Travis County Extension office - MOVE

I wanted to provide all of you an update that the Travis County Extension Office (4-H Office) is officially moving back to our old home. The move will start to take place on Wednesday, January 12th. Please be patient with us as we work to get settled in at the old location and especially since this move fell during the week of the Travis County Youth Show. Starting Tuesday, January 18th, if you need to come to our office for any reason, you can find us at:

Travis County AgriLife Extension Office
1600 B Smith Rd
Austin, 78721

Open Casting Calls - 4-H Members and Families

A movie will soon begin production on the life of Richard Wallrath (Foundation/Scholarship Donor) in the Austin area. They are having a casting call this weekend, Sunday, January 9th from 10 am to 4 pm

Information is listed below

PAID Speaking Roles and Background Extras
For the movie - DEEP IN THE HEART
Sunday 1/09/2011 from 10am to 4pm

Austin Studios – The Red Building
1901 E. 51st
Austin, TX 78723

This feature film is to be shot in and around Austin. We are looking for men, women, babies, kids and teens of all ages and ethnicities, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!

ALL POSITIONS PAID!

For more information please email brockallencasting@gmail.com
If you are unable to attend our open call, please email for alternate registration.

4-H Day at the Texas State Capitol

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is excited to update you all on an opportunity for youth to become engaged in the civic process. On Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Texas 4-H will host the first "4-H Day at the Texas Capitol." This event will allow our 4-H members from the ages of 8 to 18 to visit with their Representative and Senator, as well as being part of the 4-H delegation as our 4-H and Youth Development Program is recognized in both of the House and Senate Chambers.

The event will start with registration in the Capitol Extension (room to be announced once confirmed) and then move to either the House of Senate chamber for our first recognition. After that recognition the delegation will move to the other chamber. This educational process will allow our youth (and adults) to observe the procedural opening that our legislators participate in on a daily basis, as well as showing our legislators the support they have from the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and 4-H.

After the morning recognition events, the group will enjoy a catered BBQ meal at the historic Saengerrunde Hall located on San Jacinto Street (2 blocks from Capitol). During the lunch, one of our state leaders will address the group and talk about the Texas legislature and the issues that will be so important to our state, as well as the 4-H Program during the 2011 Legislative Session. We will also distribute tokens of appreciation to delegations for them to present to their Representatives and Senators as they visit offices in the afternoon. The day will conclude with 4-H members visiting the offices of their Representative and/or Senator for a brief visit and to present them with a token of 4-H's appreciation for supporting the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the 4-H Program.

Each registration will include a long-sleeve "4-H Day at the Capitol" t-shirt, BBQ lunch, and other registration materials. Registration is $25.00 per person and it will be conducted on-line through 4-H CONNECT from January 3rd to 21st.

If you are interested in registering, please do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions about this day, please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu or John at JJRiegler@ag.tamu.edu

Texas Brigages Summer Camp Registration

Registration for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service's Texas Brigades camps this summer has begun.

Youth are taught leadership skills and natural resources conservation at Texas Brigades camps scattered across the state, said Dr. Dale Rollins, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at San Angelo and the camp concept's originator.

Rollins said each camp is limited to 20-30 students from ages 13-17.

"The camps are designed to develop life skills such as critical thinking and team building through fun and interesting activities that focus on a particular species of wildlife," Rollins said.

"As I reflect on my career, the dividends I've witnessed from the Brigades camps are not only professionally rewarding, but they also stoke my fires daily to push for conservation education," he said. "And I believe those same sentiments apply to each and every one of the 100 or so volunteers who assist with the various camps.

"A lot of high school students aspire to find a career in wildlife management, but the field has always been highly competitive," Rollins added. "Participation in the Brigade camps offers them a chance to get not only a taste for such careers, but also to develop a network of contacts who can help them achieve their career goals. The Brigades network is one big family."

The camp dates and locations are:

- 12th Battalion South Texas Buckskin Brigade - Carrizo Springs, June 5-9.

- 19th Battalion Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade - Coleman, June 18-22.

- 14th Battalion South Texas Bobwhite Brigade - Campbellton, June 26-30.

