505 Railroad Avenue, Suite 4
Centreville, MD 21617
FEBRUARY
14
15
23
24
25
26
27
College Park
29
CLOVERPRESS--FEBRUARY, 2016
Valentine’s Day
OFFICE CLOSED, HOLIDAY
State 4H Horse Jamboree Planning Meeting
Dairy Judging Coaches Meeting, Howard Co.
Kingstown Beef Workshop
Club Public Speaking Results DUE
Horsemanship Standards Volunteer Meeting,
UME Volunteer Training, 4-H Park
MARCH
4
5
12
12-14
16
18-19
20
25
27
29
County Public Speaking Contest
State 4H Livestock Skillathon
State Horse Bowl Contest
State 4H Council Retreat
Leaders Meeting, 4H Park
Livestock Learning Weekend-4H Park
Achievement Program, 4H Park
OFFICE CLOSED, HOLIDAY
EASTER
State 4H Horse Leaders Meeting
APRIL
1
1-3
2
8-10
9
15
16
23
30
30
Regional Public Speaking
State Shooting Sports Instructor Training
4-H Park Clean Up Day
Tractor School Classes
Sporting Clays Tournament, Pintail Point
ESSS Entries Due
State Dairy Bowl Contest
State Horse Judging & Hippology Contests
MD Day @ College Park
State Public Speaking Contest
The County Commissioners honored Michael Lee, Shooting
Stars 4-H member, with a proclamation during their
commissioners meeting on January 26th. You can see the
session on Atlantic Broadband Cable TV. We are all very
proud of Michael’s achievement. Michael is still looking for
additional funding, as part of his project is to leave money
in an account for upkeep of the playground. If you have an
avenue for any funds, please let Sally know at the Extension
Office. We hope you all get to enjoy the new playground!
2016 STATE 4-H HORSE JAMBOREE
July 6 – 8, 2016 – 4H PARK
Queen Anne’s County is hosting the State 4-H Horse
Jamboree right here at our 4-H Park. It is a two and a half
day state wide event including educational workshops, fun
activities and our state 4-H Horse Communications Contest
where we select our state participants in the National
Contest in Louisville, KY in November.
This will be a partnership with the state 4H staff and our
local extension staff and volunteers. We are soliciting
volunteers – both youth and adult to help plan and
conduct the event. There will be a planning meeting on
Tuesday, Feb 23 7pm at the 4H Park. If you want to help
and cannot attend – please call (410-758-0166) or email
Chris Johnston cjohnstn@umd.edu. Some of our “more
experienced” volunteers helped when we hosted this
event several years ago. Hope to see you at the planning
meeting.
CONGRATS TO WINNERS IN 4-H CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST/ CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Christmas Parade in Centreville was held the first Friday of December…we had seven (7) clubs
participating in the parade and here are the results: CONGRATS TO MOST ORIGINAL –
Sudlersville Superstars 4-H Club and BEST OVERALL FLOAT GOES TO: Go Getters 4-H Club; Other
participants: Clover Seeds 4-H Club, Cloverleaf 4-H Club, Farm to Market 4-H Club, Pony Express
4-H Club and Wags & Whinnies 4-H Club.
Our first Christmas Tree Contest was a huge success! Out of our 14 county clubs, 9 clubs put up trees. The
Farm to Market club set up at QAC Hospice in Centreville, Cloverleaf club at QAC Dept. of Planning & Zoning
in Centreville, Pony Express in the window of the CNB downtown Centreville location, Growing Together
club at Two Country Chicks Restaurant in Price, Shooting Stars at the Kent Island Library, Clover Seeds at the
Dept. of Emergency Services in Centreville, Wags & Whinnies at the Water Wizard, Inc. business in
Stevensville, Sudlersville Superstars at State Haven Manor in Sudlersville, and the QAC Goat club in the
Centreville library. The trees were greatly appreciated and brought much joy to all who saw them. Everyone
is anxious to have them again. This year the prize money will be $50.00 for 1st places and $25.00 for all other
places. (Prize money may vary from year to year.) Checks will be forthcoming.
