GUADALUPE COUNTY EXTENSION NEWSLETTER

JULY 2001

In this issue...

EXCHANGE TRIP

We wish our 4-H Exchange Group well as they go to Washington state on July 5-13. They will be hosted by 4-H'ers from the Clallam County area (west of Seattle). They are Jessica Lackey, Kristi Hartman, Kandice Lee, Cory Wells, Katie Williams, David Real, Russell Real, Stephanie Gangawer, Amanda Mueller, Kayla Luensmann, and Julie, Janelle, and Emily Rohde. Mrs. Janice Gangawer and Laura will be accompanying them.

Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures on this page or subsequently linked pages does not constitute an endorsement by any Extension page authors and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms. Furthermore, Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

"Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at (830) 379-2153 to determine how reasonable accommodations can be made."

AG NEWS

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SCHOOL

Date: July 18
Place: The Luling Foundation
Deadline: ASAP
Space is limited to the first 20-25 students. Call The Luling Foundation at 830-875-2438 if you are interested.

BEEF CATTLE SHORT COURSE

Date: August 6-8
Place: Rudder Theater Complex
Cost: $100/person before 7/27/01
$120/person after 7/27
Registration forms and brochures are available at the Extension office if you are interested in attending.

BEEF 706 PROGRAMS

Dates: Aug. 20-22
Aug. 22-24
Place: College Station
Deadline: July 18
Beef 706 is a cooperative program hosted by the Texas Beef Council and Texas A&M University. It gives cattle producers a truly unique opportunity to not only see, but experience the quality challenges facing the beef industry. To reserve your space, call Tiffany Cornwell at 1-800-846-4113.

RANCH ESTATE PLANNING

Date: August 8-9
Place: College Station Hilton
Cost: $100.00 per person
This two-day program will cover Ranch Estate Planning with Basic Estate Planning Devices. Wednesday's topics will cover The Will, A Living Trust, Estate Tax Deferral, and Gifts. Thursday's topics will include Estate Taxes, Keeping the Ranch Operating Well, Use of Corporations and Partnerships, Special Use Land Valuation, Deferred Estate Tax Payment Rules, and Live Insurance and Its Role in Estate Planning. Registration forms and information are available at the Extension office.

TEXAS COUNTRY CLEANUP

Date: July 12
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Place: Wilson Co. Show Barn, Floresville
They will be taking empty plastic pesticide containers, used motor oil and oil filters, and lead-acid batteries. For more information, call Wilson Co. at 830-393-7357.

DETERMINING WHEN AND HOW MUCH TO WATER

Now that summer is setting in, your lawn and garden will need some help to tolerate Texas heat. Knowing how and when to water will save both your landscape and your bank account from experiencing a stressful summer. The biggest mistake most people make is watering on a schedule rather than watering when plants truly need it. Extension horticulturist Dr. Doug Welsh did a study a few years back that showed people water as much as seven times too much. Welsh says don't use the calendar as your guide. The plants themselves will tell you when it's time. Your lawn needs water when it starts to lose its lush green color and when you leave footprints walking on it.

In the flowerbed and garden, target plants that stress easily such as cucumbers and squash whose leaves wilt in the afternoon. Then when you water, do it efficiently. Water in the evening or early morning to minimize evaporation and maximize dew that may accumulate on leaves. A thorough watering is one inch of water that will soak down about six inches in clay soil or 12 inches in sandy soil.

But how do you know when you've watered an inch? Welsh suggests setting a cake pan or other dish under the sprinkler. Welsh recommends drip irrigation for flower and vegetable gardens. You leave it on for at least three hours at a time. Welsh says drip irrigation systems are now more affordable and easier to use. Welsh says another way to conserve water is to mulch your gardens.

4-H NEWS

4-H RECORD BOOKS/AWARDS

Due date: 12 noon on July 5
Please remember that all 4-H Record Books and 4-H Achievement Award (Gold Star, etc.) applications are due by 12 noon on Thursday, July 5. We will participate in Multi-County Record Book Judging on Friday, July 6 in San Marcos, and we'll need volunteer teen and adult judges to assist. We'll also need judges on July 17 at District Judging. Record Book forms and Award applications are available from our office. Interviews for Awards will be conducted on Monday, July 16, 4-7 p.m.

4-H LEADERSHIP TEAM APPLICATIONS

Extended deadline: July 27
If you are a 4-H teen who is interested in strengthening and sharing your leadership skills, then apply to become involved in the County 4-H Leadership Team. Mrs. Sandy Wille is retiring as team leader, and Mrs. Janice Gangawer has been selected to be the new leader. We look forward to her guidance and support. Special thanks to Mrs. Nancy Harborth for her interest in the opportunity.

