Rockwall County

Rockwall County

N O V / D E C 2 0 0 7 V O L U M E 1 3 N U M B E R 2

Rockwall County 4-H Gazette is a newsletter for 4H’ers, parents, leaders, and supporters.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regard-less of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commis-sioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in Extension programs are encouraged to contact the Rockwall County Extension Office.

Todd K. WilliamsCEA - Ag./ NR

Self-determined Projects For projects that have the interest of just one or a few members, consider a self-determined project. In a self-determined project, the member works with the Extension Agents and parents to set goals and objectives to plan learning experiences to complete the project.

The activities are completed with the assistance of parents who serve as the guide. If you think this is an option for you, talk to your parents about set-ting up a meeting with Todd. See the Texas 4-H Clover for project information and record keeping information related to the project.

Busy B’s7:00 p.m.3rd Monday of every monthRISD Ag. CenterManagers -Michele DonaldsonTravis & Wendy Reynolds

Lucky Shamrocks Shooting Sports ClubUpdates will be sent out prior to events.Manager - Mike Malone

Rock City Rangers4:30 p.m.2nd Tuesday of every monthTrinity Harbor ChurchManagers -Sandy GomezAngie Gutilla

Rockwall Clovers7:30 p.m.1st Tuesday of every monthDobbs ElementaryManagers -Cindy KnochelMichelle Morris

4-H Age/DivisionsIn 4-H we have three divisions: Junior:8 and in 3rd grade-9 and 10. Intermediate: 11-12-13 years old.Senior: 14-18 years old.

All of these ages correspond to the age you are on August 31st. So if you were 12 on August 30th

of 2007, you will still be consid-ered 12 for County, District, & State 4-H competitions until next August 31st.

Project Meetings

Project meetings should now be in full swing. If you have not met with your project yet, find out who the project leader is for your club. To do this, ask your club manager(s). Some projects may be slow to start because of the time of year. Others may need a project leader. These leaders are usually parents of 4-H’ers. So if your project is without a leader, encourage your mom or dad to help lead it. The Extension Office has informa-tion and materials on most of the projects and can provide step by step help for your project leaders.

4-H Clubs & Info.

P A G E 2

Shooting Sports

Its Stock Show Time!

No Pass, No PlayKnow the Rules of the Game & Know Your GradesSenate Bill 1 For more than 95 years of 4-H in Texas, 4-H has been recognized for the responsibility and life skills it teaches youth. It is recognized in most school districts as an extra curricular activity.

Thus, the state 4-H policy abides by U.I.L. rules. This means that to participate in any competition you must have passed all courses the prior six weeks. This may be a bit confusing for those enrolled in Rockwall ISD because of the nine week grading period. However, your competition status is still recognized on the six week basis. Before competing in any 4-H

event, it is your responsibility to get an Eligibility Form completed and turned into the Extension Office. The form verifies that you meet the U.I.L. requirements and have passed your course work for the previ-ous grading period and thus have the privilege of compet-ing in U.I.L. recognized activities during the current six weeks.

have any questions please call the office or ask your project leader. If you are interested in the possibility of a live-stock project next year and showing at a major stock show, visit one of the shows to see what it is all about!

If you plan to exhibit an animal at any of the winter major stock shows, entries are due in the office before the close of business Friday, November 16. Entry information can be found on the stock show’s website. If you

Websites:

Fort Worth Stock Showwww.fwstockshowrodeo.comSan Antonio Stock Showwww.sarodeo.comHouston Livestock Showwww.hlsr.comSan Angelo Stock Showwww.sanangelorodeo.com

The Lucky Shamrocks Shooting Sports Club will announce their first meet-ing of the year soon! They will be meeting this year at the Terrell Rifle & Pistol Club. Club Manager Mike Malone has a lot of exciting things planned for this year. If you are interested in the Shooting Sports Club

let your Club Managers know or call the Extension Office. We will have information available.

If you would like more information about the Shooting Sports project visit the website:

http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ss/Index.html

Photography ContestsP A G E 3 V O L U M E 1 3 N U M B E R 2

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. Entry deadline will be end of February and the contest judging will be in March. Judging location is to be determined but entries will be due by 5:00 pm in the Extension Office on the proper date.

Complete details will be posted for the district event as well as the State 4-H contest in next month’s newsletter. It is important to know the rules before you enter your special photos. To avoid disqualifica-tion, all photos must meet matting and size guidelines. They also must be labeled withthe correct form. Rules for the 2008 State 4-H Photography contest, a senior division only event are already available on-line at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/photography/index.html

Log-on and get a head start!

