Jefferson County Free Fair – Thursday, August 27-Saturday, August 29, 2020

Many counties have cancelled their county fair this fall; Oklahoma City State Fair has been cancelled. However! Jefferson County Free Fair has been scheduled for Thursday, August 27 – Saturday, August 29, 2020 with modifications to try to follow CDC Guidelines due to COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-tagged items for Indoor Exhibits will be accepted until 2 p.m. Thursday, August 27 to allow Judging of items; the Exhibits Room will be open Friday, August 28; Livestock show will be Saturday, August 29.   Pet Show and the Tractor Driving Contest will be 6 p.m. Thursday, August 27.   Fair books with modifications are available at Jefferson County OSU Extension Office. 

Co-Parenting for Resilience Class for Separating or Divorcing couples with Minor children living in the home is offered monthly.  The next class offered in Jefferson County OSU Extension office will be Tuesday, August 11, 2020.  Registration is required; contact Tara Brown at 580-228-2332 for additional information.

Oklahoma Home and Community Education – OHCE is in a unique position to help individual members and their families and communities develop a higher level of living through education. No other organization is better poised to develop community leaders and informed citizens through research based educational programs.  Our next meeting will be August 18 with a lesson “Emergency Preparedness”.

There will be modifications for our annual Quilt Turning scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29; there will be no brunch served this year.

** Membership is open to any person interested in joining us as we learn research-based information and how to apply it to our daily lives.  Membership for 2021 is now being accepted.  Contact Tara Brown, Jefferson County OSU Extension Educator at 580-228-2332 for additional information.  Officers are: Melicia McFadden, president; Carolyn Watkins, vice president; Deborah Farrar, Treasurer.

Jefferson County 4-H:  Members – get your fair projects completed!  Online Enrollment for 2020-2021 will be available after August 1.  You will update your current 4-H Online Enrollment information- do not create a new profile!  If you are a new member and need assistance, call our office at 580-228-2332 and we will gladly assist you with your online enrollment!  

UNSOLICITED SEEDS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES have been received in the United States.  If you receive packets of unsolicited seeds, do not plant them.  Call our office (580-228-2332) and we will open the lobby and assist you getting them mailed to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture for their investigation.  Thank you, Tara Brown, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development, Int. CED

Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stroke is A condition that occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature and can cause death or permanent disability.

Symptoms

• High body temperature

•Confusion

•Loss of coordination

•Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

•Throbbing headache

•Seizures, coma

First Aid

•Request immediate medical assistance.

•Move the worker to a cool, shaded area.

•Remove excess clothing and apply cool water to their body.

Heat Exhaustion

The body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating.

Symptoms

•Rapid heartbeat

•Heavy sweating

•Extreme weakness or fatigue

•Dizziness

•Nausea, vomiting

•Irritability

•Fast, shallow breathing

•Slightly elevated body temperature

First Aid

•Rest in a cool area.

•Drink plenty of water or other cool beverages.

•Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Recipe

Banana Cocoa Yogurt Pops

Ingredients

•1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt

•1 medium banana

•2 teaspoons cocoa powder

•1 ice cube tray (or paper cups)

Directions

1.Mash banana with a fork. 

2.Mix banana and yogurt well. 

3.Stir in cocoa powder. 

4.Divide into 4 small paper cups (or 8 mini muffin cups) and place in popsicle sticks (or cut paper straws).

5.Freeze. 

6.Enjoy as a frozen treat!

 Caregiving during the coronavirus pandemic

Within the last several weeks, Oklahoma, along with the rest of the United States and the world, entered an unprecedented time. As COVID-19 continues to spread, public officials have implemented new policies regarding social spaces, increasing to shelter-in-place orders across the state.

Kris Struckmeyer, Oklahoma State University Extension assistant specialist, said many families are left to figure out how to both work from home, as well as help continue their children’s educations.

“But for some families, it isn’t about trying to figure out ‘new’ math or brushing off their geography skills, but instead, how to best care for an aging relative,” Struckmeyer said.

Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted by close contact with an infected person through droplets produced when they cough or sneeze. Another way the disease can be transmitted is coming in contact with a surface or object that has the droplets on it, then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Some symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. While some patients have reported mild cases, individuals with weakened immune systems, such as older adults or those with asthma, are at an increased risk for severe – even deadly – respiratory symptoms. 

“So, what can caregivers do to protect themselves and their loved ones? First and foremost, it is vital as the caregiver to keep yourself well,” he said. “Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Caregivers also should avoid crowds. This has become a little easier as people are sheltering at home.”

Other tips include coughing or sneezing into the bend of your elbow or a disposable tissue and cleaning frequently touched surfaces in your home. This includes mobility and medical equipment.

