Montgomery County 4-H Focus

Transcription

1 Montgomery County 4-H Focus Welcome back from the holiday vacation! We hope you had a fun and safe break! There are many deadlines coming up, as well as opportunities to try something new. This newsletter will include information on some things you may have never participated in before, such as 4-H Roundup, the District and State Photography Contests, and some community service opportunities, like Conroe KidzFest and the Woodland Wildlife Expo. Congratulations to Sarah Gauteson! She was selected for membership on the Texas 4-H Clothing and Textiles Advisory Board. Sarah will be able to help conduct activities and provide vision to the future of the Clothing and Textiles project for a two-year term. COUNTY COUNCIL County Council meetings are held the 4th Monday of the month September - May, unless otherwise noted. Everybody is welcome and club delegates are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. Upcoming County Council meetings are scheduled for February 25th and March 25th. County Council Officer nominations for the year are due by the March 25th County Council meeting. Elections will be held in April. FEBRUARY - MARCH 2013 PHONE Conroe: Houston: X Cleveland: FAX: Or ON THE WEB County Extension Service County 4-H District State M. Michelle Mihalek County Extension Agent 4-H & Youth Development 4 H ers pose with the new Montgomery County 4 H Road Sign at the November County Council meeting. Council is working to determine the best location for the sign.. Caroline M. Cruz County Extension Agent Urban Youth Development Eligibility forms are due back to the 4-H Office by 1 week prior to any competitive event that requires 4-H membership, unless otherwise stated. It is the 4-H MEMBER S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain an eligibility form, have it signed by the school, and get it turned back in to the 4-H Office. Even if you will be on Spring Break when the event occurs, you still need an eligibility form stating such.

2 LIVESTOCK PROJECTS Livestock Judging is open to all eligible 4-H youth. If you are interested in joining our team, please Matt Schiel at or call the 4-H Office. Quality Counts Verification: Quality Counts is an online training and test that members must complete before entering to show at any of the major shows or the county fair. It was introduced last year, so most members are covered. However, because there are two versions, one for Juniors and one for Seniors, you may have to re-take yours. If you turned 14 before August 31st, 2012, you will need to take the Senior version of the test. Montgomery County Fair Re-Tags - If your animal loses a tag, please call the Fair Office immediately and plan to be at the Fairgrounds in the circle drive in front of the Fair Office at 9:00am on one of the following days: February 23rd or March 23rd. BEEF Replacement Heifer Clinics: Wednesday, February 20-6:00pm at the Extension Office. Topics include heifer evaluation/value determination, marketing, sign up for interviews. Bring heifer - scales available. If you are unable to attend this workshop, please call the fair office after the workshop to schedule your interview. HORSE In Horse Judging, members gain skills in decision making, observation, team work and critical thinking, while they learn the principles of horse judging and selection. Sharon Wellmann is a national horse judge and coaches the Montgomery County 4-H ers. Practices begin at 6:30 p.m. at the County Extension Office. February 12 February 26 County 4-H Practice Horse Shows and Clinics To qualify for the County 4-H Horse Show, you must attend at least 2 practice shows and one additional event, either another practice show or clinic from the following list: Practice Shows: Sunday, March 24 Willis Arena 1:30pm (Speed First) Clinics: Sunday, March 24 Willis Arena 12:30pm Grooming (Formal Attire Required) The 2013 Montgomery County 4-H Horse Show will be held on Saturday, May 4th. With the exception of the futurity colt project, or if you are interested in cattle classes, you have to meet the County 4-H Horse Show Criteria. To participate at the District or State 4-H Horse Show, you must validate any horse(s) you will consider riding. The validation deadline is May 1st. If you have purchased a new horse this year, be sure to get the registration papers transferred by this date. RABBIT Montgomery County Fair Market Rabbit Tag-In will be held on Thursday, March 7 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Russ Upton will be holding Rabbit Project Meetings throughout the year. These meetings will be held at the Extension Office at 7:00pm on the dates listed. Any member who is interested in the rabbit project is more than welcome to attend. POULTRY February 26 - Marketing and Record Keeping March 26 - Breeds, Varieties and Showing April TBD - Market Pen picking (evening before the fair) Montgomery County Fair chicks will be delivered Thursday, February 21 from 1pm - 4pm at the Fairgrounds - Horseshoe Club. Page 2 4-H Focus

