December 2008

Newsletter Editor:

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Associate Editor: Anna Potts

Contents:

HELP WANTED

Broadcasting Project - Our Broadcasting Project is growing exceptionally well. We have an energetic team of youth working on it and they are beginning to develop a nice variety of programming options. In order for this exciting project to continue, we need someone to step forward to begin working with us NOW.

As an adult Broadcasting Project volunteer, you'll work with youth as they learn how to use available technology to develop music programs, Public Service Announcements, spoken word programs, and more. Your interest and energy levels are much more important than your experience levels, as the 4-H motto is "learn by doing!"

Our long term goals for this project include creating a dynamic partnership with the up and coming KWPA radio station, establishing an archive of local interest interviews, providing audio files of educational info addressing local issues, offering a format to highlight our 4-H performing art members, and so many other applications. But we can't do any of them without you.

There will be meeting for all who are interested in developing radio content on the afternoon of 7th December. For details click here.

Check out the Broadcast page. If you like what you see and want to help us make sure it continues, please contact

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Jackie Vannice
WSU/Island County 4-H
Program Coordinator
360-679-7328

Meet the Staff

Each month we will highlight one of our WSU Extension staff to give you a better insight as to who we all are and what we do. With this information, we hope that you will be more familiar with Extension and what goes on behind the scenes to keep it all working smoothly.

Anna Potts
Associate Editor

Hi!

Working on the website has given me the opportunity to expand my horizons in regards to attending Cedar home school which is headquartered at Camp Casey. Cedar partners with families to provide experiential learning opportunities that integrate the arts and academics in a learning environment that fosters respect for people and nature.

I first heard about the internship with regards to 4-H through the Cedar program and have been working with HTML (HyperTextMarkupLanguage) to update the 4-H website for the past couple of months. In the process I am learning a great deal about web design and programming.

Plans for the future include cosmetology, culinary school, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Merchandising. Presently, I am a senior and hope to attend college next year with hopes of including travel outside the U.S. with visits to Europe and the Far East.

Gleaning Project

Good Cheer Food Bank has announced the 2009 Adopt-a-Farm and Adopt-a-Garden Projects. These projects will will set up volunteer gleaners who will, at your direction, pick up leftover produce that would otherwise be lost to market to benefit in need. For more information click on the following documents:

Healthy Youth Fair

The Oak Harbor Library was host to the second annual Healthy Youth and Community Fair which took place on Saturday, November 15th, funded by Island Community Children’s Commission, Sno-Isle Libraries and the Underage Drinking Action Committee, Island County Human Services.

Representing the Island County 4-H Program were Annie & Susan Frosolone from Inca Pride Alpacas and Jayme and Sandy Hunt who are with Whidbey Whiskers. These ladies were on hand to answer a variety of questions from the public relating to 4-H and we thank them for assisting in this fun-filled day of workshops and educational opportunities. Thank you for doing a wonderful job!


Jayme and Sandy


Susan and Annie

State Fair results
2008

Here are some results of local heros winning state titles:

Equine
Champion Sr. Western Games Showmanship Chelsea McHugh
3rd Place Sr. Figure 8 Melissa Coble
Champion Int. Figure 8 McKenzie Peterson
Reserve Champion Int. Western Games Showmanship McKenzie Peterson
5th Place Int. Texas Barrels McKenzie Peterson
8th Place Int. International Flags McKenzie Peterson
Livestock Judging
8th Place Island County Team- Int.
Red - Int. Caterina Amsler
Grace LaPointe
White - Int. Curtis Amsler
Red - Snr. Katie Leese
White - Snr. Nathan LaPoint
Cavy
Judging Ind. Sr. 1st Jayme Hunt
Judging Top Orals Sr. Jayme Hunt
Judging Ind. Sr Blue Lindsey Johnson
Fit & Show Hon. Mention Jr. Mallory Hunt
Poultry
4th Place Showmanship Int.
Best of Breed (3 awards)
Best Variety (3 awards)		 Brendan Ameluxen-Coleman
Dog
Champion Jumpers Pre-Novice Agility Sr. Kendra O’Keefe
Champion Standard Pre-Novice Agility Int. Annie Mutschler
Champion Jumpers Pre-Novice Agility Int. Annie Mutschler
Reserve Champion Standard Pre-Novice Agility Jr. Katrina Layton

Congratulations one and all!

Island County Fair comments

While we’re on the subject of Fairs, here are some noteworthy quotes compiled from comment cards at Island County Fair.

