Thursday, December 15, 2011

Help Kids Fight the Winter Blues!


The winters can be long when you have small children. Sometimes surviving those long winter days just requires a little creativity to make them feel shorter.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to keep our children entertained:

1.Have an indoor picnic with your children. Spread out a blanket and pack a basket of your favorite picnic foods. Take this time to chat about what you miss most about the summer.
2. Have a family night playing board games. Offer a grab bag of prizes (purchased from your local dollar store) or let the winner give up their chores for the day.
3. Indulge your children in fun winter craft ideas. Make sure you are stocked on plenty of craft supplies so you don’t have to make a trip out in the cold weather. Do these crafts with your children because they are the types of activities your children will remember for years to come.
4. Share a day of cooking with your children. Cooking with your kids teaches them valuable skills and also gives them precious time with you. Have smaller children help you measure, stir dry ingredients and count out ingredients with you. Allow older children to do things themselves under your supervision.
5. Find out what your local library has to offer. Many offer amazing classes and story hours for children during the winter months. You can also take them to pick out their own books, movies and music to be enjoyed together or alone.
6. Play in the snow with your kids. Help them build snow angels, go sledding, build a snow fort or create a snowman. After a hard morning of playing in the snow, come inside and have a nice cup of hot chocolate complete with marshmallows and whipped cream.
7. Plan a beach day in the middle of winter. What could be more fun than a little beach music, drinks with little umbrellas, a big beach ball and beach chairs?
8. Make your own snow. All you need is soap flakes, water, liquid starch and white powdered tempra. Mix soap flakes with water into a thick paste. Let your child mix this with a hand beater. Add a small amount of liquid starch and tempra. Let your child create designs by painting with this mixture.
9. Exercising is one thing often neglected by members of the family when cold weather comes around. Pop in an exercise video or some music and exercise with your children. Older children can be encouraged to use exercise equipment or join you in your exercise routine. For those who are more creative, let loose and just dance.

2012 4-H Summer Camp!

This coming year Surry County 4-H is going to the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, N.C. Mark your calendars today – camp will be the week of June 24 - 29.  To learn more about the Eastern 4-H Center check out their website at http://www.eastern4hcenter.org/. 
Camp is open for youth between the ages of 8 &14. Reserve your spot today with a $75 deposit and a completed 2011 4-H enrollment form. Camp costs = $390.00; included in this price is transportation, lodging, meals, all activities, camp store card, and camp T-shirt. Partial scholarships are available, contact the 4-H office for an application.

All scholarship applications and deposits are due to the 4-H office by January 27, 2012.
For more information contact the 4-H office at 401-8025.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Open Your Heart Christmas Campaign!

The Foothills Food Pantry is beginning to organize their Open Your Heart Christmas Campaign. It is their goal to provide everything necessary to prepare a delicious Christmas meal for approximately 400 families again this year. They hope individuals, families, and the community will choose to participate in this year’s endeavor.
Enrollment for assistance will begin on November 1, and will continue throughout the month. Applications will be taken on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. For individuals who work during the day, the food pantry will take applications on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Listed below are non‐perishable food items that will be delivered with each meal.
Sugar          Flour                Salt                      Cranberry Sauce
Yams          Cooking oil        Hard candy            Frosting
Stuffing       Coffee              Tea                      Cake mix

The Extension office in Dobson will be a participating drop off site for this wonderful opportunity. In order to prepare for distribution, all donations need to be received by Thursday, December 1. For more information, call the Foothills Food Pantry at 386-8405.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Gingerbread Workshops!

Thursday, December 1 - Dobson Community Library
Workshop: 3:30-4:30pm

Friday, December 2 - Charles H. Stone Memorial Library, Pilot Mtn.
Workshop 1: 1:00 – 2:30pm
Workshop 2: 5:30-7:00pm

Open to all ages!!

Fee: Bring your favorite candies to share and one box of graham crackers!

Come and create a unique gingerbread house while getting in the holiday spirit! Participants will use graham crackers, colored icing, wafers, cereals, and other yummy candies to build a gingerbread house to take home. Families are encouraged to come and work together to create a delicious delight to be shared during the holidays. There is no charge to this tasty workshop, but pre-registration is required – call the Dobson Community Library at 386-8208 or Charles H. Stone Memorial Library at 368-2370 to reserve your spot today!

Gingerbread Contest!

