Facebook World

Today here at the DeSoto County Extension Service we started a Facebook page! You can visit and like our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DesotoCountyExtensionOffice. This is a new way of communication for us to help you stay informed about upcoming programs and events in addition it will be an easy way to provide you with news and info from the world of the Cooperative Extension Service. 

Happy Facebooking...

Tips for Holiday Survival!

The holiday season can bring financial stress that burdens your spirit. From purchasing gifts to traveling to planning an elaborate holiday meal, extra expenses make it hard on families this time of the year. Many families skip holiday traditions to avoid overspending. Skipping Thanksgiving or Christmas may not be the answer to pinching pennies but choosing your holiday activities wisely might release some of the holiday stress a little. Have a plan and try sticking to it.  

Here are some helpful tips that you might find useful this holiday season to get you through the month of December.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables can be costly at the grocery store. To avoid overspending, purchase fruits and vegetables currently in season. For seasonal produce, check out your local farmers market or visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are available at your local grocery store, perhaps on sale. They also have a longer shelf life compared to fresh fruits and vegetables, so be sure to stock up during sales and buy things you know you will need for holiday meals. 
• Survive holiday grief like marathon training!
• Pretty poinsettias make ideal Christmas accent!
• Handle with care when hanging holiday lights! 
• Adding a few things in your cart at the store can cost you many extra dollars at the cash register. Do not forget to look in your cabinets and refrigerators to see what you already have. Little expenses like salt and pepper, and other small condiments add up quickly. Look for the spices and herbs you will need at discount stores.

Last but not least.....

Happy Holidays from the Mississippi State University Extension Service in DeSoto County. Our normal office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will be closed for the holidays December 23, 2014 through January 2, 2015. We will reopen using our regular schedule on January 5, 2015.

Beat the Bulge

My goal this holiday season is to maintain and not gain during the holiday season from now through December 31st, but come the NEW YEAR I want to beat the bulge! Yes, I am already thinking about my New Year's resolution. Have you thought about that yet too? Maybe you need some motivation and help achieving your goals. Starting in January here at the DeSoto County Mississippi State University Extension Service we will be offering a program called Walk-a-Weigh. Check out the flyer below if you are interested.

This program will run on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. at the DeSoto County Extension Office from January 26 – March 30, 2015. If you’re ready, so are we. Contact the DeSoto County Extension Service and sign-up today for Walk-a-Weigh. Deadline to sign-up is January 20th.  By signing up you will ensure that there are materials available when you arrive. The cost is $15.00 and is due by the deadline of January 20th. If you divide $15.00 by the 10 weeks that is just $1.50 each week! At the end of the 10-weeks the (one female & one male) participant losing the most percentage of weight will win their class participant fee back. The winner will be announced on March 30.

The Walk-a-Weigh 10 Week Program will begin Monday, January 26, 2015 at the DeSoto County Extension Office, located at 3260 Hwy 51 South in Hernando, Mississippi. The classes will meet weekly at noon through March 30, 2015.  The class dates are January 26, February 2, February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, and March 30. Join us during your lunch break! We will weigh-in each week from 11:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. Each session will last about an 1 hour and each weekly program will be divided into three parts. The first part is a short lesson, the second part will be a tasting session to sample a recipe or new food product related to the lesson, and the final part will be activity time to get physically active together. 

Personally my goal is to be healthier and reduce my body size. I have been on this journey for the last couple of years. My goal is to lose about 15-20 more pounds and then maintain my loss. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet. Therefore, if you want to reduce your body size like me, then this series might be for you! Your concern might also be your health, but you might also be thinking about looking better in clothes, having more energy, enjoying new and favorite foods, being able to move more easily, and feeling better about yourself. Whatever your case may be, consider joining us with our new series called Walk-a-Weigh.

For more nutrition and physical activity information, contact the DeSoto County Extension Service. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Terrific "T's" of the week...

It is the time of year that I think about a few Terrific T's...

