Alexander County Center
May, 2017
Alexander County Center
Two New Agents with 
NC Cooperative Extension-Alexander County Center

First, new in the Family and Consumer position is Der Holcomb.  She is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro with a degree in Public Health.  She has 5 years of experience with Extension coming from the Catawba County staff.  Some of Der's goals include working with both youth and adults in the areas of nutrition and healthy living.  Some events she plans to continue in Alexander County are "Real Money Real World", "Speedway to Healthy", "Serve Safe" and others.

Next, as our new 4-H Agent, Christy Crouse comes from our local school system.  Christy holds both Bachelor and Masters Degrees from Appalachian State University and has taught school several years in both Caldwell and Alexander counties but most recently at Ellendale Elementary.  Christy is jumping in the fire with our Embryology project at all schools, Wake up to Agriculture for all the 1st Graders soon and planning all of the "Summer Fun" 4-H and Youth Camps to begin in early June.

So when you get a chance, welcome them both.  We are all very excited to have both Der and Christy joining our Alexander Extension Team!

4-H Paper Clover Fundraiser
April 26-May 7, 2017

Where- Tractor supply, Taylorsville, NC

The semi-annual Paper Clover Fundraiser at Tractor Supply is around the corner. We invite you to support   4-H by donating $1 at checkout in the local Tractor Supply store to contribute to funds that help Caldwell County 4-H to be able to offer quality youth 
development programs to the youth of our county.

4-H Clubs will be at Tractor Supply on certain days during the fundraiser. Come out and see our 4-Hers 
and support them. 

4-H South Central District Activity Day is in Alexander County. 

Event will be held at West Alexander Middle School
District Activity Day is when hundreds of 4-H members sharpen their public speaking skills through presentations and demonstrations.  They are learning to  communicate with others face to face while building their confidence to share something they are interested in. This gives youth an opportunity to give a speech or do a demonstration on a variety of topics outside the school setting.   Youth are judged on their presentations and t he top three winners in each category earn a chance to compete at 4-H Congress in June.

We are in need of volunteers to help with the presentation rooms that day.  If you can volunteer your time (9:00am-2:00pm) please let the Cooperative Extension Office know by calling 828-632-3125 or email Christy Crouse at cwcrouse@ncsu.edu.

You may wonder: What is 4-H?
4-H is a fun and educational program for youth ages 5-18  The 4-H program is a part of NC Cooperative Extension and is dedicated to helping young people develop life skills needed to be contributing members of their communities.

These skills include: responsibility, leadership, self-esteem, critical thinking, communication skills and good citizenship through learning through doing.  4-Hers also give back to the community by helping others through community service.  

Youth can participate in 4-H through different types of learning experiences:
*Clubs and groups
*School Enrichment Programs
*Summer Programming
*Special Interest Programs

Come join us!  Call us for more information: 828-632-3125 or email: cwcrouse@ncsu.edu
Like us on Facebook:  4-H Alexander County
Alexander 4-H Summer Opportunities

Summer break is just around the corner for many youth...do you have plans for them.  Alexander County 4-H has a summer full of opportunities for your youth.

For a list of available programs click the link below:

Please be sure to fill out the registration form along with the 4-H Enrollment Form, 4-H Medical Form and a 4-H Media Release Form. You can pick these forms up at the 4-H Center or you can find them here: 


Payments are accepted in the  form of cash or check.   A 50% deposit will need to be paid at the time of registering for camps.   You can pay at the    4-H Center or mail to 376 1st Avenue SW, Taylorsville, NC 28681.
For more information please call 828-632-3125.

May Garden Tips
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Fertilizing
  • Fertilize summer flowering plants like crape myrtle and rose-of-Sharon this month.
  • Do not forget to sidedress or fertilize your vegetable six to eight weeks after germination.
Planting
  • Plant gladioli bulbs (corms) this month.
  • Plant summer annuals like begonia, geranium, marigold, petunia and zinnia this month.
  • The following vegetable plants can be set out this month: eggplant, pepper, tomato and sweet potato.
  • The following vegetables can be planted this month: beans, lima beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, okra, southern peas, pumpkin, squash and watermelon.
Pruning
  • Prune your hybrid rhododendron after they finish flowering.
  • Prune any hedges that have outgrown their desired shape.
  • Begin pinching your chrysanthemums and continue through early July.
  • Pick off azalea leaf galls as they form.
  • Do NOT cut back spring bulb foliage until it turns yellow and brown.
Spraying
  • Spray the following vegetables if insects are observed: cucumber (cucumber beetle), squash (squash borer and aphids, tomato and eggplant (flea beetle), broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower (worms).
  • Keep spraying your tree fruits and bunch grapes with a fungicide program.
  • Use pesticides sparingly. Spray only when needed.
Lawn Care
  • Fertilize zoysia this month after it has greened up. Do NOT fertilize tall fescue now.
  • Start warm season lawns like zoysia in May.
  • Mowing heights for your lawn are important. Cut tall fescue and bluegrass at three inches, zoysia at one inch.
Specific Chores
  • Purchase locally grown strawberries.
  • Move houseplants outside if desired.
  • If weather turns dry, give favorite plants a good soaking once a week.
  • Contact the Extension Center to find out the recommended small fruit varieties.
NC State Gardening, Agriculture, and Pest Updates

You can sign up for the latest news on gardening, pest advisories, livestock, energy, and many others.  Check out the  complete list of NC State News that you can subscribe to and get the latest research based info.  Be the first to know! 

Find Team Beef Tent at Relay for Life
Friday, May 19 @ 6:00p.m.
Main Avenue Drive, Taylorsville, NC


The Alexander County Cattleman's Association will be selling ribeye steak sandwich's at this year's Alexander County Relay for Life event.  Find the Beef Tent to on May 19.  All proceeds go to Relay for Life.  

Pressure Canner Dial Gauge Testing
Sunday May 21st, 2017 1pm-3pm 
Taylorsville True Value Hardware Store
1351 NC 16 Taylorsville, NC 28681

By Appointment at NC Cooperative Extension-Alexander County Center

Don't risk losing precious garden produce or becoming seriously ill through unsafe canning methods or inaccurate equipment.  Dial gauge pressure canners, old or new, needs to be checked for accuracy each year. If you are interested in getting your dial gauge tested, please contact the Alexander County Center at 828-632-3125 to set up an appointment. Bring lids only. The canner base is not needed for testing.  Current recommendations for canning and freezing will be available.  

Basic of Home Canning Workshop

June 7 th, 2017 6:00pm - 8:00pm
NC Cooperative Extension - Alexander County Center
Extension Learning Center


Canning season is right around the corner. If the art of home canning is new to you, learn the basics at a two hour workshop sponsored by North Carolina Cooperative Extension.  The workshop will cover equipment and supplies and safe procedures for canning low acid and high acid foods.  The registration fee of $5.00 covers all educational materials.  Advance registration is required by Wednesday May 31st.  Register by calling the Alexander County Center at     828-632-3125.



County Offices will be closed Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day
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Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Statement

2.1.  North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, a ge, disability, or veteran's status. In addition, the two Universities welcome all person without regard to sexual orientation.  North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

2.2.  Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations   to participate by contacting Alexander County Extension Director, Lenny Rogers, at (828)632-4451 or    lenny_rogers@ncsu.edu or in person at the County Extension Office at least 14 days prior to the event.
Contact:
Julie Campbell, Administrative Assistant
376 1st Ave. SW, Taylorsville, NC 28681
828-632-4451