3 Texas 4-H Roundup Texas 4-H Roundup 2013 will be held at Texas A&M University. Texas 4-H Roundup is a qualifying and invitational event for youth between the ages of 11 and 18. County and District Roundups are open to all ages of 4-H members from 9 to 18. Texas 4-H Roundup includes approximately 50 different contests that test 4-H members on life skills in such attributes as decision making, public speaking, organization, and working with others. These contests include Fashion Show, Food Show, Share The Fun, various Quiz Bowls, Discover Scientific Method Poster Contest, an assortment of judging contests, and educational presentations. Visit the state 4-H web site often for State Roundup information and a full listing of contests and other opportunities. Here is a sampling of just a few of the contests included in Roundup: Educational presentations are planned by individuals or teams of up to 4 4-H members that teach information related to a project or activity through illustrated talk, method demonstration or speech, using props and visual aides. These may last up to 12 minutes. Share-the-Fun is a performance, similar to a talent show. The categories include Poetry/prose, Vocal, Musical, Solo/Band, Choreographed Routine and Celebrate 4-H for individuals or teams of up to 9 members. Your imagination is the limit. Public Speaking is a 5-7 minute talk suitable as a platform speech or radio broadcast. Props and visual aides are not permitted. Topics are open to anything such as the meaning of the 4-H pledge, Gun Control and Prayer in Schools. Topics should be age appropriate. Beef Bowl, Horse Bowl and Food & Nutrition are quiz bowl contests at the district and state levels, covering information within the subject area. Teams of 4 compete against each other in a two round contest with buzzers. First round is individual questions for each member. Second round is toss up questions and any of the eight contestants can try to be the quickest on the buzzer with the correct answer. Discover Scientific Method, S.E.T. Poster Competition - The Discover Scientific Method Research Poster Contest is an avenue for 4-H members to learn about the scientific method and exhibit their work on the research of a question. The daily 4-H project work can be used to inspire independent discovery on a topic of interest to the member. Invitational Contests - These non-qualifying contests for intermediate and senior aged 4-H ers take place at State 4-H Round Up. Contests include Healthy Lifestyles, Poultry, Vet Science Skillathon and Livestock Judging. County 4-H Roundup - Tuesday, March 26th - Call by March 19th to make an appointment District 4-H Roundup - April State 4-H Roundup - June 9-13 at Texas A&M For helpful links and information on 4-H Roundup, please visit 4-H Has Talent Do you have what it takes to be a star? Then the 4-H Has Talent competition is for you! Sing a song, do a dance, tell a joke, or do something unusual! Individual and team entries are welcomed. Submissions must be uploaded to YouTube and links submitted via to Kyle Merten at kjmerten@ag.tamu.edu by April 1st. For more details, visit Montgomery County Page 3

