November Letter to 4-H Families

Dear 4-H Families,

November is here, with shorter days and cooler nights. Looking ahead to the holiday season, we hope that everyone will find time for things important and close to your heart. Whether that is spending time with loved ones, pets, or even a special place, it is important to make time for these valuable moments.

From a logistics standpoint, the Kent County Extension Office/Kent 4-H Office building is still closed and will be closed through the remainder of 2020. It is thought that the building will re-open with a hybrid staffing plan after the first of the year. The 4-H staff will continue to be reachable through phone (302)730-4000 and email. We were very excited to share that face to face local club programming received permission to restart under strict guidelines. Those guidelines have been shared with leaders, and a copy can be found in this month’s blog posts.

A big congratulations to all the 4-H members who were recognized during the achievement banquet this year. If you haven’t had an opportunity to watch the event or view the program, please do so. There are so many awesome youths recognized for their efforts. Thank you to everyone who submitted videos for the banquet and joined the celebration of achievement.

Thank You! To Midstate and Heritage 4-H Clubs for Participating in World Hunger Day. Heritage submitted the most for Kent County, with 90 items. Together over 150 items were donated. A “shoutout” to those who participated in the Yard Sign Contest. The signs were made, and if a sign shows up in your yard, leave it there for a short time, and move it on to someone else’s yard! Great Pumpkin Day has concluded, and the results have been shared. There were some really cool pumpkins entered and great costumes! Holiday Fun Day will be the same format; Gingerbread Houses and Wreaths/Swags will be entered by uploading a photo. We will NOT be holding the Holiday Cookie Contest; however, we WILL still hold a drive for those in need. Personal hygiene items (travel size) and individually wrapped snacks are great ideas. Code Purple recently posted a need for small individual packs of tuna to go in their care packs. Items can be dropped off at the office at any time (around back); however, please contact Caroline at cadv@udel.edu so that we know they are there.

As we look ahead, the 4-H calendar looks a little different than it typically does. We will be organizing a public speaking contest, in some fashion, so start thinking about a speech topic for this year. More information will be forthcoming. The Holiday Fun Day and Trim-A-Tree event will be held as well. There will be some 4-H trees displayed at the Delaware Agriculture Museum, so be sure to visit the museum and vote for your favorite tree.

There are many great ways to be active in 4-H this month, far too many to mention in this letter! Please read through the various posts in the November news release, find something new or different, and give it a try. Listen to Sgt. Chillas talk about her career as a DNREC K-9 Officer, sign up for the Cooking Sessions, or attend dairy judging practice from the comforts of your home! We hope to see you somewhere during the month!

Your friend in 4-H,

Kristin Cook, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

Important Information, Meeting Dates, and Deadlines Listed Below (click on the link for detailed information)

Poultry Project Group – Registration Required

4-H Online opens Thursday, October 1 for Enrollment

4-H Exchange Group Looking for a New Members and Advisor

Scholarship Opportunities

Yard Sign Challenge Winners

Delaware 4-H State Clothing & Textile Showcase Results

Diamond Clover Intents Due December 1, 2020

State Judging Contest Results

Kent County Judging Contest Results