Montgomery County 4-H
News & Notes
OCTOBER 2015
A PDF Version of this newsletter is available on the Montgomery County 4-H Website
Montgomery County 4-H
18410 Muncaster Rd
Derwood, MD 20855
(301) 590-9638
extension.umd.edu/montgom
ery-county/4-h-youth
Alganesh Piechocinski, CFLE
Senior Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
(301) 590-2804
algapie@umd.edu
David Gordon
Extension Educator
4-H and Agriculture
(301) 590-2813
dgordon3@umd.edu
Jeannine Shriver
Administrative Assistant
(301) 590-3210
jshriver@umd.edu
Mike Laudwein
4-H Program Assistant
(301) 590-2824
mlaudwei@umd.edu
4-H CALENDAR
OCTOBER
22 - deadline to register for 4H’s Got Talent!
NOVEMBER
1 - Horsemen’s Party
2 - 1st talent show audition
4 - 2nd talent show audition
7 - 4-H’s Got Talent!
7 - 4-H STEM Fair
20-22 - State Volunteer
Forum, Ocean City
JANUARY
Due on 5th - Volunteer
Service Award form, 4-H
resumes, record/project
books, Diamond Clover
Reports, achievement awards
form (leaders only)
4-H’s GOT TALENT!
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Have you ever wanted to share your talent with your community? This is your big
chance! The Central Maryland 4-H Cluster (Montgomery, Howard, and Frederick
Counties) has decided to begin a new tradition—4-H’s Got Talent! We invite our 4H’ers to show their talents and we invite the community to come and watch—there
will be refreshments at intermission!
Show Location – to be determined (we will send out an email)
Date/Time – Saturday, 11/7/15 from 7 – 9 pm
Ticket Price – $2 for youth, $5 for adults (there is no cost to perform)
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SHOW
Go here for rules, regulations, and judging criteria:
https://extension.umd.edu/montgomery-county/4-hs-got-talent
Our talent show is open to all Central Cluster 4-H members who are 4-H age 8 to 18. To
participate in the show, you must first try out at one of our audition nights:
- Monday, 11/2/15 from 7 – 9 pm at the Howard County Extension/4-H Office
- Wednesday, 11/4/15 from 7 – 9 pm at the Montgomery County Extension/4-H Office
It doesn’t matter which county you’re from—you can go to either audition night. Each
audition night is limited to the first 18 people, based on a first come, first served basis,
and we will do our best to accommodate your requested audition time slot.
Judges will decide on the twelve best acts and performers will be contacted and invited
to display their skills at the talent show on Saturday. Performers will also be expected
to attend a rehearsal prior to the show.
Categories you may participate in:
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

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Vocal Music
Instrumental Music
Dance
Miscellaneous—poetry, comedy, magic, drama, etc.
Prizes—we will be giving out prizes for 1st runner up and champion.
There will also be a People’s Choice Award, where the audience chooses their favorite
performance by placing money in a jar for their chosen act. The person with the largest
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JANUARY
23 - public speaking workshop
30 - visual presentation
workshop
15 - out of state trip
applications due
MARCH
12 - communication contest
APRIL
9 - healthy lifestyles
workshop
MAY
21 - healthy lifestyles contest
21 - visual communications
contest
amount of money wins and the proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards
organizing the next year’s talent show. So don’t forget to bring some cash when you
come to watch the show!
REGISTER ONLINE by Wed, 10/22/15—only register for one
location. https://extension.umd.edu/montgomery-county/4-h-youth/montgomerycounty-4-h-calendar
Remember that you can go to either audition, regardless of your county (there is no
location in Frederick this year).
SEE YOU THERE!