The results are as follows: 4-H Theme: 1st place tie, Farm to Market and Cloverleaf clubs; 2nd place, Pony
Express club and 3rd place, Growing Together club. Traditional Theme: 1st place, Shooting Stars club; 2nd
place, Clover Seeds and 3rd place, Wags and Whinnies club. Other Theme: 1st place, Sudlersville Superstars
club and 2nd place, QAC Goat club. Congratulations to everyone!!
RECORD BOOKS
Congratulations to the 183 4-Hers who turned in record books! That’s 15 more than last year.
Broken down, that’s 52 seniors, 49 intermediates, 52 juniors and 30 clovers. The judging process has begun
and will take quite some time before it is completed on all 183 books. Remember to come to the
Achievement Program to get your awards and your books back. Achievement will take place on Sunday
March 20th at the 4-H Park.
MARYLAND 4-H GALA
The MD. 4-H Gala was held on Jan. 17th at Laurel Park Raceway. There were over 600 people in attendance
and they were able to enjoy catered appetizers before the awards and a catered dinner after the awards.
Queen Anne’s County was well represented this year. We even had the Guest of Honor, Anne
Schnappinger, who was honored with the award for “Maryland 4-H Hall of Fame”. Miss Anne got to be
the first one through the dinner line!
Also awarded were Julia Jackson and Julia Smith and Jacob Elborn (Jacob was unable to attend) for
attaining Diamond Clover Level Five. Michael Lee was awarded his Diamond Clover Level Six Award and he
gave a short speech about it as did the other Level Six awardees. This gives the Level Five 4-Hers an idea of
what is expected for Level Six.
Queen Anne’s County also had recognition to Chris Johnston who was presented with the Dick Angus
Professional Development Award. The Marksmanship 4-H Club was acknowledged for and received $250.00
Mini Grant, and the Clover Seeds 4-H Club for a $1,000.00 grant to conduct youth activities every day at the
2016 QA County Fair. Let’s all keep up the good work in Queen Anne’s County!
4H ENROLLMENT
Our goal was to have 4-Hers reenrolled by Jan. 31st. At this point, we are nowhere near that! You
need to go online at: md.4honline.com or Maryland.4honline.com. You cannot access this through
county or state 4-H websites, you must go directly to the online site. Club leaders must also
reenroll, as well as volunteers.
As you go through the site, it will not ask you for payment as it did in the past. You will be considered
“pending” and you should receive an email telling you how to pay online with your credit card. If you have
any problems, contact Sue or Sally at the Extension office.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Our county public speaking contest will take place at Chesapeake College in the Higher
Learning Center on March 4th. That’s the building to the right of the driveway, near the
windmill. The contest will begin at 7:00pm, so arrive by 6:45 in order to get checked in and
learn where your contest rooms will be located. If you are competing in the
Extemporaneous contest, please arrive early so that you may begin your preparation (15
minutes for seniors, 30 minutes for the rest) and be able to start judging close to 7:00pm. (LEADERS PLEASE
TURN IN RESULTS ON FORM EMAILED TO YOU… TO 4-H OFFICE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 26TH)
Categories are: 1) prepared speeches, 2) radio spots, 3) extemporaneous, and 4) interpretations. Contest
Rules are included in this newsletter.
CLUB RE-CHARTERING
All clubs must turn in the information needed to re-charter your club. This has to be done every year. At the
leaders meeting you were given a paper that told you what was needed. I NEED THAT INFORMATION. If you
need help, ask Sally at the Extension office. The deadline was Jan. 31st. There are quite a few clubs that need
to get this information turned in. Thanks for your cooperation in this matter.
UME VOLUNTEER TRAINING
We have had several requests from parents and 4-H supporters that want to become UME volunteers. We
will hold a UME Volunteer training session on Monday, February 29th at 6:30 pm at the 4-H park. This training
is for new club leaders (required to serve in that role) as well as any adult (not required but encouraged) that
wants to become a UME volunteer. The benefit of being a UME volunteer is that you are covered by the
University of Maryland liability policy as you serve in your volunteer role. Please RSVP to cjohnstn@umd.edu
by Feb 25th by indicating your role in the club – i.e. organizational leader, activity leader, parent volunteer.
