Lewis County Extension News - WVU Extension Service
Transcription
Lewis County Extension News - WVU Extension Service
Lewis County Extension News May 2013 Congratulations, Graduates Our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful future to 16? Lewis County 4-H members that will soon graduate from Lewis County High School. Kelsea Arnold – Green & White Winners Gracie Arrington – Smith Run Flying Eagles Tyla Baugh – Smith Run Flying Eagles Neysa Brown – Smith Run Flying Eagles Joey Gum – Hacker’s Creek Pioneers Loren Marks – Westsiders Tesla McCall – Green & White Winners Zane Miller – Hacker’s Creek Pioneers JoeBob Mullooly – Freemansburg Friends Timmy Rinehart – Freemansburg Friends Megan Shafer – Young Riders Devon Southall – Freemansburg Friends Diana Wiant – Horner Busy Bees As you begin the next chapter of your life, we congratulate you and wish you well in all of your endeavors. Liz, Bruce, Annie, Cindy, and Michelle Energy Express The Lewis County Energy Express program will soon be kicking off another great year. “Found Objects” (odds and ends, craft materials, recyclables of all kinds that can be used for art projects, and so forth) may be taken to Peterson-Central Elementary School on June 14 or after June 20. Volunteers to read to the children will also be needed from June 24 – August 2. Additionally, there are two positions available for mentors to work with the children in small groups of 8. Contact Liz Post at 304-269-4660 for further information about the immediate availability of paid positions and further information. 4-H Youth Development Livestock Judging The State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest will be held Thursday, July 18 at Morgantown. This will not conflict with the Jamboree at the Mill. We will be starting practices for livestock judging in June. We will have some practices in the office and also on farms, judging cattle, sheep, and swine. Any 4-H member interested in livestock judging is encouraged to participate. To do so, call the Extension Office. We will notify then you when practices start. Animal Weigh-in A weigh-in for market steer, market hog, market lamb, and market goat projects for the Lewis County 4-H/FFA show will be held Tuesday, May 7, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Jackson’s Mill. A meeting of the Lewis County Youth Livestock Club will follow at 7 p.m. (or at the conclusion of weigh-in) to continue plans for the livestock exhibit, show, and sale to be held at the Jamboree. All project animals must be weighed and tagged, and members with the projects should plan to stay for the meeting. State Camp Assistance The Lewis County 4-H Leaders Association is offering a $20 scholarship to Lewis County 4-H members that wish to attend Older Members’ Conference, Alpha I, or Alpha II. In order to receive the scholarship, the state camp registration form must be returned to the Extension Office by the deadline as stated on the full page state camps information sheet in this newsletter. Members may apply for only one scholarship. Contents 4-H Youth Development pg. 2-6 Family & Health/CEOS pg. 7-8 Ag & Natural Resources pg. 8-10 LITES Meeting Mini-Camp Registration The Lewis County 4-H Teen Leaders’ Association will meet on May 2, 6:30 p.m., at the Lewis County EMS. Final plans for the canoe trip will be made, as well as planning for this year’s mini-camp. Registration for the 2013 Mini-Camp will close on May 23. See separate insert for complete Mini-Camp details. Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ Meeting The second workshop for first-year 4-H members will be held on May 28, 6:30 p.m., at the Extension Office. First-Year Member Workshop The Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ Association will meet on Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., at the Crawford Community Building. The Crawford Indian Trail 4-H Club will serve as hosts. Jamboree Committee to Meet The Jamboree at the Mill Committee will meet on May 29, 7 p.m., at the Extension Office. Mini-Camp First-Year Members “This is 4-H” Project Workshops See separate insert for registration for this great annual event! June 1 at WVU Jackson’s Mill! Two sessions have been scheduled to help first-year 4-H members with their project work and exhibits. Both sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Extension Office. The dates are May 8 and May 28. Every first-year member and a parent are welcomed to attend. Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting The Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ Association meeting will be held on Monday, June 3, 7 p.m. The Smith Run Flying Eagles 4-H Club will serve as hosts. Location to be announced. Tribal Leader Applications Tribal Leader Applications are due to the Extension Office no later than 4:30 p.m.., May 13. Late applications will not be accepted. Tribal Leader interviews will be conducted at the Extension Office in late May – early June. Applicants, as well as adult interviewers, will be notified by mail as to their interview time(s). LITES to Meet in June Lewis County High School Awards Ceremony Congratulations to our graduating seniors. We are proud of you and your accomplishments. The awards ceremony will be held at the high school on May 17 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Lots of fun and excitement are in store for campers at the 2013 Lewis County 4-H Camp. See separate insert for details! Payment due date: JUNE 7. LITES Canoe Trip Cloverbud Camp on June 8 The Lewis County 4-H Teen Leaders’ Association (LITEs) will meet on June 6, 6:30 p.m., at Pizza Hut, Weston. 2013 Lewis County 4-H Camp LITES participating in the canoe trip will meet on May 17, 5 p.m., at the Weston Wal-Mart. Anticipated return: May 18, 6 p.m. Registration forms must be received at the Extension Office no later than May 3. The Third Annual Lewis County Cloverbud Camp will be held June 8 at WVU Jackson’s Mill from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Lewis County 4-H Cloverbuds will have a great time together on this camp adventure. Cloverbuds will receive a personal invitation in the mail about this really fun, no cost event. Cloverbud Committee to Meet The Cloverbud Committee will meet on May 22, 7 p.m., at the Extension Office to plan the June 8 Cloverbud Camp. 2 Oh, the places you’ll go with 4-H! June 30 - July 4 Registration packets will be mailed to prospective campers and parents: MAY 24. Registration materials are due back to the Extension Office by: JUNE 7. 2013 Fee Schedule: $145 until June 7, 4:30 p.m. (firm) (This includes $25 Lewis County 4-H Youth Foundation scholarship combined with $15 Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ scholarship deductions) Incomplete registration information, forms left in the Extension Office mailbox after the deadline, etc., will not be eligible to receive the discounts. $115 until June 7, 4:30 p.m. – Additional $30 Summer Foods Service Program deduction applied for eligible campers registered by June 7, 4:30 p.m. June 10 – 14: $225 (no scholarships/must pay at time of registration/SFSP discount will apply if eligible) June 17 – 20: $285 (no scholarships/no choice of classes/must pay at time of registration/SFSP deduction will apply if eligible) NOTE: Clubs will not pay the “late” portion of the registration fee No registrations after June 20 $50 cancellation fee: June 21 – June 28 No refunds for No Shows at time of camp Payments due from clubs for all campers (except late registrants – pay on own) by June 21 Camp Scholarship gift coupons awarded at the 2012 Achievement Banquet must be returned with along with completed registration forms by the June 7 deadline. Otherwise, they are void. PARENTS AND OTHER PARTNERS IN SERVICE FOR OUR YOUTH: If you have not yet volunteered to help before, during or after camp, please call 304-269-4660 today! Your assistance is truly needed. Please do not assume that “someone else” will volunteer to provide a positive experience for your child(ren.) It’s really not someone else’s job! More counselors and craft instructors are needed to ensure that all youths that want to attend this year’s camp have the opportunity to do so. Whose child may not have a great camp experience because of a lack of volunteers? 3 STATE CAMP REGISTRATION INFORMATION REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT EXTENSION OFFICE Older Members' Conference - June 16-22, 2013 Cost: $270 Visit http://4-hyd.ext.wvu.edu/events_forms/omc for all the details and registration materials. On-line registration is available at www.regonline.com/omc 2013. To receive the state discount of $75, on line registration must be completed by May 17. IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive an additional scholarship of $20 from the Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ Association, completed paper registration forms must be turned in to the Extension Office no later than May 13. Registration forms completed on line will not receive the $20 county scholarship. Checks for registration forms brought to the Extension Office by the May 13 deadline should be made payable to WVU. Those that qualify for free/reduced lunch program will receive an additional $30 discount. A completed form must accompany the registration packet as well as a health form. Alpha I & II State Camps Alpha I – July 7-12, 2013 Alpha II – July 14-19, 2013 Cost: $260 Visit http://4-hyd.ext.wvu.edu/events forms/alpha for all the details and registration materials. On-line registration is available at www.regonline.com/alphai 2013 for Alpha I and all the tracks and www.regonline.com/alphaii_2013 for Alpha II and all the tracks. To receive the state discount of $65, on line registration must be received by May 31. IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive an additional scholarship of $20 from the Lewis County 4-H Leaders’ Association, completed paper registration forms must be turned in to the Extension Office no later than May 13. Registration forms completed on line will not receive the $20 county scholarship. Checks