UMass Extension 1 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

MASSACHUSETTS 4-H NEWSLETTER

WESTERN REGION

Fall 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS…………

October

2-8 National 4-H Week 2 Hatfield Community Day, 9:00-4:00 P.M. Main Street, Hatfield 3 Hampshire County 4-H Fair Meeting, 7:00 P.M. Michaels, Rt. 9, Hadley 5 Hampshire County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Hadley Police Station, East Street 7 4-H Open House, 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. West Springfield Library 9 Hampshire County 4-H Cavalry Gymkhana & Fun Day, 9:00 A.M. Blandford Fairgrounds 10 4-H Open House, 9:00 – 4:00 P.M. Second Baptist Church, 589 Granby Road, South Hadley 11 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association Meeting, 6:30 P.M. TBD 11 Hampden County 4-H Horse Council Meeting, 7:00 P.M. Elm Pizza, Westfield 13 Whately Grange 4-H Open House, 7:30 P.M. Whately Town Hall 15 Southwick Fall Fair 4-H Promotion, 9:00-3:00 P.M. 20 Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Montague Police & Fire 22-23 State 4-H Teen Leadership Conference Ashland 29 Turners Falls Pumpkinfest, 2:00 P.M. Avenue A November

1 RECORDS DUE County/Regional Offices 1 Berkshire County 4-H Record reading/judging, 6:30 P.M. Chandler House, Williams St., Pittsfield, MA 5 Pumpkin Smash, 10:00 A.M. Hager’s Market, Shelburne 7 Southwick Library 4-H Babysitting Course I, 3:00 P.M. 7 West Springfield Library 4-H Babysitting Course I, 6:30 P.M. 8 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association Meeting, 6:30 P.M. TBD TBD Berkshire County 4-H Volunteer Association meeting TBD 9 Citizenship Washington Focus Club Meeting, Michaels, 6:00 P.M. Rt. 9, Hadley 14 Southwick Library 4-H Babysitting Course II, 3:00 P.M. 14 West Springfield Library 4-H Babysitting Course II, 6:30 P.M. 19 4-H Open House at the Hadley Mothers Club Fall Festival, 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Hopkins Academy, Hadley

20 WMass. Regional Horse Judging Event, 8:00 A.M. Green Acres, Rt. 9, Belchertown

UMass Extension 2 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

December

2 Hampden County 4-H Awards Banquet, 6:30 P.M Knights of Columbus, Chicopee 4 Berkshire County 4-H Awards, TENTATIVE (more information to come!) 13 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 6:30 P.M. Chandler House 600 Williams St., Pittsfield

January

10 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association Meeting, 6:30 P.M. TBD 20 Franklin County 4-H Awards Banquet Greenfield Community College 21 WMass 4-H Volunteer Forum, 9:00 – 3:00 P.M. Hopkins Academy, Hadley

Western Massachusetts 4-H Staff

Thomas M. Waskiewicz,

Extension 4-H Educator

Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire

Slobody Building, Suite A4

101 University Drive

Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: 413-545-0611

Fax: 413-577-0760

Toll Free: 800-374-4446

Email: waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu

Angelica J. Paredes,

Extension 4-H Educator

Berkshire

78 Center Street, Suite 205

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Phone: 413-448-8285 Email: angelica@umext.umass.edu

Mary Phelon, 4-H Program Assistant

Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire

Slobody Building, Suite A4

101 University Drive

Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: 413-577-0759 Fax: 413-577-0760

Toll Free: 800-374-4446

Email: mphelon@umext.umass.edu

Laurie Cadorette, 4-H Secretary

Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire

78 Center Street, Suite 205

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Phone: 413-448-8285/413-577-0754

Fax: 413-577-0760

Email: lauriec@umext.umass.edu

UMass Extension 3 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

From Berkshire 4-H

RECORDS TIME ONCE AGAIN

Not only do we use 4-H Records to give out county medals, but they are an excellent resource for the member! Did you know that many of our 4-H’ers have used their records to aid in applying for college, for scholarships, for jobs, etc…!! All forms can be found on the website, www.mass4h.org. Records are due in the Berkshire 4-H office by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, November 1st. Records will be read that same evening. The office will be reaching out for help to read and judge the records on the evening of November 1st starting at 6:30 pm. If you are available and willing to try, please send Angelica and email at angelica@umext.umass.edu. Thank you to those who signed up to read records at the annual meeting, but we could always use more! It’s a great opportunity to learn tricks of the trade, see what’s going on in the county and help out our incredible youth! Please let us know if you can help!

