Fair Entry Dates

Dedicated Leader

Nominations

Treasurer’s On-line report due by Sept. 15

PDR Corner

Inside this issue:

4-H Spirit Univers i ty of Cal i fornia Cooperative Extension

Mariposa County 4-H Youth Development Newsletter August 2009

Mariposa County Fair

September 4- September 7, 2009

Fair Time! That’s right, it is fair time once again in Mariposa County. Fair rides, corn dogs, cotton candy, livestock animals, and lots more of what everybody is looking forward to seeing and doing. The 4-H livestock youth are preparing their animals for show, while the rest are finishing their 4-H projects from sewing to vegetables in hopes of earning a blue ribbon. Just a reminder, while you are at the fair show the community your 4-H spirit, and cooperation. Share your knowledge from your 4-H projects by use of posters, brochures, or pictures in the barn areas. Let others learn as well! Also a reminder that both your Community Club and project leaders need to sign your fair entry form before taking it to the fair office!

Tips for Showmanship Look eager and ready to show: ♦ Wear a clean, complete uniform (dark blue jeans, white button or snap-

shirt, tie or scarf, and hat) ♦ Tie long hair back into braids or ponytail ♦ Wear a belt, boots, or tennis shoes (no sandals) ♦ Secure your hat, but don’t worry if it drops off in the ring ♦ Use a tie tack to pin down the ends of your tie; use a ring for the scarf ♦ NO GUM CHEWING Remember these basic rules of showmanship: ♦ Show from the minute you enter the ring until the judge dismisses the class ♦ Look as if you are enjoying showing your animal ♦ Keep your animal between you and the judge ♦ Keep your animal set up at all times ♦ Don’t crowd; give yourself and others room to show ♦ Watch the judge or animal; ignore the audience ♦ Don’t panic if your animal gets away. Just do your best! ♦ Know the sex, breed, and age of your animal ♦ The judge may ask questions, so know parts of your animal, where the

breed came from, or any pertinent information about your animal

Project Leaders Needed for 2009-10 Parents, grandparents, or friends, would you like to be a mentor to our 4-H youth in a particular project? We are looking for project volunteer leaders for the upcoming 4-H program year which begins October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010. We are looking for leaders in the projects areas of choir, arts/crafts, food & nutrition, quilting, welding, hiking, woodworking, GPS/GIS or any other specialty project. The 4-H Staff has curriculum for project leaders to use, and will hold training workshops. All new leaders must attend an orientation, be fingerprinted, and be approved by UCCE staff. If you are interested, please contact the UCCE Office at (209) 966-4829 or visit the 4-H Fair Booth at the Mariposa County Fair.

4-H Council Program Planning & Finance Committee

On August 20 at 6p, the 4-H Council Program Planning and Finance Committees will have meetings to plan for the 2009-2010 4-H program year. We need 4-H youth and leaders on these committees. If you would like to be on one of these committees please contact Donna at 966-4829 or email dswice@ucdavis.edu by August 17. Meeting will be held at the office.

COUNTY RECORD BOOK JUDGING ALL record books submitted for county record book judging must be reviewed/judged by your community club leader. Record books should be submitted in a 4-H Record Book Cover or a green presentation folder . Three-ring binders are not allowed. Record books are to be arranged in the following order: 1. Current Personal Development Report (PDR). 2. 4-H Story - double spaced on one side of paper only. May be typed or hand-written. For computer generated stories, a standard font in 12 point is preferred. 4-H story is complete- original story that tells the reader about the member’s 4-H year including projects, community service, activities, any successes or disappointments, family, and more. Junior members need to have at least 1-2 pages, Intermediate members 2-4 pages, and Senior members 3-6 pages. No more than 6 pages long. 3. All Project Reports are for current year. Jr/Teen leadership forms should immediately follow the Project Report for that project. 4. One page (one side only) of pictures per project with captions. Primary years DO NOT count towards P.D.R. credits and may not be counted for “Years in 4-H” or “Years in Project.” Primary members are to complete the Primary PDR and their record forms and turn in by the below date to CCL. Record Books are due at the September club meetings or to your CCL by September 18. County Record book Judging will take place October 2 & 3. If you want to go for County Record Book judging, let your Community Club Leader know so he/she can give you the 4-H Record Book form (green 1/2 sheet) to complete and place in your book. Members can go for two project awards or one project award and Achievement Award. If you would like more information on this contact the office in August.

