Food & Nutrition Starting

NOTE: The January 5 meeting has been moved to January 10 from 4:30-6:30. 

Please plan on the dates below to start the food and nutrition project.  We will also have 2 meetings in February TBA.  The competition is at TX A&M Commerce on Saturday 2/25 9 am - 2 am.  See attachments for more info.

As of now we have ....

Morgan Reynolds Senior div.

Victoria, Kylee, Brook, and Kate Intermediate div.

McKayla, Alexa Junior div. ( We could use 2 more girls to round out this Junior team....please let me know)

All please plan for the meeting below, it will be quite a TREAT!  Thanks John

Chef Cody Hayes at Rockwall HS...

Thursday, Jan. 5^th from 4:30-7:00 and Thursday, Jan. 26^th from 4:30-7:00. 

For Complete guidlines and rules for the District 4 Food & Nutrition Competitions go to http://d44-h.tamu.edu/district-events/

To see all of the state rules and guidelines for the Food Challenge go to:  http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/library/files/healthy_lifestyles_foodchallenge_manual_11-12.pdf

Merry Christmas from the Rockwall County Extension Office

Texas 4-H Dog Certification

We are excited about the dog project activities that are coming up this year.  One of the biggest is the Texas 4-H Dog Show in July.  It will be held July 13-15, 2012 in Conroe, Texas.  The 2012 Rulebook is in the final stages and we hope to have it posted by the first part of December. 

However the first step is to Certify the active dog projects.  Attached, you will find a fillable PDF of the Texas 4-H Dog Project Certification form. 

The Texas 4-H Dog Project Certification form must be completed and submitted to the Texas AgriLife Extension County Office by January 10, 2012 to be eligible for the Texas 4-H Dog Show.  Even if a member has not yet decided to participate in the Texas 4-H Dog Show, it is recommended to complete the form(s) so the opportunity is still available in April/May when registration for the Dog Show is due.

The first page is the Certification Form designed to be completed one per family.  If the dog is registered, a copy of the registration form should be attached to this page.  If the dog is not registered, the second page will need to be completed with photographs of the dog.  One Non Registered/Non-Purebred form must be completed per dog.

These forms will be maintained in the county.  At the time of Texas 4-H Dog Show Registration, County Extension Agents will refer to these forms to verify certification and approve registration.

This form is also available at:

http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/dogshow/index_youth_dogshow.php  

Photogaphy Project Kickoff

We are having a Photography Project Kickoff on Thursday, December 29th, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse, Downtown Rockwall.  Sessions will be held in the District Courtroom on the third floor.  You will want to bring:

• digital camera or cell phone w/camera. 
• USB cord for downloading pictures onto computer
•  bottled water for your use 

During this time we will be both inside and outside so dress appropriately.  There should also be one adult with each family represented to help the 4-Hers as they go about with assigned tasks.  It promises to be a very fun afternoon.  See you there. 

Oh What Fun it is to . . . Christmas Party

December the 3rd was a very busy day.  There was very nice weather for the Rockwall Christmas Parade; there was great success at the District Consumer Decision Making Competition; and then there was the . . . Christmas Party!!  If you missed it, you missed a very fun time.  The party was held and the Wood Creek Amenities Center, in Fate.  74 people came out and  while the weather outside was frightful, inside it was quite delightful.  It provided a super stage for fun and social interaction.  We started the night by dividing clubs up for a butter shake off relay.  Each club was given a cup of heavy whipping cream and had to shake it until it became butter while passing it to each club member present.  Talk about fun!  It was quite humorous to see the excitement as 4-Hers learned that making butter is not all clean fun, sometimes you get dirty.  The parents also joined in the challenge pitting the dads against the moms.  They too took on the task.  It basically took 7 to 10 minutes providing a great ice breaker for everyone to get involved. We had fresh butter too.

Next we moved to the Architecture Design Competition, having each club design a Christmas structure with the donation food items brought.  The winning team was a combination of the Lucky Shamrocks and Gold Buckle clubs.  The runner up was designed and constructed by the Rockin'  Riders club.  Congratultions to each.

Then we had a team building activity of Self Control.  4-Hers held noodles together like a zipper. Then one person would walk through the zipper while it opened in front of them and closed again behind them.  This activity took a lot of self control for the people in the zipper line.  More over it took a lot of trust and faith from the person walking through it that they could successfully get to the other end without being hit by a noodle. I am happy to say that was successful and everyone had a chance to go through the zipper.  How fun!

