Volunteers' Ideas in Practice

September 24, 1999

GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings to 4-H Volunteer Leaders:

I hope you have had a great summer and are looking forward to a fall filled with excitement and new adventures.

I know that you are waiting with anticipation for the fall trip to Rock Eagle. Remember the extra bus that Dr. Brown wants us to fill with First Timers. I hope each of you have recruited at least one new member. Please encourage members to become lifetime members also.

I have had a full summer. I haven't gotten all done that I needed to have done, but I am continuing to work. Maybe the fall will be better for me.

We look forward to seeing each of you this fall at Rock Eagle.

Robert Davenport
President, MVLA

75TH STATE CLUB CONGRESS - A BIG HIT!

Just recently over 600 youth and adults gathered at Mississippi State University to take part in the 75th Annual 4-H Club Congress event. There were plenty of events and activities that kept the delegation busy the entire three days.

Each year youth between the ages of 14-18 travel to Mississippi State University as a part of an educational learning experience that will last a lifetime. To qualify for this event, counties hold eliminations to decide which youth will get to come to Congress.

Besides the contests, there were workshops and tours that captured the interest of several hundred adults and youth. Dawg Night was an event that allowed all the Congress participants to wear their 4-H/Bulldog T-shirt and meet several MSU students, athletes, and other well-known people. Other evening activities included a fashion revue, a showcase of talent, movies and two fun and exciting dances.

To many people 4-H is recognized as a leadership and citizenship program. During Congress 4-Her's got an opportunity to display leadership skills and assist with service projects. Several stuffed animals were made and donated to the Mississippi Highway Patrol Department for children involved in auto accidents. Blankets were also made and donated to the Mississippi Children's Medical Center. 4-H is notorious for this type of involvement.

Larry Alexander
Extension 4-H Specialist

1999 SOUTHERN REGION 4-H

As you know, Mississippi is serving as the co-chair of the 1999 Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader Forum which will be held September 29-October 3, 1999. Our delegation will depart the state Wednesday night, September 29. Our goal is to represent Mississippi with 100 volunteers. So far we have reached approximately 90% of our goal. That means that there is still time to reserve your seat on either the North or South Bus. Seats will be reserved on a first-come first-serve basis. Contact your 4-H Agent to reserve your seat.

In the year 2000 Mississippi will be serving as chair of the Forum. State committees are actively working, making plans to "Make Mississippi Shine in 2000". Our goal for the 2000 Forum is to be represented by 200 volunteers. To accomplish this goal, I need you to mark your calendar now for October 4-8, 2000. All of us working together will certainly set the trend for the new millennium.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

MVLA MEMBERSHIP REPORT

The 1999 Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association membership numbers 283 volunteers. Of the total, 260 are Annual Members and 23 are Lifetime Members. The Lifetime Membership was started in 1998 and includes enthusiastic volunteers from all over Mississippi and from three other states. Annual Membership is $5.00 per calendar year. Lifetime Membership is $100.00 and can be paid in installments. MVLA memberships are used for scholarships.

Debby Martin, MVLA Treasurer

NATIONAL 4-H WEEK

National 4-H Week will be observed October 3 - 9, 1999. This week is set aside each year to allow individual 4-H clubs and counties to make a special effort to inform the public about the 4-H program. I encourage you to start now making plans to share your club's and/or county's successes. This week also provides an excellent opportunity to recruit both new members and volunteers as well as organize new 4-H clubs. For additional information, contact your 4-H Youth Agent.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

HATS OFF TO

Participation at 4-H Club Congress and Northwest District Achievement Day was enormous. We have increased the participation in both events; keep up the good work. Thanks to all the Agents and Volunteer Leaders for "Making the Best Better." I challenge all 4-H'ers and Volunteer Leaders and Agents to continue promoting 4-H in our community.

Sam Ella Crump, 4-H Volunteer Leader
Northwest District 4-H Volunteer Leader Coordinator

VOLUNTEER RECORDS JUDGED

Just recently the 1999 Mississippi 4-H Senior and Volunteer Record Judging Committee completed the task of judging records. Volunteers receiving blue ribbons were: Rita Luna, Lowndes County; Virginia Whittington, Warren County; Donna Burns, Betty Barnes, and Shirley Grimmes, all of Tishomingo County; Cindy Weaver, Monroe County; and Cindy Alexander, Newton County.

