Thursday, May 28, 2020

05/28/20 Email Blast



INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER):

  • Survey Results & Summer Activity Planning
  • County Ambassadors Announced!
  • Recordbook Reminders
  • Livestock Show Updates
  • Cake Auction Postponement
  • Cancellation of District & State Events

Hello and Happy Thursday!

We hope all of you are doing well and are getting a little break from school sessions being finished!  I wanted to pass along some updates to try and keep everyone in the loop with summer activities.  So, we’ll start off with our survey results and move on to some of the good news before going into other updates.

Survey Results & Summer Activity Planning

With 15 family responses, we are happy to know that most of our families are super excited about 4-H activities!  We had a lot of division over comfort levels of returning to in-person activities and decisions being made on returning to in-person activities based on COVID-19.  So, we are working on some more virtual opportunities for county activities in late June and into July. We are waiting on more up-to-date guidance from our Chancellor’s Office and the Texas A&M University System.  We are not sure when we will be able to safely resume in-person activities at this time.  If you have any suggestions for some fun virtual project experiences, please let us know and we will do our best to try to make them happen!

County Ambassadors Announced!

  • The 2020-2021 Council Officers and County Ambassadors have been announced on the blog, Facebook Page, and website – please check them out and let us know if you have any questions!  We will be sending individual emails and letters of selection to you early next week (June) to coordinate an online planning meeting for next year's activities and meeting dates. We are so proud of your hard work and look forward to your ideas!
  • State Level Ambassadors (Equine, Livestock, Healthy Youth Texas, Fashion & Interior Design, and Water) will be announced later on when we receive official notifications from those groups!
  • Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador Applications will be available July 1-31, 2020 – they run a little later in the year than the other State Ambassador applications.

Recordbook Reminders

  • ALL recordbooks are going to be due to the County Extension Office next Friday, June 5, 2020 (they need to be postmarked by this date) – Please have your recordbooks mailed to us at the following address:
Bastrop County 4-H
PO Box 650
Bastrop, TX 78602
  • We are not 100% sure what judging looks like just yet and are waiting for guidance from the State Office.  We’ll let you know as soon as possible. 
  • Resources and presentations for putting recordbooks together are available online at:
  • I am available all week next week for recordbook questions via email, phone, or zoom if you need help or have questions about formatting.

Livestock Show Updates

  • Houston Livestock Show Refunds/Premiums - A lot of County Extension Offices have been asking questions about this, the shows response is available online at https://www.rodeohouston.com/Portals/0/Content/GetInvolved/Exhibitors-Participants/HLSR-LivestockShowExhibitors.html.  Right now, they are expecting to send out any premiums and refunds in mid- to late summer (I’m expecting late July at the earliest)
  • Rodeo Austin Refunds - After many technical difficulties, we are getting them sent out this weekend!  You should expect your checks via certified mail in the next few days.
  • Bastrop Area Livestock Show Checks – the show is still waiting on some of the buyers to pay invoices before they will be able to cut checks.  We do not yet have an estimated date on when this will happen, but we will let you know as soon as possible!

Cake Auction Postponement

The Bastrop Homecoming Committee announced that dDue to Covid-19 and the impact on our local economy, they have made the difficult decision to postpone Bastrop Homecoming & Rodeo until October 14-17.  Cake Auction will be moved to reflect the new Homecoming date of Saturday, October 17th.   Once baker names are turned in to us, we will share more information and instructions in July!

Banquet Update

We are working diligently to try to ensure that we have an in-person banquet this year, if we are safely able and permitted to do so.  We are planning for an event to take place on July 30th this year – please stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the event.

Cancellation of District & State Events

It with great sadness that I notify you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Texas 4-H Roundup, Texas 4-H Dog Show, the 2020 District 10 Horse Show and the 2020 District 10 Leadership Lab. Due to a variety of reasons, all with connections to COVID-19, this was the best decision for your health and safety and the Texas 4-H program.

That is all we have for now – please let us know if you have any questions and have a fantastic weekend!

M
Mellanie L. Mickelson
Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H



2020-2021 Bastrop County 4-H Council & Ambassadors Announced!

In light of the sad news of lots of our favorite 4-H events being canceled, we want to share some positive news!

Please congratulate our new 2020-2021 Bastrop County 4-H Ambassadors and Council Officers!  

We will be sending individual emails and letters of selection to you early next week (June) to coordinate an online planning meeting for next year's activities and meeting dates.  We are so proud of your hard work and look forward to your ideas!









Wednesday, May 27, 2020

June Pond Management Webinar Series - Bastrop & Lee Counties

Hey y'all! 

