Get documents about "Extension Newsletter
Document Sample
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
St. Clair County Office
Extension Newsletter
January/February 2009 Volume 4, Issue 19
Inside This Issue Dear Friends of Extension,
HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is going to be an exciting year in Extension because Alabama 4-H
Power Bill Discounts Available
is 100 years old and we plan to celebrate! Being a former 4-H’er, I know first-hand what a
difference 4-H can make in the life of a young person. This issue contains information that I
100 Years of Alabama 4-H think you will find interesting about 4-H and its history. Speaking of 4-H, I am pleased to
announce that retired St. Clair County 4-H Agent, Ms. Louise Littlejohn, was posthumously
inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame. Her sons, Dan and Joe Littlejohn, accepted the
Littlejohn Inducted into AL prestigious award on her behalf recently at a ceremony held at the 4-H Center. (See page 3)
4-H Wall of Fame
Have you resolved to get healthy this year? If so, Extension can help. We are offering a
If You Can’t Pay Your Bills Healthy Cooking School on the 27th of this month. It is being conducted by our newest
Regional Extension Agent, Jennifer Dutton. She has lots of great tasting, healthy recipes for
you to try. The registration deadline is January 20th, so don’t delay, register today and put
Thriving In Challenging Times yourself on the road to better health this year!
The Digital TV Transition Until next time,
Shanks Farm Recognized
The Gardening Corner: Power Bill Discounts Available
Stevia Rebaudiana If you or someone you know receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or
Medicaid for Low Income Families (MLIF), you/they may be eligible for a
monthly SSI discount on your/their Alabama Power Company bill.
2008 Master Gardener Class Eligibility is determined by the State of Alabama.
Farm-City Banquet SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources.
Social Security is a benefit based on your work history and earnings. If you are unsure whether
you receive Social Security or SSI, you can go to the website www.ssa.com or call 1-800-772-
Agent Spotlight: Jennifer
1213.
Dutton
How can I apply for the discount on my power bill? You can visit a local Alabama Power
Warm Up With Soups Company office to complete an application, or call Customer Service at 1-800-245-2244. Once
you fill out the application and return it to Alabama Power Company, the State of Alabama
Family Disaster Supplies Kit will determine whether you are eligible to receive a Supplemental Security Income discount.
How much is the discount on my power bill? If eligible, you will receive two discounts on
Emergency Alert Radios
your monthly Alabama Power Company bill. The first “Discount” will cover the base charge
of your bill which is $14.50.
Beef Cook-Off
The second “Fuel Discount” is determined by how much electricity you use each month. The
Healthy Cooking School maximum amount of this discount is $9.01. This new discount started October 10,2008 for SSI
discount customers. Source: United Way of Central AL
Something to
Celebrate
100 Years
of Alabama 4-H!
1909-2009
What possible connection can an insect, a corn stalk, a can do to help. Meanwhile, here’s a quiz to test your
tomato vine, and a clover have? Let’s start with the insect. knowledge about 4-H. The scoring section at the end will
When the boll weevil invaded the South from Mexico in the show how your score measures up.
late 1800’s, it destroyed cotton crops. Since most farmers
depended on their cotton, they had to find other crops to
grow. Unfortunately, they didn’t know much about growing 4-H—What Do You Know?
anything but cotton. 1. Boys’ Corn Clubs were:
a. social fraternities for boys
b. designed to teach better farming methods
That’s where the corn stalk comes in. Some college
educators realized that farmers couldn’t go to school to learn c. popular from 1945 to 1970
new farming methods. That meant the educators had to go to d. never very successful
farmers to teach them. So farm demonstration agents were
hired. One crop the agents wanted the farmers to grow was 2. Boys’ Corn Clubs were the forerunners of 4-H in
corn. Corn could be eaten by the family, could be fed to the Alabama. What year did they get started?
livestock, and could be sold for cash. However, the educators a. 1900
found that the farmers were often not willing to try new b. 1909
farming methods. So they organized Boys’ Corn Clubs to c. 1918
teach farmers’ sons new farming techniques. The parents d. 1930
would learn from the boys.
