Cat and Rabbit Clinic

On Saturday, April 17th there will be a cat and rabbit clinic from 10-2 at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office in Plattsburgh. The cat clinic will begin promptly at 10am and end at approximately 11:30am. The rabbit clinic will begin promptly at 12pm and end at approximately 2pm. This is a pointed event for the cat and rabbit projects.

Dr. Kate Heatherton from Palmer's Veterinary Clinic will be the speaker at both clinics. Please do not bring cats or rabbits to this clinc. If you plan on attending both clinics, please bring a brown bag lunch or plan accordingly.

Topics to be discussed in the cat clinic include:

Basic care

• what every house should have
• cat-proofing your home

Health and nutrition

• vaccinations
• disease prevention
• claw or de-claw
• spaying and neutering

Poisonous plants


Topics to be discussed in the rabbit clinic will include:

• Rabbit diseases and treatments
• External / internal parasites and treatments
• Nutrition (safe foods for your rabbit)
• Rabbit care basics

Please register for this event by April 12 by contacting the Extension Office.

Community Service Mural Project

Celebrate your community service activities with us! We will be creating a mural depicting 4-H members' community service activities to be displayed at the Clinton County Fair (this year's Fair theme is 4-H Gives Back).

How to Get Involved

• Bring your pictures, stories, etc about your service activities to county 4-H events. (bring extra copies of pictures/items that can become a permanent part of the display)
• Add them to the poster--share your activities and your creativity!

The first place this project will be is the upcoming Horse Showmanship Clinic at the Wright Farm on March 7, 2010. Look for it at other upcoming county events!

Citizen Science Community Service Project Opportunity: ASB (alfalfa snout beetle) Control

The ASB (alfalfa snout beetle) researchers are looking for MG's and 4-Hers to raise beneficial nematodes for ASB control. It's pretty easy and only take a couple of weeks. The main drawback is it STINKS after just a few days. The only confirmed infestation in our county is in the Peru area but they're expecting it to spread (and suspect it's much more widespread in our county than we think).

Amy Ivy is currently working on the logistics. The main cost is in buying the wax moth larvae on which the nematodes feed and reproduce. They apply the wax in the early fall, and since it only takes 2-3 weeks, we wouldn't have to start til late summer at the earliest.

It would be a good community service project, and give the 4-Hers hands-on experience using bio-control, and address a very serious and local issue. In Jefferson County the beetle is very widespread and it's also in almost all the ag land in Essex Co.

Here's info on the pest in general: http://www.nnyagdev.org/PDF/NNYASB1Facts.pdf

More information will be forthcoming. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested.

Chemung County 4-H Rabbit Show

Chemung County Fair Grounds
Hosted by: 4-H Bunny Buddies Club
May 16, 2010
Come join the fun at our 1st Annual Rabbit Show
Show Starts: 9:00am
Entry Fee: $2.50 per rabbit
Day of Show Entries: $4.00 per rabbit
*All entries must be postmarked by 5/7/10 to receive discounted rate. Entry fee must accompany entry.

Show will feature:
Breed Show
Pet Class
Showmanship
Raffle Table
4-H Food Booth

For more information contact the Extension Office.

Kids Garden News - February 2010

Here is the link for this month’s Kids Garden News, by the National Gardening Association. Quite a bit on citizen science, for those interested. http://www.kidsgardening.com/Dig/digdetail.taf?Type=Art&id=2299

New York Ayrshire Club Calf Scholarship

The purpose of the Calf Scholarship Award Program is to select a youth who is worthy of the award and to provide money that can be used to help purchase a Registered Ayrshire Calf at a public auction. The program offers the opportunity to a youth who has demonstrated the interest and ability to develop the calf to her fullest potential and who will also grow through this project.

Applicants for this award must meet the following specifications:

Age limit ~ 8-15 years of age as of January 1st of the current year.

Ownership ~ the youth member cannot own more than 2 Registered Ayrshire or 2 registered animals of another breed.

Housing Facilities ~ youth must have adequate facilities and supervision to raise a calf in New York State.

Junior Ayrshire Membership~ Applicants must be or must be willing to join the New York and National Junior Ayrshire Club. Applicant must be a resident of New York State.

Farm Visits ~ youth must welcome periodic farm visits.

Show Calf ~ Winner must be willing to show the calf at appropriate shows.


Applications must be postmarked by the deadline of March 15 2010.
The scholarship will be announced prior to the New York Spring Carousel Sale.
Assistance will be available in selecting the calf if needed.

Contact the Extension Office for application materials.

Building Partnerships for Youth February News

FEBRUARY 2010

Is it Spring yet? So many new and exciting offerings sprouting up in the youth development field, can you feel the creative energy? Enjoy this month’s issue!

ONLINE FORUM—HEALTHY TEEN RELATIONSHIPS—HAPPENING NOW!!
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation presents ‘A Healthy Conversation About Teen Relationships’ February 22- March 5. This special online forum has been launched to coincide with the nation’s first Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Youth, educators, experts, academics, policy makers, service providers, community leaders, and health and media professionals are all encouraged to join the discussion about healthy relationships to advance the field, learn from one another and find solutions to address this serious public health problem.

To Join the conversation, visit this link: A Healthy Conversation about Teen Relationships. Respond to board questions, comment on other responses and/or share your ideas, best practices, information, challenges and successes on:
Identifying and Engaging New Partners
Mobilizing Youth to Take Action
Innovative, Insight and Advice
A Public Health Priority

NEW!! RESEARCH AND TOOLS TO SUPPORT QUALITY IN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Lucille Packard Foundation for Children’s Health recently released the updated companion Resource Guide to the report, Putting It All Together: Guiding Principles for Quality After-School Programs Serving Preteens. This online Resource Guide provides recent research and tools to help service providers strengthen their after-school programs, particularly those serving preteens. The guide is organized around the six principles of quality after-school programs that are described in the above-mentioned report from 2008, including; Focused and Intentional Strategy, Exposure, Supportive Relationships, Family Engagement, Cultural Competence, Continuous Program Improvement, and additional resources. View the full online Resource Guide or Read the full report .


