Trailer Assistance Needed

EMANCIPE+ in East Austin is moving into a new space at their same location. They are in need of the use of trailer to pick up the drywall (8x4 - sheets) that will be used for their remodeling efforts. If you are willing to lend your trailer for a couple of days, please contact Ashley Boyd to find out more details;
Business: 512-587-7729
Cell: 512-764-8430
Email: ashboyd@yahoo.com

Need your Goat/Lambs Sheared for the County Show?

This year it is being offered to the first 15 people who RSVP and you must RSVP, to have your goat or lamb sheared for the county show. The cost will be $10.00 per head. You must contact Julie at 512-924-2550 between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 p.m. She will fill you in regarding other necessary details.

Buyers Baskets at TCYS Auction

Friendly reminder about the Buyers Baskets at the TCYS Auction. If you make the auction with a youth fair project or animal, it is customary to put together a basket or something for your buyers at the Auction. This could be anything, i.e, chips and salsa, cheeses, sausages, cookies, cakes, coffee packs. Just a little something to show your appreciation to your buyers. Please remember that these items must be alcohol free!! If you are new to 4-H, make the auction for the first time and have questions about this, please ask any veteran members or leaders or Cory.

It's Back - 4-H Night with the Spurs!

SPURS vs. NETS
Friday, Jan 23, 2009

AT&T Center – 7:30 PM

EXCLUSIVE 4-H PACKAGE INCLUDES:
· Spurs Club 200 level ticket
· FREE Hot dog
· FREE Chips
· FREE Soda
· Club recognition on Lighthouse Scoreboard

Prices vary from $12, $20 and $35

An order form may be found on the travis4h.com website

*** You must purchase your tickets on your own, not through the Extension Office!

TCYS Barrow Weight Tolerance

A slight adjustment has been made to the barrow weight tolerance for the Travis County Youth Show. The original weight limit is set at 125 to 270 pounds. Due to the time frame of the show, a 15 pound top and bottom tolerance is being allowed for this show only.

Share Your Story

4-H members are being asked to share what the county show means to you or how the show has influenced you. This is a great opportunity for anyone and especially those who may serve in the role of reporter for your club.

All stories need to be sent to Carl Dahlstrom at cdahl49@juno.com
Carl's plan is to submit these stories in hopes of them being printed in the Country Line Magazine. Please note that all stories may not be used. He needs these by December 12th.

Good Luck!!

Consumer Decision Making Project

Everyone is a consumer. Being a consumer is a role that lasts a lifetime. We all make purchases to satisfy our basic human needs for food, clothing, and shelter. As consumers, we also have a variety of wants—other goods and services we would like to have. So when we buy consumer goods and services, we are satisfying either a consumer need or a consumer want.

The Consumer Decision-Making Contest is a competitive event that enables 4-H’ers to practice making decisions based on information about a situation and four available marketplace options. This contest is an opportunity to practice marketplace knowledge and skills and to compare personal decisions with the decisions from a panel of judges who are knowledgeable about today’s marketplace and its various goods and services. This project has a contest at the San Antonio Livestock Show and there is also a District Contest.

If you would like to learn more about this project and the contests, an informational is being held at the County Extension Office on Monday, December 29th at 10:00 a.m. The program will end by noon.

Recordbook Workshop

Monday: December 8, 2008
Location: County Extension Office
Time: 6:30 p.m.

This is a great opportunity for those who have never completed a recordbook or for those who would like to learn more about recordbooks and the process of keeping records.

If you attend and would like to have a volunteer leadership activity to add to your recordbook, bring a favorite snack to share with others in attendance.

District 10 Photography Project Workshop

Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. noon

Registration at 9:00 a.m.

Location: Majestic Ranch Arts Foundation

546 Hwy 46 W , Boerne, TX

http://www.mraf.org/location

Workshop Fee: $5.00 (payable at workshop)

Learn how to make Pin Hole Cameras, develop photos in a dark room and more on making great digital photos.

RSVP by: December 15, 2008

Angela Fiedler

Kendall County, CEA- FCS

Phone: 830-249-9343

Email: afiedler@ag.tamu.edu

Teen Retreat - 2009

“Take A Stand”
Texas 4-H Conference Center
Teen Retreat
January 9-11, 2009

(Please note that the event this year is during the Travis County Youth Show - Participants will need to have a screened 4-H volunteer serve as a chaperone.)

