Jun 22
Hello Calgary Folks,
Attached, please, find the Agenda, Minutes and Constitution for tomorrow night’s meeting.
As well, please see the following for two requests from Cheryl Hardy.
Thomas is trying to win a scholarship through Canadian Blood Services, to be in the running for this scholarship people have to register under his code and donate blood. The more people who sign up the better and the more first time donors the better. Any help with this is greatly appreciated. The donations and registrations all have to be in by Monday September 5th for them to be eligible for his competition.
1.Go to: www.blood.ca/joinpartnersforlife
2.Enter the code: THOM011937 in the Partner ID spot. Please note it is THOM in letters 011937 in numerals.
3.Fill out the registration form using Thomas Hardy as the sponsored member.
Finally the Lions Youth Camp is looking for volunteers to help plant trees on Saturday June 25 at the Youth Camp just east of Cremona. They have 900 trees to plant and the more people who come out the faster and easier it is. If anyone is interested in helping they can RSVP to me: cahardy2001@yahoo.ca So I can let the camp manager know who to expect so he can feed everyone after the tree planting. This is a community thing so if anyone is short a community service this could be it. All you need to bring is a narrow shovel to plant the trees.
I think that is all for right now.
Thanks
Cheryl Hardy
See you all tomorrow night! It’ll be a “tear jerker” of a meeting, as it will be our last one with Robert G. Smith as our fearless leader. I hope you can all make it out to attend this last meeting to say good-bye. Maybe we can even make Rob cry with all of our good-byes? J
Cheers,
Avery Parkinson for
Rob Smith
Hello Calgary 4-Hers,
The bad news is that the weather is terrible, but the good news is you get to enjoy looking at pictures of a bald Rob! Therefore, although the weather may be making you feel blue and under the weather, you will be doing so with a smile on your face. J
Our Fearless Leader is now Bald!
Yes, Rob is now officially a baldy. But it is up to you to decide if is a good look for him or not. Therefore, I invite each and every one of you to look at the attached pictures -- as long and as often as you all would like!!! I know they all brought a smile to my face!
Rob would like to thank everyone that supported him, donated money to the cause, and encouraged him: he could not have done this without all of your help. Thank you for being the amazing people that you are!
Love Public Speaking? Haven’t been able to speak since your Club, District, Regional, or Provincial competition? Then this may be the cure!!
If you love public speaking or want to practice your public speaking skills, this is a great opportunity for you. As Laurie Jacob says: “I'm sure we have some public speakers out there in the 4-H world who might want to check this out!” and I believe this, too. Therefore, if your interest is piqued, please, check out the “Stampede Speech Entry Form.” Entry deadline is June 25, so don’t hesitate too long.
Provincial Summer Programs, commonly known as 4-H Camp, Packages
Below you will find an update, as of Friday June 10, on acceptance packages for Summer Camps from Mark Shand, 4-H Specialists – Programs.
Hi all,
I am getting a lot of inquiries about when people will be receiving information confirming whether or not they are accepted in the summer program that they applied for. The only program that we were not able to accept all applicants is Provincial Junior Camp and all of the families that are on the waitlist have been contacted by phone (we are down from 35 waitlisted individuals to 10), otherwise if we received an application, they are registered in the program. All of the waitlisted Junior applicants have been given the option of attending Combined Camp 2 and, if they are in Calgary or South, the option of attending Elkwater Junior.
LTCS and Camp packages were sent in the courier on Monday and PDP packages went up on Wednesday. Barring any mail issues (fingers crossed that there is not a general strike), everyone should receive their packages by the end of next week. If people do not receive their acceptance package by Wednesday, June 22, we will send out electronic copies of the package upon request. Club Week acceptance packages will hopefully go in the mail on Monday, as we are waiting for a bus company to confirm our schedule.
We currently have a few spots in Combined Camp 2 (14 spots), Intermediate 6-day (28 spots) and PDP 2 (30 spots, we sent out a note stating that registered delegates can bring a non-4-H friend in the acceptance packages). We will accept applications until the end of June for these three programs, but I cannot promise that late registrations will receive a program t-shirt once numbers are submitted to Talbot.
Mark Shand
4-H Specialist - Programs
4-H and Agriculture Education Branch
97 East Lake Ramp NE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3
T: 403-948-8508 F: 403-948-2069
C: 403-992-3669
To learn more about our opportunities check out www.4h.ab.ca
My goal is to provide our rural communities with a quality experience that prepares them for the future of our province.
Our vision ... to build stronger rural communities through leadership development, agriculture awareness, education and training in response to the needs of the agriculture industry and the citizens of our province.
On-Line Bowl Results; Congratulations, to everyone from the Calgary Region!
The annual 4-H On-Line Bowl contest were recently concluded. Entries were received from over 200 4-H members from across Alberta who registered to participate in a contest to test their knowledge in their project area. 4-H members registered in either the On-Line Beef or Horse contests and were given the opportunity to answer a number of questions related to their area of interest.
Congratulations to the following members who will be receiving awards in the mail.