ENGAGING YOUTH…ON THEIR TURF
Creative Approaches to Connecting Youth Through Community. This recent publication from Healthy Teen Network focuses on how adolescent health professionals can utilize creative approaches to engaging youth in positive youth development. The publication highlights six examples of programs that reach out to youth in non-traditional communities through parental engagement, athletics, service-learning, art, mentoring, and youth empowerment approaches.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: MENTOR’s ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE PRACTICE™ WEBINAR
This webinar is geared toward mentoring programs and will provide an overview of the third edition of the Elements of Effective Practice, the mentoring field’s best practices standards, highlighting the research and studies that underpin the benchmarks and suggested enhancements. Featured speakers include Dr. Jean Rhodes, Chair, MENTOR's Research & Policy Council and Professor of Psychology, University of Massachusetts – Boston; and Dr. Janis Kupersmidt, President and Senior Research Associate of innovation Research & Training. Dr. Kupersmidt managed the revision of MENTOR's Elements: Select a session that fits your schedule.
Monday, March 8, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, EST Register Now
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, EST Register Now


This message is supported by Cooperative Agreement # U58-DP000456 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Backyard Poultry with The Chicken Whisperer

Backyard Poultry with the Chicken Whisperer is a nationally broadcast radio show all about keeping backyard poultry and living a self-sufficient lifestyle. Each week the Chicken Whisperer and his co-host, Pat Foreman, author of City Chicks, Chicken Tractor, Day Range Poultry, and Backyard Market Gardening, welcome special guests from all around the country to talk about keeping backyard poultry, and living a more self-sufficient lifestyle. Guests include certified avian veterinarians, feed representatives, product representatives, FFA members, 4-H members, poultry club members, and the who's who in the backyard poultry industry. Show segments include Today's Special Guest, Chicken Trivia Contest, Chickens in the News, Chicken Happenings, FFA Across the USA, and Self Sufficient Lifestyle. The show also frequently goes live to poultry shows all across the nation, and interviews show coordinators, show judges, and show participants.

Listen "LIVE" Monday through Friday at 12:00pm EST here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/backyardpoultry
Follow the Chicken Whisperer on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/backyardpoultry
Become a fan of the Chicken Whisperer on Facebook here: http://tinyurl.com/yfav4xc
Visit the Chicken Whisperer's website here: http://www.chickenwhisperer.net

Andy Schneider, better known as the Chicken Whisperer has become the go-to guy across the country for anything chickens. Over the years he has helped a countless number of people start their very own backyard flocks. He is not only a national radio personality, but also a contributor for Mother Earth News Magazine, Grit Magazine, and Farmers Almanac. He is the owner of Atlanta Pet Chickens, Classroom Chickens, and is the Founder/Organizer of the Atlanta Pet Chicken Meetup Group that has quickly grown to over 850 local members! He has been featured on CNN, HLN, CBS, NBC, NPR, as well as in TIME Magazine, Economist, USA Today, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Front Page Story), New Life Journal, and countless other local and national publications.

Real Food Is – National Video Contest

Students are challenged to define what real food means to them by creating a short video that completes the phrase "Real Food is..." Created by the National Farm to School Network and sponsored by the Lunch Box, this contest is open to K-12 and college students and runs until March 29, 2010. The winners will receive $1,000 and an all expenses paid trip to the conference to show their videos at the opening plenary. More info is available at video.farmtoschool.org.

Cooking Up Change - National Healthy Cooking Contest

Healthy Schools Campaign and the National Farm to School Network challenge students to a national competition to design a healthy school lunch. Using only ingredients commonly available for food service, the mission is to create a healthy meal that includes a locally grown item, meets strict nutritional guidelines, and tastes great. Three teams of students from each division (high school and college) will be selected to receive an all-expenses paid trip to Taking Root, the National Farm to Cafeteria conference this May in Detroit, Michigan to compete in the finals. In the final round, each team will prepare their meal and serve to a panel of prestigious judges. The winning team will head home with a trophy and other fabulous prizes. We are thrilled to welcome Karen Duncan, wife of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and Christie Vilsack, wife of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, as National Honorary Co-Chairs of Cooking up Change.
Submit recipes online by March 26, 2010. For contest guidelines and information, visit www.cookingupchange.org.

Goat DVDs available to borrow from State Office

The youth goat program at Cornell has some DVDs available for NY 4-H goat groups or CCE Goat Discussion Groups to borrow via pouch mail. The videos are listed below.

1) Market Goat Video Series - Mississippi State Univ. Ext. - these are actually CDs with videos on them that can only be played via a computer (media player) rather than from a TV's DVD player. There are two videos on the CDs - a) Market Goat Showmanship - 98 minutes b) Market Goat Evaluation and Selection (is accompanied by a power point presentation that can be used for handouts on Judging techniques) - 30 minutes

2) Dairy Goat Breeding and Kid Rearing - Dr. and Mrs. John Matthews - 63 minutes

3) Meat Goat Production & Marketing - Tony Nye - Ohio State Univ. Ext - 51 minutes

4) A Son's Sacrifice - 27 minutes - winner of several documentary film awards - very graphic pictures of animal butchering - probably only suitable for older teens and adults - it documents the trials of a young American Muslim of Puerto Rican and Pakistan descent, Imran Uddin, as he takes over the management of his father's halal custom slaughter house and live animal market in New York City.

4-H Paper Clover Promotion

What: A national 4-H promotion to 1) raise funds for, and 2) increase awareness of 4-H programs
When: March 26 – April 18, 2010
Who: Partnership between 4-H and Tractor Supply Centers (Plattsburgh’s store is participating)

How it Works:
People who visit a Tractor Supply Center during the promotion period donate $1.00 for a Paper Clover to support 4-H, and sign their name on the Clover which is then displayed in the store. At the completion of the promotion, all funds generated are sent by Tractor Supply Centers to National 4-H Council. 60% of the funds raised in each state is distributed to the 4-H program in the participating counties; 10% goes to the NYS 4-H Foundation; 30% goes to National 4-H Council for leading and managing the promotion. Each participating county 4-H program will receive 60% of the funds generated in the Tractor Supply Center(s) located in your county.

