Issue 6, Volume 2 Webb Wellness January - March Table of Contents

Agriculture & ...... 3 Natural Resorces 4-H & Youth ...... 5 Development

Family & Community ...... 8 Health

Better Living for ...... 11 Texans

CEP - Family & ...... 14 Consumer Science

Upcoming Schedule ...... 16

Social Media & ...... 18 Contact Us A&M AgriLife Extension Service AgriLifeExtension.tamu.edu More Extension publications can be found at AgriLifeBookstore.org Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Agriculture & Natural Resources

Growing & Nourishing Healthy Communities The Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities program is being implemented in collaboration with the Better Living for Texans program at Border Region. A total of 12 participants are involved in this program that aims to increase the availability of healthy foods, specifically fresh produce, through the use of community gardens. The Agriculture & Natural Resources County Extension Agent and the BLT program assistant conduct classes every Tuesday. This course is 6 weeks long and includes topics such as how to select the right garden location, planting and watering techniques, controlling insects, and composting.

Zika Education Outreach Agent promotes Zika Education to both adults and youth by using a Zika educational display in which topics such as how Zika is transmitted by mosquitoes and prevention of mosquito bites. Agent attends events to promote community awareness on Zika and prevention of mosquito bites by remembering the 4 D's. The 4 D's are: 1. Drain or Dump out all standing water around your home, clean clogged gutters, empty bird baths and flower pot drain dishes weekly, and store buckets, toys, and wheelbarrows so they do not hold water 2. Dress- when outdoors, wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts 3. Dusk & Dawn- Avoid disease-spreading mosquitoes, which can be active at any time, day or night 4. Defend with repellents-use mosquito repellent containing DEET. DEET provides up to 6 hours of high protection from mosquitoes and has an excellent safety record. YOUTH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONFERENCE

L E A D E R S H I P I N Y O U R C O M M U N I T Y

Volunteering in adolescence is associated with positive outcomes during the teen years as well as in adulthood. Teens who volunteer are less likely to become pregnant or to use drugs, and are more likely to have positive academic, psychological, and occupational well- being. Volunteering is also associated with the development of greater respect for others, leadership skills, and an understanding of citizenship that can carry over into adulthood. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and community stakeholders will offer a Youth Community Engagement Conference to address leadership, health and wellness. This conference is scheduled to take place:

Sponsors and Donations NEEDED October 5-6, 2018

Topics and Activities will include: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Food Preparation and Food Substitutions Keeping Food Safe Hidden Mysteries: Food Safety Welcome to the Real World Saving Money When Eating Out You Can Do It - Life Skills Dining at the Dollar Store What Type of Leader Am I? Is MyPlate Your Plate? Dinner Tonight: Building a Healthy Snack Defining Leadership Setting Goals and Accepting Self Learning to Learn Decision Making and Resiliency

Agriculture & Natural Resources YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Showmanship Clinic

2nd Annual Showmanship Clinic On January 27, 2018, the Webb County AgriLife Extension Office and Adult Leader and Parents Association hosted the 2nd annual Showmanship Clinic with Nueces County Extension Agent Kyle McManus, showmanship expert and judge. Buckles were awarded to Showmanship Champion for each age category in the respective project areas.

With steers, lambs, , rabbits, hogs, and poultry, we had over 70 kids register.

With the great support of our 4-H parents, adult leaders and volunteers we had a smooth event that included a yummy selection of foods from the concession stand and a photography fundraiser which gave each participating member a photo of them with their project.

THANK YOU ALL!!! YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Photography

Webb County 2018 Photography Contest

Agent Angie Sifuentes and Landen Gulick Conducted a photography training for our members to prepare them for the county and district contests.

The workshop was held February 9th and another February 15th from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Extension Office.

We discussed rules, guidelines, deadlines, and the many categories for photo submissions, including this year's theme: Backyard.

We had seven 4-H members submit a total of 22 photography entries. This county competition determined who would advance to the District 12 contest. All 1st place winners registered online by March 21st to compete.

CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS! YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Events, Competitions & Recognition

District 12 Postal League We had 15 Cactus Country 4-H members compete in the District 12 Postal League contest.

Shooting Sports Big congrats to Frank Ramirez on signing his acceptance letter to Schreiner University after receiving a scholarship for Shooting Sports.