In the Beef Bowl contest over 90 members registered and the results were as follow:
Juniors (Ages 9 – 11)
1st Noah Day Athabasca, Alberta
2nd Julianna Harvey Ponoka, Alberta
3rd Alexander Wasylik Vermilion, Alberta
Intermediates (Ages 12 – 14)
1st Virginia Harvey Ponoka, Alberta
2nd Charlotte Wasylik Vermilion, Alberta
3rd Melissa Fletcher Airdrie, Alberta
Seniors (Ages 15 and Older)
1st Cathryn Thompson Calahoo, Alberta
2nd Jason Bulas Athabasca, Alberta
3rd J. T. Ross Crossfield, Alberta
Over 120 4-H members from across Alberta registered in the Horse Bowl Contest. The results are as follow:
Juniors (Ages 9 – 11)
1st Brandt Perreault Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
2nd Atina Luymes Edson, Alberta
3rd Heidi Tymko St. Paul, Alberta
Intermediates (Ages 12 – 14)
1st Tyrell Perreault Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
2nd Austin Perreault Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
3rd Brittany Campbell Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Seniors (Ages 15 and Older)
1st Haley Scott Lacombe, Alberta
2nd Jessica Perreault Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
3rd Zane Perreault Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Thanks goes out to the sponsors of these contests, - Northlands Farm and Ranch Show, Lammles Tack and Western Wear, and Lakeland College who hosted the event.
Individual results will be put in the mail in the near future to all members who participated.
Janet Kerr
4-H Specialist - East and West Central
Phone 403-742-7547
Fax 403-742-7575
If you were either a Leader or Parent at 4-H on Parade this year, it would be appreciated if you could fill this out…..
The 4-H on Parade Leader/Parent Evaluation is now here. If you could take a few minutes to fill it out, it would not only be greatly appreciated, but help improve this amazing program in the coming year. Therefore, I ask that every Adult that was down at this program, please, fill out this evaluation. You will have to return it to Laurie Jacob at one of the below options. Thank you.
Hi Rob/Avery,
I have revised the Leader/Parent evaluation and would appreciate if you can forward it to your contacts for me. I have saved it as a ".doc" document and also as a PDF.
If people would prefer to print off the document and fax it back, please have them fax it to (403) 948-0226, Attn: Laurie
If people prefer to send it electronically, please ask them to send it back to me at ljacob@hotmail.com
I would appreciate receiving the forms back by Thursday, June 30.
Thanks, Laurie
4-H Rodeo: 2011 edition!!!
If you, your son/daughter, or a member in your club are interested in Rodeo, then this is a great opportunity. The “Invitational 4-H Rodeo” is an annual event that brings 4-H members from across the Province interested in Rodeo together to compete, learn, and have an all around good time. This year’s event includes: Thread the Needle, Barrels, Poles, Breakaway Roping, Cow Riding, Goat Tying, and Steer Daubing (new this year). As always, it will be an amazing program to attend.
Please, note these important dates for this event.
-
Early Bird entries deadline is Monday, June 27, 2011
-
Final Deadline is Friday, August 12, 2011.
-
4-H Rodeo is September 17 & 18, 2011 at the Calgary Stampede Grounds.
If you are interested, please, check out the attached poster and entry forms for further details.
That wraps up your rainy day reading. I hope you all enjoyed and learned – or saw – something that interested you (or made you smile).
Cheers,
Avery Parkinson for
Rob Smith
Dec 22
Season’s Greetings, everyone!
There are only three shopping days until Christmas and I'm in the shape I was in almost a month ago. In the middle of November, it seemed pretty good. Now, I think maybe I'm starting to scramble a little. One thing is constantly in good shape, however, and that is the 4-H clubs and councils from across the Region. We've had a solid start to the year, and I'm thrilled to report that "all is calm / all is bright" on our Calgary 4-H scene!
This 'blast' includes some reminder, some news, and my greeting to you for this festive holiday season.
Upcoming deadlines...
AgriVenture 4-H Adventure Opportunity 2010 - January 1st, 2011
54th Annual Provincial 4-H Selections (Senior 4-H members) - January 15th, 2011
Alberta Girls Parliament - January 15th, 2011
4-H Ski Trip (14 years +) - January 15th, 2011 for the March 4th - 6th, 2011 event
Calgary 4-H Regional Curling Funspeil - February 7th, 2011 deadline for the February 21st, 2011 event
Regional Judging – January 5th, 2011 for the January 8th, 2011 event at Olds Cow Palace
This will also provide a ‘dry run’ training experience in TUG-O-WAR as well, a contest we will incorporate into 4-H On Parade this year and we hope to break a national 4-H record for the most people participating! Stay tuned for more information…
Calgary Hitmen 4-H Fun Night - December 30th, 2010 deadline for the January 28th, 2011 event
If you have any questions about these awesome programs, check out the Alberta 4-H magazine you just got or will be getting, or contact me...
Calgary 4-H Regional "Winter Bonanza"!!!
Its back... and its "baaaad"! And when I say, "baaaad"... I mean really really good! We've got lots of registrations already, and I know Myranda Stewart and Rita-Marie Leask are going to spend a big part of their Christmas holidays putting together a truly OUTSTANDINGLY AWESOMELY OUTRAGEOUS program for us. The deadline is January 31st and the forms come to me... so don't miss out!
