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September 2025 Newsletter - Cherokee County Center
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Homegrown | Meet the Muscadine; The Grape of the South |
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Muscadine grapes are a southern specialty. Native to North Carolina, the deep purple and bronze-toned fruit clusters adorn farms, fields and gardens throughout the
southeastern United States. Now it’s time to add your kitchen to the list!
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Back to School for Families
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Consistent daily routines can be key with students going back to school. Ensuring that students get adequate sleep, nutrition, and connection can set them up for success. Read more in the Back to School article below.
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Master Gardener Informational Meeting
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Extension Master Gardeners℠ are inviting you to an Informational Meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 1 p.m. at the Extension Education Annex. We will be sharing what master gardeners do in the community and about our future educational classes and gardening programs for 2026.
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Dr. Kim Ingold 4-H Photography Contest 2025
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This statewide annual contest highlights NC 4-Hers’ photographic achievements. The winning photos will be displayed on the NC 4-H Photo Contest website, as a showcase on the NC 4-H Facebook page on October 9, 2025, at 7 p.m., Celebrating National 4-H Week, and displayed with other 4-H entries in the Education Building during the NC State Fair.
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Where You At? Instagram's Map is in Messaging Interface
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Earlier this Summer sneaky monitoring of internet surfing was observed. This was accomplished by updating established applications. A new example of how an update can impact users in disagreeable ways has come up with Instagram’s new Map feature.
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The Extension Venison Donation Program is Back for the Second Year
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The Extension Venison Donation program in partnership with Adam Farms Processing and NC Hunters for the Hungry is set for another year!Donate deer to local pantries at no processing cost to the hunter. One deer provides 200 meals!
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Register Now For The Master Gardner Initial Training
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We are excited to offer the Extension Master Gardener℠ Initial Training for Cherokee County beginning January 7, 2026. The training will be held at the Extension Annex . Classes will be each Wednesday through April 15, 2026 from 9 a.m. until noon. Find all the information for the class through the link below.
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How to Enroll or Re-Enroll in 4-H
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The 4-H Online system is open for enrollment and re-enrollment so log into your account today! If have trouble logging in then please contact Shannon Coleman, at shannon_coleman@ncsu.edu or call (828)837-2210 ext. 4 for help.
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Check the Tech at the Car Lot
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New models are arriving at dealer showrooms. Automobiles built today use computer technology extensively. These semiconductors help with things like diagnostics, remote starting, keyless entry, navigation and calling for help.
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ECA Happenings and Upcoming Events
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Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back, grow personally, and connect with others who care about their community? The Extension & Community Association (ECA) of Cherokee County invites you to be part of a dynamic volunteer group that strengthens families through leadership development, volunteer service, and educational opportunities.
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Pro Garden Series Classes 2026
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Extension Master Gardener℠ Volunteers of Cherokee County will be offering a series of Pro Gardening classes beginning January 14. The classes will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Extension Annex for participants who wants to learn about gardening but are not quite ready to become an Extension Master Gardener.
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| SIGN UP HERE!
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Sign-Up Now for the 2026 Camping Season
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For more than 80 years, North Carolina 4-H camping has taught youth life skills through centers located from the mountains to the sand hills to the coast. Each year, more than 4,000 campers from across the state participate in 4-H camping programs at North Carolina’s 4-H educational centers.
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Ag Agent Assistance Can Be Requested Online!
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If you are a citizen of Cherokee County and have questions about farming, gardening and other type information, assistance can be requested online. We also have some great online information to help solve problems with Weed ID, Plant ID, Pest, Pathogens and more!
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| LINK TO FORM!
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County 4-H Members are Big Winners at State Events
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The summer of 2025 our county 4-H members brought home lots of awards from the district and state levels. Starting with District Activity Day in June with 4 youth participating in presentations, all the way to State 4-H Presentations in July and the State 4-H Horse Artistic Expressions contest, Cherokee County 4-H members brought home some impressive ribbons and metals.
