Children in Crisis - America in Crisis: Obesity

Being Extension professionals we all work with children, and we know we make a difference.  Though we often find that the difference we make, can not be seen immediately.  When it comes to diet, nutrition and exercise the difference we make may not  be immediate, but it can certainly be measured, and the results are visible.

I know I'm not the picture of health nor am I qualified to teach any of you about healthy lifestyles, but I can see with my own eyes that our nation is in crisis, when it comes to the health of our children.  I am also part of the generation that is leaving to our children the potential for a shorter average life span than that of their grandparents.  All of this because we (Americans) are not doing enough to educate youth about healthy eating and healthy lifestyles.  And we are not doing enough to create healthy eating habits among our youth.

We have many of the answers to the problem in Extension.   We also have the opportunity to see the results of our efforts by pursuing educational programs that create healthy eating habits in children.

If you are looking for the motivation to include healthy lifestyles in your programing efforts, take the time to watch this video.  I think you will find information here that is both inspiring and transformational.

For what it's worth,
Kevin

Act now for more information about the Dog Project

Shelley Pappas and the Fort Bend County Office of the Texas Agrilife Extension Service is hosting an informational meeting regarding the dog project on Saturday, February 20th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Please RSVP by contacting Shelley Pappas by Thursday, February 18th!!!

Expansion of the program is always on our mind, and companion animals (dogs) may be the ticket to reaching new audiences.

Please share this opportunity with coworkers and interested leaders.

Kevin

Is the next 4-H Idol in Your County

Well it's not the 4-H Idol competition but it could be.  It's the 4-H Has Talent Competition.

The first ever 4-H Has Talent Competition will provide ten youth the opportunity to compete for a cash prize at the Wednesday night assembly in front of all of their peers. To make this event even more interactive, the audience will have the opportunity to select the winner via texting, just like on American Idol. For more information on how to submit entries please visit the following link http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/library/files/4-HHasTalent.pdf .

Please note the deadline for entry submissions is March 19, 2010.

Please remind your people of this neat opportunity!!!!

One for Support Staff

I think the 4-H support staff across the district will find this tidbit useful.

Derrick Bruton has created another instructional video (the man is good with a computer).  This video shows you how to use the 4-H Connect calendar feature with your TECO website.  If we are going to use computers, we might as well use 'em smarter.

Kevin

18 Random Rules of Life

18 Random Rules of Life shared by Michael Josephson of the Josephson Institute for Ethics.  There is something in this list for everyone.

1. Find the lesson in every failure and you’ll never fail.
2. The likelihood that you’re right is not increased by the intensity of your conviction.
3. Real friends help you feel worthy and make you want to be better.
4. When you’re in a hole, stop digging.
5. Don’t confuse fun with fulfillment or pleasure with happiness.
6. Refusing to let go of a grudge is refusing to use the key that will set you free.
7. Hating hurts you more than the person you hate.
8. Counting on luck is counting on random chance. Your odds are much better when you plan and work.
9. Being kind is better than being clever.
10. Don’t underestimate the power of persistence.
11. The easy way is rarely the best way.
12. It’s much easier to burst someone else’s bubble than to blow up your own.
13. You can’t avoid pain, but you can avoid suffering.
14. Self-pity is a losing strategy. It repels others and weakens you.
15. Shortcuts usually produce short success.
16. Control your attitude or it will control you.
17. It’s more important to be significant than successful.
18. The world is waiting for you to heal it.

Scholarship Applications Due Feb 12

Please do not forget that 4-H Opportunity Scholarship Applications are due in the District 9 Office Friday, February 12, 2010.  If you put the application in the mail on Friday WE CAN'T GET IT ON FRIDAY.

We will be reviewing all submitted applications on Monday, February 15, 2010.  If you are in a jam and need extra time to get the application to us, plan on driving it to our office first thing Monday morning.  This is all the room we can fudge on the deadline!!!!

Good luck to all your 4-H Scholars!
Kevin

District Roundup

Information regarding District 9 4-H Roundup now posted on the District 9 Web Site.

Note we have added the wildlife challenge, and quiz bowl participation is open for youth participating in presentations and share the fun.

This will require some flexibility the day of the event but I think we can make it work.  We will also be addressing the length of  Share the Fun by organizing a more detailed working order.  Once entries come in, we will send to the District a list of start times for Share the Fun Acts.  This should keep us on track.

Wow! 2010 started so fast I think I missed January.

Take care, and let me know if you have any questions,
Kevin