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City Wide Thanksgiving Service

This next Sunday, November the 18th, at 11:00 am, the Santa Anna Ministerial Alliance will be sponsoring a city wide Thanksgiving service to be held at the Santa Anna High School Auditorium located at 601 Bowie St. Everyone in Santa Anna is invited to attend.

Pastor Paul Stephen will present the Thanksgiving message. A Thanksgiving lunch will be served in the high school cafeteria following the service. The lunch is being provided by the area churches and the Ministerial Alliance.

Admission is free, however opportunity for a donation will be provided. All donations will benefit the community through the direction of the Ministerial Alliance.

For more information you may contact Pastor Jerry Chastain at 325-348-6025.

Friday Night Lights - Part I, II, III, IV, and/or V

The Santa Anna Mountaineers fell to the May Tigers in Santa Anna Friday night by a score of 64-52 ending the 2007 football season for the Mountaineers.

I told you Monday I would have a little more about the game on Tuesday.

I think I will just talk about the game, and the Mountaineer's Football season, every day for the rest of this week...

First off let me say that I think the Mountaineers had a great season and they should be proud of the year that they had and should be congratulated.

By most ways of measuring the Mountaineer's are winners.

The Record.. from PeeWee to Pros the standard of measurement... Mountaineers 7 Opponents 3.

Somebody wins and somebody loses every time you play... that's why they have The Game.

If they went by predictions we would have beat Blanket by 45 and May would have done us the same way.

Sometimes you don't think that two points makes that much difference in the game of six man football... but that can certainly be the difference... in going to the playoffs and not going...

But where does that get you?

Blanket finishing second in our district will have a bye this week and play the winner of Calvert vs. Rochelle with #3 ranked 10-0 Calvert picked by 45.

May, also after a bye this week, will face the winner of the Richland Springs vs. Lometa game with now #2 ranked 9-0 Richland picked by 45.

Either road would be a rough one at Regional.

I think that both Blanket and May will fall by 45 at Regional.

For one thing Richland won't spot May twelve points and the referees at the playoff level know what they are doing... more on these later...

I think I will just talk football all week and maybe next week too... I am not finished talking about those Mountaineers yet...

Thursday's part IV makes me want to talk about the officiating this year...which was certainly capped off with the May game. It has been on my mind all week and I think I am ready to air it out.

The Mountaineers developed a pretty bad reputation for sportsmanship among officials when we first started playing six man football. At least some of that reputation was earned and promoted by the coaching staff.

I have been pretty close to the action the last few years and have seen a coach get in a ref's ear a time or two. Oh sure it happens at all levels and at pretty much every game at least once... just watch an NFL game this Sunday.

A coach, or fan for that matter, should never applaud a personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct call.

I certainly don't envy the job that a referee has and I don't think you could pay me enough to be one. They really must love the game is all I can tell.

ATTENTION 4-H & FFA SWINE EXHIBITORS

By: Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag/NR

If you did not get your pigs State Validated on the 7th, 8th, or 10th of November, there will a clean up validation on Wednesday, November 28th at the Rodeo Grounds from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can no longer validate pigs for the County Stock Show, but you have one more chance to State Validate. So if you did not validate on those earlier dates, make be sure you come on Wednesday, November 28, 2007

If you have any questions please call the County Extension Office at 625-4519 or contact your Ag science teacher. Thank you, and see you there.

1st Annual Sheep & Goat District Showmanship Clinic

News Release
By: Luther Dunlap CEA-Ag/NR

Saturday, December 1, 2007

The District 7 Sheep & Goat Project Development Committee will present the 1st Annual Sheep & Goat District Showmanship Clinic on Saturday, December 1, 2007 at the Tom Green 4-H Center Arena in San Angelo (3168 N. U.S. Hwy. 67).

Members of the Project Development Committee will assist with lunch as well as hands on activities during the showmanship practice. Subject matter will be presented by various County Extension Agents and experienced show individuals.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by 5:00 p.m. November 28th to the Tom Green County Extension Office by calling 325-659-6522.