Who? Senior age 4-H members, 14-19 and Adult sponsors
Why? Develop leadership skills through workshops and hands-on
learning experiences
How? Register on 4-H Connect
http://texas.4honline.com/
Cost? Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, snacks and
all program supplies. Youth $123, Adults $75
$90 Chaperone fee if County does not provide Chaperone


Teen Retreat at the Texas 4-H Conference Center provides a state
level leadership experience for 4-H youth ages 14-19.
• The program is designed to allow teens to explore new or revised
project and curricula resources and return to implement them in their
counties
• Featured project will be “Take A Stand” Texas
AgriLife Enrichment Curriculum. The five-fold
focus of this program is conflict management/
bully prevention, communication, etiquette,
teamwork, and cultural awareness. This
program would be a great resource for teen
led curriculum enrichment programs, Youth
Boards, afterschool programs, and more!
• Register now on 4-H Connect… don’t wait



Registration will open on 4-H Connect December 1, 2008 and will close January 5, 2009.

Travis County 4-H Holiday Party

Travis County 4-H Council is hosting a Holiday Party -
Sunday, December 14th, 2008.


2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Travis County Extension Office.
A time for Food, Fun and Friends.


Games and activities for the kids. If you wish to participate, the Council is having a White Elephant Gift Exchange. The items are to be of no more than $5.00 in value and the items should be "useless". This is a great time to look around around your house and find things you no longer use or never used...because it was "useless".



Community Service Opportunities:

• Non-perishable food items for the Capitol Area Food Bank


• 2009 Encouragement cards for our Military.

Bring your favorite holiday snack to share with others!!!!

If you can please let us know if you might be attending so that we can get a rough estimate on how many to prepare for.

TCYS Decals

Show your support for the Travis County Youth Show with a TCYS Decal.
Decals may be purchased for $5.00.
Please send your money and a return address for the decals to be mailed to:
PO Box 151717
Austin, TX 78745

If you have any questions, please call Violet at 444- 3400

State 4-H Photography Contest

District rules and guidelines are not out yet, but included in this information are the classes and divisions which will be utilized for the County and District Contest.

Please check out the classes and divisions at travis4h.com

These guidelines are for the State Photography Contest (senior 4-H members ages 14 to 19 as of August 31, 2008). Travis 4-H is allowed to submit one photo per class (15 total entries from the County). All photos submitted will be judged and the first place senior photos will advance to the State Contest to be held in June 2009 in College Station.

Photos due to the Extension Office by: Friday, March 27, 2009 by 5:00 p.m.

Texas 4-H Council Community Service Project 2009

The Texas 4-H State Council has partnered with the Starlight Children's Foundation as an on-going venture to provide an opportunity for Texas 4-H Members to write encouraging messages to children and their families who have been diagnosed with a major illness. These cards will be distributed throughout Texas by the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Logistics: Holiday Card Distribution

• A one dollar ($1.00) donation is requested per card (more if desired by the contributor) to assist with the efforts of the Foundation.
• Write a message on the cards provided (may be picked up from the County Extension Office)
• Contributors will be able to place a star on the web site (http://www.millinstars.org/) under the Texas 4-H Galaxy. The contributor is to keep one side of the card with the number to put their star on the web site. Additional attributes can be added to their star for an additional donation while on the website.
• For all money collected, a money order will need to be purchased and mailed along with the cards to our designated District 10 State Council Member. That information will be released as people are ready to mail their cards and money orders. (Money orders made payable to: Starlight Children's Foundation.

This is round 1 of this project, more will be coming in the future.

The Holiday Card Distribution will need to be completed by November 28th.

Canned Food Drive

Manor 4-H, the Good Luck Grill and Travis County 4-H are working together to collect canned good items. During the months of October and November, with two canned food items you will receive a $1.00 off your purchase at the Good Luck Grill. Canned good items may also be brought to the October Council Meeting or to the Extension Office at anytime during the next two months. Please check out the travis4h.com website to see the flyer.

District 10 Clothing and Textiles Workshop

Have fun and learn new clothing skills over your Winter Break!

December 29, 2008
Loctaion: Guadalup County Extension Office
210 East Oak St.
Seguin, TX 78155

Map available: www.guadalupe.tx.tamu.edu/location.cfm

Check in: 9-9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 12:15 p.m. (on site)
End: 3:00 p.m.

Workshop fee is $10.00

This fee includes lunch and some materials.

Please bring one yard of 100% cotton fabric for the
community service and a placemat that is thin and
flexible enough to fold and stitch with a machine.

RSVP: s-schramm@tamu.edu by December 1, 2008

The workshop will include:
jewelry making, stationary holders, pin cushions, and
premature baby blankets which will be donated for
community service.

San Antonio Livestock Show School Tour Guides

The San Antonio Stock Show is looking for youth to serve as tour guides for the 2009 school tours.
Listed below are the dates available:
Monday - Friday - February 9-13th
Monday - Wednesday - February 16-18th

Youth need to be in at least the 8th - 12th grades and must be able to commit your day starting at 7:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For those interested, please let Cory know by November 26th. Please also consider your show schedule if you also show livestock.

If you have any questions, please let Cory know.