4-H STEM FAIR
Build a robot and watch it battle it out against other robots on a playing field! Make
foam gliders! Drive a robot test track with an instructor and earn your robotics driver's
JUNE
license! Coma see the STEM programs 4-H has to offer at the 4-H STEM Fair on
11 - fashion revue
Saturday, November 7th from 3PM to 4PM at the Montgomery County 4-H Office. A
$2 entry fee will be collected for each child. This event is sponsored by the 4-H Hard-Hitting Hardware Hooligans FTC
team and the 4-H Flying Tigers Aerospace Club and is a part of the MD STEM Festival
http://marylandstemfestival.org/. For more information, contact Roshni Babb at roshnibabb@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT THINGS DUE TEUS JAN 5, 2016
Please have the following items to the County Office on or before Tues, January 5, 2016:
 President’s Volunteer Service Award hours form
o Learn about the program here: https://extension.umd.edu/montgomery-county/presidents-volunteer-serviceaward
o Download the form here:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/volunteer%20service%20award%20record%202014.doc
 Resumes—see instructions here (pdf): http://extension.umd.edu/sites/default/files/_docs/programs/4H/awards/The4-HResume.pdf
 Record/project books—see instructions here: https://extension.umd.edu/montgomery-county/4-h-record-books
 Completed Diamond Clover Reports
 FOR LEADERS: achievement awards nomination form—download here: https://extension.umd.edu/montgomerycounty/4-h-youth/club-leader-area
REGISTER FOR THE STATE VOLUNTEER FORUM IN OCEAN CITY
Come join us for 2015 Maryland 4-H Volunteer and Teen Forum, November 20-22, in Ocean City, MD. It is a wonderful
time to visit the resort area, where the pace is slower, there is less traffic and parking problems are almost non-existent.
Workshops offer a wide variety of topics for teens and adult volunteers to share knowledge and skills. This year we are
excited to offer two internationally recognized TeamPlay and Leadership Trainers!
There are six class tracks offered: AGsploration, Camping, Partnerships, Focusing on Youth, Re-energizing Volunteers and
Training on 4-H Fundamentals. Dr. Jim Cain and Clare-Marie Hannon will also be sharing through games and hands-on
fun - teamwork / leadership development / creative problem solving / trust building. Dr. Cain’s train-the-trainer
programs are legendary and his conference keynotes/playnotes are active, engaging and tremendously fun.
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The Carousel Resort Hotel is our destination for the weekend. This Ocean City landmark offers an indoor ice rink,
swimming pool, and family friendly accommodations. The Forum has reserved a block of rooms for early bird registrants
at an excellent rate of just $69/room per night (plus taxes). Most rooms have two double beds and feature a microwave
and mini-refrigerator. Call the Carousel directly at 1-800-641-0011 to reserve your room by October 17, 2015 and be
sure to mention the MD 4-H Volunteer Association for the special rate. Ocean front rooms and condos are also
available for a slightly higher rate. A family weekend in OC doesn’t get any more affordable!
Register by October 14th to receive the “early bird” conference rate of $85.00. The registration fee is $125.00 for
registrations postmarked after October 17th.
GO HERE TO REGISTER: http://form.jotform.us/form/51455191615151
GO HERE FOR THE SCHEDULE: https://extension.umd.edu/4-h/volunteer-forum-schedule
GO HERE FOR MORE DETAILS: http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/volunteers/volunteer-forum-nov-20-22
OUT-OF-STATE TRIPS
You can apply for various exciting out-of-state trips through the state 4-H Office. There is an out-of-state trip application
form, due by January 15, 2016, for the following trips—National Congress, West Virginia Congress, Virginia Congress,
and Camp Miniwanka.
In order to apply, you must complete the correct trip application, create a portfolio/resume, and write an essay. You
then need to upload these three things to the Out-of-State Trips Portal on the state 4-H website:
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=BG7TlZOPBqqAsA9phUZhCQ#.
Visit the state 4-H website for the forms you need to apply: http://extension.umd.edu/4-h/youth-families/awardsrecognition.
JUNIOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Junior Board of Directors (JBOD) for the Montgomery County Fair has opened applications for new members. The
purpose of this group of highly motivated young adults is to learn about Fair operations and management, while
developing leadership skills and teamwork. A member must be 16 years of age but not older than 22 years of age at the
time of selection. A member may serve until age 23 as of January 1. The Nomination Form can be found on our home page
at mcagfair.com. Please call 301-926-3100 extension 205 if you have questions.
MONTGOMERY 4-H HOLDS NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE DAY EVENT
by Cathy Dobos
Photograph by dazhao@gmail.com
The commotion was joyful at the 2015 National 4-H Science
Experiment held on October 4 at the Montgomery County
fairgrounds. The experiment, designed by Oregon Cooperative
Extension and produced by National 4-H Council, was entitled
"Motion Commotion." Each year the experiment takes place
across the country as part of National 4-H Week.
Forty-seven county youth attended the event and found
themselves testing the laws of motion as they sent race cars
down a 24-inch ramp into two different obstacles. The cars, and
the clay figures they placed in cars, reacted differently in the
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ensuing collisions, with the figure catapulting further out of the car after hitting a brick vs. hitting a lightweight plastic
container. These observations were borne out by scientific measurements and a discussion about the physics that were
involved. Conclusion: a longer and slower stopping time would provide for less injury in a car crash than an abrupt stop.