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Computer Essentials Series at the Education Annex
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Enrollment is free, and registration is available at the links below. These class materials are designed for novice users of Windows 10 and Windows 11. Participants should plan on bringing their laptop or mobile device to class each day. An email address with a functioning password is required.
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Resources for Homeowners, Landowners, and Gardeners on Soil Sampling
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Soil Sampling is an important tool for homeowners and gardeners. Farmers have been relying on this information for many years to be successful in growing crops, pasture, and tree farms.
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4-H Sew Much Fun to Learn to Sew Program
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The 4-H Sew Much Fun to Learn to Sew Day Camp was a lot of fun. Cherokee County 4-H hosted the summer day camp so youth could learn to sew. This is a basic learn-to-sew class for youth ages 8-18. They learn about using a sewing machine and hand sewing techniques.
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Cherokee County 4-H Clubs Meeting Dates and Times
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Come check out one of our great 4-H Clubs and get enroll in one of our great 4-H clubs here in Cherokee County. Youth do not have to own animals, know how to tie fly’s, or know how to cook in order to join our clubs but youth should be interested in learning about the focus areas of the clubs.
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Tai Chi Series to be Offered in September and October
The roster indicates a FULL CLASS for Tai Chi Starting this month
at Peachtree Community Center!
A wait list is available if you are interested: (828)837-2210. This class will be taught by Certified Instructor, Dana Love, who brings a wealth of experience to the mat. With a background in both personal training and yoga instruction, Dana's expertise and genuine enthusiasm for working with others make her an exceptional guide for your tai chi journey!
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EXTENSION IN THE COMMUNITY
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Extension Volunteers Support Cherokee County Students at Back to School Event
Denise Cintino(EMFV) and Karen Ashley, represented the Extension Table at the REACH Back to School event. The event served over 300 children in Cherokee County, and the volunteers provided valuable resources. These resources included healthy recipes, nutrition information, and assistance with SNAP benefits. Additionally, each child received a Steps to Health frisbee to promote physical activity.
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Savor the Flavor: Kids Make Fresh Salsa at Murphy's TomatoFEST
Families and children had a blast at the Murphy Farmers Market's TomatoFEST, where the Family & Consumer Science Agent Marlana Baker led an interactive salsa-making demonstration. Kids were encouraged to become "chefs for a day," chopping fresh, local tomatoes. The agent highlighted the importance of using fresh produce, explaining how simple, garden-fresh ingredients can create delicious and healthy snacks. The session's focus was on trying new foods and empowering children to make their own nutritious choices, proving that healthy eating can be both fun and flavorful. The event was a huge success, with many children proudly tasting their homemade salsa and discovering a new favorite healthy dip.
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When was the last time you checked your dial gauge's accuracy? Precision matters! We're offering accuracy testing for dial gauges at the Extension Office. Make sure your tools are working as hard as you are! For an appointment call (828)837-2210
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Mrs. Eulia Smart says: "I never had a pressure (canner) before an' when I got this one, I canned everything in sight." (264 quarts since spring) Coffee County, Alabama. Sourced from the Library of Congress.
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This is a fantastic way to support local food systems and our hardworking farmers while providing fresh, nutritious produce to those in need. If you prefer, you can also make monetary donations, which are then used to purchase more healthy, wholesome foods from our market vendors. All collected donations are distributed directly to Cherokee County Food Pantries, helping to feed hungry and food-insecure individuals and families right here in our community.
Join us in making a positive impact, one donation at a time! For more information, please call Marlana Baker at the NC Cooperative Extension Cherokee County Center at (828) 837-2210 ext. 5.
Remaining Dates: July 12, August 9, and September 13
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| CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
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Fall Fruit Salad
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| RECIPE
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NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
N.C. Cooperative Extension - Cherokee County Center, 40 Peachtree St, Murphy, NC 28906, United States
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