Since the above story has aired, the Visit NC Farms App has grown. Take a look at the map below to see how the Visit NC Farms App has expanded in one year!

4-H Re-enrollment for 2022

4-H Scholarships and Honor Club Applications

One-hundredth annual National 4-H Congress

A delegation of 18 North Carolina 4-H youth and 3 adults representing 15 counties attended the one-hundredth annual National 4-H Congress, which was held in Atlanta, Georgia, November 26-30, 2021. The North Carolina delegation returned home from five days in which more than 800 youth and adults representing 4-H programs across the country gathered to participate in educational, service, and recreational opportunities.

Our Chatham County Delegate for 2021 was Ms. Stella Goolsby. Stella had this to say about her experience traveling to National 4-H Congress.

"I was able to participate in lots of teambuilding workshops and listen to inspiring guest speakers while making new friends from across the country. My favorite event was the international dinner and dance in which I got to taste food from all around the world. I also enjoyed the community service project in which I helped clean up a local park. The Congress gala was also extremely fun. I got to listen to former 4-H members and their personal experience of their time in the program. Overall, this is one of the most memorable weekends of my life and a monumental moment In my 4-H career."

Stella received this free trip by applying to the NC 4-H application, interview, resume, and essay (AIRE) program. AIRE is a workforce development and college prep program. Youth, ages 11 – 18, are eligible to participate in this program in one of two ways.

Option 1: Youth participate in this program by completing the four (4) AIRE candidate packet components. All candidates submitting a complete packet will be invited to participate in either the State-Level competitive program (open to youth ages 14-18) or in the non-competitive program (open to youth ages 11-13). Youth participating in the competitive AIRE program are eligible to be selected to attend national events such as National Congress, National Conference, and International Leadership Conference.

Option 2: Youth participate in this program by completing the AIRE program components as self-study and/or as part of their local 4-H program. Option 2: Does not require the participant to submit their AIRE packet for State-level review.

2021 DAIRY HOLIDAY PHOTO CONTEST

Each year, the Dairy Photo Contest allows youth to put their creative talents to use in developing a message about the dairy industry for the consumer public. In design and development of the project, youth learn a great deal about the dairy industry. The contest is supported by The Dairy Alliance.

For 2021, photo project submissions will be used to celebrate Dairy throughout the Holiday season. They will be shared through the Chatham County 4-H social media page in celebration of Dairy during the Holidays.

HEY HIGH SCHOOL GRADS, WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE, TUITION FREE?

The NC Community College System just established the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant. This grant will allow 2020 and 2021 high school graduates to attend one of the state’s community colleges. Eligible students are guaranteed to receive $700 to $2,800 per year for tuition and fees for a total of two years.

Will it Snow this Winter? Prepare for Some Snow Fun!

Who knew that you and the kids could have so much fun in the snow with just a squeeze bottle and some food coloring? You can when it turns into brightly colored bottles of fun, we will we teach you How To Make Snow Paint! Whether you are going to add color to a snowman, write your name in freshly fallen snow, or paint an elaborate piece of art over your entire front yard this is a super fun way to get your kids outdoors for some fresh air and exercise their creativity too.

No Snow? No Worries!

And here's something in case we don't have snow.

This fun activity draws from two areas of chemistry and shows youth how to form mini snow creatures using household supplies, then fizz them all away into a bubbly goo.

Grades: 4-8

Topic: Chemistry

Estimated Time: 30-45 Minutes

Dealing With Drought

Droughts can cause havoc to our lawn, gardens and even our water supply. How should you deal with a drought? Find out the key points by click on the link below.

Video Introduction to the Spotted Lanternfly

NEW Therapeutic Horticulture Course Starts January 10, 2022

NC State University Department of Horticultural Science and the North Carolina Botanical Garden at UNC-Chapel Hill have partnered to create an exciting online learning program. Therapeutic Horticulture: Program Development is the second in a series of online courses that teach the theory, practice, and profession of Therapeutic Horticulture.

Heart Song Farm Known for Their Peppers and Flowers

Emily Fuller is in her third year of farming at Heart Song Farm in Silk Hope, truly a labor of love for her. Emily grows vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers and also produces amazing farm-grown value-added products like smoked garlic scape salt, pepper spice blends, and herbal teas. Emily doesn’t do it alone, and she swears she couldn’t do it without Emma Stapleton, her year-round full-time employee. Emily’s husband Jeff also helps with farm infrastructure and occasionally with harvesting.

