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

MASSACHUSETTS 4-H NEWSLETTER

WESTERN REGION

Winter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS…………

January

5 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 6:30 P.M. 600 Williams Street, Pittsfield 5 Hampden County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 7:00 P.M. WMass Hospital 7 Hampshire County Fair Committee Meeting, 7:00 P.M. “Michaels”, Rt. 9, Hadley 7 Hampshire County 4-H Horse Council meeting, 6:30 P.M. 4-H Office, Slobody Building 9 Regional Horse Bowl & Hippology, 8:30 A.M. Hopkins Academy, Rt. 9, Hadley 12 Hampden County 4-H Horse Council, 7:00 P.M. Elm Pizza, Westfield 14 Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Montague Fire Station 15-16 Northeast Poultry Conference Big E, W. Springfield 22 Franklin County 4-H Awards Banquet, 6:00 P.M. Greenfield Community College 23 W. Mass. Winter Workshops, 8:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. Hopkins Academy, Rt. 9, Hadley 23 Snow date for Franklin County 4-H Awards Banquet 26 Berkshire County 4-H Advisory, 7:30 P.M. 600 Williams Street, Pittsfield 26 Horse Fever 4-H Club Dinner Fundraiser, 5:00 P.M. Hadley Applebee’s 30 State 4-H Rabbit Workshop Blackstone Valley Regional School

February

2 Hampden County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 7:00 P.M. WMass Hospital 4 Franklin County 4-H Fair meeting, 7:00 P.M. Shelburne 6 Franklin County 4-H Visual Presentations/Officers Workshop, 10:00–Noon Montague Fire Station 9 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 6:30 P.M. 600 Williams Street, Pittsfield 13 Hampden County 4-H Visual Presentation/Officers Workshop, 10:00–Noon Elm Pizza, Westfield 13 Hampshire County 4-H Visual Presentations/Officers Workshop, 1:00–3:00 P.M. Hadley Police Station 14 4-H Open House at the BlueStar Horse Sleigh Rally Palmer 15 4-H Babysitting Program, 1:00-3:00 P.M. Holland Library 16 4-H Babysitting Program, 1:00-3:00 P.M. Holland Library 18 Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Montague Fire Station 20 4-H Open House, 10:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Granby Library 23 Berkshire County 4-H Advisory Council meeting, 7:00 P.M. 600 Williams Street, Pittsfield 22-March 5 Window, Poster & Exhibit Week Pioneer Valley Region 24 Hampden County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:00 P.M. Elm Pizza, Westfield 25 4-H Babysitting Program, 3:00-5:00 P.M. Westfield Library

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

February (continued)

26 4-H Babysitting Program, 3:00-5:00 P.M. Westfield Library

March

1 Hampden County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 7:00 P.M. WMass Hospital 5 Hampshire County 4-H Fair Spaghetti Supper, 5:00 P.M. Most Holy Redeemer Parish Hall 8 Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association meeting, 6:30 P.M. 600 Williams Street, Pittsfield 12 Regional Visual Presentations Program, 9:00-2:00 P.M. Hopkins Academy, Rt. 9, Hadley 16 Hampden County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:00 P.M. Elm Pizza, Westfield 6:00 P.M. 17 Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Montague Police Station 22 Berkshire County 4-H Advisory Council meeting, 7:00 P.M. 600 Williams Street, Pittsfield 24 Franklin County 4-H Fair Meeting, 7:00 P.M. Shelburne

April

2 State 4-H Visual Presentations Program Bedford 9 State 4-H Hippology & Quiz Bowl St. Williams School, Tewksbury 13 Hampden County 4-H Advisory Council, 6:00 P.M. Elm Pizza, Westfield 16 4-H Open House Amherst Town Common 16 Franklin County 4-H Fair Ham Dinner, 6:00 P.M. Shelburne 18 Hampshire County 4-H Awards Banquet Bluebonnet Diner, Northampton 21 Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 P.M. Montague Fire Station 21-22 State 4-H Teen Leadership Conference Northeastern University, Ashland 30 4-H Workshops Hawlemont Elementary School

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 206 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 206 Pittsfield, MA 01201 Phone: 413-448-8285 or 413-577-0754 Fax: 413-577-0760 Email: lauriec@umext.umass.edu

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

From Berkshire 4-H

The Clover Candy Factory

sets record sales! . . . . . .

