February 2012

Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

February 2012 Tuesday, November 02, 2010

December 2010 Dear 4-H Family, Cooperative Extension Service Kenai Peninsula District

43961 -Beach Rd, Suite A Soldotna, AK 99611 Phone: 907-262-5824 Fax: 907-262-3939 www.uaf.edu/ces/4h/kenpen

February 2012 Inside this issue: Club News

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I have been contemplating some of the Planning Calendar 3, 4 factors that Trace Visits Atlanta 5 made Nancy’s term as the Reindeer 6 Kenai 4-H Agent such a productive and positive 4-H’er of the Month 6 experience for so many Annie 8 people. Through this Future Events 8 process I have arrived at three conclusions concerning Nancy’s approach to leadership: 1. Nancy viewed the 4-H community as her friends and family. 2. Nancy valued and obsessed over the smallest detail no matter how simple or inconsequential those details might have seemed. 3. Nancy resisted the institutional tendency to overcomplicate matters when considering 4-H programming from a big-picture perspective. In considering the first of these factors I decided to open the February Pledger with Nancy’s traditional salutation. Nancy’s Pledger greetings reflected her core belief that her position at CES was a gift and that her job was time well-spent with extended family and friends. I believe it was this attitude and approach which helped Nancy connect with people and build the type of relationships necessary to ensure long-term program growth, stability and success.

In review of the second factor it seems Nancy always made a point to remember the little things, the last-minute details and little personal touches that made each 4-H gathering a significant signature event no matter what the size or occasion. Abolitionist and author Harriet Beecher Stowe said, “To be really great in the little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization.” More simply put, it is not the devil who is in the details but rather the valid, acceptable works of a saint. In this regard Nancy was no exception. The third factor leading to Nancy’s success was, and continues to be, her unyielding ability to cut to the chase, and to reject over-complicated approaches to issues that might otherwise be resolved through simple matter-of-fact analysis and response. Nancy’s ability to quickly refine an issue to its essential elements, to establish a position and to move into action, set an easily replicated and understood standard for no-nonsense program planning and implementation. This same type of ability was portrayed in the movie The Patriot when hero Benjamin Martin, played by actor Mel Gibson, instructs his sons to, “Aim small, miss small.” In this scenario Martin doesn’t waste time explaining complex maneuvers, battlefield tactics or shooting theory with his two sons as they prepare to confront an entire regiment of red coat soldiers. Martin simply identifies that a focused and consistent approach to problem solving will result in a positive outcome each time a task is undertaken. My hope is that each leader and volunteer can continue to learn, as I am learning from Nancy, to treat each other as family, make sure you don’t forget to take time to make the little extra details happen and to keep things simple, easily replicated and successful. “Aim small, miss small.” Jason Floyd LBSW, Kenai Peninsula 4-H Agent

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4-H’er of the Month

Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

February 2012

The Bang Up Club is trying something new this year. On January 14 we got a small group of kids together and started learning about Lego robotics. We built a basic grabber-bot and programmed it to pick up an item. Afterwords we played with a Cypsela toy that allows you to put various motors and gears together to create a moving toy. Our next meeting is planned for February 18 at 11 a.m. It will be at the 4-H office, but call us if you're coming in case plans change. See ya there! Beth and Trace Braxling, 262-1887 At our January meeting we made many different origami projects: cups, frogs, birds and a throwing star. We had a lot of fun. Thank you Lindsey and Henry for teaching the class, and thanks to the Floyds, who hosted the meeting. Our next meeting will be February 20 at the Cox's house. We will be working on our record books and talking about what we learned in the rally day classes. The activity will start at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting following at 6: 30 p.m. Hope to see everyone there — don't forget your record books. The Fuzzy Wuzzy Fiber Club has had some fun this winter! In December, the Fuzzy Wuzzies were busy carding wool and trying their hand(s) at using drop spindles to spin some fiber. The girls were successful spindling, as they were pretty relaxed about the process. The January meeting was mostly used to test a potential Rally Day project: wetfelting. The plan was to make felted hearts. Since getting that exact shaped proved frustrating, the girls decided to instead offer a wet-felting project where each participant just has fun making whatever shape they want, gearing it toward Cloverbuds. The girls are looking forward to sharing some fun with other young 4-H’ers on the 28! Kirsten Boatright

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Pictured left to right: Mattie Cobb, Esther Knox, Betty Brittain (American Legion Junior Officer) Sharon Cherrette, (American Legion Commander), Joanna Daniels, Rebekah Ruzicka, Jennifer Smith, Carla Pherson and Vicky Daniel. Photo taken after the girls waitressed for the American Legion's Veteran's Day banquet in Ninilchik.