1. Time with Family and Friends. In the mist of all the hustle and bustle enjoy the moments and conversations with family and friends. We all are going through the motions of life, but stop and enjoy it a little!  
2. Travel. Lots of people travel this time of year to see family and friends. As you travel this holiday season here are a few travel tips from Natasha Haynes via this weeks episode of the Food Factor before you hit the road this Thanksgiving.                       
3. Turkey. If you have a 20 pound turkey start THAWING your turkey today for THURSDAY! Allow 24 hours for every 4-5 lbs of bird. Check out this tip and many others here. If you have questions on Thanksgiving call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.  The Hotline will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT on Thanksgiving Day. Or simply follow the infographic below!  
      
4. Take temperatures. Cooked, hot foods should be kept at 140 degrees F or warmer. Be sure to use a food thermometer (the only safe way to ensure proper temperature) to check temperatures. The USDA recommends whole turkeys to be cooked to an internal temperature to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold foods should be kept at 40 F or less. Keep cold foods refrigerated until just before serving. If food is going to stay out on the buffet table longer than two hours, place plates of cold food on ice to retain the chill.
5. Take time to wash your hands! Proper hand washing is the most effective way to keep food and guests safe. Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water following restroom use, after handling raw meat products or before eating. A good tip is to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself two times to make sure you wash your hands for 20 seconds. Clean hands help prevent the spread of potential illness-causing microorganisms.
6. Tracking food intake. Personally I want to not gain this holiday season so I am tracking my food intake. I want to "Eat Smart, Move More, Maintain and Not Gain"! So I am tracking my calorie intake via the app on my smart phone "LoseIt", but you can also do it the old fashion way with a pencil and piece of paper! 
7. Think cash only spending. In order to not over purchase items this holiday season, especially with all the "Black Friday" specials think about spending cash only this year for your holiday purchases. Literally freeze your credit card in water. Personally I know if I spend cash I will spend less money. Put your holiday cash in an envelope and once all the cash is gone out of that "envelope", then you should be finished shopping since you will have no money left to spend. If your credit card is "frozen" you will have to go to extreme efforts to thaw it! This is a great way to avoid running up your credit card this holiday season.  Spending with plastic almost always lets us overspend. 
8. Thank you's! Don't forget to tell others thank you and that you love and appreciate them if they do something for you. Use this week to reflect on what all you are thankful for this year. 

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Maybe these Terrific T's will be useful for you this week as you celebrate Thanksgiving later this week...

Basic Facts about Health Insurance

When is the last time you or a family member planned to get sick? This probably didn't happen did it?!? Getting sick or hurt comes with a price and a high cost. Sometimes these expenses can be overwhelming. And the monthly premium for health insurance sometimes can be overwhelming! Health insurance is there so it can protect you from potentially large expenses that could potentially bankrupt your family. To buy or not to buy... Continue reading for some basic facts about health insurance that everyone should know.   

Nearly a half million Mississippians remain uninsured for various reasons. If you are uninsured for whatever reason we here at Mississippi State University Extension Service want to make sure that you have the correct information about the Affordable Care Act. We want you to be aware of what is available for you and the possibility of financial assistance in paying for health insurance that you might otherwise think is unaffordable. We want you to make the best decision for your family so we want to make sure you have the facts first!  

As a result of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, a Marketplace for purchasing health insurance was established last year.  For some the Marketplace may be able to reduce the cost of insurance that you currently pay for you and your family.  If you choose to remain uninsured you may have to pay a fee if you opt into not getting health insurance. 

Open enrollment began this week on November 15th for purchasing insurance via the national Marketplace. Healthcare.gov is the place to visit if you want to shop for insurance via the national Marketplace. You can look at the plans and prices that are available for you based on your zip code. 

Some important dates to be mindful of are....

• December 15, 2014 is the last date to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2015
• February 15, 2015 is the last day to enroll in 2015 coverage. 
• If you miss this deadline, you can’t sign up for a health plan inside or outside the Marketplace for the rest of 2015. The only exception is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

If you have questions about the Affordable Care Act MSU-ES has created a website and three publications to help you navigate and answer questions you might have concerning the ACA. Publications:

• Health Insurance for You, for Your Family (Information sheet 1991)
• What Do I Need to Know about Health Insurance Costs…before considering my options? (Information Sheet 1992)
• Do I Qualify for Lower Health Coverage Costs? (Information sheet 1993)

I am no expert about the Affordable Care Act, but I want you to be informed. Last but not least check this video about the ACA...it does a great job explaining health insurance better than I could ever do! 

