TENNESSEE 4-H IDEAS
VOLUME 08 - Issue 47
November 21, 2008

2009 State 4-H Theme and Logo Unveiled
Head, Heart, Hands and Hoops a Huge Success
Suggestion from Putnam County for Cutting Postage Expenses
Tennessee 4-H’ers Compete in Southeastern Regional Livestock Event

2009 STATE 4-H THEME AND LOGO UNVEILED

The 2008-09 State 4-H Council is pleased to announce the 2009 state 4-H theme, "Tennessee 4-H: Your Voice is the Driving Force." This theme will be used during the 2009 year in various ways, including the theme for State 4-H Congress and Tennessee 4-H Roundup and All Star Conference. The theme is also the topic for the Congress essay contest. A special thanks is extended to the State 4-H Council for their work in preparing this theme.

Both color and black and white options are available for the 2009 logo. You may download the logos from the following locations:

Justin Crowe
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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HEAD, HEART, HANDS AND HOOPS A HUGE SUCCESS

Tuesday's UT basketball game gave a reason to celebrate for the Vols and for 4-H Youth Development. Tuesday night, November 18, 2008, was 4-H Night at Thompson Boling arena while the UT Vols took on UT Martin. During half-time, twenty-five 4-H members gathered on stage to be recognized for the 4-H service hours that been conducted state-wide over the past year. Several of those 4-H members put on an awesome half-time show, as they played their own game of basketball for the crowd. The teams were "green" and "white" and even used a 4-H basketball. Mark your calendars for the next 4-H Night, Thursday, January 25, 2009, when the Lady Vols take on Mississippi. For ticket information, and to watch the 4-H Night 2008 slide show, please visit http://4h.tennessee.edu/4hnight.

Justin Crowe
Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development
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SUGGESTION FROM PUTNAM COUNTY FOR CUTTING POSTAGE EXPENSES

Wayne Key, Extension agent in Putnam County, recently met with his county Extension director to discuss the county budget reduction plan. This is something that has been on all our minds in recent days. Wayne wanted to share a solution they have implemented for their county situation.

Putnam County felt mileage, postage and supplies would be among those things hardest hit by the budget reduction. One thing Wayne implemented this school year that has helped with postage expense was an electronic form of their 4-H calendar for all of their teachers.

Wayne contacted the school superintendent’s office and asked for a copy of the all email addresses for the teachers in the school system. He says the superintendent loved the idea, and they now send all of their meeting information and club materials to their 4-H teachers via email. Not only do the teachers really seem to like this format vs. the old paper copy, but Wayne also estimates this will save them around $85 each month in postage expense... not including the paper and envelopes.

Thanks to Wayne for sharing this idea for trimming postage expenses. If others have found things that work, let us know and will share them via our Ideas newsletter.

Steve Sutton
Interim Director
4-H Youth Development
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TENNESSEE 4-H’ERS COMPETE IN SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EVENTS

The Tennessee skillathon team and the Cumberland County livestock team joined forces and participated in the Southeastern skillathon and livestock judging competitions held at Tarboro, North Carolina, October 31-November 1.

The skillathon teams placed 1st and 3rd overall. In individual placings were Holly Dickens from Smith County was first; Greer Goddard of Loudon County was 3rd; Monica Wilmore of Smith County was 4th; Emily Upchurch from Cumberland County was 5th; Taylor Graham from Cumberland County was 8th; and Sarah Edwards of Campbell County was 9th.

Each skillathon team member took a written test, identified feed samples, retail meat cuts, equipment and breeds. The team also completed a feed conversion and efficiency group problem. The skillathon team will represent Tennessee at the national competition held during the North American International Livestock Exposition on November 17.

The livestock judging competition followed on November 1. Taylor Graham placed 2nd in beef and 4th in reasons. Greer Goddard was 4th in sheep and 7th overall. The Cumberland County team placed 2nd overall in reasons. The Cumberland County team will represent Tennessee in the national contest on November 18.

The skillathon team was coached by Randall Kimes, Clay County and Amy Williams, Loudon County. The livestock judging team was coached by Greg Upchurch, Cumberland County.

Amy Williams
Extension Agent
Loudon County
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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Just because you make mistakes doesn't mean you are one
~ Author Unknown