April 2020
We Grow Youth
STEAM Explorers at Home
Throughout the month of April, Union County 4-H hosted 'STEAM Explorers at Home' on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. Each session featured either science, technology, engineering, arts, or math lessons. Topics ranged from learning how to create an algorithm, to the "Chicken Dance", to measuring the amount of rice needed to create a stress ball. The series continues into mid-May with even more fun, virtual hands-on learning activities. Contact Crystal Starkes or Leah Joyner at crystal_starkes@ncsu.edu or lcjoyne3@ncsu.edu for more information.
Thank You Essential Workers!
Members of Union County 4-H joined together for a compilation video to thank all of the essential workers for their service and dedication during this pandemic. We hope that it inspires you to pass on a THANK YOU as well!
Weekend Family Fun Activities at UCPS Meal Distribution Sites
Union County Extension and Union County Soil & Water have joined together with UCPS at meal distribution sites over the course of 4 weeks to deliver packets that are filled with activities using STEM and Environmental Ed based platforms, healthy eating recipe cards, COVID-19 safety and security information, and information on all the resources provided for Union County residents at the UC Ag Center. All materials created are delivered for both English and Spanish speaking individuals. We are creating 1,000 activity kits each week and look forward to seeing YOU this week at one of the school sites!
We Grow Knowledge
Mulch In Your Garden
This month our agents found themselves adapting and providing programming content in various online methods. This short video made by Aaron Moore, Small Farms Agent, explains the need for mulch in your garden and was shared through multiple social media outlets as well as our county website.
Fire Ants in Pasture
Fire ants are a nuissance for anyone, and livestock are not any different. In the video below, Aaron Moore discusses how to effectively manage fire ants in a pasutre using IPM strategies. Contact Aaron Moore at aaron_moore@ncsu.edu for more Small Farms programming.
EFNEP Video Production Challenge
During this season of COVID-19, we are all learning new skills and adapting to the "new normal". Cheri Bennett, EFNEP Educator, encouraged program participants to develop their video production and healthy recipe creation skills. Participants in the EFNEP program had the opportunity to submit videos of healthy sandwich recipes. As many participants find themselves with children home from school, budgets are tight. Sandwiches are inexpensive, kid friendly, and easy to make. Be sure to contact Cheri Bennett at cheri_bennett@ncsu.edu about more EFNEP opportunities.
Fermentation Lecture at Wingate University
Health & Wellness Agent Marcus McFarland has collaborated with Dr. Heather Clontz over the past year for a guest lecture series for her Food Chemistry course at Wingate University. Although physical appearance for the lecture was halted due to COVID-19, the lecture on fermentation and yoghurt-making was able to continue by way of virtual learning. Students were able to learn different methods of fermenting foods as well as a short demonstration on making yoghurt. Marcus and Dr. Clontz will continue the in-person lecture partnership next year.
FCS@Home Series
The FCS@Home series was launched with its first video highlighting North Carolina's Strawberry Season with a delicious recipe for NC Strawberry Spinach Salad. Be sure to contact Marcus McFarland at marcus_mcfarland@ncsu.edu for more healthy eating options and recipes.
We Grow Citizens
NC Strawberry Season & COVID-19
Small Farms agent Aaron Moore put together a video based on NC State Extension recommendations for safely enjoying local U-Pick strawberry farms here in Union County. This video highlights practices for social distancing, washing and cleaning produce, as well as hand washing. Be sure to keep these tips in mind next time you visit a local farmstand.
ECA Groups Make Masks for Essential Workers and Extension Staff!
Members of two Extension and Community Action (ECA) volunteer and service clubs have made over 150 masks for Union County organizations. Masks have been donated to UC Council on Aging, UC Community Center, UC HHS, HELP Pregnancy Center and UC Extension. While they continue their hard work on making masks for our community, we want to say a big THANK YOU for their continued partnership and support of Cooperative Extension. If you would like to become involved in an ECA club, contact Marcus McFarland at marcus_mcfarland@ncsu.edu for more information.
Successful Gardener Program
Plants to Dye For, presented by Keith Lilly, NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer - Dare County was our first foray into virtual meetings using the Zoom platform & it worked great! Our presenter was in Raleigh and attendees were in Union County. Keith talked about the plants and plant parts you can use to dye wool yarn. She displayed examples of the beautiful colors that can be achieved using natural materials. She also discussed details of how to extract the color form the plant materials and provided a handout that listed plants, plant parts and other materials needed to dye wool yarn. For more Successful Gardening activities, please contact Debbie Dillion at Debbie_Dillion@ncsu.edu.
Union County Extension Master Gardener Social Zoom
Each Thursday night at 7pm Debbie Dillion, Horticulture Agent, offers a Zoom Social Hour meeting for the UC Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. These meetings have been attended by 10-15 folks each week, with the purpose of providing updates from Extension and Union County, as well as keeping the EMGV engaged through social interaction. We have practiced the various features of Zoom such as the chat room, sharing screens, and responding to poll questions.
We Grow Economy
Union County Farmers Market Reopens
The UC Farmer's Market opened this past month to the excitement of many Union County residents. Vendors and shoppers alike are working hard on practicing social distancing measures, wearing PPE, and having a good time catching up with friends and associates. Locally produced fruits, vegetables, and protein sources are readily available, as well as handmade goods and crafts every Thursday and Saturday from 9am - 1pm. Come check out the Union County Farmer's Market this Saturday! For more information about the UC Farmer's Market, contact Jessica King at Jessica_King@ncsu.edu.
Staff Highlights
Maintaining Our Mission
NC Cooperative Extension provides research-based agricultural, food, and youth programs that create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for all North Carolinians. During the COVID-19 pandemic our staff has adapted to ensure we are able to serve the citizens of Union County. Through workshops & classes held on Zoom, videos created to share knowledge, Facebook Lives, increasing our reach on social media platforms, to providing 1,000 Union County Public School children with educational activities to take home and learn with their families, we have found ways to continue to provide the resources you need. Please contact us if we can provide any assistance or resources to you or your family and friends.
Credits:
Union County Cooperative Extension