Kevin Tatum, County Extension Coordinator
We are definitely living in a fluid state. Two weeks ago, Gov. Brian Kemp extended the state’s public school closure through Friday, April 24. Last week, he extended that school closure for the rest of the school year. That means that our students and teachers will be finishing out the school year using virtual technology. With all of this social distancing, teachers are having to come up with new ways to keep kids interested in learning. 4-H is no different.
Through modern technology, we are able to hold meetings with 4-H members over the internet. With cell phones and computers having cameras and microphones, we can see and hear everyone and have an enjoyable time together.
Extension staff all over the state are also coming up with new activities for youth to do as well. Alyse Hall, 4-H program assistant, has created a Lego Club for our members and will offer weekly challenges for them to build projects and share photos of their creations. Our 4-H members can find that link information to the Lego Club on our 4-H Facebook Group.
With Gov. Kemp’s shelter in place policy, our staff will be telecommuting (working from home). We are still available to assist with your needs. Our County Agricultural Agent will still assist farmers with their needs in a safe manner. We will still hold 4-H meetings for our older 4-H members and will continue to hold poultry judging practices and Lego Club challenges.
The best way to contact us will be by email. Visit our webpage to get contact information. The quickest way is to go to http://coffee4h.org and click “Contact Us” on the menu bar.
Our staff encourages everyone to stay home, wash your paws (hands) frequently, avoid gatherings of people (10 or more), and let’s put this virus behind us.
Fun Recipe
For some great ideas in the kitchen, visit the UGA Extension’s “FoodTalk” website at https://foodtalk.org. It has great ideas on how to keep your family healthy by making nutritious food choices on a budget.
Here’s an easy recipe from the FoodTalk website, 3 ingredient cookies. The list of ingredients includes two ripe bananas, one cup rolled oats (quick or old fashioned), and one teaspoon cinnamon. Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Place peeled bananas in a large bowl and use the back of a spoon or fork to press down until the bananas are well mashed. Add the oats and cinnamon and stir well. Cover baking tray with parchment or spray with non-stick spray. Drop rounded spoonful’s of batter onto the prepared tray. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven to cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy.
Dairy Poster Contest
The theme for this year’s Dairy Poster Contest is “The Art of Dairy.” Posters can be 14” x 22” and prizes of gift cards are given for each age division (Cloverleaf, Junior, and Senior). Gift cards are $100 for 1st, $75 for 2nd, and $50 for 3rd. Poster entries are due in the Coffee County Extension office by 4 PM on Friday, April 24. Contact our staff to schedule a submission time and place.
Can Tabs
Everyone is encouraged to collect can tabs off aluminum cans to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities project. These can tabs help provide money to the Ronald McDonald House for their operating fees.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities offer free or low cost housing and meals to families of children receiving medical attention at larger hospitals in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon and Savannah. By donating can tabs, you are helping to provide housing and meals for families who are burdened by hospital bills and do not need the extra burden of housing and meals for the family staying at the hospital. Hopefully you will never have to use the Ronald McDonald House, but it is great that it is there in case you should ever need it.
Please continue collecting can tabs through the current COVID-19 crisis and bring them to the Extension (4-H) office after social distancing restrictions have been lifted.
If you would like to learn how you can become more involved with the Coffee County 4-H program, please contact the Coffee County Extension office at (912) 384-1402 or visit our website at http://coffee4h.org.