Controlling Red Imported Fire Ants
Preparing Insect and Plant Disease Samples
Currituck represented at State 4-H Horse Bowl popular
Currituck County 4-H was well represented on March 1 in Greensboro, NC for the State Horse Bowl competition. Six young ladies competed taking the team to a 7th place finish out of 11 MORE »
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Extension is Planning
Extension is Planning
North Carolina
Children and Chores:
Understanding
How to Conquer
Extension is Planning
for Another Century of Success.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service has launched a strategic visioning initiative to evaluate the organization’s business model and chart a course through choppy economic waters. NCCES has seen recurring budget cuts of $20 million since 2000, resulting in the loss of roughly 90 positions over the past four years.
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Extension is Planning
for Another Century of Success.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service has launched a strategic visioning initiative to evaluate the organization’s business model and chart a course through choppy economic waters. NCCES has seen recurring budget cuts of $20 million since 2000, resulting in the loss of roughly 90 positions over the past four years.
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North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Celebrates Centennial in 2014
In North Carolina and across the country, 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary of Cooperative Extension programs. Extension’s centennial is linked to the signing of the federal Smith-Lever Act, which provided funds for life-changing educational programs. Today, Cooperative Extension programs in North Carolina are based in all the state’s 100 counties and on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. These programs draw on research-based knowledge from the state’s land-grant universities -- N.C. State University and N.C. Agricultural and Technical State University – to provide education to citizens. In Currituck County, Cooperative Extension will celebrate the centennial by sharing highlights of Extension over the years in Currituck County, hosting a Centennial Ball in November and producing a commemorative e-book. Visit the county Extension website – currituck.ces.ncsu.edu -- for updates on local centennial events and celebrations. N.C. Cooperative Extension’s centennial website provides many resources that tell the 100-year history of this organization. Visit ncce100years.ces.ncsu.edu to see a timeline of Extension milestones, historic photos, examples of Extension programs “Then and Now,” the history of the Smith-Lever Act and much more. Throughout the past 100 years and earlier, the organization now called North Carolina Cooperative Extension has served the state well – helping farmers overcome pests like the boll weevil and learn ways to increase crop yields, educating rural families and helping bring electricity to the state, assisting during times of war and disaster, helping families to provide safe, healthy meals and encouraging youth to develop skills that made them better citizens. Today, Cooperative Extension continues this important role, serving communities and families, supporting agriculture and empowering youth to be leaders. Today, extension agents help connect consumers with food produced in their communities, help families to embrace a healthy lifestyle and engage youth in science, technology, engineering and math studies. Even before the Smith-Lever Act, agricultural extension work had begun in North Carolina. In 1907, C.R. Hudson came to North Carolina to begin the work of agricultural extension from Statesville. Hudson appointed James A. Butler the first county agent, and soon farm demonstration work was under way in seven other counties: Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus and Rowan. Butler worked with J.F. Eagles and other Iredell County farmers on field demonstrations to teach better methods of growing corn and cotton, two commodity crops that continue as North Carolina staples today. Farmers were fighting to save cotton from the boll weevil, and farm demonstrations helped them to overcome this destructive insect pest. R.E. Jones, who first served as an agricultural agent for African-American farmers, became the first full-time African American 4-H leader in 1936. Jones went on to become the top administrator for Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University from 1943 to 1977; the first African American inducted into the N.C. Agricultural Hall of Fame; and the first African American to serve on the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, the panel that sets the national extension agenda. In the early 1900s, leaders like I.O. Schaub and Jane S. McKimmon began programs for boys and girls that were the precursors to today’s 4-H youth development program. The same programs attracted the attention of rural parents who started asking for similar education programs of their own. At N.C. State University today, buildings are named for both McKimmon and Schaub. Schaub was leader of the state’s Corn Clubs for boys. Corn Club members planted an acre of corn using scientific methods, and many would double or triple the corn yields of their fathers. Throughout the South, adult farmers began to request seed corn from these junior farmers, hoping to see similar results in their next crops. As Corn Club members began to earn their own spending money, girls also were looking for opportunities to earn spending money for clothing and school books. McKimmon became the first woman to lead the girls’ Tomato Clubs in North Carolina. Tomato Club members would cultivate tomatoes on 1/10 of an acre, and these young women would sell fresh tomatoes during the summer and preserve the surplus by canning for use year round. In the program’s first year, 416 girls canned nearly 80,000 jars of food. Mothers and daughters worked together on canning food, and soon the mothers asked for their own clubs. McKimmon also helped establish the first Home Demonstration Clubs for women. In addition to learning basic skills for running a home, the clubs provided valuable service to their communities – feeding the sick during the 1918 flu pandemic, providing early hot lunches in schools, supporting the war effort through collection drives and by promoting Victory Gardens. North Carolina’s literacy efforts received an early boost when Home Demonstration Clubs brought bookmobiles, and later public libraries, to their communities. The legacy of Cooperative Extension is its history of helping move North Carolina forward over the past 100 years. North Carolina remains the progressive state it is today, thanks in part to the hard work of Cooperative Extension professionals and volunteers. Watch the website for centennial news -- ncce100years.ces.ncsu.edu -- and visit your county extension center’s website for local events: currituck.ces.ncsu.edu. “Written by Natalie Hampton, CALS Communications, N.C. State University; Provided by Cameron Lowe, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Currituck”
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Children and Chores:
Should my child be expected to help?
