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Prince George's County
February 2015
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Thank you for being a dedicated reader of our E-newsletter!
This month we are introducing several changes to our format that we hope will give you information about upcoming programs along with some life style tips to improve your communities, while making our newsletter more concise and easier to read.
Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can provide better "Solutions in your Community" this year.
Capitol Area Extension Director
University of MD Extension
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Upcoming Events 
February 20, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. - Healthy Cents class at Greenbelt Community Center, 15 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, Md. Teaches families to stretch limited food dollars and make healthy food choices.
March 2, - May 13, 2015 - Master Gardener Training; 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. Mon and Wednesdays; 4-H Center, 8020 Greenmeade Drive, College Park, Md See flyer for more details.
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TEDxManhattan - Changing the Way We Eat. Speakers and local food sampling. See flyer for details. Register with Eventbrite.
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PG County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet "Winter Wonderland" - 5:30 p.m. Baden Volunteer Fire Dept.; 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD. Proceeds will go to a local charity and to support young farmer training. See flyer for more details.
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Master Gardeners Spring Garden Library Lectures
begin March 7th and run through June 13 - First lecture is on Starting a Vegetable Garden at both the Hillcrest Heights (4pm) and Greenbelt(2pm) libraries. See the Master Gardeners lecture series page for additional dates, topics and locations.
- "Triple P" Pancake Breakfast, Project Day & Public Speaking Contest at the Patuxent River 4-H Center. Contact Laura Manzi for details.
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4-H Teens and Dr. Jim Tibbs Honored at State 4-H Gala!
Prince George's teens and Dr. Jim Tibbs were honored at the State 4-H Gala on Jan 18.
Dr. Tibbs was recognized as an "Honorary 4-Her" for his many years of volunteering in the county. Several teens were recognized for completion of the Diamond Clover Projects while others received scholarships from the Maryland 4-H Foundation.
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Expanding Adventures in Science into Prince George's County
Maryland 4-H Youth Development is expanding the Adventures in Science program to Prince George's County. Geared toward middle school youth, Adventures in Science aims to inspire youngsters with interactive science lessons to encourage them to stay connected to and interested in science throughout high school and college.
"Expanding this program into Prince George's County has given 4-H the opportunity to partner with university professors and government institutions such as USDA and NASA...[and] engage with the local community," said Laura Manzi, 4-H Extension Educator in Prince George's County. "This is a perfect fit for middle school youth...[because] middle school is the age at which many young teens either become very interested in science or are totally turned off by it." Read more...
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Did you Know... ?
 ...it's not too late to give your Valentine a plant with a heart that lasts long after the chocolates are gone? Instead of chocolates which will disappear and/or go to your valentine's waistline, why not give your sweetheart a heart-shaped house plant? Many plants have beautiful heart-shaped leaves and some even flower. Three of the most popular plants are identified below and can be found at garden centers, nurseries and even hardware stores.
The Anthurium, in particular, has red, pink heart-shaped flowers and green leaves. This is a tropical plant that likes bright light and moisture but be sure not to make it soaking wet. Other nice options are the philodendron and the pothos . ____________________________________________
...in order to become more physically active you don't need to spend a lot of time exercising? For example, you could walk the dog for 10 minutes before and after work and then do a 10 minute walk at lunch time at least three times per week. There's your half hour of exercise broken up into "bite sized chunks!" ____________________________________________
...anyone aged 8-18 can join 4-H? Youth ages 5-7 are called Clovers and can participate in learning activities prior to official membership!
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...in December 2014, the 4-H Trailblazers club sponsored The Wonder of Bricks (WOB), a service-learning project? The program was proposed by member Nathaniel Brown, Jr. Committee member Robert Robinson produced a 3-minute documentary for the event and entered it into the 2015 White House Student Film Festival. The theme of this year's festival is "The Impact of Giving Back". Young filmmakers were challenged to tell a story about paying it forward, about community service, or what making a difference looks like in their eyes and through their lens. Check it out and "Like it."
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...two Prince George's County farmers are about to graduate from University of Maryland Extension's LEAD program, and another one will dive into this prestigious curriculum this spring? Shelby Watson Hampton (Robin Hill Farm) and Brad Miller (Miller Farms), graduates of the current class, and Tiffany Romano-Myers (Romano Vineyard and Winery), incoming fellow, invite you to celebrate with them on March 14. LEAD Maryland Foundation is dedicated to identifying and developing leadership to serve agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities. Click here for more information about this upcoming event.
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...that you can check your credit report for free? You get one free report per year; visit www.annualcreditreport.com o r call 1(877) 322-8228. If you place your order by phone you must answer questions via a recorded system with your address, social security number and date of birth. There are three credit agencies; you may choose all three or you may choose them individually and get one free report from each company every year! Staggering your requests during a 12 month period may be a good way to monitor the accuracy of the information in the reports. A mailed report takes approximately 2-3 weeks after you call. For more information visit www.consumer.ftc.gov.
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...that March is National Nutrition Month? This year's theme is "Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle" and with a little planning you can make small changes today to stay healthy and save money! Need help with developing a healthy grocery list or budget? Visit Choose My Plate.
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The Gold Mine in Our Back Yard
(by Rita Calvert)
Three years ago, I first visted Sally Fallon's farm, PA Bowen Farmstead in southern Prince George's County and took the tour led by Sally herself. Now years later, I got to meet the new skilled and exuberant mangers, Amy McCurdy and Brian Wort. Actually I did have the chance to meet Brian at the new Riva Farmers Market the opening Sunday on January 18, 2015. He will be there again this Sunday along with other farmers giving us items we are blessed to have available in the winter! Read more... |
 Recipe of the Month: Shredded Pork Like this recipe? Check out more on our EFNEP recipe page.
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| SAVE THE DATE: Growing Community Gardens
Saturday, March 28, 2015
The 3rd Annual Growing Community Gardens event is back! UME-PGC will host this event at the Center for Educational Partnership in Riverdale, Maryland on Saturday, March 28th from 9 am - 2pm. For more information, contact Michelle Nelson at [email protected] or Esther Mitchell at [email protected].
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 This newsletter is brought to you by University of Maryland Extension, Prince George's County. University of Maryland Extension is a statewide educational organization funded by federal, state, and local governments. Our mission is to support Maryland's agricultural industry; protect its valuable natural resources; enhance the well-being of families and individuals, both young and old; and foster the development of strong, stable communities. University of Maryland Extension programs are open to all citizens without regard to race, color, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or national origin. |
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