Master Gardener Grants Available!

• Do you or your organization have a project that you want to undertake but lack sufficient funding?
  
• Are you a high school student looking for a college scholarship?
  
• Is there an advance training or educational class you would take but for the money?   
  

The Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation has launched a new grant, scholarship and training assistance program to financially support organizations or individuals who intend to educate the Jefferson County community in the fields of sustainable horticulture, environmental stewardship or other related fields. 

Are these your goals too?  If so read on to learn more about the criteria and guidelines associated with each type of award, and download the appropriate application form below.
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Our Program

The purpose of the Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation (JCMGF) is to enhance and supplement the community educational efforts of the Washington State University Master Gardener Program and thereby to provide education and information on horticulture and environmental stewardship to all citizens of Jefferson County.  JCMGF programs are available to all without discrimination.

The JCMGF intends to award grants, scholarships and training assistance to those organizations and individuals whose proposals are judged to be most compatible with the purposes of JCMGF. 

GRANTS

• Awards may range from $100 to $1,500 each.
• There are two application deadlines per year. Applications must be received by either April 1 or October 1.   Awards will be announced May 10 or November 10 respectively.
• Salaries and administrative costs are not funded
• Site visits will be made prior to consideration of your proposal

Awards will be made based upon the following elements in your proposal. The written narrative of your proposal must include:

• A brief description of the organization/group and its purpose.
• A description of the project, which includes the environmentally safe horticulture and sustainable practices you plan to use.
• The plan to share information to others in the community.
• The estimate of persons in Jefferson County who will benefit.
• A detailed budget of costs, supplies, and the potential suppliers
• The timeline of activities to be followed to accomplish the project and who will be responsible for these activities.
• An evaluation plan that includes measurable outcomes of the project and how the project will be sustained in the future.
• If your request for funding is for part of a larger project, please specify the part of the project you are requesting JCMGF funds and the other sources of income.

Download a Grant Application.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Jefferson County Master Gardener Foundation (JCMGF) and the Master Gardener Foundation of Washington State (MGFWS) each offer one scholarship annually to promote education in the areas of horticulture, agriculture, agriculture and food systems, environmental stewardship or related fields. Currently, Jefferson County MGF offers one scholarship of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500). The recipient of the Jefferson County scholarship is automatically forwarded to the state Washington Master Gardener Foundation for an additional scholarship of one thousand dollars, ($1000).
These scholarships are offered to high school seniors or to students entering a college/university for the first time as a full time student. A person must meet the following requirements. The county scholarship may be renewable if the recipient is still in the field of horticulture, botany, environmental stewardship or related majors.
Applicant must be:

1. A resident of Jefferson County, Washington
2. Accepted by a recognized accredited college/university.
3. Planning a course of study in horticulture, agriculture, environmental stewardship entomology, botany or a strongly related field.

Applicants can apply for both scholarships concurrently by submitting the following documents:

1. A completed 2012 Application
2. An official copy of your grade transcript. (Only one copy will be needed of this document)
3. A one or two page essay on your choice of vocation or profession, how you have planned for the future, and how your education will influence that future.
4. A summary of your activities and service to your family, your school and your community. This summary should include any awards or honors received and may be submitted as résumé.
5. At least two (2) letters of recommendation (one preferably from an instructor).

Download a Scholarship Application
 
TRAINING ASSISTANCE

JCMGF is committed to educating the community on environmentally safe, sustainable gardening practices. If plan to hold classes or write articles for local community newsletters, newspapers and need training, this is the opportunity to obtain funding.

Criteria and Guidelines  

• Applicant must be a resident of Jefferson County, Washington.
• Training curricula provides information on sustainable horticulture and safe environmental stewardship.
• Applicant provides a plan for sharing information, i.e. classes, newsletter articles.
• If funding is received, applicant will submit a written report of the training experience to the JCMGF Committee for Grants/Scholarships.
• Training assistance is a one time monetary award.   Awards may range from under $100 to $1,500 each.
• There are two application deadlines per year.  Applications must be received by either April 1 or October 1.   Awards will be announced May 10 or November 10 respectively.

Download a Training Assistance Application
 

Welcome home...

Soldiers respond as President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the end of America’s war in Iraq at the 440th Squadron Maintenance Building at Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Dec. 14, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

President Obama traveled to Fort Bragg, North Carolina on Wednesday -- home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces -- to salute the service of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines who fought in Iraq and helped to bring the war to an end.

