NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - GUILFORD COUNTY |
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In This Issue:
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Round-Up–January Extension Events
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Announcements
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Upcoming Events, Workshops, & Classes
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Buyers and farmers curating connections for future collaborations during our "Speed-Dating" event |
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Growing Together: Buyer Farmer Meet Up
The first ever "speed-dating" event between Buyers and Farmers that occurred on January 22nd, 2025 from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM was a success! Our Extension Agents, Marcus Williams and Alyssa McKim, teamed up to gather 8 buyers and 6 farmers to collaborate together to foster future partnerships. We had wholesalers, private chefs, non profits, CSA, and food boxes present.
Thank you Buyers and Farmers alike that attended and helped make this such a fun and memorable inaugural event. We hope to see something beautiful bloom from the seeds of connections that were planted.
Thank you again for the excitement surrounding this event, and be on the lookout for more Buyer-Farmer "speed-dating" events in the future! |
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Non-profit organizations, community stakeholders, and health professionals attending the meeting |
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Community Health Coalition Launches First Steering Committee Meeting: Building a Healthier Future Together
The Community Health Coalition recently held its inaugural Steering Committee meeting in a collective effort to improve the health and well-being of all residents in Guilford County. The meeting brought together a diverse group of community leaders, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to share a common vision for a healthier community. They explored what a truly healthy community looks like in Guilford County by focusing on equity, access, and the well-being of all residents. The Steering Committee also discussed the principles of collective impact and how they can work together effectively to achieve their shared goals. |
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What to Know About Soil Testing
Testing Services for Nutrients and pH is provided by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Soils Lab for free to North Carolina residents except during peak season (December 1- March 31) when there is a $4 fee. Soil test boxes are available at the Ag Center. Please mail your soil test boxes to the testing lab in Raleigh using the address listed on the form. Learn More |
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FCS- Congratulations, Maritzaida!
FCS Extension Agent, Maritzaida (Mara) Amador received two awards at the NC State Extension Conference last month, the Equal Opportunity Professional Development Award and the Edgar J. & Ethel Boone Adult Education Award for her excellent Financial Literacy educational programming.
Her brilliant work in designing and implementing educational programs covering budgeting, savings, and investing to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions. As she continues to work closely with community partners, she provides tailored guidance and individualized support and assesses program effectiveness to enhance financial well-being. Congratulations, Maritzaida! |
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Med instead Meds - Recipe of the Month |
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This is a great way to use up any berries that may be going bad as it stays in the freezer until you’re ready to eat. Add a unique crunch to your Yogurt Bark by sprinkling on unsweetened coconut, chopped nuts, or granola before freezing. The Med Way includes plenty of healthy and nutritious meals that are also delicious and satisfying. We teach Eating the Med Way through the Family & Consumer Sciences Program.
Yogurt Bark with Berries
This incredibly simple snack is easy to make and fun to eat! |
| RECIPE |
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Welcome, Alona! |
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We’re thrilled to announce that Alona L. Thomas will be joining our team as the new Administrative Support Associate for Family & Consumer Sciences! Last month, we welcomed our newest addition to the N.C. Cooperative Extension Guilford County Team, helping the Guilford County Community gain better access and understanding of nutritional, financial, and educational resources. Welcome, Alona!
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Blessing Box |
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Looking for an opportunity to donate to those in need? Come check out our Blessing Box at our building!
You can donate non-perishable food items, hygiene, and household items.
For more information contact our FCS Agent, Vincent Webb, at:
vwebb@ncsu.edu or (336) 641-2400
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Community Garden Start-Up Grants Are Now Live! |
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Has your Guilford County neighborhood, place of worship, or other citizens group thought about starting a community garden next spring? Consider applying for a Community Garden Start-Up Grant!
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| LEARN MORE & APPLY |
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Black History Month |
Weekly Spotlight Series |
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This month, join us in celebrating the importance of African American history and highlighting the great people who paved the way over the years. Check out our Instagram and Facebook for weekly spotlights on historic figures related to the NC Cooperative Extension! |
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Food System Assessment |
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We're thrilled to launch this survey as we near the final stages of the Guilford County Food System Assessment! Resident input is invaluable, and we want to hear from all Guilford County residents.
The survey is open until March 1—please share widely! Plus, you’ll have five chances to win a $100 gift card! Questions? Contact Alyssa McKim at: amckim@guilfordcountync.gov |
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops |
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Community & School Gardens- |
Seeds to Share Event |
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February 8th at the High Point Library
9 AM -12 PM
Are you looking to start or improve your school garden? Join us at our Seeds to Share events in February to access free seeds reserved just for community & school gardens in Guilford County! Seeds for vegetables, flowers, herbs, and even heirlooms will be available!
Questions? Contact Crystal Mercer, Community and School Gardens Agent, (336) 641-2427 or crystal_mercer@ncsu.edu |
| LEARN MORE |
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From Seeds to Supper: Organic Gardening Basics |
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February 4th, 2025
10-11 AM Online
Join us for an engaging, virtual workshop designed to help you grow your own food sustainably and successfully.