Schedule of Events
8:45 - 9:00 a.m. Arrival and Registration
9:00 - 9:30 a.m. Quality Counts Program
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Selection - Exercise, Fat Cover, Feed & Nutrition, Health management
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Shearing and Preparation for Show Time
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon Adjourn Program - Lunch Provided $5 each
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Hands on Showmanship Practice
2:30 p.m. Dog Handling - Exercising Demonstration

Harvesting your Natural Resources

• Luther Dunlap with Texas Cooperative Extension collaborated with the Town and Country Garden Club to host a program on Harvesting your Natural Resources: Water, Wind, and Sun, on Tuesday, Nov. 6th at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall In Coleman.

• The Speakers were Billy Kniffen, County Extension Agent in Menard County spoke on Rain Water Harvesting Ricky Linex, Zone Biologist NRCS spoke on Native plants for success Dr. Nolan Clark, USDA spoke on Harvesting Wind and Sun and its Practical Application for the Homeowner.

Over 40 people were privileged to hear valuable information to help them make the most of the resources available. CEU’s were given to private pesticide license holders.

Sponsors were
Town and Country Garden Club
NRCS
Central Colorado Soil and Water Conservation District
Coleman Chamber of Commerce
First United Methodist Church of Coleman
Texas Cooperative Extension

. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

A member of Texas A& M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program.

County Livestock Show Meeting

The Coleman County Livestock Show Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, November 21st at 5:00 p.m. at the Coleman County Youth Activity Center grounds. The meeting will begin with a walk through the new “Expo Center”. After touring the new facility, the meeting will move to the Franklin Center to conclude the meeting and plan for the upcoming stockshow in January. All interested persons are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Sarah Beal at 325-785-4291 or email ssbeal@web-access.net

Over-the-Counter Pain Medications

Andrew B. Crocker, Extension Program Specialist – Gerontology Health
Submitted by Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

Many older adults have pain that does not go away. Deciding what type of pain medicine to take is not easy. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are medicines that you can buy without a prescription from your doctor. Two main types of OTC pain relievers are available. One type is acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol). The second type is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs). NSAIDs include the following:
• Aspirin (two brand names: Bayer, St. Joseph)
• Ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin)
• Ketoprofen (one brand name: Orudis KT)
• Naproxen (one brand name: Aleve)

Acetaminophen seems to relieve pain and reduce fever by working on the parts of the brain that receive pain messages and control the body’s temperature. NSAIDs relieve pain and fever by reducing the level of hormone-like substances, called prostaglandins, which your body makes. Prostaglandins cause pain by irritating your nerve endings. They also help your body control its temperature.

Acetaminophen and NSAIDs relieve pain caused by muscle aches, stiffness and reduce fever. NSAIDs can also reduce inflammation – redness and swelling. OTC pain relievers can be helpful in treating many types of pain, such as pain from arthritis, earaches, back pain and pain after surgery. They can also treat pain from the flu or a cold, sinusitis, strep throat or a sore throat.

Acetaminophen may help relieve headaches and other common aches and pains. It may be used safely by most people on a long-term basis for arthritis and other chronic painful conditions. NSAIDs may be helpful for pain from inflammation, such as muscle sprains. For most people, OTC pain relievers are all they need to control pain or fever. If an OTC drug does not help your pain or fever, or if you’ve been taking an OTC drug for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever, call your health provider. These may be signs that you have a more serious problem or need a prescription medicine.

Side effects from OTC pain relievers are not common for healthy adults who only use pain relievers once in a while. However, side effects may be a concern for people who use pain relievers often, who have health problems or who take other prescription medications. If you have health problems, use pain relievers often or take prescription medications regularly, talk to your health provider before taking an OTC pain reliever.

Acetaminophen may cause liver damage in people who take very high doses or who already have abnormal liver function. To reduce your risk of liver problems, never take more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen. You generally should not take acetaminophen if you are already taking another product containing acetaminophen. If you have severe kidney or liver disease, or if you have 3 or more drinks that contain alcohol every day, you should talk to your health provider before taking acetaminophen.

