4-H makes science cool!


4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Promotional Video: Click Here to view the video. This video is 4:12 long and highlights 4-H efforts to support the Science, Engineering and Technology movement in America.

4-H Science, Engineering and Technology initiative encourages next generation!

It can be a tough task getting kids fired up about science. But its doable when you interject a little wonder and fun. That's the idea behind the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) program with Tennessee 4-H.

WSU's Jefferson County Extension facing deep cutbacks


Pamela Roberts, 4-H and youth coordinator at Washington State University Extension Center in Port Hadlock, said even if the center closes she plans to stay involved with the youth and community in Jefferson County.
-- Photo by Erik Hidle/Peninsula Daily News


PORT HADLOCK -- Washington State University's Extension Center faces deep cutbacks in state funding that could curtail its programs offered in Jefferson County.

Katherine Baril, Extension director, said Monday that proposed budget cuts to the university system could potentially end some of the Jefferson programs, which range from 4-H animal husbandry to real estate education.

"Washington State University, along with all higher education in the state, has been asked for a 10 to 12 percent budget cut," Baril said.

"Now a second request has come in for around a 20 percent budget cut.

"Depending on what the final figure is, it could take away 50 to 75 percent of the community outreach at the extension center."

The cuts are a part of Gov. Chris Gregoire's proposal to balance the 2009-2011 biennium budget statewide in the face of a projected $8 billion deficit.

Baril said that 75 percent cuts are the most drastic estimate being proposed.

"This is at all the extensions statewide and locally," she said, "but right now all our programs are at risk."

Among the programs the WSU Extension funds and organizes are 4-H and youth leadership programs, economic development programs, Master Gardeners, water quality and natural resource programs, food and farm networking, real estate agent education, fire prevention and forestry, Team Jefferson economic development council and long distance education and degree programs.

Pamela Roberts, coordinator of 4-H and other youth services, said the Extension's reach often goes further than just the programs.

"Almost everything that goes on in this county has us involved at some level," Roberts said.

"It's like a huge spider web."

'Huge asset'

Roberts said every resident in the county has access to the facility and services they provide.

"This is a huge asset to the county," she said.

"It's one of the largest extension centers in the state and is very important for such a rural community."

Roberts said she was worried about the prospect of losing her job, but she is still going to keep plugging away.

Even as she discussed the budget, she continued to highlight upcoming programs and services for the community.

"On March 1, we are having a gardening seminar to teach people about personal and family gardening," she said.

"We want to help people save some money and get some food on the table."

The seminar is March 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chimacum Grange Hall, 9521 Rhody Drive, Chimacum.

"I think these are remarkable time we are living through," Roberts said.

"When that happens it means we need to get together and work together as a team."

The extension center management is hoping that people will be willing to write letters of support to state representatives. Roberts is also collecting letters from the community and passing them on to people at higher levels.

Youth service

She said that even if the worst was to happen, she would still be showing up to work with youth in some way.

"4-H is the largest youth organization in the county," she said.

"We served 900 kids last year.

"Personally I understand the university is going to be challenged, but I will do everything to continue to serve the youth in this community."

To contact the Extension, phone 360-379-5610 or visit http://jefferson.wsu.edu.

________

Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.

Last modified: February 24. 2009 4:45AM

Washington 4-Hers place first in presentations at the 2008 Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup!

On November 8, 2008, 354 4-H youth from 30 states competed in Louisville, KY. This was the largest contest in the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup history. The high individuals in each contest each received a $500 scholarship from the American Quarter Horse Association.

Congratulations go to:
Team Presentation Champions
Caitlyn Hammersley and Sophia Howard, Washington State
Award: $500 Scholarship from AQHA and trophy from NAILE
Pictured above with Coach and AQHA Director Norm Luba

The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup serves as the final destination for about 350 4-Hers involved in the 4-H Horse Program each year. Champions of the State 4-H Horse Contests compete in one of several contests:

* Horse Judging
* Hippology
* Horse Bowl
* Public Speaking
* Individual Presentation
* Team Presentation

The Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup provides opportunities for these 4-Hers to showcase their horse management and communications skills, as well as, equine knowledge.

This contest is the ultimate experience that recognizes 4-Hers' achievements within the horse program.

See http://www.4hroundup.com/ for details!

Tennessee 4-H Club collects over 1000 coats for the needy!


Christina Lulich, 4-H member, was inspired to lead a coat drive after living through some hard times in her own family. She knew that when you're poor, sometimes its difficult to buy the clothes you need to get through the harsh winter. These Tennessee 4-Hers are working in their community to provide coats and winter wear for the needy.

4-H Family Gardening provides healthy food!

Kayla Shimizu proudly displays her giant radishes grown at the 4-H Garden at Cedarbrook Adventist Christian School in Port Hadlock, WA. Kayla is a member of the 4-H Cedar Tree Performers club led by Linda Gately. The club has distinguished itself in the 4-H gardening project, clowning project, and in public presentations.