Spring Fun Fest Thanks to the great event at Slaughter Park, youth were given the opportunity to be physically active through games and fun!

Major Shows Webb County 4-H was represented at the , , and Austin Livestock shows. Junior Edition

1st Ever in Texas Occurring for the first time in Webb County and in our lovely state of Texas, the first ever Dinner Tonight Junior program was implemented making Clark Elementary School the first Healthy Texas School Campus in the state.

As the culmination of over 6 months of work and dedication and the instruction of Special Initiatives Coordinator, Ms. Luisa Colin, Clark Elementary School was recognized on February 8th, 2018 as the first ever Healthy Texas campus after completing a series of adult and youth curriculum and programs to promote health, physical activity, and nutrition. Dinner Tonight Jr. opened with a proclamation ceremony to recognize all those who worked hard to get this achievement, delivered by Healthy South Texas Associate Director of Programs, Dr. Elaine Fries. With the motivational speeches of our local government leaders Judge Tijerina and Mayor Saenz, Clark Elementary students were pumped and ready to teach!

To kick off the fun, we were delighted by two Clark students as they conducted a live cooking show where they prepared yummy Veggie Tots - they had the audience laughing and craving the snack - definitely a crowd favorite! The event followed along with interactive stations, a fun smoothie bike challenge and a physical activity intermission where students danced along with Healthy South Texas Specialist, Ms. Erica Reyes. However, the fun was found in the different stations scattered along the gym. After completing the exciting Learn, Grow Eat & Go (LGEG) program, all of Clark Elementary's G.T. students - ranging from 2nd-5th grade - were teamed up in groups of four or five to conduct their stations. Adopting it as part of their G.T. annual school project, these students dedicated evenings and class time to learn about nutrition, physical activity and health. With the help and dedication of teachers such as LGEG instructor, Ms. Eleonor Coronado, Walk Across Texas Coach Robert de la Cruz, Councilor Roxanna Rios, Vice-Principal Tessie Rodriguez, Principal Gabriela Perez and G.T. Coordinator Lisa Dunn, this program was possible.

A total of 9 stations were offered to visiting parents and family - all solely conducted by students and guided by the great teachers of Clark Elementary School! These stations included food safety, nutritious snacks, knowing about physical activity and low-calorie drinks, getting the scoop on grains and so much more! Along with nutritional instruction, six of the stations included cooking demonstrations where students were able to showcase what they were teaching. With the amazing volunteer service of our Webb County Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors, our participants were able to enjoy these wonderful treats.

With a total of over 80 adult participants, 41 youth instructors, 10 Youth Ambassadors, 25 United I.S.D teachers, administration & faculty, and over 15 AgriLife Extension Specialists, our Dinner Tonight Junior event was a memorable success! Thank you to Mayor Pete Saenz and Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina for their continuing support of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension programs!

Jan- Mar

Better Living for Texans kicked off the beginning of the new year in high gear as they implemented 4 programs in Webb County.

Walk and Talk: The 6 to 8 weeks exercise centered curriculum was offered at Ladrillito Actvity Center and El Eden Recreational Center. This program prompted 40 participants to join us on our weekly exercise sessions.

Fresh Start to a Healthier You: The 4 week curriculum that offers research based lessons on healthy nutrition was offered at Buenos Dias Day Care Center, Regent Care Center, Dovalina Elementary School, Fasken Library Branch, and El Eden Rec Center. The program included 60 participants.

Eat Smart Live Strong: This 4 week series combines nutrition and physical activity. The curriculum was offered at Rio Bravo Community Center and Mi Segunda Casa. The program included 20 participants.

Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities: The 6 week series that teaches participants how to grow fruits and vegetables in community and backyard gardens. The curriculum has currently being offered at Border Region Behavioral Center. Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities - Border Region - March

Fresh Start to a Healthier You - Mi Segunda Casa - February

3rd Annual Kite Healthy Cooking Festival - March Food Demo - Inner City Library Spring Recipe Home Run Hummus Wrap

Ingredients 6 8-inch Whole wheat tortillas 1 1/2 cups Prepared hummus 1 cup Red bell pepper (cut into 1/4-inch strips) 1/2 cup Carrots, grated 1 1/2 cups Baby spinach leaves

Directions

1. Place the 6 tortillas on a clean surface.

2. Place 1/4 cup of hummus in the center of each tortilla. Use a butter knife to spread the hummus evenly from side to side across the center of the tortilla.