The Berkshire County 4-H

Program Holds Awards

Banquet

On December 6th the Berkshire County 4-H Community came together to celebrate their annual Awards and Recognition event. More than 100 people gathered for this fun, “candy factory” themed night to celebrate an array of people for a myriad of wonderful reasons. Opening remarks were given by Dr. Linda Horn, Assistant Director, Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development Program, University of Massachusetts Extension, Amherst. The awards started with years of volunteer service completed: 1

st Year, Andrea Fitzgerald of Cheshire, Nicole

Kerstetter of Schenectady, NY, Danielle Melino of Austerlitz, NY, David & Donna Motta of North Adams, Rebecca Nitsche of Adams, Curt Petricca of Pittsfield, Amy Ritcher of North Adams, Leigh

Uqdah of North Adams, Scott Wojciechowski of Cheshire, and Heidi Zorn of Gt. Barrington. 5

th Year, Jerry Goodermote of Clarksburg, Teri

Goodermote of Clarksburg, Krista Mangiardi of Pittsfield, Betty Jo Poulton of Cheshire, and Bonnie

Wells of Sheffield. 15

th Year, Lisa Dachinger of Pittsfield and Gregg

Petricca of Pittsfield. 20

th Year, Mary Brazie of North Egremont, and

Donna & William Chandler of Pittsfield. The Friends of 4-H Award is a special award because the members and volunteers nominate people or businesses who have helped them, their club, or the program in general. This years’ Friends of 4-H winners were: Wanda Halten of New Lebanon, NY and WSBS Radio in Gt. Barrington. The Fair Honor Roll are people who go above and beyond, either on the front lines or behind the scenes, to make sure the annual Berkshire County Youth Fair happens. These people are nominated by the 4-H Fair Association members, Advisors,

and Extension Educator, they are: Chris Brielman of Pittsfield, Henry Cadorette, III of Pittsfield, Elaine Caligiuri of Lee, Timothy Deluca of Becket, Larry Heyman of North Adams, Jeff Lutz of North Adams, Natal Paredes of North Adams, Omar

Uqdah of North Adams, Diana Williams of Ashley Falls, Malina Ziaja of Adams, Heidi Zorn of Great Barrington, and Marley Zorn of Great Barrington. The following award is one a youth must apply for at the annual Berkshire County Youth Fair. The Loving Hands Award is based on a 4-H’ers knowledge of their livestock project and ability to care for it. This year’s winner is Daniel Epe of Pittsfield. To be considered for the Western Mass High Point

Award youth have to travel to, and participate in, at least 3 Western Mass 4-H Fairs and submitted their results to a regional committee. For all his effort, we would like to recognize Thomas Williams for his work with Poultry. The S.W.A.T. Robotics 4-H club is part of a special program we have here called Tech Wizards, and they are wizards because while representing Berkshire 4-H at the Berkshire Robotics Challenge where there were about 30 other teams competing against them, they finished in the “Great 8” AND were awarded the best engineered robot at the competition! (S.W.A.T. stands for Students Winning at Technology!) Those youth were: Connor Bolte, Brian Czarnecki, Tyler Haskins,

Nicholas Lescarbeau, Sean Mullen, Natal Paredes,

Aiden Roberts, Nicholas Sacco, William Schrade,

and Owen Vareschi all of North Adams, with their fearless leader Nathan Samson of Adams. At the Eastern States Exposition, better known as the Big E, youth are chosen through a variety of ways to compete or present at this multistate arena. Those who represented Berkshire County 4-H this past year were: Brialynn Wells of Sheffield in horse, Alexandra Springstube of West Stockbridge in sheep, Fiora Caligiuri-Randall of Lee in fashion review, Faith & Hope Motta of North Adams in the 4-H action exhibits, and Katilyn Decker of Housatonic & Kayli Smith of Sheffield doing presentations in the farm-a-rama building. Those