4-H LEADERS MEETINGS
The next meeting for the leaders is March 16th followed by one on May 11th and then July 20th. At the last
meeting it was voted to keep everything for the Achievement Program as it was last year, with the
exception of only asking for 2 dozen servings of dessert or fruit versus the 3 dozen that we asked for last
year. The Clover Seeds will set up chairs and provide drinks. Loco Llamas will decorate with the help of Pony
Express. Everyone will assist with take down after the event.
Thank you for the wonderful attendance at the last meeting. Please make every effort to keep attending or
sending representatives. Let me know if you have suggestions for the meeting format and/or agenda you
wish discussed.
ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
Our Achievement Program will be held at the 4-H Park on Sunday, March 20th beginning at 1:00pm.
All clubs (not individuals) are asked to bring 24 servings of finger desserts or fruit. We will supply the
drinks. Our set up will be the same as last year with auditorium seating – no tables. Pictures will be
taken in the rifle range when you exit the stage.
ALL CLUBS need to send a check to the Extension office for $50.00. Checks are made payable to: QACEAC. If
each club submits their check, we MAY break even on the finances. If not, it shouldn’t be too big of a deficit.
If any club can afford to send more than $50.00, it would be greatly appreciated.
FASHION REVUE 2016
We need your help to plan our 2016 fashion revue program. Please contact Chris Johnston
cjohnstn@umd.edu if you would like to serve on the planning committee. The first thing that we need help
with is to select the theme. Please respond by email to vote on your choice for the 2016 theme BY
FEBRUARY 15th:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Beach
Fashion Round-Up
Proud to Be a Maryland 4-Her
Spark of Fashion
Dates to get on your calendar:
April 20th – deadline to register for hair and make-up workshop
May 4th – Hair and make-up workshop
June 15th – Intent to participate forms due and modeling and script writing workshops
July 12 – Final practice and FINAL scripts due
July 17 – Judging and Show
We may have other activities to add to the schedule after the planning committee is finalized.
TRACTOR OPERATOR COURSE FOR MARYLAND YOUTH OFFERED IN APRIL - Course Teaches Employability
Skills and Safety
Agriculture is a hazardous occupation—more hazardous than firefighting and law enforcement
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor National Census of
Fatal Occupational Injuries. A tractor/farm equipment training will be provided by the
University of Maryland Extension staff on the weekend of April 8-10, 2016 at the Queen
Anne’s County 4H Park near Centreville.
The certification training satisfies current requirements for operation of a 20 PTO HP or greater agricultural
tractor by 14- and 15-year-old youth employed on property not owned, leased, or operated by a parent or
legal guardian. By participating in the training, young people gain respect for equipment, develop driving
skills, build confidence, learn to work as a team, and are better prepared to handle an emergency situation.
In today’s world, the size of equipment used for personal mowing needs, landscaping and hobby farming fall
into the parameters of the program participants as well.
While the opportunity to drive a tractor is enticing enough for a youth to attend the training, a combination
of classroom lecture, DVD’s, demonstrations, a field trip to visit agricultural venues, and hands-on learning
anchors participants in tractor safety knowledge. Trained Extension faculty and staff are involved in the
planning, implementation and evaluation along with teaching the course.
A requirement of the class is to become familiar with the lessons covering various agricultural related safety
needs before the training. Resources will be made available prior to the training. Thanks to the generosity
and support of area sponsors, the weekend training will cost just $60. The application and registration fee
are due on March 24. Checks should be made payable to “QACEAC”.
To register or find out more about the training, contact: Christine Johnston @ cjohnstn@umd.edu or at
410-758-0166.
EASTERN SHORE SPRING SHOW
4-H members can enter beef, dairy cows, dairy goats, dogs, meat goats, rabbits &
cavies, sheep and swine. Entry information is available at
https://extension.umd.edu/queen-annescounty or you can call Sue and have her
email it to you or you can stop by the extension office for a copy. Entries MUST be
postmarked by April 15th. NO faxed entries – send to Queen Anne’s County Extension Office 505 Railroad
Ave. Suite 4, Centreville, MD 21617
2016 NEW ANIMAL HEALTH REGULATIONS….Please take note of a few important changes….Poultry
regulations and CVI’s will ONLY BE GOOD FOR 90DAYS!!! See attached ALERT! Also MD 4-H WILL NOT
provide swine premise tags in 2016. Make sure that if you raise or purchase swine that they have a valid
USDA approved premise tag.