"As your commander in chief, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I’m proud to finally say these two words," he said, "Welcome home."

Donate to the GIVING TREE: Dec. 6-12, 2011

Paws-N-Claws 4-H cat club will again host the Giving Tree at our WSU Extension office at 201 W. Patison, Port Hadlock, WA, 98339.

The tree will be set up in the front reception area the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011.
Items left under the Giving Tree will be picked up and delivered on Monday, Dec. 12.

Items donated for the Tri-Area Christmas for Children Program are to be UNWRAPPED gift items for children, ages infants thru 18. Gift wrapping supplies are also welcome, but the gifts themselves are to be unwrapped.

Delivery of donated items for the Tri-Area Christmas for Children Program is to the VFW Hall next to the Hadlock Post Office. Sunday, Dec. 11, 9am to 4pm OR Monday, Dec. 12, 9am to 4pm.

Items for the Tri-Area food bank can also be left under the Giving Tree (and will also be picked up on Monday, Dec. 12). These items can include non-perishable food items, pet food and personal care items.

Please share this information with others. Please put these dates on your calendar.

Questions about the Giving Tree, contact:

Laurie Hampton
catwoman@olympus.net
437-2388

Supporting the joy of the holidays by giving to children and families in need.

Give Thanks to the Troops Who Have Fought for US

Send a thank you card to our service members and let them know you support them! Joining Forces has partnered with the USO to create a nationwide interactive thank you card. Just fill out a note and it will be added to a map along with messages from people all over the country, showing our troops and their families just how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice. If we each do our part, our veterans and their families will get the recognition they deserve this holiday season.

BOATLIFT, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience

This video documents the power of the human spirit when we pull together as a country to help each other...thank you to the unsung heroes of America...

Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey 2011

Port Townsend landing at Fort Worden a success!

Since its inception, the Intertribal Canoe Journey, celebrated by the Northwestern tribes, has evolved into a dynamic agent for social change. It has sparked a cultural renaissance with Native youth. Most importantly, the Inter-tribal Canoe Journey mandates that all participants have healthy sober lifestyles so that they are physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for this intense undertaking. Native youth have been enriched by the “Paddle” and their interest in participating continues to grow each year.

Shown at right is Marlin Holden, a direct descendant of Chief Chetzemoka of the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe. On July 19, 2011 Marlin welcomed paddlers from across Puget Sound and even Canada, who arrived in canoes on the beach at Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington - part of the ancestral homelands of the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe.

Check out the pride of accomplishment!

THANK YOU to everyone, who made this event such a success. We could not have accomplished this without our dynamic and committed Port Townsend volunteers! Our organizational and parking volunteers were simply the best. Cookie bakers were awesome. Set-up crews showed their strength. Meal preparers and servers were incredible. Clean-up crews did a bang up job. Our official photographers came through for us. We even had a security crew who worked the night shift to watch the canoes! 

Thanks also to the following organizations, who gave generously to support this special event: the Port Townsend Food Co-op, Chimacum Corner Farmstand, QFC of Port Hadlock and Port Townsend, the Peace Fruit Stand of Port Hadlock, Sunshine Coffee Company and Safeway of Port Townsend. Thanks also go to those, who gave direct donations to help offset the costs of the Canoe Journey - special thanks to Mary and Larry...

At the campground at Fort Worden I saw this warm-hearted Native-American father patiently attending to his daughter. When I asked if I could take his photo, he was glad to say yes and he removed her bottle from her mouth for the photo. You can see her reaction to that idea on her face. She was clearly not pleased!

You can see what she looked like before this interaction in the photo to the left - she has her father's devoted and undivided attention. So nice to see such healthy families in our tribal communities. It's a wonderful day!

I also enjoyed a group of tribal mothers, who were watching their toddlers play in the sand on the beach at Fort Worden. There were little drummers and longhouse builders - all having a great time as part of the Inter-Tribal Canoe Journey.

A high level of respect was evident throughout this event. In fact, our clean-up crews had little to do when it was all over because of the consistent care that was shown from the participants, even though hundreds of people were camped out on the parade grounds - I wish all our events in Port Townsend were so carefully accomplished.

THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING AND FOR CONTRIBUTING TO SUCH A WONDERFUL DAY IN OUR COMMUNITY. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU NEXT YEAR AS THE INTER-TRIBAL CANOE JOURNEY CONTINUES!