With long-term use, NSAIDs may cause gastrointestinal (GI) problems. These problems range from upset stomach to ulcers to GI bleeding. For minor stomach upset, eating some food or drinking some milk before you take an NSAID may help. Your risk of GI problems from NSAIDs goes up the higher the dose you take and the longer you take them. Drinking alcohol may increase this risk. Acetaminophen is much less likely than NSAIDs to cause GI problems. If NSAIDs are used regularly for many years, they may also hurt your kidneys. Your health provider can check for this with a blood test.

You should not take NSAIDs if you are allergic to aspirin or other pain relievers. Talk to your health provider or before you take an NSAID, especially aspirin, if you:
• Take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder
• Have bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or have stomach ulcers
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have 3 or more drinks that contain alcohol every day

If certain drugs are taken at the same time, they can interact with each other and change the way your body processes them. For example, if someone who takes high blood pressure medicine also takes an NSAID, the high blood pressure medicine may not work as well as it should. Too, many OTC drugs contain the same pain reliever or contain ingredients found in prescription drugs. For example, many OTC cold medicines contain acetaminophen. If you were to take one of these products and also take acetaminophen separately, you would be taking much more acetaminophen than you intended.

When choosing an OTC pain reliever, check the drug label for possible side effects or interactions with other drugs you are taking – this will appear in the “Warnings” section. Also, check that you are not taking two medicines that contain the same active ingredient – this will appear in the “Active Ingredient” section. Always read and follow the directions on the label. Be sure you understand the label information before taking the medicine. If you have any questions, ask your health provider or pharmacist.

Over-the-counter pain medications can be useful and effective. Even though they are considered safe enough to be taken without a prescription, they are real medicines. It is important to discuss their use with a health provider, especially if they are being combined with prescription medications. For more information, contact Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. You may also visit the American Academy of Family Physicians website: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/basics/otc.html .

Bush Pays Tribute to Fallen Troops, Thanks Veterans

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2007 – During a ceremony at the American Legion post in Waco, Texas, yesterday, President Bush told the families of four servicemembers who died in Iraq that “their sacrifice will not be in vain.

Bush called it a privilege to join veterans and the fallen servicemembers’ families to honor two soldiers and two Marines – all of whom were “sons of Texas” – who gave their lives in freedom's cause, he said.

“The young men we remember today did not live to be called veterans,” he said. “They died in a distant land fighting terror, spreading freedom, and protecting their fellow citizens from danger.”

Families of fallen servicemembers are filled with “immeasurable pride” with regards to their loved one’s valor and selfless devotion, said Bush, who sat next to Janie Shanks, grandmother of Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry, who was 28 when he died in Iraq on March 8, 2006, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

In addition to Fry, the ceremony paid special tribute to Army Spcs. Javier Antonio Villanueva, of Bellmead, and Jeffrey Paul Shaffer, of Waco, and Marine Lance Cpl. Johnny Ray Strong, of Waco.

“Yet this pride cannot fill the hole in their loved ones' aching hearts, or relieve the burden of grief that will remain for a lifetime,” the president continued. “In their sorrow, these families need to know, and families all across the nation of the fallen need to know that your loved ones served a cause that is good, and just, and noble.

“And as their commander-in-chief,” he continued, “I make you this promise: their sacrifice will not be in vain.”

Bush said the country’s veterans, many of whom have lost comrades on the battlefield, feel a special bond with America’s fallen soldiers and their families. Moreover, when a beloved servicemember fell, many veterans felt determined to pick up the mantle, carry on the fight, and complete the mission, he said, adding that today’s generation of servicemembers are fulfilling such resolve in the war on terror.

“Since the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, more than 2 million Americans have stepped forward to put on our nation's uniform, and during that same period, 1.5 million American troops have made the courageous decision to re-enlist and to stay in the fight,” he said. “These men and women saw the future the terrorists intend for our country, and they said with clear voices: ‘Not on my watch.’” 

Bush said extremists of the same ilk as perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks hope to carry out more deadly strikes in the future. He said America’s armed forces are fighting in foreign countries “to ensure we do not have to face them in our own land.”

