Catawba County Extension
We continue to serve you!
The Catawba County Extension Office is working hard to adjust our programs for social distancing standards. We continue to offer all of the consultation and programming that you are used to - just at a distance. If you need to meet with an agent please use the link below to set an appointment, ask a question, or participate in education and training opportunities. All of our agents are ready to serve your needs.
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Upcoming Events and Activities
Tai Chi and Hike - Dec 15 and Dec 19 at Baker's Mt Park
Cooking 101-NEW 4-H Virtual Cooking Class- December 18th.
Master Gardener Course - starts April 2021 - 6 spots still available!
Cattlemen's Meeting - Dec 8, 6:30 - 8 PM
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Visit NC App
This new App is a great resource for anyone wanting to see what agritourism opportunities such as farm visits, wineries, U-pick, farm stores, restaurants featuring local foods and local food events are available throughout the North Carolina
Please let us know if you would like your farm or food business to be added to the Visit NC App.
Please contact April Vigardt at alvigard@ncsu.edu for more information or to suggest an agritourism business to be added
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We always welcome your questions
Questions regarding garden veggies, herbs, and fruit
send them to George: gtplace@ncsu.edu
Questions regarding ornamentals, lawn, and trees
send them to Adam: ansmith3@ncsu.edu
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Tai Chi on Zoom
Wednesdays - noon to 12:30
Tai Chi and Hiking
Dec 15, 3:00 - 3:30 PM, Baker's Mt. Park
Join us for a hike after the session from 3:30 - 4:30!
Dec 19, 9:30 - 10:00 AM, Baker's Mt Park
Join us for a hike after the session from 10 - 11 AM!
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2021 Master Gardener Class Registration Open!
** Due to carry-over from the canceled 2020 class, there is very limited space available! As of 12/1/2020, there are 6 spots left **
The 2021 class will be held for 6 weeks in the spring (April to mid-May) and 6 weeks in the fall (late August to October) on Wednesdays from 9am-12pm.
** This class will be an in-person class that will be held outdoors. All classes are hands-on training. Participants will be expected to wear masks and observe social distancing **
** To reserve your seat in the course, you will also need to pre-pay the $100 fee **
Please call our office (828-465-8240) to make arrangements for either cash or check, or pay online here
Email Adam with any questions- ansmith3@ncsu.edu
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The above link will assist farmers in:
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- what farmers need to know for the small business benefits
- what farmers need to know for the CARES Act
- Info for the 2020 GAP Audit
- farm workers and COVID-19, what if someone is infected
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10-1pm Saturdays
1st Presbyterian Church 237 2nd St NW, Hickory, NC
Starting Nov. 28th- March
Conover Winter Farmers Market
Dec. 4th- April
Thursday 3-7pm
Conover Station Community Room
Vegetables, Fruit, Meat, Eggs,
Tea, Coffee, Honey, Bread, Baked Goods
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Virtual 4-H Cooking Club!
December 18th is the next class.
We made homemade granola bars in November!
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Join 4-H for a NEW"virtual" LIVE cooking experience!
- The 3rd Friday of each month from 11-12pm for the 20-21 school-year.
- Learn food safety, kitchen safety basics, how to's and do's and don't.
- We will prepare a dish each week-participants will receive list of ingredients and supplies needed before each class.
- Cost is 10.00 and includes Project Book.
- Recommended age is 9-18.
Call to register - 828-465-8240
or
Email Tina at TMcGillvary@CatawbaCountyNC.gov
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Move-mber - Get Moving Challenge
For Youth and Families
NC 4-H is challenging youth and their families to spend at least 60 minutes a week outside in the November Move-mber challenge, along with weekly theme challenges. Catawba County 4-H has planned hikes and walks to help you get moving and explore our Catawba County Parks.
Bakers Mountain Hike:
Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 3:00 pm AND Saturday, Dec 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Pre-registration required
George Place will lead the hikes with Tia Chi warm-ups. It is not necessary to be a 4-H member to join-in for the hikes.
