February 6, 2015 Updates

Feb 6, 2015

Pre-Weighing of Market Beef on

February 12th

We will once again be pre-weighing market beef and pulling hair follicles for potential DNA testing as a condition of entry at this year's Fair. All market beef entries must be brought to Turlock Livestock, 10430 North Lander Avenue, Turlock, on Thursday, February 12th, between the hours of 1:00 and 3:00 PM. While at the yard, we will take a certified scale weight, ear tag the animal and pull a hair sample to put on file.

 

Merced County Horse Project Clinic

Merced County 4H horse groups will be holding a Horsemanship Clinic on Saturday March 7th. Demonstrations will include: basic horsemanship skills, hunter hack, gymkhana, and showmanship.           Check in: 9:00 am BRING A SACK LUNCH

Location: Wendy Wedemeyers Ranch 5375 Palm Ave. Winton 95388.

You will learn some techniques to help improve your skills in various aspects of horsemanship. Bring any questions in areas you may be having trouble in and we will do our best to help! Any questions about the event call: Mandy 769-5391. Do not bring your horse to this clinic.

 

4-H Equine Field Day

 

Here is updated information about the Horse Field Day at Fresno State on February 28th.

There is still time to register at the early bird price for the State 4-H Equine Field Day! 

February 28, 2015

Location: Fresno State

Early Bird Registration: $10/$15 

After Feb 20th Registration -$15/$20  

Register Online: 4-H Horse Field Day Registration    (http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=13534) 

Time schedule:

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.                 Arrive at Fresno State, pick up schedules & maps, 

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.                 Welcome and introductions

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.            1st session 

11:00 – 11:45 a.m.            2nd session

12:00 – 12:45 p.m.            Lunch

1:00 – 1:45 p.m.               3rd session 

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.               4th session

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.               5th session

4:00 p.m.                         Wrap up  

Confirmed trainers/tour/demos: 

  • Trail Clinic
  • English Showmanship Clinic 
  • Hippology Clinic
  • How to Run/put on a Horse Show 
  • Equine Chiropractor 
  • Equine Acupuncturist 
  • How to fit a Saddle 
  • Horsemanship
  • Horse Judging 

Waiting on confirmation:

  • Equine Nutritionist
  • Equine Dentist
  • Clinic Over Fences
  • Horse Bowl 

Lunch will be available for a nominal fee ($3-5) 

  •         Lunch will be a boxed lunch with Sandwich, potato salad/chips, fresh fruit, cookie and water 

Printable PDF Flyer- Equine Field Day Flyer

Campus Map -Fresno State Campus Map/Event Map

 

 

Register Online: 4-H Horse Field Day Registration

 

31st Annual 4-H State Shooting Match

Sharpen up your shooting skills and participate in the 2015 State 4-H Shooting Sports Match, sponsored by Siskiyou County 4-H Leaders Council. 

Entries for the State 4-H Shooting Sports Match, must be postmarked by March 9, 2015.

2015 Shooting Match Registration
2015 Shooting Match Rules
2015 Cover Letter

3rd Annual State Archery Match

Calling all Archery Leaders, the 3rd annual State 4-H Shooting Sports Archery Match is now open. The deadline for entering is March 16, 2015 Each leader MUST have the entry form signed by a 4-H staff person, who double checks that each youth is currently enrolled and submit a council check for their entries. The deadline for returning the entries is June 16, 2015.

Rules: http://cemendocino.ucanr.edu/files/204379.pdf 
Forms: http://cemendocino.ucanr.edu/files/204380.pdf

*A reminder only a currently enrolled approved archery leader can sign and send in the entries and score the cards as the member shoots. 
Any questions contact Linda Edgington at lgedgington@ucanr.edu or 707-463-4495

Communications Day

Communications Day will be held March 14, 2015 at Ballico School. Check in will be from 8:00 to 8:45. Presentations will start at 9:00. Registration is now open. You may register online at http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=3370 or by paper application. I have attached a copy of the application. Registration is due by Monday March 2nd. Presentation categories are as follows:

1.  Demonstrations  – A demonstration shows how to do something. Member must use a minimum of four posters (visual aids). Overhead transparencies, computer generated slides, or visual aids produced and other mediums are equally acceptable. Topic must be 4-H project or activity related. Team demonstrations are limited to two team members. Age divisions are determined by highest grade of the two members. Models or actual products are encouraged with brand names covered. Organization and visibility of the work area is important. Note cards are allowed at county and sectional levels as long as they do not detract from the presentation. Note cards are not allowed at the state level. Presentation should not exceed 15 minutes.

