Way to go Isabel on your 3rd place finish at the Hayes County 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest! Tara, Laynee, Wes and Jasmine were just a few points shy of receiving a ribbon. With the extensive training you had to prepare for the contest (the Hamilton Crash Course), everyone did very well. This contest will help prepare everyone for the Livestock Judging during the Hitchcock County Fair.

Healthy Body Healthy Mind

Congratulations to everyone that participated in the Hitchcock County Elementary track meet on Friday. Everyone did a terrific job! Physical activity is good for your body and mind. Research shows that physical activity can prevent at least 6 diseases: Heart Disease, high-blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. Physical activity will also help you feel better and maintain a healthy weight. At least 30 minutes a day of physical activity - such as walking, biking or swimming - can help you live longer and healthier.

Eating healthy is another way to maintain a healthy body and mind. Fresh fruits contain vitamins A and C. Our eyes need Vitamin A to see colors. It also helps our bones and skin. Vitamin C helps keep our immune systems strong and it helps keep our joints flexible. Milk contains calcium which keeps our bones strong and prevents osteoporosis. Vitamin D help our bones absorb or "soak up" the calcium. Eating healthy is a great way to fill up on these nutrients, have healthy skin, healthy hair and fit bodies.

Here are a few healthy after school snacks:
1. A smoothie made with fresh fruit and low-fat yogurt
2. Dried Fruit - raisins, apricots and nuts
3. Fresh Fruit - strawberries, bananas and grapes
4. Pretzels
5. Cheese and crackers
6. Apples and peanut butter
7. English muffin pizza's
8. Milk and graham crackers
9. 100% fruit juice
10. Kettle corn

Skip these foods and drinks after school:
1. Cocktail fruit juice - its loaded with sugar and calories
2. Potato chips
3. Little Debbie's or snack cakes
4. Milk and cookies
5. Double butter popcorn

Again, congratulations to everyone!

Upcoming Events! Hayes County Livestock Juding Contest

Thursday, May 13 at the Hayes County Fairgrounds is the Hayes 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest. There are 5 age divisions, Clover Kids, Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Adults. A meal is provided for all participants and there are no entry fees. Ribbons will be awarded to the top 10 indviduals and plaques will be awarded to the top individuals in each division. Clover Kids will receive rainbow ribbons. Livestock classes include beef, sheep and swine. Last year Jasmine placed 5th in the Junior division. If you have any quesitons, call Pam at the Extension Office in Trenton. 334-5666.

Trenton Troopers, the first week in May is Teacher Appreciation Week. Be sure to tell your teacher how much you appreciate all the hard work they do. A great way to show appreciation is a baked gift, such as muffins or cookies. Oatmeal Drop Cookies are easy and delicious. This recipe is from the Clover Kids project book Road to Good Cooking.



Oatmeal Drop Cookies (makes about 5 dozen)

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup shortening
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups rolled oats
optional - 1/2 cup raisins


1. Pre-heat over to 375.
2. Grease cookie sheets with shortening or non-stick spray.
3. Measure flour, baking soda and salt into a medium mixing bowl.
4. Cream shortening in a separate mixing bowl, gradually add brown and granulated sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
5. Add the egg to the shortening-sugar mixture and beat until well mixed.
6. Add milk and vanilla and beat until well mixed.

7. Stir in flour mixture until evenly mixed.
8. Add the rolled oats and stir until just mixed.
9. If you are using raisins, add them to the bowl and stir until they are evenly distributed.
10. Drop cookie dough by rounded teaspoonsful onto the cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart. Push dough from the spoon with a rubber spatula or another teaspoon. Make each cookie a smooth mound of dough and about the same size so they will bake evenly.
11. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until done. Cookies are done when they are light brown around the edges.
12. Using pot holders, remove cookie sheet from oven. Place it on a cooling rack.
13. Remove cookies from sheet with a pancake turner. Place cookies on cooling racks or paper towels.

Enjoy making these delicious cookies. Be sure to ask your parents for help. And don't forget to show your appreciation to your teachers!

Trenton Troopers you did a GREAT! job Friday afternoon planting flowers at El Dorado Manor. The residents will sure enjoy the many colors in their flower beds. The residents also enjoyed seeing kids work so hard to make their courtyard beautiful.

Community Service is such a great gift you can give to your community. Great job, Trenton Troopers, you make your community very proud.

We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.~~ Winston Churchill