By Request - The Recipe for Ginger Snap Cookies at the Walk for Joy

Awesome Ginger Snap Cookies

Read the recipe through before you start baking! It is important that you use exactly the ingredients specified. 

4 cups unbleached, all purpose flour, sifted

2 Tablespoons ground ginger (yes, tablespoons)

3 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 teaspoons salt

3/4 cup UNSALTED, REAL BUTTER, softened

3/4 cup Crisco solid shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup LIGHT brown sugar (dark brown will make them too soft)

2 eggs

1/2 cup molasses

1/2 hour to 1 hour before baking (this will depend on how warm or cool it is in your home) ...Take the butter and eggs out of the refrigerator so they can come to room temperature.  DO NOT SOFTEN  BUTTER IN MICROWAVE!  This changes the composition of the butter.  Also, use real butter.  Margarine and spreads have a lot of water in them.

1.  In a medium size bowl (not the mixing bowl), whisk together flour, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.  Set aside.

Submitted by Ted and Sandy Reynolds

2.  Cream butter, shortening, sugar and brown sugar in large mixing bowl just until well combined.

3.  Add eggs and molasses.  Beat until smooth.

4.  Set mixer at lowest speed (or you'll end up looking like a flour snowman!).  Add dry ingredients 1/2 cup at a time.  Mix well.  Dough will be stiff.

5.  Cover and refrigerate for 2 -3 hours.

Set  oven to 375 degrees and preheat for 20 minutes.  Oven rack should be in center of oven. Additional rack should be above that one.

6.Using a cookie scoop or two teaspoons, roll dough into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.  Try to make the balls about the same size,1 inch.  Airbake cookie sheets work well.  If you use regular baking sheets, be careful not to bake too long.

7.  Bake cookies 10-11 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! Check them at 10 minutes and add a minute if you need to.  Use a timer! They should be light brown and slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven. Try not to let them get dark brown around the edges. 

Allow your cookie sheet to cool completely before putting more dough on it.

8. When cookies come out of the oven, wait  30 seconds and then place cookies on wire rack to cool.  When completely cool, put cookies in an airtight container and put a slice of bread on top of the cookies before putting on the lid.  Don't leave them out in the air too long or you will have crunchier cookies.

                                          Enjoy!!  Makes  at least 7 doz. (84) very fattening cookies!

Arriving Home and Staying In Touch

We hope everyone arrived home safely, and on their travels, carried with them fond memories, new friendships and warm wishes from Delaware.

We do have the benefit of technology to keep us connected. This blog and the Flickr photo gallery (with 900+ photos in place and more tour photos to come) act in concert with the printed address directory to facilitate all of us to remain in touch.

To that end, it would be helpful to put name to face. This brain of the blogmaster is not quite sharp enough, or attended enough forums to know all the names that go with the many images the Flickr site offers!

Therefore, if you would like to add a caption or can identify the people in a particular photo, please let Michele Walfred know and she will add it to the photo as soon as possible. Since many photos share the same generic photo number, it would be helpful to let us know the day the photo was taken or subject: e.g., Friday workshop, Saturday dinner, a brief description of the photo, e.g., man in the brown sweater and girl with the red hair looking at the pumpkin, and we will likely be able to find it from there.  It would also be helpful to know the Postal Code of the subjects.

Full names will not be published. To protect your privacy, we will list: Lisa B. from DE and Debbie P. from PA, etc.  You should be able to figure out the full name from your printed address directory. We will be happy to send anyone an e-copy of that address directory in Excel.That will help you with creating labels and mail merges for the future.

In most cases, we did collect email addresses at registration. If you request an email address of a 2010 NERVF attendee, we will gladly share it upon getting their permission first.

If you don't mind releasing your email to other attendees, just email Michele with the subject, "OK to share my email" and those emails will be added to a separate address book that will be shared with other NERVF attendees.

For the members of the 2010 4-H NERVF Planning Committee, the end of our weekend is bittersweet. We've been working hard...and now we get to return home and rest - we are thankful our lives are returning back to normal- but we already are missing you-our extended 4-H family-and like you, are thinking ahead to when we can see you again - learn and celebrate at your side, and enjoy your warm 4-H smiles. Until then, we wish you many blessings...go forth doing what you do best -  Making the Best Better!

Pictures are in for Friday night

Click here to see pictures posted soon after they are taken!!!

Remember! If you click on the plus sign inside the magnifying glass...then look to the top right to "select all sizes" and you can download the picture in its original size or a smaller one if you prefer - absolutely free!

Today's the day the excitement begins!

Delaware 4-H Extension staff and volunteers are rising early this morning, packing their bags and just like you, heading down to Rehoboth Beach's Atlantic Sands!

We have a shorter trip however, but we are getting up to get ready, setting up the welcome reception, organizing the registration desk, and finishing all the last minute details.

There are simply no words to tell you how excited we are-so just look for our big, genuine smiles as we say hello and know that we are so pleased to have you as our guests!

If there is anything we can do to make your stay with us more pleasant, please let our staff know! Look for the green "staff" ribbon.