2011 Summer Staff Job opportunities
You know, among the current 4-H Specialists, Mark Shand, Leila Hickman and Jessica Hainstock all worked as Summer Staff. And recently past staff like Vanessa (Belair) Goodman and Mark Muchka did as well. Even our Alberta 4-H Branch Head, Marguerite Stark, worked many summers A LONG TIME AGO for Alberta's 4-H program, even longer ago than when I worked summer staff from 1990-95! So if you think you might like a career in 4-H, maybe you should think about applying for summer staff. Or if you think you've learned a lot from this program and want to give a little back, maybe you should consider applying for 4-H summer staff. Or if you are looking for an awesome challenge and a way to spend four months with cool people and helping to wave that flag of 4-H colours? You should apply!
Applications are due on January 29th, 2011. Here is all the information that is 'fit to print' about the 2011 summer jobs: http://www.4h.ab.ca/Left_menu_pages/Summer_Staff.html.
And please let me know if you have any questions.
Deadline to register your Beef Female projects
If you are in a beef project, please remember that your club's Beef Female Project registration sheet must be returned to my office on or before December 31st, 2010. Thank you very much, in advance...
Also, if your club has Beef Female projects and you are thinking you might like to attend “The Greatest 4-H Show On Earth” – 4-H On Parade, then you need to get in contact with the Regional Beef Female Committee Chairman Al Crawford to make sure he’s sending you all the meeting information. You can reach Al at: crowfamily@shaw.ca.
Deadline to register your Beef and Sheep Show & Sales
It was included in your club start-up package, but, in case you’ve misplaced it, here is the link to the form you need to fill out and send to me by January 15th, 2011: http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=881.
Key 4-H Leaders for the 2010-11 4-H Club Year
Please see this attachment to find out who your 'friendly, neighborhood' District Key Leader is! These folks are great sources of information and your FIRST line of contact for information or anything 4-H-related that you need:
We are hiring a new Regional 4-H Specialist for the Peace Region…
… so if you are interested or know someone who might be, please share…
Fairview: Alberta 4-H is searching for a 4-H Specialist in the Peace Region to provide expertise and direction in program development, leadership training and support and client information in support of Alberta's dynamic, client focused 4-H program. This includes consulting and working with the regional 4-H council and committees, key leaders, and assisting with provincial programs as required. The Specialist is expected to become part of staff teams, both within the 4-H program and ARD to develop projects and programs. The specialist serves as a professional consultant to the regional council, program clients, and private sector sponsors. A demonstrated ability to coach and advise volunteers and work with adults and youth is a requirement of this position. Sound judgment is required to interpret policies and procedures on a daily basis. Strong communication skills, effective use of computer technologies, experience with community organizations, sound project management and teams skills will enable the successful applicant to meet the challenges of this position.
Qualifications: Agriculture, human ecology, business, or related degree with demonstrated organizational and program planning experience. Expertise is required in either agriculture or life skill project areas. Experience working with adults, volunteer organizations, and conflict resolution accompanied by well-developed programming and evaluation skills are essential. Strong communication skills, effective use of technologies, sound project management skills, and team work skills will enable the successful applicant to meet the challenges of this position. Flexible work hours and travel are mandatory components of the position. Candidates with 4-H experience and an agriculture background will be given preference.
Note: Must possess a valid Alberta operator's license, have own vehicle and provide a driver's abstract. The successful candidate must satisfy a criminal records check and be willing to become certified in standard first aid.
Deadline for applications is mid January. Please forward applications by e-mail directly to
marguerite.stark@gov.ab.ca or Fax to Marguerite Stark at 403-948-8510
Notes:
No relocation expenses will be provided.
- Final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo a security screening.
We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' education and experience best meets the needs of the position. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.
This is a temporary Salary Position with possibility of extension
Sponsorship of club, district and regional activity
You all know we have a great group of sponsors who actually give us money to help fund our activities and programs at the club, district, regional and even provincial level. Don't you believe that these sponsors deserve recognition for their investment in our program? Please make sure everyone in your club or council has read the letter than accompanies the cheques representing sponsorship of your group and you are completely familiar with the recognition requirements of each company. Most just want pictures that include their corporate logo (which we can provide you with in a banner form). Let's make sure we give our sponsors the recognition they deserve! And don't be afraid to send them thank you cards, either. Thank you notes and pictures, pictures, pictures makes them very, very happy!
The ‘reach’ of volunteerism from our Calgary 4-H Region Ambassadors is grand, indeed!
I just want to provide a ‘shout out’ to our own Avery Parkinson for volunteering to be a helper (one of Santa’s elves, perchance!) at the Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development Family Christmas Party in Edmonton back on Saturday, December 10th, 2010. Many thanks, Avery! As always, U ROCK!!!
2009-10 Alberta 4-H Year Annual Report… now on-line!
Available for your reading pleasure the 2009-2010 Annual Report for the Club Year: http://www.4h.ab.ca/About/annual_report.html
Here is a fundraiser you might be interested in…
I received this information the other day, so please feel free to contact them if you or your club or council are motivated to pursue…
Good day Rob, and hello, my name is Dave Jardine owner of Canadian Rock Signs Ltd which is a 23 year old company that puts words and designs into rocks. These end up being stones which appeal to a wide variety of people. They are a new idea and no two rocks are ever the same. If we were to place the 4 H logo along with a few nice words they would turn into a wonderful fundraising product. You could put together a campaign or sell them from your website or both. Theme Rocks also make great award trophies.
