Service Opportunities Continue

I learned long ago that there is never a bad time to give to others.  Some might say that 4H is over for the year and we can take a break from all our activities.  However, I see no reason not to continue giving back to our community.  So, yesterday we helped out at the VA Clinic once again.

We had a small group that made sandwiches (tuna, turkey, and ham) and served them to the veterans.  It was nice to have a new family join us for the experience. Robin, Zach and Taylor had donated food to the project in the past but had not served.  That gave us three extra hands in prep work and in the cafe area.  Sean and Henry were thankful for the conversation in between serving as well.

We served over 50 veterans as we stayed at the clinic for three hours.  Everyone had other places to go so I stayed an additional two hours talking to a veteran who seemed to need the conversation.  It was a good experience all around.  I even learned some information about water processing!  You never know what will happen at the VA Clinic with the veterans.

Texas 4H Congress

The Texas 4H Congress started today.  This is an event where the 4Hers take over the Capitol Building in Austin for a few days while the normal session is not in order to try their skills as legislators.  Although our family was not able to participate, we had three of our seniors (Caleb, Katy and Treyton) attend from our club.  I hope to hear back from them so I can re-post some of the experience for you.


UPDATE-July 16, 2012
No updates from our group but I did find a picture on Facebook that proves some of them were present.  Unfortunately, it is only a picture of the BACK of their heads.  I even watched the live streaming today in hopes of a glance of them in action.  So here is what I have for now and still hoping for more information when they return.

UPDATE-July 17, 2012

It sounds like the group is doing well and enjoying the experience.  I did manage to see Caleb today on the live telecast giving the voting record for our county.  I believe the group met with Gov. Perry as I found a picture on Facebook with each district taking a picture with him.

UPDATE-July 21, 2012

I got word from Treyton about his experience at 4H Congress.  It sounds like they had a great time.  This is what he said:

Highlights from Congress:

Sunday - 7/15 - toured the State Capitol and attended reception at The Sheraton.

Monday - 7/16 - First day in Congress, Treyton & Katy bills were presented before the committee.  Caleb commented on a few bills on the House floor.  Katy debated on the texting bill.  House Representative - Brian Hughes (District 5) spoke with the 4-Hers in his district.

50's themed party - Treyton was a school jockey with lettermen sweater, Katy - polka-dotted dress, and Caleb- t-bird (greaser). 

Tuesday - 7/17 - last day at Congress.  A lot of discussion on the House floor.  Hot topics - human's eating horse meat, and texting while driving.  Both were passed in the House.  Met Governor Perry.  The governors speech was awesome.  He was a 4-Her and had received the Gold Star award.  Attended a gala reception that evening at the Sheraton.

Wednesday - 7/18 - toured Lady Bird Johnson's wildflower center, toured State Cemetery, hiked down by Lady Bird Lake, toured down town Austin.  Mr. Obama was in Austin on Tuesday night raising funds for the presidential race.  Treyton, Caleb & Brennan saw the motorcade from their motel room window.  Came home through Bastrop and saw the results from the fire.  Brenda & Myra did a little genealogy on the way home.  Brenda found her great grandfathers first wive's grave. (No kin but that was fun to find).  Toured old Dime Box, Texas.  A neat town (looks like people just moved away and left it as it was).  In fact there is a truck on the rack at the old garage.   

A very educational experience.  I learned about how a bill is written, presented to committee, sent to the House, discussed on the floor and then passed or fail.  A wonderful experience to end my 4-H career.  I would highly recommend going and would do it again if I had the chance.

Recordbook Results are In!!!

Just a quick note to say we found out the results for record books.  We had over 40 entries in our county and several of our 4Hers were able to continue to the District level.  I will try to get names of everyone later and add in this info.

Then we had six books from our county (seniors only) go on to State level judging, including Sean (Entomology), Treyton (Recreation) and Katy (Home Environment).  Congrats to all!  We will find out results for this level later in August.

Now we are in a rush to redo some of the book after reading comments from previous judges.  We have to have books into the office by Friday!

Do We Have to Leave?!

Second day of contest...another new adventure for us.  Normally we are already back home and telling the world about our feats!  However, this contest is so intense and time-consuming it has to be broken up into two days.  So, we were back at Sul Ross for a second day, and we were faced with the dreaded oral defense right from the start.