Not only do caregivers need to keep themselves well, they also need to keep their loved one well, too.

“To help reduce the risk of exposure, take your loved one to the emergency room only if they’re having difficulty breathing or a very high fever,” Struckmeyer said. “Otherwise, your best bet is to call your healthcare provider. Check into telehealth options. Medicare has expanded the benefits for telehealth.”

He also suggests helping your loved one remember to wash their hands. Caregivers could even put written notes around the house with reminders. For those fortunate enough to have hand sanitizer in the home, keep it out in the open so it serves as a visual reminder to use it. Also, have an alternate plan in mind in the event that you as the primary caregiver becomes ill.

“In these times, it’s important to remember that social distancing doesn’t isolation. Encourage your loved one to think beyond their circle of friends and reach out to neighbors or congregation members,” he said. “Thankfully during this time, technology can help with social distancing while still feeling in touch. Show your loved one how to video chat with a loved one or make the call yourself and hand off the phone.” 

While technology is a wonderful tool to use, going old-school can be just as much fun. Struckmeyer said. Ask other family members and friends to write letters or cards to help lift your love one’s spirits.

“Above all, always ensure your loved one feels included. As we are all homebound during this unprecedented time, it may be a good idea to ask your loved one to complete a project,” he said. “Be sure that the project is something that excites them and keeps them engaged, though it does not need to be a large project. This also is a great time to get your loved one to tell stories of their youth. Record short videos or audio tapes to capture these precious memories.”

Co-Parenting for Resilience – class for parents of minor children and are going through a Divorce or Separation:  during the COVID-19 pandemic, no face to face classes will be held at Jefferson County OSU Extension.  Online classes are available for a Course Fee of $55 and are accessible at https://huymansciences.okstate.edu/fcs/coparenting/online-registration.html

Contact your county judge prior to registering to see if online classes are acceptable for him/her.  Face to Face classes will resume when it is determined safe to do so by Center of Disease Control and by State Guidelines.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action.  Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.  For more information, visit https:///eeo.okstate.edu.

Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are a hot item these days, usually unavailable in stores. So some consumers have found “recipes” for making them at home. However, FDA recommends that hand sanitizers should not be made at home. If made incorrectly, hand sanitizers can be too weak and be ineffective, and there have been reports of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizers that are too strong. Click on the attached link to learn more and help answer consumer questions about hand sanitizers. 

Barbara Brown

Food Specialist, Associate Professor

Department of Nutritional Sciences

Oklahoma State University

301 Human Sciences

Stillwater, OK  74078-6141

P: 405.744.6940

Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE)

When the call came reporting Homemade Fabric face masks were needed by healthcare professionals to help protect them during the COVID-19 pandemic, several Oklahoma Home and Community Education groups began using their sewing skills and created over 20,000 masks (and still counting) which were donated to various hospitals and clinics.  There were some 4-H members who also made masks, but it is unknown at this time how many were made by the 4-H groups.  If you would like to become a member of one or both of these groups in Jefferson County, contact Tara Brown, Jefferson County OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development.

Recipe

Easy Apple Turnovers

A cross between a cake, cookie and a bowl of oatmeal, this make-ahead treat is handy to heat up and have for a quick healthy breakfast or snack. You can add a touch more brown sugar if you like it sweeter and a splash of milk for more creaminess.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 6-inch circle or circle-like piece of pie crust or puff pastry – you can use scraps that you’ve re-rolled together, this isn’t a fussy dessert

• 1/2 small or 1/4 large peeled and cored apple

• About 2 tsp. brown sugar

• About 1 tsp. flour

• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• Thin pat of butter (about 1 tsp.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lay the circle of dough on a baking sheet. Put the apple half or quarter on one side of the circle.

2. Sprinkle the apple with the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Top with the thin pat of butter.

3. Fold the dough in half, covering the apple piece. Crimp the pastry edges together.

4. Bake until the crust is nicely browned, about 40 minutes.

Makes 1 Easy Apple Turnover

Jefferson County OHCE (Oklahoma Home and Community Education) 

After lunch at Waurika Sr. Citizens Center and our business meeting, our educational program and lesson for our September 17th meeting was on “Made in Oklahoma”.  Melicia McFadden, president, showed several items such as candles, Waurika Depot magnets, laser-cut wood items, lotions, soaps, Cards, and other wood items Made in Oklahoma, several made and sold here in Waurika. She encouraged the group to shop Local for nice gifts.  OHCE is open to anyone interested in meeting and receiving research-based educational information and enjoying fellowship!  

Line dance is a type of exercise.  We will meet Fridays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.  Angie Nash and Nicole Overton lead our classes.  If you are interested but cannot attend Fridays, please let us know the days and times you would be able to attend and we will try to meet the day and time most can attend!  It’s important to your health to stay active and we have fun while exercising as a group!

