Reality in a Virtual World - One Year in 4-H through the eyes of 4-Hers and Parents

Young people today are inundated with a virtual world that has taken the art of communication out of their repertoire. Many speak and write in single letter format,(LOL) abbreviations, and slang. Incomplete thoughts and responses are inhibiting our youths' ability to engage with other generations and gain respect with effective communication. Adults also fall into the trap of ineffective communication relying on someone else to interpret for them. Both groups are needing basic strategies and skills to effectively communicate the positive difference Extension and 4-H has made in their lives and the lives of their families.
   So we are going to conduct learning sessions throughout 2013 to help Rockwall County 4-Hers learn how to interpret their skills and knowledge effectively. We will also be working with adult volunteers to refine their communication skills to effectively share their story about the positive role 4-H has played in the lives of their child(ren) and the family's life as a unit.
   As part of the training,  we will be recording youth and adults along the way as they grow in their interpretation skills.  Basic skills of genuineness and authenticity cannot be faked.  So the first key is the sharing process is being real.  Here are a couple of videos made on the fly to begin the process.

Here I was interviewing Anna Schieberle during the Fort Worth Stock Show to get her first impressions of what she does in 4-H.  It's very candid, but demonstrates that she has fun!

I then interviewed Anna's Dad, Mr. Shieberle.  I asked him one question and he began to fill in the holes.  Though they were short answers to one question,  you can see that he has thought the process through and understands the potential from 4-H and what it has to offer.

Remembering that this was in a barn setting at the Fort Worth Stock Show,  about thirty minutes prior to Anna showing her Dorper sheep, there are many times that friends extended family members or even potential 4-H families ask questions to see if they may be interested.  How we answer can make a huge difference in their next step in the 4-H process.

I am excited to watch our group grow this year and to see visual and recordable changes through our Reality in a Virtual World.

Many Activities at the Fort Worth Stock Show with Rockwall County 4-Hers

 Several Rockwall County 4-Hers have been busy with activities at the Fort Worth Stock Show the last couple of weeks.  I will attempt to highlight the activities and provide some insight to the goings on.  First I wanted to start with a very cool pic taken by one of our moms.  The picture is showing a representative from Chevy Hometown Kids on FOX Southwest filming Carson Glasscock and Daniel York bracing their goats in preparation for the show.    We don't know the date it will be aired, but we do know the show comes on at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.  Tune in and watch for them.
 


The Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Competition and the Breeding Sheep Competition started off the festivities for Rockwall County 4-Hers.  We had 8 head of cattle and 2 sheep during the second weekend of the show.  Heifer participants included Tanner Howey, Ethan Spearman, Olivia Born, Josh Born, McKenzie Laughery, Jordan Huff, Emma Bishop, and Jakob Bishop.  Congratulations to everyone.  I don't have a set of complete pictures, but here is what I have.

Ethan Spearman 3rd place in class

McKenzie Laughery 5th place in class

Olivia and Dad drying her heifer - 5th place in class

Josh Born and family after winning 2nd in class.

Other Highlights in the heifer division include:
Emma Bishop - third in class
Jakob Bishop - third in class
Tanner Howey - first in class and Division winner

Tanner during division with judge Lee Pritchard taking a close look.

Mr. Todd and Tanner working on one of the heifers' legs in preparation for show.

 Anna Schieberle also had 2 sheep at Fort Worth during the same time.  She competed in 3 shows at the event.  High lights include:  4 first places,  two Grand Champion Dorper Female Honors and one Supreme Champion Female Honor over all breeds of Sheep.

Anna Schieberle in the Champion Dorper female drive.  (She won)

One of Anna sheep - Macie I think- wanting some attention.

The next week we had 4 market goats and one market lamb in competition.  4-Hers representing Rockwall County included:  Anna Schieberle, Haley Crumpley, Carson Glasscock, and Ashlyn Stembridge.  Ashlyn had a goat and a lamb in competition.  All had fun in the tough game of market competition.  Ashlyn won 2nd place in Junior Showmanship.

This week we have Kirsten Miller showing Huck her crossbred steer.
Best Wishes to her.

I'll try to keep the blog updated as we move through the shows.  We have representatives going to San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Star of Texas as well as the Rockwall Youth Fair.

If you have other pictures that you would like for me to get on the blog, please send them to the county email box.