Construction Zone

This week here at the DeSoto County Extension Service we are working from makeshift desks and in the middle of a floor project. Last month it was a painting zone when we had painters in the office painting our meeting room, hallway, and a few office spaces. This week a floor crew is here replacing our hallway and office flooring. So if you drop by our office please be aware that we are operating under not-so-normal circumstances. Our offices are packed up and in strange places in other areas of our office. Please excuse our mess. I have faith the end result will look amazing, but until then there is lots of kayos. We are currently still here trying to serve you if you need assistance, but if you arrive and find a sign on the door redirecting you to another location in our building or to come back at a later time please understand our office is a construction zone inside. 

Three things I have gathered from these experiences... 

1. Change happens and we must be willing to adapt to change as it occurs. This is how we grow, extend knowledge, and change lives on a daily basis so we shouldn't be bothered if change affects us. Sometimes it might make us uncomfortable but we must deal with it.   
2. Be patient and know that everything will eventually work out.
3. AND Life continues.

The best form of communication for our staff currently is via email. Here is a link to our staff directory if you need that information: DeSoto County Staff.

   

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from DeSoto County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension! This week your FCS agent has been learning tons of new information at our Mississippi State University Extension Service Annual Conference in Starkville, MS along with all Extension faculty and staff from across the state. I got home last night in time for today...HALLOWEEN! Check out one of the few ways we celebrated fall at Annual Extension Conference this week. There are lots of creative Extension Agents across the state of Mississippi that entered the Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contest! Our DeSoto County 4-H Agent, Jessica Lindsey place second with her deer head carved pumpkin. Congrats Jessica!

Take a minute and view this video because it answers the question I've been hearing a lot lately, "Can I eat my Jack O Lantern?" Also below you will find an easy pumpkin bread recipe to try this fall with possibly one of your leftover Halloween pumpkins. And last but not least check out the "Halloween Food Safety How To" tips below to ensure your safety this weekend.




Pumpkin Bread

Makes: 2 loaves or 30 muffins
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes for loaves; 20 minutes for muffins

Ingredients:
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups whole-wheat flour
½ cup non-fat dry milk
1 ¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
¾ cup applesauce, unsweetened
½ cup vegetable/canola oil
4 eggs
½ cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. 
2. Spray two loaf pans or pan for 30 muffins with nonstick cooking spray. 
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, non-fat dry milk, sugar, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. 
4. In a second bowl, beat pumpkin, applesauce, oil, eggs, and water until blended. 
5. Add pumpkin mixture to flour mixture and stir with a spoon just until moistened. Do not over mix. 
6. Pour batter into 2 loaf pans or muffin tins. 
7. Bake loaves for 60-75 minutes, or muffins for 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. 
8. Cool on a rack and remove from pans after 10 minutes. 

Source: "Eating Smart Being Active Curriculum Recipes"

Have a spooktacular day! 

What's for Supper?

Do you ever come home after a long day and ask yourself "What's for supper?". I did just that yesterday afternoon. Most of the time I have an idea of what I am going to prepare for the evening meal, but not yesterday! I had given little thought to supper throughout the day. I try to keep staple items in my pantry to prepare a quick fast meal at home instead of taking the easy yet costly route of the drive-thru window.

I strongly believe that eating at home is the best possible situation for my family. First it is healthier because I am in control of the portion size. Portions in restaurants are very distorted! Second cooking at home is more budget friendly. And lastly I actually know what I am feeding my family because I have control of the ingredients. Your situation may be different. AND that's okay! You have to weigh your options and make the best decision for your family. We all lead busy schedules and no two days are alike for any family. The key is that you have a game plan of some sort. This is what I lacked yesterday!

If you have never tried cooking you should give it a shot sometime. Food is costly today and restaurants are high priced. Try making your own meals! You can control your food dollars simply by cooking exactly what your family needs at home. Try your hand at "My Plate Skillet Meals" sometime soon (see below on how to prepare skillet meals). You control everything. It is simple. Keep a few staple items in your pantry and you can whip up supper in less than 30 minutes any evening of the week.