Co-Parenting for Resilience is a class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home. It is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through divorce or separation.  My next class is 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 8, 2019; pre-registration is required.  Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information.

Jefferson County OSU Extension Services office is open 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, excluding holidays recognized by our county offices.  Leland McDaniel, AG/4-H Youth Development and CED, Tara Brown, Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development and Linda Whitsett, Administrative Support Specialist are staff members ready to assist you at 580-228-2332.

Check out our Facebook pages for informative topics:  www.facebook.com/JeffersonCounty Fourh and JeffersonCounty Osu Extension

Turnips – do turnips taste like potatoes?

The taste is a more subtle flavor compared to carrots. Medium aged turnips actually taste a lot like potato. As a matter of fact, turnips work great as a substitute to potatoes. Now, older turnips when eaten raw taste bitter unfortunately!

Can I substitute turnips for potatoes?

Instead of a potato, try a different root vegetable to lower total carbohydrate intake. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked turnips provides 17 calories, less than 4 grams of total carbohydrate and 1.6 grams of total fiber. You can substitute turnips for potatoes in soups, stews and really any way that you would use a potato.  Nov 27, 2018

Ladder safety

With chillier temperatures ahead, plenty of homeowners will be kept busy with light home maintenance projects such as clearing leaves and debris from the gutters and hanging holiday decorations, all tasks which will more than likely require a ladder.

Ladders are generally relatively simple to operate, but that does not make them less dangerous to use, said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

“If you’re careless in using a ladder, it could lead to serious injury or even death,” Peek said.

Since ladders come in a lot of different styles and sizes, it is important homeowners select the right one for the task.

“Knowing details such as how high you need to reach, the amount of weight on the ladder and whether you’ll be working inside or outside will help guide your choice of ladder for a particular task,” Peek said.

The base of the ladder should be placed on a solid, level surface. Never put a ladder on a box or other object to add more height.

When climbing, face the ladder, grip the rungs and not the sides, and do not climb on the top step or bucket shelf.

“Keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times, either both hands and one foot or two feet and one hand,” Peek said. “As an added precaution, have someone hold the bottom of the ladder steady and guard any nearby doors that could swing open and knock the ladder off balance while it’s occupied.”

Only one person should be on the ladder at one time.

Rather than lean or over reach, reposition the ladder as necessary.

“Keep an eye on the weather. If it turns bad, carefully climb off and wait for conditions to improve. Also, avoid using extension ladders when it’s windy,” Peek said.

For more information on safely using ladders, contact a county Extension office and visit the American Ladder Institute website at www.americanladderinstitute.org.

Recipe

Mashed Potatoes and Turnips
1 pound turnips, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1-pound russet potatoes

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. Bring a large pan of cold water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and cubed turnips. Cook 15 minutes.

2.While turnips cook peel potatoes, rinse and cut into 1-inch cubes.   

3. When turnips have cooked 15 minutes add potatoes and cook an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until both vegetables are tender.

4. Drain well. Return to pan and place on hot burner briefly to dry further.

5. Add butter and mash. Add black pepper and additional salt if needed for flavor.

Serves 4.

Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Flu

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu. The tips and resources below will help you learn about steps you can take to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.

1. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. There are several flu vaccine options this flu season.

Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives

Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers

• It’s a SNAP Toolkit: Handwashingexternal icon

Hand washing resources from the It’s A SNAP program, aimed at preventing school absenteeism by promoting clean hands. From the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention, a collaborative project of the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cleaning Institute.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Co-Parenting for Resilience    Divorce or Separation is not an easy time in a married couple’s life.  Can you imagine what minor children in the home are feeling? 

The Co-Parenting for Resilience program is a four-hour class that is based on current research.  It uses a combination of lecture, discussion, video, activities, and examples to help parents discover effective strategies that promote their children’s healthy adjustment to their parent’s separation. Co-Parenting for Resilience, meets the requirements of Oklahoma law and is based on the latest research on marriage, divorce and children.  Tara Brown will present class at 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2020; pre-registration is required.  Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information.

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures.  This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies.  Any person who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154. Jefferson County Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE)

Jefferson County OHCE met Tuesday, January 21 at the OSU Extension office.  Tara Brown, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development provided the program on “Simple Home Repairs”.  After the program, each member prepared their own Chicken Quesadilla for lunch.  Genevieve Hogstad provided homemade Pecan Pralines for dessert while we had an enjoyable time of fellowship.  Our next meeting will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Jefferson County OSU Extension office located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.  Brenda Gandy-Jones, Stephens County OSU Extension Educator will provide a lesson on “Healthy Hearts and Your Health Numbers”.  Our meetings are open to any person interested in fun educational programs.  We invite you to come join us!