“And by spreading the hope of liberty to nations that have not known it,” he added, “our troops are helping to defeat the ideology of the terrorists -- and secure a future of peace for generations to come.”

Bush thanked veterans in the audience for answering America’s call to duty. Their honorable and decent service humbled tyrants, liberated continents, freed millions from oppression, and transformed former enemies in Europe and Asia into allies.

“I thank you for your courage and your patriotism and your devotion to duty,” he said. “I thank you for standing up for the men and women of our armed forces, and I thank you for all you do to support the families they leave behind during this time of war.”

Cheney Remembers Veterans at Arlington Cemetery

By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 11, 2007 – Vice President Richard B. Cheney today remembered millions of veterans at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month at Arlington National Cemetery.

Navy veteran Neil Koski, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Honor Guard, pulls on his gloves prior to the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 2007. Koski and other members of the honor guard passed out programs prior to the ceremony. Photo by Melinda L. Larson   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

“More than 20 million of our fellow citizens bear the distinction of veteran,” Vice President Richard B. Cheney said. “Each has his or her own story. But whether duty found them at home or abroad, in wartime or peacetime, they all share the pride of having served. And they have in common the memory of taking an oath and becoming part of something much larger than themselves.”

Cheney delivered the ceremony’s principal address to some 4,000 people at Arlington National Cemetery’s Memorial Amphitheater just minutes after he laid a wreath at the nearby Tomb of the Unknowns. Cheney applauded the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, which provides the honor guard for the Tomb of the Unknowns.

“Also called the Old Guard, the 3rd Infantry is on watch here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather,” Cheney noted. “And they meet the same standards of precision and polish in the deep of night as they do at high noon. I thank the members of the Old Guard for upholding a proud American tradition with the greatest of skill and the utmost dignity.”

While the Old Guard tends to Arlington every day of the year, dozens of veterans served as color guards on their special day to honor their fallen comrades.

“We’re honoring the sacrifice of the veterans who wrote a blank check to their country. It’s an honor to memorialize their service,” said retired Navy Capt. Russell Vowinkel, who carried an American flag during the presentation of colors for the Military Order of the World Wars.

Cheney said he is more aware of the nation’s debt to members of the armed forces and their families during this time of war.

“They are constantly in our thoughts,” Cheney said. “Our gratitude extends to their loved ones, because military service is often a family commitment, and they, too, are giving up a lot for the good of our whole nation.”

A mother in attendance whose son, U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Bruce W. Carter, was killed in Vietnam in 1969, works to make sure the country remembers her loss and the loss of countless other mothers.

“We keep their names alive. We won’t forget them, and we won’t let anyone else forget them,” said Georgie Carter Krell, a past national president of American Gold Star Mothers, an organization for mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of their country.

Veterans who have returned to their communities never seem to lose the desire to serve their country, Cheney said.

“Anywhere you go in America, you find that veterans are the backbone of their communities –- always making a contribution, pitching in, providing leadership, and setting a good example for the young,” he said.

Cheney made it clear that the nation owes its freedom to the men and women who have served their country. “They have kept us free in the land we call home –- free to live as we see fit, free to work and worship and speak our minds and choose our own leaders. All of this we owe to the men and women who have taken that oath to defend America, and may the rest of us never take them for granted.”

The “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day ceremony ended with the audience joining the U.S. Army Band in a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Veterans Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1919, to honor those who served in World War I. It was then called Armistice Day, marking the truce that ended the war on Nov. 11, 1918.

Local Man in Motorcycle Accident

On Saturday afternoon, Bobby Hale Sr, of Santa Anna, was involved in a one motorcycle accident in Santa Anna. According to witnesses, Hale lost control of his motorcycle near the intersection of US Hwy 67 & 84 West of Santa Anna when he passed through some loose gravel at the intersection.