3. In what county or counties did the first Boys’ Corn
The tomato vine entered the scene when girls decided the Clubs meet?
boys shouldn’t have all the fun. They formed Tomato a. Calhoun
Canning Clubs and grew tomatoes and other vegetables in b. Walker
their gardens. Then they canned the vegetables and got prizes c. Tuscaloosa
for the best canning.
d. all of these
Now, the clover. As the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs became more 4. Girls’ Tomato Clubs were important because:
popular, educators realized there were many other things a. girls learned to grow better gardens
young people needed to learn to make their homes, farms, b. girls learned to can food safely
and communities better. The Cooperative Extension Service c. girls learned to eat a better variety of food
was formed in 1914, and Corn and Tomato Clubs became a d. all of these
part of it. A new club was formed, called 4-H. The four-leaf
clover was chosen as the Club emblem. Over the years, the
number of projects grew from the original two to about forty. 5. What organization is in charge of 4-H?
The projects are things all youth can do, not just farm boys a. County school board
and girls. b. Alabama Cooperative Extension System
c. State Department of Education
d. all of these
This year Alabama 4-H is 100 years old, and we’re
celebrating! Ask Agent Assistant Tonya Tomlin what you
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 2
6. Originally, the 4-H clover had only three leaves. They How Do You Rate?
stood for head, hands, and heart. In 1911, a fourth H Number correct:
was added. What does the fourth H stand for? 10-12………..Celebrate, EXPERT! You know your 4-H.
a. health 7-9…………..Not bad, NOVICE; you’re learning.
b. harmony 4-6…………..You’re a BEGINNER, right? Not a bad start.
c. home 0-3…………..4-H has a lot to teach—start to learn today!
d. hustle Source: Publication YMGT-6
7. During its first years, 4-H was mainly concerned with Louise Littlejohn Inducted Into
improving agricultural production and food Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame
preservation. Today, the major concern is:
a. improving agriculture Louise Littlejohn, a retired St. Clair County Extension agent,
b. helping young people develop their skills and talents was posthumously inducted into the Alabama 4-H Wall of
c. teaching young people to compete Fame November 13th at the Alabama 4-H and Youth
d. giving awards Development Center in Columbiana. Littlejohn was one of
24 inductees honored during special ceremonies at the
Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center. She
8. How many 4-H members are in Alabama? was nominated by Lee Ann Clark.
a. approximately 50,000
b. approximately 55,000 The Alabama 4-H Wall of Fame recognizes individuals and
c. approximately 60,000 organizations that have had a significant effect on the 4-H
d. approximately 65,000 Youth Development program, its members and leaders. The
Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc., and Alabama 4-H
9. What percentage of Alabama 4-H’ers live in cities? honors, remembers, and pays tribute to those who influenced
a. 37 percent the lives of Alabama youth by their commitment “To Make
b. 50 percent the Best Better.”
c. 90 percent
d. 10 percent Littlejohn served as a county Extension agent for 4-H and
Home Economics from 1967 until her retirement in 1979.
She attended Lincoln Memorial University, received a
10. How many volunteer leaders help carry out the 4-H
bachelor’s degree in home economics education from the
program in Alabama?
University of Alabama and pursued graduate work at
a. approximately 1,000
Auburn University.
b. approximately 1,500
c. approximately 2,000 She taught students by example and gave lessons on a broad
d. approximately 2,500 variety of subjects from bed making to healthy eating. Her
encouragement, kinds words and time spent with youth
11. How much does it cost to join 4-H? instilled in them a love for 4-H and for her.
a. nothing
b. cost varies from club to club A staunch supporter of women’s rights in the workplace, she
c. cost varies from county to county litigated in Federal Court for the parity of equal pay for
d. 50 cents per person women in the Extension Service, which agents still benefit
from today.
12. What awards do Achievement Senior Level II
She was inducted into the Auburn University Home
winners receive?
Economics Hall of Fame in 1997. Her sons, Dan and Joe
a. a $25 savings bond
Littlejohn, accepted the award for their Mother.
b. a trip to Montgomery
c. a buggy Pictured l to r:
d. an Alabama State Trophy and trip to National 4-H Dr. Gaines
Congress Smith, Exten-
d 12. 6. a sion Director,
a 11. 5. b sons—Dan &
c 10. 4. d Joe Littlejohn
a 9. 3. d and Dr. Lamar
b 8. 2. b Nichols, 4-H
b 7. 1. b Assistant
Director.
