1709 E Sarah DeWitt Dr. Gonzales, Texas 78629 December 2014 830/672-8531 http://gonzales.agrilife.org

GONZALES COUNTY

4-h NEWSLETTER

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL Thanksgiving is behind us and now we have a busy Christmas season to look forward to. There is lots of information in this newsletter with regards to Stock Shows, dates and spring events. Please take the time to look at the dates so that you do not miss something that is important to you. We hope each and every one of you have a Joyous and Blessed Christmas.

Dwight Sexton Janie Pineda CEA-Ag CEA-FCS Gonzales County Gonzales County

We’re on the web. This newsletter is available on the internet at the Texas AgriLife Extension Gonzales County web page: http://gonzales.agrilife.org

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.  The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture,  

and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating 

ATTENTION!! 4-H Council members and Adult Leaders… meetings will be at the County Extension Office on Jan 20, 2015 at 6:30 P.M. All council

members and leaders are encouraged to attend. The 4-H Council Officers for this year are: President: Dylan Mills V President: Loni Soefje Secretary: Haley Clampit Treasurer: Kristofer Knesek Parliamentarian: Dillon Catchings Reporter: Sadie Thibodeaux Dist Council Reps: Dylan Mills Loni Soefje Savay Sexton 4-H POINSETTIA SALE Thanks to all the kids who worked hard at raising money to support Gonzales County 4-H. Prizes for members who sold the most poinsettias include… 1st Place—Haley Clampit ($30) 2nd Place – Savay Sexton ($25) 3rd Place – Madi Holmes ($20) The winners may pick up their check after the 4-H council meeting on the Jan 20th. 4-H POINSETTIA SALE AND FRESH CHRISTMAS WREATHS… Pick up poinsettias and wreaths at Marrou’s Friday Dec 5th between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Sale also opens to the public during those hours. At least 2 adult volunteers from each club are asked to help on Friday, December 6th 10:00-Noon—Rising Star, Nixon & Waelder Noon-2:00—Sundowners, & Smiley 2:00-4:00—Leesville & Cost GONZALES LIVESTOCK SHOW – SWINE AND BREEDING ANIMAL VALIDATIONS: According to Gonzales Livestock Show Rules, entries in the Market Hog, and Breeding Gilt will validate on WEDNESDAY,

DECEMBER 3rd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the JB WELLS PARK. IMPORTANT: If you cannot make validation, you must make arrangements with a show board member to have your animals validated prior to December 3rd. If this is not done, you will not be allowed to show. GONZALES COMMERCIAL HEIFERS & HALTERED HEIFERS VALIDATION: Commercial heifer and haltered heifers validation for the Gonzales Show will be on Dec 7th & 14th – 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Guadalupe Valley Vet Clinic Heifers need to be validated on one of these dates. GONZALES STOCK SHOW BROILERS…must be ordered by December 12th. Will arrive January 22, 2015, call the Extension office to order your broilers. Gonzales Livestock Show Bake Rules can be picked up at the AgriLife Extension Office or downloaded from our website: http://gonzales.agrilife.org/publications/

Quality Counts Training for 2015

Gonzales and major Livestock Show Exhibitors Training for the Quality Counts verification can be done online at http://agrilife.org/qualitycounts/ Once you arrive at this site, you can go to the Texas Trails icon to take the training. Then click on the verification icon to take the test.

New for 2015 ALL Gonzales County Youth Show (Animals and Bake Show)

exhibitors must obtain a Quality Counts Certification.

LIVESTOCK PROJECTS…4-H members who want assistance in selecting their 4-H livestock projects or would like further advice on managing their projects, are encouraged to communicate with their club managers, and are also welcome to seek assistance from your county agent, Dwight Sexton. Mr. Sexton is available to make project visits and provide advice on your projects. The Texas 4-H Dog Show will be moving back to the Bell County Expo in Belton, Texas for 2014 and 2015. Dog Certification is now open on 4-H Connect and will close on January 10, 2014 at midnight for anyone wanting to participate in the Texas 4-H Dog Show. Texas 4-H Roundup Rules and Guidelines Texas 4-H Roundup will be held in College Station, Texas on campus of Texas A&M University from June 9th to June 13th. More information is available at texas4-h.tamu.edu/roundup GONZALES COUNTY ADULT LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP Due date for the application, recordbooks, and attendance records will be Monday, June 15, 2015.

