Last month, we announced that Hailey King had been selected as a winner at the 2021 NC 4-H Showcase of Talent and Miles Pica's photo won the NC 4-H Photography Contest. Check out Hailey's winning performance and Miles' winning photo below. Congratulations to Hailey and Miles on a job well done!

Featured below is Miles Pica's winning entry in the NC 4-H Photography Contest. Miles entered his winning photograph of a Monarch Butterfly, entitled "King of Butterfly's." His description read "Monarchs are commonly kings. This is my interpretation of a Monarch Butterfly ruling the flowers at the Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro, NC."

2021 Tri-County Chicken Chain

Chicken chain participants received day-old chicks, raised them to maturity, and then showed them at a virtual event on October 2, 2021. While raising the chicks to adulthood, young people learn about life cycles, animal husbandry, money management, and more. Victoria Smith of Chatham County took first place for the 16-18 age division in Showmanship and Project Record Books. Avery Edwards of Chatham County participated as a Cloverbud in Project Record Books and the Showmanship division. Congratulations, Avery and Victoria!

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Chatham Clover Creators Create Excellence

Article Written by Lindsay Shore-Wright and Jazmin Mendoza- Sosa

4-H Club Leaders of the Clover Creators 4-H Club

Five months ago, when we could meet again in person, we challenged our 4-H Club members to a Club Presentation Contest. Over these five months, we have worked hard on research, organization, preparation, and practice. This month was our contest and our youth ROCKED IT! Fourteen of our 20 members did presentations or speeches. They had topics from mental health, alcohol use by teens, crayfish, quinceañeras, climbing trees, car technology, helping the poor, and more. We had four wonderful judges who asked questions and offered encouragement.

For many of our members, this was their first time speaking in front of unfamiliar people. They had to overcome challenges and fears to compete. It was wonderful to see them shine.

Our 4-H parents watched their children present and quickly expressed how proud they were of their hard work. By supporting their children, parents were able to see how public speaking is a life skill that builds confidence and knowledge. We hope this experience was a win-win for everyone and another step in "making the best better."

4-H Project Record Book YouTube Tutorial

4-H Cooking in the Kitchen: Thanksgiving Edition Recipe Book

Looking to try out a new recipe for Thanksgiving? Look no further than to the "4-H Cooking in the Kitchen: Thanksgiving Edition Recipe Book" created by our friend, Courtney Stanley, 4-H Extension Agent in Johnston County.

Thanksgiving for Thousands

Chatham County 4-H has partnered with Mountaire Farms to help implement the annual "Thanksgiving for Thousands" program here in Chatham County. Each year, Mountaire partners with various local churches, non-profits, and other groups to help get a complete, ready-to-cook Thanksgiving feast to families just in time for the holidays. As we work to assist Mountaire with delivering Thanksgiving meal boxes to families throughout the community, it would be an extra special treat for families to receive a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art from a Chatham County 4-Her! Find your markers, locate your paint, grab your crayons, and let your creative side take over! Below is a coloring sheet that you can use to craft your creation. Submit your coloring page to the 4-H/Cooperative Extension office no later than Nov. 12th at 12pm, and help spread joy to your neighbors during this holiday time! Pictures can be submitted to Ginger Cunningham by email to ginger_cunningham@ncsu.edu or dropped off at the 4-H/Cooperative Extension office at 1192 US Hwy 64W Business (Suite 400) in Pittsboro. Happy Thanksgiving!

Teaching Youth to Have Gratitude

During the month of November, many of us take time to reflect and show gratitude to family, friends, neighbors, and others who play a special role in our lives. When we practice gratitude, we make a concerted effort to be thankful and grateful, and these are wonderful practices to instill in our youth. Here's a timely article from Claire Roudabush, SDSU Extension 4H Youth Program Advisor, on "Teaching Youth to Have Gratitude" to grow into caring community members.

Chatham County Charging Champions 4-H Club Shows Heifers at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair.

The NC Mountain State Fair is an opportunity for youth to showcase their hard work with the West side of the State.The Chatham County Charging Champions 4-H Club showed heifers at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair. 4-H Leader, Loretta Batchelor accompanied the group and cheered them on. The Chatham County Charging Champions returned home as champions!

Luke White Shows at the NC State Fair

The winners for this competition have not been announced at this time. We will update once we know the results from the NC State Fair.