 2. Illustrated Talks – An illustrated talk tells about something. Topic are encouraged to be 4-H project or activity related. It also uses visual aids and should include a minimum of three posters, slides, or other visuals. The illustrated talk would have at least a title, process, and summary. Visual aids need to be readable from all parts of the room. A team of two members may present an illustrated talk. A talk should not exceed 15 minutes. Note cards are allowed at county and sectional levels, but not state level.

*A Scientific Presentation uses the steps used by scientists to answer questions and solve problems. The scientific process includes the following steps: 

1.    Ask a question. 

2.    Form a hypothesis of what you expect the answer to your question to be.

3.    Test the hypothesis by conducting an experiment.

4.    Analyze the results of the tests and information you have gathered.

5.    Draw conclusions regarding the hypothesis from the tests.

6.    Communicate the results.

The speaker will use posters or equivalent visual aids to enhance the teaching process. The visual aids will include a title, question, hypothesis, test, and an analysis card. This presentation style will have a minimum of 5 poster cards or equivalent multimedia presentation. Can be either Demonstration or Illustrated Talk style)

3. Prepared Speech – This presentation is written and delivered by the member. A speech is either informative or persuasive. There are no visual aids, costumes, or props. Note cards may be used at county and sectional levels, but not at state level. Limited to individuals, not teams. Length of speech should be 2 – 10 minutes.

 4. Interpretive Reading – Members may read any published, written work. It should be age appropriate. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, children's stories, poetry, essays, and excerpts from novels. The member will introduce themselves and their chosen piece. Include the title, author, characters, purpose and setting, and any other information that would enhance the audience's understanding of the piece. The characters and setting are created through voice and gestures. The member is presenting the reading as at a story hour, not acting it out. The member may sit or stand. The source material must be present and used during the reading. No props, costumes, or other materials may be used. The member completes the presentation with a short conclusion, which leaves the audience with a vivid memory. At the state level, the introduction and conclusion together are limited to no more than 5 minutes and the reading is limited to 5 minutes. This is limited to individual participants.

 5.Impromptu– This category is open to intermediate and senior division members.  In the Impromptu category at the county, sectional and state level general topics are announced ahead. Basic research is done prior to the event by the youth. For each topic, the youth is allowed to bring 1 5x7 card of their research on the topic. The member randomly draws one with three minutes to prepare.

2015 Impromptu Topics

Senior Topics 

Science, Engineering and Technology

  • Aerospace Engineering: the research, design, development, construction, testing of aircraft and spacecraft. The ways in which the field has contributed to (or not) the health and safety of humanity and the environment.

Healthy Living

  • Importance of sleep: effects on ability to learn, signs of sleepiness, sleepiness and decision making, consequences of lost sleep, how to get a good night sleep, sleep and managing stress.

Citizenship

Civic Engagement defined by the National 4-H Citizenship framework- Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

  • Voice
  • Decision Making
  • Advocacy
  • Activism

 Positive Youth Development

  • Describe and discuss a Growth Mindset versus a Fixed Mindset.

 Intermediate Topics 

Science, Engineering and Technology

  • Sustainable Energy – The production of energy from renewable forms (such as wind, sun, water, biofuel) and energy efficiency (using less energy).

Healthy Living

  • Importance of sleep: signs of sleepiness, sleep and screen time, how to get a good night sleep, exercise and sleep.

Citizenship

  • Civic Engagement – The importance of advocacy and activism; using youth voice for the betterment of others.

Positive Youth Development

  • Sparks – Discuss what a spark is, why sparks are important to a healthy lifestyle and strategies for identifying and nurturing your spark.
  • Science, Engineering and Technology (SET): Aerospace Engineering: Flying Into the Future! 
  • Citizenship: Civic Engagement 
  • Healthy Living: Sleep and Stress 
  • Thrive: The Path to Thriving 

2015 Special Recognition: Awarded to 4-H members who relate their presentations (all categories are eligible) to one of the following four focus areas:

Please visit Recognition Opportunities for more information, including complete descriptions, resources, and eligibility requirements.