Part Two of the activity tested reaction times, both with and without a distraction. 4-Hers had to catch a ruler as it fell,
without warning, through their fingers. Then they had to try and catch it while typing into a cell phone. It was very clear
how much worse everyone did with the distraction! This of course led to a lesson on the real-life—and alarming—
practice of texting while driving. The experiment pointed out the dangers of not having enough time to stop when
something unexpected happens on the road---or even on a bike or skateboard.
Members of the Lucky Clovers presentation team enhanced the experiment with a scripted slideshow and hands-on
assistance at the tables. After rehearsing their parts for a month, each one had extensive knowledge about the aims of
the experiment and the physics behind it. The program ended with a guest speaker, Tiffany Aurora, from the National
Organizations for Youth Safety who spoke to the 4-Hers about making "intentional safety decisions" while on the go, in
sports, and around the home. Refreshments were provided by Lucky Clovers families. The experiment event was
registered on the National 4-H website map, and was sponsored by the Montgomery 4-H Office.
TWO-STAGE ROCKETS RAISE THE ENGINEERING BAR AT STATE 4-H AEROSPACE CHALLENGE
Two-Stage Rockets Raise the Engineering Bar at State 4-H Aerospace Challenge
Thirty-four 4-Hers from eight counties attended the State 4-H Aerospace Challenge on Sunday, July 19 from 2-8 pm at
the Howard County Fairgrounds. Whether an experienced rocket modeler or newcomer to the project area, youth had
the opportunity to expand their study of aerospace, be tested on their knowledge, and make engineering decisions
while building and launching a rocket—all while having a great time! The event and preceding workshop was organized
and presented by the 4-H aerospace education team of Joe Schepis, Cathy and Andrew Dobos, and Rich Lempicki from
Montgomery County and Andy Driesman from Howard County. The Workshop and Challenge were sponsored by the
Montgomery and State 4-H Offices, and attended by Dwayne Murphy, Faculty Extension Assistant from Baltimore
County, as well as numerous adult volunteers.
In order to prepare the 4-Hers, an Aerospace Workshop took place the week
before on July 12, with thirty 4-Hers attending from nine counties. This workshop
included slide show presentations on aerospace physics, flight, and aviation
electronics. A separate session for the Juniors covered rocketry basics as well as
paper-airplane construction. Following that was model rocket parts-identification;
craftsmanship and finishing techniques; gluing procedure; and three ageappropriate rocket kit-building sessions. The Juniors built a Quest Astra with
through-the-wall fins; the Intermediates built the sustainer portion of a Quest
Zenith II; and the Seniors a Quest Magnum Sport Loader, featuring a two-motor
cluster configuration. Soon the rocketeers were launching their creations in the
outer parking lot field to cheers and high-fives.
Two senior teams place their rockets on the
launch-pad rods. The Montgomery team of
Trevor Babb and Richie Lempicki, left,
received the Reserve Champion ribbon.
All participants were sent a link to study materials early in July in order to prepare
for the rigorous testing at the Challenge. At the Challenge the 4-Hers
immediately began building their rockets—whose launch quality would be scored
this time. The theme for this year's Challenge was “two-stage rockets,” and each
age group had the opportunity to build and launch a two-stager. Seniors received
bonus points for the height achievement of their team's rocket as determined by
an altimeter. Intermediates completed their Zenith II rockets by assembling the
booster and adding a payload bay. Their rockets, flown as single-stage the week
before, would now launch as two-stage and carry an electronic payload. The
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Juniors built a Centauri and added a pre-built Boostar-C so they could experience the launch of a two-stage rocket too.
After the rockets were built, 4-Hers took aerospace examinations, and parts-identification tests. Then they proceeded
out to the launch area while adult volunteers scored exams and took their places on the range with score sheets.
Despite temperatures in the mid-nineties, the rocketeers were excited to witness their models' flights. Andrew Dobos
opened the launch with a scratch-built clone of the popular, though out-of-production, Estes “Fat Boy.” The 5-inch
diameter upscale flew to several hundred feet boosting on a cluster of three E16 Estes motors. Then the Juniors
launched, with every rocket shedding its booster after propelling its second stage even higher. The Intermediates and
Seniors loaded barometric altimeters into their payload bays in order to assess the height of their flights. Scoring
volunteers had to listen to the reporting beeps of the altimeter in order to award appropriate points to the 4-Hers.
