McCracken County Cooperative Extension

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As the last of the leaves fall off the trees in Land Between the Lakes, a very festive (and semi-parasitic) plant shows itself – mistletoe!

When this plant is not hanging from ceilings during the holidays, it can be seen high up in the branches of trees like oak and maple. After a bird eats the white mistletoe berries, it p**ps the seeds onto tree branches. When the seed sprouts, its roots pe*****te the tree branch and it can steal sugar and nutrients from the host tree.

In fact, this is how mistletoe got its name. From the Old English “mistel” (p**p) and “tan” (twig), the name mistletoe means “p**p on a stick”!

While mistletoe is a parasite, it is not usually harmful to the tree. Mistletoe keeps its leaves all year round, so winter is the best time of year to spot it in Land Between the Lakes.

Photo by Mel Cunningham

https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/files/1223-healthbulletin-adult.pdf

Perhaps you are familiar with the holiday tune that describes 12 Christmas gifts, but a gift worth giving that is not included in the song is good health! As you prepare to host or attend holiday functions this season, we have 12 tips to staying safe and healthy yourself, and not passing along germs for family and friends. Check them out in our December Adult Health Bulletin: The Gift of Health.

Paint Fan Dance is a free combination art/exercise class taught by artist Lady Van Tiger at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service. Our first class will be held on December 15th from 11:00 a.m. until noon. Starting in January, classes will be on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month through April.

Please call the office at (270) 554-9520 to register. All art materials for the class will be provided, free of charge. This class is open to adults 18+.

Learn more about this exciting event here: https://mccracken.ca.uky.edu/index.php/events/paint-fan-dance

Seeking reliable health info? Join us for our December Tech Class: "Consumer Health Research"! Discover how to navigate the treasure trove of free medical resources offered by the Kentucky Virtual Library. From trusted medical insights to up-to-date research, we've got you covered. Don't miss this chance to empower yourself with knowledge.

Brace yourselves for December's delectable delight: Loaded Beef Stroganoff!

https://www.planeatmove.com/recipes/recipe/loaded-beef-stroganoff/

Get ready to savor the warm, comforting flavors of this hearty dish. Imagine tender egg noodles, lean ground beef, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Greek yogurt sauce. It's the perfect recipe to cozy up with during the winter months!

Ever wondered what Horticulture Extension is all about? At the McCracken County Extension Service, our Horticulture program is dedicated to educating and assisting our community. We offer technical services like soil testing, disease diagnosis, and identification of plants, weeds, and insects.

Count on us to provide research-based information to consumers and horticulture businesses, helping you grow and flourish.

🎅🎄✨ Exciting Announcement! Join Santa's Elves for a festive one-day workshop filled with gift-making and holiday cheer! 🎁🎉

🗓️ Date: December 21st
🕒 Time: 9:00 - 3:00
📍 Location: McCracken County Cooperative Extension

Activities include:
🎁 DIY Gift-Making
🎶 Christmas Caroling at a Nearby Assisted Living Facility
🍽️ Lunch Provided

👧👦 This FREE event is open to youth ages 9-18! 🌟

📌 Register now by scanning the QR code! Don't miss the chance to spread joy and create lasting memories this holiday season

Join us for a fun 4-H club! Registration required call (270) 554-9520.

Hurry, Hurry before Santa leaves The building.

Stay updated on all the exciting happenings at McCracken County Cooperative Extension this month. From workshops to clubs and more, there's something for everyone. Explore the calendar graphic for details.

Don't miss tomorrow's big event! Santa will be at the McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service tomorrow from 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM! Bring your little ones to meet Santa, decorate cookies, and create wonderful memories. The best part is that it is free!

Join us for a festive morning of creativity and treats! 🎨✨

📅 Mark your calendars for Friday, December 8th at 9:30 a.m. as we come together at the McCracken County Extension Service for an Arts and Crafts event.

🎄 Embrace the holiday spirit as we craft beautiful ornaments for just $5.00, and don't forget to bring your favorite cookies for our delightful cookie exchange. It's a perfect way to get into the holiday mood and create memories with friends.

RSVP Required! Call 270-554-9520 to save your spot!

http://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/files/1123-healthbulletin-youth.pdf

Gratitude is when you feel thankful for the good things in your life. This could be the things people often take for granted, like having food, clean water, a place to live, friends, and family. Gratitude is taking time to think about how lucky you are when something good happens, big or small. Gratitude is telling others when they have a part in those things.