As part of the Gingerbread Workshops being offered we are holding a Gingerbread Contest!! For more information on this contest and how to enter click on the Gingerbread Contest Entry Form, found under "Upcoming Event & Activity Forms." This contest is open to all youth between 5 &18 and not excluded to Gingerbread Workshop participants. All are encouraged to enter their favorite creation!

We encourage families to come out and view the exhibit and enjoy some holiday crafts with Surry County 4-H.
Participants will be recognized at the Green Clover 4-H Club meeting, held at Charles H. Stone Memorial Library, on Friday, December 16, from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.  Participants may pick up their creations following the December 16 meeting.  All entries must be picked up no later than December 21.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Pilot Mountain Christmas Parade!

Saturday, December 3

Come and join us on the Surry County 4-H float in the Pilot Mountain Christmas Parade! All are invited to come out for a cool night of fun and fellowship. Each family is asked to bring their own blankets and candy and meet in the East Surry High School parking lot by 5:30 p.m. To help determine our float size, we ask that all that are interested call 401-8025 and register by Monday, November 28.

Reminder: 4-H Volunteer Leader Christmas Outing!

4-H Leader Christmas outing is scheduled for Monday, December 5; special instructions will be provided closer to the date. Call 401-8025 to sign up today!

Monday, September 19, 2011

National 4-H Week! - October 2-8, 2011


National 4-H Week!
Join in as we celebrate 4-H during the October 2-8th! With several activities and programs being offered this week will prove to be great in showcasing what 4-H is all about and how it can make a difference in a life of a child. Here are some of the activities that will be offered.

Saturday, October 1
Big Sweep Cleanup!
9-11am
Pilot Mtn. State Park - Yadkin Islands River Section, Pinnacle
Kick off this exciting week by joining us in participating in this year’s Big Sweep! Community service is part of what we do in 4-H and here is an opportunity for you, your club and even your family to give back to your community. Join this statewide effort to help clean up our environment. Participants need to wear pants and closed toed shoes. We will be meeting at the Yadkin Islands River Section of Pilot Mtn. State Park to help clean up the Yadkin River Trail and the Ben Shoals Canal Trail.  Participants MUST register with the 4-H office by calling 401-8025.

Gloves and refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, October 1
4-H Pet Show
Fisher River Park, Dobson
Check In/Registration: 1:00 p.m.
Judging Begins: 1:30 p.m.
Awards to follow completion of judging.

Fee: Donation of item to local Animal Shelter.
Suggested items:  old blankets, canned dog or cat food, toys, leashes, newspapers, and treats.

Come one, come all furry friends to the second county 4-H Pet Show! This show is open to all youth in the county between the ages of 5 & 18. Pet categories include: fish & reptiles, birds, rodents & cavies, rabbits, cats, dogs, and unique pets.

All participants will be asked to share some information about themselves and their pet which includes the following: your name & age; your pet’s name; where you got your pet and how long you have had it; and what kind of care is required (food, housing, health, etc.).
  
PLEASE NOTE:  ALL PETS MUST BE IN CAGES OR ON A LEASH. ALL DOGS, CATS, FERRETS, EQUINE, AND ELIGIBLE PETS MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF A CURRENT RABIES VACCINATION.

For more detailed information and how to register contact the 4-H office at 401-8025 or click here to download an entry form.


Hungry to Help - Food Drive
During National 4-H Week – October 2-8, Surry County 4-H will be collecting food to help combat hunger. Food donations can be dropped off at any of the public libraries in Pilot Mtn., Mt. Airy, Elkin, and Dobson and the N.C. Cooperative Extension office in Dobson. Any and all non-perishable food items will be accepted. We hope you will help us “Take a Bite out of Hunger!”

Thursday, April 28, 2011

4-H Summer Explosion!

4-H Summer Explosion!

May 17, 2011

5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Extension Center, Dobson

Upstairs Auditorium



Registration for Summer Explosion classes will be held at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension office in Dobson. Registration will be held from 5:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, May 17 and will continue after that date until classes are full, or until one week before a program starts. All summer participants must have a 4-H enrollment form completed and notarized upon registering. For a complete enrollment form, please click here. If you would like to volunteer to help with any Summer Explosion classes, or for more information please call 336-401-8025. All volunteers must complete the following volunteer form prior to class. For a volunteer form, please click here. For a detailed brochure, please click here.



Parent Check List:

Summer Registration Form (Found in Summer brochure)

Completed enrollment form. (A notary will be present at registration.)

