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Extension

  • 4-H demonstrations offer members a lesson in public speaking

    One of the seven areas of the 4-H program to be taught is communications. I have had the most wonderful two weeks by going into Cartmell Elementary and presenting the communications assignment to the fourth- and fifth-grade students.

    So many mixed emotions occurred in the classroom when the students were told that they would be giving a speech or a demonstration in front of their classmates. I sure did not want to add more stress to the students, teachers or to the children’s parents or guardians.

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  • Mistletoe mythology leads to a ‘kiss’ under the bough

    Once autumn leaves have fallen, mistletoe becomes highly visible on large trees throughout Kentucky. 

    Phora-dendron, the scientific name for this plant, means “tree thief.”  We commonly find these small, leafy plants on twigs and branches of many hardwood species in the southern two-thirds of the United States. 

    Mistletoes extract water, mineral elements and food from their host trees by way of a parasite nutrient-uptake organ; hence the name, tree thief. 

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  • Origins of holiday stocking tradition revealed

    Nothing signifies the holidays like festive colored stockings hanging on the fireplace mantle.

    As with many traditions, the exact origin is unknown but the most recognized is the one honoring the generous nature of Saint Nicholas in the 1823 poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” by Clement C. Moore. Historically, Saint Nicholas was a charitable bishop in the third and fourth century living in Myra, now Turkey.

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  • CAIP program applications available Dec. 6

    Applications will be available on Thursday, Dec. 6 for the 2012 Carroll County Agricultural Investment Program at the Carroll County Extension Office, 500 Floyd Drive, Carrollton.

    Applications must be returned to the Carroll County Extension Office Dec. 6-20. We cannot accept applications before or after these dates.

    A Farm Serial Number is required information for the application, and it is strongly recommended you contact the Farm Service Agency at (502) 732-6931 to receive or confirm that number.  Only the FSA can provide your Farm Serial Number.

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  • Herbs spice up holiday meals; special gifts add to season

    If turkey was on your Thanksgiving menu, stuffing with sage may have been served.

    Herbs add flavor and color to any food, Fresh herbs are wonderful when you can go outside and select them from your garden. Grocery stores often have a selection of fresh herbs available when you don’t have fresh ones growing in your garden.  

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  • Deadline nears for cost-share program

    It’s time to apply for the 2012 Carroll County Agricultural Investment Program.

    Applications will be available at the Carroll County Extension Office, 500 Floyd Drive, Carrollton, on Thursday, Dec. 6. They must be completed and returned to my office by Dec. 20. We cannot accept applications before or after these dates.

    A Farm Serial Number is required for the application. I strongly recommend that applicants contact the Farm Service Agency at (502) 732-6931 to receive or confirm your FSN. Only the FSA can provide that information.

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  • Tips for safe shopping during the holidays

    Unfortunately when looking forward to snapping up great deals on holiday specials, consumer fraud and theft never take a holiday. Each year, crime tends to increase throughout the nation as Christmas and Hanukkah approach. This is because people are more likely to be carrying large sums of cash or packages with expense gifts.

    An important part of being a smart consumer is knowing how to protect yourself from theft, no matter the date on the calendar. The National Crime Prevention Council provides these tips for shopping safely:

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  • Volunteers are love in motion

    Volunteering is the sense of carrying out tasks or providing services for individuals or community organizations without being paid to promote good or improve human quality of life. There is absolutely no way that the 4-H program can be successful without the help of volunteers.

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  • Farmer input sought for EQIP

    The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service administers the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, a federal program that provides technical and financial assistance to land users to address natural resource concerns. NRCS is asking for local input for the fiscal year 2013 program.

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  • Thanksgiving meal puts the spotlight on turkey talk

    What would Thanksgiving be without the turkey? Traditionally, many of us plan our entire holiday dinner around turkey. That’s a lot of pressure on one bird.

    It is now only one day before Thanks-giving so frozen turkeys should probably be thawing. If you purchased a fresh turkey, it should be kept in the refrigerator until ready to roast.  

    The big thaw

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