Happy May!  We wanted to share that Lee and Bastrop Counties will be hosting a weekly webinar in June, Pond Management Webinar Series.  It will be each Monday in June at 6:00 pm.

It is FREE to watch, unless CEU hours are desired, which will cost $10 per CEU hour.  One Gen CEU hour will be offered June 1.  One IPM CEU hour will be offered June 8.

Aquatic vegetation ID photos need to be sent to brittany.chesser@tamu.edu before June 5. Photos will be identified as part of the June 8 presentation.



Please let us know if you have any questions!




Tuesday, May 26, 2020

2020 Smithville 4-H & FFA Show Alternative Sale - open until 5 PM May 29, 2020

Hey y'all!

With the cancellation of the Smithville 4-H & FFA Livestock Show, the show is currently holding an alternative approach to procure funds to assist exhibitors in recovering cost(s) associated with purchasing and caring for their projects throughout their respective feeding period. Please see the letter, pledge form, and add-on form below. This opportunity will continue until 5:00 PM this Friday, May 29, 2020, for anyone interested in helping support the youth participants!

To download a PDF Form, please visit https://bastrop.agrilife.org/livestock/ and scroll down to county shows.




Saturday, May 23, 2020

2020 Summer Planning Survey - due 05/25/20

Howdy y'all!

We are working on doing some summer planning while we're waiting on some direction and guidance from the Chancellor's Office and the Texas A&M University System on summer 4-H activities, interviews, and in-person meetings.

In the meantime, we need your help!  We need to know if families are going to be comfortable participating in any in-person activities.  To help us with this, please participate in a quick, 5 question survey.  It should only take 1-2 minutes and there is no risk involved!  We'll leave the survey open until midnight Monday, 5/25/20.

The survey is available online at https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FIP9Bpj4d0JsVL.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu.

Thank you!!!


2020 Sheep Capital Lamb Camp - July 31 to August 2, 2020


The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office in Tom Green County are proud to present the 4th Sheep Capital Lamb Camp to be held in San Angelo, Texas on the fairgrounds of the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo.

The camp will be open to incoming 3rd Graders through seniors in high school, and exhibitors of all levels of experience are welcome to participate.  Registration is limited to the first 80 paid campers.  The cost of the camp is $175 per camper and $75 for adults/sponsor.  The registration fee will include breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday, t-shirt, camp packet, educational seminars and lots of hands on learning.

Camp will be a three day program, kicking off on Friday, July 31st at 1:00 pm and conclude Sunday, August 2nd following lunch.

Registration is available beginning May 1 and can be found at:

Click here to download the registration form: https://counties.agrilife.org/bastrop/files/2020/05/2020-Sheep-Capital-Camp-Registration-Form.pdf 




2019-2020 Bastrop County Community Service Updates

Ever wonder how much of a difference our 4-H group can make?  Check out the impacts below!

Did you or your club make a difference through community service?  If you'd like it posted to our site and our social media, email a picture and a description to Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!




Friday, May 22, 2020

2020 At-Large Texas 4-H Council Delegate Updates


With the release of the 2020 At-Large Texas 4-H Council Delegate list today in the County Agent “This Week in Texas 4-H” email and on social media, a few have asked what the election process will be this year since we will not have Texas 4-H Roundup. So we wanted to go ahead and share with everyone in case others were wondering the process details as well.

The candidates will be presenting their speeches and answering an impromptu question live, just like last year’s election process. The difference is they will be doing so before a small audience on Zoom, which will include the candidates, current Texas 4-H Council and the Advisors on June 1. The reason we are not opening it statewide, is Zoom is limited to the number of participants at a time. We felt the smaller group would provide for better connectivity. Should a candidate have issues with connection on their end, we have a chance to correct the situation before it is shared for others to view. We did not want connection issues causing any disadvantages for the candidates. But it will be recorded for release state wide on June 3 via our Texas 4-H YouTube channel for everyone to review the presentation and impromptu answers by the candidates prior to the Election Ballot going live June 5-8 on Texas 4-H CONNECT. We felt this option more closely replicated last year’s process vs the candidates sending in a recorded speech.  

More details to come regarding the elections process next week. The ballot will be an event on 4-H CONNECT 2020-2021 Ballot: Texas 4-H Council At-Large Election and open to any current High School age 4-H member (as of September 1, 2019). Ballots will not be approved by any level (county, district or state), they will be automatically approved at the state level once submitted just like last year’s election process.  

2020 Kitchen Vision - Recipes due 6/1/20


Texas 4-H Youth Development and the Texas 4-H Foundation is seeking culinary talent from 4-H members from across the state, and they need YOUR help finding the perfect recipes! The 20/20 Kitchen Vision project is designed to highlight recipes created by current Texas 4-H members and clover kids!