2009 Travis County Youth Show Scholarship

The 2009 Travis County Youth Show Scholarship has been uploaded to the Travis County Youth Show website. If you are a 2009 graduating senior, please check out the application and get it submitted by the due date. www.traviscountyyouthshow.org

Creedmoor Turkey Dinner

Creedmoor 4-H is sponsoring a FREE Turkey Dinner

Saturday, November 15, 2008

4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Creedmoor Community Center

12511 FM 1625

Creedmoor, Tx

"Free Will Offering" - Turkey, Ham and all the trimmings.

Scholarship Workshop

***Attention Seniors Graduating in 2009***
For those graduating this year and interested in completing the Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship, a workshop is being offered on Thursday, November 20, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office.

Last year Texas 4-H awarded over 220 4-H youth over 2 million dollars in scholarships at Texas 4-H Roundup in College Station. Take the opportunity to showcase your 4-H experiences and work to try to be one of those 220 in 2009.

The workshop is open to others who are looking to complete the application in the upcoming years. The focus will be on how to complete the application and learning the steps of the scholarship process. Completing a recordbook is not a requirement to complete this application, but always helpful. Bring your most current book if you have one.

Entries for Major Stock Shows!!

It is time to start turning in your entries and entry fees for the following major shows; San Antonio, Houston, STAR and San Angelo. It is the responsibility of each member/family to get their entries submitted to the Extension Office by 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 13th. Entry forms may be found on the travis4h.com website. Please make sure that you have all required signatures prior to turning in your forms.

Houston Entry Forms must be notarized!!!

Each participant also needs to be complete the Summary Form and it may also be found on the website.

If you have any questions, please contact Brad or Cory.

Texas Extension Education Annual Bazaar

Saturday, November 8, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church
6600 Woodrow Avenue

This group of ladies always supports 4-H and this Bazaar is one of the events they host to help raise the funds they use to offer 4-H'ers scholarships.

They will have great holiday decorations, craft and gift items for sale as well as delicious homemade baked goods, breakfast tacos, hot soups, sandwiches, desserts, drinks and much more.

Speak Out for Military Kids - Opportunity

Speak Out for Military Kids
Ambassador Training November 1 and 2nd
For more details or to RSVP - mprause@ag.tamu.edu

Speak Out for Military Kids (SOMK) -The Speak Out for Military Kids Ambassador program is a key component of OMK in Texas. Military and civilian youth ages 13-17 may be nominated by an adult or self nominated with references. Nominees attend a two day training course to become Ambassadors for the program. During this training participants develop public speaking/presentation skills, leadership and citizenship skills as they explore issues of deployment, methods of coping and avenues to share their own viewpoints and pointers with others. Thus, allowing them to "SPEAK OUT" for military kids in their respective areas of the state. SOMK youth often assist with statewide activities and in special leadership roles such as interpretation events for key leaders, participating in media interviews at events and serving as Junior Counselors for Operation Purple or other camp opportunities for military youth! To see an example of the work (PSA) of our SOMK youth in Texas click here (TXDallasSOMK.wmv)!

Cowboy Christmas Ball

8th Ever Cowboy Christmas Ball
November 22nd, 2008

The Renaissance in the Arboretum

6:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight

Live Music by Bobby Pounds

Ticket Cost - $75 each
Reserved Table of 10 - $750

We are Also Accepting Donations

Ticket forms and flyer may be found on the travis4h.com website

Travis County Youth Show Entries

The entry deadline for the Travis County Youth Show is fast approaching. Your club manager has forms for you. Most clubs are completing the forms at their October 4-H Club meeting. You need to talk with your club manager to get your forms. If for some reason you miss your meeting or are not able to get with your club manager, please contact Cory at the county office by
October 31, 2008.

The form includes both Youth Fair and Livestock Entries.

North Veterinary Science - Sub Group

A sub-group is being added to the Veterinary Science Club that meets in Pflugerville. If you are interested in participating in the vet science program, please email Kandy Johnson at kandyo@msn.com. This is a great project to get involved in, with some very unique learning experiences.

Major Show Entries

Entries for the following shows will be due: Thursday, November 13, 2008.
Please click on the link to view the show websites.

San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo - February 5 - 22, 2009
San Angelo Stock Show& Rodeo - February 19 - March 1, 2009
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo - March 3 - 22, 2009
Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo - March 13 - 28, 2009

Entry forms are not available at this time, please check back later

Ft Worth Stock Show - January 16th - February 8th

If you plan to exhibit at the Ft. Worth Stock show, your entry and entry fees will be due to the County Extension Office by Monday, November 3, 2008.

An entry form may be found on the following website:
http://www.fwssr.com/entryapps.asp

The form may be filled out online, but it needs to be printed and brought in or mailed to the extension office. You may also pick up a form at the office.

