4-H Etiquette is Edible

Picking your nose and teeth ended up on the not to do manners list while shaking hands and making eye contact are on the what to do manners list. That is how we started day two of 4-H Etiquette Day camp as our youth made lists of what you should and should not do in any setting. The thing to remember about etiquette is that they are considered social behavior rules, those things that guide us in polite company. It is not a list to be memorized, but rules that you live by. For those that can't remember the rules the main one is the golden rule, treat others as you want to be treated, and you will probably be able to handle any situation correctly.

Our youth then split up into groups and spent 15 minutes at 5 different stations learning what we needed to know for the event that evening. Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate, went over their very special etiquette books that they will take home with them. She also played an overall manners board game with each group testing their knowledge of things like Thank You notes, table manners, and how to dress for success. Missy McLean 4--H volunteer, and Kerrie Roach, Extension Horticulture Agent, had the opportunity to practice bad manners and let the youth critique them. Mande Swisher, Extension Tourism Agent worked with them at a round table to understand the pitfalls of different types of table settings and how to know which setting is yours. She also talked with them about napkin etiquette and how to handle the situation when someone accidentally takes pieces of your table setting. Christy Strickland, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, took time to help the youth learn how to set a table. Complete with plates, glasses, and silverware they youth had the opportunity to practice table settings and ask questions about what is what and learn the tricks to remember what to use when. Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, showed the youth how to use the table silverware and helped them answer questions for example why do you place a knife behind a fork when you are cutting your meat, and why do you set your fork down between bites, not to mention the every popular difference between a steak knife, dinner knife and butter knife questions.

Then it was time for real life practice. Our youth were split up into groups of three and set a table for five. Then our adults came as guests and our youth learned how to host a dinner. Catered by TLC catering, the groups started with salad and moved on to dinner and then dessert. Joining us for dinner was Missy McLean, Rhonda Faircloth, Joyce and Charles Russ, and of course the rest of our trainers. The youth were particularly gracefully during dinner and did they best to keep the conversation going with their adults.

At the end of the evening it was time to say goodbye. Our youth all said they gained new skills and felt more comfortable interacting with adults. Our adults said they were all pleased with the manners the youth demonstrated and really enjoyed the evening. As a matter of fact each of them asked when we could do it again.

Congratulations to our youth for a job well done and we want to encourage you to keep practicing your etiquette skills at home and school, it can only help you.

Ms. Manners has Nothing on Robeson County 4-H Members

Summer must be officially here because Robeson County 4-H has kicked off the first session of Summer Fun with the first day of Etiquette Camp. 20 Youth took part in the first day of the event held at the O. P. Owens Agriculture Center. The event which meets on Thursday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. involves a little of everything related to manners.

On Thursday Aggie Rogers, 4-H Program Associate, covered dressing appropriately for different events (black tie vs. beach party, formal vs. business casual) and gave out information for the members to take home with them. Christy Strickland, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, talk with the youth about the art of conversation. The youth learned the tips of a smooth conversation, how to tactfully change topics and how to engage adults in a conversation that is more than what school they go to and what grade they are in. Mande Swisher, Tourism Extension Agent showed the members the technology of cell phone and texting etiquette, by giving examples of when it is appropriate to use and not use. She also shared with them the golden rule that they do not always have to answer it. Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, worked with the youth on handshakes and introducing themselves.

Of course none of this is worth while if you don't have the opportunity to practice it. So after our brief lessons the youth entertained several adults as part of a social event (complete with food and tea). Keith Walters, Interim County Director for Robeson County; Rhonda Faircloth, Extension Advisory Member; Missy McLean and Jeff Wright, both 4-H Volunteers; and of course the host of trainers took part in a wonderful mix and mingle event where the youth introduced themselves and talked with the various adults for about an hour. At the end several youth said they started out nervous but felt very comfortable by the end of the event and believe they are ready to take on the next event with adults. 100% of the youth said they learned something new and can't wait until tomorrow night for the big dinner so they can show off their new skills.

Stay tuned for the next event which will be tomorrow evening when our youth will host a dinner. You can't believe what they will be practicing tomorrow.

Dirty Rascals Get Dirty Celebrating Strawberries

The Dirty Rascals Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club love getting dirty as their name says and this months meeting let them do just that. Club members travelled to Powers Strawberry Patch just north of Lumberton for some serious work. The group spoke with the owner, Mitzi Powers, about strawberries and other crops she grows (blueberries, string beans, potatoes, zucchini, squash, etc.) and then got down to business. The troops hit the field and picked all the red luscious strawberries they could find. Each went home with a pound of strawberries for their hard work. Since it was the end of strawberry season the troops ended up with some of the sweetest strawberries of the season. The youth had a great time at the patch and are looking forward to their next meeting in August.