Sean and Katy jumped at the chance to be one of the first to go into the judges room.  They both came out excited and talking about how easy it was to talk to the judges about their habitat plans.  Henry, on the other hand, was terrified.  Even Mr. Hysmith came out to tell me that Henry was nervous.  When Henry came to us after his presentation, he was visibly upset and told me he had really messed up.  So, I sat him down and asked what he did when he talked to the judges.  He told me what he said and how he was well poised looking the judges in the eye.  All sounded good to me so I asked him what went wrong.  He said in a very low, almost inaudible voice, "I spoke to them like this."  Oh!  I felt so bad for him!  I told him that I was proud of his courage to talk to the judges in spite of his fear.  Not only that, he had moved up to the senior division in order for us to have a senior team!  If he had been in his correct division, it would have been more about the actual drawing and sharing exactly what was on the chart.  In the senior division, the 4Her must try to expand on the questions the judges ask related to the property drawing.  Needless to say, I am proud of him for just taking on this extra duty for his age.  It will make him stronger for the next time!

After oral defense, the 4Hers would have a general knowledge quiz and animal identification quiz.  The coaches were also allowed the opportunity to see these portions of the contest.  While we waited in the next room, Mr. Hysmith asked Edward if he was going to participate.  He really encouraged him to go through the contest.  It was nice to see him want the younger ones around.

Before taking our lunch break, Ms. Warnock rejoined us for a workshop on general college information, as well as life at Sul Ross University.  The boys really enjoyed listening to her welcome them all to attend the various choices provided at the university.  Edward and Brendan were a little overwhelmed with the talk so we sent out to the waiting area.  Mr. Hysmith grabbed up Edward and some other young siblings to help move chairs around in the building.  He told me it was good to keep little hands busy and this was productive.

We had a short lunch break and then returned to hear the final results.  Mr. Hysmith started out by congratulating all the teams and allowing them to stand to represent their counties.  Then he invited all the coaches to the front of the room to present a gift (Bird Song Bible) for all their hard work with the youth.  Throughout these presentations, there was a slide show of pictures that Mrs. Hysmith had taken during the contest.  It was starting to be a real celebration of all we had done in the last two days.

The awards for individuals and teams were given for Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions.  We were not called forward but enjoyed seeing those who worked hard win the awards.  It was like having your cousin win in the same competition...because by this time we were one big happy family.  We also learned throughout the weekend that most of these teams had been working together for several years.  Many told us that they remembered their first time and how much they had learned from those first years.  In other words, the other teams were encouraging us to continue with the contest in the future.  We were also given ideas on how to improve.  I cannot emphasize how different this contest was compared to any other.

I love 4H and sing its praises often but THIS contest is the epitome of all that 4H stands for in its motto and pledge.  It was hard to say good-bye to all the new friends we had met.  And, when Mr. Hysmith heard we were leaving he was very concerned about our long drive and told us to be safe.

Katy and Lynda were able to stay until the next day, so they went on a tour of the university with Ms. Warnock.  I hope to hear about it when we return home.  Maybe I can add those details later.

An amazing trip that we will not forget.  We also have been invited to help with the National contest next month.  I am not sure if we will be able to help but will try to make our way to Kingsville to give a helping hand and learn even more about the contest.  It is hard to resist the opportunity when it was such a great experience!

The Contest Begins

On the first day of WHEP contest we arrived at Sul Ross University just after 7am.  Yes, we were early but we were excited to start the contest.  We met our host for the event, Ms. Warnock, and she was so helpful.

Soon after others trailed into the building and we began our orientation.  The atmosphere for this contest was so different from others that we have been involved.  The 4Hers quickly began to meet each other and talk about their past experiences, while coaches registered for the day.  Mr. Hysmith also had a large supply of pencils and rulers (and even clipboards) in case these supplies were needed.  Orientation went quickly and we were formed into a caravan for the hour drive to the contest location in the Davis Mountains Nature Preserve.

The teams began the contest with a hike into an open area below the mountains.  They were given the basic scenario which included the objectives of the land owner, focal species (black-tailed prairie dogs and pronghorn), and conditions of the property.  The team was asked to form their habitat management plan.

While the team was off on their adventure, Lynda and I took the younger boys down the mountain so we could purchase lunch supplies.  We took several pictures along the way also as it was such a beautiful drive.  We arrived back just as the teams were coming back.  It was so nice to see smiles on their faces as they walked back to us!  A big change from the bewildered looks we had at the last contest.