Prospect Shows Dec 6-Coastal Bend Classic Clinics and Show-Sinton-Swine, Beef, Lamb & Goat Dec 7-SPR Shootout Sow-Sinton-Steers, heifers, Lambs & Goats Dec7-Seguin Swine Breeders-Seguin-Swine GONZALES COUNTY 4-H owns livestock clippers, and a liquid nitrogen tank to store bull semen for any 4-H member to use for their beef projects. These are available for check-out at the AgriLife Extension Office. 4-H COMPUTER We have a computer that any 4-H member can use in our office. If you are working on recordbooks and need to scan pictures or if you are in need of registering on 4-H connect and do not have access to a computer, you can use a computer here in our office. Rural Youth Loans… the Farm Service Agency has a program that provides loans to youth for purchasing income producing livestock o improve and/or begin their operation. Information on this program is available at the Gonzales FSA Office, 830-672-7511

CLOVER KIDS

The 4-H program serves youth 9 years of age (or 8 years of age and in the 3rd grade) to 19. As an affiliated group, youth enrolled as 4-H Clover Kids have activities and programs suitable for their age group. Clover Kids are not eligible to participate in activities, recognition programs and competitive events reserved for older youth. Competitive events and competitive judging are inappropriate for Clover Kids. Clover Kids may have animal projects; however, it is recommended animal projects should not exceed a rabbit in size. Most standard 4-H accident insurance normally is not available for youth under 5 years of age.

San Antonio School Tours If anyone is interested in working with the school tours program at the San Antonio Stock Show next February, contact the Extension Office to reserve dates that will cooperate with your schedule.

2015 Texas 4-H Roundup Texas 4-H Roundup is a qualifying and invitational event for youth between the ages of 11 and 18 that have successfully placed in a qualifying event at the district level or signed up to compete in an invitational event at the state level. County and district Roundup’s are open to all ages of 4-H members from 9 to 18. Texas 4-H Roundup includes approximately 50 different contests and workshops that test 4-H members on life skills in such attributes are decision making, public speaking, organization, and working with others. These contests include such things as Fashion Show, Food Show, an assortment of judging contests, and educational presentations. Texas 4-H Roundup will be held in College Station, Texas on the campus of Texas A&M University from June 8th to June 11th, 2015.

2015 CONSUMER DECISION MAKING CONTEST Good consumer skills can help you get more for your money. Consumer Decision Making gives youth the opportunity to make wise decisions when shopping. Consumer Decision Making is a judging contest designed to teach kids to observe, compare and make consumer based decisions based on facts. 4-Hers use their consumer knowledge to rank similarly based products to fit a given scenario. Kids learn to organize their thoughts and to defend their decisions in oral reasons. DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2015 LOCATION: SALE Headquarters

723 AT&T Center Parkway San Antonio, TX 78219

DISTRICT CONTEST RESOURCES The Contest will follow the Texas 4-H Consumer Decision Making Contest Rules and Guidelines. Study materials to be used will be whatever resources are available on the website below on December 1, 2014. Consumer Decision Making resources can be found at: http://texas4-H.tamu.edu/project_consumer/cdm

Re-Fashion Retreat The Re-Fashion Retreat features educational sessions conducted by the Texas 4-H Clothing and Textiles youth advisory board members, fashion industry leaders and extension staff. They will be conducting hands on educational workshops. WHO: 4-H members ages 8 & up (and adult chaperones) WHERE: Texas 4-H Conference Center, Brownwood

WHEN: Friday, January 16-18, 2015 COST: $115 for youth and $80.00 for Adult Chaperones To Register: Go to the 4-H Center website: texas4hcenter.tamu.edu