My Plate Skillet Meals 

Grain Group 

1 cup uncooked 

Rice 

Pasta 

Other 

Vegetable Group 

1½-2 cups bite-sized pieces (canned, cooked, raw, frozen)

Broccoli  

Celery 

Onion 

Peppers 

Others 

Protein Group 

1 cup, bite-sized, cooked 

Ground meat 

Fish 

Tofu, TVP or TSP 

Beans 

Other proteins 

Sauce 

2¼ cup liquid

Tomato sauce 

Canned soup and 1¼ cup water  

Nonfat sour cream or plain yogurt, blended 

Spaghetti sauce 

Other 

Spices 

½ tsp. or more to taste 

(choose 2 or more)

Oregano 

Onion powder 

Garlic powder 

Salt and pepper 

Curry 

Other 

Topping 

¼ to ½ cup 

Grated or sliced cheese 

Bread crumbs 

Crushed crackers 

Other 

Directions: 

1. Choose at least one food from each group (may use 2 or more from each group). All foods should be bite-sized pieces. 
2. To cook: In a large skillet stir all foods accept topping together. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to lowest setting. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until pasta and rice are tender. Stir occasionally. Add more liquid if it becomes too dry. Add topping before serving.

Tip: For a faster skillet meal use pre-cooked rice or pasta. Raw vegetables may be stir fried before adding to meal.

So...."What's for Supper" tonight in your home? 

Source: Oregon State University Extension Service Lane County

Coffee Addictions!

Coffee is one of my favorite things. I am addicted to my morning cup of coffee, yet it does not appear on the "Choose MyPlate" daily recommendations for healthy food options. My grandmother always said it would stunt my growth, but I think that I've proved her wrong on that! I remember from a very young age sipping milk and sugar with a little coffee at her kitchen table on Saturday mornings. Now I drink a cup of joe every morning to help me get my day started. According to new research by the Mayo Clinic there is an association with coffee consumption and decreased overall morality and possibly cardiovascular mortality instead of the past claims of increased risk for cancer and heart disease.      

Are you like me? Are you a different person in the morning before you’ve had your coffee? In this week’s episode of the Food Factor Mississippi State Extension Services Natasha Haynes tells you how to enjoy your coffee without adding loads of empty calories. Grab a cup and watch this short video and enjoy this week's segment of the Food Factor!

Don't forget about our upcoming "Gathering Grounds Meet and Greet" on November 6th here at the DeSoto County Extension Service office. Come and enjoy a cup of coffee with me and share your thoughts on future family and consumer science programming ideas that you would like to see here locally in DeSoto County in the upcoming months and years. 

Are you a Desk Diner?

What was for lunch today? Did you eat at your desk like me?!?!?!? Yes, I am guilty of occasionally making this huge mistake. I simply get caught up with what I am working on and I eat my lunch in the middle of answering emails, calls, and navigating around on my computer. In this weeks episode of the Food Factor Mississippi State Extension Services Natasha Haynes shows you how to be a responsible Desk Diner. 

 

In hopes of saving a little cash I try to take my lunch to work whenever possible. I simply need to step away from my desk and eat my meal, or I need to use some of Natasha's helpful tips!

Eating out is expensive, but so it cooking. Here are a few tips to make packing your lunch easy.

1. Plan. Plan. Plan. Get the most out of your food budget by planning your meals out. Plan all meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plan before you shop. 
2. Purchase items when they are on sale to get the best price.
3. Plan on making meals to stretch food dollars instead of adding to your budget. 
4. Plan cooking enough dinner so you are able to take your lunch the following day. Or plan so you possibly have a planned over meal the following day. A leftover meal is the exact same meal eaten again. A planned over meal is a meal you recreate into a new meal that tastes and looks totally different. For example baked chicken can be a planned over meal by using the chicken in a salad the next day or roast beef can be a planned over meal by having barbecue sandwiches or quesadillas. Try these planned over ideas from Alice Henneman with the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, "Cook Once Eat Twice".  
5. Think fresh. Fresh foods are lower in sodium, have more vitamins and minerals, and they are the original fast foods. 
6. Buy in season to save money while you enjoy the freshness! 
7. Spurge on a new lunch bag or box to take your lunch in. Not only will the new lunch bag or box be food safe but the new item might motivate you to pack your lunch. 
8. Keeping food at a safe temperature is important when carrying your lunch. Bacteria multiply rapidly if food is held in the "danger zone" of 40 F to 140 F for more than 2 hours (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 F). Keep cold foods cold and hot foods cold until you reheat them. 
9. If  you are reheating foods in the microwave at work, reheat until they are steaming hot throughout.
10. Make packing your lunch a part of your nightly or morning routine. If it is a part of your routine then you will not chance running off and forgetting it at home.   

