Obtain research-based educational information on horticulture, agriculture, community development, family resources, consumer sciences and 4-H youth programs from North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. Most programs free to public unless a cost is listed. Call for more information on any of following program opportunities at 704/920-3310, 8-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit our website at: http://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/ . For accommodations for persons with disabilities for any of our programs, call no later than five business days before event. To receive a copy of our weekly calendar of educational opportunities and sponsored events via email just send an email to bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us to be added to the "Get-Plugged-In-List."

Contact Stacey Eubanks at horseandharley@hotmail.com for meeting location!

Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance and Enhanced Agricultural District Ordinance give interested farm, horticulture and forestry land owners additional choices they can use to protect their land-owner rights. Agricultural producers may be eligible for certain federal programs by applying to be a part of an Agricultural District. Contact Carl Pless, Jr., Extension Agent, at 704/920-3310.

Donna Tulley (Certified Medicinal Herbalist/Clay Co. Ext Adm. Sec.) - Medicinal Herbs
Robert Brewer (County Extension Director, Towns Co., GA) - Bees in the Garden

Larry Baker's Orchard

180 Benton Rd
Reidsville, NC 27320

10am

Registration form for 4-H county presentations can be found on the county web site. There will not be a formal county presentation night - appointments will be made when you register to present.

This is an eight week training course for prospective Master Gardener Volunteers. A variety of topics will be covered during the training. After training is completed, the new volunteer will provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the community to achieve full status as a Master Gardener. Cost for course is $75. This covers the manual and other training materials for the class. For more information, call 828.389.6305.

The Giving Closet provides free clothes for ages 0-5 and maternity clothes for Durham County families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Baby equipment may also be available. Families may attend four times during the program year.
http://www.welcomebaby.org

Contact: Deborah Waterman (919) 560-7150
dwaterman@durhamcountync.gov

If you enjoy knitting or want to learn the art of knitting, then join ECA's knitting group. This group meets weekly and beginnners are always invited. Cost is $3.00 (every two classes) - register by contacting Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291.

A Private Applicators Safety Training will be held on Monday, March 4th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. This meeting will provide 2.0 hours of Safety Training (Category V) for individuals with a Private Applicator license. To register, contact the NC Cooperative Extension office in Craven County at (252) 633-1477

Come learn how to correctly train and prune fruit and nut trees. Dr. Michael Parker from NCSU will be conducting the demonstration. Contact Kathryn Holmes, Rockingham County Extension Agent at 336-342-8230 or kathryn_holmes@ncsu.edu for more information.

Youth will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a series of weekly weight management classes taught by Union County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent, Sally McNeill, RD. A variety of different nutrition, health and physical activity topics are addressed during the hour long classes. Participants set personal weight loss goals and are given the tools to make changes to improve eating and physical activity behaviors for a lifetime of good health. Cost for the series: $25.00. Participants may sign up for daytime classes (held from noon - 1 pm each Monday at the Union County Agricultural Center ) or for evening classes (held from 5:30-6:30 pm each Monday at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center). For more information, contact Sally McNeill at 704-283-3732. Register and pay in person for the day classes at the Agricultural Center. Register and pay in person for the evening classes at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center on Hanover Drive in Monroe, NC.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course (6th Edition) is taught as a 16 hour (four session) course offered for anyone involved in food preparation. This class requires registration and payment of $105 per participant. The class instructor is Chad Gambill from the Caldwell County Health Department. A test is offered the last day of the training.

For more information contact the Caldwell County Center or Chad Gambill (828.426.8588 or cgambill@caldwellcountync.org)

ServSafe Classes Monday-Thursday

Monthly Club meeting for ECA members. Guests are welcome.

AUDIENCE: Young Mom's Connect. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Jenny Rea)

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

ESMMWL is a 15-week weight management program that uses strategies proven to work. Sessions will be held at Mull's Grove Baptist Church in the Salem area starting on February 11th. Weigh-in begins at 5:00 p.m. and classes are from 5:30 - 6:30 each Monday. Enrollment fee is $20 due by week two. Call the Extension office for more information or to register. 828-439-4460

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a series of weekly weight management classes taught by Union County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent, Sally McNeill, RD. A variety of different nutrition, health and physical activity topics are addressed during the hour long classes. Participants set personal weight loss goals and are given the tools to make changes to improve eating and physical activity behaviors for a lifetime of good health. Cost for the series: $25.00. Participants may sign up for daytime classes (held from noon - 1 pm each Monday at the Union County Agricultural Center ) or for evening classes (held from 5:30-6:30 pm each Monday at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center). For more information, contact Sally McNeill at 704-283-3732. Register and pay in person for the day classes at the Agricultural Center. Register and pay in person for the evening classes at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center on Hanover Drive in Monroe, NC.

4-H Homemaking Club, meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month from 6-7:30, at the NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County, 25 Referendum Drive .  For more information contact Club Leader Trisha Apple 910-278-4828 or butterflyutopia30@yahoo.com

Class Location: Kathleen Clay Edwards Library

Learn about growing conditions, how to prepare soil, the selection of vegetable varieties for the Piedmont, how to design an efficient, space-saving raised bed, and how to identify and control insects and diseases organically.

To register for this free class, contact Pam Marshall at 375-5876 or pamela_marshall@ncsu.edu

This is the clubs monthly club meeting.

Monthly meeting of the Livestock Committee. Parents and children participating in the 4-H Livestock Show and Sale are encouraged to attend.

Miss the 4-H horse club information session? It's not too late to join. The group is looking to meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 twice a month. If those times do not work for you, another horse group is forming. They will have an information session targeted for Monday, March 4 at 7:15 at the Agricultural Conference Center. Be sure to check in to confirm the date and time by calling 264-3061 or email karee_mackey@ncsu.edu

Interesting Educational Programs Planned by ECA!
The mission of North Carolina Extension Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through education, leadership development, and community services. Interested adults may visit a club that suits their schedule and enjoy interesting programs on various time relevant topics such as: Container Gardens, and Fall Decorating Ideas Presented by Love Interiors; What Bugs You; Slow Cooker Soups, Stews and More; the Buzz about Bees; Aroma Therapy; You Can have Your Cake and Eat It Too-How to Alter Desserts to Cut Calories; and Christmas In Holland. For a list of club schedules and meeting times, call Pam Outen, Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

Youth Opportunities
On-going Programs: "Does Your Child Eat Right?"
Learning to eat nutritious foods improves quality of life. Enroll now in exciting, free and fun-filled classes sponsored by 4-H Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program & N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. These classes are offered to all youth ages 5-19 who have limited family resources. Classes provide education in principles of nutrition, use of healthy eating habits which improve self-esteem not only for youth, but whole family. Taste-testers are welcome! If you have groups of youth that are interested in program, call for eligibility requirements. To register, contact Anita Ford, 4-H EFNEP Program Assistant, at 704/920-3321 or obtain information from N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord.

4-H clubs and programs are about youth ages 5-19 years old having fun with friends and learning new skills throughout year. Clubs are guided by adult volunteers and meet monthly. Club members go on educational tours, attend special programs, conduct community service projects, plus lots more! Through continued club membership, youth gain skills in decision-making, cooperation, and communication. Several Cabarrus 4-H clubs specialize in study of horses; one for children ages 5-8, one for teens, one wildlife and several in multiple educational areas. For a club meeting schedule, check our web site at www.cabarruscounty4H.com or contact Debbie Bost, Extension Agent at dgbost@cabarruscounty.us or 704/920-3310.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

McDowell County Extension staff talk timely topics to Annette Bryant.

Marketing is an important part to a successful business. By constructing farm signs to let you're consumer know who you are will help promote and expand your sales. Come join us in constructing farms signs for your farm. For more information please contact Der Xiong at 828.465.8244 or Der_Xiong@ncsu.edu

AUDIENCE: Adults over 18 years old. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Ana Rosa Reyes)

Control your health condition ... Don't let it control you
FREE Workshop - once a week for 6 weeks.
Registration required. Class size is limited.
Call our office at 828-439-4460 to register

"Horticulture Meeting and MGV Program"
Programs open to the public. Any adult interested in plants and a greener world are invited to join Cabarrus Master Gardener Volunteers first Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. For information, call 704/920-3310 or email bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us .

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or just want to learn more about diabetes, this is the program for you. Learn about nutrition, medications, exercise, complications and stress from certified diabetes educators. Call 828-465-8240 to register for this FREE series.

Learn to manage your type 2 diabetes. Call 828-465-8240 to register for these free classes.

Weekly gardening class for 3rd-5th grade students. Early registration through Feb 1st is $40, then $50 until Feb 15th or until full.

Registration packet: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013_Garden_Class_Packet.pdf

Monthly Extension Club meeting. Visitors are welcome.

Free disposal of unwanted or damaged pesticides will be available to Craven Coutny citizens at the NC Cooperative Extension, Craven County office (300 Industrial Drive, New Bern, NC) on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, from 10 am – 2 pm. This event is coordinated with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to offer an opportunity for safe, free disposal of unwanted or unusable pesticides. Pesticides that are in the original container and clearly labeled can be collected. If the pesticide is not in its original container or is damaged, it must be over-packed in a safe, closable plastic container. Printed labels are acceptable if attached prior to delivery.
Make an appointment prior to delivery of pesticides if you have containers 5.0 gallons or larger. Provide the product name and number of containers to be delivered. This is necessary to ensure adequate storage is available. Until staff at the site accepts the containers, you are responsible. Thus the following guidelines should be followed:
• Leave pesticide(s) in the original container(s) with the label intact. Make sure all pesticide containers are securely closed. Containers that cannot be securely closed should be over-packed within another container that can be securely closed.
• Line the storage area of the transport vehicle with a plastic sheeting to contain any potential spillage that might occur.
• Handle containers with chemical resistant gloves and other appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
• Wash hands with soap and water after handling.
• Handle containers in a manner to prevent spillage.
• Do not transport pesticides in a manner that will allow fumes to enter the vehicle.
• Arrange containers in your vehicle so that they are braced to prevent shifting that may result in container damage and/or leakage
Remember, you are responsible for any spillage, damage, subsequent cleanup, and restoration that might occur while you are transporting the wastes, regardless of who caused the accident. The state, county and its contractor are not responsible for any spillage that occurs before the collection site accepts the waste. Drive safely!
To download an brochures click the link below. For more information or register containers 5.0 gallons or larger, call (252) 633-1477.

Martha Goebel ECA is one of nine Extension & Community Association (ECA) clubs in Gaston County. This club proudly serves members with visual disabilities. You can be a part of ECA by visiting any of our clubs - contact Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291 to confirm meeting dates and times.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (Robeson County Center), United States Department of Agriculture, and North Carolina Agromedicine Institute are presenting this opportunity to obtain the latest information on rodent and pest control.

Topics and speakers are:

Respiratory Protection and Prevention of Pesticide Exposure -- Robin Tutor-Marcom, Department of Public Health

USDA Risk Management Programs -- Cliff Parker, USDA

Integrated Pest Management -- Robert Rowland, Ivesco Technical Services.

Credits have been approved for 1.5 hours in pesticide categories D, K, N, and X and 1 hour for waste applicators. Snacks and drinks will be served.

Location: O. P. Owens Agriculture Center
Contact: Michelle_Shooter@ncsu.edu
Call to Register: 910-671-3276 by March 1

Quilting Class Series with Dawn Hopkins celebrating ECA Centennial. Cost $30 for series - basic sewing skills needed. Call 704-983-3987 for more information or to register. Class size limited to 10 people.

A 15-week weight-management program that uses strategies proven to work. Each lesson informs, empowers, and motivates participants to live mindfully as they make choices about eating and physical activity. Participants track their progress and keep a journal of healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Pre-registration required - contact Linda J. Minges (linda_minges@ncsu.edu)

Bring your lunch and join us for these lunch and learn sessions focused on strategies to improve financial and physical health at the same time. The group will meet every Tuesday and Thursday in March from noon until 1pm. It is not necessary to attend each session. Call 704-736-8461 for more information and to reserve your seat for this free seminar.

What is the purpose of Mecklenburg Friends of Agriculture?

The purpose of the Mecklenburg Friends of Agriculture program is to build a network of businesses, institutions and individuals that support the local food economy in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties.

Program Objectives:

The Mecklenburg Friends of Agriculture program seeks to:
- connect food businesses and entrepreneurs with local producers
- provide valuable information to enhance agribusiness in Mecklenburg County
- highlight trailblazing initiatives and businesses connected to the local food economy

How do we accomplish our goals?
Each month, the Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension Service and the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services will host a Friends of Agriculture breakfast meeting. Guest speakers provide valuable information relevant to the local food economy. In addition to receiving a healthy and nutritious breakfast, attendees receive the opportunity to network with local producers, agencies, businesses and residents who care about growing the local food economy!

Join us!

Registration: Free but RSVP required at 704.336.2082

Visit our website at www.mecklenburg.ces.ncsu.edu/meckfriendsofag

Call 828-485-2300 to register and to find out how to get a free cholesterol test.

The 2013 Currituck County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Training Classes are underway. These classes provide a broad scope of horticulture training in areas such as plant identification, organic gardening, landscape design, pest management and more. If you are interested in becoming a Currituck Master Gardener call the Currituck Extension office at 232-2262 or e-mail Debbie Kelso at deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Area Fruit Tree Workshop is one of several upcoming NCSU Extension programs being offered in the Small Farm Series. The workshop will take a closer look at apples and other fruit trees as a small farm endeavor

Speaker is: Mike Parker, NCSU Extension Fruit Tree and Pecan Specialist

Participants will gain a general overview of the following: site selection, soil-fertility, cultivar selection, planting, pest control, pruning, harvesting, post harvest care, potential markets, start-up cost and overall budgets.

For more information or to register for this free workshop contact the Jackson Extension Center at (828) 586-4009.