DISTRICT FOODS WORKSHOP

Date: July 12
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Place: New Braunfels
Deadline: July 5
This free workshop will include information on "How to Travel with Food for Food Shows" and "Nutrition Quiz Bowl," and a tour of the Schlitterbahn Food Service Facilities. Dress Hawaiian but no swimsuits. Register with Patrick McCaslin at 512-272-5868 or foodworkshop@hotmail.com. A flyer and release forms are available from our office.

4-H REC TEAM TRAINING

Date: August 24-26
Cost: $60.40 or $80
Deadline: August 3
This hands-on training at the Texas 4-H Center will train and equip 4-H members, leaders, and agents with recreation skills, leadership, and creative ways to develop delivery skills and how to generate enthusiasm within a group. Teams must consists of at least 4 4-H members who are at least 13 years of age and the required chaperones. More info is available from our office.

CLUB SCRAPBOOKS

Deadline: July 31
Any club already doing a scrapbook needs to submit their book for the Scrapbook Awards that will be presented during the banquet. Contact your Club Manager or us for a copy of the guidelines. Cash awards are available for the top 3 books.

4-H CLUB MANAGER TRAINING

Date: Tuesday, July 31
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Ag Building
All 2001-2002 4-H Club Managers are expected to participate in this training in order to be prepared for the upcoming 4-H year.

DISTRICT 4-H MEGA MEETING

Date: August 18
Place: Hondo
Mega meeting is a great opportunity for all 4-H members and leaders to get involved at the district level with 14 various Project Development Committees. Look for more details in the August newsletter.

LEADERS FORUM

Date: October 4-7
Place: Georgia
All adults who are involved in working with youth in the 4-H program are invited to attend the Southern Region Leaders Forum. Workshops on numerous topics will be offered, and you will be prepared to share what you learn. A brochure is available.

TEEN LEADER RETREAT

We look forward to this event on July 18-20 at the Bamberger Ranch near Johnson City. We especially appreciate our volunteer leaders who will be serving as chaperones for the retreat.

4-H DOG PROJECT CAMP

Date: August 1-3
Place: Belton, TX
Cost: $100 + housing
Deadline: July 11
This camp will train teen (at least age 14) and adult leaders with information on creating and managing 4-H Dog projects. Applications are available from our office.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP LAB

These 4-H'ers participated in District 4-H Leadership Lab on June 6-8 at the Texas 4-H Center: Jessica Lackey, Cory Wells, Emily & Janelle Rohde, Hannah Zwicke, Amalia Hellie, Kellie Beicker, Kayla Luensmann, Russell Real, Scott Steffen, and David Real. They completed activities on Character Education and Leadership, so they would be excellent resources for a club program. Also, congratulations to Cory Wells and Jessica Lackey on being elected as District Council officers. Cory will represent District 10 on the Texas 4-H Council.

MASTER BEEF VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Date: August 6-8
Place: College Station
Deadline: July 27
This is an opportunity to gain in depth skills within the beef project and share with other volunteers and 4-H members. More information is available from our office. Additional livestock project trainings are also being scheduled for 2002 so look for more details soon.

LIVESTOCK JUDGING CLINIC

Date: July 16-18
Place: Angelo State University
Cost: $100
Deadline: July 5
This Judging Clinic will give young people instructions in evaluating livestock and emphasize oral reasons. A livestock manual and terminology book will be included with the cost of the camp as well as room and board. For a registration form, call or come by the Extension office.

SCHLEICHER CO. MEAT GOAT CLASSIC

Date: July 14
Place: Eldorado, Tx
Deadline: July 6
JMGSC sanctioned show & showmanship clinic. Entries available at the Extension office.

ONE IN A MILLION T-SHIRTS

We do have a few shirts available to purchase for $10, so come by to get yours. It may be possible to order more, so let us know if you would like to do so.

TEXAS 4-H ROUNDUP

Congratulations to all of our State 4-H Roundup participants. Below are the results:

Livestock Judging team of Brandon Gunn, Chris Harborth, Cody Bouler, and Matthew Luensmann (3rd high point individual) placed 1st. Their coach is Mr. Chuck Real. Meats Judging & Identification team of Jessica Lackey (1st high point individual), Cory Wells (2nd high point individual), Russell Real, and David Real placed 1st. The team is coached by Mr. Pat Real. Horse Quiz Bowl team of Kellie Beicker, Sharee Rugh, Alissa Hellie, and Shawna Koehler placed 2nd. Mrs. Vicki Beicker is their coach. Best wishes to each of these teams as they advance to national competition.

Russell Real and Matthew Luensmann placed 1st with their Meat Science demonstration, Cory Wells and Dillon Lackey were 1st in Horticulture, and Jessica Lackey and David Real took 2nd in Agronomy. Their coaches are Mr. Chuck Real, Mrs. Nancy Wells, and Mr. Pat Real, respectively.

