover Service Project Applications and Other Teen Opportunities o 9/26-Animal Science Planning Meeting o 10/18 or 10/25-4-H Project Opportunities and Open House

The programs take place from 6:30-8 PM in the University of Maryland Extension Cecil County 4-H Office at 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Elkton in Suite 1500. If you would like to attend, please register online at https://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/cecil-4-h-volunteer-development-series or call the Extension Office at 410-996-5280.

4-H Leaders and Volunteers Meeting

The next Cecil County 4-H Leaders and Volunteers meeting will be on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 7 PM in the Cecil County Extension Office. The main topics of discussion will be upcoming 4-H programming including Achievement Night, Winterfest and other spring programs. Additional 2017 Leaders and Volunteers meetings will take place on Monday, May 22nd; Monday, September 18th and Monday, November 20th.

Attention Club Leader-All Club Forms and Resources Available Online

All 4-H Club Leaders Resources can be found at http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/leader-forms

Interested in Starting A New 4-H Club?

Anyone interested in starting a new 4-H Club should contact April in the Extension Office. Our 4-H enrollment continues to rise and so do request for club information, so we’re looking to our UME volunteers to step up and start some new clubs.

Educational Videos, Learning Kits and Materials Available For Loan

The Cecil County 4-H Office has some educational videos, learning kits, curriculum, and equipment which club leaders can borrow from our office on a variety of topics. If you are interested in borrowing videos, learning kits, curriculum or equipment stop by the Extension office.

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For more information about any event, please call, email or stop by the University of Maryland Extension Cecil County 4- H Office. If you need special assistance to participate in any of our programs, please contact the office at 410-996-5280 at least one week prior to the scheduled program.

4-H Club Meeting Dates

Rabbit Wranglers - 2nd Sunday Tailwinds Trotters - 2nd Sunday Making Strides - 3rd Sunday Carrot Crunchers - 4th Sunday Puddle Jumpers - 2nd Monday Stars & Stripes - 2nd Monday Calvert Boys & Girls - 2nd Monday Kids of the Future - 2nd Tuesday (Clovers) Junior Council - TBA Kibbles n Kids - 2nd Wednesday Rising Sun Milk - 2nd Wednesday Cecil Sliders - 2nd Wednesday

Squirters Young Guns - Thursdays Kuntry Livestock - 1st Thursday (Shotgun Practice) Calvert Boys & Girls - 3rd Thursday Krazy Kritters - 3rd Thursday County Archery - 3rd Thursday C-Line 1st Placers - 2nd Friday Practice Tri-State Trotters - 2nd Friday Rainbow Riders - TBA Reaching for the - 2nd Saturday Robotics - Varies Stars April Hall Barczewski Victoria “Vicki” Stone Extension Educator Program Assistant 4-H Youth Development 4-H Youth Development The following documents are attached and located on the Cecil County Extension website at: http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-hyouth/upcoming-programs

• Horse Fun Day Registration • Horse World Expo Art Contest Form • Cecil 4-H Evening at the Delaware 87‘ers Basketball Game Flyer

Access 4-H Talk Online at: http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth-development “This issue of 4-H Talk Contains Important Information about the 2017 4-H Project Year”

University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

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4-H Calendar of Event

January 2017 3 DEADLINE: 2017 4-H Club Plans to be turned into the Extension Office or E-mailed to April 3 Cecil 4-H Record Book Workshop, 6:30 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 4 Horse Judging Practice, 6-8 PM, Drue & River’s Residence, Elkton 6 DEADLINE: Senior 4-H Essay & Resume due to Cecil County Extension Office for National 4-H Congress, West Virginia Older Members