Texas Tech Fashion Camp

Check out the link below to view an awesome opportunity for all those interested in Fashion.

Tech Tech Fashion Camp

MAP Workshop - Making a Plan for the Future

A workshop for high school students and parents. This is an opportunity to learn key skills when interviewing and planning financially for college. Check out the flyer on the travis4h.com website.

Addition to Barrow Show at San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo

SAN ANTONIO, TX-The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo would like to announce the addition
of the Dark Crossbred breed to the 2009 Junior Market Barrow division.
“The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo believes in the junior livestock show program.

Group 1 includes Berkshires, Durocs, Hampshires, Poland Chinas, Spots, and Dark
Crossbreds. These breeds will arrive on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009 and will show Feb. 15-16.
Group 2 includes Chester White, Landrace, Yorkshire, and Light-Colored Crossbred barrows.
This group will arrive Tuesday, Feb. 17 and will exhibit Feb. 18-19. The Junior Market Barrow
auction will be held on Friday, Feb. 20.

Junior Leadership Retreat

The 4-H Conference Center, Texas AgriLife Extension, is pleased to announce the 2008 Junior
Leadership Retreat, November 7-9, 2008

Objectives of the Junior Leadership Retreat are:
1. Develop an understanding of styles of leadership.
2. Learn and practice communication and public speaking skills.
3. Learn and implement skills in teamwork and cooperation.
4. Provide an opportunity for State 4-H Council members to mentor younger 4-H members.
This year’s theme: “You’ve Won the Gold! Now What?” ties in with the popular Olympic
theme and aims to help 4-H members move beyond the Gold, and interpret what they have
learned from their 4-H experiences. Public speaking and marketing will be major aspects of the
program.
Program Highlights
The workshop will focus on basics such as communication skills, leadership, team building,
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.
Counties should plan to arrive between 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and be ready to begin! The first session
will begin at 8:30 p.m! Please arrange your travel plans so that you can arrive by 8:00!
Participants should plan on a full agenda, so come prepared to learn and to have fun!
Dress for the workshop is comfortable and casual. Saturday night’s dance will have an “Olympic
Stars” theme. Come prepared to dress as your favorite Olympic athlete, keeping the 4-H
Conference Center dress code in mind. It will be a fun evening of celebration and reflection.

Cost:
Youth (age 9 to 14- as of August 31, 2008) $115.00
Adult Chaperones (housed in dorms) $75.00
(An adult chaperone from the county must attend - adult must be screend as well)

A promotional flyer may be found on the travis4h.com website.

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.National 4-H Conference will be held March 28-April 2, 2009 at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The cost is $1250.00 per delegate and is at the expense of the delegate.

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 (senior age 4-H members), who need to engage in pre- and post- conference work and participate in all scheduled conference activities.Here is the timeline for applying and other important information:

* Application open on 4-H Connect -- November 5 through December 5, 2008* Delegates announced -- December 12, 2008* Payment deadline -- January 23, 2009* Travel start date -- March 28, 2009* Travel end date -- April 2, 2009For more information, contact your local county Extension agent! or look at the website below.

http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/natconference/index.html#dates

Bee Keeping Essay

The State Bee Keeping Essay Contest for 2009 has been announced and this year's essay topic is: “The Dance Language of Bees”. Honey bees possess the ability to communicate thedistance and direction of resources to their nestmates. They employ a symbolic dance languagein which the position of the sun is symbolically represented by gravity, and a trained observer can watch their dances and predict where they are foraging. The use of symbolic language by an insect has made them one of the most studied animals. This year’s essay contest invites participants to learn about the honey bee’s dance language, how it was discovered, how it works and how it provides colonies the ability to find and exploit floral resources. To enter, you must be an active 4-H member. The deadline for entering is January 31, 2009. There are cash prizes for the state contest and the state winner is forwarded to the national contest where bigger cash prizes are up for grabs. To see more information, go to the link below.
http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/beekeeping/index.html

Hurricane Ike Relief Help

If you are looking for a way to help with Hurricane Relief Efforts, the Texas 4-H State Council has provided us with an opportunity. Due to the mass amount of clean-up that residents and business owners will have to undergo, those effected will need cleaning supplies.

