Teen Retreat at the Texas 4-H Conference Center

Howdy! The Texas 4-H Conference Center is pleased to announce plans for the first event of 2010. The Texas Teen Retreat to be held January 8-10, 2010 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center! This retreat will be an excellent opportunity for senior 4-H members ages 13-19 to learn numerous basic personal skills and leadership techniques. Our unique theme this year is “Fasten Your Seat Belts... 4-H is FUN!” a look at the new Recreation Handbook. Participants will see, learn, and get some practice leading recreation activities for any and all age groups! Teen Retreat participants will be equipped to return to their counties and lead activities with afterschool programs, 4-H clubs, Youth Boards, and more!

Registration is being conducted via 4-H Connect. The cost of this event is $120.00. Travis 4-H will pay half of the registration fee, only after you have paid for the event in full and attended the event. New additional sponsor - of the $60.00 remaining fee you will pay, due to a gracious sponsor, you will now only have to pay $30. For youth who attend. $90.00 will be refunded to each participant upon returning from the trip. If interested in this event and would like more information, please talk with Cory via email at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or by phone at 512-854-9600. Need to register via 4-H Connect by December 28, 2009.

Travis County 4-H T-shirt Orders

Orders are being accepted for Travis County 4-H T-shirts. The order form may be found at travis4h.com - (look under the tab "4-H Forms". Long or short sleeve shirts may be ordered.
Short Sleeve - $12.00 and Long Sleeve - $15.00. Order forms are due to the County Extension Office by December 1, 2009.

*** A correction is being made to add a hyphen between the 4 and the H.***

Travis County Youth Show Junior Superintendents

Opportunity for youth in the 8th-12th grades. The application must be completed and turned in by November 16, 2009 to the Travis County Youth Show Office. Application may be found at travis4h.com under the "forms" tab or on the TCYS website

Youth will be notified by phone on November 23, 2009 and invited to attend the December 2nd Board Meeting to meet the superintendents.

JUNIOR SUPERINTENDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO ASSIST THE SUPERINTENDENTS WITH VARIOUS AREAS OF THE SHOW & AUCTION. THEY WILL BE EXPECTED TO WEAR YOUR OFFICIAL NAME TAG. THIS OBLIGATION WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH YOUR OWN SHOW TIMES.

Please mail applications to
P.O. Box 1110
Manor, TX 778653

or Email to: tcys@live.com

Travis Extension Education Association Bazaar

Saturday, November 14, 2009
9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

Faith Lutheran Church
6600 Woodrow Avenue
Austin, TX

Great Holiday Decorations, Craft and Gift Items, Delicious Homemade Bake Goods, Breakfast Tacos, Hot Soups and Sandwiches, Desserts, Drinks.. and Much More

Travis County One Day 4-H Activities

Please take a look at the 4-H Website - www.travis4h.com to check out some photos of the One Day 4-H Events. If you have photos you would like posted of one day activity, please email them to Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu.

4-H Photos Needed

The 4-H Office and the County Council are requesting photos of 4-H'ers in action as well as photos taken by 4-H'ers. Promotional posters will be put together and printed to use at various 4-H events. The goal of this project is develop a poster portraying the many aspects of 4-H and all that it has to offer. Photos must be sent via email and as a jpeg (will not be accepted in other forms). Please submit photos to cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu. Please note that not all photos may be used. Selection of photos used will be made by a professional photographer.

Helpful Hints Regarding H1NI

For more information, please check out the following websites:

AgriLife Extension's Texas EDEN Flu Resources for your clientele:

http://texashelp.tamu.edu/004-natural/disease-and-epidemic.php#fluHuman

For additional flu information: http://www.texasflu.org/

Here is a list of things we can all do to avoid spreading the flu, compiled by Carol Rice, Extension health specialist:

· Get the seasonal flu immunization as soon as possible and the H1N1 vaccination as recommended for you.

· Recognize early signs of flu: fever at 100⁰F or higher, dry cough, sore throat, muscle aches and pain, headache, and cold symptoms. Stay at home until free from fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines.

· Regularly wash hands with warm soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· Provide and use disinfecting wipes on commonly touched/shared surfaces like door handles, copy machine buttons, phones, etc.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Shield coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm rather than your hands; use disposable tissues and discard promptly after use. Keep tissues readily available.

· Avoid shaking hands.

