Honoring 2004 4-H Achievements ...
On January 28th, 4-Hers from across Gaston County were recognized for their achievements in a fun-filled awards ceremony. Highlights included recognizing members that completed 4-H Project Records and Presentations at the county, district, and state level and honoring parents, leaders, and 4-Hers that were nominated by their peers as ”Outstanding” individuals. After the awards were presented, 4-Hers enjoyed dancing the night away to 70’s disco classics. In addition, 4-H agent Zach Uphold announced that three new 4-H clubs are forming. The 4-H Cloverbud Club for youth 5-8 years old held their first meeting Feb. 8th at the Citizens Resource Center in Dallas, the 4-H Wildlife Club will hold their first meeting Feb. 22nd at 6:30 at the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, and a 4-H Shooting Sports Club for youth will begin this summer. For additional information on starting or joining a 4-H club contact 4-H Agent Zach Uphold at 704-922-2126.
Six local 4-H members; Abigail and Rachel Isom, Elizabeth Minges, Madeline Lee, Quentin and Cameron Judge, attended the SWD 4-H Teen Lock-In in Mecklenburg County. The event featured an exciting introduction to the state 4-H theme “Operation 4-H: Civic Responsibility” and the evening was highlighted by a trip to the NASCAR Speed Park at Concord Mills.
Glitter, glue, and lots of green were the items on the agenda for the first meeting of the Gaston County Cloverbud 4-H Club. Nine youth, ages 5-8, gathered in Dallas at the Citizens Resource Center to learn about 4-H and make new friends. After a brief introduction to each other, the youth fashioned their first 4-H Clover necklace that included the 4 H’s and the 4-H pledge. Introducing 5-8 year olds to 4-H activities and experiences is a great way to get them interested in some of the opportunities that older 4-H’ers enjoy.
The goals of the Cloverbud 4-H Club are for youth to learn more about themselves, develop positive relationships with caring adults and other youth, and develop a positive attitude toward learning. The Cloverbud meetings will be held the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 and the club is open to any youth age 5-8 (as of January 1, 2005) residing in Gaston County. For more information contact the 4-H office at 704-922-2110.
After having a great time at Achievement Night, it is time to get busy on the work for this year. We are planning and setting the goals for our project records. We are also working on our presentations. I am very excited about seeing what our group will have to share with everyone through their presentations.
Patty & I traveled to Raleigh last weekend for the leader’s conference and we came back with lots of new ideas and information to share with the group. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and fun.
Volunteer Leader - Janet Haynes
District project record judging will be held April 15th - 17th in Stanly County. Your help (volunteers and/or parents) is needed for one day or all weekend. If you help multiple days, the state 4-H office will cover lodging expenses. This is a great opportunity to see what other 4-Hers are doing throughout the district and learn more about project records in general. Training and practice will occur before you actually judge any records, so experience is not necessary. Please register with the 4-H office by March 21st!!
Achievement night was held January 28 and our club helped with the decorations. This year's theme was Disco / 70's. Kelsey King did a great job as our club representative. I'd like to congratulate the Blazing Saddles members that received awards at Achievement Night. Savannah Banner was voted "Rookie of the Year". Corrie Lovin received “Outstanding 4-Her of the Year", and county champion for her project book. Audrey Baldwin and Sarah Davis each received a blue ribbon for their project books. Great Job!
We have our horse bowl competition on Saturday the 12th of February at Catawba Community College. We have two very competent teams. The participants on the first team are as follows: Ann Capehart, Sarah Davis, Kelsey King, Corrie Lovin, and Brittany Sneed. Team two: Audrey Baldwin, Genny Carlo, Desiree Clippard, Erika Kincaid, and Kayla Williams. We will also compete in the Hippology Test on March 5th and the Horse Judging contest on April 16, both to be held in Raleigh.
Erika Kincaid, President
Blazing Saddles Horse Club
To the Blazing Saddles Horse Club, the following teams placed in the
SW District Horse Bowl !!!
1st Place - “Mixed Team”
Kelsey King
Sarah Davis
Ann Capehart
Corrie Lovin
Brittany Sneed
5th Place - “Mixed Team”
Audrey Baldwin
Erika Kincaid
Genny Claro
Kayla Williams
Desiree Clippard
February 22nd
4-H Presentation workshop at Lincoln County Extension Office in Lincolnton.
The workshop will begin at 6:30 pm
The first meeting of the 4-H Wildlife Club will be held at the Schiele Museum
in Gastonia. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm
March 1st
Camp Millstone deposit due
March 15th
County Council Meeting: 2005 Officer Elections
The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm
March 18th - 20th
SWD Teen Retreat. 4-Hers ages 13 - 18 are invited to attend this Teen Retreat at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center. The cost is $65 and the deadline to register is March 4th. For more information, check out the Teen Retreat Website:
http://ces.ncsu.edu/mecklenburg/depts/4h/TR/
April 26th
4-H Fashion Revue and Talent Show in Lincolnton
Relay for Life @ Forestview High School, Gastonia
Opportunities are springing up like daffodils - how about Teen Retreat, Camp Millstone, a Super Summer adventure, a new project area, Presentations, or maybe the Fashion Revue and Talent Show. 4-Hers make this the year to try something new!
Zachary E. Uphold 
Extension Agent
4-H Youth Development