Nicholas Johnson
For helping Carrie McLachlan set up her animals on Tuesday night!
Holly Johnson
Offering moral support to Amara during her public presentation!
Amara Garibyan
For being brave and putting on her first public presentation on a big stage – great job!!
Katherine Jacobson-Ross
For being such a trooper on Four Seasons Farm barn duty – teaching a primary the ropes!
Lisa
Lisa, a first year 4-H’er, worked very hard this year and won Grand Champion Intermediate Cat Showmanship with a score of 99 out of 100! Way to go, Lisa!!
Emma
For making our ducks and geese so much more comfortable with straw beds!!
Charlie Cook (Cattlemen)
Great big thanks to Charlie Cook for running the tractor, cleaning up the bins and getting the shavings when they were needed! Good job!
Shane Squire
For being the first to volunteer for the 4-H building demo duty and staying above & beyond when the State Fair judge was here.
Adrianna Royal & Allison Divenez
For helping for the past 2 weeks in setting up the 4-H building & helping me at the drop of a hat with whatever/whenever. You
are both awesome!
Kelly Uhlig
At a moment’s notice, she helped find berries for a missing pie ingredient even though she was helping out the competition. GOOD LUCK IN PIE BAKING, KELLY!!
Katrina Layton
Taking lots of time, thought & consideration in her Environmental Stewardship project and for her bright smile, cheerful attitude and willingness to help out repeatedly in the 4-H building!
Maria
Excellent job with food selection, preparation and service! Did everything right - by the book.
Matt (Whidbey Shepherds)
Matt is always willing to help with barn duty and fills in or stays longer when needed.
Sheep Barn
They were awesome yesterday helping show open class sheep. Their 4-H skills were wonderful!
Christina Fry
For persevering and completing her wooden pause table project
beautifully and responsibly!
Julia
One of the Primaries from the cat barn, Julia, has had a big smile and a lot of energy. Julia is the energy of the cat barn!
Katie Leese
When our sheep show ended earlier than expected and there wasn’t a barn duty person scheduled, she immediately saw the need and worked an extra shift to cover it.
Maria Leese
She willingly filled in on barn duty when another 4-H member was delayed in starting their barn duty on time.
Aryan (K-9 Korps)
Was very positive towards another dog member in another club. Congratulated her on what a great job she has done. Very positive.
Emma
Emma is a primary in the cat barn and has done a great job on herdsmanship.
Katie (Whidbey Shepherds)
Katie helped open class fleece – making four trips to the copy machine for judging sheets.
Adi
Adi, a 4-H’er from another barn, has volunteered to help in the cat barn! Thank you!!!
Holly (cat barn)
Holly has done a lot of extra work both before the fair and during the fair, all without complaining. Thank you, Holly.
Cara
(Intermediate in both cat and horse projects) Cara has been working extremely hard this fair in both barns. The whole time Cara has had a beautiful smile on her face.
Irene
The Grand Champion Junior Showmanship – Irene – earned a purr-fect score of 100 pts. Great job, Irene!
Maria Kidder
Even though she always has a full plate, she will find time to help others. She teaches the younger members as she helps. She is a great role model.
Katie
Thank you to Katie who helped all day at open class fleece judging and was still cheerful after being sent 5 times to the 4-H office to make copies.
Alex (cat barn)
Alex did a wonderful job showing us around. Thanks!
Alex
Alex’s cat Frank the Escape Artist escaped from the barn. Even with his heart breaking, Alex did his Showmanship with a borrowed cat and earned a Reserve Champion in Junior Showmanship (in cats) with a score of 95.
Escape Artist Frank
We found Frank the Cat. He decided that he didn’t like being here at the fair so he escaped and walked home. Home was 2 miles away. Later, Frank’s family found him at home. Frank is back at the cat barn so come down to the cat barn and see Frank the Escape Artist.

Coming Events

  • Achievement/Rally Night, January 17, Saturday, time 6:30 pm, Coupeville High School Commons - Click here for details
  • Super Saturday, February 14, (Note date change) Coupeville Middle School PAC

WSU Scholarship Information

Each year Washington State 4-H members, who are seniors in high school or completing their GED, are eligible for many scholarships.

Note: there are two different sets of criteria for the scholarships.

Washington State 4-H is pleased to offer 15 different scholarships Current and former Washington State 4-H members are eligible to apply. Applicants must have accumulated at least 2 years of 4-H affiliation. Previous Washington State 4-H scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply.

CAHNRS 4-H Scholarships:

In conjunction with the WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences, we are excited to offer four Washington State University 4-H $1500.00 scholarships: two for achievement in Leadership and two for achievement in Citizenship/Community Service. Each of these scholarships is worth $1500.00 toward tuition in a student's freshman year at Washington State University, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.