· Maintain a distance of three to six feet from others who appear sick.

· Keep your immune system strong with regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a good diet.

Fostering Animals Through the Town Lake Animal Shelter

Below is some information about fostering animals through the Town Lake Animal Shelter. If this might be on interest to your family, please read below and feel free to contact the following individual:

Sarah Hammond

TLAC Foster Coordinator

sarah.hammond@ci.austin.tx.us

512-972-6099 phone

TLAC F.A.Q.

What kind of animals need to be fostered?

Animals that benefit from foster care come in many shapes and sizes! The largest foster need TLAC has is for underage kittens and nursing mother cats and their kittens. We also need foster homes for underage puppies and nursing mother dogs and their puppies. Cats and dogs recovering from illness or injuries will enjoy recovering in the comfort of a foster home. In certain circumstances we simply need special temporary homes for a displaced pet.

What do foster homes need to do to become approved to foster for TLAC?

Fosters must live in Travis County, have a valid picture ID and have access to the Internet. All current animals in the foster home must have up to date rabies vaccinations. Foster homes should discuss fostering with their veterinarian – the veterinarian may suggest additional vaccinations or parasite protection for owned animals to protect them. If the foster home rents, we will need permission from the landlord to foster at the address. Ideally, there should be enough room in the foster home to separate them from owned animals.

How long is the typical foster period?

Average time in foster care is 2-4 weeks. If they become ill, it may be longer. Newborn kittens and puppies will need at least 8 weeks in foster care. Kittens and puppies need to be at least 8 weeks old to be eligible for adoption.

Who handles the veterinary care if a foster pet becomes ill while in foster care?

TLAC has a fully staffed vet services department and will handle all medical needs the foster animal requires at no expense to the foster home.

What happens if a foster’s owned animal catches a disease from a foster animal?

Any illness contracted by owned animals is the responsibility of the foster parent and their own personal veterinarian. All fosters animals are screened against certain contagious illness and the shelter’s recommendation is to keep owned animals separated from foster animals to avoid contamination.

What does the shelter provide in order to help care for the foster animals?

Cats and kittens are provided with food, both canned and hard food. Toys, bedding and litter boxes are all provided by the foster home. Dogs and puppies are provided with food, both canned and hard kibble. They also go home with a leash and collar. If appropriate, TLAC will provide a crate or exercise pen. Toys and bedding are provided by the foster home.

Do foster homes find adopters for their foster pets?

Animals return to Town Lake Animal Center for adoption. Foster homes should be able to provide pictures and behavior information about how the animal behaved in their home to help the shelter match the pets with potential adopters. In the event the foster home finds potential adopters for their foster pets, these adopters must come to TLAC to complete the TLAC Adoption Application Process.

Can foster homes adopt their foster pets?

Of course! By becoming a an approved foster provider, you are an approved TLAC Adopter!

Fantastic Horse Needs a New Home

BA Tomorrow's Magic

IAHA Breeder's Sweepstakes Nominated US National Futurity Nominated AHR# 0596148

“Magic” is a large Arabian pony mare by the Legendary Pioneer V. She is a very well trained pony. She is quiet, and minds her manners. She has had a variety of work done on her. She has been ridden, Dressage, Hunter, Hunter-Jumper, Bareback, and Western. She has done trails down the nearby roads, and been ridden in an arena also. Her ground work is exquisite. She bathes, ties, trims, loads, leads, and all around behaves well. She can also do some TRICKS! She will do well with anyone with a couple of year of experience or as a lesson horse. She is registered with Arabian Horse Association, and is Breeder sweepstakes Nominated. She is update on worming, shots, floating, and Coggins until April. We are selling her due to financial hardship, and another sick loved one. She is valued at way more, however priced for an emergency quick sale.
I have photos and videos upon request. I also have an open schedule so if you would like to have a visit please don't hesitate.

Emily Keller (Please contact Emily - she is the owner and will be able to answer any questions you may have.)
512-744-3366
Salinia6789@AOL.com
Thanks So Much :)

Vendor Opportunities at Pioneer Farms Christmas Event

Pioneer Farms is actively planning for its 2009 Christmas Event, and this could be a great opportunity for you to reach an audience of Austin area families and international visitors. The theme is 'Christmas Around the World', focusing on the heritages and Christmas traditions of the families that settled Central Texas. A Christmas Bazaar is also being planned in conjunction with the event. The date and time of the event is Saturday, December 12th, 4 to 9 p.m.

