Tuesday, February 24, 2009

4-H'ers Assist With Travis County Farm Bureau Food Check Out


Noah Shrout, Marie Young, Sara Young, Stephen Young, Matthew Evans and Alex Bainter assisted Travis County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Ralph Breed and Lamar Weiss with the annual Farm Bureau Food Check out. These members helped deliver food the Ronald McDonald House.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Building Your 4-H Resume Workshop

Looking for ways to build your 4-H Resume? You know you need to be doing something, but not sure how or when to get there, then this workshop is for you! Learn how to make the most of your 4-H career to help benefit you in the long run; (i.e - scholarships, interviews, etc...). Open to 4-H youth and adults of all ages.

Monday, April 6, 2009
6:30 p.m. @ the County Extension Office

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Farm Bureau Food Check Out

Looking for a few youth participants.... Monday, February 16th
The week after Valentine’s Day, Feb. 15-21, 2009, join the Travis County Farm Bureau in the celebration of America’s true love – food. Based on Agriculture Department statistics, Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week—seven weeks into the year—marks the date when average Americans will have earned enough income to pay for their entire year’s food supply.

In recognition of this, Travis County Farm Bureau is commemorating the fact that America’s food supply is the safest and most affordable in the world. To mark this success, Travis County Farm Bureau is making a food donation to the Austin Ronald McDonald House.

4-H has been asked by the Farm Bureau to participate. Travis County 4-H will be donating the soda tabs that have been collected.

If you are interesting in participating in this event (great for the recordbook) please email Cory to let her know. The event will start at 11:00 a.m. and will only last about 30 minutes or so.

Monday, February 9, 2009

National 4-H Congress

Below is some limited information about this opportunity. For those who may be interested, please talk with Cory to obtain more details about the trip and the application and interview process.

National 4-H Congress is the flagship event of the National 4-H program. Each year a National Design Team of Extension educators, 4-H youth, and 4-H adult volunteers analyze current youth issues and determine the most effective ways to address them.The program combines a variety of fun and exciting educational, recreational and networking opportunities.
The program combines plenary sessions, seminars, discussion groups, and a service learning
experience. The nation’s most outstanding community leaders, speakers, and educators present the most current and timely information available.

Objectives:
To improve the ability of teen 4-H youth to express themselves in written and verbal forms of
communication that are necessary and important “life skills” for today and in the future.

To increase the awareness of the importance of Leadership, Citizenship, and Community Service
in 4-H Youth Development.

Who can apply?
Youth between the ages of 14 and 18 on September 1 of the year they are applying. Applicants
must have been born during the period beginning September 1, 1991 and ending August
31, 1995.

Youth must be enrolled in High School and not entered college full time at the time of event.
Youth must still be in high school during the time of the trip.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

TCYS Feedback Opportunity

If you have suggestions for rules change for TCYS, (Livestock or Youth Fair) this is your opportunity to share those suggestions. The process for submitting your requests is as follows;
  • Identify the rule you would like to suggest a change (section, page #, etc)
  • State the original rule
  • State "new" rule suggestion
  • Provide an explanation
All suggestions need to be submitted to Cory by email at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu by March 25th.
(All suggestions will be submitted and considered by the rules committee. Some suggestions may not be approved.)

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ag Day Essay Contest

2009 Ag Day Essay Contest

  • Theme - "Agriculture — Every Day in Every Way"
  • Length - Essays must contain no more than 450 words
  • Eligibility - Students in grades 7-12 in the 2008-2009 school year
  • Prizes - State winners (one per state) - $100; National winner - $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. The winner will be recognized on March 12, 2009 at the Celebration of Ag Dinner to be held at the Whitten Patio.
  • Deadline - Entries must be received by: February 9, 2009

  • For more information, application and rules, please check out the following link.
    http://www.hpj.com/agdayessay/

    Wednesday, January 28, 2009

    STAR of Texas School Tour Guides

    Great opportunity for "VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP" for your recordbook!!
    The school tours committee is looking for youth volunteers - age 14 and up to serve as tour guides for elementary students at the show.
    • Youth may sign up for any day(s) during The week of March 23rd – 27th
    • 8:15 a.m. to approximately 12 p.m.
    • Responsibilities: FFA /4-H students take the little ones through the livestock barn and
      guide the class through the shows and exhibits throughout the fairgrounds!
    • Benefits: Free entrance and parking to the fairgrounds ~ Stay for the day!
      Enjoy the fairground live music, western vendors, carnival and more!
      Chuck Wagon lunch and dessert for tour guides and chaperones!
      Earn community service hours and have fun!
      And, we’re working to provide more…

    If interested, please email Cory by February 26th to let her know the day(s) you will help.

    Monday, January 26, 2009

    District 10 Photography Contest

    All photos are due to the County Extension Office by Friday, March 27, 2009

    Age Divisions: all ages as of August 31, 2008
    Junior - 8 (and in the third grade - 10 years of age)
    Intermediate - 11-13 years of age
    Senior - 14 - 19 (if seniors want to be considered for the state and district competition, you must submit duplicate copies of the same photo) - seniors also need to use the approved state entry label on the box of their photos.

    Each 4-H member may enter up to 4 photos. Photos DO NOT have to be in different categories (i.e. 4-H’er may enter 4 color landscape photos). Last year a new category was added in the District Contest – Creative Displays. This category will be offered again this year. In addition to the 4 photos, a 4-H member may enter one item in the Creative Display category. If a 4-H’er submits more than 4 photos, it will be up to the committee’s discretion as to which 4 photos will be judged.