BERKSHIRE COUNTY TRAININGS

AVAILABLE

CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR CLUBS TRAINING! It’s the time of year again when everyone is scrambling to get their 4-H Records completed in time. Angelica will help you get through all the questions about 4-H Records and get on the right track. Call the Pittsfield 4-H Office to schedule training for your club with Angelica (413) 448-8285.

BERKSHIRE 4-H

AWARDS

The date for the awards program has been tentatively set for Sunday, December 4th. Information will be sent to all members via email and postal mail. This awards program will be celebrating the 2015-2016 4-H Year.

READERS/JUDGES NEEDED

FOR BERKSHIRE 4-H RECORDS

We need volunteers (parents, grandparents, screened volunteers…) to help on the evening of November 1st to read through all of the 4-H Records that are turned in. If you are a new volunteer, or you need a “refresher” about records, this is a great way to see how to (and not to) do records! Please contact Angelica in the Pittsfield office if you are interested in helping out (413) 448-8285. THE BERKSHIRE COUNTY YOUTH FAIR

TURNED 76 IN STYLE!

On August 20, 2016 the 76th Annual Berkshire County Youth Fair was held at the 4-H Fairgrounds in Pittsfield. WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY! There were over 1000 people in attendance at our little fair. Once again the Commissioner of Agriculture, John Lebeaux, came and toured the grounds with Fair President, Thomas Williams, he generously gave the Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association a check for $500 towards the cost of the fair and then took part in the Goat Milking Contest. There were beautiful wares by local crafters, Thank You to Annmarie Belmonte for putting that together, along with: bull riders, dancers, musicians, good eats, critters and exhibits. The Berkshire County Youth Fair is one of only TWO agricultural fairs left in the Berkshires. That’s it, only two!! The uniqueness of this fair is always mentioned, but to get to some of the things that make this really unique is to explain it like this: “The purpose of the Berkshire County Youth Fair is to hold an agricultural fair, yes; but not for the sake of the agriculture alone. The purpose is also that the PROJECT for the youth that belong to the Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association is the Fair itself. The organizing, decision making, fundraising, planning, and working with advisors, volunteers, and other adults to make it a successful event. The youth are learning skills that can be applied in everyday life, in many different ways. They are definitely Learning by Doing.” This fair that is run by youth-for youth always shows the amazing work done by youth of all ages.

UMass Extension 4 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

It would be impossible to list all entrants, so here are the top youth winners by category for the fair:

LIVESTOCK (Departments) Beef: Dominated by two brothers – Brandon LaFleur took home: Grand Champion, Senior Champion, Senior and Overall in Fitting & Showmanship, and Outstanding Exhibitor; Devon LaFleur took home: Reserve Champion, Junior Champion, Junior Fitting & Showmanship, and Outstanding Herdsman. Sheep: Fitting & Showmanship: Junior and Overall- Daniel Epe, Novice- Nathan Petricca, Best Fleece-Daniel Epe, Best Fleece on Animal – Nathan Petricca, Supreme Champion Ewe – Taylor Mason, Supreme Champion Ram – Daniel Epe, Outstanding Herdsman – Olivia & Taylor Mason, Outstanding Exhibitor – Daniel Epe. Goat: Another sibling domination! Fitting & Showmanship: Novice and Overall – Margaret Sarnacki, Grand Champion – Elizabeth Sarnacki, Reserve Champion – Margaret Sarnacki, Outstanding Exhibitor – Margaret Sarnacki, Outstanding Herdsman – Elizabeth Sarnacki Poultry: Fitting & Showmanship: Novice – Madison Melino, Junior – Chloe Macaluso, Senior – Thomas Williams, Overall – Chloe Macaluso, Grand Champion – Claudia Macaluso, Reserve Champion – Daniel Epe, Outstanding Exhibitor – Thomas Williams Rabbits: Fitting & Showmanship: Novice – Jacob Goodermote, Junior – Tate Mason, Senior – Parker Mas, Overall – Tate Mason, Best in Show – Stephanie Thrasher, Reserve in Show – Tate Mason Horse: Walk-Trot: Champion – Katilyn Decker, Reserve Champion – Brooke Decker, Junior Champion – Mariah Broderick, Junior Reserve Champion – Jenna Gustafson HALL (Departments) Vegetables: Outstanding Junior Exhibitor – Maggie Brisbois Flowers: Outstanding Junior & Overall Exhibitor – Jenna Gustafson Food Preservation & Nutrition: Outstanding Junior Exhibitor – Fiora Caligiuri–Randall, Outstanding Overall Exhibitor – Kaitlyn Dauphinais Baking: Outstanding Senior Exhibitor & Best Cake – Sienna Symonds