Parent & Exhibitor Meeting With Junior Livestock Auction

Committee & Fair Staff

On August 11 at 6:00p at the Strathern Pavilion, there will be an important meeting for all livestock members and their parents. This meeting will cover rules & procedures for exhibiting and participating in the auction. This will be the time to ask questions and clear-up any problems BEFORE the entry dead-line. This meeting is held for YOUR benefit to help you be a successful exhibitor. YOUR ATTENDANCE IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!

Attention Club Treasurers and Community Club Leaders!!!

It is time to get your club treasurer’s book in order. Club peer review audits will take place in September. Please review the 4-H Treasurer’s Book for all required information. Treasurer or CCL need to input all treasurer's information on the financial 4-H website by September 15 or sooner and new this year you need to send an E-postcard to the IRS no later than Nov. 15. Audit materials will be to the Community Club leaders in late August which will give the treasurers a full month to finish their reports. ♦ Each treasurer is to keep documentation of

income, expenses, and equipment. ♦ At the end of the 4-H year this documentation

shall be signed by the treasurer and community club leader.

Documentation shall be audited by the club peer review committee and forwarded to the 4-H Coordinator by September 30th.

2009 California State 4-H Leaders Conference

The 2009 4-H State Leaders’ Forum will be at Asilomar Conference Center November 6-8, 2009. Conference activities will include powerful speakers, workshops, new 4-H ideas, discussion groups, silent auction, and just plain fun!

Registration forms are available on-line at http://ca4h.org/conferences. Prices vary, register early as

space is limited! Attention 4-H Members

Members may apply for three county awards, which includes either project awards, and the Junior, Inter-mediate or Senior Achievement award. A member can possibly win two awards; example, one project and Senior Achievement awards, or two project awards. The record book forms will be available at the August club meetings and at the office. The member must complete these forms and place them into the record book before turning their book into the com-munity club leader by September 18th. If you are a Jr. or Teen Leader and want credit for this project, complete the Leadership Plan Form with leader’s signature and place behind that project record form. Achievement Night will be held October 17th!

Good Luck!!

Club Officer Training Slated for August 12

At the Board of Supervisors Boardroom the Club Officer Training will take place on August 12 beginning at 11:00a. The Executive Officers from each club are required to attend this training unless you have been your selected office before. Please bring a notepad and pencil to take notes. All new officers and Community Club Leaders should have bank signature cards signed by October 1. Lunch will be provided by 4-H Council.

Dealing with Deadlines A 4-H Life Skill

By Sandy Sathrum, 4-H Program Rep. A part of everyone’s life is deadlines! Adults have taxes due, bills to pay, and meetings to attend. Students have term papers, exams and class schedules to manage. Children have to get to school on time, animals to feed and rooms to clean. 4-Her’s have registration forms, scholarship applications and record books. Deadlines can drive you crazy, but they can also give direction to your life. One story says the word was coined during the American Civil War. Soldiers were on the move, so there were no jails in which to put prisoners. The custom was to assemble prisoners in one place and draw aline on the ground to mark the perimeter of the detainment area. The captives were told if they stayed within the designated area they would be protected, but if they crossed over the “dead” line, they would be fired upon. This was serious stuff. Consequences for unmet deadlines can lead to disappointment, penalties, poor grades, and missed opportunities. To reduce stress in your life and get the most out of your efforts, keep in the mind the following suggestions: Get informed: it is hard to get started when you are uncertain of what needs to be done. Clarify expectations. Get complete information and directions. Get real: outline the tasks to be done and set realistic time frames. Add a bit of buffer time for unexpected delays. Negotiate for an extension if needed. Don’t accept or promise what you can’t deliver. Communicate concerns and reservations. Get organized: plan ahead. Break up the large task into smaller manageable pieces. Someone once asked, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer is: “One bite at a time”. Set priorities. Delegate and ask for additional resources when needed. Get working: procrastination just adds stress. Avoid distractions. Make a schedule and stick to it. Goals are accomplished over the long haul. So…..stop daydreaming, quit surfing the web, turn off the TV and get cracking. Get rewards: work accomplished brings internal pride and fulfillment but reward yourself externally as well in proportion to the work done. Give yourself some time off, indulge in a special treat, listen to music, go for a hike, or relax in the hot tub. When you feel yourself lagging, think about the post-project reward and how good it’s going to feel. Get in tune: reflect on what you’ve accomplished. Celebrate the positive and make recommendations for what can be made even better. Ask someone to check your progress and give you feedback.