Answers
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 3
The cost of living is increasing, yet the expenses. Include everything— After you have done these things, you
buy-now/pay-later syndrome, greater lunches, car fare, and incidentals. should have a better understanding of
expectations, higher standards of 3. Set aside a period of frugal spend- your problem and what you need to do
living, and sloppy buying habits are all ing, such as a week or a month. to resolve it. Then you can make a
contributing to a large number of Spend absolutely no money that is better decision about which, if any,
Alabamians finding themselves in unnecessary or that can be post- alternatives you should choose.
financial trouble. If you are one of poned until the end of this period.
these and feel that matters are getting
4. Each week, ask every family For more information on this topic,
beyond your control, don’t despair.
member to react to his or her please call and request publication
There are several things you can do.
spending by marking with a red UNP-7, If You Can’t Pay Your Bills,
For example:
pencil all unnecessary expenses or visit www.aces.edu/StClair and
on the list. In this way, each click on publications at the top to
Explain your situation to your person is made aware of what he download a copy.
creditors and try to renegotiate or she is spending. Family
your payments. members can also help each other
Extension also has a lot of other
Go to a consumer credit counsel- avoid impulse buying.
publications related to budgeting and
ing service for help. 5. Agree on a certain allowance for money management. One of the most
each person and promise as a
Close all your charge accounts popular is our Money Management
family that anything one person calendar. Stop by our office, located in
except one. Use this one only for
wants to buy above the set Suite 103 of the St. Clair County
emergencies. This will also help
amount will be discussed and Courthouse in Pell City, and pick up
your credit history.
decided on by the family. your FREE copy today!
6. Project expenses for 6 months or
An Emergency Family Finance Plan a year. Write down major bills
and fixed expenses, such as
Before you decide how you will insurance premiums, taxes, and
handle your crisis and pay off your medical bills. Make a spending
debts, take time to do the following: plan. Divide the large payments
by the number of months. This
1. Discuss the problem with your
will help you to be realistic about
family. Stress the need for
upcoming expenses. If at all
cooperation, sacrifices, and
possible, set aside some money
controlled spending.
each month to help meet these
2. Have each family member make a deadlines.
list of all his or her daily
Visit
www.aces.edu/StClair
For more information on our
Thriving in Challenging Times
Initiative
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 4
What Is The Digital TV (DTV) Transition? What Should I Do to Be Ready?
Currently, many over-the-air stations are broadcasting in You have three choices:
both analog and digital TV formats. After February 17,
(1) Connect your analog TV to a digital-to-analog
2009, full-power TV stations will broadcast only in
converter box. Digital-to-analog converter boxes are
digital. The DTV transition will affect those who watch
in stores and have a one-time cost of $40-$70. To help
free over-the-air television (through the rooftop antenna
you pay for the boxes, the U.S. Government is offering
or “rabbit ears.”) If you watch over-the-air programs on
two $40 coupons per household. (Please note that
an analog TV, you must take action before February 17,
these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). For
2009.
more information on the coupons, visit
Why Are Broadcast Stations Switching to Digital? www.DTV2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or
Federal law requires the switch, which will free up the 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Plus, you should not need a
airwaves for police, fire, and emergency rescue commu- new antenna if you get good quality reception on
nications, allow broadcasters to offer programming with analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna. Or
better picture and sound quality and offer more program-
(2) Buy a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital
ming choices, and allow for advanced wireless services
tuner). You do not need a High Definition TV
for consumers.
(HDTV) to watch digital broadcast television. You
only need a digital TV (or an analog TV connected to a
digital-to-analog converter box). Plus, you should not
need a new antenna if you get good quality reception
on analog channels 2-51 with your existing antenna. Or
(3) Subscribe to a paid TV service. If your TV set
receives local broadcast stations through a paid
provider such as cable or satellite TV, it is already
prepared for the DTV transition. Cable companies are
not required to transition or switch any of their
channels to digital. However, if you have an analog TV
that does not receive local broadcast stations through
your paid provider, you will need a digital-to-analog
converter box to watch digital broadcasts on that TV.
