The 4-H Forum - Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension of Mercer

M ERC ER CO UNT Y 4 - H
The 4-H Forum
VOLUM E
5 ,
ISSU E
2014
1
Just a note….
This year is an important one for 4-H. It is the 100th Anniversary of the SmithLever Act. This is the congressional act that created the Cooperative Extension
System. The system connecting land-grant universities (in NJ, Rutgers is the landgrant university) to communities for the purpose of sharing new developments in
agriculture, home economics (which is now called Family and Community Health
Sciences), 4-H, and many other related subjects.
In honor of this anniversary, our fair theme will be:
In this issue:
“100th Anniversary of Rutgers Cooperative
Extension – Extending Knowledge, Changing Lives”
Achievement
Night
2
Just For Fun &
Service Event
3
Club Updates
4&5
Code of Conduct
& Events List
6&7
4-H Events
& News
8-11
Chad Ripberger
County 4-H Agent
Altaira Bejgrowicz
4-H Program Assistant
Summer will be here before we know it. Make your plans to learn
something new, make a new friend and have some fun!
The Mercer County 4-H Summer Day Camp
brochure is located on our website:
http://mercer.njaes.rutgers.edu
If you are looking for a sleep away adventure, check
out the Lindley G. Cook website for the schedule of
available camp weeks:
www.nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu/
Mercer County Achievement Night 2013
It happens to us all, time passes. As it does and
members leave our 4-H program, it is
bittersweet. However, when those members
later share with us the impact that their 4-H
leaders made in their lives, it is a reminder that
although it is inevitable that time will pass, it is
what we do with our time that matters!
Leaders, we are so glad you spend some of your
time with the youth of the Mercer County 4-H
program. It is an honor supporting you as you
challenge and encourage the 4-H
youth in your clubs.
Thank you all!
Leaders of the Mercer County
4-H Club Program received
certificates for the dedication
they show in growing and
sustaining their individual clubs
and its membership.
This year, we were short staffed for the set-up of Achievement
Night. So, in true 4-H fashion, Adeline stepped up to help!
She helped organize some final paperwork, transported
supplies to the Community Center, moved tables, spread table
cloths, and put out utensils and programs! A BIG thank you to
Adeline for jumping in and helping to make the night a
success!
4-H: Learn by Doing
Mercer County 4-H “Just for Fun” and Service Event
4-Hers enjoying pizza with
friends between frames!
Thirty 4-Hers came out to this year’s event,
each bringing a toy to donate to the Toys for
Tots Program. Mercer County 4-Hers filled
three large plastic bags full of donations for
children within our communities and beyond.
4-H members enjoyed an evening of
bowling, arcade games, friends and pizza
at the second annual “Just for Fun
and Service Night.”
Mercer County Club Updates
Teen Council members, along with
their club leader, wrapped 200
utensil packets for the Trenton
Area Soup Kitchen (TASK.)
The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
feeds those who are hungry in the
Trenton area and offers programs to
encourage self-sufficiency and
improve the quality of life of its
patrons.
Take some time to learn something new from fellow 4-Hers! Check out the website of the
Science 4-Communities Club at:
http://www.science4communities.org/
Follow us on Twitter @science4c
Science4-Communities will be sharing the top health messages for the day
This winter, the Diversity Club used some of their fundraising proceeds to try a new experience. Members
gathered at the Arirang Hibachi Restaurant for a special culinary treat!!
Mercer County Club Updates
Faith Berenato of the 4-Leaf Clover 4-H Club works on sock ornaments during a club meeting. The club
donated these and the shamrock favors to the Meals on Wheels organization.
Meals on Wheels of Trenton/Ewing is
committed to providing nutritious meals
and related services which are designed
to promote the independence, dignity,
health and well being of our homebound
customers.
The Clever Clovers and the Boltin’ Colts 4-H Clubs participated in a
fundraiser for the Salvation Army this past December. Club members
took one hour shifts starting at 10 am and ending at 8 pm. They stood in
front of ACME on Route 33 in Hamilton, ringing bells and trying to encourage customers to contribute. This is the fourth year the clubs have
helped with the fundraiser.
by: Keanu Ortiz, Clever Clovers Club
This year’s Red Kettle Campaign collected almost $136 million thanks to the support of donors and
corporate partners across the country. The money, raised between November 28 and December 24, will help
The Salvation Army provide food, shelter and social services to those in need throughout the year, not just
during Christmas.
Please be sure to read and follow the revised Code of Conduct printed below. This revision
is part of the new Member Registrations forms. As you will see, there is a place for new
members as well as parents or guardians to sign that they have read it, and will adhere to it.
If you are not familiar with the revised code, please take a moment to read
through it.
Another way 4-H is Making the Best Better!
