So Long but Not Goodbye

  After 43 years of service to NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center Denese Prevatte is retiring.  You might be asking yourself who is this, or why does this effect 4-H?  Well the influence Denese has had on this program is pretty profound and you might not ever had realized it.
  Starting at the age of 19 Denese began as the office receptionist and worked her way up to programing secretary, serving all the program areas at some point (and sometimes all at once), and finally became the Administrative Assistant.   She has been active in her state association winning almost every award they have to offer.  She is an organizational genius who loves efficiency, and streamlining things.  She is good at following, and making others follow the rules.  She's not half bad at creating rules that use common sense.
  Way back before your current 4-H team was in place Denese was a 4-H volunteer with her own community club.  She taught sewing, crafting, and other fun skills to youth including her own children.  So what better person to understand 4-H members and volunteers, other than a person who was a volunteer herself.
  If you have had to come in and register for any 4-H event in the last 6 years or so, you probably met Denese.  She became tasked with 4-H along with her Administrative Duties.  She is someone we can count on to answer questions, make sure sign up sheets are in order, and that we keep things as organized as possible in 4-H.   She also typed and proofed every letter that left our office.  For those of us who might be punctuation challenged, she was a godsend.
  If you know anything about Denese you also know that she probably won't be happy with us posting her picture.  All we can say to that is that we had a whole lot more that we could have put up and didn't, because showing her fashion sense, and hair styles over the last 40 years wasn't really necessary for us to tell you about her.  Denese has been an integral part of our NC Cooperative Extension staff and a phenomenal member of our 4-H team.  She has always stepped up to the plate, found a way to make everything happen, and somehow kept us all within the rules and guidelines we need to follow to make this 4-H magic happen.   She never asks for anything and just wants the team to succeed.  She believes in making the best better and has done that for the last 43 years.  We will miss Denese, and in 6 months don't be surprised if we try to talk her into coming back in some capacity because after all there might be another generation that needs her unique life skills. 
  In the meantime, enjoy your well deserved retirement Denese, and forgive us for not being willing to say goodbye, but instead so long we hope to see you soon. 

And It's Open!

  Today was the official opening of the Robeson County Farmers Market.  You might ask what this has to do with 4-H?  Actually more than you might think.  Each year, for the last nine years, NC Cooperative Extension has partnered with the farmers at the market for their official opening.  How we do that is by partnering with other agencies such as the hospital, demonstrating what we do best, and offering samples of what you can create with the farmers market.
  This year our Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program staff members had the blender bike on hand.  Participants had the opportunity to get on the bike and ride.  So while you were getting exercise you were also powering a blender which was making an icy cold healthy fruit smoothy for you to enjoy when you were done.
   In another tent Christy Strickland and Janice Fields were having oodles of fun making zoodles.  Zoodles are noodles made from zucchini or squash.  They showed how to make it, sautéed the zoodles with a little tomato sauce and offered samples.  The zoodles were the talk of the market.
   At the far end our staff and volunteers were offering samples of blueberry salsa, corn with cilantro lime butter, beef sliders, and blueberry cobbler.   Patrons could also pick up the recipes of everything that was offered and pick up the fresh fruits and vegetables at the market.  Many of the farmers said it was a great day in terms of traffic and sales.
  So how does 4-H fit into this?  The market is really an example of the things we teach our 4-H members.  Think about all the things offered at the market today.  We want our youth to make healthy food choices, increase their physical activity, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables.  Also with entrepreneurial careers on the rise it is important for youth to understand small businesses that make their own products, think outside the box to market the product, and can convey why folks need the product, and sell that product at a reasonable price.  Our farmers at the market a truly an example of the entrepreneurial spirit that we try to instill in our 4-H members.  Plus the Robeson County Farmers Market is a great place for youth and adults to find out where their food comes from, actually meet the people who grow it and have a more personal relationship with their food.  That's hard to do in bigger populations, but here in Robeson County, it is one of the benefits.

That's a Wrap!

  Hard work pays off.  Kennedi Lyons, Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club Member, proved that today.  Earlier in the month Kennedi was one of two 4-H members who attended 4-H Citizenship.  On the last day the members of NC SPIN television show brought a mock show to the conference.  Kennedi was one of about 15 youth that got up and asked a question concerning the topics discussed.  Thanks to her participation and well thought out question she was asked to participate in the anual NC SPIN taping.
  NC SPIN is a political show that is broadcast on UNC TV weekly.  The panelists offer various views of the same topic to allow viewers to be informed and make up their own mind.  Moderated by Tom Campbell the show is a staple for anything and everything related to NC Politics.
  Today Kennedi and four other 4-H members; Anna Beth Harris, Isaiah Lacewell, and Guillermo Estrada, had the opportunity to view the taping of the weekly show and then tape a show talking about the tough topics NC is facing and how they view these topics.
  The show the 4-H members taped will air July 5 on UNC TV at 7:30 pm and again Sunday afternoon at 12:30 pm.  Also you will be able to live stream it at www.ncspin.com.  For more information and reminders on the air date please check out Facebook page at NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center.