TOGETHER WE'RE BETTER!

Girls paddle too - and they are a strong bunch!

(You can click on all images to open larger format.)

Lottery Millionaire Janitor Buys Track for School

by TONYA MOSLEY / KING 5 News

Bio | Email | Follow: @TonyaMosley

KING5.com

Posted on April 15, 2011 at 6:12 PM

Updated Friday, Apr 15 at 7:43 PM 

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/04/20/lottery-millionaire-janitor-tyrone-curry-buys-track-for-evergree/

WHITE CENTER, Wash. -- The lunch hour is over and Evergreen High School custodian Tyrone Curry gets out his broom for a quick sweep up.

"I try to make sure it's spotless and it's ready for the kids," he said.

After cleaning, he's off to his second passion: coaching the track and field team.

"I just like staying busy," Curry said with a laugh.

But in reality, he doesn't have to work. He's a millionaire.

"I know my wife says, 'Oh, you don't really have to work' and I say, 'Yeah. I do."

Five years ago, Curry won nearly $3.4 million in the state lottery. Even before his numbers were drawn, the coach knew where he wanted to spend it.

"Ten years ago, I said if I win some money, I'm going to put a track here."

In early April, coach Curry presented the district with $40,000 to go towards a brand new track.

"Tyrone goes above and beyond in the sports he coaches," said senior Devante Botello. "It's a deep feeling. All I can say is thanks."

Curry said the gift he has given Evergreen pales in comparison to what the kids have given him.

"Kids do things for you. They keep you young," Curry said.

In June, after 34 years, Curry will retire. But, he'll be back to see that brand new track and cheer on the team.

"It's gonna be hard when I retire, you know, but I'll still be here."

Curry plans to run for the school board after retirement.

His donation will be matched with a $75,000 youth sports grant.

We can help spring storm victims...

4-H Steps Up to Help Spring Storm Victims

Here are a few ways 4-H and Cooperative Extension are serving communities affected by the storms:

TAKE ACTION NOW 4-H and Cooperative Extension are stepping up across the country to rebuild the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors affected by natural disasters. You can help them today!  Between now and June 30: You can donate by text up to 5 times. All text donations will be distributed equally among Alabama, Missouri, and Tennessee relief efforts.  Go to our website to make a larger donation to the Alabama or Tennessee efforts. Missouri donations can be made by check*. National 4-H Council will be collecting donations for disaster relief efforts through June 30.

Christmas for Children feature film completed!

Hannah Tipton of 4-H Network News just completed her feature film about the Christmas for Children program in Port Hadlock, WA. Hannah is a graduating senior this year and has learned so much about video production, script writing and more over the last few years in 4-H. Hannah has been accepted to the Northwest School of the Arts on Bainbridge Island and received scholarships to attend there, too!

Congratulations, Hannah, and best of luck at college next September - we know you are going to set the media world on fire!

The 2010 Holiday Giving Tree

Paws-N-Claws 4-H Club’s annual
Holiday Giving Tree
will be set up in the front reception area at the WSU Extension Office (201 W. Patison, Port Hadlock) on:

December 8, 9 and 10, 2010

(Wed. - Fri.) 

to collect donations for the Tri-Area Christmas for Children Program.

Unwrapped gift items for children, infants thru high school, may be placed under the Giving Tree, along with holiday gift wrapping supplies.

Items for the Tri-Area Food Bank (non-perishable food items, personal care items and pet food) can also be placed under the Giving Tree.

For more information about Paws-N-Claws’ Holiday Giving Tree contact Laurie Hampton 437-2388 or catwoman@olympus.net

For more information about donations to the Tri-Area Christmas for Children Program (especially monetary donations) please contact Kelly Liske at 344-4912.  For ALL other questions about the Tri-Area Christmas for Children Program call 379-4207.

(4-H participation counts for 4-H Community Service.)

Peninsula Man organizes help for King County farmers

By Jeff Chew
Peninsula Daily News

PORT TOWNSEND -- Donations from Port Townsend residents to a farm have unfolded like the green leaves of cabbage, and come from as far away as Japan, said Richard Glaubman, who spearheaded a drive to help a Kent Valley group of Burundi and Somali refugees.

Donations have flowed in since a story about the refugees' plight was published July 12 in the Peninsula Daily News.