Applicants being considered for the Leadership and Citizenship/Community Service Scholarships will first be reviewed for the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Dean's Merit Award worth $3000.00. To be eligible for these scholarships a youth must complete both the Washington State University Scholarship Application (online only) and the WSU/CAHNRS 4-H State Scholarship Supplemental Information (send to Britta Nitcy). Applications must arrive at WSU by January 31, 2009.

Please note:

  • Washington State University Scholarship Application is ON-LINE ONLY
  • Applicant must complete a WSU application and receive a student ID PRIOR to applying for the Scholarship

Washington State 4-H Scholarships:

Washington 4-H Scholarships require a completed 4-H Scholarship Application and Washington State 4-H Scholarship Supplemental Application Information. Each applicant will be considered for all Washington State 4-H Scholarships. These applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2009. These scholarships may be used at any institution offering post-secondary education (i.e. Seattle University, The Ohio State University, Technical and Community Colleges, Cosmetology school, etc.).

A 4-Her may be awarded only one of the Washington scholarships mentioned above.

There are two different sets of requirements for the scholarships; one for the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences and the other for general 4-H Scholarships. Each has a checklist to make sure you don’t forget any part. Much of the information is repeated in different ways on each (unfortunately, this is necessary because we are working with different systems). Once you have completed the first form the others should be much easier!

In summary, the scholarships available are:

  1. Washington State University, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences State 4-H Scholarship: (Received by January 31, 2009 at WSU)
    • Dean’s Merit Scholarship $3,000
    • Two @ $1,500.00 for Leadership
    • Two @ $1,500.00 for Citizenship/Community Service
  2. Washington State 4-H Scholarships: (Postmarked by March 1, 2009 to State 4-H Scholarship Committee)
    • J. Orville Young Memorial Scholarship - One @ $500.00
    • Lewis County 4-H Leaders Scholarships - Six @ $500.00
    • O.M. Plummer Memorial Scholarship - One @ approximately $575.00
    • Washington State 4-H Foundation Scholarship - One @ $500.00
    • Washington State 4-H Foundation Dairy Endowment Scholarship is a separate application from those above. For information and application go to here.
      Two @ $500.00 (must be/have been a 4-H Dairy Member. One for a senior in high school and one for a current college student).

More information about WSU College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences scholarships can be found here.

General information about financial aid and WSU scholarships can be found here.

The 4-H Scholarship Application form may be obtained from your local County Extension office or downloaded from the Washington State 4-H Website.

If you have any questions about the scholarships please contact me at (509) 358-7937 or

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Jan Klein
WSU

Island County Fair Association Scholarship

Each year the Island County Fair Association awards a $500 scholarship to a graduating student which can be applied towards tuition costs to attend a community college, technical school, or 4 year university. The criteria in considering applications include completeness and neatness of application packet, and community service/involvement (especially Island County Fair involvement).

For additional information, please contact the Island County Fair Office at (360) 221-4677 or email at 19icfa12@whidbey.com.

Club Reports

All American Puppy Paws

WAIF FOOD DRIVE

Hot off the press! We did our annual dog/cat food drive for WAIF in front of Safeway and Albertson's Dec 2nd. In front of Albertson's were (see picture from left to right) Delaney Armstrong, Carly Hall, Renee Ross, Adrianna Royal and Ben Germano. Dogs are Rex and Hans.

In front of Safeway (no picture available) we had Mallory Hunt, Zane Bundy,Kelsey Miranda and Anna Bailey.

Coupeville Cossacks

New officers for the Coupeville Cossacks are:
Lexi Blanchette - President
Jessica Ledgerwood - Vice President
Emma Blanchette - Secretary
Soureya Hetzel - Treasurer
Amanda Montana - Reporter

The Coupeville Cossacks are getting in the Christmas spirit by picking a child's name from the "Tree of Hope" and donating canned goods to the Help House. Happy Holidays!

Inca Pride Alpacas

Our Club Field Trip - November 11, 2008

This last month our 4-H club went on a field trip to Quiet Waters Farm in Monroe. Gretchen and Rob Wilson own this farm, and also have a mill called Gretchen’s Wool Mill.

They have a small flock of rare Cotswold and Friesian sheep. After they shear their sheep they use the wool for lots of projects including homespun yarn and wool rugs. Also, Friesian sheep are known worldwide for their milk, which helps provide the Wilson family with great milk, cheese, nice soap, and meat for the freezer! They also have several varieties of chickens, a few ducks, (to manage slug control) and a horse. We were greeted at the front gate by the quackers and the Egg Mailbox, which is where they put their eggs that are for sale. When the Box has eggs in it the Golden Egg flag is put upright.