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On January 16, Katie Matthews and I (Esther Knox), from the Trail Blazers Club, attended the kick-off for the Paul Banks Elementary Schools "kiss a pig" read-a-thon. The school asked if my miniature pig could be in their skit to get the kids motivated to read; my pig was "pignapped" and the kids had to read 10,000 minutes to get him back. It was a great leadership opportunity and it was encouraging to see all the kids so enthusiastic about getting poor Guinevere back. What happens if the kids accomplish their goal by the end of February? Their principal has to kiss the pig!

Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

February 2012

4-H 2012 PLANNING CALENDAR Write the dates of all 4-H meetings and activities. Check those attended.

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Date 3 24-31

October 2011

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First Day of 2011-2012 4-H Year. Be Sure to Sign Up!

14 19 21 24-25 28

National 4-H Week – 4-H Promotion Awards Program @ KPC – 12:30 p.m. No October District Council Meeting

December 2011

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No December District Council Meeting Christmas Tree Auction Kenai Visitors Center – 2 p.m. Office Closed

Date 1-8 9 14 23 26 28 28 28

Date

February 2012

1 James Matthews Scholarship Due 5-11 Jason Out of Office – Western 4-H Institute 20 District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

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Date 15 16

January 2012

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Office Closed Beef Intent to Sell Forms Due Shooting Sports Leader Training, Kenai National Guard Armory – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. JML Election Committee Meeting – 6:30 p.m. @ CES Rally Day @ KPC – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mandatory JML Meeting – 2 p.m-5 p.m. Tustumena 200 Dog Sled Race Start Peninsula Winter Games

March 2012

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JML Enrollment Deadline CES Office closed

TBD

Shooting Sports Fun Shoot – Kenai National Guard Armory

TBD 17

Salesmanship Classes Public Presentations, Educational Display Contest District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

19 22-24 Jason Out of Office - Juneau

November 2011 JML Organizational Meeting Nancy Veal’s Retirement Party @ KPC District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Office Closed JML Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

25-30 Jason Out of Office – 4-H Western Science Institute

Here is a planning calendar from our 4-H record book. I hope this helps new leaders and members to have an idea of how our 4-H year flows. Some dates are not final, some might be changed. However, you’ll have some information to work with.

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Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

February 2012

4-H 2012 PLANNING CALENDAR (pg. 2) Date

April 2012 14 Kenai Peninsula State Fair Board Fundraiser 7 Set Eggs for Awareness Day 15 Turkey Possession Date 20-21 State Horse Contest – Palmer 22 State Horse Clinic – Palmer in the a.m.

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Date 1 12 18 19 19

District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Horse Bowl in Kodiak 28-29 4-H Awareness Day/ JML Small Animal Exhibits – KPBA Home Show 23

21 28 29 – 6/1 TBD

Date 2 3 -5 TBD TBD 6 15 15 15 15 TBD 18

June 2012 All Ages Horse Show Beginner Horse Camp Upper Peninsula Farm Tour Lower Peninsula Farm Tour JML Check-in Contacts Duck Possession Date Enrollment Deadline JML Contacts Due Horse Paperwork Due Cloverbud Camp District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

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May 2012 Goat, Lamb, Swine, Geese Possession Date Weigh-in Day Tree Tagging Tree Sale Soldotna Safety Day/ 4-H Petting Zoo, Public Presentations and Information Kiosk District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. CES Office Closed Advanced Horse Camp Season Passes available for Palmer State Fair

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Date 1 TBD TBD 4 4&5 8 TBD 25 27 TBD

July 2012 Chicken & Rabbit Possession Date Animal Workshops – General Animal Workshops – JML Parade in Kenai CES Office Closed District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Fair Workday Records Check – Upper Peninsula Records Check – Lower Peninsula Progress Days Parade – Soldotna

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Date 3

September 2012 Palmer State Fair ends, CES Office Closed Pick up State Fair entries at CES office District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m.

