agricultural, consumer cooperative extension …...11:15-noon networking & energizing...

October / November / December 2019 – Leaderline – NMSU 1

OctoberNovemberDecember

A Quarterly Newsletter to Volunteer Leaders Providing 4-H News in New Mexico

2019

COLLEGE OFAGRICULTURAL, CONSUMERAND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

LeaderlineCOOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

U.S. Department of Agriculture

BE BOLD. Shape the Future.College of Agricultural, Consumerand Environmental SciencesCooperative Extension Service

If you are an individual with a disability and need an auxiliary aid or service please enter your required accommodations on Form 300.A-3 and notify your County Extension Office.

Protecting YouthBy Stephen BeckExtension Department HeadNew Mexico 4-H Youth Development

There is nothing more important to New Mexico 4-H than the protection of our youth. New Mexico State University (NMSU) and 4-H are both committed to providing a safe healthy environment for fun educational experiences. As part of the university’s commitment to protecting our youth, NMSU has implemented a policy to address all activities (including 4-H)

HighlightsFall Paper Clover Campaignat Tractor SupplyHelp kids in your communityPage 2

4-H Rising Above the RestAdult Leaders’ ForumPage 3

National 4-H WeekInspire Kids To DoPage 3

Meet the 2019-2020 4-H AmbassadorsPages 4-5

Shooting SportsPage 6

NYSDGame ChangersPage 8

Home Ec SchoolPage 9

Photo Contest Winners3 winners in 5 categories0

Opening the Door to Your FutureSLR 2020Activities, workshops & morePage 11

Photo by Fran Innocenti on unsplash.com

(See ‘Protecting’ on page 12)

2 NMSU – Leaderline – October / November / December 2019

Leaderline is a quarterly newsletter for New Mexico volunteer leaders providing 4-H news of statewide interest. Tax dollars support distribution of Leaderline to enrolled New Mexico 4-H leaders through the following issues: January/February/March (1st issue); April/May/June (2nd issue); July/August/September (3rd issue); and October/November/December (4th issue).

Subscriptions:For subscription information, address changes, or article submissions, write to us at: State 4-H Office, MSC 3AE, New Mexico State University, P.O. Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003.

Website, Facebook and Twitter:nm4h.nmsu.edufacebook.com/NMSU4Htwitter.com/nmsu_nm4h

Editor:Cheryl ButterfieldState 4-H Agent

Contributors: Steve Beck, Cheryl Butterfield, Avery Feldman, Shelby Gillette, Colton McVaugh, Tatumn O’Toole,Craig Painter, Peter Skelton, Mindy Turner, and Amy Zemler

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is an engine for economic and community development in New Mexico, improving the lives of New Mexicans through academic, research, and extension programs. New Mexico 4-H is happy to send you this educational material. These services are financed jointly by the county, state, and federal governments. The Cooperative Extension Service is represented in every county in the state by a staff of local agents in agriculture and resource development, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development work.

By Cheryl ButterfieldState 4-H Agent

The NM 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association Executive Board is accepting applications for open board positions in each district. If you are interested in serving on the board, please complete the application and submit by October 15. Board members serve a three-year term.

Duties Include:• Plan annual New Mexico Adult Forum.• Communicate with County 4-H Leader Associations in their district

for the expansion, improvement, and promotion of 4-H youth and leader educational programs.

• Advise the State 4-H Program Leader on matters of program policy and future directions.

• Transact necessary business of the Association.

Applications can be found online at aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-volunteer-leaders.html#anchor_31749, through your county extension office, or contact Cheryl at 575-646-1156. Applications are due by October 15.

Executive Board Positions are Open in Each District

4-H and Tractor Supply are kicking off the fall 4-H Paper Clover campaign! Visit your local Tractor Supply store October 9-20 and donate $1 at checkout to help send kids in your community to #4HCamp! #InspireKidstoDo

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-volunteer-leaders.html#anchor_31749

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-volunteer-leaders.html#anchor_31749


New Mexico 4-H Adult ForumBy Cheryl ButterfieldState 4-H Agent

Come join us this year at Forum for a variety of workshops includ-ing: designing a comprehensive project day, being an organizational leader, learning best practices, statewide 4-H opportunities and much more. The community service this year will serve two organizations in Otero County. The first is C.O.P.E., a shelter for victims of domestic violence; and the second is LOVE Inc., an organization that serves youth by providing backpacks of food.