New Videos on Truffles and Hops!

Our Farmers' Markets Are Open Year-round!

Even though winter has settled in, don't forget that our three Chatham County farmers' markets are open year-round! The photo above shows my latest haul from the Pittsboro Farmers' Market: salad mix, radicchio, honey, carrots, seafood (hidden below), and more. I even got the lovely handmade basket from Rabbit Patch Baskets at the Pittsboro Farmers' Market! Below are the market details:

Fearrington Farmers' Market - Tuesdays from 3-5 pm (winter hours)

Pittsboro Farmers' Market - Thursdays from 3-6 pm

Chatham Mills Farmers' Market - Saturdays from 10 am - 1 pm

NCSU Publication Highlights Forestry Impacts of New Infrastructure Act

North Carolina State University (NCSU) recently released a new publication highlighting how the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will impact the forest industry. The legislation is scheduled to be primarily funded utilizing unused appropriations from COVID-19 relief measures. It will provide over $550 billion, beginning in FY 2022, through FY 2026. Relevant provisions include $490 million to fund urban forest management and tree planting, $1.5 billion for state and private forestry, and $3.3 billion designated for wildland fire issues.

WEBINAR: Woodland Stewards - Seeing the Forest for the Trees: An Overview of Forestry Taxes

Date: January 18, 2022 at 1 PM ET

This webinar is the first of five in the "Forestry Taxes: Learn, Plan & Save Money Webinar Series." Join this webinar for an overview of forestry taxes including a summary of the different types of taxes that forest landowners pay, the terminology used, and more! This presentation will also include the ins and outs of classifying your forest land as a business, investment, or personal property including how to qualify for a profit motive classification.

Many forest landowners pay more taxes on their timber than they should. Accountants can help to calculate taxes, but forest landowners need to understand how timber expenses should be reported, and how they are taxed. Saving money on timber taxes starts by keeping good records and knowing how tax rules will affect your bill. The Woodland Stewards Regional Extension Program for Landowners was developed by a collaborative team of forestry Extension professionals from eleven different organizations. This is the fourth year of the series and other webinars from the current and past series can be accessed on the Webinar Portal.

Speakers:

-Andrew Bosserman

-Dr. Shaun Tanger

-Dr. Gregory Frey

Please register in advance.

WEBINAR: Woodland Stewards - Basics of Timber Basis: Re(setting) the Table

Date: January 25, 2022 at 1 PM ET

This webinar is the second of five in the "Forestry Taxes: Learn, Plan & Save Money Webinar Series." What are the basics of timber basis? Join this webinar to learn more about one of the most important financial aspects of timber management that often goes unnoticed or underappreciated. Timber basis is how much you have invested in the timber and it is used to determine net taxable income. It can be applied to reduce taxable income, minimize inheritance taxes, and reduce financial losses after a storm, and more.

Speakers:

-Dr. Shaun Tanger

-Dr. Tammy Cushing

Please register in advance.

Preparing for Winter Storms

As winter weather makes its way to North Carolina, keep food safety in mind with these tips to prepare for a power outage.

Preparing for a Power Outage:

1. Purchase or locate thermometers. Place a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer; have a tip-sensitive digital thermometer ready to check food temperatures. Foods that can support the growth of pathogens (like cooked vegetables, cooked and raw meats and cut melons, leafy greens, and tomatoes) are riskier after being held above 41°F for more than 4 hours.

2. Check stock of refrigerator. Purchase or prepare food items that don’t require refrigeration and can be eaten cold or heated on an outdoor grill.

3. Store or purchase water in case water systems are impacted resulting in boil water advisories. Use bottled/clean water for everything from brushing teeth, cooking.

4. Prepare coolers and purchase ice and dry ice. Use dry ice to extend the amount of time food stay below 41°F. Freeze containers of water for ice or purchase ice.

Snack Mix Ideas for Nutritious New Year Snacking

Make them your own, the amounts do not need to be specific and can be made to taste and preference.

Please note that whole nuts and popcorn are choking hazards for children under the age of 4.