It's raining in Delaware today, a part of a larger rain system that us sweeping up the East Coast.  Please drive safely! Don't speed! And be ready to party 4-H and First State style!!!

2010 NERVF Photos

Throughout the forum this weekend, we will have folks uploading pictures to our Flickr account - a photo sharing site. Last year we created a set to put some pictures of prior forums, so we thought that it would be best to continue in the same location!

So, please bookmark our 4-H NERVF Flicker page and check back often as the new 2010 pictures are loaded. It may take a week after the event for all the images to make their way for your viewing pleasure!

You do not need to sign in or create an account to view any of the pictures.Flickr is absolutely free! In fact, if you see a picture and you would like to have a copy of it, Flickr makes it easy. Simply click the magnifying glass icon with a + in the middle, and the picture will enlarge and you will have the option to download a thumbnail, small, medium, large or original size photo.

Flickr also enables you to view all the pictures in a slideshow, without having to download anything. These pictures will be left up indefinitely.

However, if there is a picture posted that you would like us to remove, please let us know immediately. You can also Google NERVF and Flickr and the link should come right up!

Weather Forecast for Rehoboth Beach 19971

Forecast as per the Weather Channel 11/1/2010

All loaded and ready to go!

T-shirts are in and bags are packed!

Members of our Registration Committee and friends from Kent and New Castle Counties spent Saturday morning stuffing the registration bags with goodies. We hope you like the quality bags, and what you find inside them!!

Members of the Registration Committee spent this Saturday stuffing bags!

More Trivia

Besides chicken, Delaware is known for a particular type of food, rarely found elsewhere. What is it? Hint:  It is most often eaten at breakfast. There is even a festival named for it. What is the festival's name?

Free Health Screenings on Saturday!

Dr. William Campbell, professor of nursing at Salisbury University, and former Delaware 4-H'er, proud parent of a 4-H'er and forum presenter Megan Campbell, and 2002 Delaware Salute to Excellence winner will be offering free health screenings to NERVF attendees on Saturday, Nov. 6, outside the Swan Ballroom. Joining Bill will be three of his nursing students, Stephanie, Kristen and Lauren.

The screenings will begin immediately following the workshop II session, continue through lunch and wrap up before workshop III session begins.

Bill has been a stalwart supporter of 4-H. He and his wife Carlene, also a nurse, have donated their services as leaders and nurses for many, many, years. Day camps, overnighters, state camps...the Campbell's have been there for 4-H. Anytime there is a chance to present health-themed workshops- Bill and Carlene donate their time, wisdom and expertise. We are proud and very lucky to claim them as ours!

But we are sharing them on Saturday with you!! (Carlene is doing a workshop about stress). We hope you take a few important minutes of your time to reinforce and double check the H of your health! Remember...it's part of the pledge!

NERVF Press Releases

Today a press release went out to local Rehoboth/Lewes media to remind them that they will soon be covered in clovers!  Read the release here. Within the release is a media advisory highlighting Friday's lighted Walk for Joy.

Brush up on your Delaware Trivia!

Throughout the NERVF gatherings, we will be asking everyone to answer some questions about Delaware: history, trivia and yes even a little fun! As the final week countdown begins, we will be positing some hints of questions that might be asked!

Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution in 1787. The exact day is also another day noted in American history. What is it?

What group of people first settled Delaware in the 17th Century?

Delaware is known for it's chicken production, in particular, broiler chickens. There are three major poultry companies that operate in the state. What are they named and which one is a 2010 4-H NERVF sponsor?

 More tomorrow!

Confirmation letters mailed on Friday, Oct 22. From Ernie Lopez

Confirmation letters have been mailed to all registered attendees.  Below is the text of the letter for your convenience:

October 22, 2010

Dear 2010 NERVF attendee:

With just over two weeks to go before the 4-H North East Regional Volunteer Forum, it is with a great sense of excitement and a thankful heart that I send you my very best wishes from Delaware!

All of us who have been planning this forum over the last two years are looking forward to welcoming you with open arms as we join together in 4-H fellowship!  We were pleased with the increase in registrations over the course of the last few weeks with both full time and part time Forum participation!  Thanks for spreading the word and stepping up to our challenge!

Tours are all set and workshop rooms have been booked at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and businesses around the town of Rehoboth Beach are awaiting your arrival almost as much as we are!   Great restaurants like “Jam Bistro” across from the hotel and renowned Nicola Pizza, “Home of the World Famous Nicoboli” are offering specials for our Forum participants (just in case your delicious meals at the hotel are not enough)!   Don’t forget to bring an item for our auction which will take place on Saturday, the 6^th, just prior to our Monsanto Salute to Excellence program and please don’t show up at the luau on Friday night without a fun Hawaiian shirt (although we’ll still let you in without one)!  Again, please feel free to call me on my personal cell phone at [DELETED ON BLOG ONLY] or my office line at 302-856-2585 x561 for any other questions about tours and workshops or anything you want to know about wonderful Rehoboth Beach and our Forum!

We wish you safe travels once again and look forward to seeing you, whether your 2010 NERVF experience starts on Thursday, Friday or Saturday!   We can’t wait to see you! 

