Collier County 4-H's mission is to create supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential. Join us in making the best better!

Friday, August 20, 2010





2010
Collier County
4-H Congress





I would like to thank those who came to the leaders meeting last night, it sounds like everyone has an exciting year planned. If you missed the meeting you can pick up your enrollment packet at the Extension office. We ask that you have enrollment to us by September the 30th.

Don't forget this Saturday is the steer weigh-in for the 4-H Livestock show; if you have any questions you can call 239-280-8378 or e-mail Curtistuff@aol.com



We have new programs starting in September at the Extension Office come out and join the fun.



Shooting Sports: First meeting will be held on Tuesday September 7th from 4:30 -5:30. We will be starting with archery and range safety.



Land Judging: The first meeting will be on Tuesday September 7th from 5:30-6:30. You will learn how to tell the difference between soils, learn the slope of the land, and be able to tell where the water table is.



Horticulture Judging/ 4-H Vegetable Garden Project: The first meeting will be Tuesday, September 14th from 4:30-5:30. In the horticulture Judging you will learn to identify plants by their leaves and classify the quality of the plants. For the garden project you will plant your own garden, and enter a contest with the produce grown and your garden.



Livestock Judging: The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14th from 5:30-6:30. In the livestock judging you will be learning to judge the value and quality of livestock.



Livestock meeting for 4-H Livestock show August 23rd at 7:00 p.m.



Livestock meeting for the Fair September 14th at 6:30



Save the Date: September 25th.
Come join us for the United Way walk for the way. More info to come.


Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Good Morning, I hope everyone is having a great summer. Here are a few upcoming events:

The first leaders meeting will be on August 19th at 6:30 pm, we will give out the leaders packets, please make sure that a leader from every club attends.

August the 21st will be the first steer weigh-in for the Collier County 4-H Livestock show. Weigh-in will be from 8:00 am until 10:00 am, the minimum weight is 550lbs entry forms will be available at the weigh-in but you must bring your bill of sail. If you have any questions you can call 239-280-8378 or email curtistuff@aol.com

The Southern Region Volunteer forum, (better known as Rock Eagle) information is updated on the Florida 4-H website. Registration will be due to Trisha by August 23rd.

The results for the State 4-H Horse Show are online! You will find links to the individual class results, overall awards, and Regional qualifiers.

http://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/youth/horse/Shows.shtml

Congratulations to Sofia Curkovic, Clare Sullivan, and Cheyenne Bechtol you did a fantastic job representing Collier County

The updated rules and regulations for the 2010 4-H Marine and Aquatic photography contest are now up on line at http://florida4h.org/projects/marine/state_photocontest.shtml


I’m proud to share that 4-H’s premier summer national conference, Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF), finished its final week at the 4-H National Youth Conference Center here in our nation’s capital just a few weeks ago. Nearly 1500 young people from 28 states traveled to the Center to experience the living classroom of Washington, DC. While participating in CWF, 4-H'ers improve their understanding of their civic and social responsibilities in order to become better citizens and leaders and exchanged ideas, practiced respect, and formed friendships with other 4-H youth from across the country!
At the end of each week, 4-H’ers reflected on what they learned while in Washington, DC and how this week had changed them. I wanted to take a moment to share that impact with you here:
“I've entered another realm of 4-H and discovered a higher meaning of it. This trip will stick with me forever.”
“I have a greater appreciation for the diversity of our country.”
“This program has helped me realize that it’s ok to voice your opinion even if it’s different from others.”

"CWF has been the highlight of my 4-H Career.”
“It made me realize that being a good leader is so much more than just being a good person.”
“I didn't have the faintest idea what a good citizen was before I came here, and now I know it's what I strive to be.”
“What I enjoyed the most about CWF was the fact that I got to interact with people from different communities with different backgrounds than my own.”
“CWF increased my confidence as a leader as well as my ability to make a difference.”