Conservation: Outstanding Junior & Overall Exhibitor – Fiora Caligiuri–Randall Clothing & Textiles: Outstanding Junior & Overall Exhibitor – Maggie Brisbois, Outstanding Senior Exhibitor – Thomas Williams Home Furnishings: Outstanding Junior Exhibitor – Fiora Caligiuri-Randall, Outstanding Senior & Overall Exhibitor – Sienna Symonds Arts: Outstanding Junior Exhibitor – Fiora Caligiuri-Randall, Outstanding Senior & Overall Exhibitor – Isabel Lescarbeau Photography: Outstanding Junior Exhibitor – Madison Melino, Outstanding Senior & Overall Exhibitor – Nathan Petricca Congratulations to all of you who did such a great job putting on the fair, and to those of you whose hard work paid off and showed in your exhibits. The Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association is already planning for next year. If you are 12+ years old and would like to be a part of this great leadership group, call the 4-H Office or just show up at the next meeting (check the calendar for dates and times). (413) 448-8285.

START OF A NEW 4-H YEAR

As we start the 2015-2016 4-H Year there are so many possibilities that lay ahead of us. Finding time for work, school, family, friends, 4-H, homework, and the million other things can sometimes be a difficult balancing act. What if you looked at it as some of your family & friend time is also 4-H time? Work on projects that you love, do community service where you feel you’ve made a difference and it puts a smile on your heart, and always have fun. WE’VE MOVED!

The Berkshire 4-H Office has moved…across the hall! We have the same telephone number; the only difference is now we are SUITE 205! So our complete mailing address is: Berkshire 4-H Office 78 Center Street, Suite 205 Pittsfield, MA 01201 Stop by and see our new, more spacious office!

UMass Extension 5 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

SUMMER SHOW RESULTS WITH

BERKSHIRE BOOTS & BRIDLES

Berkshire Boots & Bridles 4-H club reports on its wins and awards at the 2016 Regional 4-H Horse Show. THE SURPRISE CUP: Allison Brazie & Diamonds Equity, BERKSHIRE COUNTY HIGH POINT AWARD: Jazmine Bona & Magnolia, THE YVONNE WIRTES MEMORIAL TROPHY: Allison Brazie & Diamonds Equity, JUNIOR WALK TROT: Reserve Jazmine Bona & Magnolia, JUNIOR WESTERN: Reserve Allison Brazie & Jabaskativa, WALK TROT GYMKHANA: Reserve Jazmine Bona & Prime, JUNIOR GYMKHANA: Champion Allison Brazie & Diamonds Equity, Reserve Kaylie Smith & Trixie, Brooke Decker & Diamonds Equity took second in all three Lead Line classes. Katilyn Decker won the Walk-Trot Command class.

From Pioneer Valley 4-H (Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire) 4-H CLUB LIAISON

You are encouraged to invite 4-H award-winning, Alida Brown, to meet with your club this fall/winter. Alida has connected with several clubs, already. Alida’s role is “To provide direct support to 4-H clubs (and volunteer leaders), educating them about opportunities in the 4-H program and determining the needs of specific clubs and working to meet those needs”. Alida is a former 4-H’er of the “This ‘N’ That” Club in Southwick. She is an accomplished 4-H’er and a recent graduate of Westfield State University. Her email is ajbjuly5@outlook.com. Alida can speak about leadership and public speaking opportunities, 4-H Records, her club’s activities and share some ideas on community service. She also is a fantastic role model for our 4-H’ers. To schedule Alida, please contact her at ajbjuly5@outlook.com or 413- 627-9660. HAMPDEN COUNTY VOLUNTEERS EXCEL!