for registration forms brought to the Extension Office by the May 13 deadline should be made payable to WVU. Those that qualify for free/reduced lunch program will receive an additional $20 discount. A completed form must accompany the registration packet as well as a health form. 2013 Tracks at Alpha Camps • • • • • Alpha I & II: Original Camp Track Alpha I & II: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Tracks Alpha I: Operation Military Kids – Speak Out Track Alpha I: NetWorth: Future Millionaires’ Club Track Alpha II: iRespect Track (Operation Military Kids sponsor) 4 2013 Mini-Camp Saturday, June 1 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. WVU Jackson’s Mill – EEC Building Cost: $10.00 (Includes lunch) Mini-Camp is an interactive experience for 4-H members who have not yet attended a County 4-H Camp as well as for 8 year old Cloverbuds. Mini-Camp provides a snapshot of all the fun, excitement, and traditions of the Lewis County 4-H camp. 4-H members who have not attended a county camp but are planning or thinking about coming to the 2013 Lewis County 4-H camp, regardless of age or number of years as a member in 4-H, are strongly encouraged to attend this year’s mini-camp. Get to know other first year campers and teen leaders while you discover the fun of 4-H camp! Registration is due to the WVU Lewis County Extension office no later than Thursday, May 23. Registrations cannot be accepted after May 23. No refunds after May 23. Sponsored by the Lewis County 4-H Teen Leaders’ Association Parent/Guardian: Please complete and return this registration form along with cash/check payable to the “Lewis County 4-H LITES” no later than Thursday, May 23. A Health Questionnaire must also be completed and returned to the Extension Office. No refunds after May 23. Camper’s Name: _____________________________ Nickname: _______________ Age: _______ Date of Birth: _____________ Current Grade in School: ______ Parent(s) Name: _____________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________ Alternate Phone #: ____________________ Emergency Contact Name: ______________________ Relationship: _________ Please make sure that the Emergency Contact listed will be available, if needed, in the event that parent cannot be reached. Emergency Contact Phone: ______________ Years in 4-H (include Cloverbud) _____ Club Name: _________________________ Tribal Preference, if any: ___Mingo ___Cherokee ___Seneca ___Delaware PARENT PERMISSION STATEMENT: I give permission for my child to participate in the 2013 Mini-Camp. I will notify the Extension Agent if there are medical or behavioral concerns no later than May 23 so that my child will have the best possible experience. I understand that there is risk of an accident or injury during this event but agree to hold harmless WVU, WVUES, Lewis County Teen Leaders, and affiliates. _______________________________________ ____________________ Parent’s Signature Date 5 WV STATE 4-H DAYS WV State 4-H Days allow youth to participate in a variety of state level educational activities that develop their subject matter knowledge, leadership skills and life skills. The events and activities offered on the Evansdale Campus of West Virginia University provide a rich, educational venue for 4-H contests, demonstrations, educational classes and exhibits, as well as a forum for young people to showcase their communication skills through competition in visual presentations, PowerPoint presentations and public speaking. This year’s events include the State Dog Skill-a-thon; 4-H Robotics Challenge; Visual Presentation, Public Speaking and PowerPoint/Digital Presentation state competitive events, and a variety of other educational opportunities. The WV State 4-H Days information is now available at http://4-hyd.ext.wvu.edu/events_forms/state4_hdays. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR STATE 4-H DAYS 2013 Note: Completed Health Forms are required for all participating 4-Hers whose parents are not present. 4-H'ers will be covered under a state 4-H health and accident policy. Thursday, July 25, 2013 Creativity Lab, 4-H Science Activities & Displays 4-H Day Event Registration Desk Opens Morning 4-H Learning Activities Lunch (on your own) Afternoon 4-H Learning Activities Recognition Ceremony Dinner (on your own) Art Exhibit/4-H Game Show Registration Art Exhibit/4-H Game Show Activities Friday, July 26, 2013 4-H Day Event Registration Desk Opens Dog Skill-a-thon Registration Art Exhibit Creativity Lab, 4-H Science Activities & Displays What Do YOU See?: Dog Skill-a-thon Morning Judges’ Orientation Morning Visual Presentation Competitions (Various locations on Evansdale Campus) Lunch (on your own) Morning Competition Awards (Gold ribbon pictures to follow) FCS Skillathon Afternoon Judges’ Orientation Afternoon Visual Presentation Competitions Afternoon Competition Awards (Gold ribbon pictures to follow) Dinner/Evening Entertainment/Rec Center Saturday, July 27, 2013 4-H Day Event Registration Desk Opens Creativity Lab, 4-H Science Activities & Displays 4-H Robotics Challenge Morning Judges Orientation Public Speaking and PowerPoint/ Digital Presentation Contests Extemporaneous/Impromptu Speaking Contest Lunch (on your own) Competition Awards (Gold ribbon pictures to follow) WVU Campus Tour 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. - Noon Noon - 1:30 p.m. 1:30- 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 - 7 p.m. 7- 8 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 9 - 11 a.m. 10 - 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. 