Winter 2020-2021 Newsletter
Our Mission - North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.
La Extensión Cooperativa de Carolina del Norte se asocia con las comunidades para ofrecer educación y tecnología que enriquecen la vida de los habitantes, la tierra y la economía de Carolina del Norte.
4-H & Youth Development
Upcoming 4-H Programs
December 10, 2020 - Gingerbread House Competition at 6:00pm, Stokes County 4-H’ers are invited to our Holiday Party and to compete in the annual 4-H Gingerbread House decorating competition. This year, our event will be virtual! 4-H’ers are asked to showcase their already made gingerbread house by bringing them to the office by 4pm on December 10th. At 6pm everyone will join Zoom and see all the Gingerbread Houses on display, as well as hear who the winners are! **The top three houses will go on display at The Arts Place for a week beginning 12/11/20!! Come join us! Register for this event by December 9th at go.ncsu.edu/2020gingerbread
January 12, 2021 - Stokes County 4-H Jr Beekeepers! Come join us for our very first Jr Beekeepers meeting on January 12th from 6-7pm. This group will be organized by the Stokes County Beekeepers Association. All youth are welcome to attend to learn more about beekeeping. The Jr Beekeepers will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 6-7pm. Youth will learn all about beekeeping and honey bees throughout the year. Register for the first meeting at go.ncsu.edu/stokesjrbeekeepers. *Please note that this event is planned for in person at the moment, but is subject to change at any point. If you are interested in joining, please register so you receive the latest updates.
January 14, 2021 - Civic Engagement 4-H Night - Come learn how you can become involved in your community and engage in civic activities. Not sure what civic engagement is? Join us for 4-H Night! Register by January 13th at go.ncsu.edu/stokes4hcitizenship
January 21, 2021 - Fun with 4-H Foods (formally known as Nutrition Fair) at 6pm, location to be determined. Register by January 14, 2021. Do you love to cook or to be in the kitchen? This event may be just for you! Come show us your culinary skills, while showcasing your prepared menu, demonstrated food safety, and most importantly, the nutritional value of your dish! We’re spicing up this event this year! We’ve changed the name and we’ve added in some must haves. Pay close attention to the information sheet and read carefully! For more details and to register please visit go.ncsu.edu/stokesfunwith4hfoods.
February 1, 2020 - Project Record Books are due by 4pm. If you’re new to 4-H and you’d like to complete a Project Record Book for the 2021 year, please contact Taylor (taylor_furr@ncsu.edu) for more details
February 11, 2020 - Stokes County 4-H Night - Mooving Milk from the Farm to the Fridge at 4pm. Join us during this 4-H Night to learn about how milk goes from the farm to the fridge. While we meet Clover the dairy cow, we will learn about the dairy industry and how dairy foods can contribute to a healthy diet. We will be using the new Mooving Milk from the Farm to the Fridge curriculum that is designed for youth ages 5-7, but for this 4-H Night, we are welcoming youth of all ages to participate to learn more about this topic. Register by February 10 go.ncsu.edu/stokesfeb4hnight.
February 26, 2021 - Achievement Night at 6:30pm, location is to be determined. Come celebrate the 2020 successes and accomplishments of Stokes County 4-Hers. We will be recognizing youth for the programs they’ve participated in during 2020, the number of years they’ve been members, and also recognizing our volunteers. Register by February 19th go.ncsu.edu/2021stokesachnigh.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Coming in 2021 - Stokes County Cooperative Extension has been awarded the North Carolina State University’s NC AgVentures funded by N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The grant was used to purchase a compact raised bed mulch layer, a plastic mulch lifter, and a trailer for transportation for small farms to rent. Plasticulture is a technique using plastic to mulch plants in order to minimize weeds, conserve water, and stabilize ultraviolet light to cool soil. Additionally, plasticulture reduces insects, disease, and improves yields. The plasticulture equipment will be available for rent starting in 2021. Learn more about NC AgVentures Grant Program
Pesticide Recertification Opportunities 2020-2021
Agents in Wilkes, Surry, Stokes, Yadkin, and Forsyth Counties are partnering to deliver pesticide recertification opportunities for license holders in the region. Many of these will be held virtually via the Zoom platform, while some offer a limited in-person class option. Those outside the region are welcome to join virtual meetings. To receive credit for attending a virtual meeting, applicators must provide license information as required and have their cameras on for the duration of the meeting. Registration is required for ALL classes. More information is located on our website which includes the schedule of classes, with venue/format and credits offered, as well as registration links. Please note that registration is not yet open for some events. Please contact Stokes Cooperative Extension Center with any questions at (336) 593-8179 or bkhartman@ncat.edu.
