Dulcimer Discoveries Eldherhostel

This week the 4-H Center has been ringing with the sounds of the dulcimer. Participants from all over the country, from as far away as New York and Ohio, have come to take part in a special Eldherhostel that takes place every year here in Abingdon. Led by instructors Jeff Sebens and Anne Lough, hostelers learn how to play both the hammered dulcimer and the lap duclimer, or mountain dulcimer.

Both lap and hammered dulcimers work together to play traditional hymns and folk songs.

The Elderhostelers began arriving on Sunday, several having driven for two days to get here. Many have been here before, year after year, for three, four, even seven or eight years in a row. In fact, some of the duclimers were built right here at the 4-H Center.

In addition to making all that music, we took a trip to the Barter Theatre on Wednesday night to see "The Quiltmaker and a field trip to Whites Mill for a tour.

With the beautiful weather calling, several of our guests took advantage of the Virginia Creeper Trail for an afternoon hike near Alvaredo. On Tuesday night, we were excited to have old friends Fire In The Kitchen take time out of their busy performance schedule to come play for us.

The week was filled with music and fun, and we look forward to having everyone back here again next year. Check out more pictures below.

Anne Lough gives tips to the lap dulcimer players.

Jeff Sebens teaches the hammered dulcimer players.

Anne & Jeff lead a combined session for the week's finale.

Proud new parents!

Two former 4-H summer camp staff members are the proud parents of twins! Jason and Dawn Crabtree, who reside in Lee County, welcomed into the world March 12, somwhere around 12:30pm, Riley and Greer Crabtree. (a boy and a girl) Both babies weighed in around 6lbs 10oz. and lengths of 20in. and 20 1/2in. Both mom and the babies are doing great. Dad couldn't be prouder!

This is Dawn's first look at the twins!

Yep, think she will have her hands full! (literally)

Not to worry, the twins will be trained in Hokie-mania.

4-H Model Horse Show

Saturday morning 17 4-Hers from around the Southwest District came to the Center for a special Horse Show. Pariticipants brought model horses made from plastic, metal, resin, and china and displayed them in over 76 classes.
Led by Cornelia Estep, 4-H Agent in Russell County, this is the 5th year for this show. Many of the horses displayed were Bryer - the company that originated the model horse show.

Here is a class in the Halter Division of Light Breeds.

One of the categories was best scene. Participants set their models in a real-life setting as seen here with the barn and tractor.

Judges suggested providing documentation with the models being shown. This helped with breed identification as well as assisting participants in placing their models in the correct class.

Judges Nella Dionne of Mountain City, Tennessee and Dana Niday of Bland County are about to tie this class of harness horses.

Abby Worth -Jones received the Sportsmanship Award. This award was voted on and given by her peers that participated in the show.

A big thank you to the judges, parents, and participants for making this years show another success!

Southwest District BB Tournament

On Saturday, February 24, the 4-H Center hosted the Southwest District BB Tournament. Over 30 shooters, Senior and Intermediate, attended. Bland and Patrick counties were represented.

Observers watch their teammates' targets through binoculars and a spotting scope.

Intermediate shooters in the kneeling position.

Shooters in the standing position.

Patrick county winners proudly displaying their awards.

The girls from Bland County really outdid their (male) teammates!

A New Feature

We now have video for the online newsletter. Check out the clip below of Cloverbud Camp in December.

Visit our myspace

The 4-H Center now has a myspace page! Feel free to visit, add us as a friend.

http://www.myspace.com/swva4h

Capital Campaign Udate: $264,000 Raised So Far!

It's hard to believe that two years have come and gone since we kicked off our Capital Campaign. We have made some great improvements to the current facilities with the funds we have raised so far. Here is a list of the projects that have been completed and paid for in 2006:

• Russell Hall received a new roof, paint, and reinforcements to the base
• The Dutch Palace received a face lift with new boards & batting added to the outside and a new paint job for the outside of the building & roof
• Ratliff Hal has been upgraded with heat pumps, new ceiling tiles, windows, and improved lighting
• Plans for the new boys lodging facilities have been drawn up

Projects & plans in the works for 2007 include:

• Completion of the Dutch Palace face lift. The Abingdon Rotary Club is funding and assisting with interior renovations
• New mattresses for the Conference Center
• Prepare bid packets for new boys' lodges

We've renovated and repaired, now is the time to expand! Help us make these new lodging facilities for the boys a reality!

Also note, that we have added the names (and, in some cases, links to their websites) of many major donors who have helped support our Campaign so far. Many thanks to all of them!