Learn more:
http://swain.ces.ncsu.edu/197233-2/ ‎

Area Fruit Tree Workshop FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZRFBBSkFqTUxub1E/edit

This class will be held every Tuesday beginning March 5 through May 21, 2013. There will be a test that participants are required to pass at the end of the class. The cost will be $100.00 to cover materials. You must complete an application and return it to our office by February 18, 2013 to be eligible to take the class. You can find the application on our webpage at http://surry.ces.ncsu.edu. If you have questions please call 336-401-8025.

TiLT and Teen Council members are invited to come by the office after school and help work on scrapbook for the Achievement Banquet. Call the office to sign up 910-253-2610 or email angie_lawrence@ncsu.edu

Please call to register!

This is a program provided by Teresa Goley, Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Agriculture Learning Center.

4-H Fit Kids

Are you throwing away money in cooling or heating? Do you need help determining where you are loosing the fuel cost battle? Learn to save money on your home energy bill. Call the Extension Office to register.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15-week weight loss/weight-management program. Each weekly lesson focuses on strategies that are proven to work! Various group fitness activities are offered for 45 minutes each week immediately following the lesson.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (Robeson County Center) and the Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College are offering computer courses for farmers in cooperation with the Farmers Adopting Computer Training (FACT) Program. According to Nelson Brownlee, Extension area farm management agent, FACT trains farm families to use computers in their farm operations to become more competitive in the marketplace. These classes start with the basics of operating a computer and progress to providing fundamental instruction on using a computer to improve farm management record keeping.

The first eight-week session will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights beginning Tuesday, January 15, and ending Thursday, March 7. The title of the class is Technology Awareness. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Robeson Community College. Class size is limited to 18 participants; therefore, registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration fee of $120 may be waived for individuals who meet eligibility.

For more information about this course, including fee-waiver eligibility, or to preregister, please call Nelson at Cooperative Extension at 671-3276 or Robeson Community College Continuing Education Program at 272-3613. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Nelson Brownlee at the Extension Center at 671-3276 by Thursday, January 10.


Contact: Nelson Brownlee (910) 671-3276
Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu

Sponsored by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center and Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College

Looking for a fun and affordable way to get some exercise, develop a talent and make new friends? This winter Swain County 4-H will team up with members of the Tangled Feet Stompers to offer Basic Clogging 101 designed for boys and girls, ages 8 and older. Classes are recreational and for youth interested in exploring dance, heritage arts and exercise. Youth will be instructed in basic clogging, square dance and folk dance.

Clogging practice will be held every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Extension Office beginning January 22, 2013. Tentatively there are nine practices scheduled with a performance for parents during the last class. Youth may also perform at other events if they chose. There is a one-time fee of $10.00 for the 9 week class. For more information contact the 4-H office at 488-3848.

4-H Clogging Clovers FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZVmFoM2U0ZzZKV00/edit

An opportunity for citizens to review the draft plan for Farm and Food Sustainabillity and offer feedback and comment.

Please use the Williamsboro Street entrance.

All vendors who plan to sell food at the Lincoln County Farmers Markets must attend the class on food safety. Contact 704-736-8461 to register for this free class. Registration is required.

The Agricultural Specialized Committee's goal is to help us promote Extension and plan educational programs that will help Robeson County residents. If anyone is interested in serving on an Agricultural Specialized Committee, please call the Extension Center. The agricultural agents will provide supper.

Location: O. P. Owens Agriculture Center
Contacts: Michelle_Shooter@ncsu.edu, Mac_Malloy@ncsu.edu, Mack_Johnson@ncsu.edu, Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu
Call to Register: 910-671-3276 by March 1

NC REAL (Rural Entrepreneurial Action Learning) 8 Week Class. This is an introduction to rural self employment. Have you dreamed of living off the land? This class is designed to help participants develop skills, expand their knowledge, and create tangible products, including new enterprises. Jeff Rieves, Extension Agent, Agriculture, Union & Stanly Counties is the instructor. Cost is $65 which includes binder. Call 704-991-0123 or register of online at www.stanly.edu.

4-H Horse Club meets every other Thursday at the NC Cooperative Extension, 25 Referendum Drive.  For more information contact Benjie Jones Club leader 910-253-6407

Presentations are a method of presenting information by demonstration or illustrated talk for competition, while a Public Speech involves no props. The time limit is generally between 5 and 12 minutes, with specific time regulations in specific categories. Two county winners in each age group (9-10, 11-13 and 14-18) are selected in a county competition held annually every spring to advance to the district competition held this year on March 23, 2013 at A & T State University in Greensboro. In the 9-10 category, the first place winner from district competition goes on to compete at the State level. In the senior age divisions, the first and second place winners can compete at state. State winners in sponsored categories receive cash awards. In specific categories, the state-winning 14-18 year olds may go on to compete at the national level.

For more information contact April Bowman at 336-703-2850 or 4H@forsyth.cc.

All 4-H Volunteers are Invited to the 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Banquet, Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the Johnston County Agricultural Building, 2736 NC-210 Hwy, Smithfield.

A meal of BBQ Chicken and Vegetables begins at 6:30PM. 4-H Members will entertain in the County Talent Showcase at 7:00PM

Please RSVP for yourself and family by March 1st
to 919-989-5380.


Start spreading the news and get your dancing shoes shined up for the annual 4-H Talent Showcase on Tuesday March 5th. This event will serve as entertainment for the Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. 
Participants in the showcase will need to arrive at the Extension office no later than 5:30PM on Tuesday, March 5th for a run through of the program. 
Talent acts will be able to eat at this time to be ready for a 7:00PM showtime. Family members of those participating are invited to attend as well, and may either eat at 5:30 with their youth, or at 6:30PM when the banquet begins. All youth 5-19 are encouraged to participate, but only you 9 and up will be selected to attend District Activity Day.

Judges will be on hand to critique the acts and choose two for District participation. Talent Showcase is not a competitive event. Registration is available online at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/activities/



Cecil & Leonard 4-H Talent Showcase
Incorporate into 4-H Showcase of Talent at DAD

Select 1 per district to compete in state final. Will receive scholarship to Congress to include registration, lodging, etc up to $500.

Compete in State Final – will award Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes

Winner will be featured on WRAL TV, represent 4-H throughout the year. Travel stipend will be awarded for this.

4-H'er must use materials from the original Cecil & Leonard. They must perform the same stories as Ray Wilkinson did. You can go to the following website for more information: http://cecilandleonard.com/ You can choose any of his materials. We are working on transcribing the CD that we have given out so you will have the words. The goal is that this will be available in the next 2 weeks?

This is an individual talent, NOT a team act - it is designed for one 4-H'er.

This is in additional to the 2 acts per county that you can bring for 4-H Entertains to District Activity Days. So you can have one Cecil & Leonard and 2 4-H Talent Showcase Acts at DAD.

Join fellow cloggers every Tuesday at 6:30 and learn/practice varies clogging steps.

Requires previous experience and knowledge of steps such as: Samantha, High-Horse, Joey and Mountain Goat. Classes are FREE!

Contact Dee Decker at 828-488-3848 for more information.

Clogging Classes FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZUElKNlE5WkNuYzA/edit

Beekeeping series of nine classes for beginning or intermediate. Cost $43 for series. Instructed by certified beekeepers in Cabarrus County Beekeepers Association. Register online http://onlineservices.cabarruscounty.us/ReservePartner/
Click Cooperative Extension 2013, Horticulture and then class #5103 or for assistance call 704/920-3315.

Cost for the Beginner Beekeeping School is $65 per person, which includes handouts, refreshments, and one year of membership to the Rowan County Bee Association.

There will also be a field day on Saturday, March 23.

Contact Marcel Renn at 704-637-8931 for additional information.

To register, call 704-216-8970.

Vendor applications being accepted for Herb Festival to be held Saturday, April 13th, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at . Community educational event coordinated by Cabarrus County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association, held rain or shine. Vendors must meet gardening/ herb theme to participate. Cost: $30. Vendor fees go towards horticultural scholarships to schools, various community and association horticultural projects. To receive vendor application, email bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us or call 704/920-3315. For horticultural project scholarship information, contact Mitch Hagler, Master Gardener Volunteer, at: mhagler3@carolina.rr.com .

Contact: Debbie Kelso
232-2262
deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Retail Ready for Local Foods - Training for farmers interested in new retail markets
Date: March 6
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Duplin County Extension Center, 165 Agriculture Drive, Kenansville, NC 28508
Registration Fee: $20
----- Registration Deadline: February 28 -----

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4zS3d97QlJDNEJyNl80OUNtbkk/edit?usp=sharing

Workshop Topics:
Selling to New Markets Interview Results
Selling to Grocery Stores, Restaurants, and Food Distributors
Buyer Panel
Post-Harvest Handling-Quality Assurance Food Safety, GAPS, and Certifications Pricing and Packaging
Marketing Strategies
Successful Farmer Panel

Please submit registration by February 28, 2013. Registration: $20.00 includes class workbook, lunch, & refreshments. Travel scholarships are available. Contact Gary Bullen at gary_bullen@ncsu.edu

To register, send this completed form and your payment to:
Duplin County Extension Center, P. O. Box 949, Kenansville, NC 28508.

Cash or check accepted. Please make check payable to "NCCES" Contact John_Mcintyre@ncsu.edu with questions, 910.296.2143.

Retail Ready is a program for farmers interested in selling to restaurants, groceries and other retail buyers by expanding their current markets.

Duplin County Extension Office
Wed, March 6, 2013
8:30am-3:30pm

Register by: February 28, 2013
Cost: $20 (workbook, lunch, refreshments)
**Travel scholarships are available.

Topics will include:
• Selling to New Markets
• Grocery Store Sales
• Restaurant Sales
• Building Relationships with Buyers
• Producing for the Retail Market
• What to expect on delivery Day
• Farmers Panel

For more information, contact Gary Bullen at Gary_Bullen@ncsu.edu or by phone at 919.515.6096.

Sponsored by: NC Cooperative Extension

This training is for farmers interested in new retail markets. Topics are: Selling to New Markets, Grocery Store Sales, Restaurant Sales, Building Relationships with Buyers, Producing for Retail Market, What to Expect on Delivery, and a Farmers Panel. If you would like to attend and ride on the Extension van, please call the Extension Center at 671-3276 by February 28 to reserve your seat. We will leave the Extension Center, 455 Caton Road, Lumberton, at 6:30 a.m. and return around 5:30 p.m.

A $20 registration fee, which includes class workbook, lunch, and refreshments, is due to the Duplin County Center by February 28. Call either Extension Center for a registration form.

Ride on Van Contact: Mack_Johnson@ncsu.edu, Robeson County, 910-671-3276 by February 28.

Registration Contact: John_McIntyre@ncsu.edu, Duplin County, 910-296-2143 by February 28.

AUDIENCE: Members & Interested Persons. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Peggie Garner)

contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

If you are interested in becoming certified to test your tobacco barns or test barns for other farmers, we have setup a training for Edgecombe, Nash and Halifax Counties on Wednesday, March 6th at 10:00 am at the Fisher Farm (11735 Watson Seed Farm Road). If you have a gas company or service technician who would like (or has been) to provide this service, let them know about this training. Persons who have completed the training and follow the established protocol will be able to test tobacco barns and have those results accepted by any contracting company.

Gastonia ECA is one of nine Extension & Community Association (ECA) clubs in Gaston County. You can be a part of ECA by visiting any of our clubs - contact Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291 to confirm meeting dates and times.

Color Me Health for Steps To Health is being offered to Kindergarteners at Snow Hill Primary School. This program will teach children the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. It is designed to stimulate all the sense of young children: touch, smell, sight, sound, and of course, taste. It uses color, music and exploration of the senses to teach children that healthy eating and physical activity are fun.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Organic Valley, and the Fertrell Company will co-host a livestock workshop on March 6, 2013, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at the Silk Hope Community Building in Siler City, NC.

Speakers and Topics:
◾A Sustainable Approach to Animal Nutrition – Jeff Mattocks, Fertrell Nutritionist

◾Cover Crops and Soil Fertility – Orin Moyer, Fertrell Agronomist

◾Grazing and Pasture Management – Marti Day, Area Specialized Extension Agent, NCCE

This is a FREE workshop. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Chatham County Cooperative Extension at 919-542-8202 or by e-mailing extension.programs@chathamnc.org with "Grazing Workshop" in the subject line.

For more information call Marti Day at 919-691-3062.

This training will certify individuals to properly perform integrity tests on flue-cured tobacco barn furnace systems. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling (252)459-9810

4-H Club Meeting

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

The soup lunch will be by donation to support the Extension & Community Association Centennial Celebration.
Includes: Soup, Dessert and Drink

Plants will be behind the building. NO EARLY PICK UPS.

Silas will demonstrate proper way to handle and plant fruit trees and fruiting plants that have been sold. Demonstration will be held behind the Extension Office.

Location: O. P. Owens Agriculture Center
Contact: Tahnea_Locklear@ncsu.edu, 910-671-3276

15 week program designed to help participants develop healthy exercise and eating habits to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for life. Registration is required. For more information, Contact the Wilkes Center of the NC Cooperative Extension Service at (336) 651-7330.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course (6th Edition) is taught as a 16 hour (four session) course offered for anyone involved in food preparation. This class requires registration and payment of $105 per participant. The class instructor is Chad Gambill from the Caldwell County Health Department. A test is offered the last day of the training.

For more information contact the Caldwell County Center or Chad Gambill (828.426.8588 or cgambill@caldwellcountync.org)

contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

AUDIENCE: Licensed Pesticide Applicators. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Melissa Huffman)

The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program's mission is to maximize consumer confidence of beef by focusing the producers' attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness, and quality of beef. Producers must attend a class, pass the test, and pay the fees to be certified. Producers do not have to pay to come to class, only to be certified. Costs are $15 for three years for N.C. Cattlemen's Association Members and $40 for nonmembers. Some sales may require BQA certification.

Contact: Cooperative Extension Center in Cumberland County
Call to Register: 910-321-6862 by February 27

Must be registered to participate. Please contact 336-651-7330 for more details.