Moo-ving Education Forward

  National Dairy month has virtually been one of my favorite months this year.  Thanks to a grant through NC State University we have had the opportunity to educate folks on where their milk comes from and how it gets to their grocery stores through virtual reality.  Virtual Reality (VR) is a real experience that takes place through a simulation which can be similar or completely different from the real world.  In this case the VR model is delivered through googles that transports the person to a 3-D world of the dairy farm, transporting the milk, and even packaging in just two minutes.
  Today our staff partnered with Southeastern Community Health Education Center (CHEC) in the mall.  The hospital staff talked about the nutritional benefits of milk while we showed people where milk comes from and help them trust in the process from farm to table with the VR experience.  Everyone who watched loved the experience and really enjoyed being on the farm without the smell or having to worry where they stepped.
  If this VR experience is something you would like to try please contact our 4-H Agent, Shea Ann DeJarnette at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu to schedule a time.

Celebrating Virtually

  The 4-H County Council was celebrating today.  Celebrating you ask?  Yes we were celebrating National Dairy Month and what better place to do that but Dairy Queen, on the birthday of this business.
  Partnering with a new partner is always fun, and when you can bring technology in to offer a fun and educational experience, well it turns into a win-win for everyone.  Thanks to a grant our 4-H program was able to purchase three sets of VR googles.  Each is loaded with four 3-D videos of the milk process from the nursery on the farm, to milking cows, loading milk trucks, testing, and bottling all before it lands in the grocery store and then your refrigerator.  The videos are an immersive experience and everyone who tried the googles enjoyed them.
  The County Council members did a great job of getting customers to try the experience and in the end were rewarded with an DQ cake, made especially for Dairy Queens birthday that we were celebrating that day.
  If you are interested in experiencing the VR educational experience please contact our 4-H Agent, Shea Ann DeJarnette at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu

Robeson County 4-H Is on the Map

It was a day of traveling, all the way to Craven Community College.  Although New Bern is a great place to visit we were there to win.  That's right it was 4-H District Activity Day.  The day that 18 counties come together to see who the best of the best is in Public Speaking and Presentations and determine who will represent the district at state.

This year Robeson County 4-H had 11 participants.  Our participants represented; Young Leaders, Inspirational Youth Leaders, Explore NC, Dirty Rascals JMG, Horsin' Around Animal Science Club, and Dirty Dozen 4-H Shooting Sports Club.  More than half of these youth it was their first time presenting. We are so proud of them for over coming their personal fears, competing, and keeping their wits about them amongst veteran presenters.  Youth compete under various topics against youth in their age division; 8-10, 11-13, 14-18.  Potentially they could be competing again 32 other youth in that ages division and topic.
When it was all said and done....

Ava Monroe, Public Speaking, 8-10, Reaching for the Stars:  Gold
Tristan Page, Public Speaking, 14-18, My 4-H Story:  Bronze
Nyasia McKoy, Open, 8-10, How to Make Slime:
Camri McKinnon, Health and Fitness, 8-10, The Fight: Silver
Jada McKinnon, Careers & Entrepreneurship, 11-13, The Transition: Gold
Alyssa Monroe, Arts and Communications, 11-13, Delightful Desert:
Shep Page, Fisheries and Aquatics, 11-13, Fishing:
Taylor Hunter, Electric, 11-13, Energy:  Gold
Jordan McKinnon, Outdoor Cookery-Turkey, 14-18:  Gold
Maggie Underwood, Arts & Communications, 14-18, How do Current Events Affect Comics:
Aaron Johnson, Science & Technology, 14-18, The History of PI:  Silver

Not Your Grandma's Etiquette

  Napkins gently folded in the lap, adding sugar to tea, and drinking with your pinky in the air.  That is what comes to mind when most folks say etiquette.  When we say etiquette in 4-H that's not the reality of today's world and we want to make sure our youth are prepared for today's world.  Knowing proper etiquette can do more than just make you feel comfortable in any social situation, it can be the difference into getting into college, and even obtaining a job.  This is one of the reasons we conduct our 4-H Etiquette Day Camp.
  For our youth we cover a variety of topics from how to dress for different situations, table manners, cell phone manners, and even thank you notes.  Our day started with the 10 most rude manners to avoid.  Then we did a little work on table settings so they would have a sense of what they were looking at when we got to the Carolina Hotel.
   Pinehurst resort has been gracious enough to partner with us on the project for more years than I can count.  They provide a youth friendly lunch; salad, boneless chicken breast, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetable, and dessert, served in three courses.  The youth learn about glasses, bread plates, how to butter rolls, what utensils to use, and how to pass items around the table.  They also learn about napkin etiquette, how to treat the wait staff, and that cell phones are not appropriate at the table.  After an incredible lunch our youth were able to tour the kitchen and saw where the magic happens and learned a little bit about careers in the food industry.
  When we returned we talked about appropriate dress for any and every occasion.  We played a manners game, and worked on thank you notes.  At the end of the day we hosted a mixer for parents.  Our youth allowed their guests to go firsts, had to balance a cup with drink and plate with food while conversing with adults they had not met before, and engaged adults in conversation.
  When the event was over each of our youth left with their own etiquette guide book so they will have something to refer to down the road, and parents can use it to practice with their children at home.  We hope everyone in the family gets a little something out of this fun and educational day.
For more information about other Summer Day Camps please see our brochure at robeson.ces.ncsu.edu.

