2020-2021 4-H Enrollment Reminders

It's a brand new 4-H year!!!!

If you would like to join 4-H as a new or returning member, enrollment will start up August 15th!  Everyone wishing to participate in any 4-H activities this fall and/or continue to receive the 4-H email blasts will need to enroll as soon as possible.  Active enrollment is required in order to turn in registration information for any 4-H activity (including livestock shows, District 4-H Activities, or other contests).

If you are a new family looking into 4-H, we invite you to check out the information available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/links/4-h/.  We have a lot of information on resources and how to join on our Projects & Resources page at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bastrop-county-4-h-welcome-projects-resources/.  The 4-H CONNECT Website is available at https://tx.4honline.com/.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!

2020 Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series!

 2020 Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series!

We are excited to offer this opportunity to our 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibitors!  Please join us on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM to participate in our Virtual Livestock Project Education Series. 

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for session(s) you would like to attend; Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s): https://rb.gy/tkft7y 
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu: https://rb.gy/mn34h6

We will double check 4-H/FFA enrollment a few days before each session.  If you have any questions at any time, please contact Mellanie Mickelson (512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu) or Geri Kline (979-542-2753 or Geri.Kline@ag.tamu.edu)

08/28/2020 Email Blast: 4-H Enrollment and Council/Club Meeting Updates

 

INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER):

• Quick Update
• 4-H CONNECT & Enrollment Updates
• 4-H Council Meetings
• 4-H Club Meetings

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Howdy and happy Friday!

We hope y’all are doing well and are having a successful first week (or two) of school.  We are working hard to start planning 4-H events and practices for this year!!  We are going to try to break down our normal email blasts a little so they are not too long and so you can sort through them based on your projects, so this email blast will mainly focus on 4-H enrollment and club meetings.  Please look out for some FCH Project and Livestock Project emails in the next few days.

To update you all, we are limited in our capacity in general for in-person meetings – we are required to follow guidelines of 25% capacity for any venue and our events must be less than 50 people.  This will be the requirement that we have to follow until further notice.  For now, we are having a hard time finding facilities and space that will be large enough for us to be able to host in-person practices or events, so we are asking for you all to help us brainstorm some locations for future activities.  If you have ideas, please email them to MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu.

On that note, let’s talk about 4-H CONNECT, Council meetings, and Club meetings!

4-H CONNECT & Enrollment Updates:

• Website: https://tx.4honline.com/
• The new system is a little glitchy right now; the developers are working through most of the issues pretty quickly.  If you encounter any issues please email me and I will submit an IT ticket for them to address the issue.
• Adult Volunteers: with the new system, we will need you all to take the 2 main trainings, again.  To do so, please log in to your profile and click on trainings to view the links to them.
• Clover Kids moving to 3^rd Grade: Please wait to enroll your kiddos moving up to 3^rd grade this year until after September 1^st, otherwise the system will keep them as a clover kid this year and they will not be able to register for events
• Other Youth Enrollment: Please keep enrolling your youth as soon as possible.  We will be switching over to sending the email blast from the 4-H CONNECT system in September once the glitches die down and youth will need to be listed as “active” in order to keep receiving the email blasts.

4-H Council Meetings

• Council meetings will be virtual until further notice; the meetings will take place from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the following dates:
  • Tuesday, September 1, 2020
  • Tuesday, October 6, 2020
  • Tuesday, December 1, 2020
  • Tuesday, February 2, 2020
  • Tuesday, April 6, 2020 – Officer Elections for 2021-2022
• To RSVP for Council Meetings, sign up at: https://forms.gle/fUNn9kcoS39BNALw7 and complete the  virtual waiver (1 waiver per family for the whole year!)
• Information is also posted on the Youth Leadership Page of our website under County Council including the agendas, proposed bylaw changes, and meeting minutes
• Our September 1, 2020 meeting information is available:  Agenda | Proposed Bylaw Changes
  • Please note that the agenda may change slightly between now and the meeting next week
  • All proposed changes in the bylaws are marked in bright red for your convenience