As I come from a farm in Central Alberta I would like the opportunity to help further support the 4H clubs of Alberta and Canada. You can see the Theme Rocks on our website www.rocksigns.ca then click on Theme Rocks.
I do hope you make the time to check this out and get back to me at your earliest convenience 1 800 463 7446
I’m going to send this to a few of the 4 H contacts listed on your website with the hope of finding the right person. If you could forward this to the person responsible for gathering funds for the club it would be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.
Best regards
Dave Jardine
Rock Signs Ltd
403 782 4883
www.rocksignsusa.com
www.rocksigns.ca
If you use the Airdrie Agriculture Centre for any activity, then please read this!
Please see this note from Cindi Hamilton, our building administrator:
Here are the guidelines. Thanks Rob!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year...
...with friendly neighborhood 4-H Christmas Cheer!
Given the fact that I spend a lot of time working with youth, we talk, at this time of year, about what we are going to ask Santa Claus for. One of the cool things about older members is that they often tell me what they are asking Santa to bring their Mom and Dad, siblings and fellow family members and friends. And so I just want to share with you what the Editor of the New York Sun wrote about Santa Claus back in 1897. It makes great sense, given the outstanding volunteer contributions made by the 4-H leaders that I get to work with, that I certainly do believe in Santa Claus… because, in so many ways, all of you are part of his and the Spirit of Christmas. So please read on…
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897. [See The People’s Almanac, pp. 1358–9.]
We take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun:
Dear Editor—
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?
Virginia O’Hanlon
Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies. You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.
You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
A few more notes about this Exchange...
Francis P. Church’s editorial, “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” was an immediate sensation, and went on to became one of the most famous editorials ever written. It first appeared in the The New York Sun in 1897, almost a hundred years ago, and was reprinted annually until 1949 when the paper went out of business.
Thirty-six years after her letter was printed, Virginia O’Hanlon recalled the events that prompted her letter:
“Quite naturally I believed in Santa Claus, for he had never disappointed me. But when less fortunate little boys and girls said there wasn’t any Santa Claus, I was filled with doubts. I asked my father, and he was a little evasive on the subject.
“It was a habit in our family that whenever any doubts came up as to how to pronounce a word or some question of historical fact was in doubt, we wrote to the Question and Answer column in The Sun. Father would always say, ‘If you see it in the The Sun, it’s so,’ and that settled the matter.
“ ‘Well, I’m just going to write The Sun and find out the real truth,’ I said to father.
“He said, ‘Go ahead, Virginia. I’m sure The Sun will give you the right answer, as it always does.’ ”
And so Virginia sat down and wrote her parents’ favorite newspaper.
Her letter found its way into the hands of a veteran editor, Francis P. Church. Son of a Baptist minister, Church had covered the Civil War for The New York Times and had worked on the The New York Sun for 20 years, more recently as an anonymous editorial writer. Church, a sardonic man, had for his personal motto, “Endeavour to clear your mind of cant.” When controversal subjects had to be tackled on the editorial page, especially those dealing with theology, the assignments were usually given to Church.
Now, he had in his hands a little girl’s letter on a most controversial matter, and he was burdened with the responsibility of answering it.
“Is there a Santa Claus?” the childish scrawl in the letter asked. At once, Church knew that there was no avoiding the question. He must answer, and he must answer truthfully. And so he turned to his desk, and he began his reply which was to become one of the most memorable editorials in newspaper history.
Church married shortly after the editorial appeared. He died in April, 1906, leaving no children.
Virginia O’Hanlon went on to graduate from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts degree at age 21. The following year she received her Master’s from Columbia, and in 1912 she began teaching in the New York City school system, later becoming a principal. After 47 years, she retired as an educator. Throughout her life she received a steady stream of mail about her Santa Claus letter, and to each reply she attached an attractive printed copy of the Church editorial. Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas died on May 13, 1971, at the age of 81, in a nursing home in Valatie, N.Y.
Please accept my heartfelt wish for a blessed Christmas season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. May you make all of your dreams come true.
See you next year...
Cheers,
Rob Smith
Dec 1
Dear Calgary 4-H Region member, parent, leader, volunteer, sponsor, interested party, Alumni, or whatever title you want to use to define your involvement with 4-H!
Today is the 4-H registration deadline and I’m having a positive feeling about membership this year. I rather believe we are going to be looking at an increase in membership! This year is definitely off to a great start and I’m exciting about it.
I know this message will be going to people who have left 4-H this year so please let me know if you want me to take you off my distribution list. This message goes to about 1000 people and I’m always happy to add more, so feel free to forward more addresses to me or distribute this message yourself to your clubs and committees.
Did you know that the Calgary 4-H Region has more members going to Senior Member’s Conference than any other region? This is not the first time this has happened, but it always makes me feel good when we have the most attending anything or are the largest delegation at something. We are not the biggest region, but we sure are the most involved!!!
Anyway, there are many upcoming events and attached are all the applications forms so have at ‘er and let ‘er buck!!!
