MARCH 2012 Montgomery County 4-H Chief Sheet PHONE Conroe: 936-539-7823 Houston: 281-354-5511 X 7823 281-364-4200 Cleveland: 281-689-3133 FAX: 936-538-8199 ON THE WEB County Extension Service There will be a manager s meeting on Thursday, March 22nd at 6:30pm at the County Extension Office. Please call to RSVP by March 13th and to let us know if there is anything you would like to add to the agenda. County Council Corner County Council meetings are held the 4th Monday of every month, unless otherwise noted. Everybody is welcome and club delegates are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings. http://montgomery-tx.tamu.edu County 4-H http://agrilife.org/montgomery4h District County Council Officer nomination forms must be turned in at the March County Council meeting on March 27th. To be eligible to run for an officer position, members must have attended at least 50% of the council meetings between August and March. http://d94-h.tamu.edu State http://texas4-h.tamu.edu M. Michelle Mihalek County Extension Agent 4-H & Youth Development Caroline M. Cruz County Extension Agent Urban Youth Development Eligibility Forms are the member s responsibility to complete for any competitive event regardless of the day of competition. Even if you are not missing school, you still need to turn in an eligibility form. Officer elections will be held on Monday, April 23rd at the County Council meeting. Each club has 2 delegates who are allowed to vote at the election, so make sure they are present. Record Book Training 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. Record Book Training - April 26th, call by April 24th to register. Record books are due to the 4-H Office for county judging by June 11th. Looking to spice up your family s dinner menu? Texas AgriLife Extension s Healthy Living Dinner Tonight website lists a huge variety of t a s t y a n d h e a l t h y r e c i p e s t h a t y o u c a n t r y. Visit http://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/dinners/ to see the list of videos.
Page 2 Club News and Contest Results The Montgomery County Best Friends 4-H Dog Project group recently hosted its 5th annual open dog show. Forty kids brought 57 dogs from 11 counties across the state, with Montgomery County entering 17 members in the show. In events such as Conformation, Showmanship, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Costume, Drill Team, and Photography, the group brought home 14 first place trophies, 12 second place ribbons, 8 third place ribbons, 12 fourth place ribbons, 3 fifth place ribbons, 6 sixth place ribbons, 6 seventh place ribbons, 2 eighth place ribbons, and 3 ninth place ribbons. (Pictured Above) Sierra Martin and her Beagle, Kowtown's Start Me Up (Mac), of Montgomery County, receive Best in Show- Pure Bred from judge Eric Liebes at the 5th Annual Montgomery County District 9 Open 4-H Dog Show. (Pictured Above) Trail s End 4-H collected coloring books and crayons at their January meeting to send to Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston. Patients are given a coloring book and a pack of crayons to give them something constructive to do and keep their spirits up. A total of 51 boxes of crayons and 61 coloring books were collected. (Pictured Above) The District 9 4-H Indoor Archery contest, held on February 4th, was a big success. Our archers came back with 3 First Places. Jonathan Decker placed first in compound limited in the Junior Division, Eric Hanson places first in compound limited in the Senior Division and Travis Bennett placed first in compound unlimited in the Senior Division. (Pictured Above) Recently, Montgomery County 4-H'ers participated in the Ft. Worth Livestock Show Horse Judging Contest. One of our members won High Point Individual and we had a team receive High Point Overall. This means they get to advance to the American Quarter Horse Youth Association World Horse Judging Contest in Oklahoma and the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio.