Enjoying the Days of Snow

Here are pictures from the days of snow. Thanks for all of your submissions.

submitted by the Spearman family

submitted by the Carr family

submitted by the Pierce family

submitted by the Spearman family

submitted by the Spearman family

submitted by the Pennington family

submitted by the Pennington family

submitted by the Knochel family

submitted by the Pierce family

submitted by the Pennington family

submitted by the Pierce family

submitted by the Peters family

submitted by the Pierce family

submitted by the Pierce family

submitted by the Kazlow family

submitted by the Pierce family

January February 2013 Newsletter

Educational programs of the 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  Rockwall County 4-H Gazette   Todd K. Williams CEA-Agriculture/Natural Resources Adult & Youth  Important dates at a glance! December 28 – Photography Project Kick Off 1-4 pm January 1 – Ownership date for those planning to exhibit breeding animals at Rockwall Youth Fair January 10 – State Dog Show certification deadline January 11-12 – District Lock-In February 5 – County Council & PAL – 7:00 February 9 – District Food Challenge and Food Show February 20 – Rockwall Youth Fair entry deadline March 6  – Rabbit Validation – 6:00     4-H Christmas Party & Parade December 1st kicked off with The Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade. Rockwall County 4-H’ers from several clubs represented us and had a great time! We were also invited to host a concession stand and were able to raise a little money.  Thank you to the volunteers that helped make that happen!  December 7, the county-wide 4-H Christmas party was held.  More than 60 people from all clubs came out and had a great time!  Participants joined in Karioke festivities singing their favorite Christmas Carols and songs.  4-Hers learned (via youtube) how popcorn is flavored and techniques used in flavoring thanks to Popcorn Papa.  Popcorn was made and then flavored for a fun food challenge contest. “Christmas Creations” were decorated and everyone enjoyed yummy treats and lots of fellowship. Thank you to everyone that donated can goods for our helping hands food drive!  Thank you also Popcorn Papa for helping out with some flavors and popcorn!   4-H Consumer Decision Making The District Competition was held December 8 at Texas A&M - Commerce. Rockwall County was well represented and we have much to rejoice about. Highlights from the event include: 1st Place Intermediate Team: Team members included: Victoria Reynolds, Trevor Rowe, Emily Ullom, and Ryan Ullom. Emily Ullom – 1st place High Point Individual Trevor Rowe – 3rd place High Point Individual Ryan Ullom – 5th place High Point Individual 5th Place Intermediate Team: Team members included: Julia Fuqua, Jordan Huff and Reece Simpson   2nd Place Senior Team: Team members included: Naomi Romero, Bradley Simpson and Rachel Simpson Naomi Romero – 3rd Place High Individual Rachel Simpson – 8th Place High Individual This placing qualified the senior team to advance to Texas 4-H Roundup!  Roundup will be held June 10-14 at Texas A&M University.  Congratulations and good luck! Congratulations again to all the participants, parents, and coaches. Thank you to Mrs. Romero and Mrs. Huff for leading the group and Dr. Romero for coaching reasons.   Photography Project Kick Off  We are having a Photography Project Kickoff on Friday, December 28th, 1-4 p.m. here in the Extension Office.    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. Photography Contests Check your memory card and don’t miss out on those opportunities to capture that “Kodak Moment.”  The autumn leaves changing on trees, the first frost and Thanksgiving celebrations.  Don’t forget Santa Claus, tree trimming, house decorations and lights at night. There are some fun times coming up that you won’t want to be caught without your camera!  The first contest for the Photography project is the District IV competition.  We will forward entry details and rules as we receive them.  The judging is scheduled to be held on March 20.    It is important to know the rules before you enter your special photos.  To avoid disqualification, all photos must meet matting and size guidelines.  They also must be labeled with the correct form.  District rules are not online yet but you can view last year’s contest rules at: http://d44-h.tamu.edu/district-events/ Rules for the 2013 State 4-H Photography contest, a senior division only event are already available on-line at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/photography_contest Log-on and get a head start!     District IV Lock In   This fun event is for all Agents, Adult leaders, 4-H members age 12            or 6th grade and up.  Register on 4-H Connect by December 28, 2012   Rockwall County 4-H Council & PAL Rockwall County 4-H Council will meet February 5 at 7:00 pm at the Extension Office.  If you are the President or Council Delegate for your club, it is important you are present.    Coinciding with County Council, a Parent & Leader (PAL) meeting will be held.  All adults are encouraged to attend!          District Food Contests The District Food Challenge and Food Show contests will be held February 9 at Texas A&M Commerce.  Project meetings and locations should be announced soon! Rules for both contests are attached.  For those that competed last year, please note the rules have changed considerably so please read them carefully!!  4-H Connect will be open for registration from January 3-18.       Rockwall Youth Fair Rockwall Youth Fair is scheduled for April 3-6, 2013.   Note: Livestock and clothing entries are due February 20, 2013.     For those who plan to exhibit a pen of market rabbits at the 2013 Rockwall Youth Fair, you must have possession of your rabbits at least 30 days prior to show date.  Validation will be March 6, 2013 at 6pm.   For those who plan to exhibit a breeding animal, you must have ownership on or before January 1. Visit:  http://www.orgsites.com/tx/rockwallyouthfair/ to see a complete set of rules! Clarification of Rule #1 on page 7 of the Rockwall Youth Fair Guidelines:  A member in good standing " includes a student who has attended a minimum of 4 club/project meetings in their organization, 4-H or FFA”. Texas 4-H Dog Certification The 4-H CONNECT Dog Project Certification is up and running.  Attached are the detailed instructions to certify your dog(s) through 4-H CONNECT.  As mentioned before this process is required if you will be participating in the 2013 Texas 4-H Dog Show, July 12-14 in Conroe, Texas.  If you are not sure, go ahead and certify any dog(s) you might be eligible to show.  This will allow you to postpone your decision until April/May when registration for the Dog Show opens.   This certification is due by January 10, 2013.  If you have problems certifying on 4-H Connect, you may turn in a  hard copy to the Extension office by January 10..  If you are successful with the 4-H CONNECT certification, the hard copy is not required.   This form is also available at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/dogshow/index_youth_dogshow.php Horse O’ Rama – March 8-10, 2013 Horse-O-Rama is the largest annual education equine event in Texas. Implemented by the Tarrant County Extension Horse Committee, horse enthusiasts of all levels come together for three incredible days of fun, education, competition and entertainment. The goal of Horse-O-Rama is to enhance the quality of life by developing life skills through the networking of various breeds, organizations, associations and interest groups. Horse-O-Rama encourages and teaches people to apply educational information using the horse as the foundation http://agrilife.org/urbantarrantag/events/agriculture-in-tarrant-county/   Rockwall County 4-H Clubs & Information Busy Bee’s 4-H Club    3rd Monday of every month 6:30 p.m. Toyota of Rockwall Lucky Shamrocks 4-H Club 3rd Tuesday of every month 7:00 pm Britt Training center  Gold Buckle 4-H Club 2nd Thursday of every month   6:30 pm  Barn  -  9061 CR 2584, Royce City, Texas (look for updates regarding meeting location changes!)  Rockin’ Riders 4-H Horse Club    4th Monday of every month 7:00 p.m.  TBA  Rockwall Clovers 4-H Club 2nd Monday of every month 7:00 p.m.  Chisholm Baptist Church Have you registered on 4-H Connect yet?  Reminder! Registration fee for becoming a member of 4-H increases from $20 to $25 per person on November 1! Hopefully by now you have attended at least one club meeting, filled out a green form and registered on 4-H Connect.  These are the steps you take to become a member of Rockwall County 4-H for the 2011-2012 4-H year.  If you are having trouble with any of the above, please call the Extension Office at 972-204-7660 for help!  REMINDER! Rules for event registration:  A late entry extension will ensue for a two-day time period starting at 12:01 AM immediately following the standard district deadline.  This extension will only apply to district-level contests.  Example:  if the normal deadline is on Friday at midnight, late entry would open at 12:01 AM on Saturday morning and close at midnight on Sunday.  For entries placed during this late time period, there will be an added late fee of $20 (in addition to the standard contest fee).   No registration extensions will be granted beyond the late registration time period. Are you subscribing to our blog yet? http://rockwallco4h.blogspot.com/   Subscribing to the blog is the best way to get 4-H information as it happens!  If you are not returning to 4-H and no longer wish receive 4-H correspondence, please reply.