We also want to salute Ms. Linda Duncan from KWED. She was presented the Texas 4-H Alumni Award.

Thanks also to all of the other leaders and parents who participated in Roundup: Mrs. Dot Harborth, Mr. Don Lackey, Mrs. Barbara Lackey, Mrs. Ilona Hellie, and Mrs. Tracy Bittner. Jeff and Laura also participated.

STATE 4-H PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST RESULTS

Cory Wells-B&W Animals (blue); Cory Wells-B&W Flora/Plants (red); Cory Wells-B&W Humor (blue); Kristi Hartman-B&W Landscape/Scenic (red); Cory Wells-B&W People (blue); Jerica Campbell-Color Animals (blue); Cory Wells-Color Career (blue); Katy Walters-Color Digital (red); Cory Wells-Color Flora/Plants (blue); Cory Wells-Color Humor (blue); Niki Campbell-Color Landscape/Scenic (blue); Cory Wells-Color People (blue).

Congratulations, Guadalupe Co. 4-H'ers! This year over 970 entries were received for competition, a new entry record. The blue & red award pictures were displayed at Texas 4-H Roundup, and then all pictures will be retained for use in 4-H and Extension marketing and promotions. Score cards and ribbons can be picked up at the Extension office.

FCS/EEA NEWS

"CHRISTMAS IN JULY"

Date: Monday, July 23
Time: 3-5 p.m. OR 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Place: Silver Center, 510 E. Court St, Seguin
Cost: $4.00 per person

WATER or SPORTS DRINKS...

What Should I Drink?

It's important to drink plenty of fluids when engaging in any type of physical activity, whether it's mowing the lawn, playing a game of soccer or running 3 miles.

According to the "Fluid Pyramid", you should drink 8-10 cups of fluid daily, if you're less active. If you're more active, drink at least 10-12 cups of fluid per day.

Also, don't rely on your thirst to tell you when to drink fluids. By the time you feel thirsty, you've already lost 2 or more cups of body water.

Drink water if you are exercising for less than 60 minutes; it will be adequate to meet your fluid needs. Drinking a sports drink may be beneficial if the activity lasts longer than an hour because it provides a fuel for muscles, and the sodium and glucose in the sports drink can help the body absorb the fluid.

You can make your own sports drink for about a nickel a serving with the following recipe:

Homemade Sports Drink

Ingredients needed:
4 T. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1/4 c. boiling water
3 3/4 c. cold water
2 T. fresh lemon juice or 1/4 c. real orange juice
Directions:
1. In the bottom of a pitcher, dissolve the sugar and salt in the boiling water.
2. Add juice and remaining water; chill. Makes 1 quart.

10 TIPS FOR PROPER HYDRATION

1. Drink at least eight 8-ounce servings of water daily. (The more active you are, more water you need to replenish lost fluids.)
2. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. (By the time you feel thirsty, you've already lost 2 or more cups of body water.)
3. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. (Carry a bottle of water with you; take a water break vs. coffee break.)
4. Don't substitute beverages with alcohol or caffeine for water. (CAN USE juice, milk & non-caffeine soda.) Caffeine & alcohol act as diuretic-cause you to lose water.
5. Once you start exercising, drink water throughout your workout. (Keep a bottle of water with you; take frequent water breaks.)
6. Don't underestimate the amount of fluids lost from perspiration. (After a workout, you need to drink 2 cups of water for each pound lost.)
7. Start and end your day with water. (Your body loses water while you sleep, so drink a serving before bed and again when you wake up.)
8. Common colds and the flu lead to dehydration. (Keep a large bottle of water next to your bed so you can sip it throughout the day.)
9. Cool water-not carbonated beverages or sports drinks-is the best fluid for keeping hydrated when it's warm outside. (Cool water is absorbed much more quickly than warm fluids; may help to cool off overheated body.)
10. Make sure your children drink enough water. (Children need water to balance intake of other beverages; pack bottled water in lunch.)

SIGNS OF A STROKE

BE AWARE OF THE SIGNS OF A STROKE:
1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

FOR A HEALTHIER HEART:

*Don't smoke.
*Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
*Eat foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
*Stay physically active.
*Maintain proper weight.

UV RADIATION & YOUR EYES

Long-term exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays can have serious affects from developing cataracts to causing damage to the retina. To provide protection for your eyes, wear a hat or cap with a wide brim and protective sunglasses.
Sunglasses should:
*Block out 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

*Screen out 75-90% of visible light.

*Be perfectly matched in color and free of distortion and imperfection.

*Have lenses that are gray, green, or brown, or red, orange, yellow, or amber (the latter four are best for blocking out blue light, which is very damaging to the eyes.)

Contact lenses with a UV-blocking feature are also now available. You can have your glasses treated with a clear, UV protective coating.