Texas 4-H Master Horse Volunteer Training

The Texas 4-H Master Horse Volunteer training will be held December 4-6, 2007 in San Angelo, TX. The program will begin on Tuesday, December 4th at 3:00 p.m and conclude on Thursday, December 6th around 3:30 p.m. The purpose of the program is to train horse project leaders to provide support to new feeders

(families in 1-3 years of participation in the 4-H horse program). The training will provide these project leaders with a valu-able set of resources from which to build and support families in your county who are new to the horse project. Registration will take place via the 4-H CONNECT website. Registration costs for this event

include some meals, refresh-ments, educational resources, and other program expenses.Registration will be $100 until November 15th and $125 from November16 - November 30th. Contact the Extension Office @ 972-882-0375 for more information on this great opportu-nity. Horse project resources are also available in the Office.

P A G E 4

SpecTra/Primetime

District IV Lock-in The District IV Lock-in and Council Workshop will be held December 15 at Landmark Fitness in Dallas. Landmark Fitness is in the Park Central Business Complex just off of 635 next to the Westin Hotel. The doors will open at 7:00 pm and the fun will conclude at 7:00 am onDecember 16. Each county must have at least one chaperone stay the entire time. The event is open to all youth, 4-H and non 4-H,

ages 11 (as of September 1, 2007)-18. The cost for the for youth and chaperones is $25. Registration will be open on 4-H Connect from November 19-December 3. This years theme is “Back to the Future”. For District Council delegates, there will be a meeting from 7:30-9:00 pm. If you are planning to run for District Office, you must at-tend two meetings a year. Topics discussed at the meeting will be running for office, planning Extreme

Leadership (the summer District event where officer elections are held), the Spring Council meeting and State 4-H Roundup. Chaperones and attendees may not drive to and from the lock-in. For safety reasons, transportation must be provided by someone not attending the event. For a complete listing of the events and regulations, contact the Extension Office at 972-882-0375.

Though this sounds like a crazy time to think about it, the summer programs at the Texas 4-H Center are set and spaces fill quickly. Emphasis of SpecTra ‘08 and Prime time ‘08 will be improving leadership skills, enhancing 4-H project work, and building self-esteem and a better self-image. If you are interested contact the office now.

SpecTra’08(July 28-August 1) is a unique concept in educat-ing senior 4-H members in life skills and all levels of 4-H opportunities. It is designed as a unique learning experience focusing on all aspects of the 4-H

program. Last years’ cost for SpecTra ‘07 was $290.00. This fee included all lodging, meals, program fees, t-shirt, snacks, and limited accident insurance.

Last years’ highlights included Agriculture & Natural Resources, Field & Stream,Creative Leadership, Culinary Arts, Photo Communication, Recreation Leadership, &Golf and Turf Management.

Complete details will be posted soon at texas4h-ctr.tamu.edu .

Prime Time ‘08 is geared toward the young 4-H members where project learning is emphasized through 4-H opportunities. There are two sessions for this camping experience.

SESSION 1 -July 20-23, 2008 will be for 4-H’ers ages 12 - 13. SESSION 2 -July 23-26, 2008 will be for 4-H’ers ages 9 - 11. Last years cost was $165 for 4-Hers and $70 for adults.

Contact us!

Phone:972-882-0375

Fax:972-882-0374

E-mail:rockwall@ag.tamu.edu

Web:http://rockwall-tx.tamu.edu/

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 1 3 N U M B E R 2

2471 N. Hwy 34

Log onto our website to see the front and back of the shirt.http://rockwall-tx.tamu.edu/

Events and Dates!Youth Fair Lamb, Goat & Pig Validation

For those who plan to exhibit a lamb, goat or pig market animal at the 2008 Rockwall Youth Fair, valida-tion will be held December 3rd at the RISD Ag. Center. Tag-in will begin with lambs at 6:00pm. Goats and pigs will follow. You will need to be present with your animal on the scheduled time and date.

Rockwall County 4-HCouncil

Rockwall County 4-H Council will meet November 12 at 7:00 pm at the Extension Office. If you are the President or Council Delegate for your club, it is important you are pre-sent. Plans will be made for the up-coming Christmas party.

County 4-H Christmas Party The Rockwall County 4-H Council invites you to a County-wide party to celebrate the holidays December 7. This fun event will be held at the Rockwall Ag. Center from 7-9 pm. Check with your Council Delegate at your next club meeting to find

Texas Cooperative Extension1350 East Washington StreetRockwall, TX 75087

Your County Extension Office wishes you a wonderful Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas

& Happy New Year!