Greetings from Dee: 

Too often we live in the future or the past.  The most important time is the present.  Enjoy each day and the people around you.  It's a great feeling to help others, whether you volunteer with a group or help a neighbor with a small task.  Those of you who want to participate in First Night Cadillac and also lend a helping hand can call me and schedule yourself for two hours hosting a venue or greeting and selling tickets at the Welcome Centers. 

Please note all the opportunities to explore new horizons in this newsletter.  It would be great to have a 4-H member from Wexford County traveling to Washington D. C. or to Louisiana to help with disaster relief.  I am also looking for host families for Poland and Japan.  The summer of 2004 I will be traveling with the group going to Poland.  Those who host are usually the ones who travel. 

4-H Capitol Experience is a great learning experience for those interested in having their voices heard.  This three day trip is an excused absence from school.  If you are ninth grade or above, please apply. 

Interesting fact:  Wexford is an Irish name.  We have had people from Ireland reading our 4-H newsletter! 

Enjoy the holidays.  One of my best was when I broke my elbow and could not do some of the things I usually thought had to be done!  I had more time for sharing with and loving my family! 

Community Service Corner

Leaders Kim Huffman and Beverly Sutton reported that the Manton Farm League and Manton Kountry Bunnies had several members participate in recycling pop cans.  By collecting these cans, not only did these youth clean up the area, they were able to raise funds for future projects! 
 
Participants included: Ferrin Bridson, Elisha Christie, Angela Sutton, Adrienne Huffman, Caitlyn Huffman, Danielle Holman, Kim Devour, Ashley Leja, and Kim Mowbray. 

Bullying is HOT Topic    (by Barb Duvall, Leelanau County 4-H Director) 

In their new book, "And Words Can Hurt Forever," James Garbino and Ellen deLara warn that bullying, harassment and emotional violence may have serious, long-term negative impacts on young people. Kids who are chronically tased and bullied may begin to not like school, get depressed, skip school, become suicidal - or even turn violent and vengeful toward others. 

A new study by the Families and Work Institute shows that young people see a connection between youth violence and a rejection of diversity and an emphasis on sameness or the "one right way to be in."  Learn about the full report at: http://www.familiesandwork.org/press/youthandviolencerelease.html 

A recent day-long workshop conducted by 4-H specialists from MSU Extension helped participants understand bullying behaviors. The workshop, "Building Circles of Support: Understanding, Confronting and Eliminating Bullying Behaviors," integrated current research on bullying, what bullying looks like across gender, race and age, characteristics of bullies, victims and onlookers, and the costs and effects of bullying.  Participants explored a variety of strategies for addressing these issues, including creating positive, caring relationships and building strong support systems for young people in schools and in the community. 

Research confirms that both boys and girls are bullies, but often in different ways. And all too often, adults dismiss bullying with statements like, "Boys will be boys..." or "She was just teasing."  Two insightful charts help differentiate bullying behavior from peer conflicts and teasing: 
 

More long-term solutions include teaching children conflict resolution skills and/or creating a peer mediation program. Recognizing positive acts of kindness and promoting friendships across lines of difference will help create a caring and moral atmosphere. 

To explore more about the topic of bullying, contact your Leelanau County MSU Extension Office at 256-9888 to receive the bibliography and handouts from the workshop.               Back to the Top

Local Club News 

The Manton Farm League and Manton Kountry Bunnies joined together in a great fund-raising project. Leaders Kim Huffman and Beverly Sutton reported that several youth participated by first advertising to the public that they were planning to collect pop cans on October 24, and then followed up by collecting these cans and turning them in for money to be used on future projects.  Great idea!  See Community Service Corner article for specifics! 

Upcoming Meetings

We will be electing new officers at our January meeting.  Please take time to contact the office if you are willing to serve a term of office. #779-9480. 
 