There was also a time just to visit and learn about what is going on in the county 4-H program.  There were a lot of stories shared and everyone had a blast.  If anyone has pics from the party, please send them my way.

District Consumer Decision Making Results

The District Competition was held on December the 3rd while the Rockwall Christmas Parade was in full swing.  The competition was held and Texas A&M - Commerce.  Rockwall County was well represented and we have much to rejoice about.  Highlights from the event include:

Jordan Huff - 1st place High Point Individual Junior Division
Ryan Ullom - 2nd place High Point Individual Junior Division

1st Place Intermediate Team: Team members included: Bradley Simpson, Trevor Rowe, Emily Ullom, and Reese Simpson.
Bradley Simpson - 2nd High Point Individual Intermediate Division
Trevor Rowe - 5th High Point Individual Intermediate Division

Also we had two more individuals competing including, Naomi Romero - intermediate and Bobbie Carr - senior.

Congratulations to everyone for stepping out and competing on the district level.  I had the opportunity to listen to reasons and I was very impressed with Rockwall County's reasons giving abilities.

Congratulations again to all the participants, parents, and coaches.  Thank you Mrs. Simpson for heading up the group.  Thank you Dr. Romero for coaching reasons.

Save the Date - Countywide Photography Kick Off Workshop

In an effort to build interest in the Photography Project, we will be having a KickOff Workshop on the afternoon of Thursday, December 29th.  The location and time are being set.  Right now I just wanted you to mark your calendars.  We realize that some of you may be out of town with other family obligations.  However, for those of you who are at home, this may be just what you are looking for to get out of the house and into new things.   The workshop will probably be 2 - 21/2 hours.  This will allow up time to actually take and look at pictures.

So Save the Date.  More Information to follow! 

Family Fall Festival

Wow if you missed the Family Fall Festival, you missed a great time!  The festival is hosted by Lake Pointe Church and focuses on family fun.  Rockwall County Extension had an Educational Booth this year with a mix of fun and learning.  4-H families and Master Gardeners worked the booth.  We had Chia type plant heads that families put together and took home to watch grow.  We also offered fish printing.  This allowed the youngsters the chance to explore their creativity with color (on fish) and then make a print from it.  We even had informatinon about water conservation, a very Hot Topic. 

It was a lot of fun and yes very cool.  Some might say even cold.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this a fun experience.  We reached over 500 families through the activity.  6500 were recorded as coming through the gate.

 

 

Catching Up on Fall Activities

Wow what a super Fall it has already been.  We are in the midst of an awesome year.  To catch you up on some of the activities that have been going on I want to show you a couple of pics.  First is a group of 4-Her's who participated in the East Texas State Fair in  September.  Corine Moody, Ashlyn Stembridge, Kylee Adams, and Anna Schieberle had a great time having fun and competing with their wether goats.  It was a long day, but it did not matter if they were telling others about their projects,  spending time with friends,  or waiting for the big moment,  they had a great time.  

It also provided the families an opportunity to share what they had learned as well as observeg different skills sets by other young people.  It was a great learning experience as the girls showcased their skills and knowledge.

Congratulations to everyone for a great job!

 

GOLD BUCKLE 4-H CLUB begins the Adventure!

Gold Buckle 4-H Club held it's first official meeting on Monday, October 24, 2011 at Community Baptist Church in Royse City.  Turnout was larger than expected as future members and their families came to learn more about the 4-H Program from County Extension Agent, Todd Williams.  

Gold Buckle is a new Community 4-H Club based in Royse City which will offer a wide variety of 4-H projects.  Club meetings are held the second Monday of every month with individual project meetings to be determined by their leaders.  Please join us in this fun, new adventure on Monday, November 14 at 7:00 PM.

www.GoldBuckle4H.com

Rockin' Riders Ride Day

This Sunday, October 30, the Rockin' Riders will have their first monthly ride day.  They will meet at Serenity Stables in Royse City at 1:30 p.m. for lunch and then ride.  Serenity Stables is located at 700 N. Sorrells Rd., Royse City.  