New Jersey 4-H Code of Conduct
The primary purpose of the New Jersey 4-H Code of Conduct is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants at 4-H sponsored events and activities. It applies to all participants,
with participants defined as 4-H members, their parents/guardians, and volunteers.
As a participant in the 4-H program, I will:
Conduct myself in a courteous manner and treat members, parents, 4-H volunteers, Extension staff, judges and others with respect. Appropriate language and behavior are
expected at all times.
Respect and adhere to the rules and guidelines of the 4-H program including all those
specific to a 4-H event or activity.
Uphold an individual’s right to dignity by supporting an environment of inclusion which
welcomes involvement of participants from all backgrounds.
Accept supervision and support from county and state 4-H staff while participating in the
4-H program. This includes acceptance of supervision and support from appointed 4-H
volunteers coordinating 4-H events and activities.
Obey local, state and federal laws.
Participants who fail to adhere to the New Jersey 4-H Code of Conduct are subject to a range
of disciplinary actions. Such actions will be taken in compliance with the New Jersey 4-H Discipline Policy and Procedure. When appropriate, immediate corrective action will be taken at
the 4-H event to ensure the safety and welfare of all participants.
I understand if I fail to adhere to the above Code of Conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary
action and potentially prohibited from attending and participating in the New Jersey 4-H Youth
Development program.
Policy Adopted: January 2013
2014 Mercer County 4-H Upcoming Events List
*All Clubs & Club Members are EXPECTED to attend!
NJ JUNIOR BREEDER SYMPOSIUM ------ SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Take a trip to Rutgers University Cook Campus to explore the campus farm!
Participate in equine, dairy cattle, goat, sheep, poultry, and rabbit workshops!
DAIRY & LIVESTOCK JUDING ---------- SATURDAY, APRIL (TBA)
Held annually at Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, PA, this event allows youth to socialize with their peers and
hone their judging and public speaking skills. Placing well at this event can earn youth a seat on national judging teams!
RUTGERS DAY (AG FIELD DAY AND THE STATE 4-H DOG SHOW) -----APRIL 26
Attend this event with your club or family! Explore the University that keeps NJ 4-H running! This very large university
-wide event in New Brunswick includes Ag Field Day (visit the campus farm and animals along with exhibits from all
departments) and the State 4-H Dog Show –
come join the fun! Visit http://rutgersday.rutgers.edu/.
STATE 4-H DOG SHOW ---------------------- SATURDAY, APRIL 26
At this annual event 4-H Dog Care & Training and Seeing Eye Puppy project members demonstrate their accomplishments in a competitive format. It is held in conjunction with Ag Field Day, Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Science's annual spring festival.
4-H'ers and their dogs compete in several divisions: Obedience, Seeing
Eye, Junior Showmanship, Agility, and Grooming.
*COUNTY PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS -------------- FRIDAY, MAY 9
All 4-H members are expected to give public presentations. All standard members (4th grade or above) are encouraged to
give presentations at the county level in order to participate in other county and state 4-H events. Any 1st year 4-H members and Cloverbud (K-3rd grade) youth who wish to participate in County Public Presentation may present noncompetitively and receive a participation ribbon. Types of presentations include: illustrated talks, demonstrations, performing arts, and formal speeches. 4-H’ers may present on any appropriate topic of their choice.
BECOMING AN OUTDOOR FAMILY CAMP-- FRI-SUN, MAY 16-18
Bring your entire family out to join members of the 4-H Camp staff, as well as other 4-H families from around the state,
to take part in a relaxing camp weekend. You have the option of participating in whatever workshops you wish.
(transportation provided through Mercer 4-H if enough local 4-H families sign-up – register with camp, but also
let us know)
STATE 4-H PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS ------- SATURDAY, JUNE 14
If you do well at County Presentation Night (a score of excellent), you will be invited to participate at states! During the
NJ State 4-H Public Presentations you will present your speech at Rutgers University Cook Campus for your peers, the
public, and the judges!
This is a great opportunity to hone your presentation skills!
SUMMER 4-H CAMP (6 sessions + science camp)---JUNE 30-AUGUST 16
Spend a week of 4-H camp at the beautiful Lindley G. Cook 4-H Youth Center for Outdoor Education. Six weeklong
sessions are offered from July 7 through August 16.
There is also a week focused on science, engineering and technology, June 30 – July 3.
See www.nj4hcamp.rutgers.edu for details and registration
STATE 4-H GOAT SHOW ---------------- THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
The NJ State 4-H Goat Show is an exciting event held at the Hunterdon County 4-H Fairgrounds during the County 4-H
Fair that promotes the 4-H goat project and sportsmanship among the participants. Both dairy and meat goat divisions
are included.
National Youth
Summit on
Agri-Science
Sponsored by:
Today, many young people are generationally and geographically removed from farming and
agriculture. Yet, it is vital that these young leaders and future decision makers understand the
critical role of agricultural science innovation in addressing the world’s most pressing problems.