Regional Multi Species Judging Contest application form – Olds Contest- Saturday, January 8th, 2011
Here is the information you need to participate in the largest judging contest in the province of Alberta and most likely our entire ‘Great White North’ nation!
Regional Ski Trip Registration form
Please see this information from Richard Stark (former Calgary 4-H Region member and Provincial 4-H Ambassador) who is now an active member of the West Central 4-H Regional Alumni, producers of our Annual Ski Trip:
Hey Rob, if you can pass this around the region that would be great! hopefully we get allot of response soon!
attached is the registration form for the 2011 ski trip to Kicking Horse BC!
It will be a great time! pass the forms around to all that may be interested.
Thanks
If you have any questions please contact either me or shelly
Janet, if you could please arrange this form to be placed on the web that woudl be great!
Richard Stark - calgary4her@hotmail.com
Shelly Neal - marshmans@hotmail.com
Kaleidoscope Video Challenge
I just received this e-mail and while I don’t suspect all members would be interested, if you or your club is video camera-keen, this might just be for you!
Hi there,
I'm currently sending materials around the province for the Kaleidoscope Video Challenge, which is a national contest for youth to make short videos on the theme of global citizenship (Please see www.videochallenge.ca for more details. The entry deadline is March 31, 2011).
I'm familiar with the strong leadership component of 4H programs, and thought that your members might be interested in our contest. We would love to see creative videos that show how young people are involved with their communities and the world at large.
I realize that the deadline has passed for the 4H Magazine, but was just wondering, are there other ways in which it might be possible to share some information about Kaleidoscope with your members? I have posters and info sheets (samples attached), postcards, press release, etc. I am also available to do presentations and video workshops with interested groups.
Thank you very much, and please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Hans Olson
Alberta Coordinator - Kaleidoscope Real World Video Challenge
Phone: 780.988.0200
#205, 10816A-82 Ave
Edmonton, AB T6E 2B3
www.videochallenge.ca / www.defivideo.ca
Calgary Regional 4-H Funspeil – Monday, February 21st, 2011
Attached you will find the information and entry form for this annual event that is ALWAYS fun and ALWAYS a great time! You know, I skipped teams at this event back in… oh… I don’t want to tell you when!
AgriVenture 4-H Adventure Opportunity 2011
Check out this awesome opportunity and realize that the deadline is January 1st, 2011.
4-H Night with the Calgary Hitmen - 2011
Our great Calgary Region Key Member, Stephanie Rasmussen, is ‘hard at ‘er’ again… organizing our 2nd Annual Hitmen Hockey Night! Last year, lots of clubs went to this as a group and had a super time, so take a look at this message from her and the form is attached:
Hi Rob,
Attached is the registration form for the Hitmen game. It takes places on January 28 and the deadline is December 30 at 6:00 pm sharp. I will not be accepting ticket numbers after as I am picking them up the week of the third (3) to the seventh (7) as I want to distribute them at Multi Judging for the clubs that order outside of my District. If you could include this information along with the form in your next blast that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Stephanie Rasmussen
Calgary Region Key Member
Well… I think that’s it, sports fans! (You’ll have to ask your Dad about that old Ed Whelan, Saturday afternoon ‘Stampede Wresting’ term!) As ever, if you have any questions, please let me know. There will be one more ‘blast’ before Christmas so if you have something to promote or news you want shared, please let me know.
Also… be thinking about Junior and Intermediate Winter Bonanza! A great time was had by those in attendance last year and 2011 will be another rockin’ time! I’ll include the forms for this next time since I suspect you are ‘formed out’ by now!
Cheers,
Rob Smith
Oct 12
Good day, Calgary 4-H Region family and friends! It had been so long since I've communicated with you and this message is certainly overdue. I hope you had a positive Thanksgiving holiday and enjoyed some festivities with your friends and family, even if your meals were short in light of all the fall work currently going on.
Welcome to the 2010-11 4-H year! We finally have some decent weather and I know harvest is booming across the entire region, as well as the province and all the way down to Texas! I was showing cattle at the East Texas State Fair a couple of weeks ago and we went through largely the same conditions through North and South Dakota, Nebraska and even further south as Alberta and Saskatchewan have been subject to this 'summer'. What a strange year its been!
But what a great summer we have just come off of for the Calgary 4-H Region! Calgary 4-Hers attending camps and competitions in big numbers in 2010, and we'll focus on their accomplishments a bit later. First off, let's get to some of the key messages of right now!
Everyone should have their club start-up packages by now and many thanks to Joanne Gourley for coming down to Lethbridge to work with Ginny and I on their construction. If you have any questions about the contents of the start-up package, please do not hesitate to ask...
Now... all the news that's 'fit to print'!!!
Change in 4-H On Parade Committee's Meeting Date
Please be advised that the Committee's Meeting for 4-H On Parade, also referred to by same as the Leaders’ Meeting, will move to Monday, November 15th at 7:00pm in Balzac. Your Regional Calendar has this meeting listed as Monday, November 1st but the information has changed due to a double booking. So mark your calendars for Monday, November 15th!!!