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

youth who had taken their skill and ability to the State 4-H Horse Show were: Jazmine Bona of North Egremont, Allison Brazie of Housatonic, Katilyn Decker of Housatonic, Kayli Smith of Sheffield, Brialynn Wells of Sheffield, and Brooke

Wells of Sheffield. The 4-H Visual Presentation program is a public speaking program that all 4-H’ers are encouraged to take part in. The following youth excelled in this program: Fiora Caligiuri-Randall of Lee, Rachael

Carlo of Cheshire, and Malina Ziaja of Adams were all chosen to give their presentations at the Big E. Fiora Caligiuri-Randall and Rachael Carlo went on to compete at the State 4-H competition and both placed with rosettes. The Berkshire County 4-H Ambassadors are youth who are trained to work together to talk to different groups, about the 4-H program. To promote the program, to let people know about the amazing things the youth are accomplishing. The 2014-2015 Berkshire County 4-H Ambassadors were: Fiora Caligiuri-Randall of Lee, Hannah

Heath of Otis, Charlotte Smith of New Marlborough, Nicholas Soldato of Pittsfield, Alexandra Springstube of West Stockbridge, Brialynn Wells of Sheffield, and Thomas Williams of Ashley Falls. There was a Special Recognition Award given by 4-H Volunteer & 4-H Fair Inc. President Scott Robinson of Lenox to Wally Tanner of Dalton for Wally’s dedication and service to the 4-H Fairgrounds. The Aspiring Clover winner was nominated by their club leader. This member tries very hard during meetings to be involved, supportive and wanting more; a kid who either exemplifies the 4 H’s or tries hard to: Cheyenne Goodermote of Clarksburg. Junior Leaders is another award nominated by club leaders, given to youth who help their leader, they may or may not be an officer in their club, but they help with club activities, projects, fundraisers or events: Mariah Broderick of Great Barrington, Cadence Goodermote of Clarksburg, Erynne

Goodermote of Clarksburg, Jacob Goodermote of Clarksburg. Chris Broast from the Berkshire United Way and the Pittsfield Prevention Partnership was on hand to award the Say-It-Proud Award to the Berkshire 4-H winner, Henry Cadorette, III of Pittsfield. County Medals are given out to youth who submit 4-H records based on the projects they have been working on over the past year. Cloverbuds are youth 5-7 who are not judged, but participate. They are: Mariah Barnes of Pittsfield, Cecile Daly of Pittsfield, Emma Daly of Pittsfield, Lacey Daly of Pittsfield, Isaac Epe of Pittsfield, Cheyenne

Goodermote of Clarksburg, Madison Melino of Austerlitz, NY, Violet Swindlehurst of Pittsfield, Xavier Zorn of Great Barrington. Youth 8-18 must do a more complete record and are judged. Here are the youth who submitted records and the projects they received metals for: Jazmine Bona – Horse of North Egremont, Alison Brazie – Horse of Sheffield, Mariah Broderick – Achievement - Horse Vaulting, Rabbit, Horse of Great Barrington, Fiora

Caligiuri-Randall – Community Service, Leadership, Performing Arts, Home Environment, Personal Development – Writing & Illustration of Lee, Katilyn Decker – Horse of Housatonic, Daniel

Epe – Sheep of Pittsfield, Cadence Goodermote – Goat of Clarksburg, Erynne Goodermote – Goat of Clarksburg, Jacob Goodermote – Goat of Clarksburg, Faith Motta – Leadership, Poultry, Rabbit, Clothing & Textiles, Community Service of North Adams, Hope Motta – Poultry, Community Service, Rabbit, Leadership of North Adams, Natal

Paredes – Photography, Sports, Robotics of North Adams, Elizabeth Sarnacki – Goat of East Otis, Margaret Sarnacki – Goat of East Otis, Kayli Smith – Horse of Sheffield, Nicholas Soldato – Videography of Pittsfield, Lucy Swindlehurst – Horse of Pittsfield, Brialynn Wells – Horse of Sheffield, Thomas Williams – Poultry of Ashley Falls, Abigail Winters – Community Service of Pittsfield, Marley Zorn – Rabbit of Great Barrington.