For more information visit DTV.gov
Shanks Family Farm
Recognized
The Shanks Family Farm of Ashville was recently honored
with the distinction of being named a Century and Heritage
Farm by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and
Industries. The presentation took place at the annual Farm
City Banquet held in Ashville. A Century Farm is one that has
been in the family continuously for at least 100 years and
currently has some agricultural activities on the farm. A
Heritage Farm is one that has been operated continuously as a
family farm for at least 100 years.
The Shanks Farm was originally acquired by T.J. Shanks from R.B. Franklin on January 7, 1892. In the past, the family has grown
cotton, corn, hay and timber as well as raised livestock on the farm. Currently, Ms. Elvelier Shanks Richey leases the farm to Mr.
Dave Evans who raises timber and livestock. Presenting the Century Farm award to Ms. Richey and her family is Amy Belcher from
the Department of Agriculture and Industries. Pictured l to r (front row): Belcher, daughter-in-law—Martha Richey, Ms. Elvelier
Shanks Richey, grandsons, Ben and Jack Richey and (back row) sons—Jay and John Richey and daughter-in-law—Laura.
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 5
By: Tony Glover, Regional Extension Agent
Commercial Horticulture
Home Grounds, Gardens & Home Pests Stevia Rebaudiana
Question: My New Year’s resolution was to lose some or treat it as a tender annual that’s set out after all
weight and I have heard there is an herb that can be used danger of frost is past. Bear in mind that temperatures
as a sugar substitute. Since sweets are my weakness I am can affect the sweetness. The stevia leaves will be
looking for a natural sugar substitute. Do you know what sweeter as the temperatures increase throughout the
the name of this herb is and how can I grow my own sugar summer.
substitute?
Stevia can be grown from seed, but is more easily
Answer: There have been few botanical discoveries quite rooted or it may be purchased as a small plant in the
as dramatic as the realization that the leaves of a species herb or perennial section of the garden center. Your
of herb called, Stevia rebaudiana, are intensely sweet. small plants will start slow, much like a pepper plant or
Stevia plants are perennial plants native to Paraguay that okra which requires hot weather to grow well. They need
include over 150 different species. However, this a good rich soil, full sun, warm air, and just enough
particular species is an anomaly, since none of the other water to keep the growing medium evenly moist. They’ll
species in this North and South American genus produce be quick to drown if you over water and equally quick to
these sweet compounds at high concentrations. Stevia die if you let the soil dry out completely. If you are more
sometimes called “sweet leaf or candyleaf” is considered interested in the sweet leaves you should remove the
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be an small white flowers that appear in summer. They are
unapproved food additive. It is approved by the FDA only heavy users of nutrients and should be fertilized
as a dietary supplement. There is conflicting research on regularly or use a slow release fertilizer at planting.
the safety of this herb and you should research carefully They may occasionally be attacked by aphids, mealy
before using any herbal product. bugs, and spider mites, so keep an eye peeled. If you
catch the pest early a strong stream of water may be all
Because they are commercially unprofitable, relatively few that is needed or use a little insecticidal soap as
highly sweet plant components have been developed as directed on the label.
sugar substitutes. However, due to the interest in natural
products, the discovery that this stevia plant has naturally Use stevia leaves fresh or dry them for storage by
occurring sweetness has attracted great interest. Stevia placing them in single layers between paper towels set
and stevioside, an extract of stevia, have a menthol-like, in a warm place for a week or so or dry them in a
bitter aftertaste that limits their usefulness. However, they dehydrator. Then use a spice grinder to reduce them to
have been used for years as sweeteners in South America, powder. It may not solve your sweet tooth problem but
Asia, Japan, China and some European countries. you are bound to burn a few calories while working in
the garden.
For many centuries native Paraguayans have used stevia
as a sweetener in herbal and medicinal teas. As
mentioned, stevia cannot be sold and advertised as a
sweetener but it is available as stevioside extract and can
be purchased at most health food stores. The first thing to
remember is that stevia is sweet but not exactly like sugar.