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Minority Scholarship Service Project -
Teens who attend NC 4-H Citizenship Focus are challenged to create a community project. Ashley H. wanted to support a minority scholarship with a donation and is currently selling tickets to raffle-off a set of earrings and LED strip light. Tickets are $1 for 5 tickets. Winners will be selected in January. Tickets can be purchased at Cooperative Extension office.
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4-H Volunteer Opportunities:
First Lego League Robotics SPIN Clubs - Catawba County 4-H is excited to be able to offer First Lego League Robotics using WeDo Lego Robot kits for 2nd-4th grade students in cooperation with Catawba County Library and STEM West. The start-up has been delayed with covid, but we are making plans to get started in 2021. We are currently seeking adult and teen volunteers who would like to be involved in leading the 10- week Lego Robotics series using WeDo Lego kits. We anticipate offering training for the adult/teen group leaders in spring 2021 and hope we can offer the robotics groups for Summer and Fall 2021. To learn more about getting involved with the 4-H Robotics Volunteer Team, contact donna_mull@ncsu.edu.
*4-H/Youth Advisory Committee - Want to help shape the 4-H program in Catawba County? Looking for teens, adults and community professionals that would like to be part of the 4-H/Youth Advisory Committee. This committee meets twice a year and helps provides Cooperative Extension with feedback to ensure our 4-H programs are relevant to the needs of youth and families in Catawba County.
To learn more or volunteer with Robotics and/or the Advisory Committee, contact donna_mull@ncsu.edu or call 828-465-8240
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4-H Summer Camp
Betsy- Jeff Penn 4-H Camp
June 20-25, 2020
Ages 8-14*
Ready to head to summer camp for 2021? Catawba County will be camping at Penn 4-H Center in Reidsville in June. This is a week-long over night, traditional 4-H camp that offers a variety of different experiences, such as horseback riding, ropes course, camp fire evening programs. swimming, canoeing and more.
Campers who are ages 13-14 can participate in special outdoor adventure tract. The Adventurers (13-14 years) stay on the camp property by have a few nights of tent camp paired with outdoor living skills. Trekkers (13-14 year olds) leave camp for a overnight camp trip, outdoor rock climbing and full-day canoe trip.
*Camp is for ages 8-14 with Leader-in-Training positions available for teens ages 15-18.
The cost is $450 for the week. Contact Donna Mull, 4-H Agent for more information or to register. Email or call donna_mull@ncsu.edu or 828-465-8240. Scholarship assistance is available with preference given to 4-H members or those with previous 4-H involvement.
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New 4-H Club - Golf Club
Next Meeting Tuesday, December 15
Ages 6 and older
Agricultural Resources Center
Hitting a few ball on green and learning golf basics can be a great way to de-stress and enjoy some outside time. Experience the 4th H of "Health" with the new Golf Club!
Make plans to get involved with newest 4-H Club. The next meeting will be on December 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Resources Center. The club will typically meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. with time at the driving range on Thursday afternoon and/or Saturday morning. Ronnie Hicks is the club leader.
The club has a google classroom set-up, so members can continue to learn some golf basics, even while in-person meeting are limited due to covid.
There will be a $10 joining fee for the club to cover supplies and $5 green fee when the youth start going to the driving range. Families are welcome to attend their first meeting at no charge and check out the club. Fee will be due in January 2021.
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Catawba County Local foods Guide
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Time to update for 2021
We are planning a print copy for 2021. If you would like your farm or food business listed please apply here
All farmers in the guide have been given resources to help them safely harvest, package and distribute food and are being updated by Extension if protocols change.
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We Need Your Input!
Small Farms and Local Foods
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Please contact April Vigardt at alvigard@ncsu.edu for more information |
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Catawba Valley Cattlemen's Association Meeting
Business Meeting & Educational Meeting .
Topic: Confinement Barns.
Date &Time: Business Meeting, 6:30 pm;
Educational Program, 7 - 8 pm;
December 8, 2020
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Business Meeting & BBQ Report
Speakers: Brandon Bowman, CVCA President, and Amanda Whitener, Treasurer
Speaker: Walt Graham, The Value of Confinement Barns
Meeting will be available by zoom or phone. Call the office (828.465.8240) for info to get into the zoom meeting.