Dogs and Turfgrass Interactions

In the United States in 2020, 63.4 million households had at least one dog, according to the American Pet Products Association. Millions of these dogs find turfgrasses appealing for exercising, as it is a soft surface for running and frolicking. For some dog owners, establishing a tick-free zone is the primary motivation for maintaining a grassy area in which their dog can play and exercise. If mowed regularly, the grass is not likely to harbor many ticks that might find their way onto the pet.

For many dog owners, there is heightened concern about destruction of turfgrass due to heavy dog traffic. As a result, they commonly have questions about selecting the best turfgrass for durability, maintenance, appearance, and vigor. They also often have health-related concerns about dogs related to contact with pesticides or eating of lawn grass (a common occurrence).

Some typical questions are: (1) What are the hardiest turfgrasses to use in high traffic areas? (2) How do you deal with damage known as dog urine patch? (3) What issues are there regarding a dog’s exposure to pesticides? (4) Why do dogs occasionally eat turfgrass, and is it harmful?

Tree Planting: Introduction

Purchasing a Real North Carolina Tree

There are many ways for people in North Carolina and around the country to enjoy real, farm-grown North Carolina Christmas trees. The following information will help you make the perfect choice for you and your family.

Raising Pumpkins in Hues from Orange to Blue

It’s the time of year when folks flock to pumpkin patches, farmers markets and roadside stands in search of natural decorations for their porches and homes. And there’s an assortment of pumpkins to choose from, some of which trace their roots back to ongoing research at NC State.

Small Scale Farmers, Farmers Markets, Food Producers Can Now Access $650 Million in Pandemic Relief Aid

Small-scale farmers, food processors or distributors, or farmers markets financially impacted by Covid-19 can now apply for up to $20,000 to recover costs related to the pandemic. The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) is helping food producers access these dollars through the USDA’s Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program. Applications are now open until Nov. 22, 2021.

If you operate a small farm producing specialty crops whose annual revenue is less than $1 million, run a farmers market, food hub, community supported agriculture (CSA) farm, a small food processing business or food manufacturing operation, you may be eligible for grant funding.

According to the USDA, the pandemic-related costs that are recoverable through this grant program relate to the following areas, and include estimating staff time to implement:

Workplace Safety: Implementing workplace safety measures to protect against COVID-19 such as providing personal protective equipment, thermometers, cleaning supplies, sanitizers, hand washing stations, installation and purchase of air filters or new signage.

Market Pivots: Implementing market pivots to protect against COVID–19. Though not exactly well-defined market pivot are related to cost of changing how you had to operate your enterprise to make it more COVID-19 safe including the staff time to implement these changes. For example, a farmers’ market may have had to restructure their layout to ensure one-way traffic and improve social distancing.

Retrofitting Facilities: Retrofitting facilities for worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID–19 such as installation and purchase of protective barriers, walk up windows, heat lamps/heaters, fans, tents, propane, weights, tables chairs and lighting.

Transportation: Providing additional transportation options to maintain social distancing and worker and consumer safety to protect against COVID-19 such as securing additional transportation services for workers or establishing new delivery routed or distribution services. For instance, a food hub might have had to shift to delivering food directly to consumers rather than just having to have common distribution point.

Worker Housing: Providing additional worker housing resources or services to maintain social distancing or to allow for quarantining of new or exposed employees.

Medical: Providing health services to protect workers against COVID-19 including offering or enabling vaccinations, testing, or healthcare treatment of infected employees, including paid leave.

This is not a competitive grant program; grants will be awarded based on eligibility. Funding is not awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis, and the 45-day application period opened October 6.

Before applying, all applicants must obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. This DUNS number will be required to receive this grant. More information on how to obtain a DUNS number, plus full eligibility criteria can be found at the USDA’s website: https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda.

You can also ask further questions about this program by emailing usda.ams.prs@grantsolutions.gov or call 301-238-5550. NCAT’s ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program will provide additional support related to accessing this new grant program. Check our website at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG or sign up for our weekly e-newsletter for updates.

Farm Visit Snapshots: Poppysol Farm + Apothecary

Grower Hannah Popish of Poppysol Farm + Apothecary has been cultivating herbs and flowers at her one acre permaculture-inspired farm outside Pittsboro since 2017. A clinical herbalist, Hannah is passionate about connecting people with plants and provides holistic health consultations with customized tea and tincture blends. In addition to teas and tinctures, she also produces body balms, bath soaps, seasonal flower bouquets, and offers a flower CSA. Hannah holds a Plant Sale every spring and fall where customers can find medicinal plant starts and some native perennials. She also offers garden design consultation with a focus on medicinal and native plants.