Rockin' Riders will provide the hot dogs, chips and drinks and members are asked to bring desserts to share.  Please contact the Rockin' Riders via email to R.S.V.P. so we will know how many we are serving!  Email:  rockinriders@gmail.com

Rockin' Riders Horse Shoeing Demonstration

The Rockin' Riders held their monthly meeting on Monday, October 24.  Their speaker was farrier, Kyle Caythorn, who showed the members how to put shoes on a horse.  Members enjoyed the demonstration.  Kyle made a hoof pick out of a horse shoe with his blacksmith equipment and the Rockin' Riders will give it away at their next meeting on November 28 to the member who can correctly answer questions about what was learned at the demonstration.

4-H HORSE SAFETY and EDUCATION CLINIC scheduled during Thanksgiving Break

The new Gold Buckle 4-H Club, in association with the Bar S Arena in Royse City, is presenting a  "Horse Safety & Education Clinic" on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. 

This clinic is designed for those individuals wanting to get acquainted with and/or learn to handle, own a horse and/or improve their skills. All ages are invited.

Clinic Schedule:

9:00 am -12:00 pm  Safely approaching & catching, grooming & handling a horse. 

12:00 pm -1:00 pm Lunch--concession proceeds to Gold Buckle 4-H Club. 

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm  Saddling/bridling, mounting & safe riding techniques. 

Fee for each session--$5.00/person to Gold Buckle 4-H Club. 

A limited number of horses will be accepted in each session for owner hands on help--$25 each. 

For registration forms and further information, please email GoldBuckle4H@yahoo.com

www.barsarena.com for directions.

1st Year Rockwall County 4-H Members Shine at Kaufman County 4-H Horse Show

 Pictured (L to R) Alayna Witherspoon, Ryan Tilley and 

Sydney Kramer

Pictured (above) Ryan Tilley and his pony, Crystal, 

High Point 1st Year Showing and 

Overall Top 1st Year Western Exhibitor

The Kaufman County Silver Spurs 4-H Horse Club hosted a "Fall Fun Show" for young riders on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Rafter J Cowboy Church Arena in Terrell.  This event was geared for young riders learning how to show horses and featured many 1st Year Walk-Trot classes along with a Hobby Horse Rookie Walk-Trot class. 

The Rockin' Riders were represented by new members Sydney Kramer and Alayna Witherspoon while the new Gold Buckle 4-H Club was represented by Ryan Tilley.

Alayna and her horse, Kad, placed 1st in Stakes, 2nd in Poles and 2nd in Barrels.

Sydney and her horse, Blaze, placed 2nd in 1st Year Walk-Trot Western Pleasure and 3rd in the Hobby Horse Rookie Walk-Trot Class.

Ryan and his pony, Crystal, had an amazing first time showing.  Ryan placed 1st in 1st Year Walk-Trot Poles, Stakes, Barrels and Showmanship; 2nd in 1st Year Walk-Trot Western Horsemanship and the Hobby Horse Rookie Walk-Trot Class; and 3rd in 1st Year Walk-Trot Western Pleasure.  Ryan was awarded trophies for Overall Top 1st Year Western Exhibitor and High Point 1st Year Showing.

Rockwall County 4-H is very proud of our newest members. Congratulations from all of us!

 

Gold Buckle 4-H Club Set to Hold It's First Meeting

The Gold Buckle 4-H Club is a new club in Rockwall County.  Club Managers: Kelsey Steadham, Angela Tilley, Carla Edwards, and Katy Abney are excited about this new club.  They will hold a Meet and Greet on October 24, 7pm at the Community Baptist Church, 6012  Hwy 276, Royse City 75189.  Come with your excitement and questions about you can be a part of 4-H.

Rockwall County 4-H Kicks Off New Year

4-H KickOff is a Huge Success

Thank you for everyone who played a part in the Rockwall County 4-H KickOff.  All 4 clubs were represented and there was alot of interaction from the potential families at the gathering.  Families started arriving at 5:50 p.m and continued arriving until 7:15.   We recorded over 35 new families that expressed interest in the program with one to three children in each family.  Interest ranged from Shooting Sports, to Food & Nutrition, to Animal Science projects; Horses to Clothing and Textiles, and Photography as well.  It was a super night.  Door prizes were given out every twenty minutes and excitement was definitely in the air.