Collect anything from the list below and if you can't find a 5 gallon bucket with a lid, donate what you can. We will be collecting supplies through Friday, September 26, 2008

Bleach, 82 ounces
5 scouring pads
7 sponges
1 scrub brush
18 cleaning towels
liquid laundry detergent (50 ounces)
Household cleaner (12-16 ounce bottles)
Disinfectant dish soap (16-28 ounces bottles)
50 clothespins
clothesline (100 fee)
5 masks (N-95 rating)
2 pair of latex gloves
1 pair of work gloves
24 bag roll of heavy duty trash bags, 33-45 gallon size
Air freshener - 8 -9 ounce can

Travis County Contact: Lauren and Robin Schneider
Phone: 512-657-7097
Email: schneiderfamily@pvco.net

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in middle level and high school grades for outstanding volunteer service to their communities. Created in 1995 by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards constitute the United States' largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteering. Over the past 13 years, the program has honored more than 80,000 young volunteers at the local, state, and national level. You can apply online for The 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards! Click below to start, continue or check the status of an online application.you've made a difference by volunteering in your community.

http://www.prudential.com/spirit

access code is spirit

Applications must be submitted to Cory by Friday, October 31, 2008. Selection of one honoree in 5th -8th grades will be selected and one honoree for 9th -12th grades.

Habitat for Humanity

District 10 4-H is doing something BIG!

Who: D-10 Senior 4-H members and Habitat for Humanity!' ( must be at least 14 years of age)
What: Community service landscaping project!
When: November 1st, 7:45am-3:30pm
Where: San Antonio, Texas
Why: We're going to build community within D-10 4-H while we build a real community in San Antonio, Texas. Join in an together we'll Make the Best Better

Sign Up to Volunteer through your County Extension office!

A waiver must be completed and turned in to Cory by Friday, October 10, 2008. The only way to obtain a waiver is to contact Cory. Parents will need to attend with youth.

2008 Travis County Food Show

Saturday, October 25, 2008 @ the Extension office - 9:30 a.m.

Age Divsions (all ages as of August 31, 2008)

Clover - K-2nd grade - may enter their favorite snack

Junior - 8 and in the 3rd grade to 10 years of age

Intermediate - 11-13 years of age

Senior - 14 to 19 years of age

Categories

Main Dish
Foods classified as main dishes usually contain a meat or meat alternate such as cheese,
eggs, dry beans or peas, or peanut butter. They may also contain other foods. Dishes to
enter in this category may include: beef, veal, pork, variety meats, poultry, eggs, fish and shellfish, dry beans, casseroles, meat loaves, meat, poultry, fish pies, souffles, omelets, meat
salads, sandwiches, dry peas, soybeans, soups and chowders.”

Fruit and Vegetable
Side dishes or foods that are usually served along with a main dish or as accompaniments to
the main course. These are usually fruit or vegetable dishes. Suggested dishes to enter in
this category may include: salads, cooked vegetables, cooked fruits, relish tray, vegetable
casseroles, fruit platters and combination vegetable dishes.

Bread and Cereal
Suggested dishes to enter in this category may include: quick breads, yeast breads, hot roll or
bread mixes, rice dishes and pastas.

Nutritious Snacks Category (no oven time)
Snacks are commonly eaten between meals by those having higher energy needs (such as
teens and children). Snacks should provide energy and enhance diet quality. Suggested
dishes to enter in this category may include: milk drinks and floats, fruit drinks, dips and
dippers, fondues, custards, sandwiches, party foods and refreshments, appetizers, and
nutritious no-bake cookies.

Entry Form and other materials may be found on the travis4h.com website

County Round Up Contest

What is Roundup?
4-H Roundup provides an opportunity for members to compete in contests related to their projects by preparing demonstrations, illustrated talks, public speaking or Share-the-Fun Acts. Youth may also test their knowledge in horse or beef quiz bowl or the swine-skill-a-thon.

Age Divisions - All Ages are as of August 31, 2008
Juniors - Ages 8-10
Intermediate - Ages 11-13
Seniors - Ages14-19

Resources - Need a good idea? Contact a local Extension Agent or look at The Texas 4-H Handbook is available at the 4-H office or downloaded at:
***www.texas4-h.tamu.edu
Deadline - Deadline for submitting your entry form and eligibility form is October 21, 2008

Fee - No County fee to enter, however there will be a District fee for those that advance to the District Contest on December 6, 2008.

Those who may be interested need to contact Cory to discuss a time for you to present your speech/presentation or if you have any questions in general.

Registration form and other information may be found on the travis4h.com website.

Swine Tag Order Form

If you plan to exhibit market barrows at the Travis County Youth Show or the 2009 Major Stock Shows, you will need to purchase a swine tag per hog that you plan to possibly exhibit. The form may be found at the Extension Office or on the travis4h.com website.
Tag orders are due to the Extension Office by Thursday, September 18, 2008.

4-H Informational Day

On Saturday, October 11, 2008, a 4-H informational day is being set up for new and old members to learn more about 4-H and all that is has to offer. 4-H'ers, Adult Volunteers and 4-H Agent, Cory Talley will be at the County Extension Office from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to answer any questions you may have. Computers will also be set up for families to complete a 4-H enrollment on the 4-H Connect System.

Please encourage any new members to come by as well as anyone who you think may be interested in joing 4-H.