2 - 4:30 p.m. 2 - 2:30 p.m. 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 6:30 - 9 p.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 10 -10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 1 - 2 p.m. 2:30 - 4 p.m. 6 Lewis County CEOS Salad Luncheon Families & Health YUM! Mark your calendar for the Lewis County CEOS Salad Luncheon to be held on May 20, 12:10 p.m., at the Lewis County Emergency Squad Community Room. Each club is asked to bring four salads and serving utensils. The Marketing and Membership Committee will serve as hosts and welcomes all Lewis County CEOS members to attend. Several invited guests are expected to attend this annual celebratory event. Tip of the Hat Honorees A “Tip of the Hat” Honoree from each Lewis County CEOS Club is due to the Extension Office NO LATER THAN MAY 1. Please provide 3-4 sentences (written) about the honoree’s work in the club and community to be shared at the Salad Luncheon and in the Weston Democrat. The M&M Committee and friends will meet at 10:30 a.m. to set up the room. Club Responsibilities: Berlin – Rolls, margarine, iced tea, table cover, cooler, ice (at EMS) Gee Lick – Table decorations, soft drinks (2 sprites) Horner – Greet guests at the door; on-site registration; hostess Shamrock – Coffee, coffee pot, creamer, sugar Straight Fork – Soft drinks (2 cokes, 1 diet); glass water pitcher, cream pitcher, sugar bowl Vandalia – Dessert Helen McClain – Emcee, Plaques, Invitations, Purchase plates, cups, etc. Barb Godfrey – Presenter PLEASE NOTE: Although there is no cost to attend the Salad Lunch, the committee requests that you make your reservation no later than May 15. This will help the committee prepare for seating, food, etc. Your cooperation is appreciated. Just call the Extension Office at 304-269-4660 by May 15 to register! If later you find that you are unable to attend but have already registered, please call to let us know that you are unable to attend. Market and Membership Committee The Marketing and Membership Committee invites each club to participate in “flower bed clean-up and planting” at WVU Jackson’s Mill on Friday, May 3 beginning at 9 a.m. at the CEOS pathway near Mary Conrad Cabin. Each club is asked to bring at least 6 annuals (for color) and garden tools to work with. The group will enjoy a dutch treat lunch at the Pink Moon Coffeehouse. (Rain date: Monday, May 6) All CEOS members and friends are invited. Community Displays Following gardening at WVU Jackson’s Mill and lunch on May 3, the Marketing and Membership Committee will set up CEOS displays at Citizens Bank, United Bank, and Bennett’s Home and Auto. ITEMS FROM ALL CLUBS ARE NEEDED FOR DISPLAY. CEOS Week Proclamation County CEOS Meeting The Lewis County Commission will proclaim CEOS Week on Monday, May 13, at 10:15 a.m. Council officers, Marketing and Membership Committee members, and extension agent are asked to be present at 10 a.m. Countywide meetings of the Lewis County CEOS organization will be held on June 5. Lesson Leader training (August lesson) will be held at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 6:15 p.m. County Council Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The Straight Fork CEOS Club will host the meeting at the Straight Fork Community Building. “I Decide Projects” Lewis County CEOS “I Decide Projects” must be brought to the Extension Office no later than noon, Thursday, May 16. Projects will be on display from May 20 - 24. NVON NVON will be held July 16-18 in Frankfort, KY. See Brenda Thompson, Lewis County CEOS president, for details. WV CEOS Week County CEOS Hosting IFYE West Virginia CEOS Week is May 19 - 25. Make plans now for your club to hold a special activity to enjoy with your members and to write a great article to let the public know about your organization! Commemorate the week with a special display and deliver book marks, business cards, and brochures through the community. The Lewis County Community Educational Outreach Service (CEOS) Continuing Education Committee is planning to host the International Exchange Student on July 17-19. She is a student at WVU and is from Vietnam. (Additional information will be shared in future editions of the newsletter.) The Continuing Education Committee is also encouraging your support for the summer Energy Express program, 4-H camp, and recycling. Visit us on the Web at http:lewis.ext.wvu.edu 7 CEOS Plans Tour Baleage Study The Lewis County CEOS has planned a trip to Hinkle’s Glass on Sago