Learn more about developing an attitude of gratitude in this month's Youth Health Bulletin.

Have you been sewing for a while but need help on a project? Are you just getting started and don't know how to begin? Have you been sewing for years and want to help others hone their craft? We're seeking sewers of all skill levels to jump into our weekly sewing group. We meet from 9 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday and would love to welcome you in!

Looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend your Thursday mornings this fall? Look no further! Join our Needlework Club on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Our next meet-up is on Thursday, December 7th, from 10 AM to 12 PM. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, all skill levels are welcome. Join us for a fun and friendly session! See you there!

Here is our December calendar of events - we hope you can join in on all the fun!

Want to keep your kids busy inside since it is so chilly outside?

We have this free craft kit ready for you at our office! Everything you need is in the bag to make the birdfeeder, all you have to do is pick it up! Limited kits are available, so you may call our office to check availability. I will update post as well once all kits are gone. Stop by the front desk to pick one up!

(270) 554-9520

2025 New Holt rd
Paducah, Ky 42001

https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/files/moneywise_nov_2023.pdf

Money transfer apps are a convenient way to send money to others. Despite the benefit of convenience, there are tax implications and risks to using money transfer apps. When using these services, be careful to avoid payment mishaps and scams. Always research money transfer apps before using them to ensure that the app you choose is reputable. Learn more about money transfer apps from this month's MoneyWise newsletter.

The holiday season is here! Looking for the perfect gift for the culinary enthusiast in your life? Surprise them with a set of top-tier Rada Cutlery knives, celebrated for their exceptional quality and 100% American craftsmanship. What's more, every purchase helps support the McCracken County Homemakers.

Elevate this festive season and start shopping today: https://bit.ly/rada-fundraising.

🌟 Calling all adult volunteers! 🌟

Are you ready for a summer adventure that'll make a difference? Join us as an adult volunteer at 4-H Camp!

Here's what you need to know:

🤝 Adult volunteers play a crucial role in creating a memorable experience for our young campers.
🔍 A background check is required as part of the process.
👨‍👩‍👦 We can only accommodate youth based on the number of adults who come along.

Make a positive impact, build lasting memories, and be part of a fantastic camp community.

Interested? Stay tuned for camp applications coming in February 2024!

On this special day, we're grateful for the opportunity to serve our wonderful community. Your trust and support are the backbone of our efforts, and we're thankful for each one of you.

As you gather with family and friends to enjoy delicious meals and create lasting memories, remember the importance of gratitude. Take a moment to appreciate the simple joys, the bonds that unite us, and the blessings that surround us.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Have a safe and joyful holiday!

In celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, the McCracken County Extension Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday to allow our staff to spend time with their families. We'll be back to assist you when we reopen on Monday.

If you are thinking of giving this holiday season, consider donating to the McCracken County 4-H Backpack Program.
Through this program, we feed 450 youth in our community each week.
It's a fantastic initiative that ensures young people have access to nutritious meals and don't go hungry on the weekends.
However, this program relies heavily on donations to keep going, and any contribution you can make would be greatly appreciated! Your donation, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the lives of these children. Thank you for supporting this vital program!

McCracken County 4-H Backpack program, organized by Haley Martin Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit McCracken Cou… Haley Martin needs your support for McCracken County 4-H Backpack program

Meet the heart of 4-H - the 4H Pledge

"I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
And my health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world."

Curious to learn more about how 4-H empowers young minds and transforms lives? Click the link below and explore the world of 4-H today! 🌍💚

https://mccracken.ca.uky.edu/4h-youth-development




#
4HGrowsHere

Since the holidays are approaching, please refer to this diagram when purchasing your holiday cactus. Some big box stores will mislabel their plants.

Differences in the FLOWERS of the Holiday Cactus!🌺

Christmas Cactus – The flowers are usually white or red but occasionally may be yellow. The blooming time is typically in December. The Christmas Cactus has purplish-brown anthers. In contrast the Thanksgiving Cactus has yellow anthers. Flowers are symmetrical being evenly distributed around each flower tube. The flowers are more pendulous and droop straight down from the o***y.

Easter Cactus – The flowers are royal purple, red or pink and brighter than Christmas Cactus or Thanksgiving Cactus. The flowers are more star-shaped than the other two ‘Holiday Cactus.’ It typically blooms in the spring months of April and May.