Mitchell Co. March 6, 3:00 - 6:00p.m.
Swain Co. March 7, 9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.
Cabarrus Co. March 16, 1:00 - 4p.m.
Anson Co. March 25, 1:00 - 4p.m.

NC Cooperative Extension will hold a shiitake mushroom inoculation workshop on March 6, 2013, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm to teach you how to grow your own mushrooms in your backyard.. Dr. Omon and his staff from A&T will be presenting, so this is a great opportunity to learn for our highly knowledgeable specialists, and ask specific production questions.

Participants should bring 3 logs each, preferably oak, but other hardwoods such as cherry, maple, beach, etc., are acceptable. You will be able to bring 2 logs home with you, while the staff from A&T will bring one of your logs back with them for research purposes. Logs should be 4-6 inches in diameter and approximately 4 feet long. There should be minimal, if any, damage to the bark, as this is what helps to retain moisture and provides the ideal location for spawn to grow.

Please preregister if possible so that we can appropriately plan for our space requirements. To do so, call the Mitchell Extension office at 688-4811. There is a $5 registration fee for the workshop.

Two part series is designed to teach youth about sewing and design, event planning and enhance cooking skills.

Series I - Sewing
During the fist series youth will have three sewing projects to complete including basic pillow, apron and skirt (girls)/ vest (boys).
Class will meet the following days at 3:30 – 5:30 at the Extension Office
February 6, 13, 20, 27

Series II – Cooking
The second series will include event planning; in this case we will be planning for a community 4-H event. Youth will be cooking several of the main dishes and snacks.
Class will meet the following days at 3:30 – 5:30 at the Extension Office
March 6, 13, 20, 27

Class size is limited to 8
Cost: $25.00 (total for all 8 classes)
Ages: 10 and up

Call 488-3848 for more information.

Stitch and Stir FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZSGZ6WkVYTWh4aG8/edit

4-H Fit Kids

Learn public speaking skills and techniques to use on your 4-H presentation for County and District Activity Day.

Would you like to grow your own delicious berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries? How about asparagus and herbs? You can purchase your plants and support the youth of Forsyth County at the same time!

Forsyth County 4-H is holding their annual plant sale to raise money for their scholarship fund. Youth EARN scholarship dollars through participating in 4-H events that they can use to off-set their registration costs to 4-H events such as workshops, teen leadership events and 4-H camp.

Order forms can be requested by calling our office at 336-703-2850. Orders are due on or before Wednesday, March 6th, and pick-up is from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, March 27th and 28th.

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. Fore more information contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

This is hands-on gardening class where participants will get to plan, plant, grow, and harvest vegetables in a demonstration garden. The produce grown in the garden is donated to Clayton Area Ministries where it is distributed to needy families in the area. The plan is to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour in the garden each week doing hands on activities such as preparing the soil, planting seeds and transplants, weeding, watering, scouting for insects and diseases, and harvesting the produce. Then spend about 30 to 45 minutes in the classroom discussing topics including planning the garden, insect, weed, and disease control, planting, season extenders, composting, and practices that can be used to keep the food safe during harvesting (Good Agricultural Practices).

To register for this class call Clayton Parks and Recreation at 919 553-1550.

Participating growers will receive books on organic agriculture, weed management, disease identification, and organic pest control, plus resource CD's with additional information on organic production.

Cost: $50 – Class limited to 15 growers.

Schedule:

· January 30 – Introduction to Organics & Certification
Planning Your Organic Crops & Rotations

· February 6 – Soils & Fertility in Organic Systems

· February 13 – Weed Management in Organic Systems

· February 20 – Disease Management in Organic Systems
Tying Together Crop Rotation, Soil Fertility, and Weed & Disease Management Into new Coherent System

· February 27 – Insect Management in Organic Systems
Post-Harvest Handling for Selected Crops & Food Safety Considerations

· March 6 – Marketing Organic Crops & Certification Paperwork Wrap-up

For more information, call the Watauga County Cooperative Extension office at (828) 264-3061, or e-mail Richard Boylan at richard_boylan@ncsu.edu

Interesting Educational Programs Planned by ECA!
The mission of North Carolina Extension Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through education, leadership development, and community services. Interested adults may visit a club that suits their schedule and enjoy interesting programs on various time relevant topics such as: Container Gardens, and Fall Decorating Ideas Presented by Love Interiors; What Bugs You; Slow Cooker Soups, Stews and More; the Buzz about Bees; Aroma Therapy; You Can have Your Cake and Eat It Too-How to Alter Desserts to Cut Calories; and Christmas In Holland. For a list of club schedules and meeting times, call Pam Outen, Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

4-H clubs and programs are about youth ages 5-19 years old having fun with friends and learning new skills throughout year. Clubs are guided by adult volunteers and meet monthly. Club members go on educational tours, attend special programs, conduct community service projects, plus lots more! Through continued club membership, youth gain skills in decision-making, cooperation, and communication. Several Cabarrus 4-H clubs specialize in study of horses; one for children ages 5-8, one for teens, one wildlife and several in multiple educational areas. For a club meeting schedule, check our web site at www.cabarruscounty4H.com or contact Debbie Bost, Extension Agent at dgbost@cabarruscounty.us or 704/920-3310.

Keith Wood - Landscape Program
Cliff Ruth (Extension Area Agent, Buncombe/Transylvania Counties) 11:00 - Landscape Design

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Mount Olive College's Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center received funding from the USDA Risk Management Agency to conduct farm transition and estate planning regional events and workshops in a 20 county region in central and eastern North Carolina. Three regional events will be held to help farmers and landowners chart the future of their farm and land assets.

Topics may include:
The Tools of Farm Transfer
- Basic Estate Planning Documents; Wills, Trusts, Gifting
- Federal and State Tax Updates
- Creating a Team of Advisers
- Farm Transition Planning and Affordability

The regional events will be held:
- January 16, 2013 at Lee County Cooperative Extension; for more information and to register call (919) 775-5624
- February 20, 2013 at Robenson County Cooperative Extension; for more information and to register call (910) 671-3276
- March 7, 2013 at Mount Olive College's Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center; for more information and to register call (919) 658-7510

Preregistration is required. There is a registration fee of $10.00 per person and $5.00 for each additional family member. Materials and wordbooks will be provided to all attendees as a tool to guide a successful farm transition and estate planning process. These events are ope to all farmers and landowners.

Additional workshops will be offered across central and eastern NC and will focus specifically on identified issues of interest to particular groups. These workshops can be offered in different formats to meet the needs of a variety of audiences. If you are aware of a group or association that has a desire for specific information related to farm transition and estate planning, please contact the Louis G. Britt Agribusiness Center at 919-658-7510 for workshop information and opportunities.

Additional information about upcoming events and resources can be found at: http://www.mocagbiz.com/farmtransition/

or contact the Agribusiness Center at 919-658-7510.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Small Fruits & Nuts 9-12 noon
Pruning Demo 1-3 pm

Are you an Entrepreneur or community leader looking to explore possibilities, enhance your business, and/or encourage youth?!! Join N.C. Cooperative Extension at the 2013 Grassroots Leadership Conference! This is a free public workshop taking place from 9AM-4PM. Transportation and lunch will be covered. Call Hayley Napier at 9105766011 for more information.

This is an eight week training course for prospective Master Gardener Volunteers. A variety of topics will be covered during the training. After training is completed, the new volunteer will provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the community to achieve full status as a Master Gardener. Cost for course is $75. This covers the manual and other training materials for the class. For more information, call 828.389.6305.

V Credit Pesticide Class at Henderson County Extension Office

Area Shiitake Mushroom Workshop is one of several upcoming NCSU Extension programs being offered in the Small Farm Series.

The workshop will focus on raising Shiitake as a small farm endeavor as well as all aspects of Shiitake mushroom production and will include a "hands on" experience where individuals will inoculate and bring home their own logs. For demonstration purposes, we ask that you bring 3 logs preferably red, white or scarlet oak that are 3"–6" in diameter, 4 ft. long and with bark intact. Participants will have 2 logs for their own use while one log will be used in Dr. Omon's trial. Workshop fee is $10.00 (pay at door).

Speakers: Christy Bredenkamp, NCSU Extension Horticulture Agent (Swain & Jackson) along with the staff of Dr. Omoanghe Isikhuemhen, NC A&T Professor of Mushroom Biology and Biotechnology

For more information or to register for this workshop contact the Swain Extension Center at (828) 488-3848.

Learn more:
http://swain.ces.ncsu.edu/197233-2/

Area Shiitake Mushroom Workshop FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZWUhLMHRvVVJQSmM/edit

AUDIENCE: Adults over 18 years old. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Ana Rosa Reyes)

Parenting Matters - Because kids don't come with a manual

NEW SESSIONS for 2013 at Franklin County Cooperative Extension

Parents Matter to their kids! If you are a parent, grandparent raising a grandchild, foster parent or legal guardian, join us once a week for ten weeks beginning March 7th from 10am-12pm for a free, fun class discussing the challenges and rewards of parenting. This NCA&TSU class discusses the importance of managing stress, healthy communication, the difference between discipline and punishment, and more. Call 919-496-3344 to reserve your space and bring a friend. A certificate is presented upon completion of this course.
Parenting Matters, because kids don't come with a manual. : )

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation or marital status. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Rachel Monteverdi at 919.496.3344 or email rachel_monteverdi@ncsu.edu or fax 919.496.0222 or appear in person at the Franklin County Extension Office at least 5 days prior to the event registration deadline.

Color Me Health for Steps To Health is being offered to Kindergarteners at Snow Hill Primary School. This program will teach children the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. It is designed to stimulate all the sense of young children: touch, smell, sight, sound, and of course, taste. It uses color, music and exploration of the senses to teach children that healthy eating and physical activity are fun.

Bring your lunch and join us for these lunch and learn sessions focused on strategies to improve financial and physical health at the same time. The group will meet every Tuesday and Thursday in March from noon until 1pm. It is not necessary to attend each session. Call 704-736-8461 for more information and to reserve your seat for this free seminar.

Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less weekly scheduled classes.

Expanded Foods & Nutrition- Eat healthy, inexpensive meals FAST!
NEW SESSIONS for 2013 at Franklin County Cooperative Extension - FREE!

Calling all families: Want to learn some new things in 2013? How about having some fun preparing and cooking fast, free, healthy lunches? If you're up for one hour of learning and fun each week, join us for our Expanded Foods & Nutrition program. Every Thursday for eight weeks, we'll talk about how to save money and eat healthy meals with your family. NCSU EFNEP Coordinator Arnetta Wilson will be teaching this class at Franklin County Cooperative Extension, 103 South Bickett Blvd in Louisburg. A certificate is presented upon completion of this course. Call 919-496-3344 to reserve your space now.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation or marital status. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Rachel Monteverdi at 919.496.3344 or email rachel_monteverdi@ncsu.edu or fax 919.496.0222 or appear in person at the Franklin County Extension Office at least 5 days prior to the event registration deadline.

contact: Latoria Moore
232-2262
latoria_moore@ncsu.edu

Good news! A new year is approaching. How about making 2012 YOUR YEAR for change! The Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less program can show you how.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a program that will:
Explore behaviors that help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Identify strategies to help you eat smart and move more.
Show you how living mindfully can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Help you create new, lifelong habits!

Participants receive:
-A program based on proven strategies for effective weight loss.
-A friendly, supportive environment.
-Weekly classes for 15 weeks.
-A full-color magazine containing helpful tips, exercise ideas and recipes.
-A Journal for tracking your progress.
-Online support.
-An opportunity to win great prizes!

CLASS INFORMATION
Start Date: January 24, 2013 - April 11, 2013

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: North Mecklenburg Senior Center
6601 Old Statesville Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078

Program Fee: $30 (includes prizes and incentives)
** Discounted senior rates available

To register: Call 704.336.2082

Learn how to buy food the whole family can eat. Call 828-465-8240 to register for this free workshop.

Anger Management - Managing the emotion effectively
NEW SESSIONS for 2013 at Franklin County Cooperative Extension - FREE! In partnership with Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Solutions-Five County COC

Do you get angry over little things or seem to get angry often? Do you say and do things you regret when you are angry? Do you stay angry with family, friends and children? Have you had legal problems because of your anger? This FREE class can help you. When? Once a week for 6 weeks. Call Anne Williams at 252 430 3077 to sign up. Anne is a Prevention Specialist with Five County Community Operations Center, formerly known as Five County Mental Health.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation or marital status. Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate by contacting Rachel Monteverdi at 919.496.3344 or email rachel_monteverdi@ncsu.edu or fax 919.496.0222 or appear in person at the Franklin County Extension Office at least 5 days prior to the event registration deadline.

Training of Volunteers will be done once a week beginning on Thursday, January 24th and continuing through Thursday, April 25th. Training will be three hours each meeting from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. After completing the initial training volunteers will be asked to complete 40 hours of volunteer work.

We need volunteers to help with one or two of the following tasks including answering questions that come into the office from phone, email, or walk-in clientele, School programs and other youth activities, lastly we would like to start a 4-H horticulture program and need a trained volunteer for that program as well. Other ways to fulfill the volunteer hour requirement would include helping with clinics where we answer questions for people who stop by, writing articles for The Gardener's Dirt newsletter, giving gardening presentations, and other educational activities.

The application can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/masgar/mgapplication.pdf.

A copy of the training schedule can be found at http://www.ncsugarden.com/resources/johnston/docs/2013_emg_training_schedule.pdf.

A Private Applicator Pesticide Exam will be given at 2:00 pm. Bring a non-refundable $10.00 check or money order payable to NCDA. Call Patricia at 910-592-7161 by February 28 to register for the exam.

An after-school program that provides young people instruction and performance opportunities in Mountain Heritage Music on traditional Appalachian instruments.

This is a program provided by Teresa Goley, Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Agriculture Learning Center.