LIVESTOCK LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
February 25th @ 6:30 p.m.
Kingstown Farm Home and Garden Center
7121 Church Hill Road, Chestertown, MD
RSVP: 2/19 …CALL 410-778-1551 FOR FOOD ORDER!
Come join us for dinner and while you eat, learn about HOT topics affecting your herd!
Speakers:
Ed Draper, Wye Angus Research Center : Wye Angus herd management and breeding program. What has
worked – and not, for their herd. Brian McAllister – Purina Animal Nutrition: Minerals, skimp somewhere
else! Door Prizes, including a * Yeti Cooler* provided by Kingstown Farm Home and Garden and Purina!
QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY 4-H LIVESTOCK LEARNING WEEKEND!!
March 18-19 to be held at the 4-H Park.
There will be two separate tracks for Clovers and 4-H Members – Please see attached
registration forms. Registration forms and monies must be received by February 26th to Sarah
Shaffer a QA County volunteer that lives in Virginia.
Livestock Learning Weekend
Clover Seeds – March 19, 2016
QA County 4H Park, Centreville, MD
The Livestock Learning Weekend, younger edition, will be held on Saturday, March 19. The children are also welcome
to participate in the Friday evening activities and sleepover for an additional $5. A basic schedule for Saturday is
included below. Please complete all of the boxes. Please note each child participating in the Clover Seeds session on
Saturday must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, even if spending the night Friday.
Friday: 5:30 pm registration, 6:00 pm activities, 9:30 pm movie/lights out
Saturday: 8:30 am registration, 9:00 am activities, 12:00 pm lunch, 12:30 pm dismissal
Registration forms and checks must be mailed by no later than February 26 in order to guarantee your child’s spot and
t-shirt. If you are registering more than two Clover Seeds, please make additional copies of this registration form.
Please mail all forms and checks to Sarah Shaffer, 6236 Rose Hill Drive #2A, Alexandria VA 22310. Please visit our
website at: https://extension.umd.edu/queen-annes-county you can download the Health Form (short form) and
Behavioral Expectations which must be submitted with registration form or brought with you that day.
Child’s Name:
Email:
Address:
DOB:
Cell Phone:
T-Shirt: Child: Small Medium Large X-Large
(please circle)
Adult: XS Small Medium Large X-Large (please circle)
Other (specify):
Clover Seeds will get to attend a session on each animal, plus several other sessions. Registration includes lunch for
both child and parent/guardian. The Go Getters 4-H Club is providing t-shirts to children who register by the deadline.
Families registering more than one child must pay full price for each child in this age group. Please be sure to check
the appropriate option below. Please contact Sarah Shaffer at 240-620-5365 (outside office hours) if you want to
register more children; limited scholarships may be available.
Emergency Contact Name:
Emergency Contact Cell:
Adult Attending:
Saturday Morning + Lunch = $15 per person
Friday Overnight + Saturday = $20 per person
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:QACEAC
TOTAL:
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation,
physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
Livestock Learning Weekend
March 18-19, 2016
QA County 4H Park, Centreville, MD
The Livestock Learning Weekend will start Friday, March 18, with activities continuing through mid-afternoon Saturday,
March 19. A basic schedule is included below. Please complete area below and write checks to QACEAC.
Friday: 5:30 pm registration, 6:00 pm activities, 9:30 pm movie/lights out
Saturday: 8:30 am registration, 9:00 am activities, 12:00 pm lunch, 2:30 pm dismissal
Registration forms and checks must be mailed by no later than February 26 in order to guarantee your child’s spot and
t-shirt. If you are registering more than two children, please make additional copies of this registration form. Please
mail all forms and checks to Sarah Shaffer, 6236 Rose Hill Drive #2A, Alexandria VA 22310. Please visit our website at:
https://extension.umd.edu/queen-annes-county. You can download the Health Form (short form) and Behavioral
Expectations which must be submitted with registration form or brought with you that day.