Attached you will find the marketing flyer and information. Please distribute to your 4-H members and post on social media platforms so that an official Texas 4-H Cookbook can be produced and sold in fall 2020!!

Recipes MUST be created by a current Texas 4-H member or Clover Kid. Youth should submit recipes and a photo of the completed dish to callie.henly@ag.tamu.edu by June 1st. The recipes will then be voted on by the public on our Texas 4-H social media platforms to determine our cookbook dishes.




Thursday, May 21, 2020

Stories of Resilience Writers Application - Bastrop County Cares


Good Afternoon!! 

Stories of Resilience Writers Application

The Resilient Bastrop County Initiative is sponsoring a storytelling series in which members of different generations of residents living in Bastrop County share their stories of overcoming adversity and showing strength and resilience. We are looking for graduating high school seniorswith an interest in storytelling in any medium, to participate in this paid opportunity to participate in a facilitated conversation about resilience with an older member of their community, and then share their feelings about that experience in whatever storytelling medium they are most comfortable with.

We're looking for students with a story to tell about how their senior year in high school was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please fill out this application if you are interested.https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2RTYXFD 

Send questions to dankleiner@bastropcares.org.



2020-2021 Game Changer Program - apps due 5/29/20


Howdy all,

Recently, Bexar County was given the wonderful opportunity to participate in a National 4-H grant that has been sponsored by Toyota. The goal of the grant is to train teen youth Leaders to become STEM ambassadors (we're calling them "Game Changers") in their communities. Along with this grant, we have received National Youth Science Day kits to administer to these teen leaders as well as some funds for a field trip (once we are allowed to resume contact).

We are looking for motivated kids who are passionate about STEM! This STEM experience does not just encompass robotics. We are looking for child (13+) who enjoys science! We are going to have a career exploration component to this as well. Once these kids receive training, we'd like them to facilitate (using the kit they receive) these same activities with younger children. Our goal is for each Game Changer to engage at least 10 youth before the end of summer. Pretty easy!




Wednesday, May 20, 2020

2020 Summer Planning Survey - due 5/25/20

Howdy y'all!

We are working on doing some summer planning while we're waiting on some direction and guidance from the Chancellor's Office and the Texas A&M University System on summer 4-H activities, interviews, and in-person meetings. 

In the meantime, we need your help!  We need to know if families are going to be comfortable participating in any in-person activities.  To help us with this, please participate in a quick, 5 question survey.  It should only take 1-2 minutes and there is no risk involved!  We'll leave the survey open until midnight Monday, 5/25/20.

The survey is available online at https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FIP9Bpj4d0JsVL.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu.

Thank you!!!


2020 Texas 4-H Virtual Lead Academy - Registration closes 05/27/20


Texas 4-H Virtual LEAD Academy
The format of the 2020 Texas 4-H Virtual LEAD Academy will offer concurrent workshops over the course of two-days focused on these topic areas. Unlike the face-to-face event, this year’s Virtual LEAD Academy will be offering workshops targeting Intermediate and Senior Age 4-H members along with Adults. Many of the sessions offered however will still be targeting High School Age Youth and noted on the session descriptions. 

Registration through 4-H CONNECT is required for all sessions. Participants will receive the link to participate in the sessions June 5th via email.

No Fee Registration: May 15-27, 2020

LEAD Academy Workshop Details and Schedule (Please review before beginning the registration process on 4-H CONNECT to help you plan what workshops you would like to attend) a copy is also accessible on their website at https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/lead/.
About LEAD Academy:
LEAD Academy is geared towards 4-H members who are currently in the 9th – 12th grades (as of the current 4-H year). Youth will have an opportunity to learn about college opportunities and what it takes to get there, serve their community, and gain valuable life skills in a true college setting. Our goal of this activity will be to provide the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their country and their world. The event will be designed to engage youth in hands-on educational activities in which they explore, practice and master existing and newly developed skills/knowledge in civic engagement, civic education and personal development. The objective is to provide youth a broad-based learning experience in which they will acquire practical knowledge and skills to reinforce the attitudes and motivation that will give them a heightened sense of responsibility and capacity to connect as active members of their communities, nation and world. From this experience, we hope the youth attending will apply what was learned in their real world experiences in which they develop leadership skills using their voices, work, ideas and/or behavior to make a difference in their community, country and world.
Adult attendees will have the chance to connect with other volunteers and parents.  Our goal is to provide useful information for 4-H volunteers and parents so they may learn how to improve their skills as a 4-H leader in their community.  The event is designed to provide workshops that are practical and helpful to adults involved with the 4-H program.  From this experience, we hope our 4-H volunteers will be able to apply what they learn to continue to help our members grow into productive members of society that make a positive impact in their lives and communities.
*2020 LEAD Academy will look a little different. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 situation, all events held at Texas A&M University have been canceled through July 31st. This impacted our Texas 4-H Roundup/LEAD Academy event. This year our event will be a virtual experience!! We feel the information provide through our LEAD Academy is valuable and we wanted to continue to provide this opportunity to our 4-H members, families and volunteers.