 6. Share the Fun – This is a skit category that focuses on health, safety, community pride, recreation, or citizenship. This is a group presentation. It should have an introduction which states its purpose. Costumes, props, decorations, and visual aids are encouraged. Audience participation is allowed. Judges may ask questions to clarify judging, but the members are not tested on their answers. At the state level judging is on the American System and the presentation is limited to 15 minutes.

 7. Cultural Arts – This is an individual or group performance presentation such as a dramatic reading, music, dance, or other performing arts. The introduction includes its purpose. Costumes, props, and visual aids are encouraged.

 8. Educational Display – This is a visual presentation either set up with a tri-fold board approximately 30x30” on a table top or a larger, up to 48x48” board, set on an easel. Either format will contain the title, member's name, 4-H club, and a visual depiction of the concept or program featured. It should be readable from at least four feet away. The member will give an oral introduction to the audience and answer judges' questions. Notes may be used at county but not at sectional or state level.

 9. Audio visual – This is an individual presentation consisting of slides, video or digital productions. The presentation takes advantage of the format. It is not just using PowerPoint slides in an illustrated talk. The length is appropriate to the subject and format. A slide presentation is supplemented with a verbal commentary, tape recording, or audio track. No costumes or props are used. The member will give an oral introduction to the audience and answer judges' questions. Notes may be used at county but not at sectional or state level. The member is responsible for the complete production process and for furnishing all equipment needed. Some equipment is available at the county level.

 
10. Problem Solving – This category is offered at the state level for senior division members. The member does not need to qualify at the county or sectional levels to enter. Notes are not allowed at sectional or state level. Member is judged on the overall effectiveness of the presentation and not the solution presented. Member can support presentation with posters, overhead slides, or computer generated slides. Presentation should be 5 – 10 minutes. A list of state topic “problems” is available at the 4-H office or on the state website. To register go to:

Food Fashion and Fun Festival 2015

March 28, 2015, McSwain School, 926 Scott Road, Merced, 9 AM Registration



Register here:http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=6263

or print and mail/email this form from the 4-H Website

  Location: McSwain School

 

Merced County 4-H invites you to come join us as we celebrate creativity in the home arts at our annual Food Fashion and Fun Festival.

 For more information contact the 4-H office at 209-385-7418. 

Fashion Revue- Enter your Traditional, Purchased, Upcycled, Jacket Challenge, or the Costume  Challenge to be judged by our panel of experts.  Then model your garment in our fashion show. 

Global Workshops

Africa- Adinkra Block Printing Activity

Asia- Zen Gardens, Calligraphy, Color Paper Fan Craft

India- Spice it Up Activity, How to Wear a Turban and Sari Activity

Nutritional Workshop

Community Service Project: Books for Africa-donate a new or gently use book (primary, fiction, or nonfiction, no violence, USA History or Magazines) and $.50 for shipping per book.

 

Tentative Schedule:

All DAY:  Enrichment activities:  Crafts, Judging Contests, Demonstrations, and Talent Show
9:00 Registration

9:30 Opening Ceremony

10:00 Judging of Fashion Revue, Workshops and Judging Events

12:00 Lunch-

12:30 Award Ceremony

1:00 Fashion Show

Entry Deadline: March 20, 2015

FOR ALL CATEGORIES

  • The outfit must be created, coordinated and modeled by the 4-H member participant.
  • Outfits are subject to review for modesty and appropriate attire. Formal wear may be strapless or have spaghetti straps. Backless dresses, excessive visible cleavage, visible undergarments, lingerie or swim suits are not permitted.

1. TRADITIONAL

  • To showcase the member's sewing skills and their ability to coordinate an outfit
  • Garment(s) sewn by the 4-H member
  • As skill levels range from beginning to advanced, entries in the Traditional category will also vary. The entry might be a one-piece dress or it might be three coordinated pieces. A beginning member might even sew one garment and purchase another, for example a sewn jumper worn with a purchased blouse. If this member is awarded junior county winner, then this member would be eligible for SFR in the traditional category. The entry form would state which garment(s) are sewn.
  • There is no separate category at SFR for wool or cotton. If the outfit is sewn from yardage, regardless of fabric content, it is Traditional.
  • Additional entry requirements for Traditional are
    • The one-page Traditional supplemental form
    • A photocopy of the pattern envelope front(s) if a pattern was used
    • A 2” x 3” swatch of each fashion fabric used, followed by lining and interfacing. Identify how each fabric was used.
    • A color photograph of the member wearing the outfit
    • The commentary

2. Consumer Science Purchased

  • has a $40 limit for everything showing including shoes, jewelry and accessories, but not sales tax. Receipts are required, with purchases made during the 2014-2015 4-H year. Receipts can be handwritten if from garage sales, thrift shops, etc. 