 NERVF Host Hotel
Atlantic Sands Hotel

101 North Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach, DE.  19971

302-227-2511 

Yours in 4-H,

Ernesto López

State 4-H Volunteer Coordinator

University of Delaware

Area Restaurants offer 4-H NERVF attendees 15 percent discount!

Newly opened Jam's Bistro, 20 Baltimore Avenue, acts as the unofficial lounge for the Atlantic Sands Hotel, and welcomes all 4-H volunteers with a 15 percent discount. All you have to do is show them your registration ID card! Even though breakfast, lunch and dinner is offered to full time attendees, we know there may be some of you who just feel like a mid-afternoon or late night snack. If so, check out Jam's Bisto...or...

Nicola's Pizza- home of the famous Nic-o-boli is located in the ocean block of Rehoboth Avenue! The folks at this famous landmark restaurant join Jams in offering a 10 percent discount.

For those of you doing Rehoboth on your own - this might be a great alternative! Bon Appetit!

Directions to the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference

View Larger Map

Late arrivals welcome- early bird rate will remain permanent!

We've got a great 4-H crowd committed to attending the 2010 Northeast Regional Volunteer Forum and we are very pleased with our list of attendees and can't wait to see all of you (and meet some of you for the first time) in less than 4 weeks! And guess what, we have room for more! More clover, more green, more fun!

Please spread the word to your friends, and those who plan things at the last minute (gulp! yes there are some of us out there) that it is never too late to be a part this wonderful 4-H tradition.  The early bird rate is now the standard fixed rate and walk in registrations on Thursday will be welcomed at the rate of $300.

So, if you have a 4-H friend sitting on the fence, tell them to hop off and join you! We will get them signed up for some workshops and or tour that they will love.

I'm an authentic 4-H Rehoboth Early Bird and I am holding a spot for you at my rate!  I might steal a french fry from you however, as my commission!

UD Press Release on upcoming forum

University of Delaware posted this press release about the 2010 4-H NERVF recently on UDaily

Delaware artist donates framed work to live auction

Delaware artist Brian Magargal has generously donated a signed, framed print of  Rocking Horse (seen here without the frame).

We are grateful for Brian's talent and support of Delaware 4-H. As an art educator at Salesianum School in Wilmington, Brian connects with youth and helps them communicate through art...something he and 4-H have in common. Good luck at the auction!

Rocking Horse by Brian Magargal

 

Rehoboth doesn't slow down in the fall at all!

Less than a month away- if Nov. 4-7 is anything like Oct. 9, you will find Rehoboth Beach bustling with activity, creative shops to fit every interest open and ready to do business. Today it was 77 degrees! Last year in November, the weather was the same. We can only hope for a repeat! These were all taken October 9, 2010!

Thrasher's have the best french fries...and their building confirms how nice it was on October 9th!

Old Salt Gift Shoppe in Penny Lane

Lovely stores- Tax free shopping

All the stores are opened through the holiday season.

One of the iconic candy stores along Rehoboth's boardwalk

Famous custard shop in all flavors imaginable

Columbus Day weekend celebrates Greyhound adoption

One of Rehoboth's year round residents!

In the mood for an old fashioned lollipop? We have you covered!

Colorful banners beckon vistors inside many stores and shoppes!

Alley storefronts offer added beauty that welcome you  on every turn!

Nothing quite like a Saturday stroll on Rehoboth's one mile boardwalk. Shorts in October?  Who would have thought?

The  Rehoboth Bandstand occupies center stage and harkens to a century ago when Rehoboth became a vacation destination.

One of the store-filled alleys off Rehoboth Avenue. There is something here for everyone!

Outside of Browseabout Books- an old fashioned bookstore, stationer and gift shop. A must stop!

Always fun to see how some vendors market their wares. This is one of Rehoboth's many interesting jewelery and fashion stores.

If it's fall, it means caramel apples with all kinds of toppings. They don't last long on their wax paper shelves! 

Rehoboth Avenue in October, 2010. If it weren't for the calendar, you wouldn't know summer was over!

Entrance into Penny Lane, another alley full of shops.

Lunch vouchers available for Grotto's- so popular, it has many locations in Rehoboth.

Kayla Martell - Miss Delaware update!

Our new Miss Delaware 2010 sure is busy - beautifully representing Delaware and 4-H all across the state! As such, her schedule to visit our NERVF forum had to be tweaked a little. Kayla will now be joining us on Sunday, November 7.

Source: http://www.missde.org/

We're sure you will find her story as inspiring as we do! As the Northeast Regional Volunteer Forum comes to a close on Sunday, we hope you will will leave Delaware moved by Kayla's message of how 4-H Youth Programming instilled her with self- confidence and prepared her for many of Kayla's important causes and missions as Miss Delaware 2010.

A lighted "Walk for Joy" details announced- all Delaware 4-H is welcomed!

The Delaware 4-H community is welcomed to participate in this poignant, lighted walk designed to raise cancer awareness and honor the memory of Joy Sparks who dedicated her life to introducing youth and adults to the joy of 4-H youth programming. We hope you will attend and join your fellow 4-H friends as we  illuminate our message and awareness the evening of Thursday, Nov. 4. 2010.