Rita Luna, having gone to National 4-H Conference in the past, will be given the opportunity to attend the National 4-H Congress. Virginia Whittington will have a choice of going to Conference or Congress. Donna Burns has been to Congress; therefore, if Virginia Whittington chooses Congress, then Donna will qualify for Conference. However, if Virginia chooses to go to Conference, Donna will not get a trip this year.

Congratulations to all of the Volunteer Record Winners!

Larry Alexander
Extension 4-H Specialist

CALLING ALL 4-H VOLUNTEERS: SOMETHING EXCITING IS BREWING

The 1999 Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Forum will be here before you know is. This year's Forum will be held September 30-October 3, 1999 in Eatonton, Georgia. The Mississippi team has put together an excellent group of workshops. It's sure to be an event to remember with various activities and events planned. You will gain skills, valuable ideas, and inspiration that will help you make a major contribution to local 4-H programs. Mississippi's goal is to be represented by at least 100 4-H volunteers attending this year's Forum. You can make a difference in your community.

Speaking from experience, attending the Forum is very rewarding. You will get a chance to exchange ideas with others, meet new acquaintances, participate in numerous workshops (learn by doing) and enjoy them. The workshops are very educational. The presenters are very informative, patient, and efficient. I guarantee you that if you attend this year's Forum, you will always look forward to attending each year.

Sam Ella Crump
Northwest District 4-H Volunteer Leader Coordinator

SPECIAL THANKS

SPECIAL THANKS, to Mississippi 4-H Agents, 4-H Volunteers, and 4-H Clubs; your thoughtfulness, consideration, donations, and words of encouragement were very touching. As you know I could never replace all the items that was destroyed in the fire, but the love that all of you gave me was wonderful. I will never forget it. God bless each of you.

Sam Ella Crump, 4-H Volunteer Leader
Northwest District Volunteer Leader Coordinator

4-H VOLUNTEER YEARS OF SERVICE RECOGNIZED

The Mississippi 4-H Program benefits greatly from the contribution that volunteers make who remain with 4-H for a long period of time. During the recent State 4-H Congress, we celebrated 75 years of continuous competitive events. We were privileged to recognize the following volunteer leaders for their years of service to 4-H. They were:

10 Years of Service
Supora Coleman, Clay County
Betty Douglas, Clay County
Mattie Keyes, Jones County
Olivia Sansing, Lownes County
Roger King, Lincoln County
Eva McDonalds, Newton County
Nora J. Goliday, Oktibbeha County
Cynthia Hill, Oktibbeha County
Charlene Jones, Oktibbeha County
Vera Myles, Oktibbeha County
Marcella Tipton, Oktibbeha County
JoAnne Willers, Oktibbeha County
Lisa Hardin, Tate County
Barbara Smith, Tate County
Joanna Monroe, Washington County
Bonnie Hardin, Warren County
15 Years of Service
Julia King, Lincoln County
Inez Saum, Lowndes County
20 Years of Service
Patty Tucker, Lee County
Debby Martin, Lowndes/Monroe Counties
Priscilla Brown, Oktibbeha County
Linda Yeates, Oktibbeha County
Carolyn Knowles, Scott County
Sarah Lindsey, Tate County
25 Years of Service
Mattie May, Simpson County
50 Years of Service
Mary Jo Wedgeworth, Jones County

Congratulations to all of these outstanding and committed volunteers. You have come a long way; Don't stop now! Mississippi State University Extension Service really appreciates your loyal and dedicated service.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

THE NATIONAL 4-H FORESTRY INVITATIONAL

In the heat of summer, the newspapers and magazines begin to publish pre-season football stories and team rankings. Many fans turn their attention to the upcoming football campaign and its ultimate achievement, the National Championship. Who will win the Super Bowl this year? The speculation gets thick and the anticipation builds steadily. Well, you may not know it, but the Super Bowl is here now - "Super Bowl of 4-H Forestry", that is.

The National 4-H Forestry Invitational, affectionately known as the "Super Bowl of 4-H Forestry", is the keenest youth competition that there is in forestry. This "Super Bowl" is held each August at Jackson's Mill State 4-H Conference Center near Weston, West Virginia, in the heart of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Jackson's Mill is part of West Virginia University and has been the home of the Invitational since it began in 1980. "The Mill", as Jackson's Mill is call by the locals, is also a historic site. It was the boyhood home of Civil War hero, General "Stonewall" Jackson, which gives the Invitational an extra dimension of interest.