“Promptitude is not only a duty, but is also a part of good manners; It is favorable to fortune, reputation, influence and usefulness;

A little attention and energy will form the habit, so as to make it easy and delightful!” Charles Simmons

Most Dedicated Leaders Award Nominations

The 2008-09 4-H year is slowly coming to an end and time once again to nominate leaders for the Most Dedicated Leader and Outstanding New Leader. The criteria for these awards are: ♦ Most Dedicated Leader must have been a volunteer leader for two or more years. ♦ Outstanding New Leader must have completed one year of leadership.

Please use the enclosed nomination form, or forms are available at the UCCE office. Nominations are due in the UCCE office by September 15th by 5:00p.m. Winners will be announced at Achievement Night which will be held on October 17 at the New Life Christian Fellowship.

National 4-H Week Club Window Display Contest

Clubs, start thinking about your display window for National 4-H Week slated for October 5-10, 2009. During 4-H Week there will be a contest for the best window display. The display should promote 4-H and your club. They must be set-up by October 3rd. Please let Donna know where your club’s display will be by October 1st. Judging will be based on creativity, informational/educational value, and accessibility to general public and overall look of the display. Winner will be announced at Achievement Night, October 17. Please let Donna know where your club’s display will be by October 5th with viewing hours. Judg-ing will be based on creativity, informational/educational value, and accessibility to general public and overall look of the display. Winner will be announced at Achievement Night.

PDR Corner If you have shown at other fairs, or other 4-H events, then here is where you place them on the PDR. Showmanship at fairs- 2 Committee Chairperson- 4 Committee member- 4 County Fun Days- 3 Outstanding Exhibitor 7 Record Book Workshop- 3 Project Fieldtrips– do not go on PDR, but on your project record form. Project Demonstrations- go on your project form under the required demonstration.

RECORD BOOK CLARIFICATION

Primary member record forms are for use only as a primary member and not forwarded once they turn to a regular member. These books are turned in for yearly completion. These books are not included in record books submitted for club or county judging.

4-H Public Image at Fair

While you are at the fair, you are representing 4-H to the public. Please show the community your cooperation, responsibility, and the many things you have learned in your projects. If you are asked questions about your animal or other projects, please share the information which you have been taught. Others like to learn also. Remember 4-H is not about making money at the fair, but is about learning, leadership, and citizenship. Members, remember to be careful with your appear-ance as well as your animal’s. The uniform is dark blue jeans, buttoned or snap white shirt or blouse tucked in, scarf or tie, and hat. Long hair should be pulled back so the judge can see your face. Do not chew gum in the ring, or during the auction. For your safety, please no bare feet or sandals in the barn areas.