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25–7/2 Jason Out of Office for AWLS Conf. (tentative)

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Small Stock Showmanship/ Required Meeting JML Families 8:30 a.m. at Barn All-Stock Confirmation & Showmanship, Followed by Talent Show @ 5:30 p.m. Auction 12 p.m./ Buyer’s BBQ – 4 p.m. (open to public) JML New Board Member Nominations

19 20 28

Thank-yous/Take-down, etc. Palmer State Fair/Non-Livestock Exhibits Palmer State Fair/Livestock

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TBD ****

Meat Cutting & Wrapping (Not provided by 4-H unless new volunteer is found to cover for Carol Martin.)

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Records Due to Leader

10 12 25

Records Due to Office Records to Judges Records Back From Judges to Office

TBD

JML Election Committee Meeting – 6:30 p.m. October 1 – New 4-H Year Begins!

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August 2012 Superintendent Training – 5–6:30 p.m. District Council Meeting – 6:30 p.m. Fair Workday Entry Day Ninilchik Fair

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Date 6 6 TBD 16

On Saturday, there were various workshops in team building. I was assigned to a group of about twenty kids from all different states. We worked together in various activities where we became acquainted with one another. That night, there was an all-you-can-eat buffet, while the Hawaii delegation preformed a traditional Hula dance as entertainment. Sunday, there was a variety of workshops, such as photography, food safety, robotics, dancing, public speaking and much more. That night, the Club Congress spent a great deal of time at the Atlanta History Center where we learned about the past of the state of Georgia. While we ate dinner, we had the privilege of being entertained by a local performing arts group. Monday started out with a community service project, where I wrote thank-you letters to overseas soldiers for Christmas. After that, delegates were given an option to travel to a famous landmark location in Atlanta, such as the Atlanta Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, Cultural Museum or even an art and design museum. I chose to travel to CNN headquarters, where I learned about one of the largest news networks in the world. That night was the extremely prestigious Congress Gala with a gourmet three-course meal and dance. The dance was very fun, as it was just like a dance you would find at any high school.

Tuesday, we all said our farewells. The closing ceremony was completed and the state delegations began to depart. I said goodbye to friends I had made from various states and we exchanged phone numbers. After that, the Alaska delegation went sightseeing until it was time to go to the airport and begin our travel home. The theme for the National Club Congress year was “Become a Catalyst of Change,” meaning that while it is good to be a participant, it is even better to be a leader. In the past, I have been a participant in various projects. I was the treasurer of the Horses and Livestock Unlimited 4-H Club in my local area. I was there whenever the club arranged a project, such as trash pickup along the road or when we volunteered at the Sterling Senior Center. National Club Congress taught me that while this was good, it would better if I was a leader. Because of influence from National Club Congress, when our club held office elections, I submitted my name to be president of our club. The decision amongst the club was unanimous to elect me. I not only became president of my 4-H club, but I also started Legorobotics training club. A few local kids under the age of ten meet regularly and we design and experiment with the Lego NXT Robotics System. The 4-H Club Congress was an amazing experience that I will not soon forget. I now know that I can be a catalyst for change and will continue to make an impact in my area. I would highly recommend the experience of 4-H Club Congress to anyone who wants to learn and have fun. I would like to thank Marla Lowder for allowing me to accompany her in the Alaska delegation. I would also like to thank Dr. James Matthews and the 4-H Council for granting me scholarships to allow me to attend such an amazing event.

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My name is Trace Braxling. I am the president of the Horses and Livestock Unlimited 4-H Club in Sterling, Alaska. On November 7, I had the privilege to travel to the National 4-H Club Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. Friday started out with the opening ceremonies. Every state in attendance introduced itself by walking its state flag across the stage. I was the one who carried the Alaska state flag. Then, the first of many motivational speakers was introduced. Speaker Dan Thurmon spoke of completing challenges one step at a time while simultaneously juggling and riding a unicycle on stage. After that was the state pin exchange. Each delegate, including myself, had a bag full of pins unique to the state where they came from. It was an event that allowed me to meet quite a few delegates from other states.

