February 2024 Newsletter-Granville County Center

In our February newsletter, you'll discover exciting upcoming events and reflections on recent activities and programs. We're thrilled to continue providing relevant programming to the community while also expanding to meet evolving needs.

We're delighted to introduce our new Digital Literacy Skills Agent, whose role you'll learn more about below. Thanks to a grant from the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, Cooperative Extension is actively empowering North Carolinians with essential digital skills for success, serving as a vital resource across the state.

As our community outreach efforts grow, we're reopening our EFNEP Coordinator position. This role plays a crucial part in enhancing the health of limited-resource youth and families with young children through practical lessons on nutrition, healthy lifestyles, resource management, and food safety. It's an excellent opportunity to engage with the community through a well-developed curriculum. A high school diploma is required, and comprehensive training is provided. Click here to view the posting or submit an application.

We always value input from the community. Do you have suggestions for programs you'd like to see offered? Are there talents or skills you'd like to contribute? Reach out to our office and share your thoughts. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we strive to serve YOU, the cornerstone of our work.

Sincerely,

I am so excited to join the NC State Cooperative Extension! As a full-time Digital Agent, I will be working to provide digital skills to the community to help them earn, learn, live well, and be well. I aim to reduce needs through education and provide resources to empower our community for success in work, health and life. I am a small farm owner, in Hillsborough, and am passionate about strengthening community bonds. I look forward to creating a positive impact and lasting relations. As our world is becoming increasingly digitally based, I will be there to provide support!

Tobacco growers from Granville, Franklin, Person, Vance, Warren, and Wake counties attended the 2024 Upper Middle Belt GAP Tobacco Meeting on January 22nd. A total of 106 people attended this event, with tobacco growers receiving the GAP Connections Annual Training (which is required to obtain contracts with tobacco companies in the
United States), pesticide license recertification credits, and production updates from NC State specialists. Drs. Matthew Vann, Daisy Ahamada, and Grant Ellington gave presentations on tobacco agronomic management, diseases and their management, and curing barn efficiency (which can save growers big $$$!). Thanks to our many
sponsors and partners, we were also able to serve lunch while growers networked withindustry and extension personnel.

Registration is now open for the Central Piedmont Livestock Show and Sale. This is a youth event for 4-H and FFA youth 5 to 18 years of age from Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, and Wake Counties.
Youth may exhibit the following animals: Market Lambs, Ewe Lambs, Feeder Steers, Market Steers, Beef Heifers, Market Goats, Meat Goat Breeding Does, & Market Hogs.

Registration will close on March 15. If you know of any youth interested in exhibiting livestock, please share this information.

At the REACH- Butner-Stem Elementary Program, students recently showcased their talents in a heartwarming winter concert held within the school premises. What made this event even more special was the students' creativity in making their own T-shirts for the performance. In a hands-on learning experience, they not only designed their unique patterns but also gained practical skills using a press machine to apply their creations. Additionally, the students embarked on a magical journey through "Christmas around the World." Armed with passports, they took a virtual flight to Sweden, exploring and experiencing the diverse holiday traditions of this country. Such immersive experiences play a vital role in the development of young minds, offering them exposure to various cultures, fostering creativity through practical activities, and instilling a sense of confidence as they showcase their talents. The combination of artistic expression and global exploration contributes to a well-rounded education, nurturing the growth of these students into culturally aware and skilled individuals.

The REACH-Northern Granville Middle school program has been actively engaging students in diverse and stimulating activities to foster creativity, promote realism, and enhance social-emotional skills. Through the creation of life-size paper mache fruits, students were encouraged to unleash their creativity, pushing the boundaries of their imagination. This activity not only introduced them to a variety of artistic possibilities but also allowed them to explore different materials. The self-portrait project aimed to cultivate a realistic representation, aiding children in understanding angles, shapes, and dimensions. Additionally, students took on leadership roles, becoming coaches for their peers and staff, leading chosen exercises to promote physical activity and overall well-being. The innovative Chocolate Ice Writing activity not only provided a fun and edible experience but also deepened their understanding of scientific concepts related to matter, solids, gases, and liquids. These activities collectively contribute to the holistic development of students, nurturing their social-emotional skills, and fostering a well-rounded learning experience.

In the Un-Rappin' the Gift and He-Matters programs, our high school students have been participating in classes that focus on helping them grow personally, do well in school, and learn important life skills. We talked about understanding ourselves better, setting goals, and practical skills like managing money and time. Practical life skills, such as financial literacy and time management, are essential for students to thrive in adulthood. Financial literacy equips them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, manage budgets, and plan for their future. Time management skills enable students to balance academic, personal, and social responsibilities, setting a foundation for a well-rounded and fulfilling life.

We also discussed how to handle conflicts positively and communicate effectively. Engaging in discussions on conflict resolution is impactful as it equips students with valuable insights into managing relationships and handling disagreements with understanding and empathy. In high school, where interpersonal dynamics play a significant role, these skills contribute to a positive and supportive environment. Students learn to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and develop a sense of empathy, fostering a culture of understanding within the school community. As a community project, students worked together to pack personal hygiene items for people in need, like those who are homeless. This project showed how our students, by using what they learned, can make a positive impact on the community.