Community Service Idea for December/January

 

Mark of Excellence Award

Linda Cronk, Family & Consumer Science Educator, shares information regarding the "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent" program currently offered in this county.  

Becoming a Love & Logic Parent8

In the last newsletter, we shared information about Love and Logic classes offered in our community.  For those of you who are not familiar, the following article will give you a basic idea about how to help our kids feel loved and learn to take responsibility for themselves at the same time.  If you are interested in finding out about our local classes, you can find the schedule on the web at http://msue.msu.edu/wexford/4H or call the MSU Extension office at 779-9480 and ask for our current schedule. 
 

The Rules of Love and Logic 

Rule #1  
Adults set firm limits in loving ways without anger, lecture, or threats 

1. In a loving way, the adult holds the child accountable for solving his/her problems in a way that does not make a problem for others. 
2. Children are offered choices with limits. 
3. Adults use enforceable statements. 
4. Adults provide delayed/extended consequences. 
5. The adult's empathy is "locked in" before consequences. 
 
 

What is Parenting with Love and Logic?

4-H Night With the Pistons

For $21, you will receive a $22 ticket to the game, a food voucher for a hotdog and pop and a Piston's visor. 

Invite your friends to join you for this unique opportunity. You must order your tickets ahead of time so call right away!

4-H Capitol Experience

Take a behind-the-scenes look at how state government works and how laws are created; Tour Capitol facilities; Meet legislators, lobbyists, and more! 
 

A partial scholarship may be available.  Fill out this form for more information. 

MI 4-H Youth Conservation  Council (M4-HYCC)

The M4-HYCC studies, researches, and then makes recommendations to state and local level decision makers on long-term policies pertaining to conservation, protection, and sound management of Michigan's environment and natural resources. 
 

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)

2003 State 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show

Volunteers Needed for First Night Cadillac 2003 

Spring Break  "Hands to Larger Service" Trip

The dates will be March 30-April 4, 2003. High School students, including home schoolers are welcome! Let's fill the bus! 

Cost for the trip is $425, which covers transportation, lodging, meals at the disaster location and a relief team t-shirt.  Apply now for a partial scholarship!  Call the office to register. 

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Green & White Swine Youth Education Fair

Going to the Fair?

4-H Communications Day

The event will take place Saturday, February 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Participants must be at least 9 years of age by 12/31/03. The topic for the project can address any one of a variety of youth issues or any animal species. 

Registration deadline is January 17, at which time you must submit your work. Juding will take place on MSU's campus on February 15. Call for more info.

4-H Poland Exchange

Contact the office if you are interested in providing a "Host Family Home" for a youth between the ages of  14 and 19 years old for the time period of June 17 - July 17, 2003.  #231-779-9480. 
 
 

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4-H Talent Revue

If you are interested in participating, please submit a videotape for consideration by March 17, 2003.

Wexford County Recycling Center Hours

Wed: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Fri: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Sat: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

They will accept: Cardboard, Paper, #2 Plastic, Metal, Glass Boxboard, Office Paper, Colored Bottles, Aluminum, and Food & Beverage Containers. 

For more information, contact them directly at: 775-0155

Centered Riding Clinic for all Disciplines

This workshop will take place January 10, 11, & 12 at MSU Pavilion in East Lansing. 

For more information including time and cost contact Elizabeth Brown or go to their website. 
 

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 Animal Science Events Update                   New web addresses!

Kettunen Center Workshops

For more Kettunen Center Events, Go to: 

 Track 1, you'll perform some community service activities and develop leadership skills to carry out your projects.  Track 2, be a part of the peer helper program called “Helping Friends”.  Track 3, learn how to facilitate Peer Plus, Group Dynamite and YEA groups. Focus on activities that can help young people and adults develop trust, multi-cultural relations and character education. Track 4, open to only 4-H MYCC members, will explore a variety of careers, work to increase public speaking and presentation skills, and network with peers about environmental and conservation topics. Open to teens and adults aged 14 and up.