Who Does What:
Each Tractor Supply Center will receive a Tool Kit that includes the paper clovers, promotional materials, and a guidebook. Each store will promote and manage the promotion in their location.

CCE 4-H programs are encouraged to work collaboratively with their local store(s) to promote the program.

The NYS 4-H Foundation agrees to coordinate the program in NY, and distribute funds to county 4-H programs following the promotion.

National 4-H Council initiates and promotes the partnership with Tractor Supply Center, provides promotional and support materials, and collects and redistributes funds to states.


How Your 4-H Program Can Participate:
1. Let our office know you are interested in this promotional activity. The best way to increase paper clover sales is to have a group of 4-H members at the store promoting 4-H.

2. Contact the identified Tractor Supply Center staff person noted on the store list, to express interest in the promotion and to explore ideas for joint promotions. An “idea sheet” is posted on the National 4-H Council website, with some ways that local 4-H programs can promote the program in the community, including on-site store events.
The timing of the promotion coincides with “Chick Days” when Tractor Supply Centers sell day-old baby chicks. This often attracts increased customers, and may spark promotional ideas.

3. Promote the program to your 4-H audiences and to the community.

Creative Critters February Club News

The Creative Critters held their monthly meeting on 2/5/10.
Meeting:
Alexander opened our meeting.
Jacob lead us through our pledges.
Samantha took attendance.
Allie lead us through our 4H song.
~Samantha has agreed to try her hand at submitting our club report to the 4H office for it's entry into the Clover Express. She will also be assisting with the teaching of the next project at our March meeting.
~Everyone was reminded that public presentations are on 2/27 at Clinton Community College. We will be having a club rehearsal on 2/19 for anyone that is interested in practicing their presentation with the group. This also gives us an opportunity to hear everyone's presentations prior to the big day.
~We made 10 birthday cards for the residents of Evergreen Valley Nursing Home.
~We voted on the unit to follow our cooking unit. The vote was in favor of goats.
~Each member was reminded that they must earn 1 point per species to show their animal at fair this year.

Community Service:
Our bake sale held on 1/31 for Hannah's Hope raised $220.50.
Interest was expressed to once again help out at the Humane Society. I will contact them to inquire on one Saturday a month for anyone interested in participating.
Big Change Roundup - All money due 3/13/10, however, we will roll and count our change at our meeting on 3/5.

Projects:
We each made a Spanish painted glass.
The remainder of unfinished coiled pottery was completed.

Respectfully submitted by Carrie- Club Leader

Sheep and Goat Clinic Opportunity

There is a 4-H sheep/goat videoconference Kidding/Lambing Workshop clinic opportunity on March 20, 2010. This clinic is sponsored by CCE Clinton County, so there will be both kids and adults. There will be activity packets for youth, so please mention the number of youth attending when you RSVP for your packet. You can get one point for either sheep or goat for attending.

For the beginners in the group there will be a Kidding/Lambing Workshop at the St. Lawrence County Extension Farm on March 20th at 10:00 am. It is free for 4-Hers and families are welcome. We will cover the basics of what to do at lambing and kidding time, what to do in an emergency, how to care for an orphan kid/lamb if needed. This is a good chance to ask questions. This will be offered on Video Conference at the Plattsburgh CCE Office ....contact Pete Hagar @561-7450 or phh7@cornell.edu to preregister please...we need at least 3 attendees signed up ahead of time.

There is also a second clinic you can attend-- this is geared more towards adults, but older JRs and Srs may wish to attend.

Thursday March 25rd at 7:00 pm at the Clinton County Extension Office Chet Parsons is coming to visit from the University of Vermont. Chet is one of the people that went on the livestock marketing trip to France. He is going to talk about hoof rot and new ideas about treating and preventing it. We will also cover the use of CIDRs (also known as sponges, that help synchronize heats) and the role they may someday play in fresh semen artificial insemination in sheep. This was common practice in France. There will also be a quick needs assessment of what sheep producers need to improve their operations. There is $5.00 charge for this workshop and there will be refreshments. This will be a live and in person workshop--sign up at 561-7450 or email phh7@cornell.edu.

Clinton County Canine Club Fay S. Kolz Memorial Scholarship Fund

The perpetual Fay S. Kolz Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the Clinton County Canine Club and Mr. Kevin Kolz in honor of his wife, Fay Kolz, a founding member of and former President of the Club.

The Fund, administered by the Club, encourages through a substantial financial award, the study of animal science at a two or four year accredited professional school. The scholarship award will be no more than $600, paid in two installments.

Rules For Scholarship Award Application
Any Clinton County resident may apply. Residents of other counties may apply when they, their parents, or spouse, are members of the Clinton County Canine Club.

Recipients must be attending or planning to attend a two or four year accredited program related to the field of animal science.

Applicants must send:
A letter of application with the description of their extracurricular activities (i.e. sports, clubs, participation in the 4-H organization, etc.)
A letter of reference.
Transcript of grades from their current school, and/or a copy of the letter of acceptance from the school they will be attending.

The application should be sent to: Clinton County Canine Club Scholarship Committee PO Box 101Plattsburgh, NY 12901

The last day for application is March 15 of the current year.

The scholarship winner will be determined by the Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee consists of three club members and an alternate. The Committee will select the award recipient and an alternate, and notify both in writing on its decision.

The award recipient will receive the first payment after a successful completion of the first semester and registration for the second semester; the second payment after completion of the third semester and registration for the fourth semester. The transcript of semester grades and proof of registration must be sent to the Committee.

For more information visit the Canine Club's website

NYS 4-H Forestry Weekend

May 21 - 23, 2010 at 4-H Camp Owahta, Cortland County

Join youth from across the state for a weekend of forestry activities, fun, and competition. This three-day event is for youth aged 10 and up (and staff and volunteers) interested in learning more about forests, and to select the NYS team that will go to the 2010 National 4-H Forestry Invitational (must be 14-19 for the national event).

