#SCOOP

State and Local CFAC members, Brain Injury Advisory Council Members, DMHDDSAS Commission Members, Provider Partners, and other Partners,

 

I want you to have the #SCOOP on managing stress!

Right now, more than ever, all of us need to take care of our #mentalwellness. Recent data shows the number of North Carolinians feeling anxious or depressed in a given week has tripled. It's not just the risk of #COVID_19, it's also loneliness and the loss of financial security. But remember, feeling down or worried is normal and you are definitely not alone.

At the Department of Health and Human Services, we have created a tool to help. Today we released the SCOOP on managing stress.

Help us spread the word. Start by #SharingTheSCOOP. Then, check in with your loved ones and hold space for them to open up -- let them do the same for you. We also have #Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 available any time, day or night, seven days a week. It is ok (and #brave!) to ask for help. And even if you feel great, practicing SCOOP is a great way to KEEP you feeling well! An ounce of #prevention is a pound of cure.

We all have the capacity to manage stress & help others. Doing so will get us through this difficult time #together, build resilience, and emerge strong and healthy.

Seeds in the Mail

Below is a message from the Animal Health and Inspection service.  If you have received unsolicited seeds in the mail or really any seeds from China or else where outside our country and were marked as something else DO NOT PLANT THEM.  I know we are often curious and want to see what will happen.  We are asking that you receive a package please follow the instructions below.  Do not let curiosity get the best of you.

July 28, 2020 United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Unsolicited Seeds from China USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received unsolicited packages of seed from China in recent days. APHIS is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and State departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. Anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds from China should immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.       Ed Curlett Director of Public Affairs, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Office: (301) 851-4052  Cell:      (240) 401-7294

4-H Members Attend Congress

This article was written by Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent, for the Robesonian and Robeson Journal.  It can also be found on the NC Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center Website.

A delegation of five Robeson County 4-H members and staff attended NC 4-H Congress, which was held virtually this year. Brooke Canady, Kennedi Lyons, and Maggie Underwood represented Robeson County. This year’s 4-H Congress, held July 20-23, 2020, attracted more than 300 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the state. Conference delegates participated in general sessions, learned together in workshops, recognized award winners, and elected State 4-H Officers for the upcoming year.

As part of this year’s event, 4-H members were tapped into the 4-H Honor Club, which is a service organization and highest honor for a 4-H member. Youth also attended a dance and received awards. Maggie Underwood, a member of the Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club and the Dirty Dozen Shooting Sports 4-H Club received a State Service Award for her work making more than 200 mask holders that were donated to local health care providers to help ease the stress on their ears from the elastic on their face masks.

Also honored at the event were two of Robeson County 4-H graduating members. D. J. Brown is a member of the Titans 4-H Club, graduated from Lumberton High School, and plans on attending UNCP next month. Also, Jordan McKinnon is a member of the Inspirational Youth Leaders 4-H Club in Rex, graduated from Freedom Christian Academy, and plans on attending Robeson Community College to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts.

North Carolina’s 4-H Program is the largest youth development organization, equipping more than 262,200 young people each year with the skills to succeed and improve the world around them. Also, 4-H programs and camps encourage young people to “learn by doing,” helping them to develop into active, contributing citizens. Both NC State Extension and the Cooperative Extension Program at N.C. A&T State University coordinate 4-H programs statewide.

For more information on this event or other 4-H programs, please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H agent, in Robeson County at (910) 671-3276. To learn more about the Robeson County 4-H Program and to sign up for 4-H and activities offered through the program, download our free app from your Apple or Google stores. Download “4-H Now!” and then look for Robeson County 4-H.

Defining Your Vision, 4-H Congress

Yes Folks we still had 4-H Congress.  Yes, it was virtual.  YES IT WAS FUN!  We can not express the way this was put together to give our youth a much better experience than they expected.  For first time Congress participants this was pretty cool compared to many virtual opportunities.  For our repeat offenders, I mean participants, the virtual experience wasn't lacking.

That reminds me let me announce our 4-H delegation.  Since we really don't have photos this year as part of 4-H Congress I do want to recognize Brooke Canady, Kennedi Lyons, and Maggie Underwood for taking part in this year's event.  I would also like to congratulate Wendy Maynor, 4-H Program Associate for attending her first ever 4-H Congress, and of course Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent who wouldn't have missed this for the world.