February 2012

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Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

February 2012

Reindeer. Most people think of wild animals viewed from afar in swampy lands. But after some research I have found that they are used and raised all over the world. They prefer the colder regions like the northern United States and Canada. Reindeer have special hair that is perfect for the cold. After a summer of unfruitful searching I had given up on getting a reindeer. Then I got a call that changed my plan for the summer. I'M GETTING A REINDEER! Since that call I've been researching fencing, feeding, illnesses and training reindeer. My reindeer will be here on Rally Day weekend and I'm so excited!

On January 21, the 4-H District Council held its meeting. The 4-H Council is becoming very excited about the partnership with Community Action Coalition (CAC). The CAC will provide funds to advertise events like the 4-H Tree Sale and Rally Day in the Peninsula Clarion. Much focus was given to the reorganization of the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Shooting Sports should develop a single council similar to the 4-H District

Council. There are plans that the tree sale will now be held independently of Safety Days at Soldotna Creek Park. The council is looking for suggestions for a new location to hold public presentations. You can submit any location you feel would be adequate and the reasons by e-mailing Jason at [email protected].

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which Guinevere the piglet would be "pignapped" by bandits and would only be returned if the students read 10,000 minutes during the allotted reading period of one month. The kids watching the skit were completely engrossed by the cowboy-costumed actors, the oldtown set and Guinevere the piglet's cute presence. If the kids are able to read enough minutes and get Guinevere back, the town sheriff (played by the school principal) will be so happy he will give the piglet a big, fat kiss!

I have recently received an update from one of the teachers at the school. Her class of 17 students has already read 2,872 minutes! The kids are excited for Guinevere's return from the pignappers and can't wait for the follow-up skit, the kiss and other prizes to be awarded to students who have gone above and beyond during this reading event. It is not often that 4-H’ers and their animals are invited into the public school system, and Esther has used this read-a-thon to shed a positive light on agriculture. She has worked hard to promote reading among students, positively expose students to farm animals and encourage them to own animals of their own by setting a wonderful example. Esther is a talented 4-H’er, an amazing young lady and a great model for younger 4-H members. Congratulations Esther Knox - February 4-H’er of the month!

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Trail Blazers 4-H Club member Esther Knox and her pig Gus recently participated in a reading campaign at Paul Banks Elementary School in Homer. Esther worked with the teachers at the school to come up with a skit in

Kenai Peninsula 4-H Pledger

February 2012

Cooperative Extension Service 43961 K-Beach Rd, Suite A Soldotna, AK 99669-9728

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED E-mail Editor: [email protected] (Jason) Production, Layout & Design: [email protected] (Vicki)

The sun will come out tomorrow. One of my projects is theatre. This year, I am honored to be a part of Kenai Performers winter musical, Annie! Performances are February 17- 19, 24- 26 and March 2- 4 at Kenai Central High School. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows at 3 p.m. Watch for these 4-H’ers in the show: Eli Butler, Sarah McConnell, Michaela Pitch and Reilly Fields. I hope to see you there, and maybe next year you will want to do a theatre project. Eli Butler Dates of Future Events:

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February 1: James Matthews Scholarship due for activities that occur February to July February 12–17: Youth in Governance in Juneau, Alaska February 20: Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. March 15: JML sign-up deadline March 17: Public Presentation/Educational Display contests March 19: Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. March TBA: Shooting Sports Fun Shoot April 20–21: State Horse Contest, Palmer April 22: State Horse Clinic, Palmer

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February 2012 Sun

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4-H Activities Calendar Tue

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Deadline for James Matthews Scholarship 5

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Jason out of the office—Western 4-H Institute 12

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Bang Up Club meeting 11 a,m.

Youth in Governance—Juneau 19

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20 Funky Farmer meeting 5:30 p.m. 4-H Council meeting 6:30 p.m.

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Jason out of the office—Juneau 29

Trace Braxling tours Atlanta Georgia during National 4-H Conference

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Jenna Hansen has a reindeer project on the Kenai Peninsula