Payment options: cash or check. (If paying with a check, please make it payable to C.E.S. Fund)


Please call the 4-H office if you have any questions.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

4-H County Activity Day

Mark your calendars Saturday, May 14 where we will hold the county level 4-H presentation review, expressive arts, and talent showcase.


8:30-10:30am - 4-H Presentations

10:30-10:45am - Break and Refreshments

10:45-11:45am - 4-H Talent Show

11:45-12:00pm - Break & Results Compilation

12:00-12:30pm - Awards & Recognition

For details about each of the special activities see posts below.

4-H Presentations

All presentations will be judged and those selected will advance to District Activity Day on June 22. Please be prepared to give your name, age, club, and presentation title or category, bring all materials and be dressed appropriately. The review will be open to youth ages 5 to 18. For more information check out the March/April issue of Clover Clips or click on Presentation Entry form under "Upcoming Events and Activities" for more information.

4-H Expressive Arts Contest


Here is an opportunity for youth 5 to 18 to show off their artistic side and enter the Expressive Arts Showcase. Participants are encouraged to submit an entry into their favorite category. Check out the March/April issue of Clover Clips or click on Expressive Arts Entry Form under "Upcoming Events and Activities" to learn more!

4-H Talent Show

All youth are invited to come and showcase their talent. The talent show is open to all youth in the county between the ages of 5 & 18.

Check out the March/April issue of Clover Clips for more information or click on Talent Show Form under "Upcoming Events and Activities."

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

4-H Fun Time Fridays!


January 28 - Buzz on Bees
February 11 - What's Cooking?
February 18 - Crafty Creations

Join in as we learn about nature, animals, and more during our Fun Time Fridays programs being held at the Charles H. Stone Memorial Library in Pilot Mountain.

For more information and class descriptions, click here!

4-H Area Food Show

The time has come again for the 4‐H members of Surry, Yadkin, Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties to dazzle us with their culinary skills! The Area Food Show will be held on February 19 at East Wilkes Middle School. The theme for this event is “4‐H Hungry to Help: The Kitchen Is Open!” The school is about 30 minutes from Dobson and easy to find! Come present your dish in a unique way for a chance to win a prize! Setup will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 9:45 a.m. Judging will begin at 9:45 a.m. and should end by 12:00 p.m. While judges taste these tasty treats, participants can enjoy different hands‐on activities.

Click here for an entry form.
** All forms must be completed and turned in by Friday, February 18.**

4-H Achievement Night!


Everyone is invited!

Tuesday, February 22
First United Methodist Church
Pilot Mountain, N.C.
6:00 p.m.

Fee: 2 non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry.

Registration is required! Call 401-8025 to register by February 14!

Everyone is invited to come out and see what 4‐H is all about! Have you or your child attended a summer class, attended a 4‐H special event, or even been a 4‐H’er yourself and would like to now more about this great program and how it has changed? This is a night to come and join in as we have some fun while learning about 4‐H and all its many opportunities!

During the first art of the night we will be recognizing those 4‐H’ers that submitted project record books and 4‐H clubs for their community involvement. We will also be electing our 2011/2012 County Council officers. County Council is an opportunity for youth ages 10‐19 to participate and plan special activities for 4‐H Clubs and the community. Officers will also learn more about parliamentary procedure and leadership. Anyone who is interested or would like more information about the positions available can call the 4‐H office by Monday, February 14.

The second portion of the evening will consist of crafts, games, and food! Activities will be entered on opportunities available in 4‐H as well as provide a great evening of educational entertainment for the whole family. All are invited! You do NOT have to be a current 4‐H ember to participate. We encourage all youth and their families to come, celebrate, and learn more about the 4‐H youth program here in Surry County. A meal will be provided, so registration is required. When registering, please include any family, friends and/or visitors that may attend. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The admission for the evening is free, but please bring two nonperishable food items per person. All donations collected will be distributed to local families as part of our “Hungry to Help” campaign.

4-H Plant Sale!


The annual 4‐H Plant Sale is under way! Orders will continue to be taken through Thursday, February 24. If you would like to receive a brochure, call 401‐8025 and request that one be mailed to you.

Types of plants sold: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, ornamentals, and various herbs.

And new this year is apple and peach trees!

Plant pickup will be Thursday, March 3, between 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Extension center in Dobson.

To get a detailed brochure and more information, click here!