We had a nice picnic lunch and then the 4Hers went back out for the second part of the evaluation.  In this part of the contest the 4Hers were given a second scenario in a different part of the property.  They would determine the appropriate techniques needed for seven focal species.  When we study for this we are given a chart with all the techniques for each of the 17 animals for the region.  It appears that you should just memorize the chart and all will go well.  However, the 4Hers must combine their knowledge about all of the techniques available and the scenario to determine the techniques needed.  It is not a matter of checking all of the boxes because the boxes marked incorrectly are counted against you in the end.  Although you cannot have a negative score, you can have a score of zero. Once the 4Hers returned the coaches were allowed a chance to review this portion of the contest.

Then we headed back down the mountain to the university.  We were given the opportunity to participate in a workshop about telemetry.  There were several college students available to demonstrate the devices used to track various wildlife species.  Then the 4Hers were allowed to use the equipment to find hidden collars that were surrounding the area.  Katy, Sean and Edward were the first in their group to search and Henry would be the second in his group.  Sean found his right as we were ready to leave.  He had found a quail collar hidden in a grape vine.  Katy found her quail collar in a bush also.  Edward never found his collar.  Henry had almost found his but had to give up the hunt so we could leave...he found out later that his collar had been buried right where he had searched!

We had dinner at a place called Penny's Diner, a classic old-time diner in a chrome style building.  The boys begged to sit at the counter but I would only let them sit there to watch the cooks prepare our meal.  We enjoyed our meal and headed back to the university for our dessert.  We were going to have S'mores with the WHEP crew!  It was so much fun and we continued to be surprised by the family atmosphere of this contest!

We ended another day exhausted after preparing the team for their oral defense of their plans.  We have never had this part of the contest so I think the group was a little nervous that night before.  We would find out how nervous in the morning!

I do have to say I am already proud of our little group of newbies.  After our first contest, I asked what they had done and they could not answer.  Today, they came back and could not talk enough.  They even had written down notes of their plan for their defense.  I can already see a vast improvement and look forward to hearing the results tomorrow.  Whether we are first or last, I look at our team as a group of winners as they persevered and have improved a hundredfold.  They have shown that 'make the best better' motto sometimes is really about making yourself better.

Leaving Lubbock and on to Alpine!

We got back from our State WHEP contest on Sunday evening but it has taken me this long to get over the drive around Texas.  I slept most of Monday and part of Tuesday.  That driving can really wear a person down!  So, I am a little late getting this blog post up.

There is so much to tell so I will divide this up into three posts (as if I had done this along the way...I did not have internet access or I might have been able to do this as it happened).

We actually got to sleep in for the first time all week!  We packed up and left the hotel thanking the staff for all their accommodations throughout the week.  We started out the trip with 18 4Hers and family members but left with 13 as the others left early. 

On the way into Lubbock, we all had to pass through Post, Texas.  Our family really wanted to stop and go the museum created to tell the history of the town because our ancestors were some of the first settlers of the town.  Unfortunately, the museum was closed that day, so we were determined to stop on the way out of Lubbock.  It really was not on our path to Alpine, but it was not a big detour.  How was I to know that I would also have this opportunity to share a little of our family history with our 4H friends!  This was a proud moment of the week.  One thing 4H encourages is good citizenship, and this includes knowing about our own history as well as history at all levels. 

Post, Texas was set up by C. W. Post in 1906.  He advertised back in Michigan about an opportunity to share in a new kind of town in which community was the center of the planning.  Four sections of 160 acres of quality land would a shared well would be at the center.  On each section a house and outbuildings would be built because the Mr. Post was adamant that each farmer would own his own house.  He promised (and fulfilled until his dying day) to be at the center of all community events.  All residents would share in the building up of the town.

This advertisement appealed to many families who read about this new endeavor.  Peter and Mary Agnes Watkins (my great-grandparents) were among these early settlers, along with their six children.  They answered the call to head west and make a new start due to a recent agricultural disaster (lost crop due to freeze in orchards).  They would make their way to Post, Texas to become one of the founding families.  They would be among the families who would raise cotton on the wide open fields.  Peter became the manager of the cotton gin and would remain in this position until his retirement.  Many other families came to this area as well and the town grew.  Mr. Post kept his promise and remained active in this thriving community until his death in 1914.  He was considered a friend and they knew that he wanted every man in his community to succeed.