3. Upcyled

  • category involves taking at least one existing garment and turning it into a completely new, different, and usable garment. The outfit must also include an accessory made from something that wasn't originally an accessory.
    • A before photograph is required showing the beginning garment.
    • Refashioning clothes and accessories is a great way to revamp your wardrobe on a budget. Instead of throwing away unwanted pieces of clothing or household items, be innovative and transform them into items you can actually wear.
    • This is not an alteration. It is taking one or more existing garments, deconstructing them, possibly adding other fabrics or materials, and ending up with a different garment. It is not a dress changed into a different dress. But it could be pants and a shirt changed into a dress.
    • Ideas include:
      • A dress from a man's shirt with embellishments from neckties
      • Transform a t-shirt into a ruffled shrug
      • A prom dress made from men's tuxedo pants and a silk scarf
      • Pants from an old jacket using the buttons to fasten the new pockets
      • A hat made from a sweater (accessory)
      • A belt made from jeans (accessory)
      • A shoulder bag from pants (accessory)
      • Jewelry from paper clips, pull tabs, and newspaper (accessory)

4. Challenge Categories 

  • Jacket Challenge: tiered requirements:
  • Junior: Construct a jacket using any pattern, any fabric.
  • Intermediate-Construct a jacket and one other garment.
  • Senior- Construct a jacket and other pieces to complete an outfit.
  • Textile Project: What is a Jacket?  For this category it covers the upper body, has sleeves of any length and opens in the front.  Other construction details such as fasteners, collars, lapels, pockets, lining, etc, are optional, determined by sewing experience.
  • Costume Challenge: Use any technique, any materials, and any pattern to create a costume. It does not need to be sewn from fabric but it does need to be made by the participant, not purchased.

Writing Commentaries for Fashion Revue

4-H Fashion Revue commentaries present the 4-H'er and his/her project to the audience. The narration should introduce the 4-H'er, describe special features of the garment, and highlight interesting information about the project. The following are guidelines to help 4-H'ers write descriptions of their garments for Fashion Revue. Keep the narration to under 100 words which will allow the member to come on stage, make one or two turns, and then exit. Keep in mind that the Fashion Revue committee reserves the right to re-write or revise narrations.

 

The purpose of the 4-H Fashion Revue activity is to:

1. Build self-confidence and poise.

2. Develop skills in planning, selecting, and making clothing for different occasions.

3. Select appropriate accessories.

4. Develop good posture, grooming, and punctuality habits.

5. Complete applications clearly and submit them on time.

6. Acquire knowledge and skills in planning, presenting, and participating in fashion revues.

 

The specific objectives of a narration are:

1. To introduce the member and his/her project.

2. To focus on skills learned in the clothing and textile project.

3. To express challenges, fashion trends, and cost savings.

4. To interest the audience in 4-H activities.

5. To display the garment attractively.

 

Before you begin:

1. Analyze the garment. What is special about it? Be sure to include color descriptions!

2. List major features you want to describe, along with a few comments that relate to the garment and how it will be worn. Create an appealing mental picture with descriptive words.

3. Study mail order fashion catalogs, magazines, the pattern envelope, and advertisements to see how they describe similar features. This is especially useful for beginning projects such as skirts that don't have a lot of details.

4. Describe the garment by starting with the obvious, then call the audience's attention to details such as accessories that relate directly to the garment.

5. Write. Get down all you want to say. Don't worry about the length -- yet.

6. Use alliteration (words beginning with the same sound, i.e. “flirty flounce” for ruffle).

7. Use action words as much as possible. (A belt circles the waistline, a flaring hem swings, etc.)

8. Tell the biggest problem you encountered in sewing the outfit, what new sewing technique you learned. Saying you put in the sleeve six times can encourage some of your audience who are less skilled to keep on trying.