National 4-H Week

National 4-H Week

October 5-11, 2008

Take the opportunity to promote 4-H and all the great things it has to offer. Remember to wear your 4-H shirts to school and anywhere else you go.

Teen Leader Help Needed

Teen leaders are needed to assist with the Annual Food and Fiber Expo. Minimum age to help is 13 years old and any adult volunteers are invited to assist as well. The Expo is an agriculture field day for urban youth in the 3rd and 4th grades. Volunteers will be asked to be group leaders to walk around with the school classes and answer any questions that the teachers may have.

Date: September 25th and 26th
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Crowe's Nest Farm (outside of Manor on Taylor Lane)

Anyone interested needs to let Cory know by the 23rd of September. All participating students will have a letter sent to their school to ask for an excused absence (must be academically eligible). This is a great leadership opportunity to put in your recordbook!!!

Rabbit Workshop

Rabbit Exhibitors are invited to attend a hands on workshop that will be held by the Central Texas Rabbit Breeders Association. The workshop will begin after their meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 9th. The meeting will take place at

High Pointe Baptist Church

12030 Dessau Rd

Austin, Texas 78754

Upcoming Validation Dates

Mark these dates on your calendar if you will be exhibiting any of the following:

Lamb and Goat Validation - Will start validating at 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m.
(you must be in line by 7:00 p.m.)
Tuesday, October 21st
Travis County Expo Center

Swine Validation
Monday, November 24th
Travis County Expo Center

Rabbit Validation
Saturday, December 13th
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Travis County Extension Office
(please bring your rabbits in clean cages/pens)

2009 Broiler Order Form

If you are planning to show Fryers at the Travis County Youth Show or Broilers at the Major Shows, you need to submit the order form to the County Extension Office by September 24th. You must order 75 birds and the cost is $75.00. If you have questions about ordering or the rules and guidelines for ordering, please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or at 512/854-9600. The order form may be found on the travis4h.com website

24th Annual KOLACHE Festival

Looking for something unique to experience??
Try out the Kolache Festival in Caldwell, Texas.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Free Admission (around the Square in downtown Caldwell)
For more information, check out the website; http://burlesoncountytx.com/

4-H Banquet Photos

Photos from the banquet have been uploaded to Dawn's website and are available for purchase.
Check out the photos at:
go to www.d-sphotography.com
click on Viewing
follow directions.

Professional yoU!!

Summer will slowly be coming to an end and you will be heading back to school before long. Summertime can allow you to fall back on some daily etiquette, so… take advantage of this opportunity to get back into the swing of things before school starts again.

Open to youth ages : 11-13
Topics of discussion:
Making the first impression/Introductions
Clothing/Attire
Dining/Tipping (will go to Culinary Academy for lunch)
Cell phone/Texting/Internet Use
Writing Thank you Notes
Cost: no more than $20.00 (cost is for lunch at the Culinary Academy)
When: Friday, August 15, 2008
@ the Extension Office at 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Please RSVP to Brittany (BAMagallanez@ag.tamu.edu) by Thursday, August 7th.

2008-2009 Lamb and Goat Tag Orders

Tag orders for lambs and goats for the 2008-2009 show season are now being accepted. Each tag is $9.00. The deadline to order is Thursday, August 28, 2008. The form may be downloaded from the travis4h.com website (located under the 4-H forms sections) or it may be picked up at the office.

Public Speaking Symposium

Public Speaking Symposium
Hosted by Local Toastmasters and 4-H

Does standing before a group seem a little intimidating? If you answered yes, then you need to take advantage of the public speaking symposium. The past couple of years, we have offered an 8 week session of Toastmasters, but this year we are offering a 3 day camp. By participating in this course, students will learn to deliver great presentations, easily lead teams and conduct meetings, give and receive constructive evaluations and learn to be a better listener.

When: August 19-21, 2008
Location: Texas Capitol (if you would like to meet at the Extension Office, we have a van to take participants to the Capitol and back to the office to be picked up in the afternoon)
Cost: $30.00 (includes lunch and snacks for the three days)
Age Requirement: must be at least 12 years old the day the camp starts (open to the first 20 registrants)
Time: 9:00 a.m. start time (If meeting at the office, you will need to be here by 8:15a.m.)
End time: 4:30 p.m.

On Thursday night, a graduation ceremony will be held for participants and their families at the California Pizza Kitchen at The Domain Mall. This will be dutch treat.

You must register for this course. Please email Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or call
512/854-9600 by August 8, 2008.

If funding will be an issue, please contact Cory to discuss this matter further.

Travis County 4-H'er places 4th at State Roundup

Meredith Vasquez of Manor 4-H placed 4th at Texas 4-H Roundup held in College Station on June 12th. This was Mereidth and Mico's (Canine assistant) first time to attend Roundup. They gave a presentation on 42 Reasons (dogs have 42 teeth) and the importance of dental hygiene with your pets. Congratulations Meredith!! You did a great job on your presentation.