Now I’m going to tell you what kind of equipment and tools that Gretchen had in her wool mill. First, after the sheep have been shorn, they scour the wool. The reason that sheep wool needs to be scoured is that sheep wool is full of lanolin. Lanolin is like Crisco or grease, not a very nice thought to have that made into yarn! Yuk! She scours her wool by using laundry soup and very hot water.

Next, she puts the wool into a very loud noisy machine called an extractor that sounds like a jet plane taking off! This machine is similar to the spin cycle in a washing machine, but much faster and louder. By the time the wool comes out, it is almost dry, but still a little damp. So then she puts it on mesh racks to dry completely.

After it is dry, the wool then needs to be picked apart. She has a very special tool called a picker just for that purpose. It has long spikes and a pendulum-like top piece. When she puts fleece in it, the bundles of fleece are separated so that all the locks of wool are open and untangled. When it is done it looks like a cloud of fluff.

Next, she feeds it into her drum carder as big as a cow! A drum carder combs out the wool so that it is ready for spinning into yarn. She also has her own spinning wheel and loom.

She also sold some of her yarn and fiber in a small store, where my mom bought me a batt (fiber that has been carded,) from one of her white sheep.

We had a great time at the farm and mill even though it was raining. If you want to learn about fiber and sheep, you should visit their farm. You will have a great time! Visit their website at www.gretchenswoolmill.com call them at (360)-793-0962 or e-mail them at

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Island Coffeehouse and Books

Come brew with us for the holidays!
Island Coffeehouse and Book is always in need of volunteer baristas! Swing by during the holiday season to pick up an application. Also, check out our Friday Night Live concert series - every week from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - free of charge. Looking for a unique gift for the holidays? Come to our alternative gift market on Saturday, December 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Featuring gifts from non-profits and our barisas. Come visit us in Langley! For more info click here.

Knight Riders Cook up Some Country Christmas
By Cara Mathews

On Wednesday, November 26th, The Knight Riders horse 4-H club baked up some delicious pumpkin pies for the Mobil Turkey Unit. Some club members stirred, beat, and poured the pumpkin mix into the pie crusts while the rest of the club finished putting up the outdoor Country Christmas decorations at the 4-H Building. The club had previously decorated for Country Christmas on Monday, November 24th. They strung lights, put up trees, added fencing, and put snowflakes on the tree along with a few dancing snowmen and a Santa indoors. The Knight Riders baked up twelve pies for the Mobil Turkey Unit and got the decorations finished for the Country Christmas held at the Fairgrounds that weekend.

If you would like to find out more about our club, please call Marilyn at 321-4057,

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or Denise at 221-5827, .


The Knight Riders 2008-2009: Back row left to right: Leader Denise Boyett, Gabriell Fraser, Stephanie Raymond, Leader Marilyn Gabelein, Kelsie Fitzpatrick, Front row left to right: Shelby Sterbenz, Mary Petosa, Cara Mathews, Annika Miller.

Kool Kats

The Kool Kats 4-H Club held its yearly elections on Thursday November 6th. The new officers for the Kool Kats for the 4-H year 2008-2009 are as follows:
Cara Matthews of Clinton, Club President
Irene Gribble of Coupeville, Vice President
Lisa Walker of Clinton, Treasurer
Emma Blanchette of Coupeville, Secretary
Christian Neely-Jones of Freeland, Historian
Holly Fisher of Oak Harbor, Reporter

The Kool Kats are an all island cat club who meet on the first Thursday of every month. Any one interested in joining can contact Cathi Mann-Fisher @ 360.720.1331 or island_kitten2000@yahoo.com

If anyone is interested in joining cat 4-H, please give Cathi a call for more information at (360) 679-3674.

Rock'n Doodle Poultry

One of Island County's newest clubs is the Rock'n Doodle Poultry Club. With 10 members (including 3 brand new 4-H members) the club has already had a project day where they learned about care and handling of poultry and showmanship techniques. Current members come from south, central and north Whidbey. In December the club elected its first officers:
Lance Kidder, President
Brendan Ameluxen-Coleman, Vice-President
Jake McCormick, Secretary
Emily Bain, Treasurer
Jack Romero, Reporter.

Future activities include a January field trip to a Lake Stevens breeder, and participation in the Cascade Poultry Show in Monroe in March. Many members are researching breeds of chickens and waterfowl for spring orders. Club leaders are Stinger Anderson and Marci Ameluxen. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month, 6:30, at the Race Road Firehouse. New members welcome! Call 221-2191 or 678-7414.