The competition was extremely close with ties for Champion and Reserve in the Juniors, and Reserve in the
Intermediates. After the ribbons and score-sheet packets had been distributed, the two seniors with the highest
individual scores were announced. One was Richie Lempicki from the Flying Tigers Aerospace Club! He will be heading to
the National Engineering Challenge at Purdue University in September as a member of the Maryland Engineering
delegation, and his dad, Rich, will be the aerospace coach.
Other Montgomery participants were Andy Diep, Eric, Ryan, Lauren, and Heather Guernsey, Jason Harris, and Trevor
Babb. Trevor and Richie took the Reserve Champion ribbon for the Senior teams' competition. Congratulations to all of
our 4-Hers who studiously applied their knowledge and skills for high-flying day!
MARYLAND HORSEMEN’S PARTY
The 29th annual Horsemen’s Party will be held on November 1 from 3 – 6:30 pm in the Vista Room at the State
Fairgrounds in Timonium. We invite you to join us for an afternoon to celebrate the successes of the Maryland 4-H
Horse Program and to raise money for the Sallie Robertson Memorial Fund. There will be a dinner, an awards ceremony,
a live auction, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.
Buy tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-maryland-4-h-horsemens-party-tickets-17498613825?aff=es2
DIAMOND CLOVER PROJECT COMBINES HEALTHY LIVING & MEDIA
by Cathy Dobos
One of our Montgomery County 4-H teens, Leah McLean, completed work on her Diamond Clover service project
recently. Her project was to teach the Media-Smart Youth curriculum to middle-school youth. The ten lessons, which
were developed by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
teach youth about the complex media world and how it can influence their health. The curriculum ends with a "Big
Production" in which the youth create their own media experience. Leah's class decided to make an advertisement
about healthy living, and received permission from a local magazine to run their ad. They scheduled a photo shoot and
incorporated the help of two older 4-Hers to be photographer (Rina Huang) and videographer (Ellie Vandegriff). The
result was a bright, lively ad, designed by project advisor, Cathy Dobos, with a timely message, that appeared in the
September issue of Washingtonian magazine—see the ad on the next page. A large blow-up of the ad hung in the 4-H
Building at the Montgomery County Fair, and NICHD has posted it on their Facebook page.
For a behind-the-scenes look at how the advertisement was created, click on this link. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/eihVPfJa2uU
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KIDS’ CORNER
HEALTHY LIVING AD
Articles by our 4-H’ers
DAMASCUS COMMUNITY CLUB NEWS
From August 14th to 22nd, some Damascus Community
Club 4-Hers could be found roaming the fairgrounds
with a camera in their hands, and an ID tag around their
necks with the words "Junior Photographer" on it. Rex
Reed, the main fair photographer, asked for their help at
the fair to cover some events. After all, Rex is only one
person, so he couldn't be at every single event. These 4Hers got amazing pictures of everything from kids
playing in Kidzone to the fair royalty coronation.
Damascus Community 4-H club was always "Celebrating
and Educating" at the Montgomery County Agricultural
fair this year. Each member was celebrating winning
awards, eating ice cream, and going on rides. Our club
received the champion community float award, and the
grand champion booth award. Both had committees
that worked very hard throughout the summer making
sure every single detail was absolutely perfect, while still
enjoying the time spent with friends while putting it
together. A lot of the members were also educating the
public by answering questions about agriculture, the
fair, and 4-H throughout the week. Some even did
demonstrations and illustrated talks in the 4-H building.
The 67th Montgomery County Agricultural Fair was a
very exciting (though sometimes tiring) week, and many
of us were sad when the week finally ended on the 22nd
of August.
The Damascus Community fair was a very exciting
weekend for the Damascus Community 4-H club.
Thursday night was entry night. Many club members
helped run entries to their departments after they were
done entering their own entries. Friday evening was the
highlight of the weekend for many of us; the ice cream
making contest. Our club made peach ice cream while
looking simply fabulous in crazy hats, sunglasses and 4H
shirts. Saturday was a very gloomy and rainy day. On
Sunday, many of our club members participated in the
fashion show. We can't wait for the 71st annual
Damascus Community fair next year!
If you need special accommodation for a 4-H program, event, or activity, please call 301 590 2824 or email
mlaudwei@umd.edu.
The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate
against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national
origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
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