The theme for this year was Defining Your Vision.  As you will see everything revolved around that theme from workshops, to leadership displayed, and even finding ways to become comfortable and use the virtual format in interactive ways.  Youth had the opportunity to reach out, learn, model, and define their vision no matter the obstacles that they might see in their way.

Day one was similar to what the first night of Congress would be.  We met, had the county introduction, officer candidate introduction, and Honor Club tapping.  For those unfamiliar with honor club, this is the highest pinnacle of 4-H service you can receive.  Only a small part of 4-H members who apply for Honor Club are chosen to be part of it.  After the event youth had the chance to check out our officer candidates on websites created just for them...You can still check out the 2020-2021 State 4-H Officer Candidate website here.Candidate pages can be found on the drop-down menu under the officer position they are seeking. Simply click on the arrow button on the left of the officer position. We also made sure all the fun was tagged at #NC4HCongress in their social media posts.

Day two involved workshops, awards, candidate booths and of course a dance.  That's right folks we were dancing the night away.  Our youth had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops today.  Almost all the workshops were lead by our 4-H members.  Way to step up folks.  Workshops included:

Let’s Have A Personality Party led by the North Central District Officers which explored the Enneagram. 

Leadership 201: From Best to Better led Southeast District Officers which explored leadership types.

Public Speaking which is an Ambassador Bronze workshop taught by 4-H Agent Jessica Hogan & 4-H Program Associated Barbara Byers.  In this session participants learned what they needed to know about public speaking in a variety of settings. 

Self & Community Care in Uncertain Times facilitated by Dr. Maru Gonzalez and Luke Shealy.  This workshop engaged youth participants in a series of reflective and experiential activities about

centering self-care during times of hardship and uncertainty.

Tips and Tricks to Thrive During Your First Year of College taught by 4-H Alums Lauren Winslow & Anna Marie Vagnozzi.  This session, as the title suggests, offered tips and tricks to thrive during your first year of college. 

Traffic Engineering, The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math of Moving

People and Things led Dr. Martin Kane.  This session focused on learning the language of traffic engineering both as a young traveler and a driver. 

So there was a variety of opportunities to take part in.

After our workshops we took a brief break and then recognized our 4-H members from around the state for their work through awards.  Our very own Maggie Underwood was recognized with a state service award for her work making and donating face mask holders.  She designed and made more than 200 of these creations from Perler beads for health care workers to use to take the stress and strain from the elastic off their ears.  Congratulations to Maggie, who had no idea she would receive or that she was nominated for an award, she was just trying to make a difference in our community.  

After awards we took a longer break and came back in that evening to check out the officer candidate rooms, ask questions and then dance!  How does that work you might ask?  Well our youth got dressed up in some cases, turned their cameras on and danced as we played music just as loud as we do in the McKimmon Center during the regular dances.  They chatted in the chat box and had a really good time.

In between day two and three we had a virtual county huddle to determine how we would be voting.  Our highest ranking officer, Brooke Canady was our representative for this event which would be done the old fashioned way, through a voice vote this year at Congress.  After much discussion about the officers and their qualifications, plus a few other things that had nothing to do with the election our group had their ballot ready to cast in the afternoon.

However before that could be done it was time for another round of workshops with even more intriguing opportunities being offered this afternoon.

Trouble On The Train implemented by the South Central District Officers who created a virtual escape room where participants had to solve a fun murder mystery.

Working Together while Staying Apart led by the West District Officers. This workshop designed to teach the importance of teamwork by utilizing the True Colors personality test. 

Nuts and Bolts of becoming a District Officer led by some folks who know, the Northeast District Officers. This workshop participants learned about being a district officer, and also learn helpful tips and tricks on the county level as well.

Taste of Mexico led by 4-H members Guillermo Estrada and Michelle Estrada.  This was an interactive workshop focused on culture and cuisine. 

Team Building led by our 4-H camping specialist Dave Herpy.  In this workshop participants learned about a variety of energizers, icebreakers, name games, and team building initiatives that don't require the use of props.