We will have an educational presentation and crafting Friday evening, and educational sessions on Saturday.
Participating children will need to choose two animals for some of the activities on Saturday. While children age 5 and
up may participate, any children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Registration
includes the educational sessions and lunch; the Go Getters 4-H Club is providing t-shirts for children registered by the
deadline. Children staying overnight will also receive breakfast.
Child's Name:
Child's Name:
DOB:
DOB:
T-Shirt:
Child
 S  M  L  XL
Adult
 XS  S  M  L  XL
Other (Specify):
T-Shirt:
Child
 S  M  L  XL
Adult
 XS  S  M  L  XL
Other (Specify):
Select 2 and provide # years of showing experience:
Select 2 and provide # years of showing experience:
 Beef ________
 Swine ________
 Beef ________
 Swine ________
 Sheep ________
 Goat ________
 Sheep ________
 Goat ________
Select participation level; write check to QACEAC:
Select participation level; write check to QACEAC:
 Friday + Saturday (1st child) - $30
 Friday + Saturday (additional child) - $25
 Saturday only (1st child) - $25
 Saturday only (additional child) - $20
Families registering more than one child must pay full price for the first child, but each additional child’s fee will be
reduced. Please be sure to check the appropriate option above. Please contact Sarah Shaffer at 240-620-5365 (outside
office hours) if you want to register more children; limited scholarships may be available.
Emergency
Contact:
Parent/Guardian Willing to Chaperone:
 Yes _______________________________
 No
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age,
sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information,
political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
GENERAL RULES:
MARYLAND 4H COMMUNICATIONS CONTEST RULES
1. The contest consists of four (4) categories:
• Prepared speech
• Extemporaneous
• Radio
• Interpretations
In all categories, speeches are given by individuals, not teams.
2. Each of the above categories includes three age groups:
• Junior: 8-10
• Intermediate: 11-13
• Senior 14-18
Ages are as of January 1st of the current year:
3. Time Limits: Judges will deduct points for presentations not meeting or exceeding time limits.
•
•
•
•
Prepared: Juniors: 3 to 5 minutes; Intermediates and Seniors: 4 to 6 minutes
Extemporaneous: Juniors and Intermediates: 2 to 3 minutes, Seniors 3 to 5 minutes
Radio Spot: 30 seconds for all age groups
Interpretations: Juniors: 1 ½ to 3 minutes; Intermediates: 2 to 4 minutes; Seniors 3 to 5 minutes
4. Visual aids, including posters, ARE NOT PERMITTED. Appropriate gestures are encouraged. For
Dramatic Interpretation, contestant may choose to wear a costume and opt to sit for the
presentation. Podium use is optional.
CATEGORY SPECIFIC RULES:
•
•
Contestants should not introduce themselves as part of their presentation. This will be done by
an MC or room Host/Hostess. If there is no Host/Hostess then the speaker will be directed to
introduce themselves and this introduction will not be judged or time. It will NOT be considered
a part of the speech.
Judges may ask questions of contestants in the Prepared, Extemporaneous and Interpretations.
Due to time constraints, questioning should be limited to two or three minutes per speaker.
Questions will not be asked in the Radio Spot Category.
Prepared Speech: Time Limits: 3 to 5 minutes, Intermediates and Seniors: 4 to 6 minutes.
Contestants may speak on any topic. It may be wise to discuss topics that could be considered controversial
with your 4-H leader or educator before the contest. The speech may be written for a specific audience,
such as a 4-H club, PTA, or Rotary Club. Memorization is not encouraged. Only juniors may use a complete
script. Note cards containing a key word outline are permitted. These notecards are to be given to the
judges at the end of the speech.
Extemporaneous: Time Limits: Juniors and Intermediates: 2 to 3 minutes, Seniors 3 to 5 minutes.