BuD 2010 - October 22-24 - Battle Lake
If you contact myself or Yvonne Yaremcio (yvonne.yaremcio@gov.ab.ca) right away, we might still be able to fit you in to the bi-ennial Provincial 4-H Beef Leader's Update. It is being held earlier this year to avoid the November calf and weigh-in day rush, but given the later harvest there might still be some folks wanting to attend who weren't sure a day or two ago if they would be ready to do so. We will still accept applications this week only, so let us know right away if you'd like to come. Here is the address where you can find the registration form:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h6499/$FILE/bud.pdf
Just so you know, here is the program information:
The Provincial 4-H Beef Advisory Committee (BAC) presents the fifth bi-ennial Provincial 4-H Beef Leaders Update (BUD).
During this weekend (Friday, Oct 22 to Sunday, Oct 24), you will have the opportunity to participate in ‘select-a-sessions’ on a variety of beef industry and 4-H specific topics. There will also be large group presentations on beef industry topics. You will have the chance to network with fellow 4-H leaders.
Who can apply: We invite all general, assistant, and beef project leaders to apply for BUD. Parents of beef members are encouraged to apply as well, but registration will be accepted first for registered leaders.
Tentative Schedule
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
-
Three concurrent sessions at the Alberta 4-H Centre and Lakedell Arena
-
Round table discussion on Traceability
-
Evening activities include entertainment, social and silent auction
Sunday, October 24, 2010
-
Round table discussion on the “new” market beef record book draft
-
Keynote speaker - Brenda Robinson, Robcan Group
Sessions
Please note these are tentative, and subject to change:
Calgary 4-H Regional Display Contest
Please see this note from our awesomely outstanding long-time volunteer and Regional Council Treasurer (not to mention Alberta Hall-of-Famer) Sharon Uhrich:
Rob can you blast this out for me? This will be the first annual contest.
Thanks
Sharon A. Uhrich
403 948-3482
Calgary 4-H Leader/Alumni Scholarship
The Calgary Region leader/alumni scholarship of $1,000.00 is open to any 4-H leader or alumni member returning to school full time or part time. To apply go the regional info on the 4-H webpage:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/4h5775/$FILE/C_LeaderAlumni_Scholarship_2007.pdf
And this is also your final opportunity to apply for the Regional bursary:
http://www.4h.ab.ca/regions/calgary/news.html
Calgary 4-H Regional Recognition Award
Nominate an outstanding 4-H volunteer or organization for the Calgary Regional Recognition Award. Application can be emailed to sharkenn@shaw.ca.
Thanks,
Sharon A. Uhrich (403 948-3482)
Club Registration information to assist you with the new disks...
If you are a club leader and would like additional information about the new disk-based information you received in your club start-up package, here is some additional support, including how to install the CD:
And if you have any trouble, please contact julie.law@gov.ab.ca and she's happy to assist!
Jumping Pound 4-H Club Cheque Presentation to the Children's Hospital
I wanted to pass on that our club did their cheque presentation to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation at the Calgary Children's Hospital this past Friday.
Not only did the club present the $12,510.00 that they raised from selling their Charity Steer at 4H On Parade (which was bought by Encana), the club and Encana employees also raised another $10,000.00 to add to the steer amount for a grand total of $22,510.00!! (After Encana purchased the steer, they offered to run a raffle for four draws consisting of a 1/4 of beef with the winners choice of a freezer or gas BBQ. Encana said that for every dollar raised with raffle sales, they would match it dollar for dollar. A total of $5,000.00 in raffles tickets were sold so Encana threw in $10,000.00 to the $12,510.00 steer total.)
On Friday, October 7th, the Jumping Pound Beef Club and Encana presented their fundraising cheques to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. The Jumping Pound Club decided to allocate their money to purchase a surgical instrument, used specially in Epilepsy surgeries, which will cost approximately $17,000.00. The rest of the money is being given to the Calgary Epilepsy Program that runs out of the Calgary Children's Hospital. This is in honor of club member, Kelsey Cartwright and her past Epilepsy experience and brain surgery. The money was presented to the foundation and the Neurosurgeon that did Kelsey's brain surgery, Dr. Walter Hader. Nurses involved in her care were also in attendance.
It was a great moment for the club with alot of fulfillment for the members to see and hear how they are helping other children with their fundraising efforts. The members and parents watched a video on brain injury and Epilepsy that shows what kids and their parents go through and how the kids can triumph from the amazing care that they receive, in part from the great fundraising and of course the incredible staff that work at the hospital. There wasn't a dry eye in the room after watching the video because of the kids stories and how it touches everyone involved. The club members really understood how important their Charity Steer Project was after watching the video and how other children have used the hospital to save their lives.
The Alberta Children's Hospital has a program called "Kids Helping Kids" that the club fundraising falls under. It is where kids raise money to help kids at the hospital. The Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation was very excited on how much effort went into the fundraiser with Encana and impressed at the amount of the money that was raised.
Kelsey in now fully healed and attending Northwest College in Wyoming where she is taking her Pre Veterinarian studies. She is very proud of her club and how they could give back directly to a hospital that helped changed her life with the care and surgery that has let her pursue her dreams. Without the hospital, she wouldn't be where she is today.
As Club Leader of Jumping Pound Club, I am so proud of our members and was hoping to have them recognized for such a great year of fundraising for a great cause.