2008 4-H Achievement Banquet

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008
Location: Texas Disposal Systems - Exotic Game Ranch and Pavilion
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE

Dress/Attire for this years event will be semi-formal, professional/business dress (no shorts - please)

If you have not received your RSVP form in the mail, you can download one off the travis4h.com website (click on the upcoming events tab)

Everyone is invited to attend. If 4-H members wish to receive an award, they must complete an awards form which may also be found on the website under the forms tab.

Cassie Graydon of Oak Hill 4-H received a $5,000 scholarship at the 2008 Texas 4-H Roundup held in College Station on June 10th. She will be heading to Lubbock in August to attend Texas Tech and her scholarship will help offset some her expenses. If you see Cassie, tell her Congratulations!! We are very proud of her accomplishments and wish her the best as she begins a new phase in life. Pictured with Cassie are representatives of the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, 2007-2008 President, Shaun Tuggle and the 2008-2009 President, Gilbert Turrieta.

District 10 Goat Camp

Clink on the link to be directed to the the flyer for the District 10 Goat Camp being held July 19-20, 2008 in Kerrville at the Kerr County Fairgrounds.
Travis4h.com

4-H Connect System

The 4-H Connect System is a very valuable tool. Most district, regional and state
4-H events and activities require registration on the 4-H Connect System. For a 4-H member or adult to register for any event, a membership ID must be obtained through setting up a family profile. In the near future it will be a requirement that each 4-H family set up a profile to be enrolled as a 4-H member and or volunteer. If you run across problems when using the 4-H Connect system, please email or call Cory for help.

Multi-County Officer Training

Once again this year, a multi -county Office Training will be held with the following counties
(Bastrop, Caldwell, Gonzales and Travis)


Date: Monday, July 21, 2008
Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Rockne, Texas
4045 FM 535Bastrop, TX 78602
Time: Begin at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $7.00 - includes; lunch, snacks and materials


This is a prime time for your club officers to meet new people (outside of Travis County) and gain some knowledge and experience in being an effective club officer.


We will also be holding a Club Manager Training during that time
(topics of discussion to include, but not limited too: 4-H Connect, IRS Filing, Financial Management and Managing Clubs)

Please email Cory at http://www.blogger.com/cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu to let her know if you will be attending

District 10 Recordbook Judges Needed!

Disitrct Recordbook Judging will take place on Thursday, July 24th in Helotes. Adults are needed to assist with the judging. This is a great way to see books from other counties and get some ideas to bring back to members in your club or your own child. Some youth may have the opportunity to assist in judging but must be trained at the Travis County Judging on Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

Travis County 4-H will take care of paying for lunch for those who will attend and help out. Please let Cory know by July 8, 2008 if you will be able to go to Helotes and help judge.

4-H days at Schlitterbahn

Group discounts given certain days to 4-H youth. Tickets will have to be ordered from the Schlitterbahn website.
Check out the Schlitterbahn website @ http://schlitterbahn.com/youth

Registering on 4-H Connect

All 4-H'ers and adults should register on the 4-H Connect System. The way of the future for 4-H enrollment is online. That time will be here before we know it. If you registered last year, you must still log into the 4-H Connect System and renew your membership this year.

If you have any questions about registering on 4-H Connect, please contact Cory or John at 854-9600 or cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu

Please click on the link below for 4-H Connect

https://texas.4honline.com

Livestock Project Workshops Offered By Tarleton University

The follwing workshops are being offered by Tarleton State University. The registration forms and contact information can be found on the 4-H Website at www.travis4h.com

SHOW SWINE WORKSHOP

Date: June 23, 9:00 a.m. through June 24, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tarleton Agricultural Center
Cost: $ 40.00/person

This workshop will be conducted by Mr. Cody McCleery, Dr. Randy Harp, Wayne Rode and Marcos Phillips. It will include the selection, feeding, management, and showing of swine. The workshop will include live animal evaluation and fitting and showing.

OPEN TO PARENTS AND YOUTH

SHOWLAMB WORKSHOP

Date: June 25, 9:00 a.m. through June 26, 12:10 p.m.
Location: Tarleton Agricultural Center
Cost: $ 40.00/person

This will be a hands-on workshop for persons interested in becoming proficient in selecting, feeding, fitting, and showing market lambs. The instructor for this workshop is not set at this time. You can email or call after May 1 for details.

OPEN TO PARENTS AND YOUTH


MEATGOAT WORKSHOP

Date: June 26, 1:00 p.m., through June 27, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tarleton Agricultural Center
Cost: $40.00/person

Alan Morgan and Scott Mauney will conduct this workshop. This will be a hands-on workshop covering the selection, feeding, fitting and showing of meat goats.

