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September 7:
Labor Day
Office closed
November 3: Election Day Office closed
November 11: Veteran's Day Office closed
November 26-27: Thanksgiving Holiday Office closed
December 25: Christmas Day Office closed |
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August 2020
Dear friend of Extension,
We know that you, like many of us, are probably feeling frustrated, confused, and just plain ornery some days about the continuing concern and issues surrounding Covid-19. It is hard to believe that this epidemic has been affecting our state and country since March, and doesn't have a definite end in sight. Like you, we continue to try to do our jobs, respond to our families, neighbors and clientele with a cheerful attitude and continuing desire to help. In this issue we have information about several programs that may help you and/or your family cope in the days ahead. Trouble sleeping? Check out the article below. Or needing new food ideas? See Fresh Conversations. Also check out our web page, both for AA County and the state UME page for other ideas.
Call or email us if you think there is a way that we can help. Stay safe and healthy.
Best,
Karol Westelinck Dyson
Capital Area Extension Director
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We're still in business, but with some differences!!
We have resumed operations at our office partially. All visits will be by appointment only. No walk-ins will be permitted. We will be working on a 'split" schedule working remotely and also being in the office until Governor Hogan clears us to be back in the offices full-time.
As we return to part-time office work, certain guidelines must be followed: 
- Face masks must be worn and social distancing practiced at all times while at our facility.
- All visits will be on an appointment-only basis. The best way to reach the educators will be by email. We will only have 1 appointment at a time. Please come alone, do not bring anyone else with you.
- When you arrive for your appointment, please call the office from the parking lot and let us know you are here. You will receive a call when the person you are coming to see is ready. They will meet you at the door. They will meet with you outside if the weather is cooperating.
- We know this may seem inconvenient to some of you; these are county and university guidelines created to try to meet our mission of educating the public and our stakeholders and at the same time ensuring the safety of our faculty, syaff and YOU!
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Golden Slumbers
Jeanette Jeffrey, Healthy Living Educator
For many Americans, lack of sleep is nothing new. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one-third of all American adults do not get the recommended 7 hours or more of sleep per night. Beyond feeling sluggish the next day, lack of sleep increases a driver's risk of having a car accident and is linked to a number of chronic diseases, such as: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and depression.
To get better sleep, the CDC offers the following tips:
- Be consistent. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from the bedroom
- Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
- Get some exercise. Being physically active during the day can help you fall asleep more easily at night.
The change of routine, isolation, stress and anxiety brought on by COVID-19 has resulted in more people than ever experiencing sleep disturbances. If you are having difficulty sleeping, are feeling overwhelmed with anxiety and stress and/or are experiencing symptoms of depression, please reach out to your health care provider. Help is available.
References:
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Our Experts Are Here to Help!
For well over 100 years, University of Maryland Extension has fulfilled its mission of delivering science-based education to Maryland citizens and communities. We will not waiver from that promise. Our faculty and staff are developing new learning opportunities to continue to meet the needs of our stakeholders and clientele; we are committed to ensuring that you have the science-based information you need to protect your families, farms and communities whether in an urban, suburban or rural area of the state.
We are ready to serve you.
 While our offices are closed or only partially staffed, 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.
We are offering many classes remotely, and, in fact, you can attend classes across the state from the comfort of your home! |
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Fresh Conversations Offered Online!
Please join Jeanette Jeffrey, University of Maryland Extension Educator, online for the series Fresh Conversations. Focused on older adults (50+ years of age), Fresh
Conversations features an array of nutrition, wellness, and health-related topics.
This 8-part series will meet the first and third Friday of each month beginning September 4th and ending December 18th.
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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. The class scheduled for this fall-winter is already full but we have started a waiting list for a spring class if we see the need. Call for more information!
Click here for more information.
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strives to link the power of poetry to the cause of hunger alleviation in
the U.S. and around the world.
PoetryXHunger Initiative calls on poets to write about the rising concern over food insecurity locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
If you ever doubted that poetry could speak back to hunger, please take three minutes to listen to poet Patience Gumbo of Zimbabwe as she reads her poem, Hunger. I guarantee you that the poem and her voice will haunt you, and leave you wanting more.
Then listen, as Patience reads her poem Hunger to you at:
Lastly, keep in mind that her poem and many, many others that are posted on Poetry X Hunger's website are available freely for use in anti-hunger work.
eXtension Poetry Webinar, 2:00 p.m. on November 5, 2020.
Mark the date on your calendars. Registration details will be available soon.
By Hiram Larew, Poet
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Our Agronomy Experts are Here to Help
While 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: https://go.umd.edu/iKp
We are here to help you. Contact any of your Southern Maryland Agriculture Agents:
Alan Leslie
 301-542-7612 Ben Beale 301-481-7209 Dave Myers 410-980-1768
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Perhaps you have heard that the Anne Arundel County Fair will not be held this year, along with most county fairs. They will be missed by many, but there are efforts to hold some virtual
activities in their place. Stay tuned as details are released. This may include the opportunity to purchase 4-H locally grown meats through a virtual event.
Do you have children between 8 and 18 or know someone who does? If so, it's easy to learn more about 4-H! Visit our website or email the Anne Arundel County 4-H office at [email protected]. "4-H makes the best better!"
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Do you have a plant question? Pests in your house? Not happy with your lawn? The University of Maryland Home and
Garden Information Center can help. Visit their website:
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Agriculture & Natural Resources
Interested in agriculture? There are many agriculture resources available on our website.
Agriculture Newsletters
Agriculture Calendar of Events
For more information, please contact Dave Myers, Extension Educator, AGNR.
4-H offers plant and animal science programs for youth ages 8-18. See the 4-H website for more details. |
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Healthy Eating - Simple Fish Tacos
Cooking oil spray¾ cup low-fat sour cream
½ bunch fresh cilantro
1 package of taco seasoning
6 (6-inch) corn or whole wheat tortillas 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 pound tilapia (4 filets), fresh or thawed
2 cups cabbage, washed and shredded
2 medium tomatoes, washed and diced
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix. Set aside until # 5. In a medium skillet or pan, spray with cooking spray. On medium heat, put tortillas in the pan, one at a time. Heat briefly on both sides until tortilla is soft. In a medium bowl combine oil, lemon juice, and ½ a tablespoon of taco seasoning. Place Tilapia in a large skillet. Pour the oil and lemon juice mixture over the Tilapia filets. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. As Tilapia cooks, break it into bite size pieces in the pan. Fill warm tortilla with Tilapia and sour cream mixture from step Top with shredded cabbage, diced tomato, and fresh lime juice.
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Did you know...
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on Monday, June 1, 2020 and lasts until Monday, November 30, 2020. The peak of hurricane season for Anne Arundel County is between mid-August to late October.
Click here to learn more.
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Anne Arundel County Extension
97 Dairy Lane
Gambrills, MD 21054
410-222-3900
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Area Extension Director Karol Dyson, AED
| Agriculture & Natural Resources
Dave Myers, Principal Agent
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Nutrient Management
Kayla Griffith, Nutrient Management Advisor
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Master Gardener Program
Nancy Allred, Interim Master Gardener Coordinator
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4-H Youth Development
Gretchen Sumbrum, Agent
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Food Supplement Nutrition Education Program
LaTasha Coleman, Principal Agent Associate
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Family and Consumer Sciences
Jeanette Jeffrey, Agent |  |
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