9. If there are two parts to your outfit, such as a coat and dress, mention the outer layer first.

10. Edit. Polish your narration, cut out repetitious phrases or ideas. Keep sentences short and avoid tongue twisters. Aim for clear, concise phrases that create audience interest. Make it as bright, crisp, and informative as possible. The audience is there to learn about new fashion as well as to be entertained.

11. Read your narration aloud to a friend. Does your friend know what you are talking about? Practice modeling with your narration. Do you think of other things that you might say? Re-edit and re-read. Be sure to write in the third person.

12. Add one sentence that talks about you, the model! Be sure to include your name and county, or city, either at beginning or closer to the end of the narration.

13. Finally, cut the narration to 100 words or less. Hyphenated words count as two words.

14. Print your finished commentary double-spaced on an 8 ½ x 11 piece of paper in 14 size font.

15. Complete your entry form, narration and all other forms required for your category and submit them before the deadline to the State Fashion Revue Registrar.(Part of 4-H is learning to complete forms accurately and on time.)

Outline to HELP you write a short commentary of your own. The commentary will be read during the fashion show while you are modeling your garment. Unfortunately, for the State Fashion Revue the commentary must be quite short so there is probably not time to describe your hobbies and interests.

 

Name

Age

Club

Pattern(s) Used

Description of Fabric: color, texture, fabric design

Description of garment: Look at pattern envelope for key words to describe your garment.

What grade are you in? Which school?

Where do you plan to wear the garment?

Describe two items of special interest about yourself or your hobbies/activities:

 

Examples of Narrations

Gleaming in her sequined skirt, Kathleen Mitchell is modeling a stylish denim look. It is hard to believe, but this cloth was once a lonely remnant just waiting to be snatched up! This remnant now has a multi-purpose. For example, it will be this year's Easter outfit, and then be worn as a casual around-the-town skirt. It has a light and airy feeling, with its slit in the back. Her biggest challenge was matching the sequins as she cut out the fabric. This 11-year old home schooler loves Irish Dancing and sketching her fashion ideas. Kathleen is in her second year of sewing.

CAL Focus

          A unique citizenship educational experience for youth 14-19.

June 19-23, 2015

Located at the Holiday Inn

Capital Plaza- Sacramento

 

Witness California's government in action by participating in the legislative, political, and judicial processes. 

As a conference delegate you will:

  • Register to vote, conduct a primary election, and develop a political campaign through a two party system.
  • Elect constitutional offices.
  • Analyze the needs and issues of your district and enact legislation with the goal of securing the governor's signature to make your bill a law.
  • Create a service plan of action for your community
  • Meet California law makers
  • Tour the State Capitol, Governor's office and 3rd Court of Appeal
  • Participate in fun recreational activities, tours and cultural events
  • Make new friends

California Focus can be the beginning of a life of public participation that leaves you with a strong determination to become involved in your community.  

California Focus registration is now open!

A marketing flyer is available to you under documents.

Some quick points of reference for you are:

  • Registration is online at http://4h.ucanr.edu/4-H_Events/CF/
  • Fees are $665 per person
  • Registration deadline is March 31, 2015
  • Non refundable deposit of $300- due at time of registration
  • Final payment - due May 19, 2015
  • Treatment authorization forms should be uploaded to the registration survey

Apply to be a 2015-2016 State Ambassador!

The California 4-H State Ambassador Program is a working honor that provides 4-H members expanded opportunities to serve the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. Due February 16, 2015. State Ambassador App Reference Guidelines State Ambassador Application Instructions and Information 2015

 

 

Leadership Development.

Project Overview:

The Merced County 4-H Leadership Development Project consists of learning the concepts of iThrive 2 and leadership development for club officers and jr/ teen leaders.

Expectations and Goals:

Members will be expected to do the following to complete their project:

  1. Attend a minimum of 80% of all project meetings.
  2. Complete a 4-H Annual Project Report at the end of the project year.
  3. Have necessary means of transportation to and from meetings.
  4. Lead one session with a team.
  5. Plan and complete a Community Service Project as a group.

 

Meetings: Dates may change due to scheduling and availability.

By Darlene McIntyre
Author - 4-H youth Program Representative
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