Register Now for Creating Wildlife Habitat with Native Plants Webinar

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center will offer a Creating Wildlife Habitat with Native Plants Webinar as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, from 6–8 p.m. N.C. Cooperative Extension Agriculture Agent Debbie Roos will discuss guidelines for landscaping with native plants and highlight some favorite trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, and grasses that benefit pollinators, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Debbie designed and maintains the popular Pollinator Paradise Demonstration Garden in Pittsboro and will share the plant lists she has developed over the years and discuss tools for selecting plants that provide year-round habitat for critters. The cost of the webinar is $15 and pre-registration is required.

Register Now for Blueberry Production Webinar

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center will offer a Blueberry Production Webinar as part of its Enhancing Sustainability Series on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, from 6–8 p.m. Bill Cline, Extension Plant Pathologist and Blueberry Specialist for NC State University will talk about blueberry cultivars, site selection, and management including planting, mulching, irrigation, fertilizing, and pruning. A follow-up webinar in December will cover blueberry pests and diseases (registration for the December webinar will be opened in November). This webinar is free to the public but pre-registration is required.

Benefits of Shopping at Your Local Farmers' Market

Lambing and Kidding Cheat Sheet for Beginning Small Ruminant Producers

Lambing and kidding season is an important time for a small ruminant operation. Survival of newborn lambs and kids is paramount to the economic viability of the farm. The new lamb or kid crop is the product of investments and decisions regarding genetics, and the next generation sets the stage for the future of the flock or herd. During the period surrounding lambing and kidding, understanding and identifying normal versus abnormal behavior and physiology and knowing when to assist are essential to newborn survival, a healthy start to life, and productive individuals in the future. This guide is a simple reference for beginner sheep and goat producers experiencing the lambing or kidding season. It includes instructions for neonatal care.

Cow Camp 101: Back to the Basics

Respirator Fit Testing Day

Chatham, Durham, and Randolph Counties will be hosting a Respirator Fit Testing Day.

When: November 5, 2021

Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where: Chatham County Agricultural Center

Appointments are REQUIRED.

Please call 919-542-8242 to reserve your 20-minute time slot by November 1, 2021.

The fee information is as follows:

• Fit Testing Only: $25
• Fit Testing and Medical Clearance Form: $45
• Please make checks out to East Carolina University or cash only.
• Also, please bring the respirator you intend to wear in the field. If you don’t have one, we will fit you into the proper respirator so you will know which one to buy. There will also be respirators available for purchase at this event.

Equine Law Webinar Series

N.C. Cooperative Extension, Alamance and Chatham County Centers are proud to present the Equine Law Webinar Series with guest speaker, R.L. Adams from Carolina Equine Law. This webinar series was designed with horse owners and equine businesses in mind.

Through this free webinar series, you will learn about several important topics including equine contracts, liability, and insurance. These topics are important if you are considering leasing, boarding, hosting groups/events, giving lessons, etc.

Each webinar will take place from 7–8 p.m. EST on the following dates:

• November 4, 2021: Equine Contracts 101
• November 16, 2021: Equine Liability & Insurance

Pre-Registration Required

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Pine Timber Prices in North Carolina Continued to Rise in the Third Quarter, 2021

Rajan Parajuli, NCSU Extension - Forestry

In the third quarter of 2021, both housing markets started rebounding from a slight decline in past April. In August 2021, US housing stats were up about 4% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of about 1.61 million units, which is about 17% up from last year. The lumber markets also started rising again in the last few weeks.

Thinning Pine Stands

Proper thinning - which involves removing a portion of the overall stand of trees - can greatly improve the health, soundness, and financial value of your pines. Check out this publication to learn more about thinning, why it's beneficial to thin, when it's optimal to thin, and how to go about successfully doing that.

NC and VA Firewood Business Workshop

Join us for a daylong workshop for the firewood industry at the NC Forest Service Jordan Lake Education Center on Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 9 am to 4 pm. This is both an educational and networking opportunity for firewood industry professionals. We expect to have Continuing Education Credits for Foresters for this workshop.

Foresters Can Earn 4.5 CFEs Category 1

The purpose of the workshop is to focus on the business side of the split firewood industry to grow sales and profitability for firewood businesses. The topics of firewood business management and marketing, financing firewood businesses, firewood processor equipment, dry kilns, and transportation issues will be covered. The workshop focuses on the areas of green split wood, seasoned split wood and bundle firewood. We'll also cover an innovative firewood kindling product made from lumber shorts that most now grind for boiler fuel, chips, and mulch.