Hale was treated at the scene for head injuries and transported by Guardian EMS to Mountaineer Stadium where he was picked up and flown by Air Evac Lifeteam air ambulance to Hendrick Hospital in Abilene where he was treated and released. Assisting at the scene were members of the Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department, the Santa Anna Police Department, and Coleman County Medical Center EMS. Hale was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

FOOD SAFETY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent-Family & Consumer Sciences

Are you wondering what to cook for Thanksgiving, or how to transport it safely over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house?

Come to the Better Living for Texans - Food Safety for the Holidays program on Tuesday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, at the corner of Nueces and Pecan.. County Extension Agent, Debbie Hailey will have tips for safe food handling during the holidays, and all year long.

Remember:
* Who? Everyone
* What? Better Living for Texans - Food Safety for the Holidays
* Where? Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, at the corner of Nueces and Pecan
* When? Tuesday, November 13, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

See you then!

Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.

4-H GOLD STAR WINNERS NAMED

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS & Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag

ABILENE – Two local 4-H members from Coleman County were among 28 youth honored during the Texas Cooperative Extension District 7 4-H Gold Star Banquet. The annual event was held Nov. 5 in Abilene’s Briarstone Manor.

The honorees were Rebecca Baker and Casie Swening, from Coleman. The Gold Star Award is the highest honor given by Extension on the county level. Winners are picked based on their personal development, leadership and achievement in 4-H projects, and on activities and contributions made to the 4-H program. The annual “Friend of 4-H Award” went to Gary Setliff of the Rolling Plains Cooperative Compress at Sweetwater. The honor is given annually to an individual or business for their support of the district’s 4-H program. The Gold Star Banquet is sponsored annually in the 23-county district by Extension and AEP-Texas.

Circle C Cattlewomen's Meeting

The Circle C Cattlewomen will have their regular meeting on Tuesday, 11-13-07, at 11:30am at Kay's Garden. We will have our business meeting first then lunch served by Sara Sue Kirtley with Dressing Up. We will be making final plans for the Christmas Ball. Visitors are always welcome. If you have any questions about our club, call Deborah Yates @357-4606 or Crystall Rae @ 357-4643.

Major Stock Show Entries Due

Tuesday, November 13 - Friday, November 16th, 2007

ATTENTION 4-H Exhibitors who are planning to show livestock in a major shows for 2008 - You need to come by the County Extension Office to enter during the dates of November 13th through Nov. 16th, 2007 between 8 AM - 12 Noon and 1 PM to 5 PM. Please make arrangements to sign up during these dates.

2008 Major stock shows include: Odessa, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Houston, San Angelo, and Austin. ALSO - Bring all necessary information (i.e., parents and 4-Hers* signatures, SS# and payment) that will need to be completed on these forms.

Additional stock show information is available at the following web sites:
Odessa (Sand Hills Stock Show & Rodeo) http://www.sandhillsstockshowandrodeo.com

Ft. Worth (Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show) www.fwssr.com

San Antonio Livestock Exposition www.sarodeo.com

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo www.hlsr.com or www.rodeohouston.com

San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo www.sanangelorodeo.com

Star of Texas (Austin) www.staroftexas.org

If you have any questions concerning these stock shows, contact the Coleman County Extension Office 325-625-4519.

Santa Anna 4-H Meeting

Submitted by Sherry Mcmillan

The Santa Anna 4-H meeting for this month has been changed due to the basketball games on Tuesday. So we will be having our monthly meeting on Monday November 12th @ 7:00 p.m. At the ag building. If you still want to sign up for 4-H its not to late come on by and sign up.

4-H Reminders - November 2, 2007

By: Luther Dunlap, CEA-Ag and Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS

4-H MEETINGS IN NOVEMBER

Santa Anna 4-H - Monday November 12th, 2007, 7:00 p.m., Santa Anna School Ag Classroom

Panther Creek 4-H - Monday, November 12, 2007, 3:30 p.m. Home Economics Rm. Panther Creek School

Coleman 4-H Club - Thursday, November 15, 2007, 6:00 p.m., Coleman County State Bank Club Room - 3rd floor

DISTRICT 7 4-H BEEF MANAGEMENT & SHOWMANSHIP CLINIC

Saturday, December 1st , 2007
G. Rollie White Complex - Brady, TX
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.