4-H Club Meetings

• Bastrop 4-H Club Meetings
  • Bastrop 4-H Club meetings will be virtual until further notice – they will take place on the 2^nd Mondays of each month (September – April)
  • To RSVP for the meetings: sign up for meetings online and complete the virtual waiver
  • Bastrop 4-H Club Members, please help us decide what time to meet on those days by selecting the time option that works best for your family on our Poll
  • Meeting access information will be emailed 24-48 hours before the meeting to those who have both RSVP’s and turned in their waivers (please do not share the meeting access information with anyone for the safety of our participants)
• Rockne 4-H Club Meetings
  • Rockne 4-H Club meetings will be virtual until further notice – they will take place on the 2^nd Wednesdays of each month (September – April) at 6:30 PM
  • To RSVP for the meetings: sign up for meetings online and complete the virtual waiver
  • Meeting access information will be emailed 24-48 hours before the meeting to those who have both RSVP’s and turned in their waivers (please do not share the meeting access information with anyone for the safety of our participants)
• Loblolly 4-H Club & Smithville 4-H Club are currently planning their meeting formats; please stay in touch with your club managers

That’s all we have for now!  Have a great weekend and look out for those project emails!

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 

C&P Livestock Show Pig Sale - 09/06/20

 Swine exhibitors, please see the opportunity below:

The Pre-Sort Sheep & Goat Jackpot Show - 09/05/20

Lamb/Goat Exhibitors - please see the opportunity below! 

Bastrop County Internet Research Survey - Please fill out now!

Bastrop County Internet Research Survey - Please fill out now!

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Internet access is vital for business, for home, for students and for our quality of life. Connected Nation and Bastrop County Cares are working to assess the state of internet in Bastrop County, establish a broadband planning process, and plan to address our current and future broadband needs.

The FIRST step for improving your internet connection is knowledge.

We need you to fill out the online survey. We are asking residents, businesses and other organizations across the county to input the availability and speed of internet access in their area. This is our vital first step.

The survey results will help us better understand the existing resources and capabilities to support our mission of better internet – access, adoption, and use – in Bastrop County.

Bastrop County Internet Survey:  To take the 10-minute survey as a resident, business owner or designated representative of an organization, please go to:

https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/bastrop-county/

For those unable to take the survey online, paper copies will be available starting the week of August 3, 2020 at:

• Bastrop County Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop TX
• Bastrop County Elgin Annex, 704 Bull Run Road, Elgin TX
• Bastrop County Cedar Creek Annex, 5540 FM 535, Cedar Creek TX
• Bastrop County Smithville Annex, 1624 NE Loop 230, Smithville TX

This is an initiative of the Bastrop County Broadband Committee in partnership with Connected Nation Texas and Bastrop County Cares. This is made possible by the St. David’s Foundation. For more information, email info@bastropcares.org 

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NECESITAMOS TU AYUDA

El acceso a Internet es vital para los negocios, para el hogar, para los estudiantes y para nuestra calidad de vida. Connected Nation y Bastrop County Cares están trabajando para evaluar el estado de la banda ancha en el condado de Bastrop, establecer un proceso de planificación de Internet y planificar para abordar nuestras necesidades actuales y futuras de banda ancha.

El PRIMER paso para mejorar su Internet conexión es conocimiento.

Necesitamos que complete la encuesta en línea. Estamos pidiendo a los residentes, empresas y otras organizaciones de todo el condado que ingresen la disponibilidad y la velocidad del acceso a Internet en su área. Este es nuestro primer paso vital.

Los resultados de la encuesta nos ayudarán a comprender mejor los recursos y capacidades existentes para apoyar nuestra misión de un mejor acceso a Internet, adopción y uso en el condado de Bastrop.