For more information about this meeting, call 252.466.4831

4-H Fit Kids

Vegetables are never better than when they are home grown! Find out how to grow your own transplants from seed, how to prepare your garden soil, what makes a good quality transplant, fertilizing, weed control and other important cultural practices to have a successful garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Students enrolled in ASPIRE will take several practice exams along with classroom time to improve their scores on the ACT. If you would like to sign up for the ASPIRE class please enroll online ( http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/aspire/) or contact Wendy for more questions (252-358-7822 or wendy_drake@ncsu.edu)

Vegetables are never better than when they are home grown! Find out how to grow your own transplants from seed, how to prepare your garden soil, what makes a good quality transplant, fertilizing, weed control and other important cultural practices to have a successful garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

V Credits

A fruit tree pruning demonstration will be held at the Unity Community Garden in downtown Lenoir on Thursday, March 7 from 5 to 6:30 pm. A demonstration of pruning techniques will be led by Amanda Taylor, Caldwell County Extension Agent. Then participants will have the opportunity to practice pruning techniques on the apple, pear, and plum trees in the garden. Attendees should bring a pair of pruners. Registration is required. Register by calling 828-757-1290.

The Kinship Care Forum is for any grandparent or other relative raising children. When you care for a child whose parent is unable to do so, it can be stressful and exhausting. Learn about issues facing kinship care families including health, safety, discipline, grief and loss, financial assistance, and legal concerns. Call 828-287-6020 to register.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (Robeson County Center) and the Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College are offering computer courses for farmers in cooperation with the Farmers Adopting Computer Training (FACT) Program. According to Nelson Brownlee, Extension area farm management agent, FACT trains farm families to use computers in their farm operations to become more competitive in the marketplace. These classes start with the basics of operating a computer and progress to providing fundamental instruction on using a computer to improve farm management record keeping.

The first eight-week session will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights beginning Tuesday, January 15, and ending Thursday, March 7. The title of the class is Technology Awareness. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Robeson Community College. Class size is limited to 18 participants; therefore, registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration fee of $120 may be waived for individuals who meet eligibility.

For more information about this course, including fee-waiver eligibility, or to preregister, please call Nelson at Cooperative Extension at 671-3276 or Robeson Community College Continuing Education Program at 272-3613. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Nelson Brownlee at the Extension Center at 671-3276 by Thursday, January 10.


Contact: Nelson Brownlee (910) 671-3276
Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu

Sponsored by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center and Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College

Learn techniques for gardening in small spaces. Workshop will be held at the Burke County Agricultural Building. Call our office for more information or to register for this workshop. 439-4460

An opportunity for citizens to review the draft plan for Farm and Food Sustainability and offer feedback and comment.

The 2013 Pamlico County Master Gardener Volunteer training class has been set for March 7th through May 30th. This intensive 40-hour training course will cover a large array of horticulture related topics that include: Soils and Fertility, Plant Selection and Care, Vegetable Gardening, Insect and Disease control and numerous other subjects. Classes will be held on Thursday evening every week from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Oriental Free Will Baptist Church. Applications for this program will be accepted from January 3rd through March 7th. If you are interested, applications can be obtained from the Pamlico County Cooperative Extension Service Office or they may be downloaded from the Pamlico County Master Gardener webpage. Space is limited so do not procrastinate. Those accepted into the program (you will be notified of your acceptance by the last week in February) will need to pay a $90.00 training fee before the first week of class. This fee will cover the cost of training materials, which includes the Master Gardeners Training Manual.

Volunteers who finish the class will be expected to complete 40 hours of volunteer service working with Cooperative Extension and Master Gardener projects. Only then will each student earn the Title of Extension Master Gardener. To maintain this title in subsequent years, volunteers must complete 20 hours of volunteer service. The Extension Master Gardener Program is a rigorous program designed to provide highly trained volunteers to meet the Horticultural needs in Pamlico County and our State. For those of you who have a desire to increase your Horticultural knowledge and share this information with your friends and neighbors, this program is for you.

A safety class (Category V) will be conducted from 6:00 pm - 8:00. No pre-registration is required. Please bring your pesticide license to the meeting.

March 7th, 2013 6:30 pm at the NC Cooperative Extension, 25 Referendum Drive, Bolivia, NC.

Join us for an evening of fun and recognition! As all Brunswick County 4-H youth are recognized for their 2012 accomplishments!

RSVP by February 15th!!

Class Location: Bur-Mil Wildlife Education Center

Learn about growing conditions, how to prepare soil, the selection of vegetable varieties for the Piedmont, how to design an efficient, space-saving raised bed, and how to identify and control insects and diseases organically.

To register for this free class, contact Pam Marshall at 375-5876 or pamela_marshall@ncsu.edu

Meeting of the Lee County Area Farmers

Participants will explore 'personality traits' and discuss how to effectively work with others, including children, in the school age setting.

Learn basic line dance steps with fun and energetic instructors. No prior dance experience is required. Classes are FREE! Call 488-3848 for more information.

Line Dancing FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZdkhmSHo4YXJHRW8/edit

X Credits

Youth ages 5 to 12 will participate in animal science educational activities. For more information contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

This is a 10-week beekeeping course on Thursdays from 7-9pm, beginning January 17th. You will learn all about beekeeping, attend a hands-on demonstration field day and receive an optional certification with written and practical exams offered. The registration fee is $40 and includes course materials, textbook, and a one-year membership to the Person County Beekeepers Association. To reserve a spot, contact the Extension Office at 336-599-1195 or send your name, address, telephone number, and email to debbie_harrelson@ncsu.edu

ASU has made a commitment to purchase more local food, and beef is one product they are looking to purchase.

Jeffrey Scott with Heifer Project USA will be there to answer questions. Please attend if you are interested in learning more.

Please let us know if you plan to attend (264-3061).

Check back for information

Weekdays: "Soil Analysis"
Free Soil Sampling kits/instructions for lawn, garden, field and landscaping areas. Interested persons are responsible for mailing kits to NCDA Agronomic Division in Raleigh. Results are usually available online within 3 weeks. Assistance with interpreting results may be obtained from David Goforth, Extension Agent, at 704/920-3310.

The workshop will be held at the Andrews Methodist Church Family Life Center on March 8th starting at 9am. The lecture part will be concluding at noon and lunch will be provided. An on farm demonstration will be after lunch and finish around 3pm. There will also be microscopes set up for learning how to do fecal egg counts. Bring a fresh feces sample in a Ziploc bag with you to determine if your animals have any parasites. Whether you keep goats or sheep as a source of income or as a hobby, this program is guaranteed to help you! Some of the lecture topics will include: sheep and goat husbandry, vaccinations, hoof trimming, integrated parasite control, nutrition, and more. Also, participants will have the opportunity to become FAMACHA certified (an integrated pest management method used to determine parasite loads in goats). There will be a $10 charge for this program, which will cover lunch and refreshments. Please call the Extension office to register by March 1st. You may obtain more information by contacting the Cherokee County Extension office at 837-2210.

2013 Northeast District 4-H Teen Retreat!! Outdoor Movie, Bonfire, Ice Skating, fun interactive workshops, banquet with keynote speaker and a dance! Deadline to register Wednesday, February 20! Cost: $85

Wanna meet other teens from Northeastern North Carolina? Wanna go to an outdoor movie, ice-skating, enjoy a bonfire, and attend interactive workshops? There's also a dance!!!! For teens ages 13 – 18. March 8-10 in Greenville, NC. Cost $85. Registration deadline is Friday, February 21st by 5PM.

Teenagers are invited to join us for a weekend of interactive workshops, fellowship, learning, banquets, and more!

For ages 13-19
Cost: $65
Swain County registration due no later than Monday, February 11

Get ready to have some 4-H fun with other teens from the West District!  Teen retreat includes lots of fun activities as well as talent show, county skits, workshops, spirit stick competition and dance. Call 488-3848 for more information.

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is partnering with the Andrews Veterinarian Hospital to offer a small ruminant hands-on workshop. The workshop will be held at the Andrews Methodist Church Family Life Center on March 8th starting at 9am. The lecture part will be concluding at noon and lunch will be provided. An on farm demonstration will be after lunch and finish around 3pm. There will also be microscopes set up for learning how to do fecal egg counts. Bring a fresh feces sample in a Ziploc bag with you to determine if your animals have any parasites. Whether you keep goats or sheep as a source of income or as a hobby, this program is guaranteed to help you! Some of the lecture topics will include: sheep and goat husbandry, vaccinations, hoof trimming, integrated parasite control, nutrition, and more. Also, participants will have the opportunity to become familiar the FAMACHA method, (an integrated pest management method used to determine parasite loads in goats). There will be a $10 charge for this program, which will cover lunch and refreshments. Please call the Extension office to register by March 1st. You may obtain more information by contacting the Cherokee County Extension office at 837-2210.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services will hold its annual Farmer's Market Managers Workshop at the Johnston County Agricultural Center's Auditorium on March 8, 2013. Registration for this event opens on January 14, 2013. Registration Cost is $20.00 with checks made payable to NCDA&CS. Contact Kevin Hardison, kevin.hardison@ncagr.gov, 919-707-3123 or Annette Dunlap, annette.dunlap@ncagr.gov, 919-707-3117.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4zS3d97QlJDd1I5cEwwWDFCaHM/edit?usp=sharing

Have you thought about what will happen to your special personal possessions at your death? This seminar helps individuals begin to talk with their families and loved ones about these special items, the stories behind the items, and what the owner wants to happen to them after their death. Cost is $15 and includes a workbook and refreshments. The deadline for registration is February 28th. Contact 704-736-8461 to make your reservation.

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS. AUDIENCE: Open to public. PRE-REGISTER. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-450-1687

AUDIENCE: Open to the public. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-450-1687 (Lorraine Fuller)

Cooperative Extension, in partnership with Mayland Community College, will host a day-long growers school known as Blueprint for a Profitable Mountain Farm. Area farmers, gardeners and homesteaders are cordially invited to join us for a day of educational sessions and networking.

This year sessions will include information on local food systems development, broccoli and asparagus production, pests of fruits and vegetables and how to control them, parasite management for a variety of livestock, poultry carcass quality, and raising pigs on pasture. Specialists from across the state will present throughout the day.

The event will be hosted by Mayland Community College at the Spruce Pine Campus on Friday, March 8th, from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. There is a $10 registration fee, which will include a BBQ lunch and reference materials. Registration forms are available through your local Extension office, or online at: http://mitchell.ces.ncsu.edu/. Be sure to register by March 6th to guarantee yourself a meal. For questions please call either 688-4811 or 682-6186.

contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

4-H Fit Kids

County Activity Day

We will be having County Activity Day on Saturday March 16, 2013 at the Johnston County Ag Building, Hwy 210 Smithfield. We will be able to use 5 rooms, at the same time, to give you a chance to experience what it is like at District Activity Day.

Please plan to arrive by 8:45 a.m. to find your room and set up. Signs will be posted at the entrances to the building with room assignments. We will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.; the Awards will be at conclusion of all presentations, but begin no later than 11:30 and should conclude by 12:00 p.m.

EVERYONE who wants to present at District Activity Day, April 27th at Mt. Olive College, should plan to be here to give your presentation. If you cannot be here let me know ASAP. Feedback will be provided on your presentation, please be as polished as you can.

This would be a great time for youth who are thinking about giving a presentation but still not sure to come and see what they are like. We will have a great variety of presentations this day. Even if you were not giving a presentation, please come out and support those that are presenting.

Youth who are interested in attending State 4-H Congress, June 22 – 25, that do a presentation and advance to District will receive a $25 scholarship from the County towards the registration fee, in addition to Clover Cash earned. Congress will be approximately $277 this year.

If you would like to bring a snack and drink for yourself and family, please do so. We will not be serving refreshments.

Call me at, 989-5380, if I can answer any specific questions that you might have regarding County Activity Day 2013.

A registration form can be found here. cadregistration13

AUDIENCE: Open to public. PRE-REGISTER. Fee to attend $75.00. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Larry Kent)

AUDIENCE: Youth ages 13 & up. Fee to attend $65.00. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Wanda Mills)

$25 registration fee due to Extension Office by March 1; includes snacks and lunch following day. Please make checks payable to Richmond County 4-H.

Meet the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.  for more information or to find our location please contact Debra Knox - debra.knox2@gmail.com

http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/content/12812

Dig In will feature a dynamic general session about foodscapes and grow-your-own communities, plus three workshop tracks with breakout sessions:

Community Gardens
School/Child Care Gardens
Edible Cityscapes and Landscapes

http://www.advocatesforhealthinaction.org/eat-healthy/community-gardens/dig-in/

http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/

Rescheduled for March 16, 2013

Contact: Tim Kirkpatrick
232-2262
tim_kirkpatrick@ncsu.edu

Fun Fun Show!!!! March 9th at 10:00, gates will open at 8:00am!!! Rain or Shine there is no rain date! Just come have FUN!! We all could use some fun on our four legged buddy's !!:) We will be riding to help the Dare and Currituck County Food Pantry's ! It's been a hard winter and everyone could use a lil help!!:) BJ'S BQ will be catering the show! Spread the word! We are looking for 50$ sponsorships and volunteers for the day! Let me know if you can contribute in any way:) This is just a Fun Show so dress for the weather, bring a helmet if your under 18 and just come have fun!!!

http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/

Students enrolled in ASPIRE will take several practice exams along with classroom time to improve their scores on the ACT. If you would like to sign up for the ASPIRE class please enroll online ( http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/aspire/) or contact Wendy for more questions (252-358-7822 or wendy_drake@ncsu.edu)

Youth ages 9-18 are invited to compete as teams in livestock judging, skillathon, & quiz bowl divisions. Totals are tallied from each division for awards. Participants do not have to own livestock to participate. This event is sponsored by Southern States and Sampson County 4-H. Call the Sampson County 4-H Office at 910-592-7161 to register by March 1.