Why is it so hard to get my children to help with everyday chores? Are the children old enough to help with housework? These may be questions you, as parents, ask yourselves daily. According to research on the ages and stages of youth development, children can contribute to simple chores around the house as early as age three. Doing chores is a tradition in many families. Chores help kids learn responsibility, and sharing chores gives you help around the house. While this may seem to be great news, keep in mind that children will not accomplish tasks the same way as adults, so patience is a must. Here are a few guidelines to help make chores more enjoyable for everyone. First, don’t insist on perfection. No one is perfect, and it’s better to take a more relaxed approach to how well your kids do their chores. Don’t delay. If you haven’t tried to get your children to help with tasks around the house, now is the time to start. You will be amazed at what kids can actually accomplish! Don’t be stingy with praise. Start praising right away! Don’t wait until the chore is done. Praise and encourage the child while the chore is in progress. You want to build positive momentum, especially with young kids. Don’t be inconsistent. If your kids aren’t expected to regularly follow through, they might start putting chores off in the hope that someone else will do them for them. Be specific with instructions. “Clean your room” is vague and can be interpreted in any number of ways. Instead, be explicit by saying, “put your clothes in the closet, books on the shelf, dishes in the kitchen and toys in the toy box.” I know this is one I often forget. Take the extra time to explain exactly how your child can be a help and you will both be happier in the end. A couple of additional things can make doing chores a better experience for children. Ease into chores for children. First, show them how to do the chore step by step. Next, let your child help you do it. Then have your child do the chore as you supervise. Once your child has it mastered, they’re ready to go solo. Go easy with reminders and deadlines. You want the chore to get done without you micromanaging it. Use the “when/then” technique. For example, say, “when the pets are fed, then you play computer games.” Finally, make chores age appropriate. A 2-3 year old can help put toys away, fill the pet’s food dishes, wipe up spills or stack books and magazines. 4-5 year olds can help make their beds, empty trash cans, clear the table, water flowers and use a hand vacuum to pick up crumbs. 6-7 year olds should be able to assist with packing their lunch for school, sweeping the floor, sorting laundry and even help outside with raking leaves or pulling weeds. As children get to be 9-10 years of age, they should be able to complete more difficult tasks such as help with dinner, unload groceries, clear the table, vacuum or prepare their own breakfast foods. By age 10, children should clean the bathroom, change their bed sheets, do laundry, make simple meals, clean the oven, and unload the dishwasher. For more information on chores and other ways to help kids become responsible, confident and independent, visit the following website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/fcs/pdfs/fcs518-02.pdf
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Understanding
Bullying
Each day, as parents and educators, we hear more and more about the effects of bullying on our children. Bullying is a serious and common problem that can drastically affect the ability of children to progress academically, emotionally and socially. Research shows that bullying can begin as early as the preschool years. In today’s world, bullying can happen quickly and repeatedly online without being noticed by adults, thanks to access to social media, cell phones and computers. This type of bullying is known as cyber-bullying. One of every four children is more than occasionally cyber-bullied; unfortunately, children are less likely to report this type of bullying. You may have already been involved with bullying either as the parent of someone who has been bullied or of a child that is bullying others. As parents, we first should gain an understanding of some of the basic characteristics of bullying: Bullying behavior is done by a person or a group who has more social status or physical power than their targets Bullying behavior is repeated by the same aggressor toward the same target Bullying youth intend harm Bullying behavior does harm or is unwelcome A bully is a child: Who is aggressive for rewards and attention Who lacks empathy and has difficulty feeling compassion for other children Who does not feel guilty Who likes to be the “boss” Whose parent(s) or other significant role model often model aggression or is aggressive for rewards or attention It is important for adults to understand that bullying is a learned behavior. As adults, we must be careful not to demonstrate bullying behavior for children. Bullies often come from homes where physical punishment is used, children are taught to fight back physically, and parental involvement and warmth are missing. They may come from homes where there are family financial and other problems. These children may be depressed or angry or upset about events at school or home. Bullying may also be modeled by other children; children often repeat the behaviors they witness. What if your child is bullying other children? Although we don’t like to think that our child could be a bully, we must face reality if it happens. Here are some suggestions for parents and caregivers who are responsible for a child who is bullying others. Make sure your child isn’t witnessing violence between members of your family. Talk to your child, his teachers and school administrators. Make it clear that bullying will not be tolerated. Have your child walk in the victim’s shoes. Increase your supervision of your child’s whereabouts and activities. Praise the efforts your child makes toward non-violence and being responsible. What can parents do to help bully-proof their children? • Encourage friendships. Children who don’t have friends tend to be vulnerable to bullies. Start early in helping your child build social skills and make friendships. • Teach your children to express themselves clearly yet tactfully. Help your child use “I statements” (e.g., “I am mad about you picking on me. Stop it!”). Such “I statements” explain how people feel. When children know how to express themselves without offending others, they tend to be popular with their peers, and that will keep bullies away: • Teach self-respect. A confident child is not likely to become a victim of a bully. • Stress the importance of body language. Teach your child to be assertive by relaxing his body (deep breathing helps), keeping his hands steady, and using frequent eye contact. These tricks will help children seem self-assured even when they are not. For more information about bullying, visit the Stop Bullying Now! website: www.stopbullying.gov. This resource offers a variety of colorful, youth appropriate resources for addressing the topic of bullying. There are several episodes of a web based cartoon that can be used with youth to address the many issues that surround bullying. For information on North Carolina’s Anti-bullying Laws and Policies, visit: http://www.stopbullying.gov/laws/north-carolina.html.