Links & Good Reads

I have recently came across several good reads that you do not want to miss related to Family and Consumer Sciences and the Cooperative Extension Service. Sit back and enjoy a few of these noteworthy reads. Click on the below title for the link.

1. Home Economics Is Still Offered As A College Major In 2014, And Here's Why
2. Who Killed Home Ec? Here's The Real Story Behind Its Demise
3. We’ve overloaded family dinners with expectation and symbolism
4. Cooperative extensions reinvent themselves for the 21st century
5. The Joy of Cooking?

Happy Reading! Enjoy...
FYI: Please note once you click on one of the above links you will be taken to another website that is not related to this site, so be aware these are not controlled by your FCS agent and you are at your own risk. These are all thoughts and writings of other authors from their personal view points. 

Football Season...Gathering My FCS Team Together

It is prime-time for football here in the south. The spotlight is on Mississippi State University this weekend as the SEC Nation comes to the state. The team along with all the coaches, players, and fans in addition to the campus staff have been preparing for this big day for months. I am not a football expert, but occasionally I cheer on a few teams.  

As an Extension Agent  I have a team and I am charged with being a coach of sorts. I am the head of the Family and Consumer Science Extension program in the county and I am trusted with the play-planning and play-calling to ensure my team is led in the right direction. I also play the role of the "water-boy" occasionally when I get to teach and refresh the team (my FCS fans, supporters, clientele, and volunteers) with new and exciting research-based information and education.   

Currently I am preparing for a big upcoming day too! It will not be as big as the SEC Nation coming to town, but it is a day I will be starting to gather others together to meet and greet to make connections, build relationships and research our county's needs to see how I can help play a part in the larger game of DeSoto County. I am seeking out key individuals to be on my Family and Consumer Science Advisory Council because I need awesome quarterbacks and a great offensive and defensive line of players at my fingertips. 

If you want to be a part of my team to help me begin looking at upcoming plays for my playbook, or maybe you want to join my team, I am hosting a Gathering Grounds Meet and Greet in less than one month. I would love it if you could save-the-date of November 6th from 10:00 to noon to come and meet with me. Whether you are a former or current Extension Supporter, new to Extension and curious about the future DeSoto County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension program, or simply want to meet me, I would love to meet you so we can see how you can be a part of my team! Please see below about this upcoming opportunity on November 6 . I would love to see you then, so save the date! I'll post again more information about this event, so stay tuned. If you have any questions about this event contact me at langel@ext.msstate.edu or 662-469-8480.         

Yield on roadways during harvest time

It is the time of year that you see large harvesting pieces of farm equipment on the highway in our rural farming communities, even here in some areas of DeSoto County! Drivers need to be aware. Here are some great tips and pointers on how to be safe when traveling this harvest season.

Safe travels,

Lara Angel

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Last week marked the National Farm Safety and Health Week and it is the perfect time to recognize the dangers of harvest equipment on the highways.

Drivers should reduce speed anytime they approach a vehicle with a slow-moving-vehicle, or SMV, sign. The small orange triangle indicates a vehicle is traveling below the speed limit. (Photo by Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station/ David Ammon)

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 70 percent of traffic fatalities in Mississippi occur on rural roads. In addition to being more common, crashes on rural roads tend to be more severe and are more likely to result in death. Farm equipment can be a hazard rural roads any time of year, but harvest time means increased traffic.

Jason Ward, Mississippi State University’s assistant Extension professor in agricultural and biological engineering, says it is critical for drivers to be aware of potential risks.