The 1998 4-H Forestry Invitational was held from August 1-5. Teams of 4-H Foresters from all over the U.S. traveled to the mountains of central West Virginia to compete for the National 4-H Forestry crown. And what a competition!

The National 4-H Forestry Invitational has been sponsored by the International Paper Company Foundation, through the Cooperative Extension Service, since the beginning. The "Super Bowl" is organized and conducted by a management committee of Extension foresters and agents, International Paper employees and West Virginia foresters. The purpose of the Invitational is to develop appreciation for the importance of conserving and managing forest land as a source of products, benefits, and services necessary for quality living. It also helps develop citizenship, leadership, and practical forestry skills for the youth that participate.

The National 4-H Forestry Invitational brings together state champion forestry teams of senior 4-H foresters (14 to 19 years of age) from throughout the nation. The 4-H foresters compete individually in tree identification, a written forest knowledge test, tree measurement, forest insect and disease identification and compass traverse. Can you measure standing timber? Do you know a locust borer from a white oak borer? Invitational competitors can and do.

The Invitational competition requires that 4-H foresters be able to identify 77 major U.S. tree species and over 40 different forest insects and diseases. They know the basics of forestry and forest management, how to use a compass in the woods, to estimate standing timber volume and much more. To win the "Super Bowl", each individual must come ready for competition.

After the individual events, 4-H Foresters square off as state teams in the forest evaluation and the Forestry Bowl competitions. In forest evaluation, the team is given a forest plot that represents a forested property owned by a specific individual. The team must use the skills they have learned to measure some of the standing trees, consider growth potential, soils and other site characteristics in combination with the owner's objectives to make recommendations on how to manage the property for the future. The Forestry Bowl competition is a "quiz bowl" format with forestry questions that must be answered before the buzzer sounds. The question topics cover all areas of forestry and every contestant feels the adrenaline surge during this event!

Throughout the 4-day Invitational, it's not all work. There are plenty of activities to help ease the pressure of competition. The agenda includes recreation time, tours, campfire activities, volleyball, swimming, educational speakers and fun.

The culmination of the Invitational is the Awards Breakfast where the National Champions are announced, and plaques are given to each member of the top three teams and their coaches. The Invitational's high-scoring individual also takes home a plaque and other prizes while the participant that shows individual leadership initiative during the week is awarded the Invitational Leadership plaque. It's a fast-paced week that is over too quickly and one that the teams always enjoy.

Dr. Bob Daniels
MSU Extension Forester

WILDLIFE HABITAT

The Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) events were well attended at both the North and South Field & Stream events in April and May. The top teams (Lowndes County and Wayne County) were invited to the State 4-H Club Congress to participate in the State WHEP Event. The two teams met at the contest site at Thompson Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University. There they judged black and white photographs for habitat quality for Northern Bobwhite, Raccoons, and Mourning Dove. They also provided oral reasons for their choices. They were also given ten foods and asked to identify which wild animals would consume them. The teams then traveled to the Oktoc area to judge the quality of a particular habitat site and make recommendations for habitat improvement. Dr. Bill Ball and Jean Ball were very gracious to provide the use of their property which contained a young pine plantation, ponds, and a pecan orchard. The young people made on-site habitat recommendations, and the teams wrote wildlife management plans for bluegill and wild turkey.

Lowndes County won the event and will represent Mississippi at the national event in Manhattan, Kansas, on July 28-31, 1999. Team members were Sabrina Strait, Bethany Daniel, Terry Priester, and Matt Evans. Sabrina Strait was first place winner, followed by Bethany Daniel in second place, and Terry Priester in third place. Congratulations to Wayne County as well for making it to the state event! Adult leaders and agents for both teams are Debby Martin, Inez Saum, Florence Brewer (volunteers), Angie Chrestman (Lowndes County), and Sarah Crocker (Wayne County). Inez Saum and Dean Stewart are members of the National WHEP Committee and will help coordinate the national event in Kansas. Jared Quillen and Debby Martin will attend the national event with the Lowndes County team as coaches.

Dean Stewart
Instructor, Wildlife & Fisheries

4-H FIELD & STREAM ASSOCIATION & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Mississippi 4-H Field & Stream North & South Associations and the Executive Committee have been busy following the spring events. Each Association held meetings in May and June, and the Executive Committee met at the end of June. Discussion topics included event evaluations, rules and regulation changes, volunteer and extension agent support, and handbook changes. This article will summarize what these bodies have been accomplishing.