3. Top the hummus with 4-6 red pepper strips and 1/4 cup grated carrots.

4. Divide the spinach leaves evenly between each tortilla, arranging the leaves over the top of the vegetables.

5. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the vegetables, and then continue rolling up to the top edge.

6. Cut each wrap diagonally across the center width of the wrap.

7. Place both halves on a plate to serve.

THE PRAIRIE VIEW A&M COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM HAS BEEN OUT IN THE COMMUNITY CONDUCTING MULTIPLE PROGRAMS IN AREAS SUCH AS HEALTH AND WELLNESS, NUTRITION & CHILDHOOD OBESITY, FOOD SAFETY, PARENTING AND MONEY MANAGEMENT. THESE PROGRAMS WERE: HEALING TRAUMA, BALANCED LIVING, SUGAR DETECTIVE, TACKLING THE TOUGH SKILLS, BULLYING PRESENTATION, MAINTAIN NO GAIN, FOOD LABEL READING, YOUR MONEY YOUR GOALS, AND CHOOSING HEALTHY FOOD FUN AND FITNESS.

Throughout the holidays participants from the Bueno Aires Community

Center participated in a 6 week weight management program, Maintain No

Gain, during the holidays. Participants were weighed on a weekly bases in order to keep track of their weight gain or weight loss. They did an amazing job! Overall, participants lost

8 lbs.! GREAT JOB!!!!

HEALING TRAUMA:

Participants are learning on how to cope with trauma

and boost up your self- esteem. This 6 week program

teaches different techniques on how to cope with

trauma, reduce anxiety, how to self-love, and how to

maintain healthy relationships. This program has been

conducted in 4 different centers such as Lamar Bruni

Vergara Education Center, Grupo Amor, Bethany

House, and Border Region. This program is currently

being taught at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Education

Center and Border Region MHMR.

GET STARTED RIGHT AWAY! For more information on upcoming programs or to get started on a program. Please contact the Family & Consumer Science Cooperative Extension Agent, Ashley Gastineau at 956-523-5290!

C h ec Upcoming Schedule k It O u t Dates Event 04/02 Extension Office will be closed. 04/03 Growing & Nourishing Healthy 04/24 Communities - BLT & AgNR Border Region Behavioral Center Every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 04/04 Healthy Texas Coalition Meeting AgriLife Extension Conference Room Wednesday, 11:30: a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 04/05 Living, Eating & Saving Green Laredo Community College - South Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. 04/06 4-H District 12 Event: Fashion Sensation 4-H District 12 Event: Roundup Texas A&M Kingsville University Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Calendar reflects upcoming events for the month of April for all Extension staff C h ec Upcoming Schedule k It O u t Dates Event

04/17 Fruit & Veggie Show and Tell D.D. Hachar Elementary School Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 04/18 Building a Healthy Workplace Conf. Falcon International Bank, 3rd Floor Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 04/19 Youth Community Engagement Mtg. AgriLife Extension Conference Room Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 04/26 Dia de los Niños Celebration Event McKendrick Ochoa Salinas Library Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

04/28 4-H Senior Shin-Dig & Recognition L.I.F.E. Pavillion, L.I.F.E. Grounds Saturday, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Calendar reflects upcoming events for the month of April for all Extension staff Want to Know More? Check Us Out on Social Media! For all things AgriLife: @webbagrilifeextension @bltwebbcounty & @webb4H

For recipes, physical activity and gardening tips: @webbagrilife and @blt.webb

For a healthy collection of recipes, tips, and exercises: @FCHwebbBLT

For recipe videos & kitchen tips visit the channel: Dinner Tonight Contact Us

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 7209 E. Saunders St., Suite 5 Laredo, TX 78041 Office #: 956.523.5290

Martha Ramirez, CEA-AgNR Angie Sifuentes, CEA-FCH Agriculture & Natural Resources Family & Consumer Science [email protected] [email protected]

Landen Gulick, CEA-4-HYD Ashley Gastineau, CEP-FCS 4-H & Youth Development Cooperative Extension Program [email protected] [email protected]

Genesis Hernandez, BLT Valeria San Miguel, BLT Nutrition Educator Nutrition Educator [email protected] [email protected]

Texas A&M AgriLife does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and provides equal access in its programs, activities, education and employment.