Strasburg, VA – Openings are still available for the “Cool Cloverbuds” 4-H Day Camp, which will be held at the Strasburg Park from June 28-30. The camp operates from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily and is open to all children who are 5-8 years old. Daily activities include crafts, games, singing, “learn by doing” programs, and swimming. Lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt are included.

Campers are supervised by adult staff members and trained 4-H volunteer teen counselors. Children do not have to be current 4-H members to enroll and a limited number of scholarships are available, based on financial need.

For more information, please contact the Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension at (540) 459-6140.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Carol B. Nansel or Nicole L. Ross, Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, at (540) 459-6140 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations two weeks prior to the event.

Shenandoah Valley, VA – Host families are needed in Virginia for nine high school international exchange students for the 2010-11 school year. As part of the FLEX Program, they will be sponsored by the Virginia 4-H .

The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program encourages long-lasting peace and mutual understanding between the U.S. and countries of Eurasia. FLEX provides opportunities for high school students (ages 15-17) to spend a year in the United States, living with a host family and attending an American high school. The FLEX Program was established in 1992, under the FREEDOM Support Act. The exchange is open to all types of families.

Students from the countries that once comprised the former Soviet Union who qualify come to the United States on scholarships provided by the U.S. State Department to live with a family and attend the local high school.

In general,the FLEX Program promotes:

- Exchanges: two-way learning and cultivating relationships between Americans and citizens of Eurasia
- Education: increased knowledge about civil society and volunteerism
- Engagement: responsible participation in local community and school activities
- Empowerment: positive contributions to home communities upon return and the individual’s capacity to make change

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine all participate in the FLEX Program with the U.S.

More about the Program
- More than 20,000 high school students from 12 Eurasian countries have studied in the U.S. under FLEX since its inception in 1993.
- Through an open, multi-layered, merit-based competition, approximately one in 30 of the initial applicants is ultimately selected as a participant.
- Every year, approximately 100 current students attend a civic education workshop in Washington, D.C. to gain a practical understanding of concepts and values fundamental to American society.
- During International Education Week (IEW) each November, students make presentations about their home countries in their schools, at community gatherings, religious congregations and businesses.

For more about the FLEX program, log onto the U.S. State Department web site.

The nine students available to host families in Virginia this coming school year include:

- Indira (Female) from Russia, 17.
Interests: foreign languages, listening to music, dancing, sports, modeling, ping-pong, badminton

- Volodymyr (Male) from the Ukraine, 16.
Interests: bicycling, soccer, swimming, weightlifting, acting, computers, reading, music (d-jaying)

- Altynai (Female) from Kyrgyzstan, 16,
Interests: swimming, volleyball, badminton, reading, chess, ping-pong

- Fail (Male) from Russia, 17.
Interests: Chess, school newspaper, programming, reading, listening to classical music, traveling, dogs [Note: Fail has optic atrophy (severe vision limitation) and chronic pancreatisis. Extra funds available to assist in these areas.]

- Nona (Female) from Georgia, 16.
Interests: volleyball, soccer, dancing, cooking, listening to pop music, playing cards

- Darya (Female) from Russia, 16.
Interests: singing, drama, French, architecture

- Aleksandra (Female) from Russia, 16.
Interests: swimming, German, drama, history, aerobics, track & field, yoga, cooking

- Guljemal (Female) from Turkmenistan, 17.
Interests: Chess, school newspaper, programming, reading, listening to classical music, traveling, dogs

- Nina (Female) from Russia, 15.
Interests: dancing, music, reading, cinema, theater, swimming

Some of the students speak better English than others, and have preferences regarding pets. Contact the organization for more details.

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For more information

Call Rebecca Moyer, 4-H Coordinator at (540) 325-1061, or email her: rebecca.moyer25 ~at` yahoo.com  for more information.

The mission of the 4-H International Programs is to “instill positive cross-cultural attitudes and skills that enhance mutual understanding and acceptance of all peoples and provide opportunities to experience global citizenship responsibilities.

Note: The photo is from a group of FLEX exchange students from a past program, not the students mentioned this year.

Virginia Air is a three day competition open to all registered 4-H shooting education clubs in the state. This year there were 183 participants from 18 Virginia counties.