In celebration of Arbor Day, the Currituck County Master Gardeners will be giving away trees on March 9, 2013. This event will start at 9:00 am and continue until the trees are gone. This year the Master Gardeners will be giving away Crape Myrtles, Coastal Maples, Pin Oaks and River Birch. The locations for this event are the Food Lion in Moyock, Food Lion in Grandy and Ace Hardware in Corolla. For more information call the NC Cooperative Extension, Currituck County Center at 232-2262 or email deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Directions upon request! Setup time begins at 9:00am, and judging starts at 9:45am.

Winecoff TAILGATE Market open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Patrons can find out where the food is grown, meet persons that grew it and care put into growing products. Fresh foods, local artisans, home-baked, hand-crafted items, eggs, meat, butter and feta cheese produced locally. For information, visit http://www.piedmont-farmersmarket.com/ or call David Goforth, Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center at 704/920-3310 or email djgoforth@cabarruscounty.us .

Learn how to keep your spring lawn looking great. Workshop for the homeowner to be held at Belle Farm. Pre-registration is NOT required. Call our office if you have questions. 439-4460

Raised beds are options for people with limited space, soil problems or who would like to practice more intensive vegetable gardening techniques. Find out how to build a raise bed, the soil and amendments to use in the bed, what plants will grow best in a raised bed and how to plant and care for the raised bed garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Raised beds are options for people with limited space, soil problems or who would like to practice more intensive vegetable gardening techniques. Find out how to build a raise bed, the soil and amendments to use in the bed, what plants will grow best in a raised bed and how to plant and care for the raised bed garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Heaven's Horseshoes is a Horse Club that meets every other Saturday at 2pm at 110 James Street, Bolivia. They have a very enthusiastic leader Nichole Wittkofsky - entj65@aol.com 910-515-7072 Please contact her for the next meeting time and date.

Also check out their Facebook Page -- Heavens Horseshoe (Nmds)

Obtain research-based educational information on horticulture, agriculture, community development, family resources, consumer sciences and 4-H youth programs from North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. Most programs free to public unless a cost is listed. Call for more information on any of following program opportunities at 704/920-3310, 8-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit our website at: http://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/ . For accommodations for persons with disabilities for any of our programs, call no later than five business days before event. To receive a copy of our weekly calendar of educational opportunities and sponsored events via email just send an email to bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us to be added to the "Get-Plugged-In-List."

Contact our 4-H Program Assistant for Afterschool Caregiver Training Classes that are available this month. Various classes and seminars provide training with fun, science, environmental and health conscious topics offered to Afterschool site preschool caregivers using 4-H educational curriculum such as Rain Forest Adventures and Wind/Weather Science. BSAC-Basic School-Age Care training available, required for afterschool teachers. For information about ongoing programs offered, contact Beverly Bollenbecker, Afterschool Program Coordinator at 704/920-3310 or bhbollenbecker@cabarruscounty.us .

http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/

http://www.organicgrowersschool.org/

Class Location: Greensboro Arboretum

Learn about growing conditions, how to prepare soil, the selection of vegetable varieties for the Piedmont, how to design an efficient, space-saving raised bed, and how to identify and control insects and diseases organically.

To register for this free class, contact Pam Marshall at 375-5876 or pamela_marshall@ncsu.edu

Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance and Enhanced Agricultural District Ordinance give interested farm, horticulture and forestry land owners additional choices they can use to protect their land-owner rights. Agricultural producers may be eligible for certain federal programs by applying to be a part of an Agricultural District. Contact Carl Pless, Jr., Extension Agent, at 704/920-3310.

The program will be presented by Jennifer Ferre from WNC AgOptions (Tobacco Trust Grant) explaining the grant process. Southern Appalachian Family Farms group meets the 4th Monday night of each month at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
http://www.familyfarmsdirect.com/about.aspx

Silas Brown - Tree Fruit –
Silas Brown - Small Fruit
Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration
*Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoors

contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

This is an eight week training course for prospective Master Gardener Volunteers. A variety of topics will be covered during the training. After training is completed, the new volunteer will provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the community to achieve full status as a Master Gardener. Cost for course is $75. This covers the manual and other training materials for the class. For more information, call 828.389.6305.

they also meet the 4th Monday of the month as well.

Happy Potters ECA is one of nine Extension & Community Association (ECA) clubs in Gaston County. You can be a part of ECA by visiting any of our clubs - contact Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291 to confirm meeting dates and times.

The Giving Closet provides free clothes for ages 0-5 and maternity clothes for Durham County families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Baby equipment may also be available. Families may attend four times during the program year.
http://www.welcomebaby.org

Contact: Deborah Waterman (919) 560-7150
dwaterman@durhamcountync.gov

Bel-Heights ECA is one of nine Extension & Community Association (ECA) clubs in Gaston County. You can be a part of ECA by visiting any of our clubs - contact Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291 to confirm meeting dates and times.

If you enjoy knitting or want to learn the art of knitting, then join ECA's knitting group. This group meets weekly and beginnners are always invited. Cost is $3.00 (every two classes) - register by contacting Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291.

Jo Co Quilters is open to anyone with an interest in quilting and refining skills, participants learn from each other to improve the quality of their quilting in a non-intimidating atmosphere. Service projects help us connect with our community while we refine our skills.

Meetings are held the SECOND Monday of the month at 10:00 am- 11:30 am and 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.

Meeting takes place at the O. P. Owens Agriculture Center. If you have questions, contact Mack Johnson at 910-671-3276 or at mack_johnson@ncsu.edu

All Boxwood Growers need to attend this meeting. Please call 336-401-8025 to register.

This webinar will describe the new landowner financial incentive program, Market Based Conservation Initiative (MBCI). This is a 3-year, $6 million dollar pilot project in Eastern North Carolina in which qualifying landowners can receive payment for conserving working farm and forestland. The webinar will cover how and why the MBCI pilot was developed, landowner eligibility requirements, and enrollment process. After attending this webinar, participants will have a working understanding of the MBCI program and be able to inform private landowners on this new program.

Learn the basics of growing primarily Shiitake mushrooms in the home landscape. Some discussion will be given to other types of mushrooms. A demonstration of growing shiitakes will be shown.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

Learn the basics of growing primarily Shiitake mushrooms in the home landscape. Some discussion will be given to other types of mushrooms. A demonstration of growing shiitakes will be shown.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a series of weekly weight management classes taught by Union County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent, Sally McNeill, RD. A variety of different nutrition, health and physical activity topics are addressed during the hour long classes. Participants set personal weight loss goals and are given the tools to make changes to improve eating and physical activity behaviors for a lifetime of good health. Cost for the series: $25.00. Participants may sign up for daytime classes (held from noon - 1 pm each Monday at the Union County Agricultural Center ) or for evening classes (held from 5:30-6:30 pm each Monday at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center). For more information, contact Sally McNeill at 704-283-3732. Register and pay in person for the day classes at the Agricultural Center. Register and pay in person for the evening classes at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center on Hanover Drive in Monroe, NC.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course (6th Edition) is taught as a 16 hour (four session) course offered for anyone involved in food preparation. This class requires registration and payment of $105 per participant. The class instructor is Chad Gambill from the Caldwell County Health Department. A test is offered the last day of the training.

For more information contact the Caldwell County Center or Chad Gambill (828.426.8588 or cgambill@caldwellcountync.org)

The Old Fort ECA meets the second Monday of each month at 1:30p.m. New members are always welcome. The purpose of the NC ECA is education through programs to encourage and assist members in promoting higher standards of family living, homemaking, and citizenship.

Norwood Extension & Community Association monthly club meeting. Visitors are welcome.

4-H Club Meeting

4-H Fit Kids

ESMMWL is a 15-week weight management program that uses strategies proven to work. Sessions will be held at Mull's Grove Baptist Church in the Salem area starting on February 11th. Weigh-in begins at 5:00 p.m. and classes are from 5:30 - 6:30 each Monday. Enrollment fee is $20 due by week two. Call the Extension office for more information or to register. 828-439-4460

contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

contact: Stephanie Minton
232-2262
stephanie_minton@ncsu.edu

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a series of weekly weight management classes taught by Union County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent, Sally McNeill, RD. A variety of different nutrition, health and physical activity topics are addressed during the hour long classes. Participants set personal weight loss goals and are given the tools to make changes to improve eating and physical activity behaviors for a lifetime of good health. Cost for the series: $25.00. Participants may sign up for daytime classes (held from noon - 1 pm each Monday at the Union County Agricultural Center ) or for evening classes (held from 5:30-6:30 pm each Monday at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center). For more information, contact Sally McNeill at 704-283-3732. Register and pay in person for the day classes at the Agricultural Center. Register and pay in person for the evening classes at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center on Hanover Drive in Monroe, NC.

An opportunity for citizens to review the draft Farm and Food Sustainability Plan and offer feedback and comment.

This is the club's monthly club meeting. Call 828-632-4451 for location it can change monthly.

Monthly Club meeting. Visitors Welcome.

4-H Club Meeting "Let's Talk about it" Club

Monthly meeting for Wake County 4-H Horse Council. All horse club leaders and volunteers are welcome. All horse clubs are strongly encouraged to send at least one leader to each meeting.

Interesting Educational Programs Planned by ECA!
The mission of North Carolina Extension Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through education, leadership development, and community services. Interested adults may visit a club that suits their schedule and enjoy interesting programs on various time relevant topics such as: Container Gardens, and Fall Decorating Ideas Presented by Love Interiors; What Bugs You; Slow Cooker Soups, Stews and More; the Buzz about Bees; Aroma Therapy; You Can have Your Cake and Eat It Too-How to Alter Desserts to Cut Calories; and Christmas In Holland. For a list of club schedules and meeting times, call Pam Outen, Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

4-H clubs and programs are about youth ages 5-19 years old having fun with friends and learning new skills throughout year. Clubs are guided by adult volunteers and meet monthly. Club members go on educational tours, attend special programs, conduct community service projects, plus lots more! Through continued club membership, youth gain skills in decision-making, cooperation, and communication. Several Cabarrus 4-H clubs specialize in study of horses; one for children ages 5-8, one for teens, one wildlife and several in multiple educational areas. For a club meeting schedule, check our web site at www.cabarruscounty4H.com or contact Debbie Bost, Extension Agent at dgbost@cabarruscounty.us or 704/920-3310.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Youth Participating in the 4-H Livestock Program by raising cattle must have their cattle on the farm by 5pm on March 12, 2013

Any 4-H member showing a steer or heifer in the 4-H Livestock Show and Sale should have their animals on the farm today

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

http://www.cvent.com/events/2013-western-north-carolina-turfgrass-conference/event-summary-a7b7ee71439d4c73aeee50365650f89b.aspx

Registration form: http://www.cvent.com/events/2013-western-north-carolina-turfgrass-conference/event-summary-a7b7ee71439d4c73aeee50365650f89b.aspx

Training for farmers interested in new retail markets.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/REGISTRATION-FOR-TAILGATE-MARKET-_2_-empowering-logo.pdf

Training for farmers interested in new retail markets.

Retail Ready is a program for farmers interested in selling to restaurants, groceries and other retail buyers by expanding their current markets.

Mountain Research & Extension Center, Mills River
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
9am-4pm

Register by: March 7, 2013
Cost: $20 (workbook, lunch, refreshments)
**Travel scholarships are available.


Topics Include:
• Food Safety, GAPS, Audits & Certification
• Post Harvest Handling
• Grades & Standards for Retail Markets
• Pricing and Building Relationships with buyers
• Selling to Grocery Stores, Food Hubs, & Distributors
• What to expect on delivery: Farmers Panel


For more information, contact Gary Bullen at Gary_Bullen@ncsu.edu or by phone at 919.515.6096.

Workshop offered by: NC Cooperative Extension

meeting starts at 8:15
contact Olivia

This workshop is for producers wanting to market meat thru sales to local consumers. Topics to be addressed include: labeling, meat handling regulations, marketing. Covers beef, prok, poultry, rabbit, goat, sheep, etc. Cost is $25. Call our office at 336-703-2867 to register or for more information.

AUDIENCE: Adults over 18 years old. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Ana Rosa Reyes)

This workshop will cover the advantages of using a high-tunnel greenhouse and plasticulture. Also, techniques to extend the growing season and the latest on growing produce using plastic mulch and drip irrigation will be discussed.

The speakers for the workshop will be Grace Summers and Kurt Taylor, Extension associates from North Carolina A&T State University. This meeting will be beneficial to the beginner trying to get started with high-tunnel greenhouse production or plasticulture as well as the experienced farmer seeking to hone his skills. Please come prepared with your greenhouse and plasticulture questions. After the workshop, there will be a tour of Locklear Farms to visit their high-tunnel greenhouse and strawberry crop using plastic mulch.

Refreshments will be provided.

Location: O. P. Owens Agriculture Center
Contact: Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu
Call to Register: 910-671-3276 by March 8

Control your health condition ... Don't let it control you
FREE Workshop - once a week for 6 weeks.
Registration required. Class size is limited.
Call our office at 828-439-4460 to register

If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or just want to learn more about diabetes, this is the program for you. Learn about nutrition, medications, exercise, complications and stress from certified diabetes educators. Call 828-465-8240 to register for this FREE series.

Learn to manage your type 2 diabetes. Call 828-465-8240 to register for these free classes.

Weekly gardening class for 3rd-5th grade students. Early registration through Feb 1st is $40, then $50 until Feb 15th or until full.

Registration packet: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013_Garden_Class_Packet.pdf

contact Olivia Jones
252-232-2261
olivia_jones@ncsu.edu

Contact: Debbie Kelso
232-2262
deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Monthly business meeting of the Edgecombe Master Gardener Volunteers.
Two of the Nash County MG's will be our guests on March 12th. They will offer tips and suggestions on how to improve our plant sale.

Quilting Class Series with Dawn Hopkins celebrating ECA Centennial. Cost $30 for series - basic sewing skills needed. Call 704-983-3987 for more information or to register. Class size limited to 10 people.

Monthly Extension & Community Association Club Meeting. Visitors Welcome.