Road in Upshur County on Wednesday, June 26. Participants will watch and learn how they blow molten glass into various items using different colors to make unique designs. The group will meet in Buckhannon at 9:30 a.m. on Route 20 South in the large lot at Wendlings and across the street from Sam’s Pizza. If you are interested in going, please call Mary Marple at 269-2918 by June 22. Plans for lunch will be made at a later date. WVU Extension is continuing an extensive study of baleage made in West Virginia to determine the things that work best and what can be done to improve baleage quality. Last year we conducted a survey about baleage practices. We also did some sampling, which will be continued this year. This requires measuring moisture levels in the windrow as the balelage is being baled and then sampling these bales for forage analysis after it has fermented. I would also need to record bale size and weight, as well as other details about the timing of the cutting, baling, and wrapping. Berlin CEOS Club Members Are Very Active The Berlin CEOS Club has been busy the first quarter of 2013. Members made adult clothing protectors to be given to nursing homes and elderly in the community. Members learned how to make laundry soap, all-natural hand sanitizer, and natural household disinfectants and spray air fresheners. Additionally, the members made placemat caddies to tie onto walkers. In April, the club held a workshop on making two natural body scrubs and two massage creams. Berlin CEOS has educational lessons, good fellowship, lots of fun and great refreshments. You are cordially invited to come to a meeting. All are welcome to join the fun on the third Tuesday of each month. Call Judy, club president, at 304-269-3865 for current club time, location and further information. Ag & Natural Resources Wool Bags Recycled wool bags are available at the Extension Office to any wool producer free of charge. Wool pool date has not been set at this time, but will be in mid-June. Lewis County Livestock Association The regular monthly meeting of the Lewis County Livestock Association will be Thursday, May 16 at 8 p.m. at the Lewis County Extension Office. The meeting is open to all. Tailgate Market The tailgate market that had been held at the Lewis County Senior Center for several years was moved to the city parking lot across from the Weston City Building on West 2nd Street last year and operated on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, as in the past. It is hopeful it can remain in the same location, but these decisions will be made in the coming weeks. An announcement will be made as soon as possible about the plans for the market this year. If you would be willing to cooperate in this study by allowing me (and assisting) in collecting data on your wrapped hay, please call the office and let me know. This can be done anytime this year, on any cutting. Benefits you will get include knowing the moisture level of your baleage, knowing your bale weight, and the forage analysis, which includes a fermentation analysis. Saving an Apple Tree Picture this situation: You have an old apple tree that has really good apples. You would like to get more fruit from it, but it is way past rejuvenating. In fact, it seems like it is just hanging on. You like this apple so well, you would even buy new trees, but you don’t know what variety it is. This happens frequently and the question is, how do you propagate that old tree when you don’t even know what it is? As you may know, you can’t plant seeds from an apple and get a tree that is the same as the parent tree. Frequently, the resulting tree grown from an apple seed will not even produce apples, let alone have apples like the parent. The way to propagate fruit trees is by grafting. There are different types of grafting, but essentially this process takes a young, growing bud from a variety you want and joins it with a healthy rootstock. All of the growth above the graft union will be genetically the same as the tree the bud was taken from. However, grafting is not the easiest process to learn and have a high success rate. When you are trying to save an unknown variety, this can be very frustrating. Because of all of this, the Preston County Extension Office has established a relationship with Adams County Nursery in Pennsylvania and they have developed a program to get new trees of these unknown varieties. The basics of the program is new growth is collected from the variety to be saved in mid-August. his is shipped to the nursery where they graft these buds onto semi-dwarf rootstock. The buds are grown out over the winter months, the rootstock is planted the following spring and allowed to grow for one year. Up to ten trees are the returned to you the following spring to plant. So, new wood collected this August would result in trees returned to you in March of 2015. 