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

Scott S. Robinson 4-H Scholarship, this college scholarship has been established by Scott’s four sons to recognize their father’s years of involvement in 4-H programs in Berkshire County. This $500 scholarship will be awarded annually to an eligible member of the Berkshire County 4-H program. The scholarship’s objective is to reward a 4-H candidate who is seeking to better him or herself with higher education. This year’ recipients are Henry Cadorette, III and Angelina Mangiardi, both of Pittsfield. The final award of the evening is the highest award given in Berkshire County 4-H. The Top H Award can only be won by a 4-H’er once as a junior member and once as a senior member. To be eligible, a youth must turn in their 4-H records for judging, the judging committee nominates members, and those nominated receive an application and must get a reference. Once everything is sent in, all records, applications and references are sent to the University for judging. This year’s Berkshire County Top H winner is Mariah Broderick of Great Barrington! Congratulations to all. Special THANK YOU’s to: Ari & Heidi Zorn of Gt. Barrington for manning the kitchen, the Berkshire 4-H Ambassador’s for emceeing the evenings events, the Berkshire County 4-H Volunteer Association for funding the event, and to the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires for allowing us use of their space to hold our event.

Berkshire County 4-H

Volunteer Association

The Association has been busy helping with programming and planning events. This group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. All Berkshire 4-H Clubs should have

representation on the council, if you are unsure if your club is represented – ask. The purpose of this group is to make sure programs are possible for all Berkshire 4-H’ers and scholarships are available for learning experiences are possible outside the county. We need participation across the board for

this to work smoothly & fairly. Some events are: A Bowl-a-thon, a mini-golf tournament, Awards Night…. Call Angelica in the 4-H office if you would like more information on this group (413) 448-8285. Berkshire County 4-H Fair Association

The 76th annual Berkshire County Youth Fair will take place this summer. If you are 12 or older, this is a great next step in your 4-H career. Becoming part of the Fair Association DOES NOT mean you have to give up your regular club, it means being a part of something more and being able to bring ideas from your club to the fair group…and letting your club know what’s going on with the fair! If you are interested in being a part of this great leadership group, call Angelica in the Berkshire 4-H Office (413) 448-8285. The Fair Association regularly meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at 600 Williams St., Pittsfield. (We do plan some conference calls in the bad weather.) This location changes in the summer months when meetings are held at the fairgrounds. This is an excellent group for those members who would like to take a step toward more leadership & responsibility (it also looks AMAZING on college applications!). Come join the fun, or call to find out other ways you can be a part of this group. **Please note that due to scheduling conflicts the next meeting is the FIRST Tuesday in January. Looking for Ideas If you are not old enough to be a member of the Fair Association, or are a volunteer with a different club, but have some ideas for the fair – share them with us! We are stronger as a community and would love to hear what you have to say. Email Angelica (angelica@umext.umass.edu) or call the Berkshire 4-H Office (413-448-8285) if you have any ideas to pass along to the Fair Association.

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

Up Coming Berkshire Events

As the weather outside gets colder, inside 4-H gets ready for Window/Poster Exhibits and Visual Presentations. Watch your email for news about these two Berkshire County programs. If anyone is interested in judging either window/poster exhibits or visual presentations, contact Angelica in the Berkshire 4-H Office (413) 448-8285. Angelica will be contacting clubs to organize trainings, if your group would like to host a training for these programs, then call Angelica and make arrangements.