Photography Project Kick Off and Upcoming Photo Contests - Save the Date

On December 28th, Rockwall County 4-H hosted a Photography Project Kick Off.  Agent, Todd Williams led the group instruction time.  He discussed the 2013 State 4-H Rules and categories.  Williams took the group through a variety of  photography thought patterns in selection of the "right" subject matter, consideration of the background and overall desirability of the completed photo.  Here are several photos taken during the training.

 
 
 
 

The group also discussed district opportunities though the rules had not yet been released.  In addition, the group developed a 4-H County Competition that would be a qualifying event for seniors seeking to compete at the state level.

A quick run down of the Rockwall County 4-H Photography Competition would be:

• It will be all online - no prints made (everything submitted through email)
• Categories will follow the district rules with the additional category of "In the Garden"   which will be photos of the Rockwall County Discovery Garden.  Photos can include close ups or scenic views of the garden.
• There will Junior - Intermediate - Senior divisions
• Submissions of photos will be received beginning March 17th through March 23.
• Judging will take place the following week.
• Senior winners will be contacted so they can submit for state competition if desired.
• All winners will be posted on the 4-H blog
• A digital slide show will be developed for 4-H clubs to use and it will be posted on the 4-H blog.
• Will work with the County Library to get the slide show on their digital display.
• More Information to come.

District 4 4-H photography Competition Rules has just been released and can be found at   
http://agrilife.org/d44h/district-events/photography/


The Rockwall Youth Fair is scheduled to host a Photography Competition as well.  Information will be distributed as we receive it.