8 (continued from pg. 8) The deadline for the subscription service is June 1st. Even still, the Whippersnapper Farm is much more than a place to buy sustainably raised veggies, it's a resource for people who want to learn more about sustainable farming. Whippersnapper Farm is looking for high school and college student interns. The internship is a paid opportunity and will feature agri-entrepreneurship. Youth are looking towards creating businesses that revitalize the communities in which they live, and sustainable farming is a popular choice for many people looking for secure entrepreneurship opportunities. Interning with Whippersnapper Farm offers a unique opportunity for those seeking hands on experience in chemical free food production. Cost to do this in 2012 was $14.75 per tree returned, plus shipping and handling, for a total of about $165 per variety. You are only charged for the trees they successfully grow, therefore, you may get less than ten trees. If there is interest, I am going to coordinate a program to propagate your trees this year. Even though August is a ways off, some planning will need to be done. Therefore, if you have an apple variety that you would be interested in propagating in this manner, call me at 304-269-4660 and let me know. Calf Pool The Central Calf Pool will meet this month to make plans for marketing calves later this year. In case you are not familiar, the basics of the calf pool is to add value to calves by vaccinating, weaning, and pooling calves to market larger groups. If you are interested in learning about this type of marketing, call Bruce for more information. To learn more about the Whippersnapper Farm, purchasing a weekly produce box, or find out more about becoming an intern, please call 304-266-8509, or visit their Web site at www.whippersnapperfarm.com. Sign-up forms for the produce box and the internship program are available in print and online. Again, the deadline is June 1st. Whippersnapper Farm at Jackson's Mill Grows Sustainable Food and Future for Young Farmers Conference on Natural Gas Issues Something exciting is growing at WVU Jackson's Mill-- The Whippersnapper Farm. The farm is doing more than raising vegetables, it's offering a weekly produce box program and internship opportunities for young farmers. Founded by WVU's Small Farm Center and Tom McConnell, the incubator farm has hosted over 15 farmers-in-incubation, many of whom have gone on to start their own farms. This year, Whippersnapper Farm welcomes Tanya Hunt, Jack Weaver and Josh Lephew as the new farmers-incubation. They are learning every aspect of vegetable production and marketing ranging from soil health to accounting and record keeping. Attendees of West Virginia University Extension Service’s second annual Enhancing Public Understanding of Natural Gas Issues conference should gain a better understanding of West Virginia’s natural gas issues. The free, day-long conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Wed., May 22, at the Bridgeport Conference Center in Bridgeport, W.Va. It features information regarding natural gas exploration in the Marcellus shale region. Topics include health and air quality issues; water quality and testing; wastewater treatment; impacts on wildlife habitats; reclamation and more. Register online at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas. Lunch, break snacks and parking are free to attendees. Pre-registration is required by May 3; space is limited. This year the Whippersnapper Farm will be growing all of its produce without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Additionally, they are purchasing seed starts from local greenhouses and using non-GMO, open-pollinated and heirloom seed. This means that customers can save the seeds from the produce bought from the farm to use in their own gardens - something that isn't always possible with produce from the grocery store. “Marcellus Shale and the industries and issues surrounding it continue to be an area of interest in our state,” Jennifer Williams, director of the WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources unit. “As Extension educators we have a responsibility to keep our constituents informed on the latest research and developments.” Their CSA Produce Box Program the farm offers is convenient. Every week they will box up half bushels of their harvest and bring them to several drop off locations throughout the week. Folks in Weston can pick up their boxes either from Jackson's Mill or the Pink Moon Restaurant on Thursday afternoons. The farm will provide an assortment of crops and will even include locally produced value added products like Hilltop Corn Meal and Sweet Hollow Farms maple syrup. Purchasing a subscription to the CSA Produce Box Program is affordable, with half bushels costing a mere $22 per week. Representatives from the WVU Extension Service, Penn State University, the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, the West Virginia Water Research Institute and the WVU Department of Community Medicine will present on oil and gas issues as they pertain to their areas of expertise. For information, call Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391, or visit www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas. 9 Hay Available for Bid The Lewis County 4-H Youth Foundation did not receive any bids for the hay on their property on Jesse’s Run and is opening up the bidding process again. The hay is approximately 12 acres. 