All Cattlemen members will receive a newsletter or click below
Questions - Call or text the Livestock Agent:
Glenn Detweiler on his cell: 405-219-1902
Call Brandon Bowman CVCA President or text Amanda Whitener,Treasurer
828-217-3120 Text 339-788-0943
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ServSafe is designed for food industry workers and covers contamination, hygiene,
time and temperature control, food-borne
illness, allergens, and cleaning and sanitizing.
Date and Time
Sat, January 16 , 2021, 9:00 AM -
Sat, January 23, 2021, 2:00 PM EDT
Location
Catawba County Center
1175 South Brady Avenue
828-828-8240
Newton, NC 28658
The registration fee of $125 covers the 7th edition textbook, test answer sheet, and handouts. This is a two-day training: January 16th and 23rd. Exam given on the 23rd.
Unless the class is cancelled, there are no refunds.
Registration and Payment are due January 6th, 2021.
If you have participated in this training offered by Cooperative Extension in the past and need to retest or re-certify, you may do so on January 23rd. The retesting fee is $60 and is due by January 6th, 2021.
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Beaver Management Assistance Program (BMAP)
Catawba County is a participating county for the statewide Beaver Management Assistance Program (BMAP). The North Carolina Beaver Management Assistance Program (BMAP) is designed to help manage problems caused by beaver on private and public lands. Due to practical and ecological considerations, the program's goal is to address specific beaver damage problems rather than to eliminate beaver from North Carolina.
If you need assistance in Beaver Management in
Catawba County please contact:
Austin Clarke
Wildlife Specialist
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
Work-(980) 223-1478
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Wildlife Control For Catawba County
Chris Willis
District Supervisor
Wildlife Services
USDA APHIS Wildlife Services
Work- 919-440-2825
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Family Consumer Science (FCS) -
Food and Nutrition
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"Farm to Fork" Recipe Page
Visit the "Farm to Fork" recipe page for recipes and resources to help you prepare produce that you grow or purchase at local farmers markets.
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Attention - Aspiring Food Business Entrepreneurs: |
Click on the link below for answers to questions regarding starting a food business. Whether you are interested in selling value-added products at a farmers market or starting a
food truck. You will find information to help you, including agencies that regulate food businesses.
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Need help with food preservation?
Stop by the Extension office and pick up a complimentary guide with instructions on how to can and freeze selected fruits and vegetables. For your convenience, the guides have been distributed to several local libraries but supplies are limited.
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Help Us Improve Our Customer Service To You!
In 2 minutes you will help us to improve how we serve Catawba County.
This survey is completely anonymous
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Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination statement
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, age, 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. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Catawba County Extension Director, George Place, at (828) 465-8240 or gtplace@ncsu.edu or in person at the County Extension Office at least 14 days prior to the event.
Las universidades NC State y NC A & T están comprometidas colectivamente a llevar a cabo acciones positivas para asegurar la igualdad de oportunidades y prohibir la discriminación y el acoso independientemente de la raza, el color de la piel, el país deorigen, la religión, la ideología política, el estado civil y situación familiar, el sexo, la edad, la condición de veterano de guerra, la identidad sexual, la orientación sexual, la información genética o la discapacidad de la persona. Colaboración entre las Universidades NC State y NC A & T, el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, y los gobiernos locales. Las personas con discapacidades y las personas con dominio limitado del inglés pueden solicitar adaptaciones para participar comunicándose con el Director de Extensión del Condado de Catawba, George Place, al (828) 465-8240 o gtplace@ncsu.edu o personalmente en la Oficina de Extensión del Condado al menos 14 días antes al evento.
Yog hais tias koj xav tau kev txhais lus Hmoob, thov hu rau peb tus extension thawj coj, George Place, ua ntej nws thiaj li yuav nrhiav tau kev pab koj. Nws tus xov tooj yog 828-465-8240. Ua tsaug.
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Contact:
Dr. George Place
Catawba County Cooperative Extension Director
Agricultural Resources Center, Newton, NC 28658
828-465-8240
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