All this sweetness comes from the leaves of a rather
homely little plant that at maturity can be up to 18 inches
tall and as wide. It’s a perennial herb that won’t tolerate
freezing temperatures. Therefore, grow it as a houseplant
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 6
2008 Master Gardener Class
Pictured l to r: (Back) Jimmy Powe, Odenville; Clyde Rice, Moody; Lyman Lovejoy, Ashville; Roger Gilbert, Ashville; Earl F.
Peoples, Pell City; Charles Pinkston, Regional Extension Agent; (Front) Kerry Smith, Alabama Master Gardener Program State
Coordinator; Judy Sanders, Lincoln; Pat Demotte, Pell City; Nancy Gilbert, Ashville; Martha Cox, Trussville; and Camille Witt,
Odenville. Not pictured: Paul Jackson, Moody.
These eleven participants recently embarked on a journey to learn more about gardening in hopes of becoming certified Master
Gardeners. The first leg of their journey began on September 2nd when Charles Pinkston, Regional Extension Agent and instructor,
met with the class and began an intensive 12-week course which would allow them to learn all aspects of gardening.
After the course work was complete in December, participants begin conducting the required 40 hours of
approved volunteer service needed to become a Master Gardener. One of the main purposes of the Master Gardener Program is to
work on community betterment projects. We at the Extension office salute them for all their hard work and look forward to working
with them for many years to come!
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
~Leo Buscaglla
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and
equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 7
Farm-City Poster Farm-City Essay Outstanding
Contest Winners Contest Winner Farm Family
The St. Clair County Farmers Federation Annual Farm-City Banquet was held on Monday, November 10th, 2008. We were honored
to welcome Dr. Richard Guthrie, Dean of Agriculture at Auburn University, as our guest speaker.
Several awards were presented during this year’s banquet. The Shanks Family Farm was recognized as both a Century & Heritage
Farm by the Alabama Department of Ag and Industries. (See page 5 for more information about the farm and award)
The Farm-City Scarecrow contest winners were announced and awards were presented. K-3rd grade winners were: Mrs. Murray’s 1st
grade, Ashville Elementary, “Pinocchio,” —1st place; Mrs. Evans-Smith’s Kindergarten, Ashville Elementary, “Farmer,”—2nd place;
Mrs. Hitt’s 2nd grade, Ashville Elementary, “Clifford the Big Red Dog,”—3rd place. 4th-6th grade winners were: 4-H Junior
Homeschool Club, “Mickey & Minnie Mouse”—1st place; Ms. Wyatt’s 4th grade, Eden Elementary, “Fancy Nancy,”—2nd place. 7th-
12th grade winners were: Mrs. Morrow’s Advanced Art Class, St. Clair County High, “Humpty Dumpty,”—1st place; 4-H Senior
Homeschool Club, “The Tin Man,”—2nd place. Business category winners were: Alabama Power Company, Ashville, “The Tin
Man,”—1st place; Union State Bank, Ashville, “Little Miss Muffet,”—2nd place; and St. Clair County Library, Ashville, “Momma &
Baby Bear,”—3rd place.
4-H’ers from across the county participated in the Farm-City poster and essay contest. Poster contest winners (pictured above from l
to r) are: Sienna Templin, Ashville Elementary—1st place; Nicholas Eldridge, Springville Elementary—3rd place; Erin Smith,
Ashville Middle School—2nd place; and Tonya Tomlin, 4-H Agent Assistant. Farm-City Essay contest winners were: Kameron
Crenshaw, Pell City (not pictured)—1st place, 7th-9th grade division and Rebecca Parker, Odenville—1st place, 10th-12th grade
division. Rebecca is pictured with 4-H Agent Assistant Tonya Tomlin.
The Garry Staples family of Ashville was selected as the 2008 Outstanding Farm Family in St. Clair
County. Pictured above is Garry & Denise Staples accepting the award. Garry serves as an officer in
the Contract Poultry Growers Association of Alabama. He recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to
lobby for Farm Bill changes. As a result of his actions, producers can now opt out of binding
arbitration in contracts. The entire Staples’ family is involved in farm operations. Garry’s wife is a
driving force in the farm. Their son Jeremy and his family also live on the farm now and are heavily
involved. Their daughter Tori and husband Ryan Castleberry are poultry growers as well.
CONGRATULATIONS to all our award winners!