Conference, Camp Miniwanca, & Virginia 4-H Congress for Review (After County Approval must be submitted to State in online portal by 1/15) 6 DEADLINE: Winterfest Class Ideas to Vicki 7 Tagging & Weigh In & Ownership Deadline for Market Ready Beef & Dairy Steers 9 Cecil County 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Introduction, Elkton, 7 PM (Additional Practices TBA) 10 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, 6:30 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 12 Cecil County Junior Fairboard Meeting, 6:45 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 13-16 Maryland 4-H Winter Camp, Patuxent River 4-H Center, Upper Marlboro 14 Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Trainer Meeting, College Park 15 State 4-H Awards Gala, Home Arts Building, Timonium 15 4-H Sewing Workshop, 2-4 PM, St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, North East 16 Horse Fun Learning Day, 9 AM-3 PM, Calvert Grange, Calvert 19 Cecil County Breeders Fair Planning Meeting, 7 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 20 DEADLINE: All 2016 Cecil County 4-H Record Books, 7 PM, UME Cecil County Office, Elkton or Dropped Off in Box at April’s House 20-21 Camp Staff Training, Rocks 4-H Camp Center, Street (Overnight Event) 20-22 Horse World Expo including 4-H Horse Art Contest Display, Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium 21 State 4-H Camp Directors In-Service, College Park 24 Hands-On Animal Science : More Cheese, Please!, 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton 31 DEADLINE: Completed 2016 Diamond Clover Level 1-5, Horsemanship Standards and Service Learning Forms 31 DEADLINE: Completed 2016 Club Forms ( 31 DEADLINE: Members & Volunteer reenrollment forms due so not to be dropped off the e-mail/mailing list

Every Wednesday, Horse Bowl Practice, 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton February 2017 1 Horse Judging Practice, 6-8 PM, Drue & River’s Residence, Elkton 2 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, 6:30 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 4 State 4-H Trip Interview, Centreville (Inc. Weather Date 2/18) 7 State 4-H Out of State Trip Interviews, College Park (Inc. Weather Date 2/15) 10 DEADLINE: Cecil 4-H Achievement Night Nominations to Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton or E-mailed to April 11 State 4-H Out of State Trip Interviews, Westminster (Inc. Weather Date 2/25) 11 State 4-H Healthy Living Summit, Montgomery County Extension Office, Derwood 13 Volunteer Food Safety Training, 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton 19 Sewing Workshop, 2-4 PM, St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, North East 20 State 4-H Legislative Day in Annapolis, 9 AM-5 PM, Annapolis 22 Maryland Dairy Convention, Frederick 25 Camp Staff Training, Rising Sun 25 State 4-H Healthy Living Summit, Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park, Centreville 27 Cecil 4-H Leaders & Volunteer Meeting, Elkton, 7:00 PM, UME Cecil County 4-H Office, Elkton 28 Hands-On Animal Science: Reproduction Redo!, 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton

Every Wednesday Horse Bowl Practice, 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton TBA Cecil County 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Practices March 2017 1 Horse Judging Practice, 6-8 PM, Drue & River’s Residence, Elkton 2 Cecil County 4-H Achievement Night Set Up & Speakers Practice, 6:30 PM, Walls Activity Hall, Fair Hill 4 Cecil County 4-H Achievement Night, Walls Activity Hall, Fair Hill 4 State 4-H Livestock Skill-a-thon, Hagerstown 5 Cecil County 4-H Winterfest, 1-4 PM, Walls Activity Hall, Fair Hill 9 Junior Fair Board Meeting, 6:45 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 10-12 Eastern Shore Tractor/Agriculture Equipment Certification Training, Centreville 11 Cecil 4-H Demonstration and Communications Day, Calvert Grange, Calvert, 9 AM 15 UME Volunteer Training, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton, 6:30 PM 18 State 4-H Horse Bowl Contest, University of Maryland, College Park 19 Sewing Workshop, 2-4 PM, St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, North East 24 Cecil 4-H Night at the Delaware 87ers, Newark 25 Camp Staff Training, Ebenezer Methodist Church, Rising Sun 26 State 4-H Horse Advisory Meeting via Webinar 28 Hands-On Animal Science Class: Digest This!, 6:30-8 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 31 Regional Communications Event, Easton High School, Easton Every Wednesday (Last practice on 3/15) Horse Bowl Practice, 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton TBA Cecil County 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Practices