Harry Watt of NC State University Wood Products Extension is the host of the firewood workshop and can be contacted at harry_watt@ncsu.edu and cell phone 704-880-3067.

Chatham County Internship through N.C. A&T State University

Chatham County Cooperative Extension will host an intern from N.C. A&T State University in 2022. The deadline for Applications is November 3rd, 2021. Please see the following requirements and read over the application letter to apply.

• Enrolled at N.C. A&T State University in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
• A full-time sophomore, junior or senior at the time of the internship (May 23 – July 28, 2022) and enrolled for the fall of 2022
• Academically qualified with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale at the time of application
• In possession of a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Employment dates: May 23 – July 28, 2022
• Ten-week internship, 40 hours per week, $15.00 per hour

N.C. A&T State University Grassroots Leadership Conference

In partnership with our Strategic Planning Council, Cooperative Extension at NC A&T will host the 2021 Grassroots Leadership Conference on Wednesday, November 10 on N.C. A&T's campus at the Extension and Research Farm Pavilion - 3020 McConnell Road, Greensboro. Extension and Research Farm Pavilion. The conference theme is "Adapting to Rapidly Changing Times."

This year’s theme will be particularly relevant to rural and underserved communities, food advocates, landowners, small business owners, 4-H, and other youth development groups interested in networking and learning about new programs and possible strategies to support planning program opportunities in their communities.

You can register below. Registration deadline is November 1st. To adhere to social distancing protocols, the attendance at this year's event will be capped to less than 120 people (which is at 60 percent of our venue capacity) -- because space will be more limited compared to past conferences, we are asking people to register early.

The program will start promptly at 8:30 A.M. and ends at 2:30 P.M. The conference will include: two (2) morning breakout sessions and an afternoon general session with a keynote speaker.

Dr. Jermaine Davis, 2020 conference speaker, will be returning to deliver the keynote address for the afternoon general session.

Morning workshop sessions will be divided into four tracks:

• Session Track: Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

1. Starting a Business: From Idea to Selling
2. Creating Equitable Opportunities for Small- and Minority-Owned Businesses

• Session Track: Equitable Spaces

1. Changing Narratives - From Confederate Monuments to Inclusive & Unifying Public Spaces
2. Ensuring Food Access in Rural Places

• Session Track: Leadership Development

1. Youth Stepping FOURWRD
2. What Do You Stand For?

• Session Track: Land Utilization

Standing on a LOT of Love: Optimizing Use of Agricultural Land

(divided into two parts - Part 1 and 2)

In the Kitchen with Tara

Knife Skills: Part 2

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Upcoming Virtual Series:

Blood Pressure: Are you working to manage your blood pressure?

Join a small group, for five virtual classes, to learn about eating to improve your blood pressure, cooking tips and skills to help you prepare nutritious meals and snacks, and stress management techniques.

In addition to the virtual classes with FCS Agent Tara Gregory, a Registered Dietitian, you will receive kitchen gadgets for practicing the new cooking skills you learn and will receive weekly vouchers to buy fresh, local food at a Chatham farmers' market.

Classes will be held once a week through Zoom for five weeks beginning in early November. The day and time will be decided on soon. Please share your preference for day of the week and time in the form below if you are interested in joining.

Interested? Space is limited. Click on the link below to answer a few questions.

Back to school snack and lunch tips

Back to school snack and lunch tips to help you set up a system to make the process less stressful and more efficient. These tips can work for adults too!

HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Looking for a simple, satisfying apple recipe? Try this homemade applesauce that can be eaten warm or chilled, added to oatmeal or yogurt, or on pork chops. Yum!

ADD FRUIT TO ANY MEAL WITH THIS DELICIOUS AND EASY TO PREPARE APPLESAUCE! SERVE WARM OR CHILLED ANY TIME OF THE DAY!

INGREDIENTS

• 8 large apples, peeled and cut into slices
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine apples, water and lemon juice in a large saucepan.
2. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes, the apples will breakdown and be part sauce and part chunky.
3. Watch closely and stir often to prevent burning.
4. Applesauce should be thick; add more water if necessary.
5. Leave sauce chunky or place in a blender until smooth.
6. Add cinnamon and nutmeg.

Thankful for Planning

November is a month we all start finding ourselves a little busier than normal as we know the holidays are right around the corner. If we take a moment and really think about what the next few months might look like, we can plan out a wonderful budget so we do not find ourselves overwhelmed during these upcoming holidays. Coming up with a budget will take a little work, but being prepared for all those expenses that seem to pop up in November and December will be totally worth that extra time you put into making sure you have a financial plan for the holidays.