November 9, 2019, Alamogordo, NM Registration is open! Early birds- $40 before October 15 Registration closes October 31

Activities• Workshops • Networking • Make and Take• Community Service • Silent AuctionContact your county extension office for more information or click on this link: aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-volunteer-leaders

New Gerry Copeland Adult Leader Scholarship AvailableOne scholarship of $20.00 will be awarded to a volunteer from each county attending 2019 New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum. To nominate a volunteer, complete the form at link above by October 15, 2019.

NoteEight First Timer Registration Scholarships are available for 4-H Leaders. You must submit a completed 4-H Adult Forum registration form and payment along with your completed scholarship application.

Schedule of Events8:30-9:00 am Registration; Auction/Doorprize Drop Off; Display Set-up9:00-9:45 am Welcome; Get Acquainted Activity9:45-11:15 am Workshop Session 111:15-Noon Networking & EnergizingNoon-1:00 Lunch1:00-2:30 pm Workshop Session 2 2:30-3:00 pm Break – Final Auction Bids3:00-4:00 pm Workshop Session 3 4:00-5:00 pm Closing Session

National 4-H WeekOctober 6-12, 2019

You can help celebrate National 4-H Week the following ways:• Show 4-H spirit on

social media and in your community

• Show 4-H pride by wearing green or the 4-H clover for 4-H Spirit Day (Oct. 8)

• Share pictures with us using #InspireKidstoDo

(See National 4-H Week on page 16)

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-volunteer-leaders


Meet the 2019-2020 AmbassadorsAvery FeldmanState 4-H AmbassadorColfax County

Hi, I’m Avery Feldman, one of your 2019-2020 State 4-H Ambassadors! I’m from Raton, located in Colfax County where my family, as well as many family friends have partaken in 4-H. Growing up I was a very shy kid who ran at the sight of any form of socializing or public speaking. In fact, when I first began 4-H at the young age of 7 I was terrified and gave my first project demonstration from behind my father’s legs. I was one of the youngest in my club and it was daunting seeing the amazing things seniors in my club were accomplishing every day. While I was absolutely terrified, they made me realize I could one day accomplish many amazing things myself. After this realization, I have never given up on my dreams of being like the leaders who have come before me. I am now serving the Johnson Mesa 4-H club as their President, my county as Vice President and the state as an Ambassador. 4-H has not only shaped the individual I am today by teaching me life skills like: public speaking, teamwork, and goal setting; but has inspired me to help others who think they can’t accomplish their goals realize they can. I am so excited to serve New Mexico 4-H this year.

Shelby GilletteState 4-H AmbassadorDoña Ana County

What has 4-H done for me? It’s made me who I am today! That might sound cheesy but it’s the truth. When I was in second grade my teacher told me I would basically never amount to much in life because I was too shy. When I joined 4-H in third grade I never knew it would be the organization that made me a confident person. I really joined 4-H just for showing rabbits, but soon learned being shy wasn’t gonna work anymore. I learned to love public speaking and now have the confidence to talk to anyone! As the 9 years in 4-H have gone by, I can say I have made myself a family in this amazing program and have found where I belong. From showing rabbits and dairy heifers to competing at state events, I have learned so many life long skills. Coming into my last year in 4-H I can say that without this organi-zation, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I hope to continue to support the future generations of 4-H members

“When I joined 4-H in third grade I never knew it would be the organization that made me a confident person.”

