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

How to Prepare for Winter Weather

As we all prepare for the possibility of winter weather, don't forget about the resources available on the NC Disaster Information Center portal  -- https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/.  This site includes resources on preparation as well as recovery after winter storms.

There is also a guide from FEMA, How to Prepare for Winter Storms.

January is National Radon Action Month

January is National Radon Action Month.  Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can only be detected through testing.

Click here to read the NC Healthy Homes Solutions newsletter.