Distracted Driving Video - 05/21/20

Join us online for a Distract Driving Video TOMORROW - Thursday, May 21, 2020!  You can watch at any time during the day.

Link for Video: https://vimeo.com/414815153
Passcode: 2020Youth



REMINDER: 2020 District 10 4-H Leadership Lab - Registrations due 5/29/20

***The health of our 4-H members is of our upmost concern. As of right now, we are planning on moving forward with hosting District 10 Leadership Lab as planned.  Due to the constantly changing COVID-19 regulations, we will not approve any Leadership Lab registrations until we are 100% sure that we will be holding the event. Please keep this in mind as registrations will remain “Pending at District” until we are approved to proceed.***

Quick Event Overview:

Promotional information for the 2019 District 10 Leadership Lab has been released and will be posted on the District 10 Website starting May 1st!!

Our District 10 Leadership Lab will take place at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood, Texas from June 24-26, 2020.  This event is the annual during which our youth elect their District 10 4-H Council Officers and participate in Leadership Workshops to take back new leadership skills to help their County and Clubs.  All participants must be at least 13 years of age by the date of Leadership Lab.

The registration cost of $250 covers all meals and lodging except for lunch on Wednesday, June 24, and lunch on Friday, June 26.  Bastrop County is working on find a way to assist with transportation and carpooling since it is a longer drive.  A more detailed list of items to pack and items to leave behind will be emailed out to attendees at the beginning of June once registration closes.

If you are wanting to run for an officer position, please let Mellanie know at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu and be sure to register early.  Mellanie will be following up with individuals to help them prepare for elections.  

Registration Information:

  • One Page Event Overview (PDF)
  • Registration is online via 4-H CONNECT
  • Registration period: May 1-29, 2020
  • Cost to attend: $250
  • Additional Paperwork Requirement: Two (2) copies of the original health and release forms MUST be turned in to the Bastrop County Extension Office by May 30, 2020 with a copy of your insurance card - NO EXCEPTIONS.  
    • 1 copy will be mailed (certified & tracked) to the District 10 Office
    • 1 copy will stay with Mellanie, the 4-H Agent, and will accompany the youth to camp.

Check out the following links for more information:


Tuesday, May 19, 2020

REMINDER: 2020 District 10 4-H Horse Show - Registrations due 05/29/20

*** The health of our 4-H members is of our upmost concern. As of right now, we are planning on moving forward with hosting District 10 Horse Show as planned. Due to the constantly changing COVID-19 regulations, we will not approve any Horse Show registrations until we are 100% sure that we will be holding the event. Please keep this in mind as registrations will remain “Pending at District” until we are approved to proceed. ***

Quick Event Overview:

Promotional information for the 2020 District 10 Horse Show has been released and will be posted on the District 10 Website starting May 1st!!
Our District 10 Horse Show will take place at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park in Dripping Springs, Texas from June 17-18, 2020.  This event is the annual District 10 Horse Show Event and annual Qualifying Event for the Texas 4-H Horse Show classes for District 10 4-H members.
The registration cost is a $15 flat fee for each class (exhibitor may enter as many classes as they wish) plus a one-time $10 participation fee. (please note you will not be charged until approved at the District Level)

Registration Information:

  • One Page Event Overview (PDF)
  • Registration is online via 4-H CONNECT
  • Registration period: May 1-29, 2020
  • Cost to attend: $15 flat fee for each class (exhibitor may enter as many classes as they wish) plus a one-time $10 participation fee.
  • Additional Paperwork Requirement: Please provide a copy of the following items to the County Extension Office by 12:00 Noon on Monday, June 1st, 2020:
    1. Current negative Coggins certificate for each horse entered. Coggins papers must be valid through the District and State Horse Show (July 31, 2020, not just through entry deadline. Dates on Coggins papers must be legible.)
    2. Medical release for each exhibitor
  • Horses MUST be validated in 4-H CONNECT by May 16, 2020 to be able to participate in the show - please see the instructions below

Check out the following links for more information:


Horse Validation Instructions

2020 Horse Project Validations DUE 5/16/20 – Deadline Extended

May 16 @ 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

  • Deadline: Due in 4-H CONNECT by May 16th
  • Cost: $10 per horse
  • All youth wishing to participate in ANY horse show must validate their projects
  • Instructions are available online HERE (Please note that the dates and fees have been adjusted from what is displayed)

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Distracted Driving Video - 05/21/20

Join us online for a Distract Driving Video this Thursday, May 21, 2020!  You can watch at any time during the day.

