Solutions in Your Community

Anne Arundel County UME Newsletter

December 2021


Dear Friends and Clients,


Happy New Year! Let me first tell you how happy I am to once again be working in Anne Arundel County as the Capital Cluster Area Extension Director! 


I would like to express my appreciation to Robert Baldwin for serving as the interim AED from May through November as I was out on intermittent extended sick leave for an infection (not COVID). I am glad to say that I have made a full recovery and am back at work full time.


This has been a very difficult past two years, but I am thankful that we seem to be discovering new responses and solutions almost every day.


I also want to recognize the “yeoman’s” job put forth by our Extension faculty and staff to maintain a vibrant and responsive program meeting the needs in our county. I will list changes in staff in the next newsletter and discuss upcoming spring and summer programs. 


I hope that all are well and healthy as we move through the winter.

Karol Westelinck Dyson

Area Extension Director

We're still in business, but with some differences!!

For well over 100 years, University of Maryland Extension has fulfilled its mission of delivering science-based education to Maryland citizens and communities.


Our office resumed normal operations on Monday, July 19, 2021 and we welcome all clientele and stakeholders.


We understand that some people are still very cautious and we are always committed to meeting the needs of our clientele and stakeholders to ensure that you have the information and assistance you need to protect your families, farms, and communities.


  • Call or email us: We will continue to answer your questions and provide the resources you need.


  • Field visits: We will continue to conduct on-site field visits for diagnosis of production issues.



Mark Your Calendar!

Private Pesticide Applicator Certification/Exam

January 4/18, 2022

6:00 - 8:00 PM

Anne Arundel UME/ZoomE

Click here for more information.


Office closures:

December 31, 2021 - New Year's Holiday

January 17, 2022 - Martin Luther King's Birthday

4-H Has Been Busy!!

Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent

4-H Youth Development

4-H Turkey Shoot Celebrates 50!

The 50th Anniversary of the Anne Arundel County 4-H Turkey Shoot was held on November 13, hosted by the Friendship Outdoor Skills 4-H Club at Meyer Station Nature Center in Odenton, Maryland. Although the weather went from sunny to cloudy and rainy, and back to sunny, that didn’t discourage the 65 participants competing in riflery and archery. Over 75 youth and adults enjoyed refreshments for sale, crafts for Clovers (ages 5-7), and a chance for everyone 8 and older (including non-members and adults) to participate in either archery or riflery.


The winners of the Turkey Shoot each received awards from the Anne Arundel County 4-H Foundation. This year the AAC 4-H Foundation began a new award in memory of long time 4-H Archery Instructor, Volunteer and Educator, Jim Kahler. The award, named the James R. Kahler Turkey Shoot Top 4-H Archer Award, will be

presented each year to the to the top scoring AAC 4-H archer. The Kahler family was on hand to present the first winner of this award to our Intermediate winner, Dylin. It was a meaningful year for the event, celebrating both the 50th Anniversary of the Turkey Shoot and the memory of a truly dedicated 4-H Volunteer, Jim Kahler.


Written by Julianna, Club Reporter



Hands to Larger Service

What do you get when you combine 23 youth, shaving cream, peppermint oil, cinnamon sticks, beads, string and wrapping paper? A snow-tastic day of fellowship and creativity! We had a festive afternoon where youth made gifts to share with family and friends. There was also an opportunity for youth to donate coats, hats, mittens, and make a special homemade card. The donations were for Giving Back, Linda’s Legacy who distributed them to local shelters on Christmas Eve. Thank you for helping to make this a very successful drive to help those in need in our area!

Anne Arundel County Master Gardeners Seed Swap

Anne Arundel County MG Seed Swap

Saturday, January 29, 2022

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Odenton Library, 1425 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD


The Master Gardeners of Anne Arundel County present their Annual Seed Swap. Come with seeds to share or come without seeds! We will have goodie bags, door prizes, handouts, and more plus take home seeds of your choosing.