One donation was a $100 check from a resident of Japan, Glaubman said, a teacher at Blue Heron Middle School, who believe the global connection with Japan was a result of the story having been published on the PDN's website, peninsuladailynews.com.

Three years ago, 100 refugees -- both from Barundi, a poor country that was torn apart by the genocide of the mid-1990s that spilled over from Rwanda, and from the Bantu tribe in Somalia -- landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport not far from where they farm today.

Equipment stolen

But the group that farms the 10 acres in a heavy-industrial area were victimized by metro-suburban crime: All of their gardening equipment was stolen from a storage shed. Lost were a water pump, rototillers, tools and other gardening equipment and supplies.

Glaubman, after reading about their plight, went to Jim Minish, Port Townsend Honda and Marine owner on Sims Way at Mill Road, who donated a new $450 water pump at cost, which amounted to $150 donation.

Soon thereafter, money and tools began to appear.

Read More

Khan Academy helps youth learn math and other subjects!

The Khan Academy is a collection of over 1000 videos teaching youth how to master skills from math to biology. This non-profit was started by Salman Khan on Youtube. You can check it out at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/khanacademy

The Khan Academy and Salman Khan have received a 2009 Tech Award in Education. The Tech Awards is an international awards program that honors innovators from around the world who are applying technology to benefit humanity.

Thank you so much Salman for your contributions to youth education!

How you can help relief efforts in Haiti

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Local 4-H club lend a hand to Brockton dog shelter

The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
www.enterprisenews.com
Members of the Thunder Over & Under 4-H Dog Agility Club of Plympton collected more than $35,000 in Shaw's Supermarket grocery receipts from local residents to net a $350 donation for the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter, which finds homes for homeless dogs in the region.
By Maria Papadopoulos
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
BROCKTON — Cheryl Acampora reached out to kiss Blue, an 8-year-old Neapolitan Mastiff, the founding dog of the Brockton Blue Dog Shelter on West Chestnut Street.
The furry affection followed a fundraising drive and donations to the shelter by members of the Thunder Over & Under 4-H Dog Agility Club of Plympton.
Its members, who all live outside of Brockton, collected more than $35,000 in Shaw's Supermarket grocery receipts from local residents to net a $350 donation for the shelter, which finds homes for homeless dogs in the region.
"I feel grateful that I can help other dogs and people," said Acampora, 12, of Pembroke, as she and other girls canoodled with dogs at the shelter.
The girls also donated pet supplies, toys, leashes, bedding, office and cleaning supplies, and dog crates to the shelter, said shelter volunteer Marion McEwan.
"We just appreciate their support so much," McEwan said. "It really meant a lot to all the shelter dogs."

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.

Quilcene Clover 4-H club donates blankets

NW Kiwanis Camp

NW Kiwanis Camp is held each summer at Beausite Lake in Jefferson County, WA for people with disabilities to enjoy an outdoor experience, complete with horseback riding, swimming, dancing, singing, and camping. Volunteers are always needed. We hope that through seeing the information contained in this film you will feel motivated to help! Featuring Claire Turner, reporter, Luke Turner and Jack Olmsted, cameras.

Sunfield Farms Donates 32lbs Of Food To 4-H Video Club Soup

Today, at the Port Townsend Farmers Market, the RCA RP5030 Digital Voice Recorder was used to interview members of the community on "Make A Difference Day".


Devin Little, a Sunfield Farm intern, donates a 32lb box of vegetables to the Monday 4-H Video Club Soup.


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Listen To Interview (MP3, 4 minutes)

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Jadyne Reichner, Washington State University Jefferson County Extenion Administrative Asst. and Front Desk Receptionist, interviews Jack Olmsted, 4-H Network News, about making a difference with a class of hungry 6th graders.

Sunfield Education Association is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit educational organization founded in 1998 and located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. The mission of the organization is to provide programs in education and sustainable land stewardship that strive to engage the hands, awaken the mind, and nurture understanding for the connection between the earth and its inhabitants.

Goals
To be an active model of sustainable land use and stewardship

Objectives:

• To preserve and restore the 83-acre Sunfield Farm.
• To create and implement a conservation and stewardship plan for Sunfield Farm in partnership with the Jefferson Land Trust and Jefferson County Conservation District.
• To permanently protect 45 of 50 acres of the field for agriculture, 7 acres the wetlands for their natural function and 26 acres of the forest for wildlife habitat and open space. (Read More)