Page 3 Special Interest Projects 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. Pre-registration into the dog project group is required by calling Amy Keliehor at 936-539- 3638. New dogs will be able to join practices after the County 4-H Dog Show, to be held on February 4th. Shot requirements are DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvo, Parainfluenza), Bordatella (kennel cough), and Rabies. A non-returnable copy of the shot records and rabies certificate must be provided prior to participation for the safety of all dogs and participants involved. If you give your own shots, an affidavit, available at the 4-H office, must be signed, and receipts with empty bottles, and the rabies certificate must be submitted, prior to participation. Agility will take place on Tuesdays (except for the third Tuesday of the month) at 7:00pm with Darcie Myers. Obedience, Rally and Showmanship practices are held at the County Extension Office at 6:30pm on the following days: March 15 March 29 No practices in April May 17 May 31 June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28 July 5 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 Project meets at the County Extension office the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm. 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 281-507-3797 about the Magnolia Vet Science Project. Photography Project In the District 4-H Photography Contest, members can submit one entry per division/class for a total of 4 entries per person. Divisions/ Classes include: People, Animals - Wildlife, Animals - Domestic, Marine/Aquatic, Elements of Design. These entries are submitted completely digitally. Enter on 4-H Connect by April 1, 2012. The actual photos are submitted via Shutterfly. Entries are $5.00 per photo. For rules and guidelines, visit http://d94-h.tamu.edu/ eventsandcontests/district-9-4-h-conference/ photography/. The State Photography Contest rules and guidelines are now available at http://texas4- h.tamu.edu/library/files/ youth_photography_guidelines.pdf. This contest is for 4-H members ages 14 and older as of August 31st. (You do not have to qualify through the District contest to be able to enter for the State contest.) Categories include Animals - Domestic, Animals - Wildlife, Catch-All, Details & Macro, Digital Darkroom, Dominant Color, Elements of Design, Food, Marine/Aquatic, Nature & Landscape, Night Photography, People, Plant/Flora, Storyboard and Theme. This year s theme is Trains. However, a county may only have 1 entry per class, so there may be a judging process for entries submitted to the county office before the photos can advance to state. If you
Page 4 would like to submit a photo for this contest, first submit it to the Montgomery County 4-H Office by emailing it to April at amfagan@ag.tamu.edu by no later than Tuesday, March 20th. The County 4-H Food Challenge was held on Saturday, February 11th. Twenty-four members on 6 teams of 3-5 members were given a set of ingredients and were challenged to create a dish, without a recipe. The next step for these Food Challenge participants is the District 9 Food Challenge, which is held at District Roundup in May. Good luck! Food & Nutrition Project Dates District 4-H Food Show and Food Challenge registration is due on 4-H Connect by April 13th District 4-H Food Show entry forms / paperwork is due to the Extension Office by April 2nd District 4-H Food Challenge - May 4th District 4-H Food Show - May 5th
Page 5 Clothing & Textiles Project The clothing and textiles project is a diverse project that allows the member to focus on clothing construction, the consumer aspect of purchasing clothing, and/or the art of designing clothing and accessories. Competitive events include Fashion Show, Fashion Storyboard, clothing Educational Presentations, natural fiber contest, stage design, narrator contest, and record book judging. District Registration deadline on 4-H Connect for District 4-H Fashion Show District Entry forms / paperwork due for District 4-H Fashion Show District April 13th April 2nd District 4-H Fashion Show at District 4-H Roundup Saturday, May 5th - Refer to District website for exact day/time Master Clothing Volunteer Leader Training - June 18-22 in Rosenberg This training focuses on basic sewing techniques, Serger sewing and tools and techniques. The registration deadline is May 15th and the cost is $100, which includes lunch and project materials. Space is limited. Livestock Fair Re-Tag: If your animal loses a tag, please contact the Fair Office at 936-760-3631 and plan to be in front of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in the circle drive off of Airport Parkway on the March 31st at 9:00am. BEEF Replacement Heifer Clinic: Wednesday, March 7th at 6:30pm at the Extension Office - Marketing, review and interview sign ups HORSE County 4-H Practice Horse Shows & 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 a clinic: March 25th Willis Arena (Speed first) May 12 - County 4-H Horse Show Clinic 12:30 (Grooming) LAMB AND GOAT Howard County Goat Camp - June 3,4,5 at Howard College in Big Spring. Cost is $85 per
Page 6 person. Add $20 for goat to be provided for you. Entries are due by May 1st. First come, first serve. Housing not provided. For more details, call Cash Berry at 432-264-5110. Howard County Lamb Camp - June 10, 11, 12 at Howard College in Big Spring. Cost is $85 per person. Add $20 for lamb to be provided for you. Entries are due by May 1st. First come, first serve. Housing not provided. For more details, call Cash Berry at 432-264-5110. RABBIT Montgomery County Fair Rabbit Tag In will be held on Thursday, March 22nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Horseshoe Club. Russ Upton has scheduled Rabbit Project meetings for those who would like to learn more about the project. These meetings take place at the County Extension Office at 7:00pm on the dates listed. March 27 - Breeds, Varieties and Showing April 13 - Market Pen Picking for Montgomery County Fair PROSPECT SHOWS, CLINICS & SALES 2012 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses - This program provides high school aged 4-H ers to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth and to become advocates for animal agriculture. It is an in-depth learning experience for selected youth to represent the agricultural industry in Texas. Topics typically include agriculture advocacy, nutrition, selection, daily maintenance and care, showmanship, sportsmanship, preparing new 4-H families for show and management of show animals during a livestock show. Ambassadors also help teach livestock ethics and animal care to novice 4-H families. This year, there are two short courses: Texas A&M University - July 16-19 Texas Tech University - July 23-25 There are only 25 participants accepted into the program per university. Applications are included in this manager s packet and are also available at the 4-H Office. The applications are due to the Madison County Extension Office by June 22nd. The cost of the Texas A&M course is $125. The cost of the Texas Tech course is $100. Equine Ambassador Program - This program will be held in Gainesville June 3-7, and is aimed at training youth to become future leaders in their county 4-H horse program and in the horse industry. Programs will include tons of information, demonstrations, hands-on learning, leadership training and fun activities. The cost is $250 per camper, which includes all meals, lodging and handout materials. Participants are limited to 30. Application is made on 4-H Connect from April 1st to April 20th. For more information, contact Roger Skipper at 903-583-7453.
