This article was written for the Robesonian and can be found on their website as well as on the NCCE, Robeson County Center website.

Celebrating a Healthy Smile

— Written By Joanna Rogers and last updated by Kareis Britt (1 week ago)

This month we celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month. Cavities are one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 5 (20 percent) children ages 5 to 11 and 1 in 7 (13 percent) adolescents ages 12 to 19 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. Cavities are preventable by proper teeth cleaning, eating healthy foods, and swapping out sugary beverages and snacks.

In the 4-H Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), we teach the importance of making better food choices and the effects that has on our bodies. Cavities can lead to other health concerns like infections, unwanted pain, and discomfort. Simple changes in your daily routine can help. For starters, make sure you brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Make sure you are brushing top to bottom, front to back, and brushing your tongue. Also, flossing daily helps greatly with caring for your teeth. You can make brushing time more fun by getting a cool new toothbrush, colorful floss, or a cool timer.

Another way we can fight cavities is by making better food and beverage choices. Too many of our favorite snacks contain over the recommended amount of daily sugar intake. Children ages 2 to 18 should only have 25 grams of sugar (6 teaspoons) daily according to the American Heart Association. Sodas and other flavored drinks are also loaded in sugars. Instead of reaching for candy, try some of nature’s sweet fruits that are low in sugar, such as strawberries, peaches, blackberries, honeydew, oranges, and grapefruit. You can also pair these fruits with yogurt dip, blend into a smoothie, or flavor your water by adding fresh slices. In EFNEP, we have a variety of recipes that showcase how fruit can be delicious and sweet. Below is a simple, sweet recipe that is sure to please any sweet tooth:

Easy Fruit Salad

Makes 10 serving

Serving Size: ½ cup

Ingredients

• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can fruit cocktail in juice, drained
• 2 small bananas, sliced
• 1 (8-ounce) low-fat yogurt (try vanilla or lemon)

Directions

1. Drain pineapple chunks and fruit cocktail.
2. Wash, peel, and slice bananas.
3. Mix fruits and yogurt together.
4. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

For more information about a healthier lifestyle, contact Joanna Rogers, Youth Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant, at 910-671-3276, by email at Joanna_Rogers@ncsu.edu, or visit our website.

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University are collectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. NC State University, N.C. A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

4-H Top 4 for the week of February 10, 2020

  Happy Monday!

-Today is the deadline to register for our next Volunteer Leaders' training which will take place February 17 in Hoke County starting at 6:30 pm.  A light meal will be served.  For more information about the training please see this flyer.  To register please contact Jessie Jones at (910) 671-3276.  Transportation is provided.

-March 2 is the deadline for second and third grade teachers to sign up for 4-H Embryology.  This is a research based experiential curriculum offered to teachers to coincide with the standar course of study.  We will train the teachers, and loan them incubators, curriculum, and eggs for the project.  For more information please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.  To sign up please contact Jessie Jones at (910) 671-3276.

-March 6, is the deadline to sign up for County Activity Day.  Please note to register youth must have completed their membership forms in the 4-H online system.  To register call Jessie Jones or Wendy Maynor at (910) 671-3276.  They will need the child's name, 4-H age, if they are doing a speech or presentation, and the topic of that speech or presentation.  For questions please contact Wendy Maynor at Wendy_Maynor@ncsu.edu.

-The Deadline to register for 4-H Animal Science is April 3.  This is open to all youth who would like to raise an animal to show at the fair.  Applications and guidelines can be found by clicking on the links.  For more information about this program please contact Shea Ann DeJarnette at Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu or (910) 671-3276.

For more information about our programs please contact any of us at the 4-H office (910) 671-3276.

Again thank you for all you do to make 4-H happen in Robeson County.
Jessie, Wendy, and Shea Ann

Homegrown Ideas and Fun

Monthly Digest February 2020

It's February, and love is in the air... Whether it's our year-round agricultural offerings, diverse cultural cuisine or gardening-friendly weather, what's not to love? We're fortunate in North Carolina to be blessed with an embarrassment of riches. It makes our lives a lot easier at Homegrown, where we strive to help you learn what’s in season, how it’s grown and how you can safely enjoy it with tasty, nutritious recipes. We hope you'll check out our latest videos, like how to keep those Valentine's flowers fresher for longer — you're gonna love them! Super Simple Guacamole Dip No Super Bowl party (or arguably any other party, for that matter) is complete without a creamy guacamole dip. It's a foolproof fan favorite! Read on » Keep Your Cut Flowers Fresh for Longer There’s something about fresh flowers that makes any occasion or setting more special. Check out our expert tips that will help make your flowers last longer! Read on » A Sweet (Potato) Success Story for North Carolina If you've enjoyed a sweet potato in the last 40 years, it's probably from North Carolina. Learn more about these sweet spuds and how NC State helped grow the industry into a global powerhouse. Read on » Savory Popcorn and Pretzel Snack Mix Whether you're prepping an after-school snack, lunchbox baggie or a party bowl for the big game, check out this classic combo with a savory twist. Read on » Rainbow Fruit Kabobs Your Kids Will Love This simple, nutritious snack takes only a few minutes to prep and can easily be stored in resealable bags for after-school snacks, travel treats or an anytime finger food that your kids will love! Read on » The Safe Way to Enjoy Eggnog This Winter Whether your family has a secret recipe that's been passed down for generations - or if you just Googled one last night - our food safety specialist shares simple steps to help you add a dash of safety to your eggnog. Read on » Super Simple Snacks to Save the Day Whether you're prepping an after-school snack, lunchbox baggie or a party bowl for the Oscars, you'll want to check out our collection of savory snack ideas and food safety tips! Here's a quick sampler platter... How to Cut Onions Without Crying Serving Up Sweet Potato Fries The Safest Way to Wash Produce View more »