Upcoming Agriculture & Natural Resources Classes
Stokes County Bee School - Stokes County Cooperative Extension is partnering with the Stokes County Beekeepers Association to offer the 2021 Bee School. Classes will be held from 9am - 12pm January 16, 23, 30, and February 6, 2021 and test day is February 13 (a review of the material then the test) at the Stokes County Cooperative Extension office, 700 N Main Street Danbury, NC 27016. The class is $40 for one registration with a book or $70 for two registrations with only one book (call 336.593.8179 for a discount code). To register, go to go.ncsu.edu/stokes_bee_school. *Spaces are limited, so please register early.
Topics that will be covered:
- Introduction to beekeeping
- The organization and life cycle of the honeybee colony
- Equipment needed to get started
- Seasonal hive management of the colonies
- Pests and diseases of the bees
- Live equipment demos every day
- And more!
Fruit Pruning Workshops - Stokes County Cooperative Extension will be offering three small fruit pruning workshops. Each workshop will focus on pruning techniques with live demonstrations and hands-on practices. Registration is required and each individual workshop will be $10. Please dress accordingly for outdoor demonstrations, weather permitting. To register, go to go.ncsu.edu/smallfruitpruningworkshops.
- Blueberry Pruning Workshop will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 2pm - 4pm at Mabe’s Berry Farm, 1695 Greenfield Road, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
- Blackberry Pruning Workshop will be held Saturday, February 27, 2021 from 2pm - 4pm at Plum Granny Farm, 1041 Flat Shoals Road, King, NC 27021
- Apple Pruning Workshop will be held Saturday March 6, 2021 from 2pm - 4pm at Snow Creek Orchard, 3365 Hwy 704E, Lawsonville, NC 27022
Greenhouse Sanitation Workshop - This class will be held virtually via the Zoom platform on January 20, 2021 from 1pm - 2pm. To register, go to go.ncsu.edu/greenhousesanitation. Did you know proper greenhouse sanitation is a crucial component in reducing production costs and improving plant health? Investing time and money in greenhouse sanitation is much less expensive than crop losses associated with unsanitary conditions and paying for the repeated pesticide applications.
You are invited ~ Become a Master Gardener Volunteer! Are you interested in learning about growing your own fruits and vegetables? Want a more attractive and sustainable lawn? Curious about how insects both benefit and debilitate your garden? Ever wondered how to get the most out of your soil? Join a network of passionate gardeners across the state who are dedicated to learning and sharing research-based information, enhancing their communities through horticulture, and connecting people with the benefits of gardening. Become a Master Gardener℠ volunteer!
The Extension Master Gardener℠ Program is offered by 84 of N.C. Cooperative Extension’s 101 county centers. Some aspects of the program are the same across the state, while others are tailored to meet the needs of the county in which it is based. The program has been active in North Carolina since 1979 and growing in Stokes County since 2013.
Submit An Application - To become an Extension Master Gardener volunteer, it all begins with you submitting an application and being accepted into the Stokes County program.
Complete Initial Volunteer Training - Stokes County Extension Master Gardener initial training prepares you to be a Master Gardener volunteer. The course introduces a wide range of horticultural topics, with a focus on finding research-based information and sharing the science behind sustainable gardening practices. Visit the Extension Gardener Handbook online to explore the training curriculum. Initial training includes:
- Minimum of 40 hours of instruction
- Taught by Extension staff and local experts
- Topics include soils and plant nutrients, composting, insects, Integrated Pest Management, lawns, food production, organic gardening, herbaceous, woody and native plants, wildlife, landscape design and more.
- Take-home or in-class, open-book exam
Complete Volunteer Internship - Once initial training is complete, volunteers complete a minimum 40-hour internship to learn even more about horticulture and give back to their community. During the internship, volunteers rotate through a variety of volunteer opportunities that support the educational outreach priorities of their local Extension center.