- 6th Battalion Bass Brigade - Santa Anna, July 11-15. - 10th Battalion North Texas Buckskin Brigade - Albany, July 17-21.

"Parents love the program," said Helen Holdsworth, San Antonio-based Texas Brigades executive director. "They appreciate the level of education offered by the wildlife and natural resource professionals, as well as the challenges presented to the participants. We offer a high-quality, unique experience for the students.

"We receive many positive reports back from cadets and parents about the Brigades," Holdsworth said. "One father sent an email to Dr. Rollins."

Holdsworth said the father wrote: "For two summers, now, I have seen how these kids become very passionate about wildlife and conservation. And I have seen firsthand how my own son has grown as a person as well, thanks to y'all."

In another correspondence Holdsworth mentioned, Charlie Neuendorff of Fayetteville wrote, "The camp was life changing; it was the best experience of my life. I made wonderful friends, and I am excited to hopefully see them next year when we all return as Assistant Covey Leaders."

The camps are a partnership effort of the AgriLife Extension, Texas Wildlife Association, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, several universities, conservation groups, local soil and water conservation districts, private businesses and individuals with an interest in wildlife and youth leadership development.

Tuition is $400 per cadet per camp, but Rollins said sponsors are available to provide financial aid when needed.

"We're also always looking for highly motivated adults from 20 to 60 years of age who are willing to serve as 'covey school' or 'herd' leaders," Rollins said. "They'll get a one-of-a-kind intensive workshop in the game species they choose. But even better, they'll get a full helping of appreciation and optimism about today's youth and what a powerful impact they can have on conservation."

Applications may be completed online or downloaded at http://www.texasbrigades.org.

National Ag Essay Contest

The Agriculture Council of America has announced the National Ag Day Essay Contest for 2011. This theme for this year is American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer. Students (grades 9-12) are invited to submit an original, 450-word essay or a two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. The national written essay winner and video essay winner will each receive a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 15, 2011 at the USDA. The deadline to apply is February 4, 2011. Visit www.agday.org or www.hpj.com/agdayessay to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

The theme – “American Agriculture: Your Food. Your Farmer.” – presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing population. Entrants may choose to either write an essay and/or create a video that acknowledges the many ways today’s growers are providing a safe, stable food supply and sustaining the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.

All written entries should be sent to: Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by email to essay@agday.org . Students may upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net and follow the directions on the page, or students may choose to mail video entries to the address above on a compact disc. Visit www.agday.org or www.hpj.com/agdayessay to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

The Entry Application and Rules are attached to this email. You may also find more information at: http://www.hpj.com/agdayessay/ or view the press release at: http://www.agday.org/media/pr4.php.

Lamb and Goat Shearing for TCYS

The following opportunity has been made possible through 4-H CAPITAL

If you will be exhibiting lambs and/or goats at the Travis County Youth Show and would like the opportunity to have your animals professionally sheared, you may want to take advantage of the the shearing being offered. The dates and times are as follows:

January 12th - 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.
January 13th - 9:00 a.m. - 12: 00 noon and 1:00p.m - 4:00 p.m.

$12.00 per head of animal that needs to be sheared
This will take place at the Travis County Expo Center.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Alliance with Lonestar Silversmith

The Texas 4-H Foundation is excited to announce a new alliance with Lone Star Silversmith.

Lone Star Silversmith is a complete custom manufacturer of Rodeo and Custom Trophy buckles committed to detailed craftsmanship, quality materials, competitive pricing and excellent service. For those of you that attended 4-H Roundup, you had a chance to visit with this company in person within the Trade Show area. Following Roundup and many asking them if they had any 4-H type jewelry, they approached the Texas 4-H Program about seeking permission to create a line of 4-H jewelry using the official 4-H clover.

Lone Star Silversmith has designed a 4-H jewelry collection set which includes a ring, pendant, bangle bracelet, and earrings. Lone Star Silversmith has created this line of 4-H jewelry items that can be sold/ordered directly through Lone Star Silversmith and sold exclusively within the state of Texas. A royalty of 10% will be donated to the Texas 4-H Foundation to be used to support the efforts of Texas 4-H.