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 8
Jennifer Dutton
Regional Extension Agent
Human Nutrition, Diet & Health
Jennifer Dutton joined the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in November. She currently serves as a Regional Extension
Agent in the area of Human Nutrition Diet and Health. Prior to coming to Extension, she worked as a renal dietitian for Dialysis
Clinic, Inc. She is a native of Danville, Alabama and a 2003 graduate of West Morgan High School. She received her Bachelor’s and
Master’s Degrees in Human Nutrition from The University of Alabama in 2007 and 2008. She is a registered and state licensed
dietitian.
Jennifer is housed in Cullman County but also serves St. Clair, Shelby, Jefferson, Blount, and
Walker counties. While not working, she enjoys exercising, shopping, cooking, and being
outdoors.
R ecently, Jennifer hosted the Diabetic Cooking School Reunion in St. Clair County. She hopes
to continue meeting with this group and plans to start new Healthy Cooking School classes in
2009 (see page 12 for upcoming class information). She would also like to open an exercise class
Jennifer goes over the plate
for seniors. If you would like more information or to request additional nutrition, diet, and health
planner with participants
related programs, please contact Jennifer at the St. Clair County Extension office or send an email
at the Diabetic Cooking
to jld0021@aces.edu. She will be happy to assist you.
School Reunion
Cold winter days cause people to want to warm up with hot foods. Nothing breaks the chill like hot soups,
stews and chili. Moist, steamy foods seem to warm us through and through. Usually combination foods like
soups are very healthy food choices. Fat-free broth based soups are loaded with nutrition. However, soups
advertised as “loaded” are generally loaded with calories, not nutrients.
Since moist cooking tenderizes foods, very little fat is needed in soups. A small amount of fat may add
flavor, but the best way to boost flavor is by using herbs and spices. Cumin, garlic, bay leaves and thyme are
just a few of the spices that work well in soups. If fresh herbs are used, add them in the last moments of cooking so that the flavor in
the essential oils of the herb will not be cooked away. A slice of fresh lemon added a few minutes before the soup is done will also
add a flavor burst.
Cream based soups may have more calories, but they are a good way to add more calcium to the diet. The American Heart
Association Cookbook and other cookbooks provide recipes for making cream soups using dry powdered milk. Dry milk is fat-free
and offers a good alternative instead of using cream or whole milk. Liquid fat-free milk can serve the same purpose as dry milk. The
advantage of dry milk is dry soup mix can be prepared in advance and kept on hand.
Soups can be prepared from fresh meats and vegetables or from a combination of leftovers. By preparing a large stock-pot of soup,
the soup can be cooled and portioned into freezer containers. Always remember to leave two to three inches in the container to allow
for expansion. Some foods, such as potatoes, change texture during freezing and spices may become weaker or stronger during the
freezing process. Source: Jennifer Dutton, Regional Extension Agent—Human Nutrition, Diet & Health
Volume14, Issue 19
Issue Extension Newsletter Page 9
Page 5
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
Be Prepared
Below is a list of essentials that should be placed in a bag, or any other portable container, and
ready to go in the event of a disaster. Experience shows that individuals may need to survive on
their own after a major disaster for up to three days.
This information is brought to you by the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN). Our
goal is to reduce the impact of disaster through education.
Copy of family disaster plan with listing of medications & important numbers
General Contents
Photocopies of credit and identification cards
Battery powered (or Crank) radio and extra batteries
Battery powered (or Crank) flashlight and extra batteries
Blanket or emergency blanket (Mylar)
First aid kit and manual
Bottled water
Non-perishable, high-energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins, canned meat and peanut
butter
Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)
Note pad and pencil
Sturdy shoes/boots, stocking cap
Extra set of clothes & underclothes
Whistle and hand-held mirror or flare
Hand/foot/body warmers
Camping matches
Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and
hearing aid batteries
Additional Contents Small snow shovel
Jumper cables
Tow rope or chain
Maps
Small Fire Extinguisher (ABC type)
Tube of sand or kitty litter
Heavy mittens, scarf and wool socks
An emergency candle and a tin can to warm the car
Maintaining Your Kit Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to protect from pests and to
extend its shelf life
Contact: Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded
Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies
Virginia Morgan Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in the front
Alabama Cooperative Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to write the date you store it
Extension System on all containers
P: 334-844-5699
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs change.