The Forestry weekend activities include:
• Tree identification
• Tree measurements
• Compass usage
• Map reading
• Insects and diseases
• Geocaching
• Nature games
• Night hikes and more

Cost $35 per person: includes food, materials, and cabin lodging. (A $95 value!). Registration forms will be out in the spring.

Come as a team or as an individual. The top four qualifying youth will be selected to go to the National Invitational. All youth must have an assigned chaperone.

For questions contact Rebecca Hargrave at 607-334-5841 x 16 or jrh45@cornell.edu or Gary Goff at 607-255-2824 or grg3@cornell.edu.

We are also looking for volunteers for the weekend!

For more information about the National Invitational July 25 – 29 (Sun. - Thurs.) in West Virginia go to: http://www.4hforestryinvitational.org/.

Chattering Chipmunks monthly report for January 2010

Jan 7, 2010
Ten members of the group met at Stonebeck Farm for a three hour horsebowl practice. Besides a practice hippology test and a practice team problem, the nine horse members had hands-on time with the horse and donkey, some general instruction, and a friendly horsebowl practice competition. In-between, there was time for sledding on the big hill, popcorn, and hot chocolate.

Harrison Kyle who is working on an independent computer project, worked on the groups new website and converted all the group project record books from word processing format to PDF format.

Jan 9, 2010
Twelve members participated in County Horse Bowl and Hippology: 4 Cloverbuds, 4 Novice, and 4 Jrs. Congratulations to 3 team members of the JR team on making the Regional teams: Mikayla Kyle, Emma Spronk, and Pascal Spronk. Everyone is excited for next year!

Jan 14, 2010
For the first meeting of the new year, we started with an hour of "infomercials" explaining Small Animal Projects and Presentation Day. All members chose the animals they wished to show at fair. We learned we could be a Cat Club or a Sheep Flock, with quite a few kids wanting to show cats and sheep. Other popular animals were rabbits and chickens. Although many are involved in the horse project, only a few plan to show the horse or donkey at fair. The first set of presentation handouts were passed-out. After listening to the 4H leader ramble on for 1 hour, the JRs and the Cloverbuds broke into groups. The Cloverbuds and younger siblings played some group games in large foyer and then returned to the meeting room to make stained glass windows. The JRS made wooden ornaments with painted silhouettes of Adirondack themes. Animal tracks were a popular choice to paint on the birch bark rounds. Ben got the award for 50 minutes of sustained sanding. Everyone took his/her ornaments home to varnish.

Jan 21, 2010
The group met to make paper. Everyone brought in scrap paper of various kinds plus other additives like laundry dryer lint, glitter, pre-soaked birch bark and cardboard. In teams of 2 (a JR and a Cloverbud), we made paper of all colors and shapes. Two of the girls made shaped papers--owls, cats, and trees--while others made pretty purple sheets with glitter and pressed flowers. The boys opted for brown and gray papers. After making 2 or 3 pieces, everyone played with tempera colored shaving cream (a fun mess). A few members experimented with marbleizing paper using fabric starch and tempura paint. We had the first practice of the group choir. We decided to move the practice to before the meeting rather than after it. The next packet of handouts for presentations were handed out.

Be Aware of New York Agriculture Contest

New York Ag in the Classroom, New York Farm Bureau and the New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education are co-sponsoring the “Be Aware of New York Agriculture” Contest for ALL pre-school through 6th grade aged students in New York State.

The “Be Aware of NY Agriculture” Contest exposes students to agriculture and the food system and meets the New York State Learning Standards for classroom curriculum. Teachers can integrate the Contest into their lesson plans and know that they are following State Standards. It is a perfect opportunity for the teacher and you to help students learn more about agriculture while they are doing something that interest them. Pre-school through 3rd grade students produce art projects, while 4th and 5th graders write poems and essays. 6th graders make full-size posters with an agricultural theme.

The contest is divided by grade level categories and statewide winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mentions) are selected for each grade level. State first place winners receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. First, second and third place winners receive a T-shirt and all winners plus honorable mention receive a Certificate of Recognition. First place schools and classes also receive awards! All statewide winning entries will be exhibited in the Youth Building at the New York State Fair in August. Entries must be received by April 16, 2010 for state level, and local contests (via Farm Bureau/Extension) will be an earlier deadline.

Materials are available at www.nyaged.org/aitc/educators/contest.htm that include contest information and entry forms.

Tangled Reins News Report January 2010

In January the Tangled Reins did a lot. We went to Horse Bowl and Hippology at Miner Institute. All Tangled Reins people did an awesome job. Tangled Reins team 1 (Abigail Bosley, Christopher Kokes, Courtney Bosley) placed 1st in both junior horse bowl and hippology. Tangled Reins Team 2 (Adie Steinfeld, Courtney LeVenture, Holly Waldenmaier) placed 3rd for horse bowl.

A few of our members placed in the top 10 individual rankings too. They were

Horse Bowl: Christopher Kokes - 2nd
Abigail Bosley - 5th
Holly Waldenmaier - 9th

Hippology : Abigail Bosley - 1st
Adie Steinfeld - 7th
Christopher Kokes - 8th

Abigail, Christopher, and Holly are going to regional competition in Westport.

Good job everyone!

We had a meeting this month where we talked about upcoming public presentations and topics. We also started planning our stall decorations for fair. We talked about our upcoming fundraiser in February - Little Caesars pizza kits

Your News Reporter,Courtney Bosley

EquiDay: Equine Conference at Miner Institute

This is a horse pointed event.

EquiDay 2010 at Miner Institute in Chazy, NY is a daylong symposium on horse topics and a mini-expo to launch the spring season in the North Country. Saturday, March 20, 2010 the doors will open at 9:00 a.m. for FREE registration and refreshments with the speaker program starting at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 3:30 ending with a door prize drawing. Lunch is available for purchase.

Horse training is a huge topic that is always of great interest, but the best place to start is with a discussion by Dr. Stephen Mackenzie, an equine studies professor at SUNY Cobleskill, on How Horses Learn. The author of the book Fundamentals of Free Lungeing: An Introduction to Tackless Training, Dr. Mackenzie will take some of the mystery out of the horse’s learning process to help us clarify our role as trainer.