I have also attached a picture of the members, with Grant Birchall (past Assistant Leader of the club) and Dr. Walter Hader (tall gentleman in the suit) at the Cheque Presentation Celebration.
If you have any further questions, please call me at 403-669-8110 or e-mail at rykellie1@hughes.net.
Kellie Cartwright
Jumping Pound Leader
Cleaver Kids... the pilot is open to all clubs in the province!!!
Your club start-up package includes information about the second year of the Alberta 4-H Council's "Cleaver Kids" program. If you would like further information, please contact either myself or your Alberta Council representatives Stacy Price (calgary1@4hab.com) or Dwayne Fulton (calgary2@4hab.com). Further, here is the information that appears in your club's start-up package:
Equine Policy - Alberta Council has proposed a change that requires mandatory helmets for 4-H riders:
Your club start-up package also includes this information. If you would like further information, please contact your Alberta Council representatives Stacy Price (calgary1@4hab.com) or Dwayne Fulton (calgary2@4hab.com) or your Provincial 4-H Equine Advisory Committee representatives Linda Gooch (goochdl@gmail.com) and MaryLou Tainsh (ttainsh@telusplanet.net). There is a PEAC meeting later this month so your comments regarding the proposed change are highly appreciated:
Are you in need of rubber belting?
Please see this note from Rob MacDonald, Leader of the Bow Valley Beef & Multi 4-H Club:
Hi Rob,
Could you please let our 4-H members and anyone else interested the next time you send out a blast newsletter.The Bow Valley Beef and Multi once again have acquired about 600 feet of rubber belting. As we know this works well for building bed packs at shows,if anyone is interested they can purchase as much as they need for a donation to the 4-H Foundation of Alberta.I can be contacted at the phone number below.
Thanks,
Rob MacDonald
Bow Valley Beef and Multi
403-936-2767 or stelmac@platinum.ca
What's new on the Alberta 4-H website?
From my colleague, Corinne Skulmoski, in our Edmonton office, here is a great overview of stuff on the website you might be interested in. And if you've received this already, please accept my apologies...
Fall is here and 4-H club start ups are in full swing. Come browse the Alberta 4-H web site http://www.4h.ab.ca - if your email does not support the links below, highlight the link then copy and paste into your web browser. Check out the attached PDF for the following information in a layout you can print and bring to club meetings or share with others!
Alberta 4-H Club Registration and Supplies CD
This year your club registration and supplies forms have been moved to an electronic format to make them easier to use and understand. Each 4-H club should have received the new Alberta 4-H Club Registration and Supplies CD with their annual club start-up packages. This CD contains all the forms needed to register your club, apply for club sponsorship, book promotional supplies such as Cleaver, request additional club resources, and order Awards of Excellence. Please contact the Alberta 4-H registrar on 310-0000 then 780-422-444 or 780-427-4426 if you have any questions. The due date for annual club registration is 1 December 2010.
Deadlines to keep an eye on:
Oct
-
Sears In Your Community 4-H Club Grant grant program -- deadline Oct 22 -- This grant program will support five types of funding requests: 1) new programs, 2) enhancement of existing programs, 3) the development of existing programs in a new location (s), 4) sustaining existing programs, or 5) support for ongoing educational workshops related to projects (ex. public speaking, showmanship, judging, animal care, grooming skills, etc.) -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=833
-
Equine Leader Level Assessment Clinic -- deadline Oct 20 -- instruct equine leaders on how to assess 4-H members from levels 1 to 7 -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=825
-
Alberta 4-H Magazine submission -- deadline Oct 22 -- Your articles are important to us and we can't wait to see issue of the Alberta 4-H Magazine -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=65
Nov
-
Fundraising - Tire/Electronic Recycling -- Oct 1- Nov 30 -- Fundraisers can help your club earn money to cover the costs of club administration and social activities -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/News_Events/fundraisers.html#recycling
-
Show Your 4-H Colours! Nov 3 is National 4-H Show Your Colour -- Nov 3 -- Wear Your 4-H Colours Day celebrates the far-reaching nature of this organization, the effect that 4-H has had on others and the uniting of people—rural and urban, professional or student, youth or young at heart—who have in some way at some time been affected by the Alberta 4-H organization -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=636
-
UFA Alberta 4-H Alumni Award -- deadline Nov 1 --
This program recognizes 5 young 4-H alumni between the ages of 20 and 35 who pursue post-secondary education, return to their rural roots and enhance their community as a 4-H volunteer for at least two years -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=377
-
2011 Golden Clover Award -- deadline Nov 1 -- The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals or groups who have exhibited outstanding leadership while initiating a special contribution such as an innovative idea, program, activity or event that has made a significant difference to Alberta 4-H -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=384
-
4-H Family Day -
Attention all 4-H Members! Join us at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, November 9 for the 2nd annual 4-H Family Day - a JAM-PACKED day that you don’t want to miss! With more activities than you can shake a stick at, 4-H Family Day will provide you with all day entertainment and endless activities. Some of our feature events include guest speakers, agility dogs, a mounted shooting workshop, an edible car competition, and a visit from Alberta 4-H’s favourite furry friend, Cleaver the Beaver! Watch for a detailed schedule, coming soon! 4-H Family Day is open to all 4-H members and their families. And the best part of all – 4-H members get FREE Farmfair admission with proof of 4-H club membership. For more information and to register for 4-H Family Day, please access the Farmfair website www.farmfairinternational.com. If you have any questions regarding 4-H Family Day, please contact Kim Leask at kleask@northlands.com or 780.471.7279. See you at 4-H Family Day 2010 -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=764