1) The bid is for one year, the 2013 hay season. The successful bidder may take both cuttings. It is possible the 4-H Foundation may have activities which will disturb about one acre near the road. If this occurs, it would only affect second cutting. 2) Application of lime or fertilizer is at the option, and expense, of the successful bidder. 3) Hay must be removed from the property within three weeks of the day it was baled, unless extenuating circumstances prevent this. 4) Sealed bids are to be submitted to the Lewis County Extension Office, 104 Center Ave., Weston, by 4:30 p.m. on Friday May 10. 5) Bids will be opened at the Lewis County Extension Office on Monday, May 13, 9 a.m. 6) The Lewis County 4-H Youth Foundation reserves the right to reject any or all bids. 7) Questions about location of the property can be directed to Agricultural Extension Agent Bruce Loyd at 304-2694660. Livestock Association Picnic The Lewis County Livestock Association will sponsor a picnic the farm of Terry and Helen Hardman on Sunday, June 23. The Livestock Association has held a picnic in early summer the past several years to give farmers a chance to take a break from their work and enjoy the fellowship of their neighbors. Hardman’s are hosting this year and will discuss their farming operation. The picnic will be held at their home Wheeler Fork. From Rt. 33, turn on Georgetown Road. Go 7 miles until you see the back waters of Stonewall Jackson Lake and a home-made flower planter with the sign Vandalia on it on the left. Turn left and go approximately 2 miles and the road will fork three ways. Turn extreme left on Wheeler Fork and the Hardman’s home is the second on the right (brick with pond in front). Their name is on the driveway. Hamburgers, hot dogs, bread, and drinks will be provided, but everything else is covered dish. The picnic is open to anyone, whether or not you are a member of the Livestock Association. In addition to a covered dish, bring table service, your lawn chair, your appetite, and enjoy the evening. The picnic will start at 4 p.m. Varied Carpet Beetles By Lee Townsend, Entomologist Kentucky Pest News The varied carpet beetle is one of the first household insects to show up in the spring. This tiny, 1/10-inch long beetle has irregular patches of white, brown, and yellow on its back. Adults are attracted to sunlight so they accumulate at windows or in ceiling light fixtures. The hairy, worm-like larva stages prefer dark, protected places so they are more likely to be found in drawers or along baseboards. Dead insects seem to be the preferred food of this carpet beetle species. This means the source can be accumulations of dead insects in wall voids, attics, or behind external siding. Once present in a home, they also can feed on woolens, carpets, furs, hides, feathers, horns, bones, hair, silk, fish meal, rye or corn meal, red pepper, and cereals. Carpet beetle control is challenging because they can develop on small amounts of food in obscure places. The best weapon to use against them is the vacuum cleaner. Rooms where many beetles are found should be cleaned thoroughly to remove hair, lint, dead insects and other carpet beetle food. This is especially important in households that have pets indoors. Close attention should be given to carpets (especially under furniture), rugs, draperies, upholstered furniture, closets (especially where woolens and furs are stored), heat vents and registers and associated duct work, corners, cracks, baseboards and moldings, light fixtures, and other hard-to-reach areas. Open containers of dried foodstuff and pet food should be regularly inspected for signs of carpet beetles and discarded if contaminated. Cleaning is always the best strategy long-term. Visit us on the Web at http//lewis.ext.wvu.edu. Information about upcoming programs, scholarship applications, calendar of events, and much more can be found at our Web site. 10 Lewis County Extension Service 104 Center Avenue PO Box 447 Weston, WV 26452 Lewis County Extension Service Office Hours Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 12 Noon 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bruce M. Loyd Extension Agent 104 Center Avenue P.O. Box 447 Weston, WV 26452-0447 Phone: 304-269-4660 Fax: 304-269-8255 Cooperative Extension Service The West Virginia University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, West Virginia County Boards of Education and County Commissions Cooperating. Elizabeth A. Post Extension Agent Individuals requesting accommodations because of a disability should contact the WVU Lewis County Extension Office at 104 Center Avenue in Weston or phone 304-269-4660. Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin, and marital or family status. 11