Going through the museum, I could not help but feel like I was going back in time seeing my family as they were coming into Post over hundred years ago.  I spoke with the curator of the museum who asked that I come back with more details so she could add these family stories to the town historical archives.  I was able to share with my children and our friends, and left Post feeling like I had won the prize of the day!

Our trip had hardly begun as we still had a 6 hour drive ahead of us as we traveled south to Alpine.  The trip had little consequence or mishap so we arrived in Alpine around 5pm.  We were able to get our bags into the hotel just as a gully washer came pouring our of the sky!  We were able to spend the evening practicing for the contest that would take place in the morning.  We were thankfully surprised to learn the hotel had a complimentary dinner of fish tacos and salad, so we did not have to go out in the storm.  However, because of the storm we lost internet connection.  It was probably for the best because we were all worn out and fell into bed and fell asleep with little effort.

The Storm

So, we started out our last day of Round Up at 6am.  We ate breakfast and THOUGHT we had everything we needed loaded into the cars to set up for our Share the Fun Poetry contest.  The 4Hers started setting out our props and changing into costumes.  We realized quickly that we had forgot the hat for our 'disabled veteran' (Heather) and a white shirt for George Washington (Sean).  Eddie agreed to go back to the hotel rooms to pick up the hat and we decided George would go without the shirt.  When we realized Eddie was NOT going to make it back in time (Lubbock is a difficult city to navigate and we have been lost several times!), we started to brainstorm ideas for the disabled veteran.  We decided a bandage on the head would help.

Then we worked with the stage manager to determine how we would set up and deal with mikes.  The final decision was to NOT use mikes as they would take up too much room and confusion.  We also found out that adults would be allowed to help with set up.  We were the only group with a massive backdrop and props for the recitation of the poem.

As the 4Hers (and parents) waited for the performance to begin, it felt as if we were in a storm.  There was a constant rush of emotions as we worked out the issues that arose.  We were so thankful to get the performance underway!  I have always said that the contests are harder on the parents as we attempt to stay calm and help the 4Hers, we also want them to do their best.

However, today we were able to see the best performance of our group!  They performed well and showed honor to our flag and country.  I was so proud of them all!  They nailed every line and could be heard clearly from the back of the room.  We also decided we should recognize the importance of the poem, as it was presented on Flag Day.  Caleb added, "In honor of Flag Day, please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance."

We decided to leave right after their performance to enjoy our final day away from the contests.  We would return to find out the results at 4pm.  The group split and our group ended up at the Trade Show, which included an Ag Product ID walk up contest.  We thought the contest was a little too easy but I guess they are trying to build interest.

We then chose to go off campus and find a sit down restaurant to have lunch.  We found a Chili's and had a nice leisurely lunch enjoying each others company.  Then headed back to the room where the awards would be given.  It was pretty early but also nice to talk and relax without rushing to another event.

The results were in by 5pm and we were not told how we places as only the top ten were announced.  I know the team was disappointed (as were we) but we should be proud of being a part of the best of the best at the state level.  The storm shown through for a little while as the 4Hers had different ways of dealing with the disappointment, but they bounced back and know that they accomplished a lot in the last year due to this competition.  We also had the opportunity to share the experience with a wide range of audiences and will continue to do this throughout the fall.  I did find out that Stephen (the son of a good friend from College Station) placed second in his contest, playing The Storm.  I wish we could have heard him playing!

After returning to the hotel for a short reprieve, we headed to Fuddruckers for dinner.  Again, it was nice to have the company of others as our 3yo decided to spill his drink twice and we waited an hour (wait only 45 minutes as the man at the grill informed me)  We enjoyed the meal delivered along with several free coupons making up for our delayed dinner.

We left the building to see a brown sky.  It looked so odd to us and assumed a storm was coming.  Little did we know that we would be driving through a DUST STORM!!!!  None of us had been through anything like this before and Henry took lots of pictures of the event.  We arrived back at the hotel as the storm was passing but the dust was still out of control.  We later had a magnificent thunder storm with a beautifu lightning show.  In spite of all of that the 4Hers still headed to the indoor pool for the last time together.  Although a few headed off to a Aaron Watson concert on campus.

So tomorrow we pack up and set out on a slow trip down south of here (Alpine) for a WHEP contest.  I cannot wait to tell you all about that experience as it unfolds so stay tuned.