Click on Register Now link-Registration will open November 10, 2014-January 7, 2015

2014-2015 NUTRITION QUIZ BOWL CONTEST DATE: Tuesday, February 10, 2015 LOCATION: Kerrville Church of Christ, Kerrville REGISTRATION: Registration will be conducted on 4-H Connect:

Regular Registration: January 6-20, 2015 Late Registration: January 21-27, 2015

Registration fees will be: Regular Registration: $40.00 Per Team Late Registration: $65.00 Per Team (Includes $25 Late Fee)

DISTRICT CONTEST RESOURCES: This contest helps participants increase their knowledge of basic nutrition, consumer information, food and kitchen safety, food preparation skills and storage, and nutrition and health. This contest will follow the rules and procedures listed in the Texas 4-H Quiz Bowl Study Guide, 4-H 3-2.030. The State 4-H Food & Nutrition Quiz Bowl Study Guide should be utilized for support information. More information is available at: http://fcs.tamu.edu/food_and_nutrition/4-h_youth.php

2015 TEXAS 4-H ROUNDUP – SHARE-THE-FUN CONTEST SOME BIG CHANGES AND REMINDERS! 1. NEW! Share-The-Fun will be split over two days at Texas 4-H Roundup! a. Wednesday: Poetry/Prose, Vocal, Choreographed Routines, and Dramedy b. Thursday: Musical/Instrumental, Solo/Band Performance, and Celebrate 4-H 2. NEW! A “Best of Show” will be selected each evening by audience participation through texting in votes. 3. A total of 7 categories will be offered for the 2015 contest. 4. Don’t forget! Last year an additional acting category was been added called Dramedy. 5. The first and second place district winners in each of the seven (7) categories qualify for Texas 4-H Roundup. For more information contact Laura A. Huebinger at 254-968-4144 or lhuebinger@tamu.edu

4-H Recordbooks- Download one now and start keeping records monthly!

RecordkeepingisaveryvaluableskilltaughttomembersoftheTexas4‐Hprogram.MembersareencouragedtokeepprojectrecordsandhavetheserecordsreviewedannuallybysubmittingaTexas4‐HRecordbook.Theprimarypurposesofcompletingarecordbookareforayoungpersontodeveloptheskillsnecessarytosetgoals,worktowardachievingthosegoals,reflectonhis/herexperiences,andsetnewandhighergoalsforthemselves.Asecondarybenefitistoprepareyoungpeoplefortheprocessofcompletingqualityacademicscholarshipapplications.Twoversionsareavailabletocompletearecordbook:onlineorbyusingaworddocument.Theonlineversioncanbefoundat4hreports.com.Thissiteallowsyoutocreateafamilyprofileandsaveallinformationfromyeartoyear.Tofindtheworddocumentform,simplyvisithttp://texas4‐h.tamu.edu/youth_recordbooks.Openandsavetheappropriateagedivisionandpersonalinformationsheet.Agecategories(ageasofSept.1)are:junior(3rdgrade‐10),intermediate(11‐13Yreas),andsenior(14‐18years).Eachagedivisionhasdifferentrequirementsandstandards.Alwayskeepallofyourpastyear’srecordbookformsastheymaybeincludedbehindinthecurrentyears’book.ItisthegoaloftheGonzalesCountyAdultLeaderstoprovidealocalreviewdatetoensureallcomponentshavebeenincludedintherecordbookandprovidesuggestionsbeforethebookleavesforfurtherjudging.Thisdeadlineisrequiredforallbooksinordertobeeligibletoreceiveanyawardsortobeabletoapplyforaseniorscholarship.Ifarecordbookisincomplete,thememberwillbenotifiedandcorrectionswillneedtobemadepriortothemulticountydeadline.TheGonzalesCountydeadlineforreviewisJune15,2015.BookswillbereviewedasecondtimetoensurecorrectionsweremadebeforeleavingforMultiCountyRecordbookjudging.Seniorlevelbooksmusthaveallcorrectionsmadeinordertoremaineligibleforthescholarship.Recordbookinformationcanbefoundathttp://texas4‐h.tamu.edu/youth_recordbooksorhttp://gonzales.agrilife.org