For something sweet and satisfying:

1. Almonds, dark chocolate chips, and dried cherries or apricots

For something sweet and salty:

2. O cereal, raisins or dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips.

For something savory:

3. 5 cups plain popped popcorn, oil spray, 1/2 tablespoon of taco seasoning, 1/2 cup peanuts, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

More In My Basket

Hunger affects every community in North Carolina. Within Chatham County, 12% of the

total population experiences food insecurity. Children and older adults have the greatest

risk of being hungry. When people lack access to adequate and healthy foods, their

health and well-being suffers.

Chatham County Cooperative Extension offers a program called More In My Basket

(MIMB), which provides education about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(SNAP). SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) is known as Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) in

North Carolina and is the largest federal program in the country.

Through More In My Basket, participants learn if they are likely eligible for SNAP/FNS,

how SNAP/FNS can expand their food budget, and receive assistance with completing a

SNAP application. MIMB strives to reach people who may benefit from SNAP through

increasing SNAP information dissemination.

MIMB staff screen community members’ SNAP eligibility, assist with SNAP application

completion, and bridge the gap between the community and the local Department of

Social Services. If interested in screening or application assistance, contact MIMB:

English: 1-855-240-1451 or Spanish: 1-888-382-7105

Tara Has Exciting News

that will affect her schedule temporarily

Tara will be on parental leave likely beginning in late January through April. If you have any Family & Consumer Science related needs or questions, please contact Orange County's FCS Agent, Ivelisse Colón at 919-245-2055 or ivelisse_colon@ncsu.edu.

Saving Money on No Cost/Low Cost Energy Changes

When money is tight, look for ways to reduce household expenditures. There are a number of simple no cost/low cost things you and your family can do to help save money on your utility bill.

Transformation Before Our Eyes

Our county has been transforming since 1776. In the February 26, 1986 edition of the Chatham Record there was an article, "My, how we have changed!" So much has changed since this article was published. Take a look at our transforming area! This article was focusing on Pittsboro.

Plans are underway for the new Pittsboro Town Hall to be built on the property of the former store. The plans are pretty impressive, not only will there be a new building, but a parking deck is included in the plans.

From Our Community Partners

CHATHAM COUNTY VOLUNTARY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT PROGRAM

What is the Voluntary Agricultural District?

The Chatham County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) promotes the agricultural values and general welfare of the county by raising awareness of the importance of our agricultural community and its way of life. This is accomplished by encouraging the preservation of agriculture, horticulture, and forestry through protection from non-farm development. VAD is overseen by the Agricultural Advisory Board, which acts at the local government level to serve the interests of farmers in the county. The board includes nine appointed Chatham County residents who are actively engaged in agriculture.

What are the Benefits of Enrollment?

VAD enrollment encourages the preservation and protection of farmland. By participating in the program, neighbors, potential property buyers, and the public are made aware of the location of the working farm, discouraging possible nuisance complaints. Enrolled landowners can receive a sign (while supplies last) to display at their farm to show that the property is working farmland. The property is also publicly designated as VAD on the county’s GIS website and on the property tax card. Additionally, farms belonging to a VAD will not be required to connect to county water or sewer. Any potential assessment fees are suspended without interest unless and until property is connected. Farms enrolled in VAD may also benefit from higher ranking in Chatham Soil and Water Conservation District cost-share programs. Landowners enrolled in the Chatham County VAD voluntarily agree to protect their land from development for ten years.

Who Should Enroll?

Qualifying farmland includes property that:

• is actively engaged in agriculture,
• is well managed to prevent soil erosion,
• is located in unincorporated areas of Chatham County, and
• can be kept in agriculture for at least ten years.

How to Enroll

Interested landowners may request a paper application or apply for VAD enrollment online. Please contact Chatham Soil and Water Conservation District at (919) 542-8228 or NC Cooperative Extension – Chatham County Center at (919) 542-8202 with questions or for assistance filling out the VAD application.

COVID-19 Updates: Trends Rising in Chatham County, Boosters Important for All 16+, CDC Recommends mRNA Vaccines

COVID-19 Trends Rising in Chatham and N.C.

After several weeks of substantial community transmission of COVID-19, Chatham County’s transmission level has returned to high, mirroring nearly all of North Carolina and much of the United States. Cases are expected to continue to rise throughout winter and due to the emergence of the Omicron variant, which early research has shown to be much more transmissible than previous variants. North Carolina’s daily case numbers topped 4,000 twice within the last two weeks for the first time since October, and hospitalization numbers have risen above 1,500. Chatham County has seen similar increases recently after a few weeks of relatively low case numbers.