Congratulations to the Hampden County 4-H Fair Association for once again conducting a very successful 4-H Fair on July 23rd. Thanks to all the volunteers who help with set-up, clean-up, serve as Superintendents and Judges. Our livestock numbers

were some of the largest in several years! Youth and volunteers came through again for 17 days in September staffing the 4-H Milk Booth and Farmers Market 4-H Apple Booth. Thanks to your efforts we can look forward to another great fair in 2017 and continuing support for the county 4-H program. HAMPDEN COUNTY 4-H AWARDS

BANQUET

Mark your calendars now!!! Our annual county awards program will be held on Friday, December 2nd at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Granby Road in Chicopee. 4-H leaders and volunteers, 4- H members will be invited as guests. The evening will include a smorgasbord and awards ceremony. Invitations will be mailed in November.

REGIONAL 4-H HORSE

PROGRAMS

4-H Horse Club members have a chance to practice using their horse related knowledge by participating in the Regional

4-H Horse Programs being offered this fall and winter. Members can participate just to test and improve their knowledge and/ or they can try to make their county team to participate in the State 4-H Horse Round-Up where seniors can also try to qualify for one of the state teams representing Massachusetts at the National 4-H Round-Up in Kentucky. Watch your email for registration information. Counties hosting events are as follows: Judging – Hampshire, November 20th. Green Acres, Rt. 9, Belchertown CLUB EXHIBITS SEEN AT LOCAL FAIRS

Congratulations to clubs who have used their 4-H club exhibits to promote 4-H at local fairs. This is a great way to promote 4-H and earn a little extra money for your club treasury since fairs offer premium money for exhibits.

UMass Extension 6 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

4-H YEAR END AWARDS

4-H members who completed a full year in 4-H for the 2015-2016 club year are eligible for completion awards (pins and/or certificates). Some of these are presented at the various County Award Programs but others may be requested and presented at a special club meeting or program. The Western Mass. 4-H Office will provide these award upon request from the 4-H Leader. If you would like awards for your club, please call the 4-H Office 413-577-0754 or 413-448-8285 with the date you need awards, members who completed the year and their year in 4-H. Please be sure to allow 2-3 weeks for us to prepare awards.

4-H

RECORDS/VISUAL

PRESENTATIONS

Record keeping is an important life skill and all 4-H members are encouraged to keep written records of their 4-H club year. These records are turned in to

the Pioneer Valley 4-H office, 101 University Drive, Suite A4, Amherst, MA 01002 by November 1st and each record is evaluated. Each 4-H member receives constructive feedback to help improve record-keeping skills and may receive a ribbon, county medal or other award for effort and achievement. If you would like to schedule a record training session or workshop with your club members, please contact Tom Waskiewicz at waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu or 413-545-0611. Alida Brown or Tom is available to visit with your club at a fall/winter meeting to present workshops on "How to Complete a 4-H Record" and "How to Present a Visual Presentation".

"How to Complete a 4-H Record" is an interactive presentation in which 4-H’ers will "walk” through documenting their 4-H club year, completing each section of the Record, accurately entering financial data and enriching the "4-H Story". Previous Blue Ribbon records will be available. This is a one-hour presentation and should be scheduled before November 1, the date all records are due in the 4-H office.

"How to Present a Visual Presentation" is also a one-hour interactive program. Discussion includes options for VP topics, time requirements, tips for a successful VP, what the judges look for, as well as development of posters and effective VP props. This workshop should be scheduled between November 1 and March 1.