E: morgamv@aces.edu www.EDEN.lsu.edu
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 10
Emergency Alert Radios Available
Community Safety Program
Free Emergency Alert Radios will be distributed in Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair and Talladega counties (as well as those
located in a portion of Calhoun county) beginning in January 2009. All households are eligible to receive a free Emergency Alert
Radio. The Emergency Alert Radio will bring you information about many types of emergencies, including Weather Emergencies,
Hazardous Materials Accidents, AMBER Alerts and Evacuations.
The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in partnership with DHS/FEMA have secured federal funds to make
this Community Safety Program possible. The St. Clair County EMA understands that an emergency can strike at any time, and that
early warning is often the key to protecting you and your family from disaster. With an Emergency Alert Radio
in every home and business, our communities will be safer.
So, how do you request your FREE Emergency Alert Radio? A participation card was mailed to every eligible
home and business. Complete the postage-paid card as soon as possible and drop it in the mail. Your FREE
Emergency Alert Radio will arrive in the mail in early 2009. If you did not receive a participation card please
call 1-256-237-7843 or 877-ALERT08, or visit www.earready.us. The deadline for all cards to be received is
MARCH 31, 2009.
St. Clair County Beef Cook-Off
The St. Clair County Beef Cook-Off was held on Thursday, November 6, 2008. Twenty-three students from across the county
participated. The St. Clair County Cattlewomen’s Association sponsors this yearly event. Jr. High winners were: 1st Place – Aundrea
Hannah, Ragland High School and 2nd Place – Lauren Cox, Ragland High School. Sr. High winners were: 1st Place – Tiffany
Phillips, Moody High School; 2nd Place – Susanne Gilbert, Moody High School; and 3rd Place – Khrystal Short, St. Clair County
High School. The first place winners from both the Sr. High and Jr. High Divisions will go on to compete in the State Beef Cook-
Off in Montgomery on January 10, 2009. Good luck girls!
I had the pleasure of judging this year’s cook-off (and boy, it wasn’t easy with so many tasty entries!). I think all the participants did
a wonderful job and I encourage them to compete again next year. Below you will find Tiffany Phillips’ recipe, 1st place winner in
the Sr. High division. Look for Aundrea Hannah’s recipe in the next issue of the Extension Newsletter.
Teriyaki Strip Steak with Pineapple Salsa
1 ½ cups chopped fresh pineapple ½ tsp. salt
1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper Dash white pepper
1 kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped 1 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup Teriyaki sauce
1 tsp. minced jalapeno pepper 1 lb. beef strip steak
1/3 cup purple onion 1 cup apple jelly
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
In a medium bowl combine pineapple, red bell pepper, kiwi, purple onion, minced jalapeno pepper, cilantro, lemon juice, salt and
pepper and mix. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Marinate steak in Teriyaki sauce for one hour.
In a large skillet melt butter until sizzling and add steak and leftover marinade (half at a time). Cook over medium heat, turning
once, until medium doneness (12 to 16 minutes). Reduce heat to medium low; add jelly and spoon over meat to glaze.
To serve, slice steak thinly across the grain and top with salsa. Serves 4.
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 11
When: Tuesday, January 27th
Time: 9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
Where: St. Clair County Extension Auditorium
Fee: $5 per person
The class will focus on quick and easy recipes that fit into a healthy eating plan.
Participants will be allowed to sample all the foods that are prepared. To attend, please
pre-register no later than Tuesday, January 20th. Registration forms are available at the
St. Clair County Extension office, located on the lower level of the St. Clair County Court-
house in Pell City or online at www.aces.edu/StClair. The class is limited to 18, due to
space limitations. For more information, please contact Regional Extension Agent Jennifer
Dutton at the St. Clair County Extension office by phone at (205) 338-9416 or email
jld0021@aces.edu.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
St. Clair County Office
St. Clair County Office
1815 Cogswell Avenue
Suite #103/B04
Pell City, Alabama 35125
Phone: 205-338-9416
Fax: 205-338-9417
www.aces.edu/StClair
Volume 4, Issue 19 Extension Newsletter Page 12