Generally the event evaluation was very positive. Everyone agreed that the events this year ran very smoothly and some offered suggestions for improvement. More signs and better communication the day of the events seemed to be the greatest area of comment. It seems more and more programs are using the Internet for registration purposes, and Field & Stream is considering offering event registration on the World Wide Web next spring. Volunteer and Extension Agent support was also discussed at length. Comments were made that there was better support at both events; however, we still need more consistent adult support on the firing lines. Suggestions were made to spend time before the contests to train range managers. As our program continues to grow, there continues to be a strong need to train volunteers to conduct local programs and work with our young people. Also tremendous support is needed the day of the events to ensure a safe environment and a quality experience for our young people. 4-H Field & Stream is presently searching for ways to generate more support at the events, and any suggestions are welcome.

On an administrative level, several changes have been discussed. First there will be an additional archery competition class next spring and a clarification of our current classes. This should allow a better division between the equipment being used. Also a change in the muzzleloader event is pending approval from the training committee, and we will inform you of any changes as they occur. We will begin a county reporting form for documentation of training/match activities following summer training. This will allow us to track important information on program delivery and participation. It can also help us avoid untrained young people on the firing line at the state events.

Dates for spring events were discussed and agreed to keep at the same time of the year. The year 2000 spring events will be April 29 (South) and May 3 (North). Training workshops will also remain at the same time of year (July and November).

The group decided to increase the entry fee to $4.00 per discipline event. It becomes ever more important that we generate operating funds to ensure the continuation of this program. Be looking for ways you can support the Mississippi 4-H Field & Stream program.

Members of the Executive Committee were requested to host multi-county events in each district this fall. We will keep you informed about these exciting opportunities as dates are set. We would like to thank everyone involved with 4-H Field & Stream for helping make it such a fine program and look forward to working with you for another great year.

Dean Stewart & Jared Quillen
Wildlife & Fisheries

REPORT ON 1999

During the week of June 6-10, we had 52 campers involved in the 4-H Entomology Camp. There were 32 young people and 20 adults. Campers came from Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois this year. Once again the 'black Light' night collecting was probably the most popular activity during the camp, though the scavenger hunt and the 'Insect Olympics' were also very popular. We added some new activities to the camp this year. Many worked on an insect craft and others worked to add to the 'bug camp' web page. The campers were divided into 'bug groups' during the week and most of our activities centered around those groups.

Dr. Jerome Goddard started us off with some great instruction about ticks. Dr. Richard Brown provided outstanding help for pinning and preserving insects, and Dr. Clarence Collison demonstrated insect life in beehives superbly. Dr. John Guyton also did a great job demonstrating the ecology of a pitcher plant and other projects. Dr. Linda Poe's program on diseases accompanied by the slides helped campers to see where insects fit as vectors and as human pests. Mrs. Sharon Davis and Jan Williams were great helps with crafts and with camp in general. Extension personnel were also invaluable helpers for this year's camp. Extension personnel: Christine Fielder, Connie Robbins, Karen Benson, Lise Foy, Connie Patterson, Time Needham, and Stanley Wise are the best!

To see how we were faring on insect collections, we asked the six group leaders to keep a running count on numbers of insects captured and processed during the week. While these numbers aren't exact, they do give a good idea of the amount of effort the young people in camp put forth. There were representatives of 17 Orders collected during the week and more than 1400 specimens processed for insect collections. The most popular insect caught during the week was probably the Luna Moth. These large pale green moths were quite plentiful, and most campers were able to capture one before the week ended. There are lots of stories we could tell about camp.

The Wall Doxey area is a unique habitat which supports high numbers of diverse fauna and flora. This educational experience is already bearing fruit as we have already had inquiries about 'bug camp 2000.' We'll have to get this one behind us and get started on the next.