New Mexico 4-H offers youth:• Membership in positive peer groups• Year-round community clubs• Special-interest and short-term groups• School enrichment programs

• Leadership experiences• Events, camps, schools and

activities• Student scholarships


Tatumn O’TooleState 4-H AmbassadorLuna County

My name is Tatumn O’Toole, one of your 2019-2020 State 4-H Ambassadors. I live in Deming, New Mexico, and attend Deming High School as a Junior. My 4-H career didn’t have as early as a start as many others have, being it is only my third year, but I can truly say I have found my passion through this organization. 4-H has really pushed me out of my comfort zone, whether it be public speaking, trying new things, or learning how to be different. The life skills I have gained are invaluable and will assist me through life in numerous ways. I participate in Leadership, Baking, Photography, Public Speaking, Market Goat projects and judging. I am currently serving as my club’s Vice President and the Luna County 4-H Reporter. Through all the experiences I’ve had the members, adults, and volunteers have all had a tremendous impact on my life and I hope that I can make an impact on others in my year of service. Because of the passion that burns inside of me for this organiza-tion, I aspire to go to NMSU to study Agriculture Extension and Education to give back and make the experiences life long. Without 4-H, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have grown to be the person I am today.

Colton McVaughState 4-H AmbassadorDoña Ana County

“I love 4-H and I love my family, and the fact that the two go together is my favorite thing about the 4-H program. Even before I was old enough to be a Cloverbud, I was tagging along with my Mom to 4-H events, helping out with floats and hanging out with and learning from older 4-H members. As I have gotten older, most of our family time is because of 4-H. We attend fairs together where I show my animals, we shoot archery together and attend a few different shooting sports events as a family. My county even has a night at the end of our county fair, called Family Night, devoted to bringing all the families together with food, fun, fellowship and dancing. I am thankful for all the quality family time the 4-H program has given me!”

“As I have gotten older, most of our family time is because of 4-H. We attend fairs together where I show my animals, we shoot archery together and attend a few different shooting sports events as a family.”

We are still taking orders for the 2019 4-H Belt Buckle. The order form is online at aces.nmsu.edu/4h.

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h


National 4-H Shooting Sports ChampionshipsNew Mexico represented well at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships held in Grand Island, Nebraska!

MuzzleloaderValencia County-3rd High Team.Tays Hunter 2nd High Individual!

Compound ArcheryDoña Ana County-6th place

Hunting SkillsOtero County-6th place

ShotgunDoña Ana County-7th place Recurve ArcheryDoña Ana County

Smallbore PistolDoña Ana County

Smallbore RifleQuay County-9th Place Teams

Congratulations to all of our participants!

Shooting Sports Leader Certification TrainingBy Craig PainterState 4-H Agent

Our next 4-H shooting sports leader certification training is in Farmington, NM. We moved our dates to accommodate northern NM weather. The dates are October 25-27, 2019, and we will not have training in February. The online registration is open September 1 through October 1 with a cost of $75.00. Register online through the County Extension Office. Leaders will need approval and be in the system prior to registration.

2019 Fall Kids, Kows and More The following Kids, Kows and More Fall dates are scheduled:

Colfax CountyOctober 15, 2019 For interest in schedul-ing a spring Kids, Kows, and More Program in your county, contact your County Extension Agent.

“I consider the work of the 4-H Club in building character one of the finest undertakings in all America.”- Albert S. Goss,Master, National GrangeApril 1948


A 4-H’er’s Guide to Basic Table Manners

Get Your Elbows Off The TableWhy do we need good manners? First of all, they insure that guests and hosts are comfortable at the table. They allow for us to make the best possible impres-sion while enjoying good food and good company. In 4-H we are often called upon to attend or host functions that involved food in some way, including nice sit – down dinners. Remember that most etiquette is common sense! Just remember – Think BEFORE you act! Here are some basic tips that will get you through a formal dinner, a first date, or a night at home!

Getting StartedFollow the host!Don’t do anything until the host does it first, or instructs you to do so. Sit when the host asks you to, or the host takes their seat. If you are the host, be sure to be mindful of your guests. Don’t know who the host is? Take your cue from other diners. The host will generally be the owner of the home, or the one paying for your meal. If it is Dutch treat, the person who instigated the invitation is the host. If you still don’t know who is hosting, defer to the oldest person in attendance or at your table.