The Little North Mountain 4-H Shooting Education Club BB Gun Team consisted of Abigail Morrison of Woodstock who finished 2nd in individual score, Jordan DiPaola of Strasburg who finished 3rd, Taylor DiPaola of Strasburg who finished 5th, Hannah Youngblood of Mount Jackson who finished 10th, and Perry Bookmyer of Woodstock who finished 12th.  Additional team members were  Shane Bowyer, Sydney Bowyer, Stewart Himelright, Michelle Himelright, Evan Davis and Ryan Davis, all of Strasburg, Janice Norris of Star Tannery, Winston Fleming of Mount Jackson, and Matthew Chimento of Toms Brook. Ivy Kline of Edinburg also participated, but competed in different events.

In addition to the BB Gun competition, members shot in other events including air pistol where the teams finished in first place in one handed shooting and eighth place in supported shooting.  In the air rifle competition, the teams finished in fourth and eleventh places.  Members also shot in air pistol silhouette and air rifle silhouette competitions.

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens.  Through the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.

[Pictured: 4-H Competition.  Left to right in front row:  Sydney Bowyer, Michelle Himelright.  Middle row:  Ryan Davis, Shane Bowyer, Stewart Himelright, Taylor DiPaola.  Back row:  Ivy Kline, Abigail Morrison, Janice Norris, Jordan DiPaola, Perry Bookmyer, Evan Davis.]

For more information about the Little North Mountain 4-H Shooting Education Club, or about 4-H in general, contact 4-H Extension Agent Carol Nansel at (540) 459-6140.

Little North Mountain 4-H Shooting Education Club members at the Virginia Air State

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Woodstock, VA – An informational meeting for High School students interested in group travel to the Dominican Republic during July will be held on Wednesday, March 31, at 7:00 p.m. in Room 100A at the County Government Center, in Woodstock, VA. (Both students and parents are invited to attend.)

Sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension, the trip is open to all local high school students. Previous 4-H membership is not required. Spanish language skills are helpful, but not required for this trip.

The students will travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and stay at the Punta Cana Biodiversity Center. While there, students will get the opportunity to interact with Dominican youth and serve as leaders for an environmental day camp program.

For more information, call Carol B. Nansel, Extension Agent, 4-H, at (540) 459-6140.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

*****

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, at (540) 459-6140 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Junior Contest
Hannah Orndorff, 11 year old member of the Lebanon Church 4-H Club, won first place in the Junior contest with a speech about Amelia Earhart. Kennedy Eagle, 10, Toms Brook 4-H Club, earned second place. Juniors winning red ribbons were: Lauren Derflinger, 10, from the Cabin Hill 4-H Club, and Tiffany Heishman, 10, from the Lebanon Church 4-H Club.

Intermediate Contest
Rachel Harriman, 13, from the Lebanon Church 4-H Club, won first place in the Intermediate category with Sully Eagle, 12, from the Toms Brook 4-H Club, in second place. Kristin Derflinger, 12, from the Cabin Hill 4-H Club received a blue ribbon.

Senior Contest
In the Senior contest, sixteen year old Hallie Harriman, Lebanon Church 4-H Club won first place, and fifteen year old Katelin Kline, St. Luke-Saumsville 4-H Club, won second place. Receiving blue ribbons in the Senior division were: Addie Guthrie, 16, from the Fort Valley 4-H Club, and Abbey Schechtel, 16, from the St. Luke-Saumsville 4-H Club. (Addie spoke about The Effects of Illegal Immigration on American Agriculture.)

The top two winners in each age group will advance to District competition on April 24 in Rockbridge County.

The 4-H Public Speaking Contest was sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension in cooperation with the Shenandoah County Chapter of 4-H All Stars. Local 4-H All Stars served as judges and room chairmen for the contest and also sponsored the awards.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.  An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

For more information, contact Carol B. Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Woodstock, VA 22664 – (540) 459-6140.

(Above) Group photo: Winners from the 2010 County 4-H Public Speaking Contest.  Pictured: Front row, left to right: Kennedy Eagle, Tiffany Heishman, Hannah Orndorff, and Rebecca Johnson.  Back row, left to right: Sully Eagle, Rachel Harriman, Addie Guthrie, Katelin Kline, Hallie Harriman, Kristin Derflinger, and Lauren Derflinger.

Pictures of the some of the girls:

Hannah Orndorff

Addie Guthrie

Rachel Harriman

Rebecca Johnson

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.  An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Any person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services, or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Carol B. Nansel, Extension Agent, 4-H, at the Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension, at 540/459-6140 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

For more information about 4-H around the world, go to their web site.