Thanksgiving Cactus – The flowers are pink, red, white or yellow and they typically bloom in November. The Thanksgiving Cactus anthers are yellow but they are purplish-brown on the Christmas Cactus. Thanksgiving Cactus flowers are more asymmetrical, protrude from the o***y and extend horizontally from the tips of the stem segments.

Get ready to fire up your taste buds with November's featured recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!

https://www.planeatmove.com/recipes/recipe/slow-cooker-buffalo-chicken-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/

This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken with a bold buffalo sauce, stuffed inside perfectly baked sweet potatoes. We encourage you to embrace the flavors of fall with this irresistible delight!

The American elderberry is a large shrub or small tree native to Ken­ tucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The majority of elderberry producers are small-scale and focus marketing efforts on educating and creating awareness of the elderberry and common uses to consumers. Learn more about elderberry in this edition of our Horticulture newsletter:
https://mccracken.ca.uky.edu/sites/mccracken.ca.uky.edu/files/Hort%20newsletter%20October%202023.pdf

Join Us for Cookies with Santa!

📅 Date: December 2
⏰ Time: 9-11 AM
🎉 Admission: FREE!

Bring your little ones to meet Santa, decorate cookies, and create wonderful memories! Don't miss out on this delightful holiday event at McCracken Extension. See you there!

📢 Mark your calendars, 4-H enthusiasts! 🗓️

Get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at 4-H Camp! Camp applications will be rolling in around the first of February, 2024.

Age groups:
👧 Ages 9-14 (or 8-year-olds heading into the 4th grade)
🤝 Counselor In Training - Age 15
🌟 Junior Counselors: - Ages 16-17
👨‍👩‍👦 Adult Volunteers: - Ages 18 and above

Camp Dates:
📆 July 29th – August 2nd

Stay tuned for more details, and prepare for a fantastic 4-H Camp experience

http://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/files/1123-healthbulletin-parent.pdf

The upcoming holiday season is the perfect time to teach your children a very important life lesson about gratitude that can last well past Thanksgiving. Gratitude, or being thankful, is a high-level concept that can be tricky for children to grasp. Children are naturally self-focused in their early years of development, but as children grow, they become more aware of the needs and feelings of others.

Learn tips for teaching your child to be grateful in this month's Parent Health Bulletin.

Exciting News for Middle School Leaders!
Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on a journey of leadership and fun at the KY 4-H Summit! Join us at the scenic West Kentucky 4-H Camp in Dawson Springs from March 21-23, 2024, for an unforgettable middle school leadership conference.
What to expect:
Engaging Workshops
Team-building Activities
Outdoor Adventures
Lifelong Friendships
This is your chance to sharpen your leadership skills, discover your potential, and have a blast while doing it! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to unleash your leadership potential? Register now by calling (270) 554-9520 by January 24, 2024, and secure your spot at the KY 4-H Summit!

After much request we are finally able to offer an intro to self defense workshop! Throughout this program we will look at the development of self defense focusing through the lense of martial arts. This will be broken into 2 parts with a speaking portion in the beginning followed by an active participation demonstration for those who wish to participate. If you wish to participate you must call and register by the cut off date of Monday November 20th at our office at 270-653-2231. Please reach out if you have any questions!

Come join us tonight for our 4-H Rocket Club Information Night at 5 p.m.

🚀 Does your high schooler have a passion for aerospace? 🌌 Join us for an informational meeting about our NEW 4-H Rocket Club!
📍 Location: McCracken County Cooperative Extension Office, 2025 New Holt Road, Paducah, KY.
📞 For more details, please call (270) 554-9520.

Spread the word and ignite the spark of aerospace in our youth! ✨

The last day to sign up for this season is January 26, 2024.

Today, we stand in profound respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation. Veterans Day is a time to recognize the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of our military personnel, past and present.

Their courage knows no bounds, their commitment is unyielding, and their sacrifices are immeasurable. To all veterans, we honor you today and always.

The 2023 Conservation Art & Essay Contest is in full swing, and we're thrilled by your participation so far.

As the deadline of December 1st approaches, it's time to put the finishing touches on your entries.

Ready to submit your masterpiece? Don't miss the December 1st deadline! Access the submission form and this year's tabloid here: Submission Form & Tabloid here: https://bit.ly/keeping-it-wild-2023

For McCracken County students, please submit your work to the McCracken County Conservation District Office at:
5470 Highway 60, Paducah 42001