4 FOOD AND FASHION PROJECTS Fashion Storyboard Workshop Series 2013 Everything you need to create your own Fashion Storyboard for County and District Round Up! All of these workshops are held at the County Extension Office. Please call (936) or to RSVP! Workshop #3 - Design and Inspiration Discuss the design and inspiration of your project as well as allow individual work time. Saturday, February 16th from 9:00am to 12:00pm *additional work time will be available if needed*, RSVP by Feb. 12th Workshop #4 - Bold Colors and Final Design Layouts New techniques to add color to your sketches and how to decide on your final board layout. Saturday, February 23 rd from 9:00am to 12:00pm *additional work time will be available if needed*, RSVP by Feb. 19th Food Challenge Team Training Series The 4-H Food Challenge is a contest opportunity that involves teams of 3 to 5 4-H members preparing a unique recipe and group presentation within 40 minutes. These workshops will help prepare you for the District 4-H Food Challenge. To take part in these sessions, please sign up by February 20th. If you have questions, please call the office or Caroline at cmcruz@ag.tamu.edu. All workshops will be held at the Extension Office: 1. Saturday, March 2nd 9am - 12pm Contest overview/rules, MyPlate and nutrition 2. Thursday, March 21st 6:30pm - 8:30pm Food and kitchen safety, cooking methods, recipes 3. Saturday, April 13th 9:00am - 12:00pm Team script practice, supply check and final team prep. Bring your team supply box. 4-H Food & Fashion Event Dates County 4-H Event Event Date Call In By Paperwork Due District Registration/Paperwork Due Additional Info FOOD CHALLENGE February 9 th Check-In: 8:30 Extension Office January 30 th N/A April 1 st on 4-H Connect see guidelines for full entry info Follow District guidelines *Eligibility Forms req d for District contests FOOD SHOW IN- TERVIEWS March 26 County 4-H Roundup March 5 th - sign up for interview time March 19 th In office or ed to Caroline cmcruz@ag.tamu.edu April 1 st Paperwork to county office & 4-H Connect see guidelines for full entry info Use District entry forms Add l entry fee for Display Contest. *Eligibility Forms req d for District contests. FASHION SHOW INTERVIEWS March 26 County 4-H Roundup March 5 th - sign up for interview time March 19 th In office or ed to Caroline cmcruz@ag.tamu.edu April 1 st Paperwork to county office & 4-H Connect see guidelines for full entry info Use District entry forms *Eligibility Forms req d for District contests. STORYBOARD Storyboards Due March 19th March 5 th Storyboards Due March 19th April 1 st on 4-H Connect see guidelines for full entry info Follow District guidelines *Eligibility Forms req d for District contests. Page 4 4-H Focus

5 DOG PROJECT The Dog project is a great way to get exercise outdoors, while training your dog and gaining a variety of skills. 4-H members new to the project will participate in a six week course before integrating into the main group, ensuring focused beginner training for incoming students. If you are interested in participating in the 4-H Dog Project, please contact the 4-H Office to be placed on an interest list. VET SCIENCE PROJECT The 4-H Veterinary Science Project is a 5 year curriculum based project with a set number of lessons and activities, that gives youth interested in veterinary medicine a chance to work in the field and see if they would like to pursue it as a career. After a member has completed the program, they may apply to take a test to become a Certified Veterinary Assistant. The Conroe Vet Science group will continue to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm at the County Extension Office. The Magnolia Vet Science Project meets at the First Baptist Church on 1488 the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm. Contact Edna Griswold at about the Magnolia Vet Science Project. PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT Texas 4-H Photography Contest - This contest is open to senior aged 4-H members, ages 14 and up (As of August 31st.) There are 15 categories to choose from. Only one entry per category can be submitted per county, so entries must be ed to April Fagan at amfagan@ag.tamu.edu before registering for the event online. If there is competition in any category at the county level, the entries will be judged to determine which one will move on to the State 4-H Competition. entries to April by Monday, April 1st. Once approved, you will need to register for the event and upload your photos via 4-H Connect by no later than April 15th. For rules and guidelines, visit District 9 4-H Photography Contest - This contest is open to any 4-H er in District 9. This is not a qualifying event for the Texas 4-H Photography Contest. Online entry via 4-H Connect closes March 31st. Visit h.tamu.edu/eventsandcontests/district-9-4-h-conference/photography/ for rules and information. COMMUNITY SERVICE & PROMOTE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES Conroe Kidz Fest will be held in downtown Conroe at Heritage Place Park on Saturday, April 27th. The event time is 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Volunteer shifts are available! Select either a morning or afternoon time shift. Montgomery County 4-H will be hosting the Discovery Village. This is a great opportunity for 4-H Clubs, youth groups, other groups and individuals to gain promotional leadership as a volunteer with 4-H Discovery Village. If your club would like to set up your own activity, ideas in advance are welcome. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the 4-H Office to sign up by March 27th. This year s Wildlife and Woodland Expo will be held on Saturday, March 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lone Star College - Montgomery on College Park Drive/Hwy 242. Volunteer shifts are available! Select either a morning or afternoon time shift. Expo visitors of all ages learn about wildlife, forestry, landscaping, gardening and more. You can learn more about what is available at the expo by visiting 4-H sponsored activities include Junior Master Gardener, wildlife, birds, insects and others. If you or your club would like to volunteer, please contact the 4-H Office to sign up by March 14th.This is a great and fun opportunity to gain promoting 4-H experience! Montgomery County Page 5