There will be a 4-H Beef Management and Showmanship Clinic in Brady on Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be qualified instructors to inform exhibitors about feeding, management show day preparation and showmanship skills. Classes will include information on market steers and breeding beef heifers.

There is a Registration Fee of $5.00 per individual (payable the day of the event). For more information you may contact the Brown County Extension Office at 325-646-0386.

COMING SOON ... MAJOR STOCK SHOW SIGN-UP

This is a reminder to all 4-Hers that we will be accepting entries for major stock shows in November. We are in the process of printing the information off the internet. However, if you would like to look ahead at the show schedules, you can obtain information from the following web sites:

SOUTHWESTERN INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO - EL PASO www.elpasostockshow.com

SAND HILLS STOCK SHOW - ODESSA www.sandhillsstockshowandrodeo.com SOUTHWESTERN EXPOSITION AND LIVESTOCK SHOW - FT. WORTH

www.fwssr.com

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO - SAN ANTONIO www.sarodeo.com

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO - HOUSTON www.hlsr.com

SAN ANGELO STOCK SHOW & RODEO - SAN ANGELO www.sanangelorodeo.com

FOOD SHOW REMINDERS

We had a very good turnout for the County 4-H Food Show October 21, 2007 ! Those of you who won first place, please remember to write thank you notes and bring them by the Extension Office so you can pick up your 1st Place prize from the TEEA organization.

WE NEED .... your paperwork for the District Food Show. Please bring your Recipe Release Form to the office today (Friday, Nov. 2nd) or bring it by Noon on Monday so that our county recipes will be in the District 4-H Food Show Cookbook.

The District 7 4-H Food Show will be Saturday, November 17th in Taylor County Extension Office in Abilene. Coleman*s scheduled judging time will be with other counties from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Please visit with Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS at the Extension before the District Food Show.

4-H NOVEMBER CALENDAR

12 Santa Anna 4-H Club Meeting
12 Panther Creek 4-H Club Meeting
15 * Coleman 4-H Club Meeting * (Thursday)
17 District 7 4-H Food Show

Cattle Women’s Christmas Ball Dec. 8th at Bill Franklin Center

The Circle C CattleWomen’s organization is completing plans for the annual Cattlewomen’s Christmas Ball, to be held Saturday evening, December 8th at the Bill Franklin Center (Rodeo Grounds) in Coleman at 6:30 p.m.

Crystal Rae is general chairman of the Ball, which is a popular event for many area people and a major fundraiser for the women’s organization. Proceeds of the event are used by the CattleWomen’s organization to help promote and support beef through various local projects such as donating scholarships to Coleman County High School graduates who apply and are majoring in Agriculture; and awarding money to each beef exhibitor in the county 4-H livestock shows. They also support local area brisket cook offs such as the Fiesta De La Paloma and the Santa Anna Frontier Days. The CattleWomen also sponsor National CattleWomen’s Beef Certificates, Beef for Father’s Day at Shoppin Basket and other projects.

The dinner will be catered by Home Creek Cookin’ of Valera, with special desserts provided by ladies of the organization. The popular Kelly Spinks & the Miles of Texas band will play for dancing and entertainment following the meal.

Also included in the evening’s entertainment will be an auction of special items and a silent auction of different gift items and specialty Western goods.

Tickets to this fundraiser event are $30.00 per person if purchased by November 23rd. After November 23rd tickets will be $40.00 until the purchase deadline of November 30th. Tickets may be purchased at the Coleman Chamber of Commerce or from any Circle C CattleWomen member. Only 250 tickets will be sold so make sure you get yours before they are all gone. Be sure to note the last day to purchase tickets is November 30th, so find a cattlewoman quickly to make sure you don’t miss this great event.

Everyone in the Coleman County and the surrounding area is invited to attend this special event. Hope to see you there.