Here are some questions you will need to ask yourself to prepare a budget:

Will you be hosting Thanksgiving?

• Will you be making the whole meal or will others be bringing dishes to help with the cost?

• Will out of town guest be staying with you for a few days around the holidays? This could increase your weekly food budget or have a few extra entertainment costs that are not in your regular monthly budget.

• Some families like to put a little extra in the budget to spread cheer on others that might need a little extra help during the holidays.

• Thanksgiving is a great time to talk to family about plans for Christmas. Some families might decide that gifts will only be exchanged among the children or one big gift from family members for your parents. Some families might decide that only handmade items will be exchanged or no gifts at all this year. Sometimes talking about this subject can be uncomfortable, but knowing what others are thinking can really help you plan your budget and help with the stress that can come with the holidays.

The day after Thanksgiving is known for producing some great deals! If you are planning on shopping this Black Friday, make sure you put that in your monthly budget so you are ready to shop when all the deals come out.

Taking the time to plan will really help you to be prepared and be able to enjoy your family and the holiday season. We wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving!

1921 Law: Unlawful to Sell or Offer For Sale Wild Turkeys

Talking Turkey: How the Bird Made a Comeback in North Carolina

Written by: Andrew Moore

In 1784, a year and half after Congress adopted the Great Seal, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to his daughter in which he expressed his disapproval of the bald eagle — the national symbol.

While Franklin considered the eagle “a bird of bad moral character” that steals food from other birds, he called the wild turkey “a much more respectable bird” and “a bird of courage” that “would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard.”

Franklin never made his opinion publicly known, but his enthusiasm for the turkey is now shared by millions of Americans who feast on the bird for Thanksgiving every year. The wild turkey has also become one of the country’s most popular game species, providing a number of socioeconomic benefits.

The return of wild turkeys

Wild turkeys were abundant in North Carolina when the first European settlers arrived. However, by the early 1900s, the state’s turkey population had dramatically declined due to unregulated market hunting and habitat loss caused by unsustainable logging and agricultural operations, according to Christopher Moorman, professor and interim associate head of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at NC State’s College of Natural Resources.

Early restoration attempts began in the late 1920s with the release of pen-raised turkeys into the wild. Unfortunately, the birds weren’t accustomed to predators and extreme weather conditions. “It wasn’t long before they realized that pen-raised birds just couldn’t survive in the wild,” Moorman said.

In the 1950s, several years after the creation of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the agency initiated a “trap and transfer” program that involved live-trapping and relocating wild turkeys to areas where the bird had previously disappeared.

Why do wild turkeys gobble?

Wild turkeys have at least 29 different vocalizations, but only male turkeys, or toms, can gobble. They mostly gobble in the spring and fall to attract hens.

From Our Community Partners

Chatham County Council on Aging

Please join Chatham County Council on Aging, Chatham County Parks & Recreation, and the Chatham County Center of NC Cooperative Extension

for

Reflections and A Dedication of Peaceful Pathways for Caregivers

A respite park designed for Caregivers and their loved ones

Featuring Guest Speaker Teepa Snow

To dedicate our park and honor those with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and other chronic conditions. We want to remember those we have lost and the many who have provided and are providing care for loved ones.

Date: Wednesday, November 10th

Time: 3:00-4:30pm

Location: Chatham County’s Northeast District Park

5408 Big Woods Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Chatham County’s 250th Anniversary Culminates with Grand Finale Fireworks Display in Siler City

The Chatham 250 celebration will be coming to a thrilling close with the Grand Finale Fireworks Display taking place in downtown Siler City. Everyone is invited to come out for the incredible show!

Saturday, November 13th at 6:30PM in Siler City

Sponsored by Town of Siler City

From the Chatham County Public Health Department

The Chatham County Public Health Department, along with local partners like Chatham County Emergency Management, as well as state and federal health officials, continues to coordinate planning and response efforts for any impacts to the Chatham community due to COVID-19.

As news comes from federal agencies about expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots, the Chatham County Public Health Department continues to encourage more people to get their first dose as soon as possible.

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses

On Friday, September 24th, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommended that the following people who received their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago should receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine:

Those who are 65 years of age and older, and residents of long-term care facilities like nursing homes; and

Those who are 50 to 64 years old with certain medical conditions.

In addition, the CDC said the following people may receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine, based on their individual benefits and risks:

Those who are 18 to 49 years old with certain medical conditions; and

Those 18 to 64 years old who work or live in settings that make them more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.

Masks are required when entering all Chatham County Government buildings.