Managing Money means making choices.  There is never enough money for all the things we want.  What you must do is decide what is most important to you.  For example:  Housing – do you choose to: 

a.  live with family

b. share housing with friends

c. rent place of your own

d. buy home

Whichever your choice, there are other choices you will need to decide such as how much is your monthly income? How much will you be required to pay monthly? how much is housing insurance? How much are utility costs? What type of furnishings will you need?   It begins with a financial plan such as a Budget.  If you are interested in attending a class for additional information, contact Tara Brown, Jefferson County OSU Extension Educator for Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development.

Line Dance:   Fridays at 6 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Fair Building.  It is another way to exercise as a group.  Come join us as many of us are still in the “Learning phase”!

Co-Parenting for Resilience Divorce or Separation is not an easy time in a married couple’s life.  Can you imagine what minor children in the home are feeling?  Co-Parenting for Resilience is a class for divorcing or separating parents with minor children living in the home. It is mandatory by law in Oklahoma and is also valuable for Grandparents and other relatives of minor children going through divorce or separation.  My next class is 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2019; pre-registration is required.  Call Jefferson County OSU Extension Office at 580-228-2332 for registration information

Jefferson County OSU Extension Services office is open 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, excluding holidays recognized by our county offices.  Leland McDaniel, AG/4-H Youth Development and CED, Tara Brown, Family & Consumer Sciences/4-H Youth Development and Linda Whitsett, Administrative Support Specialist are staff members ready to assist you at 580-228-2332.

Check out our Facebook pages for informative topics:  www.facebook.com/JeffersonCounty Fourh and JeffersonCounty Osu Extension

Recipe

Turtle Cake   by Gloria England

1 (1 lb. 2 oz.) box German chocolate cake mix

1 (14 oz.) pkg. caramels

½ cup butter 

1 (5.33 oz.) can evaporated milk

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix cake according to directions on box. Pour half of batter into prepared 13 x 9-inch pan. Bake 15 minutes.  Melt caramels with butter and milk.  Pour over cake. Sprinkle pecans and chocolate chips over caramel layer.  Cove with rest of batter and bake 15-20 minutes longer.  Temperature:  350°. Times:  15 minutes; 15 to 20 minutes.  Yield:  13 x 9-inch cake pan.

HINT:  Delightful served warm with whipped cream.

 4-H NEWS

STEMist Camps

Get excited! Oklahoma 4-H Virtual STEM camps start next week and run through the first week of August. STEM camps are a great way for 4-H members and youth age 8-12 to get involved with STEM and have some fun this summer! Camps include livestock science, bioenergy, photography, camping, wearable tech and more. 

REGISTER and COMPLETE some or all of the camps ANY TIME, June 8th – August 14th, 2020!

STEM Camps are open to all youth regardless of 4-H membership. If you are not a 4-H member, consider joining or exploring to learn about the opportunities 4-H offers. To learn more about 4-H or find a 4-H Club in your community, contact Jefferson County OSU Extension at (580) 228-2332.    

Participants that complete the projects, Microsoft form and/or FlipGrid will receive a special prize at the end of each camp.

This material is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. OIA-1301789.  

Gardening: July 6-10 

Weather: July 6-10  

Camping: July 13-17  

Food Science: July 15-17  

Chemistry: July 20-24  

Farm to Fork: July 20-24  

Science Fair Workshop (Available July 20th, Due July 31st)  

COVID Camp: July 27-31 – If you or a loved one has been affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic; this is a camp for you. From sewing, problem solving or making your own hand sanitizer, campers will learn self-sufficiency skills

Wearable Tech: July 28-31 

Wind Power: August 3-7  

4-H Family Tailgating Contest

Just a quick reminder the 4-H Family Tailgating Contest is on the State 4-H Website. The link to the contest information page http://4h.okstate.edu/4-h-tailgate-contest

The registration link is at the bottom of the page. The deadline for the submission of the PowerPoint is July 15, 2020.

Co-Parenting for Resilience Class for Separating or Divorcing couples with Minor children living in the home is offered monthly.  The next class offered in Jefferson County OSU Extension office will be Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  Registration is required; contact Tara Brown at 580-228-2332 for additional information.

Oklahoma Home and Community Education – OHCE is in a unique position to help individual members and their families and communities develop a higher level of living through education. No other organization is better poised to develop community leaders and informed citizens through research based educational programs.

** Membership is open to any person interested in joining us as we learn research-based information and how to apply it to our daily lives.  Contact Tara Brown, Jefferson County OSU Extension Educator at 580-228-2332 for additional information.

July’s lesson, a handmade craft, was provided by Pat McGriff. It was recorded live and is available on Jefferson County OSU Extension’s Facebook page.