Important Fair Dates

Still & 4-H Horse entries due- August 1 Livestock &Horse Showmanship entries due– August 15

Floriculture/Horticulture– August 26

Livestock Meetings–

August 11th– 6:00p.m. Strathern Pavilion September 4-9:00a.m. in Strathern Pavilion

Cooperation and Ethics for Fair

All members, leaders, and parents are encouraged to bring the spirit of cooperation with you each morning when you arrive at the fair. Keep it close by, even when the hour is late and the weather is hot. The fair can be a wonderful learning experience if each person is allowed to find their own success. Life has many lessons for all of us. What you bring home from the fair this year is up to each individual. A successful person is not measured by the number of trophies or awards on their pen, hat or wall, but the knowledge and skills they have learned and the attitude they display. Parents: Practice ahead of time with your chil-dren, then watch them do their best without mak-ing distracting comments from outside the ring. Allow your children to earn their awards by them-selves. If they make a mistake, do not make a fuss, for this is how they will grow. Your job is to cheer their best efforts, whatever place or rib-bon that might bring. Rules for Competition: Rules for competition are written to keep them fair. Read and under-stand the rules and ask questions if you need clarification. Thank your leader and the judge for helping you learn and keep your experience posi-tive, whatever place or ribbon you receive. Re-ceive it with a happy heart. Remember, 4-H is a program to “learn by doing”.

WASHING HANDS AT FAIR

For your safety, we are asking all livestock exhibitors to wash hands before eating or drinking to prevent E.coli or other illnesses. The wash

basins will be located near Building E, the petting zoo, and of course, in the restrooms. Please use soap and scrub through your fingers, on your palms, and wrist areas for a minimum of 20 seconds. Also no food or drink will be allowed in the livestock areas for your safety.

HAVE FUN AT THE

MARIPOSA COUNTY FAIR!!

Records! Records! Records!

The end of the 2008-09 4-H year is just around the corner. Many members may think of this as end-of-the-year party time, but it also means that your 4-H Record Books will soon be due. Record keeping is an important part of the 4-H experience— One that all members need to undertake. Completion of the 4-H Record Book signifies the completion of a year in 4-H. Members should be proud of their Record Book and enjoy the sense of accomplishment gained by finishing their projects. Remember that only one page of photos (one side only) can be included for each project. Remember that the Personal Development Form needs to be completed also and placed in your record book. Those members that do not complete a record book do not earn a year stripe and pin for their hats. All record books are due to the Community Club leader by Friday, September 18th. Then the Community Club Leaders, with their committee, will review each book. Books receiving a gold seal with member’s permission will go on to County Record book judging. Awards offered are one gold County winner, and three silver medalist in each project, as deserving. Remember that the 4-H Record Books and PDRs are designed to reflect your thoughts, experiences, and accomplishments achieved during your 4-H year. Your work can be handwritten in ink, typed, or printed from a computer. Your books will be judged on completeness, learning experiences, personal growth, and accomplishments. The 4-H member should complete their record book to the best of their ability. If someone else wrote or typed your record book, you must explain why in a cover letter. Your record book not only represents the completion of a 4-H year, but also represents a major part of your life and achievements. Your 4-H Record Book is your responsibility and will prove to be a very valuable experience that will benefit you, the member, throughout your 4-H years and your life. For those going for County Awards, there is an interview process. All members will have an interview in front of judges who will ask questions about your project and your 4-H experience. Be prepared to answer any questions pertaining to your project such as breed names, gestation period, rate of gain, type of stitching, yarns, process used for canning, etc. Achievement Award is an award for 4-H members who have shown growth in a particular project. The member fills out the application which includes an essay and more. These applications are reviewed by the record book judges, and a Junior, Intermediate, and Senior member can be selected.

MARIPOSA COUNTY 4-H NEWS 4-H State Classic Championship Horse Show

Tara Tramontin, Morgan Tramontin, Katy Casner and Joceylnn Barrington (shown in photo with Leader Carol Suggs) participated in the 2009 4-H State Horse Classic which was held June 26-28 in Watsonville. There were 63 competitors in the Horse Classic. These senior members are also Teen Lead-ers for the Mariposa County 4-H Horse and Pony Project. Resource leaders

David and Heidi Estep; Jocelynn's Grandmother, Marcia and Katy's mom, Jeannie were also in attendance. Barrington participated in English flat classes on Friday and jumping on Sunday. Casner and the Tramontin sisters participated in the Western classes on Saturday. For our local members it was an adventure and a learning experience to compete with different caliber horses and riders from all over the state. Several of our members took home ribbons or medaled in their classes.