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

4-H Fair Invitation

The Hampden County 4-H Fair Association invites interested youth and adults to join them at their first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 5th at the Western Mass. Hospital, 91

East Mountain Road, Westfield. We are looking for new ideas and activities for the fair, changes in the fair book and ideas for challenges. We would love to see you there! Dairy Delights

Congratulations to the Wyben 4-H Dairy Club in presenting an evening of sharing Cabot cheeses, yogurt, pudding and recipes using Cabot products. Offered in cooperation with the Holstein Association at the Elks Club in Westfield, members did presentations on Cabot cheese – its products, where products are produced and what farms contribute to their products. After the presentation, visitors were invited to visit with younger 4-H members and try samples of all the different Cabot products. New Officers Elected

Welcome to the 2016 Officers of the Hampden County 4-H Fair Association who were elected at the annual meeting on October 30th. President – Randy Brown – Southwick 1st Vice Pres. (Set-Up) – Carey Leckie – Southwick 2nd Vice President (Horse Show) – Penny Blomgren – Brimfield & Tracey Beaulieu - Westfield

3rd Vice. Pres. (Publicity) – Anne Alise Pietruska – Southwick & Kim Turnberg – East Long. Corresponding Secretary – McKinley Magni – Southwick Recording Secretaries – Paul & Jeanne Tippett – Chicopee Treasurers – Joyce Decker – Westfield, Janet Brown – Southwick. Assistant – Carey Leckie – Southwick Board of Directors – John Buddington – Springfield, Carey Leckie – Southwick, Todd Brown – Southwick, Sue Wright – Feeding Hills, Caitlynn Tippett – Chicopee. Mark your calendars now for our fair – July 23, 2015 – Mallary Complex & Outdoor Horse Arena – Eastern States Exposition – West Springfield Share the 4-H Embryology Program

Do you know of any teachers who would like to hatch chicks in the classroom as part of our 4-H Embryology Program? We could use your help in promoting this very educational, hands-on experience. We will be doing two hatches, one in March and the second in May. Incubators are available for rent and eggs are available at cost. Training is offered prior to each hatch. Contact Carrie Chickering-Sears (413- 549-3257) or Mary Phelon (413-577-0759). 4-H families are also welcome to participate. 4 – H Horse Bowl & Hippology Being Combined

In the interest of saving time out of busy schedules, we will be trying something new this year by holding horse bowl and hippology on Saturday, January 9th at Hopkins Academy in Hadley. Hippology will be in the morning followed by Horse Bowl in the afternoon. Information is on the 4-H web site (www.mass4h.org – animal science – horses). A light lunch will be available for purchase. We need approximately 15 people to assist at each contest. Parents and/or volunteers or older teens that can help may send in registration form letting Berkshire or Franklin County know that they can help.

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

Mystic Trip A Success

Despite very cool temperatures on October 24th, a group of 4-H members and parents enjoyed a fun, educational trip to the Mystic Aquarium. The Hampden County 4-H Fair Association sponsored the bus and participants paid the admission price. Special thanks to 4-H Fair members Paul & Jeanne Tippett and Carey Leckie for chaperoning the event and to other parents and leaders who helped out. 4-H Horse Judging at UMASS

4-H horse club members gathered at the Hadley Farm on December 5th for the Regional 4-H Horse Judging Contest. A special thank you to Dr. Cassie Uricchio and her students for providing the classes for the contest. Thanks to judge Tracey Beaulieu for the excellent clinic. Thanks also to all the volunteers who assisted the day of the contest – Penny Blomgren, Denise Kareta, Brie-Anna Massoni, Rose Blomgren, Becky Downey, Anne Blizniak, Fran Sheaffer, Arthur Martin, Melissa Griswold, Glenda Cerone. Results were as follows: Cloverbuds:

Julie Austin Brooke Beadling Payton Beadling Cyrus Cranston Oliver Cranston Junior Novice:

Franklin:

Clara De La Cruz – 1st, 2nd overall Hampden:

Allison Griswold – 1st, 1st overall Hampshire:

Olivia Applegate – 1st, 3rd overall Juniors:

Franklin:

Gwyneth Clark – 3rd Stella Clark – 4th Elijah Sansilo – 1st, 1st overall Claire Conklin – 2nd 9th overall Hampden:

Brianna Berlanger Devone Cerone – alt. Sarah Cerone – 1st, 4th overall Margaret Szpakowski – 3rd, 7th overall

Eliza Watson – 4th 8th overall Cassidy Whipper William Marks Meg McCutcheon – 2nd, 6th overall Gabby Semenski – Hampshire:

Julianna Applegate – 4th 10th overall Morgan Austin – alt. Nicole Normandin – 2nd, 3rd overall Kendal Wagner – Chloe Pouliot – 1st, 2nd overall Shelby Trombley – 3rd, 5th overall Seniors:

Franklin:

Andrea Jernigan – 1st, 2nd overall Dizarre Lopez – 2nd, 5th overall Brooke Griswold – 3rd, 7th overall Hannah Samuelson – 4th, 8th overall Hampden:

Kiera Roddy – 1st, 3rd overall Juliette Marquis – 2nd, 6th overall Eric Pontbriand – 3rd, 9th overall Hampshire:

Onna Downey – 1st, 1st overall Abby Antes – 2nd, 4th overall

Hampden County 4-H Awards

Banquet

The Knights of Columbus on Granby Road in Chicopee once again hosted our Awards Banquet where members, leaders and volunteers were recognized for their contributions and accomplishments over the past year. Linda Horn, Assistant Program Director and

Tom Waskiewicz, Extension Educator welcomed everyone and handed out awards. McKinley Magni of Southwick served as MC and lead us in the Star Spangled Banner while Caitlynn Tippett of Chicopee lead the Candlelight Ceremony. Thanks to all the other 4-H members who assisted that evening: Grace – Natalie Daigle of Three Rivers Pledge of Allegiance – Devon Cerone of Granby, CT 4-H Pledge – Sarah Cerone of Granby, CT Candle lighting – Nick Turnberg of East Longmeadow, Brie-Anna Massoni of Granby, CT,

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

JR Willis of Brimfield, Eric Pontbriand of Warren and Katie Roy of West Springfield. A special thanks to the Steerage Rock Riders for coordinating door prizes. Franklin County 4-H Awards Banquet

Franklin County 4-H’ers and volunteers will be recognized at the annual banquet at Greenfield Community College, One College Drive, Greenfield on Friday, January 22nd. The event is sponsored by the Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council. The main address will be given by long-time volunteer, Pat Shearer. The theme is “The 70’s”. Registration information was previously sent to Franklin County 4-H families. If you haven’t receive it, contact Tom at 413-545-0611 or waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu

Pioneer Valley 4-H Visual

Presentations

All 4-H’ers are invited to present at the Regional 4-H Visual Presentations on Saturday, March 12th, 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. Hopkins Academy, Rt. 9, Hadley. Cloverbud members, ages 5-

7, are encouraged to give a Visual Presentation at the event but will not be competitively judged. Members, ages 8-18, are judged using the Danish system in which each participant is evaluated against a specific set of criteria and awarded a blue (excellent), red (very good) or white (good) ribbon. Registration materials will be sent out after January 1st. Window, Poster, Photo & Exhibit Event

Communication skills, public awareness and teamwork! This is what our annual Window, Poster, Photo & Exhibit Event is all about and now is the time to prepare. This is an excellent winter project which offers members an opportunity to work together to develop and set up a window exhibit telling about 4-H or sharing some information on what they have learned in their project. Individual club members may also make a poster using a theme of their choice or enter a photo. This program offers an excellent opportunity

to let the community know about the 4-H program. Clubs make arrangements to display exhibits or posters in local schools, libraries, stores or businesses February 22nd to March 5th. Exhibits, photos and posters made by youth 8 years of age and older will be judged and Danish ribbons awarded to each participant. All Cloverbuds (5 to 7 years of age) will receive special Cloverbud ribbons. JUDGES NEEDED: As we did last year, we are looking for volunteer judges who can judge posters and/or window exhibits in their area. Judges do not need to be active in 4-H. They can be former 4-H volunteers or members, community leaders, parents, etc. We will get score cards and ribbons to judges. If you are interested in judging, please contact Tom at waskiewicz@umext.umass.edu or 413-545-0611.

