Project Records in the Record Book

 

We would like to take a moment to thank our wonderful folks who came out to judge project record books this year.  We had folks from Pender, New Hanover, and Robeson County on hand to judge more than 20 books from four different counties.  Very special thanks to Traci, Cindy, Emily, Scott, Jessie, Michelle, and Marilyn for spending their day with us to make all of this happen.

As far as our winners.....well we will announce that after District comes back in December.  Safe to say we have several books moving forward for judging.

Update on 4-H Mask Policy

 Please see the following update provided today by Dr. Mike Yoder.  Please note that Robeson County Public Schools do have a mandatory mask policy and therefore we will continue to wear masks indoors with youth.

Good morning,

With COVID-19/Omicron numbers declining across North Carolina and the Nation, I believe the time is right to modify North Carolina 4-H guidelines accordingly.  During the past couple of weeks, we have seen various county school boards vote-in a "mask optional" policy for their public schools.  

Therefore, with regard to the wearing of masks at 4-H events/activities, beginning immediately, all indoor, face-2-face 4-H programming should follow local public-school and applicable county guidance.  If the county public schools are operating under a "mask-optional" policy, then indoor 4-H programs may operate under the same policy.  An exception would be when the policies set for individual buildings/facilities vary.  If a building in which a 4-H activity/event is taking place requires masks, then that guidance should be followed.  As local government/public school guidance changes, you should feel free to follow that change.  

I am hopeful that this change will provide a higher degree of freedom for each of you to make the decisions necessary to keep your COVID-19 guidelines, in-line with those of the county.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Thank you for all you have done to keep 4-H moving forward throughout the pandemic.

Mike

Fresh Fuel For Change

This article was written by Wendy Maynor, 4-H Program Associate, for the Robesonian.

Do you like change? Do you find it difficult to accept change? If so, you are not alone. Change is difficult for a lot of people. Maybe it is the fear of the new when we are so accustomed to the old way. Sometimes we just become comfortable with the way things are because that’s the way it has always been, “just like grandma did.”

Change is usually good; it forces us out of our comfort zone, which ultimately allows for growth by learning new ways. It seems younger people are more accepting and adapt easier to change than older people like myself. I guess we get stuck in our way of doing things – the way they have always been done, “just like grandma did.”

Well, over the past two years, I would say we all have been forced to change on some level because of COVID-19. Since 2020, nearly every aspect of our lives has been altered. We all have been affected by COVID, directly or indirectly.

Reflecting back, we have experienced lockdowns, one shortage after another of essentials and non- essentials, wearing masks, working remotely, and curbside pickup. The shortage of coins and having to pay with exact change or electronic payment, remote learning, sickness, death and healing are also some changes we faced.

So, how will change affect the Robeson County 4-H program? How do we bridge the gap of what was and what is now, all forced by change? As we move forward into 2022, we will rebuild and make the Robeson County 4-H program stronger and more resilient than ever, for our youth and volunteers. We are adapting to the situation that has forced change, and embracing it with the opportunity for the 4-H program to grow and enable youth to grow even stronger. We will maintain a high degree of vigilance. Follow all COVID guidelines given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NC State University, and Robeson County. Our volunteers are also trained in our COVID protocols to keep youth safe.

It is easy to be a part of this exciting 4-H Program. We offer summer fun day camps, overnight camp, fun hands-on educational activities, and a variety of clubs for youth ages 5 to 18. So, take control and make a positive change by signing your child up for 4-H today. Make it family fun by signing up to be an adult volunteer. We encourage family involvement.

For more information and easy access to all 4-H programs, including 4-H online, download the Robeson County 4-H app. Simply, go to your App Store and download 4-H Now! When you open the app, you will be prompted to pick a program to download. You will need to choose Robeson County 4-H. Also follow us on the Robeson County 4-H blog at http://www.robeson4-h.blogspot.com

One thing is for sure, life constantly changes. We as an organization, county, community, and program, have the capacity to embrace change, adapt, and thrive to greater heights.

For more information, contact Wendy Maynor, Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Associate, at 910-671-3276, by Email at Wendy_Maynor@ncsu.edu, or visit our website at https://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/. 