“Drivers need to consider several factors when sharing the road with farmers transporting harvest equipment,” Ward said. “In particular, drivers need to realize tractors and other equipment travel at very slow speeds. When a driver is traveling 60 miles per hour, they need to realize that tractor they are quickly approaching is only doing about 25 mph. That difference in speed can get motorists into trouble.”

Ward suggested drivers slow down when they approach a vehicle with a slow-moving-vehicle, or SMV, sign on display. All tractors and farm equipment traveling on public roads are required to display an SMV sign.

“It’s important to take into account the size and mobility of the equipment as well,” Ward said. “Be aware that operators may require more time to maneuver a larger vehicle. It may also be difficult for them to brake quickly. Visibility might not be as good. Remember, if you can’t see the vehicle’s mirrors, the operator can’t see you.”

Ward also recommended using extra caution when attempting to pass a farm vehicle.

“You will likely need to allow for extra clearance and account for escort vehicles.” Ward said. “Oftentimes, it’s simply wiser to be patient and wait for the farm vehicle to have an opportunity to pull over so you can pass. Getting to your destination safely is more important than getting there quickly. In the long run, those few miles won’t make much of a difference in your drive time.”

Ted Gordon, risk management and loss control manager with the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, emphasized the importance of farmers taking extra caution when transporting heavy equipment during harvest time.

“Inspect all equipment before traveling on a public road; check tires, brakes, lighting systems and safety chains,” Gordon said. “Make sure equipment is in good working order and that every operator observes proper safety measures at all times.”

Gordon said farmers should be sure equipment is safely secured to truck beds and trailers and towed at proper speeds. He also stressed the importance of one rider per seat in all circumstances.

“Self-propelled equipment like combines and corn pickers are equipped from the factory with one seat, unless it is ordered with a buddy seat for training,” Gordon said. “Our MAFES policy is always ‘one seat-one rider.’ If a buddy seat is provided, the trainee would not need to ride on a public road.”

If motorists and farmers alike take a little extra time and caution on the roadways this time of year, the harvest season will be safer.

By Vanessa Beeson
MS Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station

The Truth About Sports Drinks

Do you ever find yourself grabbing an ever popular sports drink to cool off? I know sometimes I do especially with all the Mississippi heat! Do you ever wonder what is the best way to keep hydrated after exercising or playing sports? In this weeks episode of the Food Factor Mississippi State Extension Services Natasha Haynes tells you when to pick up that sports drink and when water is the better option. Here are a few tips to consider before grabbing a sports drink out of the fridge the next time.



Educational programs and information like this is made available via Mississippi State University Extension Service.  For more tips and great information like this contact 662-468-8480 or langel@ext.msstate.edu. 

Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.

Farms, Food, Fiber & Fun

Farms, Food, Fiber & Fun was exactly what third grade school classes learned about last week at the Mid-South Fair. All the DeSoto County Mississippi State University Extension Service staff in addition county staff from several surrounding counties were all hands on deck at the Mid-South Fair in Southaven, MS for FARMtastic. 

DeSoto County Extension Agents Lara Angel and Jessica Lindsey helped teach roping and the art of rodeo in Mississippi. They even got to practice their riding and roping skills....Farming is not all work and no play!    

FARMtastic is an agriculture educational event seeking to increase awareness about agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resource systems. Oktibbeha County Extension agent Julie White coordinated the event. The event was sponsored by the Mississippi State University Extension Service incorporation with Mississippi Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations, in addition to many volunteers.

 A special thank you to our Master Gardeners here in DeSoto County for being able to help! 

 Thank you DeSoto County Master Gardeners! 

FARMtastic took place September 24-27. School groups (3rd graders from DeSoto County in addition to surrounding counties) toured the exhibit Wednesday through Friday by appointment and then it was open to the public Saturday. Through hands on learning activities, third-graders were introduced to agriculture topics including livestock, forestry, agronomy, and horticulture. For more information about this event or anything else related to Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development please contact our county office at 662-469-8480. 

To act, dream, & believe...