Powers Strawberry Patch is one of almost a dozen in Robeson County. For more information about Strawberries and where you can obtain them in Robeson County please check the Robeson County Center Extension web site.

Wondering what you get from 4-H?

Have you heard about the 4-H'er in Columbus, Ohio who just bought a house. Yes, that's right a house. She saved her winnings from showing pigs as part of 4-H animal science and had enough to buy her own house at the age of 19.

To read the full story in the Columbus Dispatch just click here. Just another example of how 4-H pays off for our youth.

Get Ready, Get Set, Here Come the Animals!

It wasn't lions and tigers and bears. It was more like chickens, cows, rabbits and goats. None the less it was an adventure for parents, grandparents and 4-H members as they gear up for 4-H animal science, the prelude to showing at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair and other great events.

We start our animal science program with a big hands on training event. Our 4-H animal science training takes place in the perfect place, the Livestock Building of the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds. The same place these competitors will be in October when they show the animals they learned about at this event.

We started our training with an introduction to the facilities, bio security issues, and project records. Michelle Shooter the Livestock Extension Agent for Robeson County talked with parents and youth about the importance of being careful and keeping clothes, shoes and hands clean when dealing with animals. Not just for the health of the person but also for the animal. Shea Ann DeJarnette, the 4-H Extension Agent for Robeson County talked about the basics of project records and why the record keeping aspect of the animal science project is so important.

The first session started with Poultry and Heifer workshops. Benjamen Herndon, a long time 4-H poultry competitor taught the other youth about the ins and outs about poultry, how often they need to be fed, what kind of shelter they like, and how to best care for a chicken to have an award winning bird at the fair. Michelle Stumbo, 4-H Extension Agent for Richmond County gave us the real beef about showing a heifer. She had the help of a real live experienced heifer on loan from Anthony Bullard for our training. Michelle showed the youth and adults the ins and outs of showing a heifer like how to make something that weighs more than four hundred pounds follow you when you want and need it to in the show ring. Michelle talked about the care of the heifer and gave everyone an important tip, that they should always wear steel tipped boots just in case they step on your foot.

The second session allowed those who missed the poultry workshop to earn their feathers during this go around. Others travelled to the rabbit station where Tony and Anthony Bullard gave all the details about raising healthy, happy, and hoppy rabbits. Adults and youth alike gathered around to get the opportunity to pick up a rabbit by the neck, and even just reach out and touch the furry creatures that are so gosh darn cute. The father and son team talked about the best way to keep rabbits clean, what to feed them and even how to keep them cool and happy. One favorite trick, that they talked about was freezing a two liter bottle of water and putting in the pen with them. During a hot day they will lay across it and keep cool.

The third session allowed those who had not had the opportunity to check out the rabbits to do so. For others they had the opportunity to move to the show ring to get the low down on goats. Michelle Stumbo joined Joyce and Richard Evans, local goat producers, to teach our youth and adults everything you might and might not want to know about goats. Participants learned everything from the nuances of why they might want to feed this goat separately from the other goats to how to properly trim their hooves. Michelle talked about what the youth need to do to groom and show their goats while the Evans talked about the care of the animals which they so graciously provided.

While the adults and youth completed evaluations, many took part in a Glo-Germ demonstration. The participants put a special lotion on their hands that makes the germs on their hands glow under a black light. Once they saw they germs they understood where and why they needed to wash their hands. So it was off to the bathroom to wash their hands before we dove into lunch. 4-H volunteer Larry Russ brought his cooker and grilling skills out to make sure everyone had a stomach full from hamburgers and hot dogs.

Once sufficiently stuffed with food it was time for our rabbit and goat participants to receive their animals. Those showing heifers already own their animals. While poultry participants will receive their laying hens on Friday, May 21 and broilers will be given out in August. We want to thank all of our instructors for taking the time to help educate new participants and offer new ideas to old pros. We especially want to thank our volunteers, parents, and grandparents for supporting our youth while they complete this project learning about responsibility, record keeping, and life cycles. To our members who are undertaking this task, good luck we are right here for you and remember there are a lot of people who are cheering you on. See you at the fair in October!

Live United!