-
4-H Youth Exchanges Canada 2011 -- deadline Nov 15 -- Provides an opportunity for young Canadians to improve their knowledge and understanding of Canada -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=274
-
Provincial 4-H Leaders' Conference -- deadline Nov 24 -- Alberta 4-H’s Calgary Region will host “Show Your 4-H Colors” at the 68th Annual Alberta 4-H Leaders’ Conference. Put on your 4-H club shirt or jacket, and join in on a weekend of learning, networking and fun! - http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=560
-
2011 FCC 4-H 4-Ever Club Support Grant -- deadline Nov 26 -- Rural 4-H clubs are eligible to apply for funding for their existing 4-H clubs, thereby increasing member tenure and attracting new members into 4-H from rural communities -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=832
-
2011 RBC 4-H Rural - Urban Youth Outreach Program -- deadline Nov 26 -- Existing 4-H clubs, regions and provincial agencies, as well as non 4-H organizations and communities are eligible to apply for funding to develop new, or expand existing clubs, that can demonstrate innovative means of attracting new members into 4-H from rural, urban or suburban communities -- https://www.4-h-canada.ca/register/RBC/
Dec
The Co-operators and the Canadian 4-H Council are asking 4-H Members to nominate volunteer leaders -- http://www.4h.ab.ca/EventDetails.aspx?a=381
-
Beef Breeds - Awards for 4-H beef members from breed associations - check individual association for deadlines - http://www.4h.ab.ca/Applications/Beef_Breeds/Beef_Breeds.html
Regional Information - take a moment and see what is new on the regional pages, browse the club listing, check out the calendar and review the items posted - new events are added daily so please return often:
South - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=1
Calgary - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=2
West Central - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=3
East Central - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=4
Northeast - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=5
Northwest - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=6
Peace - http://www.4h.ab.ca/RegionEvents.aspx?region=7
Your comments about the 4-H web site are encouraged. If you wish to be taken off receiving these updates please e-mail me to be removed. If you know of others who would like to receive this update please ask them to forward their e-mail to me.
Change in Rockyview District's Key Leaders since the club start-up packages were put together
Please see this note from the outgoing (or outgone!) Rockyview Key Leader, Stacy Price:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Rockyview District’s newest Key Leader, Andrea Church.
Last night at our district meeting Andrea was elected for a 2 year term as our second Key Leader with Lorraine Parkinson. I think these two ladies will make a dynamic team and I am so pleased to be handing over the gauntlet to such a outstanding lady and leader. The Rockyview District is in great hands.
Andrea’s contact info:
e-mail: caitonbeef@shaw.ca
home: (403) 945-9988
Stacy Price – Retired Key Leader J
Condolences to the family of Alan Dowell
While I was in Texas, Alan Dowell passed away. He is Chairman of the Carstairs and District Steer Show & Sale Committee, an event he has been involved with going back to his days as a member in the early 1970's. Al has been battling cancer for two years now, and was 'Called to Home' just over a week ago. His funeral was held in Carstairs on Monday of last week where he has lived all his life including an eternal involvement with the West Carstairs 4-H Beef Club. The Dowell family is as synonymous with 4-H in the Calgary Region as any other, and the loss of this youngest brother is tragic. Al was one of the very first members of the very first Alberta 4-H Alumni Club right here in the Calgary Region, and his three children have all been active members with club, district, regional and provincial events. Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to his wife Agnes (a former 4-Her from the Taber area) as well as his three 4-Her children, Jocelyn (4-H Member: 1999-2009), Nicole (4-H Member: 2001-present) and James (4-H Member: 2002-present).
Summer Synergy
Well, I've run out of time to get this out today, so I'll send a special e-mail 'blast' either later this week or next detailing the outstanding exploits of our Region's 4-H members at various summer contests throughout the province. First off, however, I would like to provide a 'teaser' of one of my highlights not only of the summer, but of the whole year and maybe a number of years to come, and that is the "Summer Synergy" initiative. Please see this address for some more information featuring such outstanding Calgary Region members as Sawyer Daley (West Carstairs) and Megan McLeod (Jumping Pound), not to mention great shots of and future 4-Her Cailey Church and 'words of wisdom' from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Hon. Jack Hayden.
http://www.oldsagsociety.com/rockring.html
And I'll write more to you about this next time. But until, see if this video doesn't get you kind of warmed up about what we do...
Well that's all I've got for you today, good people! Until next time...
Oh... and please remember to make the effort to VOTE next Monday, October 18th. Whether you are voting in a county, town or city, please have your voice heard within your municipality by voting for your Trustee, Councillor, Alderman or Mayor. The voice of the people must be heard at ALL levels of government and this upcoming election is for our most 'close-to-home' governance. And to those members of our 4-H family whose names will adorn some of those ballots, you have out wishes for the best of luck and our respect for rising a call to public service. One word for next Monday - VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!
Cheers,
Rob Smith