Encuesta de Internet del condado de Bastrop

Para realizar la encuesta de 10 minutos como residente, propietario de un negocio o designado representante de una organización, vaya a:

https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/bastrop-county/

Para aquellos que no puedan realizar la encuesta en línea, las copias impresas estarán disponibles a partir de la semana del 3 de agosto de 2020 en:

• Anexo del palacio de justicia del condado de Bastrop, 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop TX
• Anexo de Elgin del condado de Bastrop, 704 Bull Run Road, Elgin TX
• Cedar Creek del condado de Bastrop
• Anexo de Smithville del condado de Bastrop, 1624 NE Loop 230, Smithville TX

Para obtener más información sobre esta iniciativa de banda ancha o el Comité de banda ancha del condado de Bastrop, envíe un correo electrónico a info@bastropcares.org. Esto fue posible gracias a St. David’s Foundation.

 

2020 Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series!

2020 Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series!

We are excited to offer this opportunity to our 4-H/FFA Livestock Exhibitors!  Please join us on Thursday evenings at 6:00 PM to participate in our Virtual Livestock Project Education Series. 

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for session(s) you would like to attend; Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s): https://rb.gy/tkft7y 
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu: https://rb.gy/mn34h6

We will double check 4-H/FFA enrollment a few days before each session.  If you have any questions at any time, please contact Mellanie Mickelson (512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu) or Geri Kline (979-542-2753 or Geri.Kline@ag.tamu.edu)

2020 Virtual Livestock Project Leader Training – 09/22/20

2020 Virtual Livestock Project Leader Training – 09/22/20

We are excited to offer this opportunity to our Texas 4-H volunteers!  Please join us on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, on Zoom at 6:00 PM to learn about being a Livestock Project Leader.  This training will be geared to those new volunteers who would like to know more about leading the livestock project, but we also welcome more experienced volunteers interested in some new ideas as well as teen leaders. 

In order to participate, you must be enrolled as a Texas 4-H Volunteer.  We will double check volunteer status with your County Extension Agents about one (1) week before the training. 

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for the training; Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s): https://rb.gy/uvf3of 
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu: https://rb.gy/arex5n

If you have any questions at any time, please contact Mellanie Mickelson (512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu) or Geri Kline (979-542-2753 or Geri.Kline@ag.tamu.edu)

2020-2021 4-H Enrollment Reminders

It's a brand new 4-H year!!!!

If you would like to join 4-H as a new or returning member, enrollment will start up August 15th!  Everyone wishing to participate in any 4-H activities this fall and/or continue to receive the 4-H email blasts will need to enroll as soon as possible.  Active enrollment is required in order to turn in registration information for any 4-H activity (including livestock shows, District 4-H Activities, or other contests).

If you are a new family looking into 4-H, we invite you to check out the information available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/links/4-h/.  We have a lot of information on resources and how to join on our Projects & Resources page at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bastrop-county-4-h-welcome-projects-resources/.  The 4-H CONNECT Website is available at https://tx.4honline.com/.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!

08/14/20 Email Blast: Enrollment Reminders and 4-H Updates

08/14/20 Email Blast: Enrollment Reminders and 4-H Updates

INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER):

• Quick Update
• New 4-H Year Enrollment
• Virtual Banquet Update
• Community Service Opportunity
• Fall Event Cancellations
• Guidelines for 4-H Meetings this Fall

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Hey all!

We hope you are having a fantastic week!  We are getting ready to start a brand new 4-H year and, even though much of it will be virtual at first, our youth leadership groups have some cool ideas in the works that we can’t wait to share with you soon!  We wanted to pass on a few reminders for the beginning of the 4-H year to you – we’ll be sending a few more updates and reminders for opportunities on Monday.  Please let us know if y’all need anything and have a great weekend!