How do you live United? That is the question that United Way has asked of our community members this year. How do you support United Way and our community. There are many ways to do it the easiest and most beneficial to a wide array of organizations in our community is to support United Way. Robeson County 4-H is one of 18 United Way organizations in Robeson County. If it weren't for United Way funds we would not be able to offer the majority of programs we offer and could not offer reasonable prices on those programs that require co-pays.

Today marked the annual United Way Day of Caring. As part of this there are a variety of activities that occur that show United Way's support in the community. For example groups went out and built wheel chair ramps for people who can not afford them and need them. A group went out and cleaned a two mile stretch of a Robeson County road leaving our environment cleaner for all of us. The Red Cross had a blood drive. Southeastern Regional Medical Center held a health screening to check blood pressure, body mass, and glucose screenings. Volunteers were stationed at Wal-mart and local grocery stores collected canned food items. At Jerry Johnson Chevrolet (who so graciously hosts this event each year) canned goods were being dropped off and sorted, information was provided, a hot dog lunch was prepared for volunteers, and several local radio stations did remotes highlighting the days activities.

How does 4-H live United in Robeson County?

-As part of the Day of Caring our "Dirty Rascals" Junior Master Gardener 4-H Club worked with Hospice House to complete a planting project.

-As part of the canned food drive everyone in the 4-H office and our Extension office gave at least five cans of food to help reach the 25,000 pound goal. The food is being distributed to the Church and Community Centers in Lumberton and Red Springs, the Family Violence Shelter, Lumberton Christian Care, BART, and other organizations that help feed the hungry.

-Shea Ann DeJarnette, our 4-H Agent, was stationed at Jerry Johnson Friday with volunteers from CIS to answer questions and give out information about the United Way agencies.

-Aggie Rogers, our 4-H Program Associate, is signed up to help sort canned goods on Monday.

-Each year every member of the 4-H staff gives to United Way and helps with the United Way Campaign in the Robeson County Extension office.

-Robeson County 4-H staff members also promote United Way at every event, and remind our youth and volunteers how fortunate and grateful we are for their support.

Living United doesn't take making a huge donation, it takes caring for your community and getting out there to support those who need help. The Day of Caring is a day for United Way Agencies to give back. Each day our 4-H volunteers give back by their work in our 4-H program helping youth become successful adults. It is an investment of time, resources and knowledge in our most precious commodity, our youth. It will pay off ten fold as they grow, become successful, and give back to their communities. Don't forget to say thank you to the United Way for their support, and volunteers, parents, and members please accept our thanks for all that you do as part of our 4-H program.

4-H LIVES UNITED!

Almost a Dozen

They have finished hatching after a marathon session and we have about a dozen of the adorable little ones. As you can see the excitement of coming out of the egg wore them out and they were just napping as hard as they could. Our brown and striped chicks came from eggs supplied by a 4-H member's family. The yellow ones are meat chickens that will be very hardy. We want to thank all the teachers who implemented this curriculum and the students who enjoyed the chicks in their classrooms. Already we have had reports of 60% and better hatched in classrooms and we are so excited for everyone's success. Thank you to all of our second and third grade teachers who made it possible and United Way for supporting us in this hands on science and technology curriculum.

The Energizer Bunnies of Chickens

Honest, they keep hatching and hatching and hatching. Monday we had one little chick make a premature entrance. Tuesday morning another was waiting for us in the incubator and by Tuesday afternoon two more had hatched with several more showing signs of getting ready to break out. A brief light emergency brought me back to the office on Tuesday evening and yet another one was sitting in the incubator looking for a dryer home.

So Wednesday morning I was wondering what surprises might await us. Imagine four little chicks nestled between the eggs waiting for us to get them out and put them in with their new brothers and sisters. During the day we have had two more hatch with signs of life from at least two more eggs in the incubator.

Several visitors have come by to check them out and let them know exactly how cute they are (very cute when they stop pecking on each other). The chicks will be at the office until Friday which is when they will go to their new home. We will keep you updated right here on the 4-H blog as to future egg breakouts. It is an exciting time here and in the 25 second and third grade classrooms in the county that are conducting this embryology project.

Birth Announcment

The Robeson County 4-H Staff is pleased to announce the birth of our first chick as part of the second round of embryology. The chick was born on May 3, 2010 around 4:45 in the afternoon. It is a little to early to tell if it is a boy or girl. This chick was born from a pink egg given to us by one of our members parents. Shortly after hatching we moved the baby to a brooder box were it could dry off and stay warm. No gifts for our new baby please. Several more are expected to be arriving in the next few days. We love visitors, so if you feel so inclined feel free to check out the chicks at our office at 455 Caton Road, Lumberton. Please stay tuned to our 4-H blog to see our new arrivals.