After a brief break it was time to cast our ballots.  Counties were called to their microphone and cast their ballots for state officers.  This is an image of what our participants saw as ballots were casts.  After calling for votes from all 100 counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokees we took a brief break and this is what was announced.  Our new 4-H State officers for 2020-2021 will be Chloe Allen from Johnston County for 4-H State President, Samantha Corduan from Washington County for State 4-H Vice President, Sydney Loflin from Davidson County for state 4-H Secretary/Treasurer, and Sydney Blair from Brunswick County will serve as State 4-H reporter.  Although the new officers were installed during a really cool virtual candlelight ceremony this evening we don't want to forget about our current state officers.  So a padlet was created so folks could give them a virtual shout out.  You too can take a minute and give our outgoing officer team a shout-out for their year of service.  You can find the padlet here . The password is 4leafclover (all lowercase). They have done an outstanding job leading this year! 

After voting we recognized our senior 4-H members in the senior spotlight.  As many go off to college it was nice to recognize them for the first time this year at 4-H Congress.  Robeson County was able to recognize two out of three members graduating this year.  D.J. Brown, a member of Titans 4-H Club who graduated from Lumberton High School this year.  He will be attending UNCP in the fall to major in theater.  We also recognized Jordan McKinnon from Inspirational Youth Leaders.  Jordan graduated from Freedom Christian Academy and plans to attend Robeson Community College to purse a career in Culinary Arts.  Way to go DJ and Jordan!

Our last day consisted of the officer spotlight speeches.  Each officer had the opportunity to thanks those who impacted their success this year.  The touching speeches are always a highlight of this state event.  We ten took a look back at the event, which was very cool.  Then our new State President, Chloe Allen adjourned the event, until we meet next year.

If you thought we had fun virtually wait until you experience it in person next year.  It is fabulous!  So our youth 14 and up next year start getting ready because it is going to be a great time.

4-H Top 4 for the week of July 20, 2020

Good morning everyone.  Hope you have had a great weekend.  Let's head straight to the top 4.

-We are encouraging everyone to download the 4-H App from their app store.  This seems like our most reliable way to communicate and for folks to sign up for events.  We are ecstatic about some of the new program offerings we have been able to make available and register for programs with the click of a button.  So far everyone who has downloaded it and tried it, is pleased with how user friendly it is and how much time it saves you from having to come to the office.  To download our app, just go to the app store on your phone and download 4-H Now!  When you open that app search for Robeson County 4-H tap on it and you will be linked to us.  The download and app are free.

-We are excited to announce a brand new program.  This is a virtual 4-H Jr. County Retreat.  The event will be held virtually over Zoom and be led by our amazing teen 4-H County Council Officers.  Our youth will have the chance to work on a Citizenship project, take part in interactive Trivia Challenges, and try to work their way out of a virtual Escape Room.  The event will take place July 31, from 3-5 pm.  This event is free and open to all Robeson County 4-H members enrolled in 4-H Online.  To register please click this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/robeson-county-4-h-congress-registration-tickets-109689074976.  For questions please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, 4-H Extension Agent.

-We still have spots available in our 4-H Summer Fun events;  Biotech (almost full), and Cloverbud day camp.  Please check the programs tab on the app and scroll to find the opportunity you would like to register your child for.  You can also register from our Summer Fun blog post found here:  http://robeson4-h.blogspot.com/2020/06/4-h-summer-fun-virtual-style.html

-The 4-H Showmanship Circuit has decided to go with a virtual show schedule this year.  Registration opened for that on Friday.  This is the link for registration  https://circuit2020.eventbrite.com.  That being said there are a couple of things we would like you to know.  This does not affect our 4-H poultry and rabbit shows at this time.  We have more time before that descion has to be made so we will keep families involved with our animal science program apprised of what happens there.  If you have any questions about this please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette. 

That is all we have for this week.  Stay Cool! We hope to see you online soon.

Thanks,

Wendy, Christy, and Shea Ann

Cuting Up with 4-H Arts and Crafts Day Camp

Have to say, we are most impressed with our 4-H Arts and Crafts Day Camp participants.  We have had a great time over the last four days doing a variety of crafts.