Questions? Contact Crystal Mercer, Community and School Gardens Agent, (336) 641-2427 or crystal_mercer@ncsu.edu |
| REGISTER |
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Horticulture |
Grow With Us |
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For 2024, the Extension Master Gardenerâ„ volunteers will be offering free gardening classes to the public both virtually and in-person. Feel free to sign up for as many classes as you like! |
| CLASSES & REGISTRATION |
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Biodiversity in Urban Landscapes |
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February 11th, 2025
2 PM at the Ag Center
Guest speakers Dr. Anthony Greene and Emma Martone from High Point University will be discussing how urbanization affects the small insects that inhabit our gardens/landscape and how gardeners play a significant role in nurturing those insects and wildlife in our environment. |
| REGISTER |
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Pruning Basics |
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March 6th, 2025
9 AM - 12:30 PM at the Ag Center
Come learn the basics of pruning woody ornamentals with Extension Agent, Taylor Jones.
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Agriculture |
Scale Calibration & Certification Workshop
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March 5th, 2025
9 AM - 12 PM at the Ag Center
Ensure Your Scales Are Accurate and Market-Ready!
This annual event provides farmers and vendors with a convenient and reliable way to calibrate and certify their scales in compliance with state regulations. Certification ensures your scales meet the standards necessary for legal trade and builds trust with your customers. |
| LEARN MORE & REGISTER |
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4-H |
4-H Overnight Camp |
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July 6-11th, 2025
Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Camp in Reidsville, NC
We know your child will love canoeing on Lake Hazel, hiking, climbing the rock wall, swimming in our pool, riding horses, and learning archery at Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in Reidsville this summer! Guilford is attending BJP July 6-11, for children ages 8-14 (at time of camp). Not only will your child have the best summer ever, but BJP provides one of the best values for residential summer camp in the state! |
| LEARN MORE & REGISTER |
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FCS - Digital Skills |
Workforce Ready |
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Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday
10 AM-12 PM at the NCWorks Career Center, 2301 West Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC 27407
Join us to gain familiarity with current technology!
Questions? Contact Jeffrey Cates at:
jeff_cates@ncsu.edu, 336.641.2436 |
| REGISTER |
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Tech Drop In |
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First Thursdays starting February 6th
3-5 PM at the Ag Center
Technology can be a good tool but sometimes it can be a challenge. Bring your tech into our office for free help. |
| REGISTER |
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FCS- Health & Nutrition |
Fermentation Lunch and Learn: Kimchi |
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February 18th
12-1PM Online
Kimchi is a flavorful, sour, salty mix of fermented vegetables and seasonings that plays an important role in Korean culture. Learn the basics of food safety while learning the basics of making kimchi. |
| REGISTER |
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Extension At Home |
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February 18th
10 -11AM Online
Food fads, fad diets, health fraud, and misdirected health claims are all types of nutrition misinformation. The best way to protect against questionable health products and services is to be an informed consumer. |
| REGISTER |
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FCS- Financial Literacy |
Tax Sense |
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February 18th & 25th
6-7 PM at the High Point YWCA, 155 West Westwood Avenue, High Point, NC 27262
Join us for a practical class on taxes, offered in partnership with the City of High Point’s VITA clinics! Gain confidence and take control of your tax journey today.
For Registration: Contact Pamela Ingram at pamela.ingram@highpointnc.gov or 336-883-3652.
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Domina Tu Dinero: Presupuesta Como Un Profesional (Master Your Money: Budget Like a Pro) |
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February 20th
6-7PM at the YWCA Latino Family Center, 155 West Westwood Avenue, High Point, NC 27262
¡Únase a nosotros en el Centro Familiar Latino de YWCA en High Point para aprender cómo priorizar gastos, establecer metas, realizar un seguimiento de los gastos y crear un plan para administrar su futuro financiero!
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Join us at the YWCA Latino Family Center in High Point to learn how to prioritize spending, set goals, track spending, and create a plan to manage your financial future!
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Financial Skills Workshop |
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February 22nd
11 AM -1 PM at the Lydia House Resource Center , 830 West Green Drive #suite 101 High Point, NC 27260
Join our FCS agent, Mara Amador, at the Lydia House Resource Center in High Point to master your money like a pro! Learn about budgeting, taxes, credit, employability, debt management, and saving strategies. |
| REGISTER |
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Domina Tu Crédito: Aumenta Tu Puntuación (Master Your Credit: Increase Your Score) |
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Febraury 27th
6-7:30 PM at the YWCA Latino Family Center Center, 155 West Westwood Avenue, High Point, NC 27262
¡Únase a nosotros en el YWCA Latino Family Center en High Point para dominar su crédito! RegÃstrese hoy para analizar qué es el crédito, conocer sus derechos, leer informes de crédito, mejorar su puntaje crediticio y disputar errores.
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Join us at the YWCA Latino Family Center in High Point to master your credit! Register today to discuss what credit is, learn your rights, read credit reports, improve your credit score, and dispute errors. |
| REGISTER |
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Tax Sense: Master the Basics |
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March 6th & 13th
6-7 PM at the High Point YWCA, 155 West Westwood Avenue, High Point, NC 27262
Join us in March for another practical class on taxes, offered in partnership with the City of High Point’s VITA clinics! Gain confidence and take control of your tax journey today.
For Registration: Contact Pamela Ingram at pamela.ingram@highpointnc.gov or 336-883-3652.
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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 - Guilford County Center, 3309 Burlington Rd, Greensboro, NC 27405, United States
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