Lining it Up

The Dirty Dozen 4-H Shooting Sports club met in May at the firing range in Fairmont, NC. The youth continued working on firearm safety, lining up sights, and range etiquette. At the end of the session the youth had the opportunity to turn their new skills from paper targets to clay targets. The club organizational leader, Larry Russ, attached 10 clay targets to a board and allowed each youth to fire once at each target, down the line, and see how many they could annihilate. According to club member Dillon McCartney each club meeting gets better, and it is definitely better than video games! To see the video highlights from this meeting click on this link. The clubs next meeting will be June 12. If you would like more information about this club please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, at (910) 671-3276 or Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.

Bon Voyage Everett

Friday was a busy day in our office. To be more precise outside of our office. Friday the entire Robeson County Staff prepared for our County Director's, Everett Davis's, retirement bash at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fairgrounds. It was a good thing he knew about it because when he joined everyone at the fairgrounds for lunch he was commenting on how excited he was about his last day in the office and instead there was no one there to help him enjoy it. As it turned out that afternoon about 200 of his closest friends, relatives, and Extension clients came together to honor him at an informal pig picking.

I say informal, but when someone has worked with Extension for more than 28 years, 25 as the County Extension Director you must expect some type of formal presentation to be made. Our South Central District Extension Director, Clinton McRae gave Everett a plaque and his official retirement certificate framed and ready to hang on his wall. Frank Boyette, of the Robeson County Master Gardener Association, made a personal presentation of a gift card for dinner to Everett and his wife Ann, before giving a gift of a clock to Everett. The clock was appropriate because they wanted to make sure Everett would be on time for his next gift from the association. Alan Faircloth, incoming President of the group, gave Everett a year's membership to Cliffwood Golf Course on behalf of the Master gardeners. Now Everett will be on time for his future tee times, one of which was scheduled for Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. Coble Wilson spoke on behalf of the fair board and recalled all the times he and Everett worked together making the fair what it is today. Then it was time for the Extension staff
to offer a small token of appreciation for his years of leadership, understanding, and friendship. The staff pitched in and purchased Everett a Flip Camera that was presented by Sunshine Committee Member Janice Fields. The camera is for Everett to use in his new touring business. We want to make sure he shares all of his new retirement adventures with us.

After all the gifts and kind words it was our esteemed County Director's turn to address the masses. In a touching speech he talked about how he owed his success to all of his families. His Family that includes his mother, brothers, sister and daughters. His wife Ann, and her sons, daughter in laws and grand daughters. He then mentioned his fair board family, extension clients, staff, and of course all of his friends he has made over the years in Extension.

The event included almost 200 people who wanted to come and help celebrate this milestone in Everett's life. For those of us in Extension it was a bitter sweet moment. We are so happy for him to be able to celebrate and enjoy his retirement, on the other hand many of us realize that come Monday he will not be in his office when we go into work. We are sad to see him go but happy that he is starting a new chapter in his life.

For Robeson County 4-H we lose the direct leadership of someone who supported innovation in our programs and encouraged us to constantly adjust our programming to meet the needs of the youth we work wit. For years Everett volunteered to work fundraisers to help 4-H have an operational budget, in recent years he has supported our largest funding source, United Way, by serving on the board, taking part in Day of Caring events and of course giving. Most recently Everett was instrumental in starting two endowments that will help support our volunteers and different aspects of programming.

The Dr. Eddie and Mrs. Brenda Locklear 4-H Endowment is named after the 4-H Agent who ran the program when Everett first began his extension career. This endowment will support a Robeson County 4-H Volunteer Hall of fame, recognizing an outstanding 4-H volunteer each year. Robert Wilkes is owner of TLC catering and a member of the Robeson County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service advisory board. Robert is an entrepreneur, and this endowment will be offered to youth and clubs who show an entrepreneurial spirit to support their leadership and entrepreneurial training and activities.

As you can see Everett has been more than a supervisor for 4-H staff. He has been a leader in the true sense of the word and left the program in a better place, ready to conquer the future. We want to wish him the best as he conquers his new future.

If you would like to contact Everett Davis and express your congratulations, and or thanks for his work with the 4-H program feel free to contact him at Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu. If you would like to make a gift in his name to one of the endowments that he help set up please feel free to honor him in this most appropriate manner. You can give on line to the Dr. Eddie and Mrs. Brenda Locklear 4-H Endowment. You can also give on line to the Robert Wilkes 4-H Endowment fund.

Thank you Everett for all you have done for us and we wish you well in your next career!