If you haven’t already, take a moment to learn more about CWF at www.citizenshipwashingtonfocus.org. I’d like to encourage you to share the great news of this program throughout your states. Registration is already open for the 2011 CWF program and preferred weeks often fill up fast. Feel free to contact Molly Young, Director of Youth Opportunities (myoung@4HCenter.org) with any questions about how 4-H’ers from your state can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Last Words from Anni

Dear 4-H Family,

The purpose of this post is to announce my resignation from Collier County 4-H and Extension. This was not an easy decision to make, on my part. Upon my return to this position my experiences have been very rewarding. I've enjoyed working for you and managing the 4-H Program. I have accepted a position with Chemonics International in Washington D.C. This opportunity gives me the chance to grow professionally and make the global contribution that is so important to me.

I wish you and the 4-H family all the best. I do hope our paths cross again in the future.

Sincerely,

Anni

"Change starts when someone sees the next step." – Drayton

Monday, July 12, 2010

Congrats to 4-H Horse Participants!


Congrats to our 4-h state horse show participants!

All the girls came home with a ribbon. The competition was very tough, over 360 riders from all over the state.
Here are the results for Collier County -

Cheyenne Bechtol placed 5th in Jr/Int Barrel Race
Sofia Curkovic placed 4th in Ranch Riding
Clare Sullivan placed 7th in Hunter Type Geldings

District Meeting/Congress Rally


Happy 4-H Monday!! Just a reminder the 4-H District 12 officer elections are on Thursday evening at 6:30pm in Lee County. Trisha will be taking the van so if you would like to attend please contact the office at 239-353-4244. We will also be having the 4-H Congress rally that evening after elections, if you are going to congress please join us and bring your $10.00 for your district congress t-shirt.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Important Message from Polk County!

From: Carlisle, Bridget
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 4:04 PM
Subject: Mosquito-Borne Disease Advisory Issued For Polk County



Cattlemen



Two Recent Cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed

According to a press release issued by the Polk County Health Department, two horses have recently died and tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne disease. “The horses were found in the rural outskirts of Lake Wales and Frostproof in southeast Polk County. No human cases of mosquito borne illnesses have been reported in Polk County this year. However, the risk of transmission to humans is possible. This virus can cause mild to severe symptoms in humans including a serious brain infection.”

Horses can be vaccinated for the disease, however a vaccine is not yet available for humans. Residents are urged to follow certain precautions to avoid exposure to mosquitoes.

The Health Department suggests the following steps:

· Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn.

· Wear clothing that covers skin.

· Use repellents that contain up to 30 percent DEET.

· Rid your home and property of standing water.

· Repair torn screens.

In horses, EEE is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Signs of the virus include fever, listlessness, stumbling, circling, coma and usually death. The disease is fatal in horses in 90% of the cases.

A majority of cases can be prevented through proper vaccinations and booster shots against mosquito borne illnesses. Horse owners should take action now to prevent transmission of the disease.



Bridget Carlisle

Extension Agent II - Livestock

UF/IFAS Polk County Extension

(863) 519-8677 x104 office

(863) 797-5108 cell





Mosquito-Borne Disease Advisory Issued For Polk County

-- --

BARTOW--
The health department reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause encephalitis disease. Polk County Mosquito Control and the health department continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.


To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to practice the “5 D’s” and “1 S”:

Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood.
Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
DEET – When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are recommended.
Drainage – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, where mosquitoes lay eggs.
Screens – Repair any torn screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.


Other effective repellants are picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535. Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites
Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.

Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
Pump out bilges on boats.
Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.
Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
Horse owners should contact their veterinarian for information on vaccination of horses against mosquito borne diseases. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html, or call the Disease Outbreak Hotline at 1-888-880-5782.

For additional information, contact Polk County Mosquito Control at (863) 534-7377.
##

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Message from 4-H Leader

Can you let all the 4her's know that , I'am doing a Super garage sale this saturday july 10 8am to 2pm and sunday 11 , same hours. Lots of things to sale:

At 3227 48th avenue NE

thanks a lot, have a great day.

Blinda