Become Certified - Once the 40-hour internship has been completed the volunteer is eligible to become a Certified Extension Master Gardener volunteer.
Maintain Certification - In order to remain active in the program, Master Gardener volunteers must meet annual recertification requirements. These vary by county, with a minimum of: 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education.
Family & Consumer Sciences
Holiday Safety Tips
The top three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year's Eve.
- Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
- Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
- Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
- Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.
- Water your live Christmas tree daily to keep it from becoming dry.
Source: www.usfa.fema.gov
Chocolate Bark with Pistachios & Dried Cherries
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup roasted, shelled pistachios (3 ounces), coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup dried cherries, or dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
- 24 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped, divided.
Instructions:
- Line the bottom and sides of a jelly-roll pan or baking sheet with foil (take care to avoid wrinkles). Toss pistachios with cherries (or cranberries) in a medium bowl. Divide the mixture in half; stir orange zest into 1 portion.
- Melt 18 ounces chocolate in a double broiler over hot water (alternatively, microwave on low in 30-second bursts). Stir often with a rubber spatula so it melts evenly.
- Remove the top man and wipe dry (or remove from the microwave). Stir in the remaining 6 ounces chocolate, in 2 additions, until thoroughly melted and smooth.
- Add the pistachio mixture containing the orange zest to the chocolate; stir to mix well. Working quickly, scrape the chocolate onto the prepared pan, spreading it to an even 1/4-inch thickness with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle remaining pistachio mixture on top; gentle press it into the chocolate with your fingertips. Refrigerate, uncovered, just until set, about 20 minutes.
- Invert the pan onto a large cutting board. Remove the pan and peel off the foil. Using the tip of a sharp knife, score the chocolate lengthwise with 6 parallel lines. Break bark along the score lines. Break the strips of bark into 2- to 3-inch chunks.
Nutrition: Makes about 4 dozen pieces. Per piece: Calories: 79; Total Fat: 5 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g); Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrates: 1 g; Protein: 2 g; Dietary Fiber: 2 g; Sodium: 0 mg; Potassium: 26 mg.
Notes: Make ahead tip: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Source: Eat Smart, Move More Eatingwell 2003
Livestock
Join us in welcoming our new Livestock & Forage agent, Kendra Phipps!
Upcoming Livestock Events
December 18, 2020 - Please help us welcome Kendra Phipps, Stokes County Cooperative Extension Livestock agent
Sheep and Goat Webinar Series - the webinars will be delivered through Zoom, an online video communications platform. Zoom is a free platform for users. Zoom allows you to join from your phone or computer. For more information call 336-593-8179 or email emily_cope@ncsu.edu.
January 14th, 2021 - General Health and Care of Sheep and Goats - Register here: http://go.ncsu.edu/smallruminanthealth
February 11th, 2021 - Lambing and Kidding - Save the date
Dear Stokes County Citizens,
Stokes County Cooperative Extension would like to thank you for your patience this year as we have adapted our programming efforts and delivery methods. This past year has largely been defined by social distancing, disruptions in our daily routines, and commodity shortages; however, we would like to remember 2020 for the opportunities instead of the obstacles. Throughout COVID our mission has remained the same, to deliver knowledge that can be transformed into solutions that improve our community. It is still important that we deliver relevant and trustworthy information to our citizens, but what has changed is how we deliver our information. As citizens, you all have adjusted right along with us as we evolve our programs to virtual platforms, for that we are grateful.
Stokes County Cooperative Extension has been very fortunate to have so many great friends of Extension and partners in our community that have allowed us to continue to serve and deliver educational programs. Stokes County is a very resilient and resourceful community. Our community has proven this through flexibility, strength, and support of one another.
We have great things on the horizon and are encouraged that 2021 will be bright for Stokes County and Stokes County Cooperative Extension. Thank you to our partners, friends, and community for sticking with us throughout 2020. We have certainly weathered this tough year together and are so appreciative of your support.
We wish you and yours a truly wonderful holiday season.
With warmest regards,
Stokes County Cooperative Extension
Credits:
Created with images by Daria-Yakovleva - "christmas new year's eve postcard" • torstensimon - "landscape spacious field" • Pezibear - "wood brown deco"