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NRCS Texas Accepts Applications for EQIP Funding

Submitted By: David L. Dunlap CEA-Ag/NR

Temple, Texas – Texas agricultural landowners interested in participating in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) need to apply by Nov. 16, 2007, if they have not already done so to be eligible for the next round of funding, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

"Although EQIP is a continuous sign-up program, some producers may not have signed up yet," said Don Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for Texas. "We will rank all eligible applications received by the end of the ranking period on Nov. 16 for 2008 funding. There is a strong possibility that EQIP funds will become available in October."

EQIP promotes agricultural production and environmental quality. Through EQIP, farmers and ranchers receive financial and technical assistance to help install conservation practices and to implement management systems that promote conservation. Financial assistance is on a cost-shared basis with the producer. The technical assistance is provided at 100 percent of the cost by NRCS. According to Gohmert, there are a few changes in EQIP for 2008.

NRCS is adding another statewide resource concern to the program at the recommendation of the State Technical Committee. Funding will be provided in 2008 specifically for conservation practices that improve habitat for the pronghorn antelope in west Texas.

Also new in 2008 will be a process to streamline payments. Instead of the traditional percentage-of-cost rates, NRCS will offer flat-rate payments based on a schedule for each conservation practice.

"Landowners will know up-front what the payment in dollars will be," Gohmert said.

"One important component of EQIP that remains the same is the input needed from the local level to make EQIP address the most pressing resource concerns there," Gohmert said. "Our local offices may be holding program development group and local working group meetings very soon to gather that input." NRCS offices and local soil and water conservation district officials will have more information about local meetings.

To sign up for EQIP or to get more information, contact the NRCS office serving your county. Look in the phone book under "U.S. Government, Department of Agriculture," or find your service center on the Web at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

You can also get information about Texas NRCS conservation technical assistance and programs at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov.

Texas 4-H Center - 4-H Camps in November

The Texas 4-H Center at Lake Brownwood would like to announce two upcoming camps. "Camp Character - Military Style" for Junior age members(ages 9 to 14) and "Do It For the Dance" for Senior 4-H age members (ages 14 to 19). Registration for each of these camps may be made using the 4-H Connect system. Read below for more information for each of these camps:

"Camp Character - Military Style", Junior Leadership Retreat - November 9 -11, 2007
Cost - Junior age youth (ages 9 to 14) $110, Adult Chaperones $74 ; Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, snacks and program supplies.
Who - Junior age 4-H members ages 9 to 14 and adult sponsors
Objective & Purpose - This Junior Leadership Retreat was designed to utilize Texas 4-H Council members who will teach leadership development to younger 4-H members allowing 4-H members to develop communication, teamwork, cooperation and leadership skills.
Service Project - 4-H members who attend this retreat are asked to bring one "Huggable" (small stuffed animals) for distribution to children who have a family member who is deployed.
Theme - Camp Character Military Style recognizes the commitment and leadership of our U.S. Military.
Theme Dance on Saturday - Boot Camp! Don't forget your costume!
Registration opens on 4-H Connect September 15 through November 2nd, 2007

"Do It for the Dance" - Learning to Serve at the Texas 4-H Conference Center
Fall Leadership Retreat - November 16 - 18, 2007
Cost - Senior age youth (ages 14 to 19) $110, Adult Chaperones $74. Registration includes 2 nights lodging, 4 meals, snacks and program supplies.
Who- Senior age 4-H members ages 14 to 19 and adult sponsors
Objective & Purpose - This state-wide leadership development opportunity will focus on basics in communication skills, leadership, impromptu speaking, team building, etiquette, service learning how to manage groups, and more.
Service Project - To commemorate the 100th birthday celebration of Texas 4-H, the Fall Leadership participants have an opportunity to "leave their mark" on the 4-H Conference Center. During this service learning activity 4-Hers will assist in renovating the common area of nine dormitories ( painting, polishing, sewing and re-decorating). 4-Hers can earn a "Do It For the Dance" t-shirt during this weekend retreat.
Registration opens on 4-H Connect September 15 through November 2nd, 2007

For a tentative event schedule and other important information regarding these two camps, come by the County Extension Office, 2nd floor County Courthouse.

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