A 15-week weight-management program that uses strategies proven to work. Each lesson informs, empowers, and motivates participants to live mindfully as they make choices about eating and physical activity. Participants track their progress and keep a journal of healthy eating and physical activity behaviors. Pre-registration required - contact Linda J. Minges (linda_minges@ncsu.edu)

Bring your lunch and join us for these lunch and learn sessions focused on strategies to improve financial and physical health at the same time. The group will meet every Tuesday and Thursday in March from noon until 1pm. It is not necessary to attend each session. Call 704-736-8461 for more information and to reserve your seat for this free seminar.

There will be a Soybean, Corn & Small Grains production meeting at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 12th at the Rockingham County Extension Center, 525 NC Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC. Speakers will include Jim Dunphy, Soybean Specialist; Ron Heiniger, Corn Specialist; Randy Weisz, Small Grains Specialist; and Wes Everman, Weed Specialist; all with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Topics will include herbicide resistance, soybean, corn, and wheat outlooks for 2013, weed and pest management, variety and population trials, and other current research being done at present with all of these crops.

For those attending, lunch will be served at 12:00 noon. There will also be two hours of pesticide recertification credit offered in the N,O,D, and X categories. This meeting will cover a lot of very important production information for the coming year, so please plan on joining us on March 12th .

We will need a head count to prepare the meal, so if you will be attending the meeting, please contact the Rockingham County Center at (336) 342-8230 by 5:00 pm on March 8th.

Please join us in Mount Airy at Reeves Community Center for a program on Diabets and You - "Moving with Diabetes What You Need to Know". Please call 401-8025 to register.

Call 828-485-2300 to register and to find out how to get a free cholesterol test.

The 2013 Currituck County Master Gardener Volunteer Program Training Classes are underway. These classes provide a broad scope of horticulture training in areas such as plant identification, organic gardening, landscape design, pest management and more. If you are interested in becoming a Currituck Master Gardener call the Currituck Extension office at 232-2262 or e-mail Debbie Kelso at deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

contact: Latoria Moore
232-2262
latoria_moore@ncsu.edu

Plantsmen's Tour

"Early Spring Perennials"
Mark Weathington, Assistant Director and Curator of Collections

March 13, 2012 (Tuesday) – 1:00 PM–2:30 PM

While the early trees and shrubs often get top billing, the emerging and evergreen herbaceous plants are a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Get over your winter blues as we look for signs of spring in the JCRA's perennial collections.

Cost: Free.
Registration: Advance registration is not available.
Location: Tour begins at the Visitor Center at the JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Directions: Need directions? Click here.
Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions: Please call (919) 513-7005 for more information about this tour.

Announcement: A printable version (PDF file) of this event's announcement is also available. Print it as reminder for yourself or take it to your local community center, church, library, etc. to help spread the word about this event.

Monthly Extension & Community Association Club meeting. Visitors are welcome.

V credit training for private pesticide applicators.

Teens in Leadership Training Volunteer Youth Leaders will be trained by Ms. Barnwell, FCS Agent in order to deliver Oragan-Wise curriculum to after-school programs. Please email to sign up!! 910-253-2610 or angie_lawrence@ncsu.edu

This is a program provided by Teresa Goley, Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Agriculture Learning Center.

4-H Fit Kids

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a 15-week weight loss/weight-management program. Each weekly lesson focuses on strategies that are proven to work! Various group fitness activities are offered for 45 minutes each week immediately following the lesson.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (Robeson County Center) and the Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College are offering computer courses for farmers in cooperation with the Farmers Adopting Computer Training (FACT) Program. According to Nelson Brownlee, Extension area farm management agent, FACT trains farm families to use computers in their farm operations to become more competitive in the marketplace. These classes start with the basics of operating a computer and progress to providing fundamental instruction on using a computer to improve farm management record keeping.

This four-week session will begin Tuesday, March 12, and end Thursday, April 4. The title of the class is Introduction to Financial Literacy. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Robeson Community College. Class size is limited to 18 participants; therefore, registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration fee of $120 may be waived for individuals who meet eligibility.

For more information about this course, including fee-waiver eligibility, or to preregister, please call Nelson at Cooperative Extension at 671-3276 or Robeson Community College Continuing Education Program at 272-3613. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Nelson Brownlee at the Extension Center at 671-3276 by Thursday, March 5.


Contact: Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu
Call to Register: 910-671-3276


Sponsored by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center and Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College

Gap training for produce growers gives producers resources that will aid them in completing learning the steps to ensure safe food practices for their farms. The new Food Safety Modernization Act will have clear cut steps to take to ensure safety and traceability. Get ahead of the curve with this class that will give you the education and the on farm review prior to the auditor coming to your farm. The class will be taught on March 12,14 and 21st from 5:30-9:30pm, cost is $75.00 which includes curriculum materials and the on-site farm visit. Call 593-8179 to register by March 8th.

Looking for a fun and affordable way to get some exercise, develop a talent and make new friends? This winter Swain County 4-H will team up with members of the Tangled Feet Stompers to offer Basic Clogging 101 designed for boys and girls, ages 8 and older. Classes are recreational and for youth interested in exploring dance, heritage arts and exercise. Youth will be instructed in basic clogging, square dance and folk dance.

Clogging practice will be held every Tuesday from 5:30pm – 6:30pm at the Extension Office beginning January 22, 2013. Tentatively there are nine practices scheduled with a performance for parents during the last class. Youth may also perform at other events if they chose. There is a one-time fee of $10.00 for the 9 week class. For more information contact the 4-H office at 488-3848.

4-H Clogging Clovers FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZVmFoM2U0ZzZKV00/edit

Please use the Williamsboro Street entrance.

Are you turning 65? Do you understand Medicare?

Get the following questions answered:
What is Medicare?
Who is Eligible?
What does Original Medicare Cost?
What does Original Medicare Cover?
What is not covered by Original Medicare?
How to Enroll?
What are Parts A & B?
What are Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, & N?

Get these and many other questions answered.
Registration is necessary 919-989-5380

NC REAL (Rural Entrepreneurial Action Learning) 8 Week Class. This is an introduction to rural self employment. Have you dreamed of living off the land? This class is designed to help participants develop skills, expand their knowledge, and create tangible products, including new enterprises. Jeff Rieves, Extension Agent, Agriculture, Union & Stanly Counties is the instructor. Cost is $65 which includes binder. Call 704-991-0123 or register of online at www.stanly.edu.

Burke County Beekeepers will hold an Open House on March 12, 2013 starting at 6:30 p.m. Come out and see beekeeping equipment, an observation hive, 4-H beekeeping projects and more. Taste local honey. Beekeepers will be there to answer your questions about beekeeping.

4-H club for youth ages 5 to 18.

Monthly meeting of the Livestock Producers

Join fellow cloggers every Tuesday at 6:30 and learn/practice varies clogging steps.

Requires previous experience and knowledge of steps such as: Samantha, High-Horse, Joey and Mountain Goat. Classes are FREE!

Contact Dee Decker at 828-488-3848 for more information.

Clogging Classes FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZUElKNlE5WkNuYzA/edit

Beekeeping series of nine classes for beginning or intermediate. Cost $43 for series. Instructed by certified beekeepers in Cabarrus County Beekeepers Association. Register online http://onlineservices.cabarruscounty.us/ReservePartner/
Click Cooperative Extension 2013, Horticulture and then class #5103 or for assistance call 704/920-3315.

The Lucile Tatum ECA is one of nine Extension & Community Association (ECA) clubs in Gaston County. You can be a part of ECA by visiting any of our clubs - contact Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291 to confirm meeting dates and times.

AUDIENCE: Open to the public. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Lisa Rayburn)

Cost for the Beginner Beekeeping School is $65 per person, which includes handouts, refreshments, and one year of membership to the Rowan County Bee Association.

There will also be a field day on Saturday, March 23.

Contact Marcel Renn at 704-637-8931 for additional information.

To register, call 704-216-8970.

Vendor applications being accepted for Herb Festival to be held Saturday, April 13th, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at . Community educational event coordinated by Cabarrus County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association, held rain or shine. Vendors must meet gardening/ herb theme to participate. Cost: $30. Vendor fees go towards horticultural scholarships to schools, various community and association horticultural projects. To receive vendor application, email bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us or call 704/920-3315. For horticultural project scholarship information, contact Mitch Hagler, Master Gardener Volunteer, at: mhagler3@carolina.rr.com .

Retail Ready is a program for farmers interested in selling to restaurants, groceries and other retail buyers by expanding their current markets.

Rowan County Extension Center
Wed, March 13, 2013
8:30am-4:15pm

Register by: March 6, 2013
Cost: $20 (workbook, lunch, refreshments)
**Travel scholarships are available.

Topics will include:
• Selling to New Markets
• Grocery Store Sales
• Restaurant Sales
• Buyer Panel
• Requirement for Retail Sales
• Market
• Insurance and Risk Management
• Preparing for Retail Sales
• Pricing for Retail Markets
• Building Relationships with Buyers
• Farmers Panel

For more information, contact Gary Bullen at Gary_Bullen@ncsu.edu or by phone at 919.515.6096.

Workshops offered by: NC Cooperative Extension

Retail Ready for Local Foods-Training for farmers interested in new retail markets. March 13, 2013, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. at the Rowan County Extension Center, 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury, NC 28146.Registration is $20 and is due by March 11, 2013.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/REGISTRATION-FOR-Rowan-County-RetailReady.pdf

AUDIENCE: Interested Persons. Fee to attend $15.00. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Peggie Garner)

Contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

Retail Ready is a program for farmers interested in selling to restaurants, grocery stores and other retail buyers by expanding their current markets. Grocery buyers other buyers and successful farmers will share how to access these retail markets during panel discussions and answer your specific questions.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension is sponsoring this one day workshop where you will learn the best business practices identified by buyers in these markets that are actively looking for local food suppliers. In the workshop you will receive information about how to build relationships with these buyers, packaging and labeling, successful marketing strategies, pricing, food safety issues and regulatory concerns.

The workshop date is March 13, 2013 from 9:00am to 4:00pm at the Rowan County Extension Center. Cost to attend is $20 which covers workbook, lunch, and refreshments. Make checks payable to Rowan County CES and mail to our office at 2727-A Old Concord Rd, Salisbury, NC 28146. Registration deadline is March 4. For questions or more information, contact by e-mail: Darrell_Blaclwelder@ncsu.edu or by phone at 704.216.8970. **space is limited**

For accomodations for persons with disabilities, contact our office at 704.216.8970 no later than five business days before the event.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013 (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
Annex Meeting Room
(Pre-registration Required by March 8, 2013)
2-Hours Pesticide Credit in D, G, L, N, O, V and X Categories

Color Me Health for Steps To Health is being offered to Kindergarteners at Snow Hill Primary School. This program will teach children the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. It is designed to stimulate all the sense of young children: touch, smell, sight, sound, and of course, taste. It uses color, music and exploration of the senses to teach children that healthy eating and physical activity are fun.

Learn how to keep deer from destroying your garden.

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

15 week program designed to help participants develop healthy exercise and eating habits to achieve and maintain a healthy weight for life. Registration is required. For more information, Contact the Wilkes Center of the NC Cooperative Extension Service at (336) 651-7330.

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course (6th Edition) is taught as a 16 hour (four session) course offered for anyone involved in food preparation. This class requires registration and payment of $105 per participant. The class instructor is Chad Gambill from the Caldwell County Health Department. A test is offered the last day of the training.

For more information contact the Caldwell County Center or Chad Gambill (828.426.8588 or cgambill@caldwellcountync.org)

Must be registered to participate. Please contact 336-651-7330 for more details.

Start composting now so your compost will be ready for your garden in the Spring. Explore as a family how to compost and just what makes compost. Families are encouraged to attend together. Minimum age is 8 years old unless a parent attends. Limit: 8 families. Cost: $3.00 per family. Call the Sampson County 4-H Office at 910-592-7161 to register by March 6.

Two part series is designed to teach youth about sewing and design, event planning and enhance cooking skills.

Series I - Sewing
During the fist series youth will have three sewing projects to complete including basic pillow, apron and skirt (girls)/ vest (boys).
Class will meet the following days at 3:30 – 5:30 at the Extension Office
February 6, 13, 20, 27

Series II – Cooking
The second series will include event planning; in this case we will be planning for a community 4-H event. Youth will be cooking several of the main dishes and snacks.
Class will meet the following days at 3:30 – 5:30 at the Extension Office
March 6, 13, 20, 27

Class size is limited to 8
Cost: $25.00 (total for all 8 classes)
Ages: 10 and up

Call 488-3848 for more information.

Stitch and Stir FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZSGZ6WkVYTWh4aG8/edit

4-H Club Meeting

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

Tune in on the 2nd Wednesday of every month to hear Danny Lauderdale and a Master Gardener answer your gardening questions and offer gardening tips.

This is hands-on gardening class where participants will get to plan, plant, grow, and harvest vegetables in a demonstration garden. The produce grown in the garden is donated to Clayton Area Ministries where it is distributed to needy families in the area. The plan is to spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour in the garden each week doing hands on activities such as preparing the soil, planting seeds and transplants, weeding, watering, scouting for insects and diseases, and harvesting the produce. Then spend about 30 to 45 minutes in the classroom discussing topics including planning the garden, insect, weed, and disease control, planting, season extenders, composting, and practices that can be used to keep the food safe during harvesting (Good Agricultural Practices).

To register for this class call Clayton Parks and Recreation at 919 553-1550.

Interesting Educational Programs Planned by ECA!
The mission of North Carolina Extension Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through education, leadership development, and community services. Interested adults may visit a club that suits their schedule and enjoy interesting programs on various time relevant topics such as: Container Gardens, and Fall Decorating Ideas Presented by Love Interiors; What Bugs You; Slow Cooker Soups, Stews and More; the Buzz about Bees; Aroma Therapy; You Can have Your Cake and Eat It Too-How to Alter Desserts to Cut Calories; and Christmas In Holland. For a list of club schedules and meeting times, call Pam Outen, Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

4-H clubs and programs are about youth ages 5-19 years old having fun with friends and learning new skills throughout year. Clubs are guided by adult volunteers and meet monthly. Club members go on educational tours, attend special programs, conduct community service projects, plus lots more! Through continued club membership, youth gain skills in decision-making, cooperation, and communication. Several Cabarrus 4-H clubs specialize in study of horses; one for children ages 5-8, one for teens, one wildlife and several in multiple educational areas. For a club meeting schedule, check our web site at www.cabarruscounty4H.com or contact Debbie Bost, Extension Agent at dgbost@cabarruscounty.us or 704/920-3310.