Sit up straight.Try not to slouch or lean back in your chair. DO NOT sprawl your legs out under the table into another diner’s space. One should not sit so closely to the

table that the elbows are bent like crickets, but not so far back that food is more likely to reach your lap than your mouth.

What about the napkin?Upon taking your seat, place your napkin in your lap (it is bad manners to leave your napkin on the table for an extended period of time!) Large napkins should be folded in half and laid in your lap; luncheon size napkins may be left unfolded. Once your napkin is in your lap, it should not touch the table again until the meal is complete! If you must excuse yourself and get up for any reason, leave your napkin in your chair. Your napkin is either directly in the center of your place setting or to your right.

Identify your space.Before your food arrives, survey your place setting and identify which utensils are

yours! Nothing slows down a meal like having to fish around for the extra fork because you took your neighbor’s! Your forks are lined up to the left of your plate. The drink on the right is yours, just remember: Drink starts with “DR” which stands for “drink right”, this is also a helpful reminder that your bread plate is on your left, because it is opposite your drink. The knife and spoon to the immediate right of your plate are yours. Generally anything directly in front of you within a 18 inches or so is yours – dessert spoons and plates, coffee cups, etc.

Don’t put stuff on the table!Purses, keys, jackets and papers do not belong on the table. Find an empty chair, place them under the table, or have the wait staff put them in a safe place.

(See Table on page 13)


4-H National Youth Science DayGame ChangersBy Peter Skelton, PhDExtension & Research Youth Agricultural Science CenterExtension 4-H Youth Development

4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) is the premiere national rallying event for year-round 4-H Science programming, bringing together youth, volunteers and educators from the nation’s land-grant colleges and universities and the Cooperative Extension System to simultaneously complete the National Science Experiment. This annual event seeks to spark an early youth interest in science and future science careers. National Youth Science Day presents a great opportunity to engage youth in hands on science, engineering and technology activities while developing critical thinking skills. This year’s NYSD challenge is Game Changers. Designed

by Google and West Virginia Extension service, Game Changers teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about. The challenge includes one computer-based and two unplugged activities to help kids learn CS; all can be completed without internet access. Game Changers uses physical activity and puzzles to teach kids: • important CS concepts and

problem-solving skills, • creating real-world connec-

tions between computer science and civic engage-ment,

• healthy living, and • agriculture. This is a great opportunity to interact with youth through an inquiry-based learning environ-ment and to demonstrate that science is fun. The Game Changers challenge is a fun way

for kids to learn about computer science and civic engagement. The kit is perfect for class-rooms, afterschool programs, clubs and home-schooled groups, and is suitable for youth ages 8-14. The Game Changers kit includes clear instructions for facilitators and offers both low and no-tech options for events without internet access. Each kit is designed to accom-modate 10 youth. You can also purchase kits directly from the 4-H Mall for $21.95 (https://shop4-h.org/products/2019-National-Youth-Science-Day-Kit-Game-Changers). Be sure to plan your National Youth Science Day event today!

Game Changers teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about.

The Game Changers challenge is a fun way for kids to learn about computer science and civic engagement.


NM State 4-H PortfoliosBy Mindy Turner Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist

The State 4-H Portfolio will allow youth to better show growth and create a resume that may be used for other venues. Forms and format-ting instructions are available on the general website under forms. The State 4-H Portfolio is due in January at Senior Leadership Retreat (SLR) – Friday, January 24, 2020. The portfolio must be deliv-ered to SLR or turned in to the State 4-H Office the week prior. The top ranked portfolios will receive a trip to National 4-H Congress with awards presented during SLR.

Save the Date:12th Annual NM 4-H Home Economics SchoolMarch 13-15, 2020Belen, NMTracts to be announced

2019-2020Project Literature HandbooksAsk your County Extension Office for the new 2019-2020 Literature Handbook. This catalog contains descriptions for the 4-H projects and publica-tions available in 4-H. It also includes the Curriculum Kits catalog to tell you about resources available for check out. Catalogs are available at your County Extension Office or online at http://nm4h. nmsu.edu. Helpful Tip: When you see publication numbers for any New Mexico 4-H Publication they are typically followed with an N-# or an R-#. For example, 4-H Cakes 100.E-86 (N-08). This denotes if a project is a Revision (R) or New (N) and the year of the publication. Cakes is a new project book in 2008. Look at the publica-tion number to make sure you have the most recent version of any publication.