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April 2017

1 Eggstravaganza, Calvert Grange, Calvert 2 Maryland 4-H Horse Judging Clinic, Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster 3 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, 6:30 PM, UME Cecil County 4-H Office, Elkton 4 Horse Judging Practice, 6-8 PM, Drue & River’s Residence, Elkton 7-8 Beginner & Advanced Sheep Workshop, Caroline County 4-H Park, Denton 7-9 Camp Staff Training Weekend, Rocks 8 Maryland 4-H Foundation Shooting Clays Fundraiser, Pintail Point, Queenstown 16 Sewing Workshop, 2-4 PM, St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church, North East 21-23 State 4-H Engineering Weekend, Rocks 22 State 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest, University of Maryland, College Park 25 Hands-On Animal Science Class: Chick This Out, 6:30-8 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 29 Maryland Day at University of Maryland College Park 29 State Communication Contest, College Park TBA State 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training

May 2017

1 DEADLINE: Cecil County 4-H Member & Project Enrollment 1 DEADLINE: Cecil County Breeders Fair Entries 6 State 4-H Horse Judging and Hippology Contest, College Park 6-7 Sheep and Wool Festival, West Friendship 7 Goat, Sheep & Wool Skillathon, West Friendship 11 Cecil County Junior Fairboard Meeting, 7 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 13 Eastern Shore Spring Show, Centreville 15 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, 6:30 PM, UME Cecil County 4-H Office, Elkton 18 & 19 Tagging, Weigh In & Ownership Deadline of Market Goats, Sheep, Swine and Feeder Calves, Fair Hill 19 Market Rabbit, Market Broilers & Market Duck Intent Forms Due in Extension Office 22 Cecil 4-H Leaders and Volunteer Meeting, 7 PM, Cecil County Extension Office 23 Hands-On Animal Science Class: Zoo”NO”sis, 6:30-8 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 25 Cecil County Fair 4-H Livestock Sale Meeting, Calvert Grange, Calvert 31 Cecil County Fair 4-H Livestock Sale Meeting, Elkton

June 2017

1 Horse/Dog Identification Cards & Rabbit/Poultry Ownership Registration Due in Extension Office 1 Performance/Breeding Animal Arrangements Due in Extension Office 1 Ownership Deadline for Commercial Breeding Animal Projects 1 County Ownership Deadline for Registered Breeding Animal Projects 1 DEADLINE: Maryland 4-H Foundation Scholarship Applications Due 1 Cecil County Breeders’ Fair Set Up, Fair Hill 3 Cecil County Breeders’ Fair Livestock, Rabbit & Dog Shows, Fair Hill 4 Cecil County Breeders’ Fair Horse Shows, Fair Hill 6 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, 6:30 PM, UME Cecil County 4-H Office, Elkton 8 Cecil County Junior Fairboard Meeting, 6:45 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 13 Volunteer Series: Diamond Clover & Other Teen Opportunities Workshop, 6:30 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 15 Cecil County Fair “Ask the Expert”, 6:30-8 PM, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton 19 Maryland 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament 20-22 Horse Hoopla, Fair Hill 20-24 Maryland 4-H Congress, University of Maryland, College Park

July 2017

1 Cecil County Fair Animal, Club & Engineering Entry Deadline 1 State Fair Ownership Deadline for Registered Breeding Animal Projects 1 Maryland 4-H Online Animal Husbandry & Quality Assurance Program Closes for Cecil County Fair 4-H Participation 7-9 State Horse Jamboree, Calvert County 8 State Horse Communications Contest, Calvert County 18 Cecil County Fair Animal Orientation & Set Up, Fair Hill 21-29 Cecil County Fair, Fair Hill (Clean Up, 7/30) 31 DEADLINE: ALL Maryland State Fair 4-H Entries TBA State Dairy Judging Practices TBA Junior Fair Board Meeting & Children’s Bag Stuffing, Elkton