New 4-H Year Enrollment:

• It’s a brand new 4-H year!!!  Please remember that we need everybody to re-enroll in 4-H to continue to be recognized as a 4-H member and to continue receiving the email blasts (we will revert to sending our email blasts through 4-H CONNECT in September)
• If you are planning on exhibiting at the State Fair or Heart O’ Texas this fall, we need you to  enroll starting tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, 2020
• We are excited that the 4-H CONNECT enrollment system is being updated this year!  It is supposed to be a little easier to navigate and will have a different look to it
  • Your old information is still in the system; please double check your information and update anything that might have changed (address, email, phone number, grades, etc)
  • You will still log in with your normal email and password; you may be prompted to change/update your password on your first log in
  • NOTE: If you are enrolled as a virtual learner at your school for this year, we still need you to select that you are attending public school and select your “normal” school name. 
• Website: https://tx.4honline.com/

Virtual Banquet Update:

• Our banquet won’t be quite the same this year, but we are looking forward to recognizing everyone’s accomplishments this Thursday, August 20, 2020, in the evening – we are going to be posting our virtual banquet video via Facebook and via Email Blast.
• We are finalizing a couple of details on award pickups – our plan is for award recipients to be able to make an appointment to drop by the Extension Office, pick up their awards, and take a picture in front of our banquet background to share with everyone!  We are tentatively planning for this to take place next Saturday, August 22, 2020, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  We will send out confirmed details and the appointment sign-up on Monday.
• We will also be hosting a Food Drive Drop-Off during this activity – see details under Community Service Opportunity.

Community Service Opportunity:

• In conjunction with our banquet award pick-up, we are going to be hosting a food drive!!
• We are sharing a flyer on Facebook and need your help sharing it to get the word out!
• Please see the message from Weston Bauer below on the details:

Hi Everybody!  4-H is hosting a canned food drive on August 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Extension Office (which is the day that we take 4-H banquet pictures).   They will also take donations during the week.  If you would like to bring canned items or non-perishable food items to the Extension Office, we will donate them to the Bastrop Food Pantry.  You can also donate cash, which the Food Pantry can use to purchase the food they need in bulk. ($1 will purchase 6 lbs of food, which equates to 5 meals). This will help benefit the Food Pantry and people affected by COVID-19 in our county.  And, it’s a great community service activity for your 4-H Record book!

Fall Event Cancellations:

• We are sad to announce that the following events have been cancelled for this fall:
  • Bastrop Homecoming
  • HCC Fair
  • Cake Auction
• If you have any ideas or suggestions for an alternative Cake Auction event that does not include food; please let us know.  Our donors have expressed interest in giving to the program in an alternative way this year and we would like to find an alternative activity for them to participate in.

Guidelines for 4-H Meetings this Fall:

• The guidelines for In-Person 4-H meetings have been developed and posted to our Club Manager Page on the website – they are available for your convenience and through this link.
• We are STRONGLY encouraging clubs/project groups to meet virtually at this time; the best practices for online virtual meetings and the District meeting guidelines are available for you reference in the Club Manager Page
• All Club Managers and Adult Leaders are expected to know the policies and procedures for      in-person and virtual meetings this year; if protocols are not followed, it may result in a 4-H Club’s charter being revoked
• We are here to help with any of your meeting needs – we are happy to help prepare for meetings and have a paid zoom account that will accommodate up to 300 people, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need anything!

That’s all we have for now!

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 Quality Counts Reminders for Livestock Exhibitors

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.aspx.  Be 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. 

08/14/20 Email Blast: Enrollment Reminders and 4-H Updates

 

INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER):

• Quick Update
• New 4-H Year Enrollment
• Virtual Banquet Update
• Community Service Opportunity
• Fall Event Cancellations
• Guidelines for 4-H Meetings this Fall

Food Drive - week of 08/17/20

 Hey all! We are hosting a Food Drive all next week to help support our Food Pantry and community! Please spread the word - we're accepting donations at the County Extension Office from Monday, 08/17/20, until 1:00 PM next Saturday, 08/22/20!

Email Blast 08/07/20 - State Fair & HOT Livestock Show Entries (Due 08/19/20)

Howdy and Happy Friday!

We are very pleased to provide you some updates on State Fair (Dallas) and Heart of Texas (HOT, Waco) Livestock Show opportunities for this fall!  Please note that we are sharing information that we received at our recent 4-H Agents Conference and the livestock shows would like for you to know that this is all subject to change based on health orders initiated by local, state, or federal agencies, or if health and safety concerns exist. The good news is that everyone is working extremely hard to try to work through many challenges to continue to provide opportunities for our kids.