NM 4-H Parliamentary Procedure ContestThe NM 4-H Parliamentary Procedure Invitational will be January 24, 2020, in Albuquerque, NM. The contest will begin at 1 pm – teams will be notified of their prep time prior to arriving in Albuquerque in order to plan accordingly. There will be a $15 fee per team. The winning team will be eligible to represent New Mexico at the Western National 4-H Roundup competition in the following year. Team members will not be required to attend SLR, however, if they choose to, they will need to complete a separate registration for that event. Please contact your County Extension Office if you have additional questions.

Thanks

for Being a

Volunteer

Superstar!


By Amy Zemler State 4-H Activities Specialist

Create an exciting spark of the 4-H Program by encourag-ing members to submit their Record Book stories for the Essay Contest. Let them use their imagination to create a typed, double-spaced story on the exciting program they are involved in...4-H! Members can win one of the following trips:• One FREE registration for

4-H Essay ContestSubmit your Record Book Stories

a Novice member and a friend (ages 9-11 of the current 4-H year) to attend Youth Get-Away in April 2020.

• One FREE registration for a Junior member and a friend (ages 12-13 of the current 4-H year) to attend Youth Get-Away in April 2020.

• One FREE registration for a Senior member and a friend (both ages 14-18 of the current 4-H year) to attend

4-H Senior Leadership Retreat in January 2020.

4-H Record Book stories must be in the State 4-H Office no later than November 1, 2019.

Check out the information about the essay contest on the State 4-H Web site at http://nm4h.nmsu.edu. Click on State Events, and then click on Essay Contest.

By Amy ZemlerState 4-H Activities Specialist

Here are this year’s photo contest winners. Congratulations to everyone participating.: Animals1st – Willie – Andie Grooms, Doña Ana 2nd – Get the Ball – Zachery Eldred, Bernalillo 3rd – Annie Oakley – Ryan Whitehead, Bernalillo

Buildings1st – 284 Escalier – MiKayla Klinger, Quay 2nd – San Geronimo – Joaquin Kriegel, Luna 3rd – Stairway to Heaven – Joaquin Kriegel, Luna Landscapes1st – Sunset–Ryan Whitehead, Bernalillo2nd – Milky Way Over Tijeras – Tyler Eldred, Bernalillo 3rd – Ancient Lands – Marisol Tang Rasmussen, Sandoval

Other1st – Sunset Reflections – Zachary Eldred, Bernalillo

Congratulations to the 2019 New Mexico 4-H Photo Contest Winners

Overall winnerSunset Reflectionsby Zachary Eldred, Bernalillo County(See Photos on page 12)

http://nm4h.nmsu.edu

http://nm4h.nmsu.edu


The goal of 4-H is to help young people develop as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens in their communities.

Citizenship Washington Focusby Amy Zemler State 4-H Activities Specialist

Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a leadership program for high school youth from across the country. Every summer thousands of young people stay at the National 4-H Center, near Washington, D.C. to participate in this week long program.

CWF is a program which provides opportunities for youth to broaden appreciation and practice respect for themselves and others in their world; increase individual commitment to citizen involvement; and understand the importance of civic and social responsibilities as they relate to the development of better citizens and leaders. Time is provided for 4-H members to report accomplishments in 4-H to their representatives in the Washington, D.C. area as well as participate in sightseeing trips.

Registration is due October 15, 2019. Contact your County Extension Office at http://aces.nmsu.edu/county for more informa-tion about CWF.

Senior Leadership Retreat 2020By Amy Zemler State 4-H Activities Specialist

2020 is not far away and with that comes Senior Leadership Retreat! The event is going to take place in (Albuquerque) on January 24-26, 2020. The event is a three-day, two-night event filled with great workshops and neat opportunities.