Extemporaneous speakers will draw three topics and choose one topic for their speech. Juniors and
Immediates may have up to 30 minutes and Seniors up to 15 minutes to prepare their talks. Contestants
may use one side of up to four, or both sides of up to two, 5x 8 inch note cards for their key word outline.
Extemporaneous speakers will be shown time cards at correctly timed intervals indicating “1 MINUTE” “30
SECONDS” AND “STOP”.
Radio Spots: Time Limits: 30 seconds for all age groups.
Radio spots should be exactly 30 seconds in length and may include a musical or sound effect introduction
and/or background, but may include a spoken introduction or “tag” by anyone other than the contestant. If
music or a sound effect is used, the contestant must provide and operate the sound making device.
The contestant will provide a complete written script (including notations about music/sound effects) to the
timekeeper to aid in timing accuracy. Musical/sound effect introductions and endings are considered a part
of the radio spot and must not cause the 30 second time limit to be exceeded. The spot should relate to 4H,
be original and be created by the contestant. Questions will not be asked by judges in the Radio Spot
category.
If there is not Host/Hostess then the speaker will be directed to introduce themselves and this introduction
will NOT be judged or timed. It will NOT be considered a part of the speech.
Interpretations: Time Limits: Juniors: 1 ½ to 3 minutes. Intermediates: 2 to 4 minutes. Seniors 3 to 5
minutes.
Speaker can speak or interpret in language of their choice. If using language other than spoken English, the
participant must inform the Extension Office a minimum of 10 working days before the event to ensure
appropriately qualified judges are available.
An Interpretation is a memorized oral presentation of selected narrative from published works. Permitted
works include dramatic or humorous plays or books or poetry, but not the script of a television show or any
unpublished source.
Contestants are to bring two (2) copies of the script for the judges, including a complete reference citation.
Language other than English must be translated in these documents.
Contest Rules:
A contestant may only compete in one category.
The names of County Champions for each age group in each category will be sent to the State 4H Office by
April 1st.
State Champions may not enter the same category and age group a second time.
Biosecurity Checklist for 4-H Youth
Protecting Your Flocks
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Keep unnecessary people off of your farm/residence and away from your chickens
o Lock doors
o Use fences and signs to keep people away
Do not allow visitors in or near chicken coops
All family members should have dedicated clothing (including shoes, boots, hat and gloves) separate from those
worn off the farm/residence.
Never visit any other flocks
After working with poultry, change clothes completely and wash hands and arms.
Hunters or others who come in contact with wild birds should change clothes (and shoes) and shower before
working with domestic poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc.). This is especially important when coming into contact
with waterfowl.
Keep wild birds and pests out of the chicken coop
o Have a good rodent and insect control program
o Maintain vegetation and no debris around the chicken coop
o Clean up feed spills
Essential visitors must wear protective clothing, including boots and headgear, before being allowed near the
birds
o Keep some protective clothing on hand in case problems arise
o Have a place to dispose of clothing when visitors leave
Monitor who comes on the farm/residence. Have a sign in log
Clean and disinfect all equipment before it is allowed on the farm/residence and again as it leaves
Remove and properly dispose of dead birds
o Poor disposal can lead to disease and increase the number of flies and scavengers
Contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian immediately if high mortality is experienced
o Sick or dying birds should be sent to a state laboratory for diagnosis
o Do not visit other farms/residence or places that 4-H with poultry frequent if experiencing high mortality
Quarantine birds that go to fairs or shows for 2 to 3 weeks to make sure they do not bring disease back to your
farm
o Keep birds that came from fairs or shows as far away from the flock as long as possible and take care of
them separately from your flock
o Wash your shoes and hands after taking care of birds that came from fairs or shows and before visiting
your other birds
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY
505 RAILROAD AVENUE, SUITE 4
CENTREVILLE, MD 21617
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 46
CHESTERTOWN, MD 21620
Or Current Occupant
THIS ISSUE OF THE CLOVERPRESS HAS BEEN PREPARED BY:
Christine M. Johnston
Extension Educator, 4-H and Youth
And
Sally G. Rosenberry, 4-H Program Assistant
University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all people 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, or political affiliation, or gender identity expression.