6 Christi Roberts with Morning Star 4-H is leading a sock drive to benefit the homeless at Conroe House of Prayer (CHOP.) Please help by supplying new or gently used socks for men and/or ladies. (Adult socks only, please.) Donations are accepted at the Extension Office, County Council meetings or by contacting Christi at campers@suddenlink.net. Donations should be made by February 28th. Would you like to promote 4-H and say thank-you to one of our sponsors? Stripes convenience stores help 4-H ers by selling paper clovers to their customers, which directly benefit the county program. Montgomery County 4-H members are invited to attend two ribbon cuttings for new Stripes stores in our area. Wear your 4-H shirt and/or hat if you have one. Friday, February 15 th FM Porter, Texas 11:15AM Friday, February 15 th FM 2854, Conroe, Texas 1:45PM FUNDRAISER WRAP-UP 4-H BIG TIME IN D9 100 BIKES FOR 100 KIDS SERVICE PROJECT District 9 4-H,in association with Operation Military Kids, is coming together to donate bicycles to children who have a parent serving in the military. The goal is to collect 100 bikes for 100 kids. Clubs can help by collecting bikes to donate. Acquire them with fundraisers, donations, pledges, direct purchase, etc. Bicycles need to be at the Extension Office by March 27th. All bikes must be for kids 8-10 years old and must come with a helmet. For more information contact: Jonathan Richter - jdrewrichter@gmail.com or Courtney Latour - clatour@ag.tamu.edu We want to thank everybody who helped sell pecans in our annual fundraiser. Top sellers are listed below: We are also thankful for those who stepped up to help with the Jingle Bell Classic Heifer Show on December 15th. Best Friends 4-H: Joiner and Mobley Families Fur & Feathers 4-H: Aragon Family Page 6 Magnolia 4-H: Baldwin Family Mont. Co. 4-H Shooting Sports: Cadwallader, Castanon, Taylor Families Mont. Co. 4-H Shotgun Team: Dunn Family Morning Star 4-H: Alexander Family Shining Star 4-H: Stern and Wishert Families 4-H Focus

7 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2Montgomery Co. 4 H Dog Show Dist. 4-H Archery Contest MCF Club Summaries due Co. MCF Calf Scramble Applica ons due 8 9 County 4 H Food Challenge Horse Judging Prac ce Storyboard Workshop Fair Re tag San Antonio Livestock Exposition OFFICE CLOSED PRESIDENT S DAY 19 Vet Science Conroe 20 Rep. Heifer Clinic 21 MCF Broilers arrive Vet Science Magnolia San Antonio Livestock Exposition Storyboard Workshop County Council 26 Horse Judging Prac ce Rabbit Project Mtg Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Food Challenge Workshop Food/Fashion Interview Sign Up Deadline Mont. Co. Extension Scholarship due 6 7 MCF Rabbit Tagin Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Food show & fashion show papers due; Storyboards Due Food Challenge Workshop 2 Vet Science -Magnolia Vet Science - Conroe Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 24 Grooming Clinic 12:30 Prac ce Horse Show 25 County Council 26County 4 H Roundup Rabbit Project Mtg Dist. 4 H Photography Entries Due 22 Dist. 4 H Horse Judging Entries and Fees Due 29 OFFICE CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY 23 TAMU Judging Clinics Wildlife Expo Fair Re-Tag EASTER Dist. Photography Reg. Due