Karen Taylor, Small Business Owner, Robbinsville, NC - Propagation Workshop

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

contact: Debbie Kelso
232-2262
deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

Residents of Chowan, Gates & Perquimans Counties can call (252) 482-6585 to speak with an Extension Master Gardener.

IPM, Pesticides, & Wildlife Control

AUDIENCE: Open to the public. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Wanda Mills & Kelly Abma)

This is an eight week training course for prospective Master Gardener Volunteers. A variety of topics will be covered during the training. After training is completed, the new volunteer will provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the community to achieve full status as a Master Gardener. Cost for course is $75. This covers the manual and other training materials for the class. For more information, call 828.389.6305.

Contact: Tommy Grandy
232-2262
tommy_grandy@ncsu.edu
pre-registration required

The Extension Centers of Camden, Currituck, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans are partnering with the Farm Bureau Federations of their respective counties as well as with representatives of the NC Division of Motor Vehicles to conduct a program on March 14, 2013 at the Pasquotank County Extension Center located at 1209 McPherson Street in Elizabeth City. The meeting will start at 8:30 a.m. with registration and a light breakfast and the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. This meeting will cover regulations that impact farming operations such as the issue of movement of farm equipment on limited access highways and other topics. So that the agricultural community is properly informed about these topics, we encourage growers to attend this meeting. If you plan to attend, please call the Currituck County Center at 252-232-2262 or sign up on line at http://go.ncsu.edu/regionaldmvfarmersforum by March 11, 2013.

AUDIENCE: Adults over 18 years old. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Ana Rosa Reyes)

AUDIENCE: Open to the public. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Lisa Rayburn)

Think Green Thursday Series--Woody Ornamental Pruning class.

To register for the class, please contact Chris Stecker at the Alamance County Cooperative Extension Office at (336) 570-6740 or christine.stecker@alamance-nc.com.

contact: Ellen Owens
232-2262
ellen_owens@ncsu.edu

West Gastonia ECA is one of nine Extension & Community Association (ECA) clubs in Gaston County. You can be a part of ECA by visiting any of our clubs - contact Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291 to confirm meeting dates and times.

Color Me Health for Steps To Health is being offered to Kindergarteners at Snow Hill Primary School. This program will teach children the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. It is designed to stimulate all the sense of young children: touch, smell, sight, sound, and of course, taste. It uses color, music and exploration of the senses to teach children that healthy eating and physical activity are fun.

Our agents are on a LIVE radio program with radio station WKRK, in Murphy. They discuss their upcoming programs on the air.

Bring your lunch and join us for these lunch and learn sessions focused on strategies to improve financial and physical health at the same time. The group will meet every Tuesday and Thursday in March from noon until 1pm. It is not necessary to attend each session. Call 704-736-8461 for more information and to reserve your seat for this free seminar.

Eat Smart Move More Weigh Less weekly scheduled classes.

Good news! A new year is approaching. How about making 2012 YOUR YEAR for change! The Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less program can show you how.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a program that will:
Explore behaviors that help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Identify strategies to help you eat smart and move more.
Show you how living mindfully can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Help you create new, lifelong habits!

Participants receive:
-A program based on proven strategies for effective weight loss.
-A friendly, supportive environment.
-Weekly classes for 15 weeks.
-A full-color magazine containing helpful tips, exercise ideas and recipes.
-A Journal for tracking your progress.
-Online support.
-An opportunity to win great prizes!

CLASS INFORMATION
Start Date: January 24, 2013 - April 11, 2013

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location: North Mecklenburg Senior Center
6601 Old Statesville Rd.
Huntersville, NC 28078

Program Fee: $30 (includes prizes and incentives)
** Discounted senior rates available

To register: Call 704.336.2082

Training of Volunteers will be done once a week beginning on Thursday, January 24th and continuing through Thursday, April 25th. Training will be three hours each meeting from 1:30pm until 4:30pm. After completing the initial training volunteers will be asked to complete 40 hours of volunteer work.

We need volunteers to help with one or two of the following tasks including answering questions that come into the office from phone, email, or walk-in clientele, School programs and other youth activities, lastly we would like to start a 4-H horticulture program and need a trained volunteer for that program as well. Other ways to fulfill the volunteer hour requirement would include helping with clinics where we answer questions for people who stop by, writing articles for The Gardener's Dirt newsletter, giving gardening presentations, and other educational activities.

The application can be found at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/masgar/mgapplication.pdf.

A copy of the training schedule can be found at http://www.ncsugarden.com/resources/johnston/docs/2013_emg_training_schedule.pdf.

An after-school program that provides young people instruction and performance opportunities in Mountain Heritage Music on traditional Appalachian instruments.

This is a program provided by Teresa Goley, Family and Consumer Science Agent at the Agriculture Learning Center.

Students enrolled in ASPIRE will take several practice exams along with classroom time to improve their scores on the ACT. If you would like to sign up for the ASPIRE class please enroll online ( http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/aspire/) or contact Wendy for more questions (252-358-7822 or wendy_drake@ncsu.edu)

The Giving Closet provides free clothes for ages 0-5 and maternity clothes for Durham County families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Baby equipment may also be available. Families may attend four times during the program year.
http://www.welcomebaby.org
Contact: Deborah Waterman (919) 560-7150
dwaterman@durhamcountync.

Learn more about Jackson County, and state level, 4-H activities. Hear from youth about 4-H presentations and project record books. Learn about clubs, camp, mountain heritage activities, summer programs, state level opportunities, scholarships and more. Hear some great music, have some refreshments, and take home a balloon.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension (Robeson County Center) and the Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College are offering computer courses for farmers in cooperation with the Farmers Adopting Computer Training (FACT) Program. According to Nelson Brownlee, Extension area farm management agent, FACT trains farm families to use computers in their farm operations to become more competitive in the marketplace. These classes start with the basics of operating a computer and progress to providing fundamental instruction on using a computer to improve farm management record keeping.

This four-week session will begin Tuesday, March 12, and end Thursday, April 4. The title of the class is Introduction to Financial Literacy. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Robeson Community College. Class size is limited to 18 participants; therefore, registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration fee of $120 may be waived for individuals who meet eligibility.

For more information about this course, including fee-waiver eligibility, or to preregister, please call Nelson at Cooperative Extension at 671-3276 or Robeson Community College Continuing Education Program at 272-3613. For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Nelson Brownlee at the Extension Center at 671-3276 by Thursday, March 5.


Contact: Nelson_Brownlee@ncsu.edu
Call to Register: 910-671-3276


Sponsored by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center and Human Resources Department at Robeson Community College

Gap training for produce growers gives producers resources that will aid them in completing learning the steps to ensure safe food practices for their farms. The new Food Safety Modernization Act will have clear cut steps to take to ensure safety and traceability. Get ahead of the curve with this class that will give you the education and the on farm review prior to the auditor coming to your farm. The class will be taught on March 12,14 and 21st from 5:30-9:30pm, cost is $75.00 which includes curriculum materials and the on-site farm visit. Call 593-8179 to register by March 8th.

For more information, call Clay County Extension at 828-389-6305

The Currituck County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will sponsoring a class on "Managing Fruit Trees in the Home Landscape" on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 6:30 pm. Topics to be covered include: tree site selection; planting techniques; soil and fertility requirements; pruning and training; insect and disease management; fertility grow well, site selection and soil requirements; planting, training and pruning; and potential insect and disease problems. The class is for anyone interested in starting a home orchard or already growing fruit trees. The Currituck Extension Center is located at 120 Community Way, Barco, North Carolina. Please call 232-2262 to register or sign up on line at go.ncsu.edu/fruittrees

Cost $10

AUDIENCE: Licensed Pesticide Applicators. No fee to attend. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Melissa Huffman)

Thursday-March 14, 2013-6:30 PM
Franklin County Cooperative Extension - Annex
Two-Hours of V Credit

The Sampson County Beekeepers Association meets the 2nd Thursday of each month and is open to the public.

Contact: Della King (910) 592-7161
della_king@ncsu.edu

Sponsored by: NC Cooperative Extension

Learn basic line dance steps with fun and energetic instructors. No prior dance experience is required. Classes are FREE! Call 488-3848 for more information.

Line Dancing FLYER: https://docs.google.com/a/ncsu.edu/file/d/0Bxn0rAl4KbIZdkhmSHo4YXJHRW8/edit

Open to youth ages 5-18; children should be accompanied by an adult.

This is a 10-week beekeeping course on Thursdays from 7-9pm, beginning January 17th. You will learn all about beekeeping, attend a hands-on demonstration field day and receive an optional certification with written and practical exams offered. The registration fee is $40 and includes course materials, textbook, and a one-year membership to the Person County Beekeepers Association. To reserve a spot, contact the Extension Office at 336-599-1195 or send your name, address, telephone number, and email to debbie_harrelson@ncsu.edu

Deadline to sign up for 4-H County Activity Day to be held Wednesday, April 3rd at 10 am.
http://brunswickco4h.shutterfly.com/aboutus 910-253-2610 gina_britton@ncsu.edu

Weekdays: "Soil Analysis"
Free Soil Sampling kits/instructions for lawn, garden, field and landscaping areas. Interested persons are responsible for mailing kits to NCDA Agronomic Division in Raleigh. Results are usually available online within 3 weeks. Assistance with interpreting results may be obtained from David Goforth, Extension Agent, at 704/920-3310.

Deadline to register for 4-H Talent Showcase to be held on Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m. All registrations are due by 4:30 p.m.

contact: Debbie Kelso
232-2262
deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Please join us for the 2013 Come to the Table Conferences: People of Faith Relieving Hunger and Supporting Local Agriculture. These conferences include inspiring plenaries, topical breakout sessions, lunch, and a unique chance to meet partners engaged in local food systems and hunger relief work.

REGISTRATION: http://rafiusa.net/come-to-the-table/

WESTERN REGION
Friday, March 15, 2013

Workshop topics will include:
• Food Insecurity: Why our Neighbors are Hungry and What You Can Do
• Supporting Farmers, Supporting Families: How Can Local Food Be Accessible?
• Theology of Food and Agriculture: How Faith Can Guide and Inspire Our Work
• Empowering Youth Through Food Ministries and Projects
• Building Support for Your Ministry or Non-Profit
• Health Ministries: How Congregations Can Help Nourish Body and Soul
• Farmworkers: Supporting Those Who Harvest our Food
• Community Gardening 101: Basics of a Successful Community Garden
• Community Organizing 101: Skills for Sustaining Projects in Your
Congregation or Community

Registration is a sliding scale of $0-$15. Click here to learn more about online and paper registration.

Come to the Table is a project of the Rural Life Committee of the NC Council of Churches, coordinated by RAFI with support from the Duke Endowment. Questions? Contact Sarah Gibson at sarah@rafiusa.org, Francesca Hyatt at fhyatt@rafiusa.org or call Sarah at (919) 259-5169.

contact: Stephanie Minton
232-2262
stephanie_minton@ncsu.edu

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/2013-landscape-management-workshop/

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/2013-landscape-management-workshop/

A drip irrigation for small scale farms workshop will be held from 9:30 to noon (registration from 9:30 to 10) on Friday, March 15 at the Johnny Wilson Farm in Granite Falls. The event, sponsored by Gra-Mac Irrigation, will teach participants how to design, select, and set up drip irrigation systems on small acreage. Pre-registration is required.

Directions to Johnny Wilson Farm: Head south on Sawmills School Road from Highway 321A in Sawmills. Turn right (west) onto Dry Ponds Road. Go approximately ½ mile and turn right into drive. Park near the pond.

Pre-register by Friday, March 8 by calling 828-757-1290.

Students will participate in a 30 hour course to help them prepare for the ACT college exam. For more information, contact the Lincoln County 4-H office at 704-736-8458.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/horticulture-lunch-and-learn-series-2013/

Learn how to grow, dry, freeze, cook and creatively use herbs. Cost is free so sign up soon! Update: This class is Full!

Due by 5 p.m.

Vegetables are never better than when they are home grown! Find out how to grow your own transplants from seed, how to prepare your garden soil, what makes a good quality transplant, fertilizing, weed control and other important cultural practices to have a successful garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Vegetables are never better than when they are home grown! Find out how to grow your own transplants from seed, how to prepare your garden soil, what makes a good quality transplant, fertilizing, weed control and other important cultural practices to have a successful garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Forsyth County 4-H youth who plan to attend Teen Retreat at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center on April 5 and 6, 2013 need to register by 4pm.

Please contact Kathy Hepler at 336-703-2852 or kathy_hepler@ncsu.edu to register.

AUDIENCE: Open to public. PRE-REGISTER. Fee to attend $75.00. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Larry Kent)

Join us for the 2nd Annual Clover Classic 4-H Livestock Show. Entries are open to any youth ages 5-18 and should be postmarked by February 28th. Animals should arrive from 7 AM - 9 AM the day of their show. Cattle show on Saturday and Sheep and Goats on Sunday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CloverClassicLivestockShow for more information and updates.

Cattle may arrive Friday evening from 6-9 PM but do not have to be on the grounds until Saturday morning.

For more information, please contact April Bowman at 336-703-2850 or 4H@forsyth.cc.

Anson County 4-H Clover Crawl Social and Dance. Friday, March 15 at 7pm til midnight at Twin Valley Country Club, Wadesboro, NC. Tickets on sale for $30.00 per person in advance, $35.00 at the door. 21 years & over, dressy casual/no jeans event. tickets can be purchased at the Anson County Extension Office and Lacy's in Wadesboro. For more information please call 704-694-2915.