Many thanks to our local 4-H clubs, 4-H council and to many others in the community for helping to sponsor our girls at this show!

Hi 4-H End-of-Year Trip The Hi 4-H group traveled to Vallejo on June 17-19 for their end-of-year trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and the Jelly Belly Factory. The

members also went to see the movie “Up” and enjoyed some Chinese Food and more. Thanks to Beth and Robert Broomfield for chaperoning along with Donna, co-project leader. Enjoy some photos of the trip! If you are in 7th-12th grades and would like to join Hi 4-H next year, just add this project to your en-rollment form. Some upcoming activities are serv-ing cakes at the Farm Bureau Dinner, having a booth at the Halloween Carnival, career speakers, college trips, and more.

LCORT 2010 Leadership Conference of Regional Teens (LCORT) will take place at Wonder Valley Ranch in Sanger January 29-31, 2010. Conference is for 7th-9th grade 4-Hers with 10th-12th graders providing workshops. Cost will be around $110 –includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals beginning Saturday morning, snacks and all ma-terials. After December 1, 2009 fee a late fee will apply. Registration forms will be available at the office or clubs in October. The Mariposa County due date for registration forms along with fee will be November 18, 2009. Make checks payable to “Mariposa County 4-H Council”. Mark your calendars! We will need male and female chaperones, so if you are interested, please contact Donna. Horse 4-H Classic By Katy Casner I attended the California 4-H state classic horse show. This show was a great eye opener for me, showing me what a bigger show is like. I liked the fact that even thought it was a state show it was still small and comfort-able. Being able to get there two days before my classes started really helped me and my horse settle in and really focus on showing itself and not trying to calm me or my horse down. The people were very sociable, the grounds were set up well and the show itself was well put together and run very smoothly. My only real strug-gle came from myself. I get extremely nervous before my classes thus making me a complete wreck. Normally when I get nervous it stays with me, all day long, but this time I focused on relaxing and riding as if I were at home. In my first riding class, equitation, I was tense and worked up, making Mindy do the same. In my next rail class I went in the ring with the mind set that it’s just a warm-up, no one is judging me. Even though I did-n’t place in pleasure I feel it was my best class. Mindy really listened to me and we had almost no mistakes. This really showed me that I need to relax more, at everything I do. Forgetting Mindy’s blankets, the clippers and a few other small items didn’t help me relax. The next overnight show I attend I will make a better list of things to take and try to stick to it. As for the judges clinic it was very informational and showed me what the judges were looking for in all classes. The judges were very nice and obviously knew what they were talking about. It was a little disappoint-ing not being able to be used in the clinic and to just stand there with Mindy but she didn’t mind.

4-H COUNCIL,CLUB & PROJECT NEWS

MOST DEDICATED AND OUTSTANDING NEW LEADER AWARD NOMINATIONS

At the end of each 4-H program year, two special volunteer leaders get selected for Most Dedicated Leader and Most Outstanding New Leader. These awards are given out at the annual Achievement Night. Please take a few minutes to nominate your favorite volunteer project leader. Nominations are due into the UCCE Office by September 15th. Why do you think this volunteer leader should be considered for this award: • Special things the project leader did with the project. • Helpful attitude (helped with record books, PDR, assisted you with project). • A friend that you could talk with. • Knowledge of the subject matter and willingness to train. • Enthusiasm, patience, and understanding. • A commitment to the 4-H Youth Development Program and core values. Please write in the space below why you are nominating this project leader. LEADER’S NAME _______________________________ PROJECT ___________________ YEARS IN 4-H ____________________ CLUB____________________________________ MOST DEDICATED LEADER _______(MUST HAVE BEEN A VOLUNTEER LEADER FOR TW0 OR MORE YEARS) OUTSTANDING NEW LEADER _______( MUST HAVE COMPLETED ONE YEAR OF LEADERSHIP) Use other side if needed.