Through 2015, it is estimated that there will be 54,400 annual job openings for those with agricultural
college degrees. While the percentage of these opportunities in production agriculture (farming) has
declined, 27% of these jobs will be in science and engineering and 47% will be in management and
business. A shortfall of graduates for these science and business positions is projected, especially
for the anticipated demand in animal and plant biotechnology. These emerging areas of agriculture
are addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues related to food security, nutrition, energy,
and sustainability.
Mercer County had seven members in attendance and whether they were researching an
Agriculture related topic or attending a meaningful lecture, the participants at the National Youth
Summit on Agri-Science made history by being the first to experience 5 days of inspiring
lectures and learning.
Congratulations 4-Hers for
Making the Best Better!
Teen Winter Camp 2014
4-Hers construct sock puppets and polymer clay pins.
WINTER CAMP 2014 was a cold and snowy event but members didn’t let that stop them from having fun! Five members
attended from Mercer County. The teens took turns preparing
meals, pushing sleds down the hill, singing Karaoke and just
having good old fashioned 4-H Fun!
Recipient of the
Princeton Agricultural Award:
George Stillwell
George was honored with a leadership certificate
and a cash award at an association dinner meeting
in December.
George’s many overall accomplishments and
contribution to the 4-H program earned him this
special recognition.
Congratulations George!
4-H Events and News
Mercer County had 6 participants for the 2014
South Jersey Teen Conference held this year
at Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch,
New Jersey.
Mercer County’s responsibility at
the conference was for the Saturday
afternoon community service activities. At BJB Soul Kitchen, teens
helped to organize for the evening
dinner service. The Polar Bear
Plunge event collected $714.00 that
was donated to the Soul Kitchen!
The Lutheran Church Food Pantry
participants donated food and organized the food and clothing pantries.
At the Ronald McDonald house participants baked cookies and donated items to the residents and children. Visitors to the Long Branch
Public Library read to the children
and led arts and crafts activities.
They also donated books to the library. At the Highlands, the teens
created artwork to be displayed in
the towns effected by Hurricane
Sandy. Those donating to ConKerr
Cancer, A Case for Smiles, created
35 pillow cases for children with
cancer.
Please follow the link below to read an article in the Green Knight Newsletter,
a publication put together by Pat Rector and Sal Mangiafico who are both
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Environmental Resource Management
Agents. Dhara, from our Treasuring the Trash 4-H Club was given an
opportunity to write an article for their newsletter about her 4-H experience.
Dhara's article is on pp. 9-12.
http://salem.njaes.rutgers.edu/greenknight/documents/green_knight_2013_11.pdf
Rutgers Cooperative
Extension
Environmental
and Resource
Management Agents
OOOPS ! The following 2013 Fair results were not included in the Fall/Fair Newsletter:
Rabbit Show
Best In Show- Becky Fine (Ocean County Club)
Reserve in Show- Maggie Emley (Backyard Farmer 4H Club)
Best Horticulture Project- Martha and Ivy Leach (Backyard Farmer 4H Club)
Poultry Show
Best In Show- Michael Ardise
Reserve in Show- Maggie Emley (Backyard Farmer 4H Club)
Poultry Showmanship- SR- 1st - Maggie Emley (Backyard Farmer 4H Club)
2nd- CJ Mozeika (Clever Clovers Club)
JR- 2nd- Jennifer Booth (Clever Clovers Club)
Backyard Farmer Club Ambassador Award- Maggie Emley/ Samantha Smith
Backyard Farmer Club Caretaker Award- Jordyn Smith
The 2014 New Jersey State Agricultural Convention was held February 5 and
6 at Trump Taj Mahal Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. The Mercer County 4-H
representative was Alex Byrnes of the Clever Clovers Club. Alex is the
Mercer County 4-H Ambassador for 2014. He and Burlington County 4-Her
and County Ambassador, Meredith McBride, each gave exciting accounts of
their 4-H experiences and how it will impact their future relationships with
Agriculture.
Alex shared New Jersey honey and information
about our county 4-H Program with visitors to his
Mercer County 4-H booth.
New Jersey 4-H Department
Chair, Rachel Lyons, enjoys a
light moment with Alex and
Meredith.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County
930 Spruce Street
Trenton, NJ 08648
Chad Ripberger, County 4-H Agent
Sharon Gore, Program Associate
Miss Harmon, Program Associate
Altaira Bejgrowicz, Program Assistant
LouAnn Mastromarino, Program Assistant
Trish Verbeyst, Program Assistant
Dana Thompson, Secretary
Marianne King, Secretary
Mercer County 4-H
930 Spruce St.
Trenton, NJ 08648
Phone: 609-989-6833
Fax: 609-396-9573
Brian M. Hughes,
County Executive