   On Monday Christy Strickland taught our youth to cross stitch.  To do this there were a lot of things we needed to learn.  We had to learn to thread a needle, read a pattern, follow directions, just to learn to cross stitch.  Once we had that down and figured out how to use the squares on the gingham it was easy to make our christmas trees.  Then we had to learn to sew on a button to put our star on the top of the tree.  What happened next was pretty cool.  We turned it into an ornament.  By using a lid ring from a jar, rope, a felt backing, and some tacky glue we finished it off and made a really neat gift.  The one thing we didn't get to start or finish on Monday was our plastic canvas needlepoint project.  However Ms. Shea Ann posted a video to walk us through that.  Because we can read the pattern from cross stitch it will make this project even easier.

  Tuesday we were ready and willing to jump into the deep end after Monday went so swimmingly well.  Today 4-H Member Maggie Underwood introduced everyone into the world of Perler beads.  They used the pattern reading skills they learned on Monday and translated them into making incredible designs with colored plastic beads that were then ironed to allow the beads to fuse and make a design.  They campers did an incredible job and were really focused on this.  At the end we had a little time to play with Shrinky Dinks.  Shrinky Dinks are plastic pages that you color a design on and cut out.  Then you place them in the oven for a few minutes and they shrink to one third the original size and are nine times as thick.  The colors you use also become more concentrated.  This is great for decorations, key chains, bobles, to make jewelry with, etc.  The sky is the limit.

   Wednesday was very cool.  Mrs. Patty Speights joined us and walked us through making a painting.  We made a really cute crab and everyone's was a little different and all of them were perfect in their own way.  It was really neat.  We also had little ceramic pieces that we could paint and give as gifts or use for ornaments or decorations.  We had lots of fun with our paints.

   The last day of camp was on Thursday.  This was probably the hardest project of them all.  Mrs. Shae (Shae 2) taught us how to finger knit using an emoji loop yarn.  Trying to figure out how to pull the loops through was tough but once we figured it out it was pretty neat.  Mrs. Shea has added a video to our google drive of Mrs. Shae ending the project so we can see how to do it on our own.  Not that any of this is confusing at all.

  We are so excited about how our youth finished up 4-H Arts and Crafts Day Camp and we hope they will enter their crafts in our 4-H Artastic Contest.  Details of that will come out soon.  Happy crafting to all our youth and thank you moms for all your help with our projects.

JMG News

BIWEEKLY UPDATE | JULY 2020 WE'VE GOT WINNERS! PRESCHOOL PREVIEW A NOTE ON STONE FRUITS QUICK LINKS WE'VE GOT WINNERS! WATCH THE VIDEO LEARN MORE Check out the 2020 Growing Good Kids Book Award Winners! This year’s best of the best garden-themed children’s books were unveiled yesterday at the at the 2020 National Children & Youth Garden Symposium. YOU can win a FREE set of this year's winners by helping to get the word out! Check out the awards announcement video: https://youtu.be/Zre7VtoOWF0, share it & include #GrowingGoodKids! We are giving away complete sets of the winning titles to 2 of you that do this by July 17. Thanks for helping to get the word out and bring a wider audience of kids to these deserving award winning books! PRESCHOOL PREVIEW: EARLY CHILDHOOD SAMPLES ARE HERE! Free Downloads Now Available! Click here to learn more, access free preview activities, and sign up for updates. HOW-TO: STONE FRUITS Wondering how to remove the stone from your peach? Looking to plant a plum tree? Click here to learn more! QUICK LINKS JMGKIDS VIRTUAL SUMMER 2020 GROUP LEADERS - DISTANCE LEARNING GUIDELINES AND APPROVAL VISIT OUR WEBSITE Junior Master Gardener Program | juniormastergardener@gmail.com CONNECT WITH US:  ‌  ‌  ‌

YQCA Training and Certification Opportunity

There will be a Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training on Friday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom for youth ages 8-21. There is a $5 fee to cover the cost of your certification and to cover the processing fees. This training is required annually in order to show swine at the NC State Fair. The training covers food safety, animal well-being, and character development.  

Registration is held via Eventbrite. Learn more and register at: https://forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/07/youth-quality-care-of-animals-training/

Registration will close on July 24 and space is limited. 

Contact April Bowman, at 336-703-2855 or awbowman@ncsu.edu with questions.