Brendan Ameluxen-Coleman and his cockerel "Squeaky", a Belgian D'Anvers, were awarded 4th place Intermediate Showmanship at the Puyallup State Fair in September.

Bendan was a member of Whidbey Whiskers and is currently with rock ‘n Doodle Poultry. As a member of Whidbey Whiskers club he won forth place in Poultry Showmanship, Intermediates, at the Puyallup State Fair in September. He brought 17 chickens to state which recived 5 blue ribbons for indeviduals and blues for 4 trios. In addition he won three Best of Breeds and three Best Variety.

South Whidbey Sat-N-Saddles

Our club meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm either at my house or Marta Berry's. The club officers are:
Amber Gilkerson, President
Amanda Mosler, Vice President
Morgan Tuttle, Treasurer
Shayna Grant, Secretary
Missy Coble and Kelsey Taylor, Reporters

Whidbey Lone Stars

The Whidbey Lone Stars 4-H club had a bake sale on November 15 in front of the Oak Harbor Walmart. They had a Thanksgiving basket they raffled off and many homemade baked goods. The Thanksgiving basket had a hat, a table decorating book, a coffee mug, and other various thanksgiving-related items. The lucky winner of our raffle was Jennifer Roberts, the leader of the Whidbey Lone Stars club! The club did very well, making over $200. The club would like to thank everyone who bought raffle tickets or supported the bake sale.

Whidbey Whiskers

Brendan Ameluxen-Coleman of the Whidbey Whiskers club won forth place in Poultry Showmanship, Intermediates, at the Puyallup State Fair in September. He brought 17 chickens to state which recived 5 blue ribbons for indeviduals and blues for 4 trios. In addition he won three Best of Breeds and three Best Variety.

Committee Reports

None this month

Looking Back

Looking back at November

Congratulations to those who recently completed volunteer leaders' training this past month! We had two great days of training in the early part of the month with a total of 19 clubs/divisions represented. Thank you all so much for your participation and for bringing wonderful questions and new exciting ideas to our program!

Sue Williams - S.W. Centaurs
Chrissy O’Keefe - Dog Superintendent
Pam Uhlig - Inca Pride Alpacas
Beth Nehring - Inca Pride Alpacas
Sarah Cassatt - Whidbey Wind Riders
Edna Van Noort - Whidbey Wind Riders
Marci Ameluxen - Rock ‘n Doodle Poultry
Stinger Anderson - Rock ‘n Doodle Poultry
Ann Tuttle - Sat N Saddles
Connie Mutschler - Happy Hounds
Marilyn Gabelein - Knight Riders
Molly Jacobson - Whidbey Island Homesteaders
Nancy Thelen - Whidbey Wranglers
Monica Kidder -Central Whidbey Cattlemen
Lanette Hayworth - Kidding Around
Cathi Mann-Fisher - Kool Kats
Marianne Ledgerwood - Coupeville Cossacks
Desiree Campbell - Fiber Friends
Jennifer Roberts - Whidbey Lone Stars
Sandy Hunt - Whidbey Whiskers
Paula Scharwat - Crafts ‘n Creatures
Nancy Bailey - All American Puppy Paws
Marilyn Miranda - All American Puppy Paws

We all have our individual reasons as to why we volunteer, but it only takes a smile on a young person's face to simply remind us of the good we are doing.
~unknown~

Food For Thought

We have no article this month. If you have an article that would be good for the Food for Thought section, please contact Jackie at

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WSU Extension Program Updates

No reports this month.

Go to the WSU Extension programs website and wander around for more detailed information.

Advertisements

For Sale:

Turkey fryer set with heavy duty cooking stand. Used once last year and comes with all the bells and whistles still in the box! Everything you need except the propane tank. $75 obo Call Lanette @ (360) 679-4085

Two LaMancha cross wether goats need a new home. These guys are former 4H projects and very friendly! They make great pets, brush eaters, and companion animals for other livestock. They are current on CDT vacs, worming and hove no horns. To approved home only and definitely NOT for meat! Call Lanette @ (360) 679-4085 for more information.

The buzzzzzzzword is beekeeping - anyone interested? If so, please contact the 4-H office (360) 679-7328 or e-mail Jackie at

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4-H is in the business of growing kids! We do this by working in our community to offer a wide range of opportunities for K-12 youth. Our goal is to support kids as they discover their talents and interests and then provide them with experiences to help them deepen, strengthen, and use those talents and interests! In addition to the club structure that many are familiar with, we also offer activities for families that can be done outside of a commitment to a club, and resources for educators to use in their classrooms.