Contact SSterling.MGSeedSwap@gmail.com for more information.

Southern Maryland Vegetable & Fruit Production Meeting

Make plans to attend the Southern Maryland Vegetable and Fruit Production Meeting on February 10, 2022 from 8:00-4:00 at the Baden Volunteer Fire Department. Speakers will provide IPM updates and present on a broad range of production topics. Also at this meeting sponsors will showcase their products and services, and state vegetable organization leaders will be present to recruit and answer your questions. 



There is a $15 fee payable at the door. Attendance at this conference will satisfy the requirement for the Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification & Nutrient Applicator Voucher. Registration is required. Participants may be required to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Seating may be limited for on-site participation due to University of Maryland COVID 19 meeting rule compliance.


REGISTER ONLINE

Join Anne Arundel County 4-H

Did you visit the Anne Arundel County Fair this year? Did you wonder what in the world 4-H is all about? Do you have children between 8 and 18 or know someone who does? If so, it's easy to learn more! Visit our website or email the the Anne Arundel County 4-H office at gsumbrum@umd.edu."4-H makes the best better!"

Become an Anne Arundel County Master Gardener

Interested in becoming a Master Gardener? Master Gardeners are a group of gardening enthusiasts who are passionate about gardening, education, and volunteering in their community. The curriculum is presented by University of Maryland Extension faculty and trained Master Gardeners.



Click here for more information.

Our Agronomy Experts are Here to Help

When our offices are closed, we are still working to provide assistance.


  • Call or email us: We continue to answer questions and conduct field research to deliver the resources you need.


  • Field visits: If needed and following social distancing protocol, we continue to conduct on-site field visits for diagnosis of production issues.



  • Online Resources: We are expanding online learning available at the websites below. Find online pesticide and nutrient voucher recertification here: Upcoming programs

We are here to help you. Contact any of your Southern Maryland Agriculture Agents:


Alan Leslie

301-542-7612

aleslie@umd.edu

https://extension.umd.edu/charles-county


Ben Beale

301-481-7209

bbeale@umd.edu

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/st-marys-county


Dave Myers

410-980-1768

myersrd@umd.edu

https://extension.umd.edu/locations/anne-arundel-county


Healthy Eating - Quick Blueberry Cobbler


4 teaspoons quick-cooking oats (not instant)

1 ½ teaspoon whole wheat flour

½ teaspoon packed brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground flaxseeds, optional

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch salt

1 ½ teaspoon cold, unsalted butter

2/3 cup fresh blueberries

½ teaspoon cornstarch

Vanilla yogurt, cinnamon (optional)


In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the oats, flour, 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar, flaxseeds (if using), ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and the salt. Add butter. Using your fingers, knead together until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In an 8-10-ounce microwave-safe mug or small casserole dish, combine the blueberries, remaining ½ teaspoon brown sugar, and corn starch. Using a fork, mash the berry mixture. Place the oat mixture and berry mixture side by side in the microwave. Cook on 50% (medium) power for 1 ½ minutes. Remove berry mixture from microwave. Cook oat mixture an additional 10 to 15 seconds on 100% (high) power. Lett cool 1 minute. Stir oat mixture. Pour oat mixture over berry mixture. If desired, top with vanilla yogurt and sprinkle with cinnamon.


Source: eatsmart.umd.edu

Area Extension Director

Karol Dyson, AED

kdyson1@umd.edu or 410-222-3900

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Dave Myers, Principal Agent

myersrd@umd.edu or 410-222-3906

Nutrient Management

Nutrient Management Advisor

410-222-3906

Master Gardener Program

Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator

nallred@umd.edu or 410-222-3906

4-H Youth Development

Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent

gsumbrum@umd.edu or 410-222-3900

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed)

LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate

lcolema4@umd.edu or 410-222-3903

University of Maryland Extension

Anne Arundel County Office

97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054

410-222-3900

extension.umd.edu/anne-arundel-county