December 2019
We Grow Youth
New 4-H SPIN Club - Loom Knitting
A NEW 4-H special interest club is teaching youth how to loom knit. During recent club sessions, the participants learned how to make hats for themselves and were introduced to various stitches that can be done on a round loom. At the end of the sessions, the youth donated over 10 hats to the Union County Community Shelter. It was a great way to use their new skill to benefit the community.
Termi-Coders Robotics SPIN Club
Check out this short clip of the Termi-Coders Robotics SPIN club in action! Youth concluded the FIRST Lego League Jr.'s Boomtown theme where they examined an imaginary community that is growing and in need of more development. They looked at accessibility, efficiency, and durability of structures.
Exceptional Children's Party
More than 130 exceptional children, who are identified as children with disabilities, attended holiday parties during the span of two days at Union County schools. EC students made crafts, played games, enjoyed snacks and a dance party. A special thanks to Union County Public Communications for featuring the event in their "Telling Union County Stories" series.
For more information on programs Union County 4-H Youth Development offers, please contact Crystal Starkes, 4-H Youth Development Agent at 704-283-3735
We Grow Knowledge
NCSU Plant Science Listening Session
Union County Extension hosted a town hall meeting discussing the new NCSU Plant Science Building located in Raleigh. State representatives from both NCSU CALS and NC State Extension were in attendance to learn more about the needs of agriculture producers and Extension personnel in the Southern Piedmont area. Over 85 people were in attendance to share their thoughts on the soon to be constructed facility.
Head Start Teachers & EFNEP
Head Start teachers from Union County Community Action Head Start-Hamlet Center learn hands-on activities to use in the classroom to teach young learners about health and nutrition. In December the focus was “Making Smart Drink Choices” and Identifying Dairy Products”. If you would like to learn more about EFNEP programming please contact Cheri Bennett at 704-283-3737.
Food Safety Certification Course
This month, UC Extension held their last Safe Plates for Food Managers Class of the year. Seven participants working in various foodservice industries took part in learning and revisiting best food safety practices through modules and activities, such as Jenga review. This session had a 100% passing rates amongst the foodservice managers taking the class!
We Grow Citizens
The Annual UC Extension Master Gardener Holiday Celebration is a time for fellowship and recognition. Awards are presented at the local and state level recognizing volunteers for their years of service, hours of service as well as outstanding local accomplishments. This year Master Gardener Emeritus status was awarded to Karen Carnes. 11 volunteers were recognized for a total of 5,750 combined volunteer hours, 11 volunteers were recognized for 10 years of service and 6 volunteers were recognized for 5 years of service. Congratulations to all!
Union County Extension: 2019 End of Year Wrap Up
In 2019 your Union County Extension office made a goal to become more transparent, to provide more information sharing opportunities to UC citizens, and to refocus our efforts on community engagement. This year all program areas increased community outreach, provided savings to local governments through our tremendous volunteer networks, and responded to the needs of our young people, educators, and general public like never before. Our hope is that you have taken notice as well.
Staff Highlights
Each year staff come together to celebrate the holidays in a time of fun and fellowship. Our gift exchange is always a time of laughter as each of us purchase a child's toy for another staff member. The toys should represent the recipient and the giver always explains why the toy matches them so well. When we finish our festivities, we gather the toys and bring them to the Union County Toy Drive where they are distributed to children in our community.
Meet Our Staff
This month we would like to introduce you to Debbie Dillion, Union County's Horticulture Agent. Debbie has served the Union County Extension office since 2015, and previously worked with Virginia Cooperative Extension. Debbie focuses her programming on the UC Master Gardener's and consumer horticulture. Outside of the Extension office, Debbie can be found tending her own backyard garden or touring many of the botanical gardens around the Charlotte area.
NC State University and N.C. A&T University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sexual identity (including pregnancy) and veteran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Credits:
Union County Cooperative Extension