Pioneer Farms is a non-profit 1880’s living history museum. It is run solely by volunteers and provides an invaluable service to our community in educating school children and the public about Texas history. Members of the Pioneer Farms 4-H Club are volunteers at the museum.

Pioneer Farms waives all vendor fees and vendors may keep 100% of their proceeds. The event will be held rain or shine. Vendors are issued one 12-foot-by-12-foot space for the five hours of this event. The vendor will need to supply tent, tables, chairs, etc. Booth set up will begin at 2 hrs before the event begins and take down must be no later than a half hour after the end of the event. All vehicles must be off of the historic areas inside the museum no later than one half hour prior to the event start time. A special vendor parking area will be provided at the front entrance, near where the booth area will be located. Immediate families of vendor may attend the event free of charge; wrist bands will be provided with your info packet.

If you have any questions regarding this event, or to receive the vendor information packet, please e-mail Angela Walters at cordelia_78681@sbcglobal.net. If you do not have access to e-mail please call her at (512) 497-8952. Angela would like to get vendor applications back by October 30^th if possible, so your information may be advertised on the Pioneer Farms web site. Pioneer Farms looks forward to working with you!

Manor FFA Lamb and Goat Prospect Show

October 31, 2009
Manor AG Barn
Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com, look up the tab "upcoming events"

National 4-H Conference

WHAT IS NATIONAL 4‐H CONFERENCE?:
The National 4‐H Conference is the Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4‐H Youth Development Program.

The National 4‐H Conference is a working conference in which youth and adults‐‐at the invitation of the Secretary of Agriculture‐‐assist in the development of recommendations to help guide 4‐H Youth Development Programs nationally and in their communities. This event brings together
youth, volunteer leaders, and state and county Extension staff members from across the United States, the U.S. Territories, and the Canadian Provinces. As the sponsor for this conference, the National 4‐H Headquarters‐‐located within Families, 4‐H, and Nutrition at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES)‐‐is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, national Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4‐H programs. At the same time, ensuring that the conference is a meaningful experience for the youth and adult participants.

DATES AND LOCATION:
The 2010 National 4‐H Conference will be held at the National 4‐H Youth Conference Center. The National 4‐H Youth Conference Center is located in a quiet, 12‐acre campus‐like setting in Maryland, one mile from the nation’s capital, making it the perfect gateway to Washington, D.C.’s leaders, monuments and museums. The Conference Center is operated by the National 4‐H Council. To read more interesting history on the National 4‐H Youth Conference Center, visit http://www.4hcenter.org/center_history.html.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?:
The National 4‐H Conference requires youth who are focused and committed to working during the Conference and in their state. The Texas delegation will consist of 10 youth delegates, who need to engage in pre‐ and post conference work and participate in all scheduled conference activities. The minimum age requirement for a Texas youth delegate is 15 years old (must be by January 1, 2010). The maximum age for a youth delegate is 18.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications must be submitted online and certified through 4H CONNECT by November 15, 2009. Final selection of delegates will be made on the basis of the online application. The final selection of delegates will be announced on, or before, December 1, 2009. Please refer to the Application/Nomination for 4‐H Recognition Form (4‐H 3‐2.041) to help you complete the online application. This form is available from the
Publication page of the Texas 4‐H and Youth Development Program website (http://texas4‐h.tamu.edu).

COST:
The delegate’s share of registration, adult chaperone registration, lodging, airfare, meals, and transportation costs is $1500.00. This registration fee will be due on January 5, 2010.

4-H and NASCAR

For many years, 4-H has been looking to partner with NASCAR.

On Sunday, October 4th, the 4-H clover and website address will be featured on the back TV panel of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet driven by Jeff Gordon at the Kansas Speedway.

Tune in for the race that day to check out the great exposure 4-H will receive courtesy of DuPont and NASCAR.