Watch the Texas 4-H Foundation website for more details at www.texas4hfoundation.org. You can visit the Lone Star Silversmith website to see samples of their current works. http://www.lonestarsilversmith.com. The 4-H line of jewelry will be released the week of December 1st. First debut of the 4-H items will be on the "Lone Star Collection" Facebook page, so be sure and LIKE their page.

Texas State Youth reining Horse Clinic

The annual Texas State Youth Reining Horse Clinic that is typically held in December will be held March 26-27, 2011. The location for the clinic will be the Somervell County Expo Center in Glen Rose, TX. Youth attending must be a 4-H member and bring a horse they want to improve in executing all basic maneuvers. The horse does not have to be a reiner. If under 18, members must pro-vide their own parental or volunteer supervision. Topics will include lateral flexion and forward momentum, circles, spins, stops, rollbacks, and lead changes. All participants will receive hands-on practice and assistance throughout the clinic. For additional information, contact Vicki Hoggett at (254) 897-9180 or hoggettranch@aol.com and/or visit www.reiningintexas.com.

PBR Offers 4-H Special Offer

PBR is offering again this year, a special rate on tickets for the Iron Cowboy Invitational
February, 19, 2011, check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com ( look under the tab "Non 4-H Events and Activities")

Clothing and Textiles Project Opportunity

Saturday, February 12, 2011
9 AM to 4:30 PM
Texas A&M Research and Extension Center (Corpus Christi)
Hwy 44 about 4 miles west of the airport Ph# 361 265-9203
$15.00 Members $20.00 Non-member
Lunch is included
For registration or more information contact: Judy Johnson jbjcjohnson@wildblue.net 361-5477221 Personal Color sessions by appointment on Sunday

Check out the flyer at www.travis4h.com for more information about this opportunity

Beekeeping Essay Contest

The Beekeeping Essay Contest is sponsored by the The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, Inc. For over 50 years, the American Beekeeping Federation has been serving the needs of the U.S. beekeeper. Any youth interested in participating in the contest must follow the instructions for the Texas selection process. Each State Winner, including the national winners, receives an appropriate book about honey bees, beekeeping, or honey.

• Submit entries electronically to Kyle Merten (kjmerten@ag.tamu.edu)
• For more information please visit the Beekeeping site: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/beekeeping/index_youth_beekeeping.php
  
• All entries due by January 10, 2011.

Lets Say Thanks - Service Opportunity

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these? Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank you's. Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

4-H WHEP Statewide Project Training

February 12, 2011

Loy Lake Park, Denison, Grayson County

Registration is open on 4-H Connect (texas.4honline.com) for adults and youth. This one day training will take the participants through the 4-H WHEP Manual and the Texas Contests Rules and Procedures. Although the contest portion of this project will be a focus, a good deal of attention will be placed on the educational subject matter and how to better learn the material. 4-H WHEP is an excellent wildlife study course as well as a fun competitive event.

Friendly Rabbit Looking for a Good Home

A family in Austin is looking for a good home for the rabbit they acquired. If interested please email at the following address; mrs.shillington@gmail.com

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Ag Day!

AG4U at HLSR on March 8, 2011

Visit the Houston Livestock Show and RodeoTM on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, to experience AG4U - an action packed, fun-filled day open to all high school students that spotlights the importance of the ag industry in our daily lives. The capstone event is the Ag. Leadership Forum, a town hall style meeting, featuring professional, educational, and student leaders in the ag. community. Open to the general public, the forum is an interactive and enlightening look into what ag means to each of us.

The day will be filled with activities including:

- ag identification contest

- video contest

- workshops

- career and education fair

- complimentary lunch and hospitality area

- electronic scavenger hunt

- Ag Leadership Forum

- door prizes

Register Online www.rodeohouston.com - click "EVENTS" then "AG4U"

- registration deadline - 2/2/11

- open to all high school students on a first come, first served basis

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Video Challenge

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - Video Challenge - Extension of Deadline to Feb. 1, 2011

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN $500!!!