Page 7 Texas 4-H Congress 4-H Congress is a three-day mock legislative experience, taking place July 15-18, for 4-H members ages 15 (at the time of the event) to 18. During this time, the members assume the roles of senators, representatives, lobbyists, press corps and special interest groups to gain an understanding of how the legislative process works. Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth. House or Senate Member: These roles are primarily for 4-H members who have never participated in Texas 4-H Congress. They should be prepared to speak passionately about issues affecting Texas and Texas Youth. Lobbyist: This group is designed for 4-H members who attended the last Texas 4-H Congress. They identify certain bills and then lobby members of the House and Senate to either pass or defeat the bill. Press Corps: The Texas 4-H Congress Press Corps play an important part in the success of the event. Press Corps members can either be first time or returning 4-H members to Congress. Individuals applying for Press Corps should have strong skills in writing, word processing, interviewing, photography and be focused on making deadlines. They are responsible for the publishing of a daily newspaper and helping maintain a web page/electronic communication. Submission of Legislative Bills: For 2012, anyone who wants to submit a bill can do so, regardless if they are attending Congress. Visit http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/txcongress/index.php to learn about how to submit a bill. The number of delegates that are sent from each county is limited, so there will be an application process before the actual registration takes place. If you would like more information, please contact the 4-H Office by March 15th. Camps and Recreation Texas 4-H Golf Challenge Camp - April 27-29 in College Station. This two day camp provides youth 12-18 an opportunity to take an in depth look at the major components that make up the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge (sports nutrition, golf course/turf grass management, and the rules and etiquette of golf.) Youth will also work with golf professionals to enhance their swing capabilities and compete in numerous skills activities. Cost is $250 which includes lodging for two nights, meals, professional instruction, t-shirt, golf instruction, transportation to and from locations. Registration is limited to the first 30 youth and opened on February 1st on 4-H Connect. Registration closes on March 30th. Texas A&M Poultry Institute for Youth - June 17-19 at Texas A&M University in College Station. This is a 3 day enrichment camp for students with an interest in the poultry industry. Mini-lectures taught by A&M staff include topics such as anatomy, embryology, immunology, nutrition and processing. Students will also take field trips to a commercial layer and a local processing facility. This is open to all students who will be enrolled in the Fall 2012 semester as a high school junior or senior or college freshman. Apply at http://posc.tamu.edu/ extensionprograms/youth_programs/index.htm by May 4th. Notification will be mailed to selected
Page 8 students by May 18th. The registration fee of $50 will be required for each participant that is selected. Aggie Horse Judging Camp - There are two sessions for this camp. Beginners and Intermediates participate June 27-29 and Advanced judgers participate July 11-13. The fee is $290 per participant, which includes meals, housing, judging manual, notebook and t-shirt. Commuters pay $260 each. Entries are due by May 30. For more information, contact Dr. Clay Cavinder at cac@tamu.edu or visit the website for more information and registration at http:// animalscience.tamu.edu/workshops/youth-workshops/tamu-horse-judging-camp.htm. For more information on educational and recreational camps, please visit the Montgomery County 4-H Camps and Recreation webpage at http://agrilife.org/montgomery4h/opportunities/ camps-recreation/ or the Texas 4-H Center website at http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu. Volunteer Opportunities Youth and adult volunteers and/or activity hosts are needed for the following two events. If you would like to help, please be sure and sign up by the dates listed for each event. When you arrive to work, check in at the appropriate Volunteer Check-In booth and fill out any requested volunteer forms. Volunteers coordinate with Caroline Cruz after checking in. Please do not drop off youth under the age of 12 without making prior arrangements. Represent 4-H with pride and proper conduct. Wear a 4-H shirt if you have one. No experience is required. You will be trained upon arrival or on the job. You just need to have a positive attitude and be willing to interact with the public. Conroe Kidz Fest will be held in downtown Conroe at Heritage Place Park. The event time is 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Montgomery County 4-H will be working in Discovery Village. This is a great opportunity for 4-H Clubs, youth groups, other groups and individuals to volunteer. 4-H sponsored activities include Junior Master Gardener, wildlife, birds, insects and others. 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 22nd. This year s Wildlife and Woodland Expo will be held on Saturday, March 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lone Star College - Montgomery. 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 http://expo.tamu.edu/. 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 15th. The Montgomery County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, March 24th. The Master Gardeners need our help with this annual fundraiser. 4-H ers, ages 12 and up are needed to help load plants and assist customers. Volunteers may begin arriving at 8:30 and should coordinate with Kim Bartholet upon arrival. The event ends at approximately 1:00pm, but you may work a shorter shift if that is all your schedule allows. If you are interested in helping, please contact the 4-H Office by March 16th, so we can get you on the list. Volunteers get a free lunch!