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August 2017 6-11 Cecil County 4-H Camp, Rocks (8/5-8/12 for Staff) 23-9/4 Maryland State Fair, Timonium

September 2017

1 DEADLINE: 4-H Diamond Clover Level 6 Proposals to UME-Cecil 4-H Office (After County Approval must be submitted to State in online portal by 9/15)

2 Most State 4-H Judging Contests at the Maryland State Fair 15 DEADLINE: 4-H Diamond Clover Level 6 Proposals in State 4-H Portal 18 Cecil 4-H Leaders and Volunteer Meeting, 7 PM, Cecil County Extension Office 26 Hands-On Animal Science: Brains, Hearts & Eyes Oh My, Elkton 28 Cecil 4-H Animal Science Planning Meeting, Elkton

October 2017

1-7 National 4-H Week (Daily State Council Activities in Home County) 4 National 4-H Youth Science Day Activity 6 DEADLINE: National 4-H Conference Portfolios Due to UME-Cecil 4-H Office (After County Approval must be submitted to State in online portal

by 10/15) 8 Maryland 4-H Horsemen’s Party, Timonium 17 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton, 6:30 PM 18 or 25 Cecil 4-H Open House & Project Showcase, Elkton (Tentative) 22 Cecil County 4-H Horse Program, Goblin Gallop, Fair Hill 24 Hands-On Animal Science: Meat of the Matter, Elkton 29 State 4-H Dog Bowl Contest, University of Maryland, College Park 31 DEADLINE: Diamond Clover Level 6 Project Completion Reports to State via Online Portal TBA Apple/Pumpkin Fest TBA State 4-H Archery Match TBA State 4-H Shotgun Match

November 2017

1 Volunteer Series: Club Management, Program Planning & Working with your Officer Team, , 6:30 PM, UME-Cecil County Office, Elkton 1 DEADLINE: MD 4-H Foundation Grants for Clubs 2 Record Book Workshop, Elkton 5 or 12 State 4-H Dressage Show & Combined Test, Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster 6 University of Maryland Extension Volunteer Training, Cecil County Extension Office, Elkton, 6:30 PM 15 DEADLINE: 990-N E-postcard for Club & 4-H Club Financial Reports for FY 2017 17-19 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum, Frederick or Washington Co Area 20 Cecil 4-H Leaders & Volunteer Meeting, 7 PM, Cecil County Extension Office 21 Hands-On Animal Science, Elkton

December 2017

1 DEADLINE: Maryland 4-H State Council 2018 General Membership Applications Due 2 Holiday Craft Workshop, Fair Hill 2 Countywide 4-H Benefit Auction, Fair Hill 3 State 4-H Horse Advisory Meeting, College Park (Tentative) 19 State 4-H Animal Science Update for Volunteers via Webinar

*** For more information about any event, call, email or stop by the University of Maryland Extension Cecil County 4-H Office. If you need special assistance to participate in any of our programs, please contact the University of Maryland Extension, Cecil County Office, at 410-996-5280 at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled program.

Cecil County 4-H Horse Fun Day

Monday, January 16, 2017 Check In Begins at 8:30 AM

Activities Start at 9 AM and Run Until 3:30 PM Calvert Grange (2357 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, MD) Located on Rt. 273 at the corner of

Wood Valley Rd.

Come join us for a fun-filled day about Horses at the Calvert Grange Lunch and Snacks will be provided. Please bring a t-shirt that will be cut up to

make a t-shirt bag craft. For information contact the University of Maryland Extension-Cecil County 4-H Office at 410-996-5280 or e-mail adhall@umd.edu.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Participant Registration Form

Return to: University of Maryland Extension, Cecil County 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 1500, Elkton, MD 21921 received by January 11, 2017

I plan to attend the 2017 4-H Horse Fun Day on January 16, 2017 at the Calvert Grange.