TAKE THE AG AWARENESS VIDEO CHALLENGE!

I mean seriously....what part of your life do we NOT owe appreciation to agriculture!?!

Girls - do you leave home without makeup?? Do you love the latest fashion statements? Say thanks to agriculture!

Guys - do you go many hours without a "growing boy" size meal? Say thanks to agriculture!

Do you or your family members take medicine when you are ill? Say thanks to agriculture!

Are you thankful for that can of RAID when you spot a Texas Sized Tree Roach??? Say thanks to agriculture!

Check out this YouTube Video for inspiration!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4vvPPNyQ5g

Did you know this year, each American farm family will feed 155 people? Neither did consumers in many major U.S. cities. See their reactions to learning this fact -- and then see how grateful they became for America's farm families. This holiday season, don't forget to thank America's farmers.

For more information and to enter the Video Challenge click on: http://www.rodeohouston.com/events/agricultural-awareness.aspx

For further questions, contact Elise Sartwelle at 713-868-1111 or 281-660-3669 ElsieMae99@aol.com for support, advice, assistance and to help you with any questions.

GOOD LUCK!!

Johnson County 4-H Family in Need of Assistance

A Johnson County 4-H family endured a tragic event this weekend. On Saturday morning, the Mathis Family's home in the Mansfield area burned completely to the ground. This family consists of Chris (father), Amber (mother), Morgan, J.W., William, Sydney (children), and Michelle (aunt). They were left with nothing after the fire, so they need help in starting over during the next few months. The following donations will be the most beneficial to the family at this time:

-- Donate a gift card to Wal-mart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Department stores, etc.
-- Make a monetary donation with your check made out to the Chris and Amber Mathis Fire Fund.

Please send any donations to the Johnson County Extension Office at 1 N. Main, Ste 309, Cleburne, TX 76033. All donations will be deposited into the Fire Fund or given to the Mathis family as soon as they come in.

2011 Teen Retreat

Travis County 4-H will pay for an adult to attend and chaperone. (Must be an approved 4-H Volunteer)

For 4-H’ers 13-19, this weekend retreat is a great opportunity to gain valuable leadership skills while building your 4-H network of friends from across the state! Texas Teen Retreat is scheduled for January 7-9, 2011 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood. It is designed to build leadership and life skills in youth to help them become productive leaders in their 4-H clubs. Our unique theme this year is “Leaders 4 Life!” an in depth look at this new project. Participants will see, learn, and get some hands on practice in components of the project! There will also be an exciting service learning slash team building activity sure to capture the attention of all. Teen Retreat participants will be equipped to return to their counties and lead activities with afterschool programs, 4-H clubs, Youth Boards, and more!

Come to Teen Retreat 2011 to get more in depth training in the Leaders 4 Life project and contest. You will leave equipped to make plans for implementation the program in your county!
Registration fee for Texas Teen Retreat is $100.00 per youth & $65.00 per Adult Chaperone.
Registration will be conducted on 4-H Connect. For more information on Texas Teen Retreat, please contact the Travis County Extension Office at 512-854-9600 or email Cory at cmtalley2ag.tamu.edu

Registration will be conducted via 4-H Connect starting November 15th and it will remain open through December 20th.

Academic Eligibility Forms for TCYS and Fort Worth

If you plan to exhibit a youth fair or livestock project at the Travis County Youth Show or a livestock project at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, you need to have an academic eligibility form completed by your school. All of the livestock shows adhere to the UIL guidelines so each participant must have a form turned into the Extension Office by Wednesday, January 12th, 2011.

This is for all public, private and homeschool youth. Please remember that January 12th is the deadline. You may turn them in as soon as your school completes the form. It is best that the school fax the form to the Extension Office.

The forms may be found at travis4h.com - look under the tab "4-H Livestock and Animal Information"

Lanier FFA Poinsettia Sale

The Lanier Horticulture Department will be holding its annual Poinsettia Sale. Check out the flyer on the 4-H website: www.travis4h.com - It is listed under the tab "Non 4-H Events/Activities"