Dr. Betsy Greene, Vermont’s Extension Equine Specialist, was recently presented with the eXtension's "Individual Achievement Award" at their national conference. An online resource, eXtension, pronounced "e" extension, is a partnership of 74 universities which provides objective, research-based information and learning opportunities. Professional educators with expertise in specific areas join together to form a community of practice, providing educational resources to the public. Dr. Greene will walk us through her community of practice, HorseQuest, which provides reliable and up-to-date information in equine science and management.

Spring brings to mind visions of leggy new foals running through the pasture, so full of promise! But what does it take to get there? What questions should you ask yourself before signing that stallion service contract or bringing your mare to the stallion? Katie Ballard, Miner Institute’s Director of Research, will talk about breeding considerations for mare owners.

The other end of the life spectrum is the senior horse. The life expectancy of a horse has increased dramatically over the years and with that has come the need for better understanding of how to care for our golden-aged friends. Karen Lassell, Equine Manager at Miner Institute, will share some key points in managing the older horse and have many anecdotes from the senior equine population at the farm.

Adirondack Tack of Plattsburgh, NY will put on a fashion show and describe the outfits for various disciplines. A good time to find out the latest in what’s hot, what’s NOT, or simply what’s comfortable!

No matter the weather (EquiDay is famous for snowstorms), the show will go on. EquiDay is held in the Miner Center building of Miner Institute on Rte. 191, just west of exit 41 on I-87. For more information, visit the website: www.whminer.org, or contact Karen Lassell at 518-846-7121 x120 or lassell@whminer.com

Cornell University Presents Animal Crackers 2010 Healthy Herds

By Janet Pfromm, Agriculture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension Chenango County

The Cornell University Department of Animal Science is pleased to announce Animal Crackers 2010 "Healthy Herds" on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at Cornell University. The up-coming program will incorporate both dairy and livestock (sheep and beef) topics for youth ages 9-12 or those with a beginners/intermediate knowledge of the species. All youth, 4-H and non-4-H, are invited to participate. Adult chaperones are also invited to attend to make Healthy Herds a family event!

Interesting, educational, hands-on activities are being planned to make Healthy Herds a memorable teaching event. Participants will have the opportunity to learn cattle or sheep care, biology, or management while having fun. There will also be sessions on exploring animal science careers, learning games, and much, much more!

Beginner and Intermediate 4-H members in the livestock area will learn:
· How Good’s the Meat? Learn more about where meat cuts come from and what makes good carcass quality in this ultrasounding workshop.
· Making the Most of Meat. Do you know how to manage your animals to grow and sell the best in meat? This meat quality assurance workshop will incorporate best management practices into animal raising.
· Healthy Hide and Hair. Find out about a lot of safe, low-cost, easy-to-find household items that you can use to put extra sparkle on your show animal!
· Cutting It Up. Anyway you cut it up meat tastes great! Learn how those different cuts are made and how to identify them in the meat aisle.
· Plus workshops on veterinary care, healthy hooves, and manure!

Those interested in beginning dairy topics will learn about:
· Holey Holsteins. Here’s your chance to feel a rumen in motion as you stick your arm into a fistulated cow! Learn more about how the most efficient “green machine” works.
· Fixing Feet. Think a hoof trimmer’s job is easy? Learn what it takes to fix those feet, from trimming to wrapping to blocking and everything in between!
· Got Good Milk? Learn what it takes to make Super Milk and prevent mastitis from udder to bulk tank. Guaranteed to be a udderly good time!
· Managing Manure. Manure is more than you think, it can tell you if a cow is healthy, add nutrients to soil and so much more!
· Mmm…Milk. How many yummy things is nature’s perfect food turned into? How good are those foods for you? Challenge your taste buds and find out!
· My Space, Your Space. Having a healthy herd is also about healthy relationships with your community. Challenge yourself by trying to set up your farm and learn how your neighbors may affect your decisions.

Group activities are planned for both lunch and closing. How infectious can you be? Find out as everyone tries to outwit germs in the “Got Immunity” game with Eileen McGuire. Closing the program, adults and youth will break into groups to solve a herd health mystery, CSI-style! Kathy Finnerty, NYSCHAP, will moderate and help you to put all of the clues and answers together.

Cost of the program will be $5 for youth and adult chaperones and everyone is asked to bring their own lunches or visit the Cornell Dairy Store. Registration for the event will be done through your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Office and must be completed no later than March 29, 2010. All groups must have at least one chaperone per species tract. More information can be found on the Animal Crackers website. Mark your calendars for one the most exciting animal science programs of 2010!

Cornell University Summer College Programs for High School Students

Cornell's Summer College, now in its forty-ninth year, is one of the nation's longest running and most highly regarded pre-college academic programs. It brings more than 800 academically talented high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from around the world to Cornell each summer for three- and six-week programs.

Summer College students have the unparalleled opportunity to:
experience what it's like to live and learn at a great Ivy League university,
take real university courses,
work closely with Cornell's world-renowned faculty,
earn three to six college credits,
explore majors and career options,
get a jump on successful college applications,
make friends from around the world--and much, much more.

Many former Summer Collegians apply to Cornell, and each year a significant number of these students are members of the entering class.

This year's application deadline for most programs is April 30. Students can connect with other Summer College fans through the Facebook link on their home page and can reach them directly at summer_college@cornell.edu or 607.255.6203.

STARR 2010

When: April 16-18
Where: The Youth Building, New York State Fair Grounds, Syracuse
Who: Teens age 13-19 and their chaperones who are interested in meeting other teens from across New York and are interested in improving their leadership skills, learning more about youth community action, and bringing it back home.
How much: The cost of this year's STARR is $75 which includes lodging, meals, workshop supplies, and more.
Registration: A registration packet will be available as of March 1.

Workshops will have a cap on how many can participate, once that workshop has reached it's maximum it will be closed and no longer available.

More information to follow soon, please check the website.

This year is going to be really exciting, the STARR Planning Committee are putting together some great workshops and have come up with some really neat ideas that they think everyone will really enjoy.