Jefferson County 4-H is emphasizing the skills needed for successful 4-H Family Gardening. To help community members learn the basics of successful gardening, Linda Gately is hosting a series of workshops at the Chimacum Grange. The first one is scheduled for March 1 from 1:30 - 3 pm. Join us - it's FREE!

4-H Family Gardening builds self-sufficiency

Playing in the dirt is something all kids have enjoyed at one time or another, but through 4-H Family Gardening it can be transformed into serious food production. On Sunday, March 1 from 1:30 pm to 3 pm at the Chimacum Grange Hall (across the street from the Chimacum School District), 4-H is providing a free 4-H Family Gardening workshop . The Grange and 4-H are collaborating on this initiative to encourage families in Jefferson County to grow their own food for fun, frugality and family self sufficiency. 4-H is the youth program of WSU Extension. It started in the early 1900’s, utilizing young people to learn through experimentation and then demonstrate that learning to their families and communities. As a partner to this learning process, the Grange has historically supported family self reliance and community involvement.

Linda Gately will lead the teaching team of 4-H volunteers, including her husband, Glenn Gately, from the Jefferson County Conservation District. Linda has been a 4-H leader for over 20 years in the gardening project and is also a Chimacum Grange member. She volunteers at the Cedarbrook Adventist Christian School and Daycare with the 4-H Gardening Project. With encouragement from Gately, youth at the school have explored somewhat exotic plants for the Pacific Northwest, growning everything from artichokes to watermelons. Smiling about the fun of it, she stated, “Brussels sprouts and Sheep Sorrel, a common edible weed, are favorite edibles in our garden. A fun garden for families might also include flowers, fruits and carnivorous plants."

The March 1 workshop will introduce 4-H Family Gardening through many "hands in the dirt" activities and experiments. Anyone can grow food - either in a small area of a yard, a larger community garden, or even in containers. It all starts with the soil. Jefferson County soil is unusual because of much variation over small areas. Participants should bring a quart of dried soil sample from their gardens or yards and an empty clear pint-sized container with a lid.

All families wanting to learn about backyard food production and how 4-H and Grange can help are welcome to attend. Call Linda if you have questions or need information at 385-5774.

4-H featured in Mechanical Engineering Magazine!


The 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) initiative was recently featured in the Mechanical Engineering Magazine. To read the entire article Click here!

Clallam County 4-H Cat Show a success!

Click on photo to open larger file.

Front - Dakota Manley with Spooky; Seated (left to right) - Taylor Howerton with Neiko, Corey Knowles with Theodore, Sandra Knowles with Little Guy, Katie with Raul, Connor West with Spock; Standing (left to right) - Brooklyn Bauer with Boey, Jena Chamberlin with Ariel, Mikayla Osmer with Frodo, Jazzy Andrus with Danica, Takara Andrus with Beardsley, Collin West with Maugawi, and Eric Baker with Strider.

Teen Conference Planned for 2009!

4-H Know Your Government 2009!

At the Jefferson County Courthouse, during training for the 2009 4-H Know Your Government Conference.
Front row: Angelina Pace, Chloe Robocker, Stephanie Weir.
Back row: Hannah Tipton, Soren Cassella-Blackburn, Judge Crad Verser, JoAnn Beard, Sarah Chisick.

Shelter Dog Prevention Month

This offer is available for a short time.... It is 156 pages. Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian, animal behaviorist and dog trainer, has declared January to be "Shelter Dog Prevention Month" and has decided to allow a free download of his book, "After you get your puppy" in order to help prevent people from giving up their dogs due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented by proper training and handling. Here is the link.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/after-you-get-your-puppy

Port Townsend Aero Museum honored Sunday as the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year: Jerry and Peggy Thuotte

By Fred Obee of The Leader

The collaborators behind the Port Townsend Aero Museum were honored Sunday as the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year.

Jerry and Peggy Thuotte, the co-founders of the museum, reacted with the humility they are known for.

"Everyone deserves this more than me," an emotional Jerry Thuotte told the chamber crowd at Fort Worden.

The Aero Museum, a new 18,000-square-foot, $2.5 million building with a graceful, arching roof, opened at the Jefferson County airport in 2007. It houses dozens of restored antique airplanes on three levels.

A former Army drill sergeant and a pilot for United Airlines for 33 years, Jerry, with his wife, Peggy, moved to Jefferson County eight years ago from Enumclaw with a love for restoring old airplanes and a dedication to seeing young people stay off drugs.

In Enumclaw, Jerry trained youngsters in the exacting task of restoring airplanes. In Jefferson County, at the urging of friends who had seen the results of Thuotte's mentoring, he and Peggy bought a hangar, secured contracts to restore old planes and invited young people to come to his shop to learn the craft. Peggy, also a licensed pilot, took on the books, pitched in on teaching aircraft restoration work, particularly fabric, and became a housemother to the young people who work at the museum. Together, they now have a collection of about 30 airplanes.

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Peninsula Daily News article