OPEN TO PARENTS AND YOUTH

SHOW RABBIT WORKSHOP

Date: June 30, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tarleton Agricultural Center
Cost: $30.00/person

Mr. Justin Nash will provide instruction and practice in selection, feeding, management and showing of rabbits. Mr. Nash is an experienced judge and breeder of show rabbits.

OPEN TO PARENTS AND YOUTH


EQUINE HEALTH

Date: June 17, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tarleton Agricultural Center
Cost: $20.00/person

Dr. Katherine Thomson, PhD, DVM and equine faculty member in the department of Animal Sciences at Tarleton State University will provide instruction and hands on training in the areas of disease prevention, ageing horses by teeth, body condition scoring, and problems/solutions with older horses.


ALL WORKSHOPS WILL HAVE COFFEE, SOFT DRINKS AND BREAK SNACKS PROVIDED, ALONG WITH LUNCH ON ONE DAY.

District 10 Mega Meeting

An annual meeting of all District 10 4-H Project Development Committees, the District Council and Volunteer Leaders Association will be held Saturday, August 23. This meeting will be held at the Medina Valley High School in Castroville, Texas (map enclosed). Registration will begin at 8:45 am.

Any and all youth are invited to attend this event. This is a great opportunity to add to your recordbook as a District Event. The District 10 Volunteer Leaders Association will be providing a BBQ Sandwich lunch with all the fixins for a cost of $6.00 per person. Reservations and payment are due August 12, 2008.

Volunteer Training
In order to provide more training on the District level for 4-H volunteers, a two hour training has been coordinated. The workshop will focus on Minimizing Risk in 4-H and will be presented by Dr. Jeff Howard. Enclosed is a promotional flyer to distribute to your volunteers

Project Development Committees:

Beef Field and Stream Horse Sheep
Clothing Foods Nutrition Leadership Shooting Sports Consumer Education
Goat Photography Small Animals Entomology
Health Poultry Swine

On the Travis 4-H Website, you can find descriptions of the project development committees under the 4-H Events Tab.

Make It With Wool - National Contest

If constructing a garment made of wool is your thing, then this is for you.An opportunity open to youth and adults. You must first enter the Texas Competition and submit all required materials. You can find the contest rules and guidelines on the Travis 4-H Website under the forms tab. http://www.travis4h.com/

4-H Night With the Texas Rangers and Astros

If you are a fan of baseball then this is the activity for you. The Texas Rangers are hosting some 4-H Nights. On the Travis4h.com website you will find an order form. Use the form to order your tickets.

Rangers Dates

Saturday, April 12th
Saturday, June 7th
Friday, July 11th
Saturday, August 2nd
Saturday, September 20th

If you visit the website you will find additional 4-H Appreciation games, however, for the Texas 4-H Program to receive the $2 per advanced tickets sold on the games, you must order via this form or by calling direct to Jamie Roberts at 817-436-5979. The games listed as 4-H appreciation, include the above mentioned games, but we do not receive the $2 donation unless purchased via the form. If calling, be sure to mention you are wanting to purchase the tickets through the 4-H Alliance.

Astros Dates

September 12 vs Chicago Cubs

Clink on the link below to find out how to order tickets.

http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/group_4h.jsp

Blue Bell 4-H Centennial Ice Cream is available NOW!

BRENHAM - In honor of the Texas 4-H organization's 100th birthday, Blue Bell Creameries is introducing Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream. To sweeten the deal, the Little Creamery is donating a portion of the sales to promote 4-H educational programs. Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream is a delicious cake batter ice cream with pieces of yellow cake, a chocolate icing swirl and four-leaf clover sprinkles. "We just finished celebrating our 100th birthday so we understand just how special this is," said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president. "Centennial Cupcake is the perfect ice cream to help commemorate this momentous occasion. It has all the ingredients for a celebration, cake and ice cream. The four-leaf clover sprinkles give it that special touch."

4-H is a national organization which prides itself on teaching young people across America leadership, citizenship and life skills. There are more than 7 million members from eight to 18 years of age involved in 4-H.

Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream will be sold in Texas and across the company's 17-state distribution area. "4-H is a national organization that benefits so many young people," Kruse said. "Our inspiration for the flavor came from the Texas organization's 100th birthday, but we felt it was important to recognize all 4-H groups."

Blue Bell has also created a unique carton for this new flavor. It features four children in 4-H T-shirts and the organization's widely recognized four-leaf emblem. "We worked with 4-H to create something that symbolizes what they are all about," Kruse said. "The organization is for the kids. I think the smiling faces capture the spirit of this organization just perfectly."

(Note: So far, we've seen it at HEB and Wal-Mart locations!) If you see it at another location, please post a comment.

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