On that note, please see the general updates for State Fair and HOT below.  All entries for BOTH shows are due to the County Extension Office with payment by 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.  We ask that you call ahead to make an appointment to drop off your entries at the office.  Please note that our office no longer has a drop box for after hours (we are working on purchasing and installing one, though!).  Please let us know if you need us to print and mail you copies of the entry form or any of the documents as soon as possible.

General Updates for Both Shows:

• The shows are adjusting and lengthening their schedules to space everyone out to accommodate CDC requirements – this means that they will be bringing one species in the barns at a time
• Tack and equipment may not be left overnight if you are bringing another species the next day for the show to properly sanitize between groups
• Families will not be allowed to bring another species with them to check in early – example: if you enter both lambs and goats in the show, you may not bring your goat to the lamb check in, they must arrive separately for the show to properly sanitize between groups
• Masks will be REQUIRED
• The shows will not be open to the public this year.  Instead, exhibitors will be issued a set of color-coded wristbands for each species to wear as their credentials to be on the grounds.  They will also receive a couple of additional bands for parents. 
• If you do not have a wristband, you will not be allowed on the grounds.
• Guests are going to be limited, the shows are monitoring requirements to see what that will be
• Our group camping in the barns will not look the same due to social distancing – stay tuned for details.
• Both shows are combining a couple of show opportunities into what they are calling the United Show; it will count as participation in both the State Fair and HOT shows and will take place at the HOT fairgrounds in Waco, Texas
• Entries for the United Show will be processed through the use of the HOT entry forms and will be $70 per entry
• These include:
• Youth Breeding Heifers
• Youth Prospect Steers
• Youth Purebred Breeding Gilts
• Additional information will be posted at hotfair.com and bigtex.com/livestock as finalized.

State Fair Livestock Show Entry Information:

• Due Date: 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
• Website: https://bigtex.com/
• Entries, Schedule, Etc. (click on links below):
• Tentative Schedule
• Livestock Exhibitor Catalog
• Entry Packet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• The 2020 State Fair of Texas market shows that will take place at Fair Park in Dallas are:
• Market steers
• Market barrows
• Market lambs
• Market goats
• Market broilers
• The 2020 State Fair will host the following virtual contests (currently the only being offered):
• Agri-science fair
• Public speaking
• Job interview

Heart O' Texas Livestock Show & The United Entry Information:

• Due Date: 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
• Website: https://www.hotfair.com/
• Entries, Schedule, Etc. (click on links below):
• Tentative Schedule
• Livestock Exhibitor Catalog
• Entry Packet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Important Information
• Lamb Classification Guidelines
• Judges List - Updated July 26, 2020
• The 2020 State Fair of Texas market shows that will take place at the HOT Fairgrounds in Waco are:
• Junior Breeding Beef Heifers
• Junior Steer Show
• Junior Lamb Show
• Jackpot Lamb Show
• Junior Goat Show
• Jackpot Goat Show
• Junior Swine Show
• Jackpot Swine Show
• Crossbred Gilt Show
• The 2020 United Shows that will take place at the HOT Fairgrounds in Waco are:
• Youth Breeding Heifers
• Youth Prospect Steers
• Youth Purebred Breeding Gilts

That’s all we have for State Fair and HOT – please let us know if you have any questions!  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

2020-2021 4-H Enrollment Reminders

It's a brand new 4-H year!!!!

If you would like to join 4-H as a new or returning member, enrollment will start up August 15th!  Everyone wishing to participate in any 4-H activities this fall and/or continue to receive the 4-H email blasts will need to enroll as soon as possible.  Active enrollment is required in order to turn in registration information for any 4-H activity (including livestock shows, District 4-H Activities, or other contests).

If you are a new family looking into 4-H, we invite you to check out the information available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/links/4-h/.  We have a lot of information on resources and how to join on our Projects & Resources page at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bastrop-county-4-h-welcome-projects-resources/.  The 4-H CONNECT Website is available at https://tx.4honline.com/.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!