    Recognition of Contest Results:Blue, Red or White award ribbons will be given for each photo. Judging will be done by a photography professional and the State Photography Contest Score Sheet will be used. Best Of Show will also be awarded in each of the 9 divisions for each age category.

    District 10 will be utilizing the same rules and guidelines as the State 4-H Photography Contest and those guidelines may be found on the travis4h.com website. The only difference is that District 10 will include the following category: Creative Display:Color or black and white photos may be used. Exhibit will consist of one page, any size up to 12” X 12” paper, with pictures and embellishments.The entry must be in a page protector.All media can be used.

    The contest is open to all 4-H members in District 10. All photographs must have been taken by 4-H members between May 1, 2008 and the time of entry. Registration is required on 4-H CONNECT between March 16-April 1, 2009 and will be $5.00 per person.

    Please make sure each photo has a label attached to the back (8x10 photos -only size accepted and must be mounted on black or white foam/art board) with the following information:
    Name, County, Address , City, Zip, Age Division, Photo Division and Photo Category

    Friday, January 23, 2009

    2009 Textile Contest

    This contest is open to all 4-H youth. Each participant may enter one item in each division. To enter this contest, each member must complete a 4-H Connect registration and pay the fee (registration deadline is April 12th). Items will be due to Cory by Friday, April 17, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. An entry card must be attached to each item. For entry card and other information, visit travis4h.com under the "Forms" page.


    Age Divisions: (all ages as of August 31st, 2008)
    Juniors: 8, 9 or 10
    Intermediates: 11, 12 or 13
    Seniors: 14-18


    Entry Divisions:
    Jewelry: earrings, necklace, etc
    Household Item: blanket, pillowcase, rug
    Kitchen Item: pot holder, place mat, apron
    Accessory Item: hair bow, purse, flip flops with ribbons tied on
    Embellished Item: purchased item that has the appearance altered by use of embellishments
    Holiday Textile Item: holiday decorations, ornaments, tree skirts, pumpkins, Easter rabbits

    It's Fashion Time!

    It's that time of the year again,...Clothing Contest. Boys...this isn't just for the girls, ..show us your skills. All 4-H Youth are eligible to participate in this contest. Participants may choose either the construction or consumer buying category. Participants will need to make or purchase an outfit and will be required to participate in an interview and asked questions regarding the outfit and care of the garment(s). All forms may be found on the travis4h.com website under the "forms" page. Entry form is due to the Extension Office by March 27, 2009.

    Age Divisions & Categories: (all ages of August 31, 2008)
    Juniors: (8-10 years old)
    Intermediates: (11-13 years old)
    Separates: one item that may include a top, vest, jacket, skirt, skort, shorts, pants, overalls
    Ensembles: minimum of one top and one bottom piece- total of 2 garments
    Dresses/Jumpers: To include just a dress, a dress with a vast or jacket, any jumper regardless if they made their top or not. ( A dress is a dress regardless of the number of pieces.
    Speciality/Formal:Limited to athletic and special purpose garments. Examples include: band, pep squad and cheerleader uniforms, athletics garments such as jogging suits, swim suits, leotards and ski wear. sleep wear and much more. Formal is limited to garments word for formal evening events and formal weddings; tuxedos, formal gowns

    Senior: (14-18 years old)
    Casual: for school and after-school activities; jeans, skirts, shorts, etcs
    Dressy: ensembles worn to dinner dates, theater, concerts, interviews
    Formal: garments worn for formal evening events, form weddings
    Speciality: Limited to athletic and special purpose garments; band, pet squad and cheerleader uniforms, jogging suits, ski suits and much more.

    Wednesday, January 21, 2009

    Cookie Baking for our Military


    It has been requested to hold this activity again. I have scheduled Monday, March 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon for baking cookies to send off to friends serving our country. Supplies will be provided for snickerdoodle and chocolate chip cookies. If you have a favorite recipe, you may bring that along withe the supplies needed. We will be at the County Extension Office.


    If you have a family member or friend that you would like to have a package sent too, please let Cory know so that we may plan accordingly.


    Please call or email John (JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu) by Friday, March 13th to let him know if you will be attending.


    Monday, January 19, 2009

    Travis County Youth Show

    The TCYS family thanks everyone for their hard work, dedication, support and contributions to make the 2009 Travis County Youth Show and Auction so successful!!!

    Update for 4-H Families
    Once the buyers list is completed, all 4-H Club Managers will be notified that the lists are available for 4-H members to write their thank you notes. It may be March before the lists are available.

    Thursday, January 15, 2009

    Travis County Shooting Sports Members Chosen for Natioanl Competition

    The following four young individuals have been selected to represent Texas at the
    4-H Shooting Sports Nationals in Nebraska this June.

    Casey Smith - Compound Archery Team
    Keaton Harlow - Air Pistol Team
    Ethan Koscielniak - Air Pistol Team
    Kelsie Harlow - Muzzleloading Team

    Congratulations!!

    Wednesday, January 14, 2009

    TCYS Auction Set-up and Clean-up

    Please remember that your help is needed for Auction Set-up and Clean up

    Set-up
    Friday - January 16th - 12:00 noon - ??? (more help = a speedier process)

    Clean-up
    Sunday - January 18th - technically noon, but if you can and are willing to come earlier, your help will be greatly appreciated.

    Monday, December 29, 2008

    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.

    Thursday, December 18, 2008

    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!

    Saturday, December 13, 2008

    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.

    Friday, December 5, 2008

    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!!