TAKE PICTURES—and tell us what is going on at your club meetings or other 4-H activities. Let’s promote 4-H in our community and show Gonzales what 4-H is all about. Send your pictures and stories to gonzales@ag.tamu.edu

CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 3, 2014 5PM-7PM-JB Wells Park-Gonzales Livestock Show-swine & breeding animal validations December 5, 2014 4-H Poinsettia Sale 10AM-4PM December 7 & 14, 2014 1PM-2PM-Guadalupe Valley Vet clinic—Gonzales Commercial Heifers and Haltered Heifers Validation December 12, 2014 Gonzales Stock Show Broiler orders Due December 13, 2014 D10 Food Show & Food Challenge @ Texas State December 31, 2014 Deadline for Quality Counts Training for 2015 January 9-11, 2015 Teen Retreat @ 4-H Conference Center January 16-18, 2015 ReFashion Retreat @ 4-H Conference Center January 20, 2015 6:30PM 4-H Council and Adult leaders at the County Extension Office January 28, 2015 Gonzales Bake Show Application and Recipe due March 25, 2014 4-H Day at the Capitol June 8-11, 2015 Texas 4-H Roundup-College Station June 15, 2014 Record books due June 15, 2014 Adult Leaders Scholarship applications due

For more district Calendar information go to the District 4-H Website: http://d104-h.tamu.edu/

ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL MEMBERS Gonzales County 4-H Adult Leaders wish to provide an opportunity for any Gonzales County 4-H high school student to apply for a scholarship during his/her senior year. Incoming freshman and returning eligible members now is the time to sign the scholarship agreement. Eligibility requirements involve completing record books, involvement, fundraiser assistance, and completing an application during your senior year. Completing a record book 3 out of 4 years during high school has always been a requirement. Be sure to acquire a copy of the Gonzales County 4-H Scholarship Agreement. If you feel you meet these requirements be sure to return the receipt to the Extension Office no later than October 15, 2014. Copies are available online http://gonzales.agrilife.org/publications/ or from the extension office.

THE GONZALES COUNTY 4-H SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENT The Gonzales County 4-H Adult Leaders wish to provide an opportunity for any Gonzales County 4-H high school student to apply for a scholarship during his/her senior year. Scholarship(s) will be given at the discretion of the scholarship committee. The Gonzales 4-H Adult Leaders request that the scholarship be established and administered as follows: 1. Name: Gonzales County 4-H Scholarship 2. Type: Annual scholarship to be continued as long as the Adult Leaders consider it justified and financially feasible. The scholarship is not renewable and is a one time scholarship per recipient. 3. Effective: To become effective with the 2014-2015 academic year. 4. Availability: Availability of the scholarship will be publicized by written notification to all qualified applicants by means of the Texas AgriLIFE Extension newsletter or by other means deemed appropriate by the Scholarship Committee. 5. Recipient: Regularly enrolled freshman student, pursuing a baccalaureate degree or related degree, to include a degree program in an accredited trade or vocational school. 6. Eligibility: A. Record book: Student must have completed record books three out of four years in high school. If the recordbook does not meet the Texas 4-H Record book Guidelines then student becomes ineligible. A record book committee will be established to provide assistance prior to deadline.

B. Involvement: Student must show active involvement in Gonzales County 4-H and attend a minimum of five meetings per year throughout high school. Students will be given an attendance record to be signed by the club adult leader, County Extension Agent - AG or Country Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Science. Attendance records can be turned in after five signatures. In the event a student misses a meeting, an excuse must be submitted to the Extension Office within 7 days. Excuses will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee, documented and filed in student’s folder. C. Fundraiser Assistance: Student must assist in scholarship fundraising per year throughout high school. Scholarship fundraiser committee will inform students of type of assistance within a timely manner.