After trying to wait patiently the past few weeks I now have an official ID number, email, etc. with Mississippi State University. Here is my new contact information if you ever need to get in touch with your Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent:

Lara Savage Angel
lcs345@msstate.edu 
3260 Highway 51 S.
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8480

Now that you have my contact information please send me yours. I am collecting contacts for my mailing list that I hope to start in the near future. On the right sidebar of this blog you will find "Mailing List Sign-Up Form". I promise it will only take a few seconds of your time. Thanks!

Sometimes people or processes do not always ACT as fast as we want them to. If we are patient usually we get what we need and want within due timing. We simply must trust, have faith, and BELIEVE. Needless to say I have been waiting for this day, since I first arrived at MSU-ES. I should have simply looked at my wall to get comfort! I have this huge piece of wall art hanging in my office. It says, "To accomplish great things WE must not only ACT but also DREAM not only plan but also BELIEVE." My goal is to keep this inspirational quote at the forefront of my mind in the upcoming weeks, months, and years as I strive to create a Family and Consumer Science program here in DeSoto County. So if you see me I might be going in a thousand different directions. My mind might be wondering off somewhere in the blue, because I might be dreaming of future programs and projects to start here that I know and believe we can make happen here in DeSoto County, Mississippi!

Last, but not least, I wanted to give a big shout out to my Kentucky friends. They are hosting the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences National Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky this week. While here in Mississippi I am thinking about y'all and wearing my blue in support of UK & NEAFCS! Hope ya'll are having an awesome week.

Now to ACT, DREAM and BELIEVE more...

New Beginnings

My name is Lara Savage Angel. I am the County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences in DeSoto County, Mississippi as of September 1, 2014. I work for Mississippi State University Extension Service. I am excited to be here, and I am ready to serve you!

You might be asking yourself, “What in the world is a County Extension Agent?”, “What is Family and Consumer Sciences?” “Mississippi State University Extension Service--what is that?” Or maybe you are thinking “Who does this lady think she is?” All of these questions are valid, and it is my hope that this blog will help explain these questions. In addition it is my hope that this blog will help answer them. In addition, it is my hope that this blog will provide you with up-to-date, research based information, and upcoming ways on how you can get involved in local educational programs that you can get involved in local educational programs. It is our mission to enable Mississippians to make informed decisions about their economic, social, and cultural well-being.

 

Family and Consumer Sciences Extension builds strong families for Mississippi through programs that educate and help families connect research-based knowledge in the areas of health, home, and family to their everyday lives. We encourage people to be healthy through good nutrition and food safety, to make wise financial decisions, and to balance the demands of life and work. Our programs focus on health, home, and family in order to develop each family's skills to improve their lives, including meal planning, parenting, building relationships, home management, and financial decision-making.

 

The DeSoto County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension program is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and families resulting in strong families for Mississippi. The "County Extension Agent" is the local face of the university that extends research based information and knowledge in order to change lives locally for a better Mississippi. Currently, I am brand new to Mississippi, so as I am learning the ropes around DeSoto County and the Mississippi State University Extension Service. I have 5 years of experience with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and 2.75 years of experience with UT Extension. In the upcoming weeks and months, it is my plan to build relationships and partners in the community and start a Family and Consumer Science Extension advisory council. This will aid in pinpointing the local needs of our county for future programs and projects. Hopefully, through this blog, I will be able to keep you informed about upcoming programs and events as they occur.

Family and Consumer Science Extension is a small component of a larger system called Mississippi State University Extension Service. Mississippi State University Extension Service provides practical education you can trust, to help Mississippians solve problems and build a better future. We do not try to sell special products. We simply are a source of information and recommendations that are research and evidence based. In addition to Family and Consumer Sciences MSU-ES also offers programs in the areas of 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Horticulture, and Community & Resource Development.

Check out our website at msucares.com. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact me at the DeSoto County office at (662)469-8480. Our office is located at 3260 Highway 51 South in Hernando, MS. Stop by and see us sometime!

Official Annoucement of New DeSoto County Extension Agent for FCS

This morning Dr. Joy Anderson, County Coordinator for DeSoto County Extension Service, got the privilege of introducing me, Lara Angel, to the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors. This is one of the many things to be marked off the new agent hiring checklist.  It has been a decade + since this county has been served by a County Extension Agent for FCS. The possibilities are endless now that this announcement is official!