From WMass Region

Western MA 4-H Winter Workshop

The 4-H Winter Workshop, to be held on Saturday, January 23 at Hopkins Academy, Rt. 9, Hadley, offers hands-on learning for youth and leaders in many popular project areas. The workshop is open to all Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, Worcester and Hampshire county 4-H members ages 8-18 as of 1/1/15 and volunteers. Some classes have minimum ages. Members ages 8-11 as of 1/1/15 must have an adult chaperone/parent attending (the adult does not have to be registered for the same workshops as the youth). Workshops include Visual Presentations, Livestock Judging, Astronomy, Cheese-Making and Working with Media. A separate email was sent to all 4-H families and leaders. Citizenship Washington Focus

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a week-long, 4-H citizenship and leadership program for youth ages 14-19. Thousands of young people from across America stay at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center, near Washington, D.C., every summer to participate in the program which provides opportunities for young people to:

• Strengthen their communication, leadership, and citizenship skills on a national level.

UMass Extension 9 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Winter 2016

• Understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders.

• Exchange ideas, practice respect, and form friendships with other 4-Hers from across the country with diverse backgrounds.

• Experience hands-on learning using the historical classroom of our nation’s Capital city, Washington, D.C.

High Point Awards

Congratulations to the following 4-H’ers who received “High Point Awards” for outstanding performances at two or more of the four WMass. 4-H Fairs: Rabbits: Parker Mas and Tate Mason Poultry: Kyle Harris and Thomas Williams Sheep: Megan Weld and Joanna Jaracz Dairy: Dylanie Nichols and Grace Koehler Goats: Arron Kielbasa Arts and crafts: Scully Wilhelm and Chloe Macaluso Home Ec.: Kaitlyn Dauphinais Natural Resources: Scully Wilhelm and Henry Wilhelm Hawlemont 4-H Clubs Food Drive

The Hawlemont 4-H Clubs completed their 4-H food drive for the Good Neighbors Food Pantry in Charlemont. They received 105 lbs. of non-perishables and collected $213.50 in money. They also had some food pantry gift cards added to the monies to use for expenses and were able to purchase over $350 of fresh fruit and vegetables (approx. 400 lbs. of food). This event was meaningful and exciting. The club members worked very hard to make their goal a reality. Thank-you to

all those that donated and the area businesses that allowed them to place collection boxes and cans. The Christmas Holiday Distribution was Tuesday the 15th of December at the Federated Church in Charlemont. Three members of the Hawlemont 4-H clubs purchased fresh fruit and vegetables. The focus was for healthy eating. The clubs purchased lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, potatoes, onions, clementines, and apples to compliment the holiday meal and, of course, a candy cane for each participant to celebrate the season. After shopping, four 4-H club members met at the distribution site and helped break down the large packages of fruit and vegetables to provide for over 60 families.

Bernardston Trailblazers 4-H Club

In November of this year, the Bernardston Trailblazers collected items needed for the dogs at the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter. Here are just some of the items that were collected.

UMass Extension 10 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Winter 2016

In June of this year, the Bernardston Trailblazers held a 4-H and Open Horse Show with all proceeds going to the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter. $900 was raised and donated to help the dogs. This is some of the members presenting the check to the shelter.

Steerage Rock Riders 4-H Club

Members of the Steerage Rock Riders 4-H Club gathered to wrap gifts and make cards for their adopted family. This is the 7th year that the club has adopted a local family in need and has gathered donated items to make their holidays a bit brighter. The Steerage Rock Riders 4-H Club provided hospitality for the Brimfield Town Meeting outlining the benefits of the newly established agricultural commission. 4-H’ers had the opportunity of meeting with Senator Anne Gobi.

Fantastic Farmers 4-H Club

In October, the Fantastic Farmers 4-H Club participated in the Trunk or Treat on the Belchertown Common. Monies were raised for the