Give A Presentation At The Ironstone Concours! The Ironstone Concours Foundation has requested 4-H members come to the 4-H Concours d’Elegance to perform presentations and show their displays between 11 am – 2 pm. This is an excellent opportunity for 4-H members to talk about their projects, show off their animals and receive credit in their record books! The event will be held on September 26th at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, and will include over 300 classic automobiles, vintage motorcycles and classic trailers. Admission and lunch is free for 4-H members giving presentations. Each participating 4-H member will receive a free lunch ticket at the 4-H check-in tent. Siblings, parents, and other volunteers will be able to purchase lunch at three different areas. No coolers, please (this is an Ironstone request). If you are bringing a display, large items for your demonstration, or large animal, please be set up & in place by 9:30 am. Presentations will be held between 11 am – 2 pm. One parent or adult escort driver from each family will receive a free entry wristband at the 4-H check-in tent. All other adults can purchase a wristband at the main gate for $20. Children 19 and under are free. If your child is bringing a display, please bring a card table or appropriate set up as table space is not guaranteed and may be limited! You may also bring a chair. If you would like to give a presentation at the Concours, please fill out the form below and either drop by, fax or mail to the 4-H office by September 7th.

Our address is: 4-H Office

5009 Fairgrounds Rd. Mariposa, CA 95338

Fax: 966-5321 4-H Member Name: ____________________________________________________________ Name of Parent or Guardian Attending: ____________________________________________ Mailing Address:____________________________________________________________ County: ___________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________________________ TYPE OF PRESENTATION ( ) Demonstration ( ) Display ( ) Illustrated Talk ( ) Other _____________________ Give approximate length of non-display presentation: ____________________ minutes Are you bringing a live animal? If so, what? _________________________________________ Preferred time of presentation (must be between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm): ___________ (please note that schedule may change or you may be asked to give your presentation more than once). We cannot guarantee the exact starting time of your presentation, but will do our best to schedule you at your preferred time. The Ironstone Foundation is requesting 4-H members to be in their county 4-H uniform. No shorts! Please wear your 4-H cap, white shirt, scarf or tie, and dark blue jeans.

Due into the office by September 7th!

University of California Cooperative Extension

August Dates

11 Livestock Meeting– 6:00p Strathern Pavilion 12 Club Officer training– BOS room 25 4-H Council meeting-6p

September

September 4-7 Mariposa Fair

Record Books due to CCLs by

September 18 Gold Seal books and club scrapbooks due

into office by September 28

Club Meetings in September

8 Evergreen 4-H Club– 7p 9 Catheys Valley 4-H Club– 7p 10 Bootjack 49ers 4-H Club– 6:30p Triangle 4-H Club– 7p 14 Don Pedro Rattlers 4-H Club-6:30p NOTE:

4-H Re-enrollments due by October 1

New member enrollments due by November 1

The 4-H Spirit is published monthly for the Mariposa County 4-H Youth Development Program. University of California Cooperative Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Mariposa County cooperating. Articles or photographs for the 4-H Spirit are due into the UCCE Office by the 15th of each month. OFFICE LOCATION PHONE NUMBERS 5009 Fairgrounds Rd. 4-H- (209) 966-4829 Mariposa, CA 95338 UCCE office - (209) 966-2417 (209) 966-5321 FAX

Office Hours

Monday– Friday 8-1p & 2-5p

Web site:

http://cemariposa.ucdavis.edu

State Website:

http://ca4h.org

E-mail- dswice@ucdavis.edu

Donna Wice 4-H Coordinator

The University of California prohibits discrimination or harassment of any person in any of its programs or activities. (Complete nondiscrimination policy statement can be found at http://danr.ucop.edu/aadanr_nondiscrimination_and_affir.htm )Direct inquiries regarding the University=s nondiscrimination policies to the Affirmative Action Director, University of California, ANR, 1111 Franklin St., 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607, (510) 987-0096.