The Gift of Life

  Thank you.  Thank you to everyone who came out today for our blood drive in honor of Brooke Canady.  Brooke is a member of Explore NC and Dirty Dozen 4-H Shooting Sports clubs.  In March Brooke was in a motor vehicle accident.  As a result of the accident she needed several units of blood and in the five surgeries to help repair broken bones from the accident she needed more blood.  If the blood supply had not been in place Brooke might not have survived.
  As a result her 4-H club members and leaders came together to partner with the Red Cross and host a blood drive at the NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center office.  Our goal was 25 units, but when it was all said and done the staff of four from the Red Cross worked constantly to obtain 36 units of blood today.
  The best part of the entire experience was that Brooke was there and able to thank everyone for taking the time to donate.  There is nothing as encouraging as meeting the person who was saved thanks to someone else's generosity, and is paying it back. 

Turkey Time

  For those of you who think its a little early to talk about Thanksgiving you are correct.  This is however a great time to start raising turkey's to be shown at the NC State Fair.  That's why there was a trip to Raleigh to pick up polts for our three 4-H members, Jackson and Addie Shooter, and Lee Pate who will be raising these birds to show at the state fair.  Before that there will be a practice run at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair.  So plan now to stop by and see the turkey show and our 4-H members in action.  By the time October comes these little polts will be more than 20 pounds.  Definitely worth coming out to see.

Our SPIN on Things

  It is our last day in Raleigh at 4-H Citizenship Focus and we need to put just the right spin on it.  NC SPIN that is.  NC SPIN is a political show that airs on UNC TV.  It allows for an open discussion of the topics that affect all North Carolinians.  Although it may not be on the top ten streaming shows for most of our participants, the mock show, with real life panel members opened their eyes to many different sides to the same topic.  Our 4-H members even had the chance to get up and ask questions of the panelists.  It was an interesting conversation and our youth a unique perspectives to add to the conversations.
  At the end it was time to write thank you notes to the Electric Cooperatives that underwrite this opportunity for our youth.  Without their assistance this program would not be possible and this is an opportunity unlike any other, that our 4-H members get so much out of.
  After the event was over it was time for a special treat.  We headed over to smashed waffles only to find out they had closed their Raleigh location.  It was a sad moment, but then we found another local across from NCSU's campus and enjoyed our last meal in the big city.
  If you are a 4-H member and will be 14 to 18 next year, and are interested in taking part in this program, make sure to fill out an application next year and submit it by the deadline to be considered.  For more information feel free to contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.

Robeson County 4-H at the Legislature

 Day two of 4-H Citizenship Focus and our appointment list is full for the day.  After breakfast we headed to the capitol to meet with members of the House and Senate.  Swarming the Legislature in Green shirts there was no denying that 4-H was in the House (and Senate).  Our local lawmakers were gracious to spend a few minutes with us.  Senator Danny Britt had a day of meetings but took time to pose and speak with our County delegates.  His assistant took us for a tour of the floor of the Senate and showed us some unique architectural features to the Senate Chambers.

  Next on our list, representative Charles Graham.  He took a moment and invited us to watch the Representatives in session from the gallery of the House Chambers.  While we were there our 4-H members were recognized by the Speaker of the House twice.  After watching two bills become law the session ended and our delegation headed to see Representative Brendon Jones.  Although busy with calls he took a few moments to take us on the floor and give us a little background to his history in the legislature and what is coming up.  After that we spent some more time conversing with Representative Charles Graham talking about opportunities in Government and future rolls that our delegates can have in government.
  Upon returning to the Sheraton we had lunch and then changed clothes for our Community Engagement project.  Our delegation was assigned to the Food Bank.  All the delegations assigned to the food bank learned a little about what the food bank does and then put their hands to work.  The youth took multiple pallets loaded with cases of cheese.  They had to unpack the boxes, label the individual cheese packages, and then repack them and load the pallets back up.  After that was done we headed back to the Sheraton and our youth processed their projects and figured out how to make a similar impact back at home.
  Then we had a little time for fun.  Our delegation headed to dinner at a local restaurant, Beasley's Chicken and Honey.  This is one of Ashley Christensen's, James Beard Award winner, restaurants.  After a wonderful meal we took a walking pictorial tour of Raleigh to work off our meal and familiarize ourselves with our surroundings.
  Upon returning to the hotel it was time for game night with our fellow 4-H members from around the state.  I think it is fair to say a good time was had by all wether they won or lost.  Still one more day to go, so after game night it was time to head to bed and get ready for our last day in the big city.