D. Application: During the student’s senior year, an application must be completed by the deadline as set forth by the scholarship committee. Late applications will not be accepted. E. Transfer Students: Students must show proof of involvement and record book completion in the form of a letter from the County Extension Office or Club Manager from their previous county. Also, students must show completion of scholarship criteria throughout the remaining years of high school while being a member of Gonzales County 4-H. Transfer students will be reviewed on an individual basis as needed. Scholarship committee reserves the right to prorate scholarship funds if deemed necessary. 7. Stipulated Terms of Scholarship: A. Student must be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student. Special circumstance must be addressed to the scholarship committee prior to disbursements of funds. Funds are to be used for educational purposes. B. Payments to be made following proof of enrollment in a college, trade or vocational school no later than September 30, 2014 for the fall semester and no later than January 29, 2015 for the spring semester. Proof of enrollment should be sent to the Scholarship chairperson or Treasurer at the Extension Office. C. Failure of a student to maintain at least a 2.0 overall average at time of mid-semester grade reporting would be grounds for termination. Grades need to be turned in no later than January 29, 2015. D. Scholarship committee reserves to right to make changes as needed prior to a school year. 8. Selection of Scholarship Recipient(s) Scholarship(s) will be given at the discretion of the scholarship committee. ************************************************************************************************************************************

RECEIPT OF THE GONZALES COUNTY 4-H SCHOLARSHIP AGREEMENT

Year: _____________________________

I have read and understand the scholarship agreement as set forth by the Gonzales County 4-H Scholarship Committee. ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Student Signature ____________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Parent Signature Please mail or drop off receipt of scholarship agreement no later than October 15, 2014. Keep pages above for your records. GRADUATING SENIORS: Applications are available at the Texas AgriLIFE Extension office.

Deadline to return application is June 15, 2015.

2015 TEXAS 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program and the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation is once again pleased to offer to our senior high school 4-H members and current college students the opportunity to apply for an Opportunity Scholarship through the Texas 4-H Program. The application and the instructions are separate documents for easier completion and direction. The application form is being offered in Microsoft Word edition. What is new for 2015:

A 4-H member can apply for a Texas 4-H, Texas FFA, and Texas FCCLA scholarships The scoring matrix for 4-H scholarships has changed for 2015 Scholarships will be presented over three nights at the 2015 Texas 4-H Roundup. Applicants,

if receiving a scholarship(s) will be told what group of scholarship they will be receiving and what night(s) to be present. With the pre-notification of scholarship groups 4-H members will be able to be recognized at end-of-year school assemblies and ceremonies as a scholarship honoree.

Due to an continued increase in incomplete and the incorrect completion of the scholarship applications from applicants, any incomplete or incorrect application submitted will not be considered. It is the responsibility of the 4-H member and parent/guardian to ensure all information is correct and complete prior to submitting. Absolutely no follow up or updates will be allowed once submitted. Due dates and deadlines for 2015 Scholarship process are as follows: October, 2014 Release of 2015 Application November – January Scholarship Trainings November – December Applicant complete FAFSA and receive report Set by County Office Application due to County Office February 6, 2015 Applications due to District Office February 20, 2015 Applications due to State 4-H Office April 10, 2015 Interview selection notification May 1-3, 2015 Interviews (Austin, TX) June 9, 10, &/or 11, 2015 Awards Assemblies/Banquets (College Station, TX) Requirements for the Baccalaureate, Technical, and Courageous Heart Scholarships All applications MUST meet the minimum requirements/criteria to even be considered for judging (see guidelines for complete details). Those applications not meeting the requirements should not be submitted to the county Extension Office and/or Agent. Trainings Texas A&M Collegiate 4-H Club will be hosting a fund-raising scholarship training in College Station on Saturday, November 8, 2014. This event hosted by the TAMU Collegiate 4-H will be focused for both junior and senior high school youth and parents in order to learn more about the 4-H Scholarship process and the completion of a 2015 application. Saturday, November 8, 2014 9:30 a.m. to 2 pm Rudder Tower/Memorial Student Complex, Texas A&M University College Station, Texas 77845 $20.00 per person