Link for Video: https://vimeo.com/414815153
Passcode: 2020Youth



Friday, May 15, 2020

05/15/20 Email Blast - D10 activities, poultry orders, & Virtual Opportunities


INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER):

  • D10 Horse Show Registrations - due 05/29/20
  • D10 Leadership Lab Registrations - due 05/29/20
  • State Fair Broiler Orders - due 05/27/20
  • Major Turkey Orders - due 06/24/20
  • Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Updates 
  • Cake Auction Reminders
  • Virtual Opportunities


Howdy and happy Friday!!!

I hope you all are doing well and staying healthy on this lovely Friday!  I wanted to send out a few updates for you about upcoming opportunities.  We’re waiting on some updates in the next week or so to figure out what our summer programming might look like this year.  In the meantime, we are still open on an appointment only basis.  In other news, there are several opportunities available at the moment:

D10 Horse Show Registrations

  • District 10 Horse Show registrations are open in 4-H CONNECT until May 29th
  • The event is currently scheduled to take place June 17-18, 2020
  • All horses participating need to be validated in 4-H CONNECT by midnight tomorrow (5/16) in order to participate in this show or State Horse Show
  • For more information, visit https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/d10horseshow/

D10 Leadership Lab Updates

  • Registration is open in 4-H CONNECT until May 29th for all youth over the age of 13
  • Youth who want to run for a District 10 Council Officer position will need to complete and submit the Council Applications by May 31st
  • The event is currently scheduled to take place June 24-26, 2020
  • For more information, visit https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/2020-district-10-4-h-leadership-lab/
  • REMINDER:  Council Officers need to register for this event; it is recommended for anyone needing leadership experiences or in leadership projects, as well

State Fair Broiler Orders


Major Turkey Orders


Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease updates

  • There have been additional cases confirmed in both Domestic and Wild rabbits – if you breed or have rabbits, please be sure to read through the updates on the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Website and be sure to practice good biosecurity habits.
  • More information about RHDV2 can be found at: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/animal_health/rabbits/

Cake Auction Reminders

  • Save the date – Cake Auction is going to take place on Saturday, August 1st
  • For those new to 4-H, our Cake Auction is our primary fundraiser for the year that supports all of the programming and activities that we put on for the youth!  It takes place during the Bastrop Homecoming and it's super fun and very much appreciated - be sure to help invite businesses and friends to come purchase cakes from the auction!
  • Be sure to reach out to your club manager to let them know if you would like to help make a cake – we need 18 cakes total. 

Virtual Opportunities:


That's all for now!!  Please let us know if you have any questions and have a great weekend! 
M

Mellanie L. Mickelson
Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

Distracted Driving Video - 05/16/20

Join us online for a Distract Driving Video TOMMORROW - Saturday, May 16, 2020!  You can watch at any time during the day.  We'll also have a second session May 21, 2020.

Link for Video: https://vimeo.com/412405086
Passcode: Bastrop4H


Thursday, May 14, 2020

2020-2021 Quality Counts Program Reminders

Hey y'all!  Are you looking for something to do to help prepare your for your livestock project for the 2020-2021 year? 

Get ready for the upcoming show year by completing your Quality Counts EARLY!  All livestock exhibitors in Bastrop County (both 4-H & FFA) will need to participate in the learning modules and pass the exam with at least an 80% to be able to exhibit their livestock projects. 

To register and get a head start, head over to https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/qc/qcregister.aspxBe sure to save the registration email to be able to access the program and take the exam. 

If you have any questions, please contact your AST/CEA.  The Bastrop County 4-H Agent can be reached at 512-581-7186 or at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu. 


Don't forget to join the District 10 4-H Virtual Project Groups!

Have you joined one of our virtual groups yet? We have some great activities going on and don't want you to miss out! Be sure to join today!










Wednesday, May 13, 2020

2019-2020 Bastrop & Travis County Photography Contest Results for Bastrop County

Congratulations to all of our participants!  There were so many amazing photos!  Please see the results for our Bastrop County 4-H members, as well as their photos.  To check out all of the photos submitted, please visit http://traviscounty4hcep.blogspot.com/