Please consider doing a 4-H Record and VP. You can check out the forms and additional information online at the Massachusetts 4-H website, www.mass4h.org

WMASS. 4-H VOLUNTEER FORUM

The Hampden County 4-H Advisory Council is hosting the Forum, scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at Hopkins Academy, Rt. 9, Hadley. Please forward workshop suggestions and topics to Tom Waskiewicz at waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu The forum is open to 4-H volunteers, members and families. LEGISLATIVE VISITS

4-H is working to reconnect with our local legislators in order to keep them informed as to the activities and accomplishments of our 4-H'ers. Would your club, or some of the members (3-4) along with you (club leader or assistant leader) and/or a parent be interested in meeting with your state representative or senator for 20-30 minutes during their local office hours (usually a Friday afternoon or Saturday)? This meeting will keep 4-H in the forefront as legislators speak with their colleagues about the value of the program. If you decide to do this, please let Tom (waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu or 413-545-0611) know when the appointment is and he'll make sure that you have some giveaways to present.

UMass Extension 7 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

MASSACHUSETTS

4-H BABYSITTING

COURSE

4-H advisory councils, club leaders, assistant leaders and parents have the opportunity to offer a “Massachusetts

4-H Babysitting Course” in their local community. The goal of the course is to keep children safe by educating sitters to become responsible, caring, trustworthy, respectful competent babysitters. The course will teach sitters to: -Solve problems -Keep children safe and happy -Talk to parents and children -Make career choices -Make responsible decisions, and -Handle emergencies If you are interested in coordinating/offering the course, please contact Tom at 413-545-0611 or waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu 4-H CAMPERSHIPS

The Foundation offers a limited number of competitive camperships for the 2017 season. To be eligible, a camper must be from Ashland, Massachusetts or enrolled in the Massachusetts 4-H program on or before November 15 of the previous year and must attend one of the five 4-H camps located in Massachusetts.

GRANTS FOR CLUBS

4-H Publicity Incentive Program 4-H Clubs can receive $50 for each published, unique newspaper article that mentions their club name. Articles that are substantially similar will be granted only one award. Clubs may receive grants for up to three articles per year.

4-H Club Matching Grant Program The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation offers a matching grant program to 4-H Clubs that organize a fundraising activity or event to raise money for their club or community. We will match the amount of money a club raises corresponding to the number of club members. To qualify, a club must apply for

the grant at least three weeks prior to the event and submit a request for funds within three weeks following the event. Each club is guaranteed only two matching grants for qualifying fundraisers. In the event of remaining funds at the end of the year, additional approved applications will be considered in the order of which they were received. For information on the above, please go to http://www.mass4hfoundation.org/index.php/programs/grants WESTERN MASS 4-H REGIONAL HORSE

JUDGING CONTEST

Western Mass Regional Horse Judging Contest Sunday November 20. Registration starts at 8:00 am. Email entries to Carolyn Ritter, cmritter621@yahoo.com HAMPDEN COUNTY 4-H HORSE COUNCIL

MEETING

Tuesday, October 11th, 7 P.M. at Elm Pizza in Westfield.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY 4-H CAVALRY

The Hampshire County 4-H Cavalry Horse Club is gearing up for their annual Fun Day and Gymkhana! The event will take place on Sunday October 9th 2016 at the Blandford Fairgrounds at 9AM. Everyone is welcome and there are classes and divisions for all levels. Overall High Point Horse and Reserve High Point Horse will take home directors chairs. Please contact Kelli with any questions kellimarie43@yahoo.com. The Cavalry is also accepting new members. The club has a wide range of ages from Cloverbud right up through freshman in college. The club completes one community service project each month. They hold one meeting per month and stay very active in the horse community while also balancing academics and other hobbies. Horse lovers are welcome too! After a successful horse show and fair season, the members of the 4-H Cavalry are gearing up for a busy Fall and Winter full of educational horse events, IEA shows, and helping the community. The club would like to congratulate all clubs on their success this year and hope to see you all soon!

UMass Extension 8 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Fall 2016

HAMPDEN COUNTY 4-H HORSE POWER

On Sunday, September 11th, members of Hampden County Horse Power (both current and alum) traveled to Saugerties, NY to watch the HITS Million Dollar Grand Prix Jumping Competition. They saw Olympic champion Beezie Madden compete. Following the competition, they met Beezie and several of the other riders, including winner Jessica Springsteen, at an autograph session. They walked the course to get a full appreciation of the height of the jumps and met the gentleman who designed the course. Needless to say, it was a day filled with ear-to-ear smiles!