Creative Critters January Club News

In conjunction with a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Northern Adirondack Trail Breakers snowmobile club, the Creative Critters came together to hold a bake sale with all proceeds earned going to the Hannah's Hope Fund. We were able to raise $220.50. Hannah's Hope was created for a little girl named Hannah Sames who has a rare genetic disorder called GAN or Giant Axonal Neuropathy. Hannah's Hope for a Million needs to reach their $500,000 goal by February 15th to receive a matching donation from the Sunshine Lady Foundation. We hope they reach their goal and we know that every little bit helps!!!

Submitted by: Carrie, Club Leader

Creative Critters December Club News

Club officer election results:
~President – Alexander Trombley
~Vice President – Jacob Balko
~Photographer – Hannah Duprey
~Secretary – Samantha Balko
~Song Leader – Allie Gifford

Alexander took his new role as President and opened the meeting. Jacob also took his role and lead us through the pledges.

Alexa, the 4H Educator was our guest speaker this evening. She talked to us about record book keeping and about the different types of records. She informed us about the requirements for each 4H division (Cloverbud, Jr. and Sr.). A guideline was handed out. One thing that needs to be added to our current books is a “goals” section. The Jr. and Sr. level needs to include a project story after each project section and it needs to discuss whether or not the set goals were accomplished.

Alexa was also gracious enough to discuss the new opportunity for public presentations for the Jr. and Sr. speakers. We agree that it is a wonderful opportunity to have the chance to make it to State Fair!

We voted that our next community service will be the Big Change Roundup. We opted not to attempt a January community service.

Everyone was reminded that public presentations will be in February and that the paperwork will be available at the next club meeting. All members were advised to begin thinking about the topic they would like to discuss.

Project records were updated and discussed.

Leadership opportunities:
Samantha taught us our lesson about how to make coiled pottery.
Alexander taught us how to make a Jar Snowman.Thank you to Jacob for providing delicious brownies for snack at the meeting!

Farm Alls News for January 2010

On January 17th, a clinic on minis was held at the 3-D Farm and was open to all 4-H members. Thanks to Nina Sullivan who brought her minis, Daisy and Petals, along with Margaret Chiappalone who assisted. We would also like to thank Taylor Wright who instructed us on mini hunter jumpers, and the rules for NYS 4H hunter jumper, halter, and driving. A big *thank-you* goes out to them for sharing their knowledge and making this a fun, educational, hands-on day!

Melissa Sayward also shared some information regarding the upcoming clinic that will be held in February on small animals. Our club has a couple of members interested in showing chickens and rabbits, and are excited to attend the clinic.

The Farm-Alls are participating in the WOKO Big Change Round-Up for the 4th time. We will be collecting change for the Fletcher Allen Children’s Hospital. If anyone is interested in participating, please contact a member of the Farm-Alls. Our 4H leaders and members are also planning a spring visit to Fletcher Allen children’s ward.

from Evan Cross

Horse Showmanship Educational Pointed Event

Daphney Wright is sponsoring a pointed horse educational event at her family farm. This event will have Judy Velie who has offered to come and teach 4-H showmanship who will specializing in teaching patterns. Judy will demonstrate with her horse, but participants will not bring their horses.

This event will be taking place on March 7th at 2:00 pm. at the 3D Farm on the Nashville Road in Saranac. If you have questions or need directions please feel free to contact the Wright family directly. Preregistration is not required.

This event will also be the first time to start working on the Community Service Mural for the Fair (see the blog posting for more information).

Tiny Terrors and Gentle Giants January Club News

On January 17, 2010 Tiny Terrors and Gentle Giants met at the Town of Saranac Town Hall for their monthly 4 H meeting. Their was business to discuss and then fun to be had!

The 4-Hers discussed their experience at Horse Bowl and Hippology and brainstormed ways to make it a better experience. Our group did a great job this year, with Jacob placing in Hippology, Liz placing in Horse Bowl, and a 2nd place win in Team! All of the members that went said they had a great time. Some of the suggestions included keeping all the events in one building, shortening the day by adding more rooms, and having the registration line according to their 4H level. The group came up with the idea of doing a community fundraiser for the cost of the buzzers to be able to have more rooms.

We talked about the upcoming public presentations, brainstormed project ideas for fair, and discussed horse camp. In addition, Shayne presented his community service project of collecting money for the “Change Round Up” and Mindy suggested Little Ceaser's pizza fundraising; the members agreed to both ideas.

We ended the meeting with a snack and sledding. “It was fun because we went sledding!” says Shayne O'Neill.

Winter Olympic Family Festival: Cancelled due to lack of snow

This is a FREE event for children up to age 12. This Winter Olympic Festival will include snowshoeing, ice skating, sledding (for the young ones), hot chocolate and many more outside activities for children and their families. Get into the Olympic Spirit. Bring your snow tubes and skates. Everything else will be provided.

When: February 20th, 2010
Time: 12-2 PM
Where: City of Plattsburgh Gym …activities will take place on the oval

Thanks to the following organizations who are donating money, supplies or volunteering their time for this event: Clinton County Health Department’s Eat Well Play Hard and WIC programs, Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Department, City of Plattsburgh Recreation Department, Clinton County Youth Bureau, Fidelis Care, American Heart Association

For more information or questions please contact the Eat Well Play Hard Program at 565-4840 or visit http://www.clintonhealth.org/.

March Dog Madness

March Dog Madness (MDM), an annual NYS 4-H Dog Leader Training Program, will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Cornell. Please share the news!

Registration forms will be downloadable from the department of Animal Science website http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/

Click on Extension/4-H Youth Programs, then click on Dogs – OR- go straight to the events calendar link. You will see March Dog Madness there.

The theme in 2010 is CANINE-GLOBAL IMPACT! Come learn, practice skills and contribute to the global impact. We’re STILL GREEN, so remember to bring your own travel mug, pen/pencil and reusable bag to bring home goodies. In addition, network and take home more teaching tools than you ever imagined! 4-H teens and adult leaders throughout New York State will increase their knowledge about turning a passion for dogs into a life-long learning experience.