Michael R. Williams, Extension Entomologist 4-H Entomology Camp Director

CALL FOR RECIPES FOR

In the fall of 2000, some of you and many of our 4-H Volunteers will have the responsibility of telling the Mississippi Story at the Southern Region Leadership Forum. We have been promised 1000 Make Mine Mississippi Cookbooks from Commissioner Spell's office to take and share at this Forum. The one catch is that the Department of Agriculture has asked that we help provide a few recipes. This is a new and improved addition of this book, and they want to enlarge it and insure that it covers all Mississippi. Will you please help the following ways:

  1. Help us collect several recipes for this book. These recipes can be yours, a friend's, old family recipes, etc.
  2. Double check the ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
  3. If there is an interesting bit of history or memory with the recipe, please include that.
  4. Include your name and town to accompany the recipe (or the name that provided the recipe).
  5. Send your recipe in one of the following ways:

To Ms. Pennie Lewis at the
Dept. of Ag.:
email: pennie@mdac.state.ms.us
Fax: 601-354-6001

If you have questions, call Pennie at 601-359-1163 or Morris Houston at 601-829-3611.

These are needed within the next two weeks. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Morris Houston
State 4-H Fund Development Specialist

HARVEY'S TIPS

Enrolling Parents in 4-H

Parents are a vital part of a successful 4-H club. They share in the work and success of the club. Much of what boys and girls gain from 4-H depends upon the attitude and involvement of their parents.

Parents and other family members are a tremendous resource as members of the club leadership team. When parents participate in 4-H, the member gain support and confidence from working with interested adults. Parents gain the opportunity to become acquainted with their children's friends, interests, and concerns, and share important experiences. Parents also gain new friends, become acquainted with other families, and learn or further develop skills and knowledge.

It is one thing to create interest; another to hold it. Here are some tips for maintaining the interest of parents:

  • conduct parent achievement nights
  • have club fun nights
  • provide special club programs
  • at regular club meetings, invite parents
  • talk with parents and personally ask for help
  • take advantage of chance meetings to talk about 4-H
  • make telephone calls to keep parents informed about 4-H activities
  • ask for advice and use it when you can
  • take 4-H project tours to members' homes and visit the parents
  • encourage others to participate
  • recognize and thank parents
  • ask for specific help and be sure it is meaningful
  • call on special abilities parents may have
  • use notes, newspaper articles, and telephone calls to say thank and to show appreciation
  • include recognition of parents in achievement programs

You and the member's parents are helping the 4-H member grow. Through parents' cooperation, experiences which the child gains in 4-H will be greatly expanded. Relax and enjoy parents' visits. Parent involvement should be at the top of your list as you prepare to move into the new millennium.

Harvey L. Gordon
Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

September

1

Deadline: Community Pride Progress Reports Due

1

Deadline: 4-H Enrollment Due for Computer Processing

6

Labor Day Holiday

11

Northwest District Fall Forum

Sept 23- Oct 3

Mid-South Fair, Memphis, TN

25 - 28

National 4-H Engineering, Science & Leadership Event, West Lafayette, IN

26 - 29

National 4-H Dairy Conference, Madison, WI

Sept 29-Oct 3

Southern Region 4-H Volunteer Leader
Forum, Rock Eagle, GA

October

3

Mississippi 4-H Sunday

4 - 10

Mississippi/National 4-H Week

6 - 17

Mississippi State Fair, Jackson, MS

Oct. 5

State Fair 4-H Project Judging

9

Junior Lamb Show

10

Beef Showmanship

10

Junior Steer Show

11

Junior Swine Show

11

Junior Beef Breeding Show

15

4-H Dairy Sweetheart Contest

16

4-H Day, State Fair

16

4-H Fashion Revue

16

Junior Dairy Show

24 - 28

NAE4-HA Annual Conference

25

4-H Day, Mid-South Fair, Memphis, TN

25

4-H Livestock Judging Contest, Mid-South Fair, Memphis, TN

TBA

National Beef Ambassador Contest

VIP ARTICLES

The next VIP Newsletter will be the October/ November issue. The deadline for submission of articles will be September 1, 1999. Due to everyone having a busy schedule, we need to operate on a schedule in order to keep articles as timely as possible. Keep those articles coming in; everyone enjoys hearing news about 4-H, 4-H=ers, & 4-H Volunteers. Please send club, county, and district news information or articles to me for inclusion in the VIP Newsletter: Inez Saum, 193 Saum Drive, Columbus, MS 39702. email:djsils@ebicom.net.

Inez Saum, VIP Reporter

The VIP Newsletter is published for Mississippi 4-H Volunteer leaders with the Mississippi State University Extension Service by the State 4-H Office. Articles and news items should be sent to VIP, Box 9641, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Editor: Harvey Gordon, 4-H Youth Development Specialist. Distributed to: MSU-ES Administration, Area Directors, State 4-H Staff, Agents with 4-H Responsibilities.

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