During the weekend, youth will be involved in hands-on activities while learning about careers, leadership skills, community service, and much more! There will also be time for them to show their dancing skills! The 2019 Ambassadors are excited about putting on this event for all who attend! Contact your County Extension Office for the registration deadline.

Scholarship ApplicationsNew Mexico 4-H Community Service Scholarship applications are due to the State 4-H Office for:Senior Leadership Retreat – Due October 15, 2019.Home Ec School - Due January 15, 2020.Youth Get-Away - Due February 15, 2020.For more information and criteria, go to: aces.nmsu.edu/4h/scholarships.

“We Riseby LiftingOthers”-Robert G.Ingersoll

Photo by Alexandra-Seinet on Unsplash

http://aces.nmsu.edu/county

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/scholarships


where minors participate in NMSU sponsored programs. I commend NMSU in making the protection of our youth a high priority across all university programs. Your State 4-H Team has been working closely with NMSU to make sure the new policies are implemented in a reasonable manner. The good news is 4-H has already been following most of the new NMSU policy. However, NMSU wants to insure that training is standardized across all programs and all 4-H Volunteers will be required to complete the training, 4-H Working With Minors, each year prior to working with youth. Annual training renewal will begin each October 1st when enrollments begin. Trainings will be available in multiple formats, including online, face-to-face trainings with your agents and the training will also be offered at Adult Leaders’ Forum and the Fall State Shooting Sports Instructor training. Thank you for your hard work helping our youth become productive leaders in our communities. I appreciate your under-standing regarding the protection of our 4-H youth.Steve

Protecting(continued from page 1)

New Gerry Copeland Adult Leader ScholarshipOne scholarship of $20.00 will be awarded to a volunteer from each county attending 2019 New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum. To nominate a volunteer, complete the form at aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-volunteer-leaders. We are accepting scholarships up to October 15 as long as schol-arships are still available.

Other continued2nd – Through the Lens – Ryan Whitehead, Bernalillo

3rd – Pink Rose – Andie Grooms, Doña Ana

People1st – Hannah – Tyler Eldred, Bernalillo

2nd – Tucker James – Andie Grooms, Doña Ana

3rd – The Little Musician – Opal Kerr, Socorro

Photos(continued from page 10)

4-H Photo Contest Winners

1st Place - AnimalsWillieby Andie Grooms, Doña Ana

1st Place - Buildings284 Escalierby MiKayla Klinger, Quay

To see all the wonderful submitted photos go to our website athttps://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/documents/2019-state-4-h-photo-contest.pdf


Table(continued from page 7)

Time to EatMeals come from the right.Plates and glasses should always be served at the diner’s right and removed at the diner’s left.

Take only one slice/ piece of bread.The basket will come around again, so don’t load up on rolls before you pass it along. DO NOT butter your bread! Take some butter and put it on your plate. Butter your bread by bite, using the butter on your plate.

Work from the outside in.No matter how many forks you see, just start on the outside with the first course and continue to work your way in. If you get confused, look to your host or your neighbor. Fake it if you have to, just don’t freak out! Once a utensil is used, it should never touch the table again. Lay used utensils on plates only. Remember not to meet a spoon head-on, sip from the side of the spoon and don’t put your spoon all the way into your mouth.

Eating with your fingers.There are times it is accept-able to eat with your fingers. Examples are artichokes, bacon, sandwiches, cookies, small fruits, French fries, hamburgers, corn on the cob, pickles, etc. When in doubt, use a utensil!

Passing stuff.Ask for things to be passed to you. Only pass to someone if you are the closest person to the item. Pick up the item and place

it directly next to your neighbor, do not pass hand-to-hand. If someone request salt or pepper- pass both! The salt and pepper are married and cannot be separated! Once someone has requested an item, pass it to them, allow them to use it and then ask for it back if you need it. DO NOT stop and use something someone else is waiting for – they asked first. With family style meals – always pass food in the same direction. When passing pitchers or cups, turn the handle toward the person you are passing it to.

Don’t Reach.You don’t want to get in the way of people either eating or talking. Not only is it as impolite as standing in front of a TV with other people behind you, but also there is always the possibility of upsetting glasses or running your sleeve through someone’s mashed potatoes. If you have to stretch excessively or rise from your seat to reach something, politely wait until you can ask to have it passed to you.