Each participant will have a chance to pre-select (2) different workshops from a menu of topics. Dr. Janet Scarlett, Director of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell University’s Veterinary School and Ms. Kelley Bollen, Animal Behaviorist Consultant, will address current services available at Cornell’s Companion Animal Hospital.

This annual conference is an opportunity to bring adult and teen volunteers together with community experts to increase knowledge and awareness of the value of science based information on local CCE/4-H dog training programs. Instructors include university, extension and industry representatives.

Workshop menu topics include: (Working with Shy and Timid Dogs, Drill Teams – How to Organize One, Canine Conditioning and Sport Injury Prevention, Reading Dog Body Language, How to Conduct a Canine Good Citizens Test, A Model Canine Life Skills Course, Youth Development in the 4-H Dog Program along with Teaching Agility Skills and What is Flyball?)

Everyone will have an opportunity to ask questions during the keynote presentation with Vet School professionals and our closing panel of Breed Rescue representatives.

Registrations are due March 12. Space is limited to the first 100 people who register. $15/person covers workshop materials and lunch. Pre-registrations must be received with payment or a commitment to charge a county account must be specified. Each concurrent workshop is limited to 20 participants.

Agenda items for the spring NYS 4-H Dog advisory committee meeting (immediately following MDM) are also required in writing by March 12th. Please send those to Dana Palmer dlp10@cornell.edu or Advisory Committee Chair, Kathi Chambliss chamblisk@aol.com

Need directions to Ithaca? Go to http://www.visitithaca.com/ for area travel and tourism information.
Need a Cornell Campus Map? Got to: www.cornell.edu/maps

Brief MDM Schedule
9:15am – Check-in Lobby of Morrison Hall
9:45am – Opening Remarks
10:00am – Session 1 (5 concurrent workshops) – see registration form for topic choices.
11:00am – General Session with Dr. Janet Scarlett and/or Ms. Kelley Bollen of Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program http://www.sheltermedicine.vet.cornell.edu/
11:45am – Session 2 (5 concurrent workshops) – see registration form for topic choices.
12:45pm – Lunch – Mix and mingle, share impact stories
1:30pm – Resource Room/Lending Library Open
2:00pm - Closing Rescue Panel with Greyhound Network, Genesee Region Newfoundland Rescue, Tompkins SPCA and Hum Hollow Hospice
3:00pm – Evaluation & Pick Up Treats
NYS 4-H Dog Spring Advisory Committee Meeting Immediately following MDM
4:30 Head for Home

2010 4-H Career Explorations Conference

Get a head start on finding your future career today!

For over 70 years, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H Youth Development program has conducted a three-day on campus event for youth on the Cornell University campus. The purpose of this program is to provide youth with exposure to academic fields and career exploration, to develop leadership skills, to provide hands-on experience in a college setting and to introduce youth to Cornell University.

4-H Career Exploration programs allow youth to have fun while learning about science, technology, humanities and themselves. The event is made up of two grade specific tracts: University U for youth entering grades 8 - 9 and Focus for Teens for youth entering grades 10 - 12.

When: June 29 - July 1
Where: Cornell University Ithaca, NY
Cost: $195 *Scholarships are competitive but available

For more information, visit the Career Ex page.

Camp Bark-I-Tunk 2010

Hosted By the Delaware County 4-H Dog Program at Camp Shankitunk, Delhi, NN
Registration packets are available on their website, www.ccedelaware.org, under 4-H, then Dog Program.

When? June 11, 12 & 13, 2010

How much? $85 per camper & dog price includes 2 nights of camping in camper cabins, 5 meals, snacks, professional trainers, crafts, games and more!

Who can come: all active 4-h youth ages 8-19 and their well behaved dogs. Cloverbuds must be accompanied by an adult. Chaperones are needed; please call to inquire about attending.

Registration: and $85 fee must be received in our office no later than may 21. Please enroll early, registration is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Need more information? Check out the camp website or CCE Delaware or contact Jeannette Moser-Orr email: jm524@cornell.edu 607-865-6531

Cornell Poultry School for Small Farms

Focus: From Chicks to Market, a comprehensive program for everyone
Time: 8:30 am to 4:00pm, March 13, 2010
Location: Morrison Hall, Cornell University
Topics for Discussion:
- Producing and Marketing Small Farm Poultry Flocks
- Managing small flock Health
- Processing Regulations and on-farm processing
- Guidelines for Organic Poultry Production
- Creating a Successful farm business
- Free range meat and egg production
- Pastured Turkey production
- Farmers Panel, Questions and Discussion (On-farm markets, Farmers Markets, CSAs)
- Others requested

Lunch will include Spring chicken barbeque Register early to save a space Please contact: Kimberly Totten at (607)- 334-3231, ext. 4 or kimberly.totten@ny.usda.gov or www.cornerstone-farm.com

Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Judges and Show Management School

The Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Judges and Show Management School will be held at Penn State on February 20-21. Registration deadline for reduced fees is February 6. Late registrations received after February 1 must pay an additional $15.00 fee. Late registrations and walk-ins will be accepted as space permits.

The program is designed to train 4-H and open show judges, applicants for the Pennsylvania 4-H judges list, show managers, show committees, judging team coaches and members of horse judging teams. Volunteers and educators involved with local, regional or district shows should be aware of information presented at the school. Show officials are encouraged to attend the show management sessions to obtain current information for planning and conducting 4-H or open shows. Judging team members and coaches will be provided with current resources and judging techniques to help prepare for youth judging competitions including 4-H, FFA, and various breed contests.

Featured clinicians are: Dr. Bob Mowrey, North Carolina State University and American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) judge; Ms. Andrea Wells, Chair, Equestrian Studies, Savannah College of Art and Design and USEF judge; and Ms. Wendy Gruskiewicz, USEF and AMHA judge.

Mr. Brian Egan, Dr. Mowrey and members of the 2009 Penn State Horse Judging Team will lead the sessions for judging team members and coaches. Show management sessions will be presented by show managers and officials including Patty Kelly, Donna Zang, Donna Foulk, Lew Trumble, Scott Kelly and Chris Hayes.

Registration forms and program details are available from the Extension Office. The forms are also available on the Penn State Horse Program website at: www.das.psu.edu - click on 4-H programs, then horse and events.