Page 9 4-H Roundup Texas 4-H Roundup 2012 will be held in Lubbock at Texas Tech 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, Horse, Wildlife 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 Roundup - Tuesday, March 27 - Call to make appointment by March 22 District Roundup - May 4-5 at the Lone Star Convention Center, Conroe State Roundup - June 10-14 at Texas Tech University in Lubbock District 4-H Roundup Website: http://d94-h.tamu.edu/eventsandcontests/district-9-4-h-conference/ State 4-H Roundup Website: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/roundup/index.php BBQ Cook-Off at District 4-H Roundup..May 4-5 at the Lone Star Convention Center This is a contest for youth teams, adult teams or adult/youth combinations. Categories include brisket, spare ribs, chicken and pinto beans. Judging will be based on aroma, color, texture and taste of entry, along with an interview of the team where questions are asked about food safety and nutritional value of the entries. The entry fee is $20 per entry per age division/ category. For rules and a schedule, please visit http://d94-h.tamu.edu/eventsandcontests/ district-9-4-h-conference/bbq-cook-off/. If you are interested in this contest, please contact the 4-H Office by March 29th so we may provide you with more information as it comes.
Page 10 DATES TO REMEMBER MARCH March 1 - MCF Chicks Delivered March 3 - County 4-H Fashion Show March 7 - Replacement Heifer Clinic March 13 - Montgomery County Extension Scholarship Applications Due March 15 - Vet Science - Magnolia March 15 - Dog Project Practice March 20 - Vet Science - Conroe March 20 - State 4-H Photography Entries Emailed to County Office March 22 - MCF Rabbit Tag-In March 22 - Manager s Meeting March 24 - TAMU Judging Clinic March 24 - Wildlife Expo March 25 - County 4-H Horse Practice Show March 26 - Replacement heifer Books Due March 27 - Rabbit Project Meeting March 29 - Dog Project Practice March 31 - MCF Retag APRIL April 1 - District 4-H Photography Entries Due on 4-H Connect / Shutterfly April 6 - District 4-H Horse Judging Entries/Fees Due April 6 - Good Friday - Office Closed April 13 - All District 4-H Roundup & Judging Contest Entries and Fees Due April 13-22 - Montgomery County Fair April 14 - Multi-District 4-H Horse Judging Contest April 16 - District 4-H Rifle, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Contest Team Summary Due April 20 - District 4-H Rifle, Air Rifle & Air Pistol Entries Due April 21 - District 4-H Judging Contests - Livestock, Meats, Soils April 26 - Beginner Record Book Training April 28 - District 4-H Rifle, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Contests March 31 - Conroe KidzFest 4-H Has Talent! If you have a special talent or goofy trick, you should participate in the 4-H Has Talent competition. Submissions are uploaded to YouTube and entries are made by April 1st. This is open to intermediate and senior aged 4-H ers as individuals or teams of up to 7 people. Out of those entries, 10 finalists will be selected to perform at Texas 4-H Roundup in Lubbock in June. The top two entries at Roundup will win cash awards. For more details, visit http://texas4- h.tamu.edu/files/2012/01/youth_roundup_talent_2012.jpg. Educational programs of Texas 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