Don’t blow on your food!Even if it is hot, just give it time to cool. It is not appropriate to blow on your food in a large group.

Don’t speak with your mouth full of food.Sure, you’ve heard your mother say it a hundred times, but no one likes to see a ball of masticated meat in your mouth. If you feel you must speak immediately, if you have only a relatively small bite, tuck it into your cheek with your tongue and speak briefly.

Chew quietly, and try not to slurp.Making noises is not only unappetizing, and distracting, but it can also interrupt the flow of conversation.

Keep bites small.In order to facilitate the above rules it is smart to keep bite sizes to a moderate forkful. Cut meat and salad so that it doesn’t hang from your mouth after you shovel it in. Don’t cut all of your meat at one time, this tends to remind people of feeding small children - and the messiness associated with this activity, it is appropriate to cut two-three bites at a time.

Eat at a leisurely pace.This rule, besides being good for the digestion, also shows your host that you want to enjoy the food and the company. Eating quickly and running is a sign of disrespect for the host, as it shows that your focus is on the food and that you would rather be at home watching the grass grow than passing time with your host.

Don’t wave utensilsDon’t wave utensils in the air, especially knives or if there is food on them. Besides the danger of knocking over glasses, piercing waiters or launching a pea into the eye of your date, this is a sign of over-excitedness that may be unappealing to those present. Earnestness is to be commended, but irrational exuberance goes beyond the limits of good table manners.

(See Table on page 14)


Table(continued from page 13)

Keep your elbows off the table.You have also heard this one from your mother, but in close dining situations it is a vital rule. Elbows take up table space and can be a danger in knocking plates or glasses. Elbows on the table give you something to lean on and tend to lull you into slouching. If you must lean on the table a good tactic is to take a roll or piece of bread into your free hand and rest part of your forearm on the table.

Wipe your mouth before drinking.Ever notice that disgusting smudge on the edge of your wine glass? This can be avoided by first wiping your lips with your napkin. Blot at your lips delicately with your napkin; do not wipe your mouth like you are washing your face!

Don’t forget please and thank you.These are handy words in most situations but especially vital at the table where common courtesies are noticed by everyone present. The wait staff is there to serve you, and they deserve your appre-ciation, as does your host.

Excuse yourself when leaving the table.You don’t want people to think that you are tired of their company. If you must leave

the table make your excuses somewhat obvious and appear to be pressing. You want to leave people with the impression that you would rather remain at the table talking with them than doing anything else, but the matter at hand is so pressing that it must be attended to at once.

Time’s UpCompliment the Cook.Even if the food is perfectly awful say something nice. You don’t have to lie, simply find the positive side of the burnt leg of lamb...”Gee, the sauce was sure tasty.” It is always pleasant to end a meal on a positive note.

Don’t pick your teeth.If you cannot inconspicuously remove something from your teeth with your tongue, excuse yourself from the table and use a toothpick. Do not pick your teeth with a fork or at the table!

Don’t push your plate back. Leave your plate where it is until the staff or host removes it. Do not push your dishes around on the table.

Place your napkin on the table.Once everyone is finished with their meal, you may place your napkin back on the table. Lay it on the right side of your plate (not in your plate), loosely folded (not wadded).

Embarrasing MomentsDid you burp? Did you spill something? To handle these little unfortunate incidents, just be classy! If you should burp, hiccup, cough, just excuse yourself quietly and put your napkin to your lips. If you spill something, just be calm. Try to stop it from spilling over on to someone else, by using your napkin and get a waiter to help you clean it up. If it spills onto someone else- let them clean it up and politely offer to pay the dry cleaning bill. The trick to etiquette is keeping your cool and using your head for clear thinking!

ReferencesDon’t Slurp Your Soup, Kandy McWhorter, Texas Cooperative Extension, Moore County www.soyouwanna.com/syws/tablemanners www.holidaycook.com/table-manners, the Etiquette Expert.

