Food Safety on the Farm

Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 26th, as there will be a GAP training in Surry County. This workshop is targeted to produce/fruit growers needing GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Certification.

Particpating  growers will receive the information and tools needed to create their own plan of action food safety manual. There is NO fee for this training. Extension has partnered with Surry Community College and through the Surry Skill-Up Project (Tobacco Trust Fund), the workshop and materials for participants will be PAID. 

Class is limited to the first 20, so register early. If you have questions, call Wythe Morris or Joanna Radford at the Surry Extension office at 336.401.8025.  

Dining With Diabetes

Alleghany Cooperative Extension, partnering with Appalachian District Health Department and Alleghany Wellness Center, is presenting Dining with Diabetes.

This 4 week course is a series of classes that will be presented by nutrition professionals and will include food samplings, recipes and help with planning menus for individuals with diabetes.

The course will be held from 5 - 6:30pm at the Alleghany Wellness Center on Tuesdays, starting April 26th.  The cost of the course is $12 per person (covers all food costs for all 4 classes).

The registration deadline is Friday, April 22nd and class space is limited to 15 persons.  You mail register by mail or in person to Alleghany Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 7, 90 S. Main Street, Sparta, NC 28675.  Checks are payable to Extension Fund.

If you have any questions or would like more information call 336-372-5597.

** You do not have to have a diabetes diagnosis to attend this course, you may have prediabetes or a family member with diabetes **

Small Farms Food Drive - benefiting Solid Rock Food Closet

Alleghany Cooperative Extension is participating in a statewide food drive that will benefit the Solid Rock Food Closet of Sparta.  We are participating in conjunction with the 30th Annual Small Farms Week celebration, March 20-26.

Sponsored by The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Small Farms Week pays tribute to the state’s small-scale growers. By expanding the scope of this year’s observance to include a food drive, Cooperative Extension is hoping to acknowledges farmers’ contribution to the health and economy of North Carolina as well as bringing awareness to food insecurity across our county and state.

We are hoping to collect 125 cans by March 15 but we need your help!!!

If you have canned and non perishable items you would like to contribute, please bring them to 90 S Main St, 3rd floor.  There is a box set up for your donations.  Anything is appreciated.

If you have questions, please contact the office at 336-372-5597.

Tornado Safety

With the pending weather it never hurts to review procedures on Tornado Safety!!!


TORNADO SAFETY

Keep your Heating Unit in Top Shape

Keep Your Heating Unit in Top Shape Your heating unit is working hard to keep you warm this winter, why not return the favor? Properly maintaining your unit is important for making sure it is at peak condition and that you get a long lifespan out of it. Whether you have a heat pump, furnace, or other type of unit, there are some actions you can take to ensure that your system is working well: Change your air filters monthly Make certain that all duct work is properly sealed Keep all supply and return vents open and free from obstructions such as furniture or rugs Have your unit inspected on an annual basis to ensure optimal performance To help keep you comfortable while the heat is on, think about the following: Keep heat producing appliances (such as the TV) away from the thermostat Use a programmable thermostat Caulk and seal air leaks For more information, check out the Home Energy Management website.  You may also want to visit Energy.gov for resources on home heating, including the following infographic on Home Heating Systems.

Family & Consumer Sciences Newsletter

The February/March 2016 edition of the Alleghany Family & Consumer Sciences Newsletter is now available online.  Click here to view.

Extension & Community Association Scholarships

Alleghany County Extension & Community Association (ECA) members are proud to announce they are accepting applications for the 2016 North Central District Extension and Community Association Scholarships.  The $800.00 scholarships are given to a youth and an adult who are continuing their education beyond the high school level in any field of study, but with priority given to a degree in family and consumer sciences.

A youth applicant is defined as a high school senior or a student currently enrolled in college having completed high school without a break in his /her formal education.  An adult is an individual who has completed high school and has had a break in his/her formal education and now wishes to further his/her education.  All applicants must be North Carolina residents and planning to attend a North Carolina accredited college, community college or technical institute the fall of 2015. Scholarships are awarded based on the following criteria:

• Financial Need ~ 25%
• Scholarship Potential ~ 25%
• Activities and Honors ~ 25%
• ECA Connection ~ 25%

The deadline for applications is February 12, 2016.  To obtain an application or for more information, call the Alleghany County Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 372-5597. 

Alleghany County Extension and Community Association (ECA) has three clubs and  more than 50 members located throughout the county.  The organization’s mission is to Strengthen Families through
·         Leadership Development
·         Volunteer Work
·         Educational Support
·         Researched-based education from North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University