Name__________________________________________ Age____Phone ___________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ Name__________________________________________ Age____Phone ___________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ Name__________________________________________ Age____Phone ___________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ Name__________________________________________ Age____Phone ___________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________ Name__________________________________________ Age____Phone ___________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________________

Or you can register online at: http://extension.umd.edu/cecil-county/4-h-youth/cecil-county-4-h-horse-fun-day

Registration is limited to the first 40 Cecil 4-H youth registrants.

If you need special assistance to participate in this program, please contact the University of Maryland Extension, Cecil County Office, at 410-996-5280 by January 2, 2017.

“The University of Maryland Extension is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provider of Equal Access Programs.”

Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program Maryland 4-H Center, 8020 Greenmead Drive, College Park, MD 20740 Phone: (301) 314-9070 Fax: (301) 314-7146 Website http://extension.umd.edu/4-h

The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic

information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

Maryland 4-H Horse Art Contest at the

Maryland Horse World Expo January 20-22, 2017

General Information

• Entries should be related to the 4-H horse project. Entries must be the work of the 4-H member within the one-year period preceding the event.

• Entries must include a 2-3 sentence description on a 4x6 card to be displayed with the entry. Please do not tape to the back of the entry.

• Entries will be divided into two divisions for each age divisions: 1) Drawings and 2) Photographs. Drawings should be in crayon, colored pencil, paint or marker. Photographs can be in color or black and white and must be taken by the 4-H member. Artwork can be matted, but it is not required. Please do not submit items in frames with glass.

• Drawings must be no smaller than 8.5” x 11” and no larger than 2’ x 2’ in size. Photographs must be no smaller than 5” x 7” and no larger than 2` x 2` in size.

• Entries will be judged by a Horse World Expo Clinician on Friday, January 20th and placed on display for the remainder of the Horse World Expo.

• Awards will be given based on the Danish System and a Champion will be awarded in each age division of the contest divisions.

• Contestants may submit no more than 3 entries in each division. Each entry must have a separate entry form. • Contestants may pick up their artwork and awards at the Horse World Expo on Sunday, January 22nd after 4pm or at

the Maryland 4-H Center after January 23rd, 2017. Entries will not be mailed back by the Maryland 4-H Program.

Eligibility • Contestants must be bonafide Maryland 4-H club members carrying a 4-H Project. • 4-H members must be between the ages of 5 - 18 years old as of January 1 of the current year.

Contestant Information: Name: County:

Address: City: State/Zip:

Day Phone: _________________________ Evening Phone: ____________________________

Email:

Age Division (check one): Clover (5-7 years old) Junior (8-10 years old)

Intermediate (11-13 years old) Senior (14-18 years old) Inquiries: Please contact Chris Anderson at canders2@umd.edu or 310-314-7187 if you have any questions.

Mail, Ship, or Drop-off Entries: Submit entries no later than Wednesday, January 11, 2017 to: Chris Anderson

8020 Greenmead Drive Building 800 College Park, MD 20740

Come out and have a great time at the Delaware 87ers game! Enjoy many other fun activities!

Special Ticket Price ($5 Savings from door price) and$2 going back to the Cecil County 4-H!

FREE Parking and FREE KID ZONE with inflatables,face painting, and more!

Post-game autographs with the whole team!

Participate in a fan tunnel to high five the players!

$11 tickets

Name: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________________________ State: ____________ Zip: ______________________

Phone: ______________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________

Number of Tickets Needed: _________ @ $11.00 = $ __________

Please include a check made payable to CCEAC (Cecil County Extension Advisory Council) or provide

exact cash. Please return this form with payment to the University of Maryland Extension-Cecil

County Office, 200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 1500, Elkton, MD 21921 by no later than March 6, 2017.