Manor 4-H Club Food Drive

The Manor 4-H Club is hosting a food drive and is inviting all Travis County 4-H families to participate. There is a box at the Travis County Extension Office, located in the front by the 4-H informational booth. Anytime you are coming by the office, think about making a donation with a non-perishable food item. Listed below are some items which are needed. Monetary donations may be made at the following website: http://cafbtx.convio.net/4H

• Peanut Butter
• Soups
• Personal care items (shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, feminine hygiene).
• Canned meats like tuna, stew and chili (pop-tops preferred)
• Canned vegetables
• Pasta & pasta sauce
• Beans
• Rice
• Healthy cereals
• Peanut Butter
• Baby food & baby formula
• Diapers (adult and baby)

Fort Worth Calf Scramble

Youth participants must be between the ages of 14 to 17 years of age as of January 1, 2010 and not be beyond their junior year in high school. If chosen to participate and you catch a calf at the scramble, youth will receive a $500 certificate to purchase a registered beef or dairy heifer. Please let Cory know if you are interested by October 1, 2009.

Creedmoor Oktoberfest

Creedmoor Oktoberfest
October 17, 2009
Creedmoor Community Center
10:00 am.-7:00 p.m
website: Creedmoorcommunityfa.org

Opportunity to attend and booths are still available for crafts. Check out the website for more details and forms.

2010 Beekeeping Essay Contest

For official rules for this contest, please go to the travis4h.com website and look under the "upcoming events" tab.

TOPIC:
For the 2010 essay contest, the essay topic is:

“Is My Community Honey Bee-Friendly?”
Honey bees and other pollinators have been in the news lately. Many beekeepers have experienced colony losses to the yet unexplained Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD. These unexplained losses have caused some people to wonder: What can I do to help? For this essay, you should survey your community to see what is being done, or could be done to help
honey bees. Perhaps there are classes to attract new beekeepers – or laws that prohibit beekeeping. Does your community allow roadsides and open land to grow up in blooming plants in the spring – or not? Are there resources to help home gardeners make bee-friendly choices? When insecticides are required for pests (for example, mosquito control), are the insecticides chosen or applied with bee protection in mind? Include your state in your survey if there is some reason; for example, your state may have declared the honey bee your state insect, or your state highway department may have a wildflower seeding program. The scope of the research is an essential judging criterion, accounting for 40% of your score. The number of sources consulted, the authority of the sources, and the variety of the sources are all evaluated. Personal interviews with beekeepers and others familiar with the subject are valued sources of information and should be documented. Sources, which are not cited in the endnotes, should be listed in a “Resources” or “Bibliography” list. Note that “honey bee” is properly spelled as two words, even though many otherwise authoritative references spell it as one word.

Attention Adults - TCYS Youth Fair Committee Meeting

Its getting to be that time again! We'll have a meeting on Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the Extension Office on Smith Road. If you have anyone that is interested in joining our merry little band, please bring them.

For those who may be new to 4-H, TCYS is an acronym for the Travis County Youth Show. All 4-H and FFA youth who live and/or go to school in Travis County are eligible to participate in the Travis County Youth Show. Many youth choose to participate in the "Youth Fair" portion. This portion involves making craft items, woodworking items, bake goods and more. For more information about TCYS - check out the website at www.traviscountyyouthshow.org

For the adults interested in volunteering for the Youth Fair, please join us on October 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

2009 Jr. Leadership Retreat

2009 Junior Leadership Retreat, November 6-8, 2009
Texas 4-H Conference Center, Brownwood, Texas
This event is open to youth ages 8 (and in the third grade) to 14 (as of August 31, 2009)
Cost: $120.00 - youth
$80.00 - adult

The workshop will focus on basics such as communication skills, leadership, team building, new
project and/or activity opportunities, community service, leading recreation, how to manage
groups, and more. It is the goal of the workshop to empower youth with the skills they need to
become leaders in their community clubs and county programs.

***If a youth would like to attend, a parent needs to serve as chaperon***

For those interested, please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tmu.edu or John at JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu. If attending, you will need to submit the $50.00 non-refundable fee or the full deposit by Tuesday, October 6, 2009.

Threads of Love - District 10 Community Service Project

Threads of love is a non- profit, ministry meeting the needs of tiny premature infants and newborns who are deceased due to miscarriage. They are dedicated to the production and distribution of clothing and care items to the premature babies. The group sews, knits and crochets clothing and accessories.

What can you do to help? By donating the following items you can do your part:

• fleece baby material

• cotton baby material

• yarn (#3 or baby yarn)

• Ribbon

• Lace

For more information, please check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com (look under the tab"upcoming events). Items may be brought to the County Extension Office during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.