Celebrate Forsyth County Waterways during Forsyth Creek Week March 16th-23rd, 2013!

Forsyth Creek Week provides opportunities for residents to discover and explore local streams and lakes through educational programs, recreational activities and volunteer projects.

Go to forsythcreekweek.org for the full agenda

Activities for Saturday, March 16, 2012

Salem Lake
-Creek Crawl, 9am-10:30am
-Salem Lake Fishing Derby, 9am-11am
-Flyfishing Demonstrations, 10am-3pm

Century Park Lake, Kernersville
-Century Park Fishing Derby, 9am-noon

Tanglewood Park
-Kayak Demonstrations, 10am-3pm
-Creek Crawl, 10am-3pm

County Activity Day

We will be having County Activity Day on Saturday March 16, 2013 at the Johnston County Ag Building, Hwy 210 Smithfield. We will be able to use 5 rooms, at the same time, to give you a chance to experience what it is like at District Activity Day.

Please plan to arrive by 8:45 a.m. to find your room and set up. Signs will be posted at the entrances to the building with room assignments. We will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.; the Awards will be at conclusion of all presentations, but begin no later than 11:30 and should conclude by 12:00 p.m.

EVERYONE who wants to present at District Activity Day, April 27th at Mt. Olive College, should plan to be here to give your presentation. If you cannot be here let me know ASAP. Feedback will be provided on your presentation, please be as polished as you can.

This would be a great time for youth who are thinking about giving a presentation but still not sure to come and see what they are like. We will have a great variety of presentations this day. Even if you were not giving a presentation, please come out and support those that are presenting.

Youth who are interested in attending State 4-H Congress, June 22 – 25, that do a presentation and advance to District will receive a $25 scholarship from the County towards the registration fee, in addition to Clover Cash earned. Congress will be approximately $277 this year.

If you would like to bring a snack and drink for yourself and family, please do so. We will not be serving refreshments.

Call me at, 989-5380, if I can answer any specific questions that you might have regarding County Activity Day 2013.

A registration form can be found here. cadregistration13

Contact: Tim Kirkpatrick
232-2262
tim_kirkpatrick@ncsu.edu

Fun Fun Show!!!! March 9th at 10:00, gates will open at 8:00am!!! Rain or Shine there is no rain date! Just come have FUN!! We all could use some fun on our four legged buddy's !!:) We will be riding to help the Dare and Currituck County Food Pantry's ! It's been a hard winter and everyone could use a lil help!!:) BJ'S BQ will be catering the show! Spread the word! We are looking for 50$ sponsorships and volunteers for the day! Let me know if you can contribute in any way:) This is just a Fun Show so dress for the weather, bring a helmet if your under 18 and just come have fun!!!

Join us for the 2nd Annual Clover Classic 4-H Livestock Show. Entries are open to any youth ages 5-18 and should be postmarked by February 28th. Animals should arrive from 7 AM - 9 AM the day of their show. Cattle show on Saturday and Sheep and Goats on Sunday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CloverClassicLivestockShow for more information and updates.

For more information, please contact April Bowman at 336-703-2850 or 4H@forsyth.cc.

Students participating in a 30 hour ACT exam preparatory course will take an ACT diagnostic exam by Princeton Review.

MUST REGISTER. AUDIENCE: Open to the public. Fee to attend $10.00. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Peggie Garner & Diana Rashash)

Being a parent or guardian is a challenge. This parenting education program helps parents and other adults guide the positive development of caring, competent, and healthy children. You have to be present for the entire eight hours and a certificate will be given at the end of class.

Class is from 8:00am-5:00pm
Cost for class is $5.00
To register call Cindy Nance @ (910) 592-7161 or email cindy_nance@ncsu.edu

Celebrating a Decade of Bountiful Harvests. Topics covered: Sustainable Gardening, Mushrooms, Growing Heirloom Vegetables, Garden Journaling, Butterfly Gardens, Preserving the Harvest, Strawberries & Asparagus. Deadline for registration is March 07, 2013. Call Jan McGuinn at 828-287-6011 for more info.

Tree Give Away at Franklin County Farmer's Market Shelter 9:00 am sharp

4-H youth participating in the 4-H Livestock Project must take the MQA class every other year. If this is your first year in the project you must take one of the 3 classes offered before being able to show your animal at the show in June. If you have questions please contact Wendy at 252-358-7822 or wendy_drake@ncsu.edu

4-H Members in the Livestock Show and Sale are invited to learn more about properly caring for meat animals

Annual celebration event for SC ECA members and guests. Theme this year is related to the Centennial Celebration for ECA.

Winecoff TAILGATE Market open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Patrons can find out where the food is grown, meet persons that grew it and care put into growing products. Fresh foods, local artisans, home-baked, hand-crafted items, eggs, meat, butter and feta cheese produced locally. For information, visit http://www.piedmont-farmersmarket.com/ or call David Goforth, Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center at 704/920-3310 or email djgoforth@cabarruscounty.us .

Learn how to keep your spring lawn looking great. Workshop for the homeowner to be held at Espey Hardware. Pre-registration is NOT required. Call our office if you have questions. 439-4460

Raised beds are options for people with limited space, soil problems or who would like to practice more intensive vegetable gardening techniques. Find out how to build a raise bed, the soil and amendments to use in the bed, what plants will grow best in a raised bed and how to plant and care for the raised bed garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Raised beds are options for people with limited space, soil problems or who would like to practice more intensive vegetable gardening techniques. Find out how to build a raise bed, the soil and amendments to use in the bed, what plants will grow best in a raised bed and how to plant and care for the raised bed garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Participants will learn the safety issues and rules for childcare facility play areas adopted by the Division of Child Development.

Fee: $10
Credit Hours: 4

Contact: Cindy Nance @ (910) 592-7161 or cindy_nance@ncsu.edu

This beginners gardening class will cover all the basics you need to know to start a vegetable garden this spring. Taught by Pender Extension Horticulture Agent Charlotte Glen, the class will cover:

Which vegetables can be grown here
Recommended varieties
When and how to plant
Preparing your soil
Providing water and nutrients for healthy crops
Managing pests with and without pesticides
Organic gardening methods

This class is free, though donations to support the WCUMC community garden project will be accepted. Pender County Extension Master Gardeners will assist with the class and have their month by month gardening guide ($9) and gardener's cookbook ($10) available to purchase.

Registration is required by Wednesday, March 13. To register call Pender County Cooperative Extension at 910-259-1235 or register online at: http://harvest.cals.ncsu.edu/surveybuilder/form.cfm?testID=15516

Club members monthly meeting.

No fee to attend. For more information call 910-451-3026 (Jana Guitar)

Obtain research-based educational information on horticulture, agriculture, community development, family resources, consumer sciences and 4-H youth programs from North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center. Most programs free to public unless a cost is listed. Call for more information on any of following program opportunities at 704/920-3310, 8-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit our website at: http://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/ . For accommodations for persons with disabilities for any of our programs, call no later than five business days before event. To receive a copy of our weekly calendar of educational opportunities and sponsored events via email just send an email to bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us to be added to the "Get-Plugged-In-List."

Celebrate Forsyth County Waterways during Forsyth Creek Week March 16th-23rd, 2013!

Forsyth Creek Week provides opportunities for residents to discover and explore local streams and lakes through educational programs, recreational activities and volunteer projects.

Go to forsythcreekweek.org for the full agenda

Activities for SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Tanglewood Park, Civitan Park, and Muddy Creek Greenway
Bird Walks, 9am-10:30am

Salem Creek at Washington Park parking lot, off Broad Street
Creek Crawl, 2pm-3pm

Southeast Center for Contemporary Art, Winston Salem
FREE FILM: WATERSHED, discussion to follow, 3pm-5pm

Join us for the 2nd Annual Clover Classic 4-H Livestock Show. Entries are open to any youth ages 5-18 and should be postmarked by February 28th. Animals should arrive from 7 AM - 9 AM the day of their show. Cattle show on Saturday and Sheep and Goats on Sunday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/CloverClassicLivestockShow for more information and updates.

For more information, please contact April Bowman at 336-703-2850 or 4H@forsyth.cc.

Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance and Enhanced Agricultural District Ordinance give interested farm, horticulture and forestry land owners additional choices they can use to protect their land-owner rights. Agricultural producers may be eligible for certain federal programs by applying to be a part of an Agricultural District. Contact Carl Pless, Jr., Extension Agent, at 704/920-3310.

MG Tour: Andrews, NC
Calaboose Winery/Vineyard, Steve Um Orchid Farm, Stockbridge Farms
*Some time may be spent outdoors – dress appropriately

Celebrate Forsyth County Waterways during Forsyth Creek Week March 16th-23rd, 2013!

Forsyth Creek Week provides opportunities for residents to discover and explore local streams and lakes through educational programs, recreational activities and volunteer projects.

Go to forsythcreekweek.org for the full agenda

Activities for MONDAY, MARCH 18

Forsyth County Cooperative Extension and Clemmons Public Works
-Rain Barrel Workshops, 6:30pm-8pm ( http://www.rainbarrelprogram.org/fcc)

Central Library
FREE FILM: TAPPED, discussion to follow, 6:45pm

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ASCFG) will conduct an all day workshop at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC. The program includes new cultivar evaluations, production studies, postharvest experiments, and marketing analysis. In cooperation with ASCFG, NCSU coordinates the National ASCFG Cut Flower Trial Programs. North Carolina State University is recognized as the only university in the United States with a comprehensive research program on greenhouse and field cut flowers. The conference kicks off with a tour of cut flower farms on Sunday March 17. For more information and to register, go to http://bit.ly/WNGtzB

For more information please call Carmen Long 336-401-8025

This is an eight week training course for prospective Master Gardener Volunteers. A variety of topics will be covered during the training. After training is completed, the new volunteer will provide 40 hours of volunteer service to the community to achieve full status as a Master Gardener. Cost for course is $75. This covers the manual and other training materials for the class. For more information, call 828.389.6305.

The Giving Closet provides free clothes for ages 0-5 and maternity clothes for Durham County families with children ages birth to 5 years old. Baby equipment may also be available. Families may attend four times during the program year.
http://www.welcomebaby.org

Contact: Deborah Waterman (919) 560-7150
dwaterman@durhamcountync.gov

If you enjoy knitting or want to learn the art of knitting, then join ECA's knitting group. This group meets weekly and beginnners are always invited. Cost is $3.00 (every two classes) - register by contacting Pam Bryson at pbryson@co.gaston.nc.us or 704.865.3291.

contact: Debbie Kelso
232-2262
deborah_kelso@ncsu.edu

Vegetables are never better than when they are home grown! Find out how to grow your own transplants from seed, how to prepare your garden soil, what makes a good quality transplant, fertilizing, weed control and other important cultural practices to have a successful garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Vegetables are never better than when they are home grown! Find out how to grow your own transplants from seed, how to prepare your garden soil, what makes a good quality transplant, fertilizing, weed control and other important cultural practices to have a successful garden.

Do I need to register for these seminars? Yes. Please contact Kitrinka Gordan by email at gordonkl@forsyth.cc or phone at 336-703-2850.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a series of weekly weight management classes taught by Union County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent, Sally McNeill, RD. A variety of different nutrition, health and physical activity topics are addressed during the hour long classes. Participants set personal weight loss goals and are given the tools to make changes to improve eating and physical activity behaviors for a lifetime of good health. Cost for the series: $25.00. Participants may sign up for daytime classes (held from noon - 1 pm each Monday at the Union County Agricultural Center ) or for evening classes (held from 5:30-6:30 pm each Monday at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center). For more information, contact Sally McNeill at 704-283-3732. Register and pay in person for the day classes at the Agricultural Center. Register and pay in person for the evening classes at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center on Hanover Drive in Monroe, NC.

2 hours re-certification credit in the "V" category. Please call 336.651.7330 to register.

AUDIENCE: Food service Managers. Fee to attend $120.00. For more information call 910-455-5873 (Robin Seitz)

ESMMWL is a 15-week weight management program that uses strategies proven to work. Sessions will be held at Mull's Grove Baptist Church in the Salem area starting on February 11th. Weigh-in begins at 5:00 p.m. and classes are from 5:30 - 6:30 each Monday. Enrollment fee is $20 due by week two. Call the Extension office for more information or to register. 828-439-4460

This program will be presented by the Robeson County Extension Master Gardeners. Topics will include planning a garden and other gardening tips. Also, participants will plant seeds to help start their own garden. Please come, all ages invited. Parents, bring your children; children, bring your parents.

Location: O. P. Owens Agriculture Center
Contact: Mack_Johnson@ncsu.edu
Call to Register: 910-671-3276 by March 15

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a series of weekly weight management classes taught by Union County Family and Consumer Science Extension agent, Sally McNeill, RD. A variety of different nutrition, health and physical activity topics are addressed during the hour long classes. Participants set personal weight loss goals and are given the tools to make changes to improve eating and physical activity behaviors for a lifetime of good health. Cost for the series: $25.00. Participants may sign up for daytime classes (held from noon - 1 pm each Monday at the Union County Agricultural Center ) or for evening classes (held from 5:30-6:30 pm each Monday at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center). For more information, contact Sally McNeill at 704-283-3732. Register and pay in person for the day classes at the Agricultural Center. Register and pay in person for the evening classes at the Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center on Hanover Drive in Monroe, NC.

This date is the club's monthly club meeting.

4-H Homemaking Club, meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month from 6-7:30, at the NC Cooperative Extension in Brunswick County, 25 Referendum Drive .  For more information contact Club Leader Trisha Apple 910-278-4828

Join a group of teens who develop leadership skills, participate in community
service projects, and help guide the county 4-H program. The council meets
monthly. A typical meeting includes a brief business meeting, educational
program, and refreshments. You do not have to be a current 4-H member to
join but must be between the ages of 13 to 18 on January 1.

Email leslie_wilson@ncsu.edu for information on how to join.