Belchertown 4-H Council and canned goods were collected for the food Pantries of Belchertown. Fantastic Farmers 4-H’ers participated in the New Hampshire Poultry Fanciers Association show in Deerfield NH. Lana Krol won Best of Breed Silkie and Best of Breed Leghorn. She then went on to win two group classes-Single Comb Clean leg and Featherleg. She also won Best in Show with her white Leghorn. Lana is 9 years old and has been a member of the Fantastic Farmers 4-H Club since she was five! In November, Fantastic Farmers 4-H’ers participated at the Boston Poultry Expo in Oxford, Ma. Chloe Macaluso won Best of Breed with her Belgian D'Anvers pullet. She also won a group class with Rose Comb Clean Leg. Lana Krol had Reserve of Breed with a white leghorn pullet that went on to win a reserve group win Reserve Single Comb Clean Leg. Lana also won Best of Breed Silkie. Meghan Silva won two Best of Breed awards for New Hampshires and Barred Plymouth Rocks. The Fantastic Farmers 4-H Club also had a Tupperware Fundraiser and a Euro sticker sale to benefit the Belchertown K-9 fund. We raised 650.00!! They sent one flock of chickens and a honey bee hive through the Heifer project International to a third world country. They collected Toys for Tots for Belchertown needy families and items for the Belchertown Animal Control. They also made reindeer (a craft) which they sold at the Belchertown Wreath Sale to benefit the Belchertown 4-H Town Council which our club worked at to support the Council for two weekends. The Club also had High Point jacket winners. Kyle Harris won the Senior Poultry winner. Thomas Williams won the Junior Poultry jacket. Chloe Macaluso won the Arts and Crafts jacket. Scully Wilhelm won two awards and his jacket and Henry won a jacket for his category too. What an exciting fall!! We are now practicing for the Northeast Poultry Congress to be held at the Big E January 16 and 17th!

UMass Extension 11 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Winter 2016

The Club had a huge bake sale at Dave's Pet Food City in Hadley just before Thanksgiving. Pies galore! We made 232.00!! Hampshire County 4-H Cavalry Horse Club

The Hampshire County 4-H Cavalry Horse Club has been busy this holiday season! Part of their community service was collecting items to make stockings for senior citizens at a local Senior Center. Every month the club tries to complete one activity that gives back to people that are in need or going through some type of hardship. In November, the club made and donated a large laundry basket full of goodies and food to a local family that has one parent in the hospital due to a terrible car accident. All of the members agree that it is very important to give back to those who are less fortunate. Newly elected officers are President Rachel Maxton, Vice President Kim Faria, Secretary Roxanne Peloquin, Treasurer Reeghan Morawiec, and Public Relations Manager Michelle Peloquin.

Welcome, Pelham 4-H Club

On Monday November 23rd, the 4 H club of Pelham held its first meeting. The club is focused on robotics as well as community service. Zoey Candito is Club president, Toby York is the vice president, Finn Jansen is the treasurer, River Wolaver is our secretary, Jack Reeves is the holiday party committee representative and Caetlin Lawler is the Club reporter. Our second meeting was December 14, 2015 and following the meeting we held our first annual holiday party. Jack, our holiday party committee representative planned a great

party and we're all very excited. Merry Christmas and a happy new year from the Pelham Perfect Programmers!

Montague Stitchers 4-H Club

This industrious group of young 4-H’ers is in need of 1-2 sewing machines. Please contact leader Kathyrn Aubry-McAvoy at kaubrymcavoy@aol.com or the 4-H office at 413-545-0611.

UMass Extension 12 Western Region 4-H Newsletter – Winter 2016

Regional 4-H Horse Committee

The Regional Horse Committee has some exciting news to share! We have a brand new team that consists of leaders Jenna Sample and Lydia Lajoie.

We also have a brand new crew managing the Regional 4-H Horse Show to be held at the Three County Fairgrounds July 7th - 10th, 2016. Kelli Wainscott has been named Show Manager and Krissy Przybyla is Co-Manager. There are many changes in the works, one of them being that the show is now open to ALL 4-HERS! Spread the word and get your friends from out of state to come show. There will also be an alumni division in which alum can come compete on a 4-Hers horse or their own horse. There is an event on facebook you can join to follow the updates of the show. Kelli and Krissy are very excited to be heading this project and they know you will be happy with how the show is evolving. Please contact Kelli with any questions - kellimarie43@yahoo.com

Congratulations, Ashley and Toni

A BIG shout-out to Ashley and Toni Bea Joy, who were the winners of the Nubian Milk-out at the Big E. Due to a mix-up, they were not recognized at the Big E Award ceremony. Congratulations!