Lumber River United Way News

 

Lumber River United Way exceeds 2021 Campaign goal LRUW's 2021 Campaign has surpassed our bold goal of $625,000! Contributions to United Way support our fifteen partner agencies programs across Bladen, Hoke, & Robeson Counties as well as our own initiatives such as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and VITA. Thank you to all the donors that invested in United Way, your contributions are tackling financial stability & women's health as well as many other community needs. If your place of business would like to participate in United Way's annual campaign contact Tate Johnson at 910-739-4249 ex 303 or email tjohnson@lumberriveruw.org DONATE  LRUW implements income tax assistance program Lumber River United Way has announced the launch of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-linked program will assist taxpayers in the preparation and e-filing of their federal and state tax returns at no cost to the participant. Taxpayers eligible for this service should have an income below $57,000, be an elder, or have a disability. Through VITA tax clinics, taxpayers will participate in a brief interview, be assisted in creating an IRS customer portal account, and have their tax documents scanned so that an IRS certified tax preparer volunteer can complete the return. After the return is completed, the taxpayer can either log in to review/sign and have their return e-filed, or they can schedule an appointment to meet with someone to review their return. To learn more or register for a tax clinic click here! and the winner is, final Fair Share Drawing held January 11th! Brittany Pittman with the City of Lumberton is the 2021 Campaign Fair Share winner! Congratulations, Brittany Pittman, on being the last 2021 Campaign Fair Share Finalists standing! Brittany is the winner of $3,500 sponsored by Peterson Toyota. Fair Share Winner Brittany Pittman & LRUW board member Pamela Wright 230 Fair Share donors contributed over $62,000 for LRUW’s 2021 Campaign. Thank you to all Fair Share donors for impacting the communities we serve. Lumber River United Way merges with United Way of Bladen County Lumber River United Way, a nonprofit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community, announces the organization’s official merger with United Way of Bladen County.   In October 2020 Lumber River United Way board of directors authorized to create a 3-county regional United Way, that rebranding started February 1, 2021.   “Merging with United Way of Bladen County enables us to connect with a broader audience, to continue to serve our collective impact, and to better position ourselves to serve underrepresented counties in Southeastern NC,” said Johnny Robertson, board president of Lumber River United Way and owner of John’s Fuel Service in Red Springs. “This new partnership ultimately captures who we are today as we create a vibrant region where all our neighbors have access to the resources they need to thrive.”   As part of the merger, Lumber River United Way will continue to bring people, ideas, and resources together in Bladen County to improve lives and community conditions. As of February 1, the 2021 Campaign exceeded the goal of raising $20,000 in Bladen County. Currently, United Way’s Bladen County community investment partners include Bladen County 4-H, Families First, and the Foster Children’s Fund with Bladen County Department of Social Services.   To view the full press release click here! [910-739-4249] | [www.lumberriveruw.org] DONATE Connect with us  ‌  ‌  ‌

Poultry Science Summer Institute

If you know a rising sophomore - senior high school student in your life who is interested in STEM, poultry, animals, and/or NC State, please tell them to apply to Poultry Science Summer Institute.  
Students will experience:  
*Poultry Science - from embryology to immunology!  
*campus life & stay at University Towers
*university iconic landmarks, farms, feedmill, and poultry industry tours
*collaborating with peers and making new friends
Cost is just $75 per student thanks to funding provided by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.  
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Submit applications by Feb 28, 2022!

4-H Opportunity

 

This message is shared by National 4-H.  If you are interested in participating just follow the instructions in the email.

Our partner Georgia Boot is looking to highlight four 4-H’ers on their social media channels to follow along with progress of their 4-H projects throughout the year. The selected 4-H’ers will be identified as Georgia Boot Trailblazers and will receive a prize pack valued at $500 consisting of a pair of Georgia Boots, a gift card to a local farm & ranch store of their choosing, and Georgia Boot and 4-H swag. They will also be asked to provide Georgia Boot with photos and progress updates on their 4-H project that can be shared on Georgia Boot’s social media channels.  To enter, eligible 4-H’ers between age 12-18 can complete the entry form by February 28.

 

This is a great opportunity for 4-H’ers to share their stories and projects with a national audience along with winning a great prize pack!  Feel free to pass this along to your networks if you know of any 4-H’ers who might be interested. I have included an image attached and sample copy below if you’d like to promote this opportunity on your social media channels. 

 

 

Social media handles to include: Facebook: @GeorgiaBoot @4-H  Instagram: @officialgeorgiaboot @national4h   Twitter: @GeorgiaBoot @4H 

Sample social media copy:

Have a @4-H’er in the family? Share their 2022 project for a chance to win a $500 prize pack including a pair of boots from @GeorgiaBoot, gift card, and more! Learn more about becoming a Georgia Boot Trailblazer and enter at www.georgiaboot.com/trailblazers. #Opportunity4All

 

The original Facebook post from Georgia Boot can be found here if you’d like to share their post.

Calling All Artists!

 

Mary Fosnaught with the state poultry department has asked us to let you know about the 2022 Youth Market Turkey Show T-shirt Design Contest.

Entries due Feb. 15th!

Find out more at go.ncsu.edu/ymts.