For more information contact Andrea Graeff at agraeff@psu.edu or 814-863-3957.

Dairy Discovery Workshop

Held at Morrison Hall, Cornell University on March 26-27, 2010, the annual Dairy Discovery program provides New York youth with fun, hands-on science-oriented learning experiences on dairy production and management topics which feature the unique facilities, industry professionals, and staff of Cornell University. More information is available online.

When/Where: Dairy Discovery is a hands-on workshop held annually at Cornell in late March. It is a statewide program for youth ages 15-19 years old. Each year the youth will spend the 1½ days (Friday afternoon until Saturday late afternoon) here on campus learning about dairy careers and rotating through a series of hands-on stations which focus on a specific aspect of the dairy field each year. The focusing for the Dairy Discovery workshops changes each year but includes the following areas: Dairy Herd Health and Management, Calf and Heifer Production Management, Quality Milk and Milk Production, Whole Farm Management Planning, and Maximizing the Feed Management Program.

Who: Due to the hands on approach of the sessions, participation is limited to the first 60 individuals to enroll by deadline. Youth who are 15-19 years of age as of January 1, of the current year and have an interest in dairy cattle and production management are eligible and strongly encouraged to attend (with their parents or chaperones).

Why: Participants will get to meet Cornell faculty and students, learn about different aspects of dairy production management and dairy industry related careers. They will also be able to interact and exchange information with professional producers, industry experts, and more! Hands-on workshops are planned for each focus area.

How: Please contact your county 4-H office for details and registration. Registration is handled through county 4-H offices. The cost of $45 per person is billed directly to Cornell county accounts to cover basic handout, materials, dinner and activities on Friday evening, and lunch on Saturday. Lodging is NOT included for this program but a group of hotel rooms are blocked prior to this event each year and detailed information for making lodging accommodations is sent to county 4-H offices. 4-H project members and FFA youth with a dairy interest or desire to learn about dairy are strongly encouraged to attend (with their parents or chaperones).

What: Workshop presenters and topics are selected by a planning committee that looks at trends and current issues. Youth input on topics is also solicited through statewide advisory committees and educator feedback.

19th Annual Saratoga Horse Symposium

The Saratoga Horse Symposium will be APRIL 10 & 11, 2010 at the 4H Training Center, Middleline Road, Ballston Spa NY.

Featuring (as of Jan. 4, 2010):
SHARON CAMARILLO
4 Time National Rodeo Finalist and Cowgirl Hall of Fame Inductee, Sharon is the author of “The A.R.T. of Barrel Racing (co-author Cheryl Machin Price), “Simple Strategies For Success, and “Barrel Racing For Fun and Fast Times,” as well as DVDs “The Sharon Camarillo Performance Horse” four part series. Recently seen at the Massachusetts Equine Affaire, Sharon is a nationally known barrel racing champion and inspirational speaker. For more information on Sharon visit www.sharoncamarillo.com

STEVEN SEDRISH, D.V.M.
Founder of Upstate Equine Medical Center (2003), Dr. Steven Sedrish is a well-respected equine surgeon. He earned his bachelors at Alfred University in chemistry and biology, holds a masters’ degree from Michigan State University in veterinary pharmacology, and earned his veterinary degree from Mississippi State University. He also attended the Kentucky Horseshoeing School where he learned farrier work. Dr. Sedrish provides ambulatory, emergency and reproductive services along with shockwave therapy, stem cell, neonatal care, and orthopedics. For more information on Dr. Sedrish and his practice, contact (518) 695-3744, upstateequine@aol.com or www.uemc-ny.com.

ELIZABETH MARKS
Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation & Development Coordinator for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Elizabeth is an expert on pasture management, including nutritional value of hay and grasses, pasture rotation and conservation of green space for agricultural use. Located in Ghent, NY, the Hudson Mohawk RC&D’s mission is to promote regional, economic and natural resource conservation development. For more information contact Elizabeth at (518) 828-4385 x105, elizabeth.marks@ny.usda.gov or visit the Councils website at www.hudsonmohawkrcd.org.

HAROLD G. (BILL) BARNES, D.V.M.
Dr. Barnes realized his dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon after having worked with animals, large and small, since childhood. Following undergraduate studies in sculpture and animal nutrition at Hampshire college, Dr. Barnes pursued his passion of racing sled dogs in Interior Alaska. In the early 1990s, Dr. Barnes left Alaska to attend veterinary school at Colorado State University. His interest in surgery led him to complete an internship and surgical residency at Washington State University. Upon completion of his residency and a master's program there in 1994, "Doc" moved to Saratoga Springs with his family to begin his career as an equine veterinarian and surgeon. In 2000, the Barnes family opened Saratoga Equine Veterinary Service at Henning Road. Dr. Barnes' clinical interests are arthoscopic surgery, surgery of the upper airway, tendons, lameness examinations, and reproductive evaluation. For more information, call (518) 583-7273 or www.saratogaequine.com.

DRU MALAVESE
Safety Committee Chairman Dru Malavase became a member of the New York State Horse Council on the recommendation of one if its founders and its second President, Rufus Wesson of Mendon. Mr. Wesson was also President of the United States Pony Clubs and the Rochester-Monroe County Chapter of the American Red Cross, both organizations devoted to safety and injury prevention. Dru’s similar interest in safety led her to become the Executive Director and First Aid Instructor Trainer of the West Ontario County Chapter of Red Cross and Safety Committee Chairman for the United States Pony Clubs. She was the original Chairman and current Co-Chairman of the American Society for Testing and Materials’ Committee on Protective Equestrian Headgear and a member of the United States Equestrian Federation Safety Committee. As the STOP-DWI Coordinator for Ontario County for the past 25 years she has been honored as one of New York’s leading experts on highway safety issues.

4-H Cookbook Sale

We will be selling cookbooks until they are all gone. Each book costs $10 You can bring in orders and payment anytime the office is open and we will give you the books for your orders. And remember, each club who sells cookbooks will receive 50¢ per book they sell. Thank you for helping us have a safe and successful 4-H Cookbook Sale!