Use #NCStateHomegrown when sharing your best recipes or pics for a chance to be featured. We love seeing your work! Everyday solutions for everyday lives. Copyright © 2019 NC State Extension All rights reserved. Mailing Address NC State Extension Communications 3210 Faucette Drive, Campus Box 7603 Raleigh, NC 27695

National JMG Newsletter

SPECIAL EDITION | FEBRUARY 2020 PROJECT IDEAS, RECIPES, AND INSPIRATION Happy Valentine's Day from JMG to you! We love seeing your groups in action - if you have pictures, send them our way for a chance to be featured here! Share the Love Looking for a natural sweet treat? Give fruit skewers a try with your kids this Valentine's Day! Don't have a heart shaped cookie cutter? Strawberries are the perfect shape to slice if you remove the top around the stem! Crafts for your Love Bugs! Looking to incorporate a fun holiday craft that still meets educational outcomes? Look no further! A Valentine from Us to You! Thanks for sticking with us and supporting us, even if we are a little corny. There are some to share with your group here too! VISIT OUR WEBSITE Junior Master Gardener Program | juniormastergardener@gmail.com CONNECT WITH US:  ‌  ‌  ‌

Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors in High School

The Robeson County Farm Bureau Senior High School Scholarship was established in 2015 to honor one graduate from each of the Public Schools of Robeson County and to the Early College at Robeson Community College as he/she continues his/her education at an institution of higher learning beyond high school.  The scholarship will be presented at the annual awards night for each high school graduating class and to the Early College at Robeson Community College.  The value of the scholarship is $2,500 and the recipient will be determined by an independent panel.  

STUDENTS should return their completed applications by April 6, 2020 to their high school guidance counselor.

Please click here to access the scholarship application.

Attention 4-H Congress Delegates

If you are planning on attending 4-H Congress this year and would like to earn a few extra scholarship dollars to pay for it....think about teaching a workshop at this year's event.  Below is the note from Sarah Kotizan who organizes 4-H Congress each year.

"If you are interested in teaching a workshop at North Carolina 4-H Congress, please see the attached proposal form and work with your 4-H Agent to get this information entered.

All proposals must be entered online no later than Friday, May 1st (note: this is a state deadline and your county will have an earlier deadline) and must be entered by a Cooperative Extension employee. This opportunity is open to 4-H'ers (at least one adult must help with the session), 4-H Professionals, 4-H Volunteers, and community members.  Please share with anyone you feel might be interested in this opportunity.  

If you have any questions, please let me know. We are excited about continuing the workshop format again this year and look forward to great workshop proposals being submitted!

Sarah"

So potential delegates if you would like to teach a workshop please fill out the application and return it to Shea Ann DeJarnette by April 24.  You may team up to teach a session but realize all of you have to have equal parts if you decide to do so.  Please contact me if you have any questions at (910) 671-3276 or Shea_Ann_DeJarnette@ncsu.edu.  You can access the application at this link. 

Congratulations and Thank You

  A big thank you to all the 4-H volunteers who made the trip to the NC Volunteer Leaders Conference in Durham this weekend.  From speaking with everyone it sounds like everyone was in agreement that it was one of the best conferences we have had in awhile.
  For those of you wondering what happens at this event.....4-H Volunteers come from around the state to conduct training, and business as well as fundraising for their association.  Workshops range from ACE Master Volunteer trainings to make and take sessions.  A favorite every year is the electric workshop.  This year's theme of "Planting the Seeds of our Legacy" could be seen everywhere.  Our own Shea Ann DeJarnette partnered with New Hanover 4-H Extension Agent Scott Enroughty to teach a workshop entitled 4-H Bee Great.  The workshop focused on various STEM, STEAM, and STREAM activities to engage and teach youth about pollinators.

  Our own Marilyn Merritt finished up her term as State Volunteer Leaders Association Treasurer.  Before she could walk away from her leadership position she had to talley up all the funds that came from the annual basket raffle and country store and auction.  When all was said and done they had raised about $3,000 to support the VLA and its work.
  The event winds down with a fabulous banquet and award presentations.  The next morning the volunteers received a motivational message before installing their new state officers.
  We hope more of our volunteers will consider attending this great training opportunity next year.  For more information please contact one of our Volunteers or staff who attended this year.