Woodstock, VA – It was announced today that current or former Shenandoah County 4-H and FFA members are eligible to apply for the 4-H Dairy Club Endowed Scholarship to further their education.

Any area of study will qualify, although preference is given to candidates who are pursing a degree in dairy or in another agricultural field.  Forms are due on November 16 and are available from your School Guidance Department or from the Shenandoah County Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension.  Call (540) 459-6140 for more information.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.  An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Woodstock — Months of planning went into a highly- successful Equine Community Painting Party at the Shenandoah Fairgrounds this past month.

Sun and spirits were high during the three hours it took to complete the painting of the fence at the horse arena. The fast work was made possible by 23 volunteers, and the “proper preparation” provided by Ron Anderson of Anderson’s Painting and Sandblasting who pressure washed the fence earlier in the week.

4-H Silver Spurs under the guidance of Kim Rush, Shenandoah Valley Dressage Assoc. (ShenVaDa) and The Old Dominion Gaited Horse Assoc. members worked together in teams of two to tackle sections of the stripped fence.

David Herbert of ShenVaDa arrived early to assist Interim Fair Manager Marcy McCann in setting up the central workstation and too mark the arena fence into sections. Volunteers were paired into teams, given brushes and paint then assigned a section of fence to paint. At one point the teams stretched three quarters the way around the arena.

Voices of teenagers laughing, kids tagging after parents and calls for more paint made for a festival atmosphere of the event. Even the horses came out for the day. TC brought by Silver Spurs member Brooklyn Rush and Zinn owned by Kathryn Hockman were beautiful reminders of the reason for the painting party. “While neither horse pitched in to paint, you wouldn’t know that by the looks of TC” said McCann.

“TC’s up close and personal participation was evident by the white paint on his shiny coat, but Alexandra Crabill the 2008 Tiny Miss Fair Queen was so focused on her painting that she went home with less paint on her cloths than the horse on his coat. Working with these three groups made for a great day.” McCann added.

Herbert said “We are looking forward to working with other equestrian groups through out the Shenandoah Valley. By coming together on projects like this one we are able to learn more about each other and today we were able to provide a great service to the Shenandoah County Fair Association”

Domino’s Pizza of Woodstock donated 8 pizzas to feed the hungry crowd and water was provided by 7Bends.com. A sepia-toned limited edition horse print donated by LtdPrints.com was won as a door prize by Jeannie Hockman.

By the way, tickets for the Shenandoah County Fair go on sale Monday morning, June 15.

Horse and fair lovers unite! There’s a big community project going on this Sunday at noon in Woodstock – and, it’s for the animals. This time, it’s for our equine friends. The Shenandoah County Fair invites those who want to help to come on out… and paint the fence around the horse arena at the Fairgrounds this Sunday, May 31 at noon.
Three local area groups that use the arena throughout the year are spearheading the improvement project: the Shenandoah County 4H Silver Spurs, the Shenandoah Valley Dressage Association and the Old Dominion Gaited Horse Association.
“This is a great event for those who love horses, and who love the Fair, to lend a hand, and get involved, says Marcy McCann, Interim Fair Manager. “We’re looking for young and old alike to help make a difference …and have fun in the process.”
A number of other businesses and organizations are donating time and supplies. The fair is donating the paint and brushes. Anderson’s Painting and Sandblasting of Strasburg already has sandblasted the fence; it’s prepped and ready to go. Dominos in Woodstock is donating eight pizzas to feed the crew, and 7Bends.com is donating bottled water for all those who thirst.
McCann says that they are expecting between 30 to 50 volunteers. “This is a great opportunity for individuals and families to see some beautiful horses up close and personal, and to learn about how to support the equine community across our County,” remarks McCann.
“Even if you’re getting older in life, doing something new, like learning to ride a horse, or broadening your world by meeting new people, is what it’s all about. No one is too old to try something new.”
Everyone who attends will also be entered into a drawing to win a limited edition print – courtesy of LtdPrints.com, a high-quality custom poster and mural company that just opened at in Strasburg.
The sepia-tone print, aptly named “Morning Mist,” features a grazing horse on a country farm. Come to the horse arena on the east end of the Fairgrounds at noon this Sunday to join in the action.

(One participant on May 31 will win the drawing for this beautiful 24 X 34-inch photographic poster, “Morning Mist”.)