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How to Conquer
Setbacks
There you are – ready for a power-walk before heading home from work. Clothes? Check. Shoes? Where are your shoes? You forgot them at home. So much for that walk. Now, it seems, you have a choice to make. On the path to maintaining your weight there are bound to be setbacks, slip-ups and discouragements. In moments such as these do you throw in the towel or do you find another way to keep going? Stay motivated with these tips. Setbacks happen, but it isn’t the end of the world. Keep it in perspective. It is okay if you forget your shoes one day – you can re-schedule your walk later or instead turn on some music and dance once you get home. When your original plan does not work out, come up with an alternative. Start a routine. Pack your bag the night before and put it next to the door so you almost trip over it walking out. Write your fitness plan on your calendar and treat it like a scheduled appointment. When someone asks you can say I have an appointment at that time. No one is going to make time for yourself but you and remember to keep that time for yourself. There is no such thing as perfection. Skipping a workout or sneaking in an extra snack does not spell failure. It does not mean that you have blown any chance you have keeping your goals. Remember that you are human and that this is just one small set back. Use these setbacks as a learning experience. Think about what caused you to trip-up. Think about ways to avoid the same situation in the future – and if faced with the same scenario again, how would you react differently. Focus on the positives. Each day is a new day and a new chance for you to be physically active. Remember how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go. Be your own cheerleader or find a workout buddy who can motivate you to be active. Sometimes this makes you more accountable. You can also post your workouts on social media so that all your friends can cheer you on. Remember the feeling you had when you finished a brisk walk or followed your eating plan for the day – confident and proud of your accomplishments? Set small goals each day – these are stepping stones along the path to reaching your larger goals – and celebrate each success. Each workout you completed is a success! During the holidays there are many reasons to put off being active, healthy and achieving your goals but remember to make time for yourself. It is especially important in such busy times when we can be particularly stressed. Exercise is a great way to relive stress and can also be time spent with friends or alone to relax and reflect. For more helpful tips and information visit www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com or contact Olivia Jones via e-mail Olivia_jones@ncsu.edu or phone 252-232-2261.
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Safety First 4-H Day Camp
Currituck County 4-H is hosting a Safety First Day Camp on April 22, 2014 starting at 9:00am. This event will be for youth ages 5-10 years old as of January 1, 2014. Youth are MORE »
Vegetable Gardening Class popular
The Currituck County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will be sponsoring a vegetable gardening class at the Currituck Extension Center in Barco on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 beginning at 6:30 p.m. This MORE »
Small Poultry Flocks 101 popular
The Currituck County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will be conducting a program on raising a Backyard Chicken Flock on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at the Currituck Extension Center in Barco beginning MORE »
2014 Northeast Ag Expo Field Day popular
The annual Northeast Ag Expo Field Day will be held on Friday, May 9that C.A. Perry & Son, Chowan Farms Division, 2824 Virginia Road (Hwy NC 32), Tyner, NC 27980. The featured crop MORE »
Currituck Home, Flower and Garden Show popular
The Currituck County Master Gardeners are delighted to announce their annual Home, Flower and Garden show which will be held on Friday April 11th and Saturday April 12th. Doors will open to the MORE »
Nominations Sought for Business Scholarship popular
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Making Sense (and Cents) out of Home Energy Efficiency Projects popular
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EVENTS View AllMore Events
Horse Industry Promotion ReferendumTue Mar 11, 2014 Today
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Where:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Where:
NC Cooperative Extension, 120 Community Way, Barco, NC and Currituck County 4-H Rural Center, 184 Milburn Sawyer Road, Powells Point, NC 27966
— 9 hours agoSteps to HealthTue Mar 11, 2014 Today
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Where:
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM Where:
Powells Point Senior Center, Caratoke Highway, Powells Point, NC, United States
— 6 hours agoMaster Gardener Volunteer Training ClassTue Mar 11, 2014 Today
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Where:
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Where:
NC Cooperative Extension, 120 Community Way, Barco, NC 27917
— 4 hours agoEat Smart Move More Weigh LessThu Mar 13, 2014
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Where:
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Where:
NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center, 120 Community Way, Barco, NC 27917
— 2 days away