These and other tips are on the New Mexico 4-H website at https://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/adult-leader-publication.html. Feel free to download any of these information guides.

Is 4-H for Your Family?See what 4-H offers, positive development, getting ready for the future and the 4-H pledge brochure online. Share with your friends who want to get their kids interested in 4-H. https://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/documents/family-brochure_13.pdf


NM State 4-H Calendar of Events 2019-2020Events DatesAnnual training, 4-H Working With Minors, renewal begins Oct. 1National Youth Science Day - Game Changer – Peter Skelton, 505-670-4459 Oct. 1-31NATIONAL 4-H WEEK Oct. 6-124-H SPIRIT DAY Oct. 8Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) registration and first payment are due – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204

Oct. 15

Community Service Scholarship Applications for Senior Leadership Retreat 2020 are due in the State 4-H Office – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204

Oct. 15

Early Bird Registrations for New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum are due in the State 4-H Office – Cheryl Butterfield, 575-646-1156

Oct. 15

First Timer Registration Scholarship Applications to attend New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum - applications are due – Cheryl Butterfield, 575-646-1156

Oct. 15

Gerry Copeland Scholarship Applications to attend New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum - still accepting applications up to this date – Cheryl Butterfield, 575-646-1156

Oct. 15

Executive Board Applications for NM 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association in Each District are due in the State 4-H Office – Cheryl Butterfield, 575-646-1156

Oct. 15

Kids, Kows & More (Colfax County) Oct. 15*New Mexico 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Certification Training (Farmington, NM) Oct. 25-27Late Registrations for New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum are due in the State 4-H Office – Cheryl Butterfield, 575-646-1156

Oct. 31

4-H Essay Contest submissions are due in the State 4-H Office – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204

Nov. 1

New Mexico 4-H Adult Forum (Alamogordo NM) – Cheryl Butterfield, 575-646-1156 Nov. 9*Registrations for Senior Leadership Retreat 2020 are due Dec. TBACommunity Service Scholarship Applications for Home Ec School 2020 are due in the State 4-H Office – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204

Jan. 15, 2020

Senior Leadership Retreat 2019 (Albuquerque) – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204 Jan. 24-26, 2020

*Registrations for Home Ec School are due Feb. TBA 2020Community Service Scholarship Applications for Youth Get-Away 2020 are due in the State 4-H Office – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204

Feb. 1, 2020

12th Annual NM 4-H Home Economics School 2020 (Belen, NM) – Mindy Turner, 575-646-1166

Mar. 13-15, 2020

*Registrations for Youth Get-Away are due Mar. TBA 2020

Youth Get-Away 2020 (Glorieta Camps) – Amy Zemler, 575-646-5204 Apr. 17-19, 2020

New Mexico 4-H Shooting Sports State Championships (NRA Whittington Center - Raton, NM) – Craig Painter, 575-646-5472

May 1-3, 2020

*Contact your County Extension Office for application and registration deadline. ---------------------

16 NMSU – Leaderline – October / November / December 2019 State 4-H Office, MSC 3AENew Mexico State UniversityPO Box 30003Las Cruces NM 88003-8003

Return Service Requested

• Recognize #TrueLeaders for the great things they are doing

• Show your pride as a #4HGrown alum. Share your

National 4-H Week(continued from page 3)

favorite memory that demon-strates how 4-H made you into the person you are today. Use the hashtag #InspireKidstoDo

• Print out National 4-H Week bookmarks and hand out

• Print out National 4-H Week

flyers and put up on commu-nity bulletin boards or hand out

• Send out press releases• Print out photo booth frames

with pictures of 4-H’ers inside the frame

• Hand out Certificates of Appreciation

• Show 4-H pride using Snapchat Geofilters, Facebook profile frames and cover photos, and Instagram Graphics

• Accompany your social media posts with images of 4-H youth, alumni or volunteers

• Request an official National 4-H Week proclamation from your local government official

• Announce National 4-H Week in newsletters and blogs

• Put up window displays

Find promotional tools at www.4-h.org/MORC

agricultural, consumer cooperative extension …...11:15-noon networking & energizing...

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