The KickOff was followed by a County 4-H Council and Parent Adult Leader Meeting.  The group reviewed the night's activities discussed fall programming and set initial plans for the Christmas Party.  they also made preliminary cuts for the T-Shirt Contest. 

It's National 4-H Week!

Dear Friends,

Welcome to National 4-H Week!  I hope each of you are enjoying a GREAT start to the week!  Each day, we will be sending a message regarding 4-H.  Today's message is on one of the 4-H's: HEAD FOR CLEARER THINKING

Did you know?

• HEAD FOR CLEARER THINKING - 4-H Members report better grades, higher level or academic competence, and an elevated engagement at school. (Tufts Study on 4-H and Youth Development).

Share that fact with someone!

2011 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS RANCH SORTING SHOW - Rockwall County 4-H Rockin' Riders

ROCKIN' RIDERS members Sarah Boronkay and Kelly Shy Hurley competed in the first ever STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Ranch Sorting Show held in the Coliseum at Fair Park, Dallas on September 17 & 18, 2011. Youth and Adult riders from across the state faced each other for two days of intense competition in this inaugural event.  Hurley placed second, sixth and seventh in the Youth Ranch Sorting Class taking home over $200 in winnings.  Boronkay placed second, third and fifth in the Youth Ranch Sorting Class with winnings totaling almost $500.  This new SFT-sponsored equine event offers eligible youth the opportunity to apply for State Fair of Texas Youth Scholarships in the future. Pictured above (L to R) Sarah Boronkay, trainer Jim Sykes and Kelly Shy Hurley.

ROCKIN' RIDER Sarah Boronkay wins big at 9/24/11 Texas Ranch Sorting Show in Terrell

ROCKIN' RIDER 4-H Horse Club Treasurer, Sarah Boronkay, sorted her way to victory on Saturday, September 24 at the S&S Arena in Terrell, TX.  Boronkay and her partner, Annabel Henley, finished first in the Youth Ranch Sorting competition thus gaining ground on Youth Series leader, Hannah Taylor.  Boronkay is now only three points away from Taylor with two shows still left in the season.  In the #3 Ranch Sorting Class, Boronkay and her partner, Margaret Stocker, showed the adults how it is done winning first place and $300 to boot.  The next show is October 8, 2011 in Terrell.  Everyone is welcome to attend and ride in this fun, fast-paced sport.
Video of Terrell Ranch Sorting 9/24/11

Proclamation for National 4-H Week

The Rockwall County Commissioners' Court met on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 and declared during their meeting to set October 2-8, 2011 as National 4-H Week in Rockwall County.  This week coincides with National 4-H Week across the country.  4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the country and across the world.  Be a part of a super program.  Call 972.204.7660 to see how you can be a part.

News from the State 4-H Office about Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture

We are finally ready to announce a collaboration between Texas 4-H, Texas FFA, and several Texas farm organizations.  We will be sending out more information soon on how we can engage our 4-H youth. 

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A website that tells the credible, proven and honorable story of Texas agriculture has been launched as a joint effort between Texas 4-H, Texas FFA and several Texas farm organizations.

The website is part of an initiative called Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture, where the youth of Texas will unite with a common voice to promote the positive story of agriculture across the Lone Star State.

“Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture is an exciting joint venture of great youth organizations with proven leadership,” said Chase Vineyard of Stephenville, president of the Texas 4-H Council. “Our goal is to promote trust and encourage understanding of an industry essential in maintaining food security for millions of Americans.”

The website is a hub of information for 4-H and FFA youth and includes a “how-to” toolbox for communicating agriculture’s story, messages for agricultural promotion and an activity page where youth can share their experiences.

“Texas Proud youth will tell positive stories of agriculture,” said Dakota Fleming of Troy, a member of the Bell County Farm Bureau, Beef Ambassadors and a student at Texas A&M University. “We will connect consumers with the food they eat.”

The initiative carries three main messages:

·        Agriculture is critical to the life of every Texas resident. Without it, we would not survive.

·        Agriculture is more than food and clothing. It contributes to your home, health, lifestyle and economy.

·        America’s farming and ranching families care about their animals and their land.

“Our generation will blaze new trails in dispelling the myths about Texas agriculture and telling the truth about the rural way of life that we love,” said former Texas FFA State President Mason Parrish, a student at Texas A&M University.

The Texas Proud of Texas Agriculture website may be found at www.texasproudoftexasag.org.