8 County 4-H Roundup: Have you learned one new thing in your project this year? Have you shared that new skill or knowledge with someone else? Guess what!!! You have done an Educational Presentation. Did you agree or disagree with something you saw on the news or heard at school? Did you have a discussion with a classmate or friend about that topic? Believe It Or Not!! You did a public speech. Do you play an instrument? Are you in a band? Are you practicing for U.I.L. Poetry/Prose? Are you a member of a dance, drill team or cheerleading squad? Do you sing in choir? Or perform with a theater group? If you do anything close to one of these activities Share-the-Fun is for you. So what? you may ask. The So What is these contests give you the opportunity to expand your experiences in a safe environment. You develop skills you will need in the future regardless of what your career path may be. It builds your resume so you develop a competitive record book that leads to a competitive scholarship and college application. Most importantly you get to be creative and HAVE FUN. Join us on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. to learn how to turn these activities into a presentation for County 4- H Roundup. Call the office by February 7 th so we have enough chairs and enough copies of handouts. We need to have at least 12 participants to make it fun so bring your friends and enjoy. ADOPT-A-SPOT Montgomery County Beautification Association has partnered with local 4-H Clubs since 2000 to plant seasonal color twice a year in eight communities of Montgomery County. MCBA donates the supplies and local 4-H youth and parents donate their time to weed beds and plant flowers. These volunteers donate over 480 volunteer hours per year for an estimated savings of $10,500 to the communities serviced by these MCBA/4-H volunteers. The county 4-H Practice Horse Show scheduled for March 24th has been moved to the Magnolia Arena. State-wide 4-H Robotics Workshops & Contests Saturday, February 9th in Ft. Stockton Saturday, March 2 - San Angelo Saturday, February 16th in College Station Thursday and Friday February 21 & 23 in Dallas Saturday, February 23 - Dallas For more information, please visit Pre-registration is required on all workshops and kick-off event trainings so resources may be adequately prepared. Register at Educational programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating

9 Part of having a 4-H project is keeping records. By learning good record-keeping skills, members are able to reflect on the growth and development they have experienced in 4-H. Solid competitive record books lead to solid competitive scholarship applications. Start gathering your records now and come to our record book training to learn how to put it all together. Record keeping should start at the beginning of your 4-H career. Don t wait until you are a senior in high school to start working on record books. Everybody who completes a 4-H record book gets invited to the County Awards Banquet. Starting with last year, there is a new and improved system that includes age appropriate forms. You can review the new system at If you have never done a record book before, now is the perfect time to start with easier forms for Juniors and Intermediates. If you have been doing record books, this year you will start putting new information in the new system, but you will include your previous record book with past years information. There are trainings scheduled in April to get you on the right track with your record book. It is a good idea to take a look at the record book forms and start inputting your data, so you will understand the information provided at the training. Junior & Intermediate Record Book Training - Tuesday, April 23rd. Juniors will be from 6-7pm and Intermediates will be from 7-8pm. Please sign up by April 18th. Senior Record Book Training - Monday, April 29th from 6:30-8:00pm. Please sign up by April 25th. Thursday, June 6th If you re going to do record books, why not make a party out of it? 4pm - 8pm This is a chance County Extension Office for 4-H ers to get together and share ideas about record books, g i v e Come and go at your convenience! each other feedback, and have fun putting their books together. Bring laptops, if you have one, pictures, and/or hard copies of your record book. We will provide the refreshments. Call the 4-H Office or April at amfagan@ag.tamu.edu to sign up by June 4th. 4-H Record Books Due to County - Monday, June 10th (Same day as individual and club award due date) County 4-H Record Book Judging - Saturday, June 22nd District 4-H Record Book Judging - Wednesday, July 17th