Opinion

Time to start thinking of spring

Monday, January 25, 2010
Virginia Servies of Montgomery County speaks at the recent food preservation workshop at the Putnam County Public Library. The event was co-sponsored by Purdue Extension, Farm Bureau and the Putnam County Hospital.

It was great to see such a good turnout for the Food Preservation Workshop last week. It was especially heartening to see a mix of both adults and youth come to learn together. We were very thankful to Virginia Servies of Montgomery County for coming to share from her wealth of experience.

For those who were not able to attend the workshop, feel free to stop by the Extension Office for a copy of the handout or check our Web site for a link to some of the information that was shared during the program. Also, anyone who'd like to have their pressure canner tested in the next month or two when you are not busy using it, feel free to bring your gauge-type canner lid to the Extension Office for free testing. You'll need to leave it at the office so it can be checked and then pick it up a few days later.

Even though it may not feel or look like it, we know that spring is on the way. We have a couple of programs coming up that will help you get ready for the warmer days that we know are coming.

On Feb. 8, Putnam County ag educator Ann Delchambre will present a program on "Repotting and Replanting for the Home Gardener." The program is set for 1 p.m. in the Extension Office classroom and is open to anyone interested in this topic. Ann will share her horticultural expertise and help inspire us to begin planning and getting ready for spring and summer gardening, both inside and out.

The training meeting for the 2010 Health Motivator program has been rescheduled (due to snow on Jan. 7) to noon on Feb. 8, immediately preceding the Extension Homemaker program on Potting and Replanting. Anyone interested in learning more about the Health Motivator program can come to the training or contact Jackie at the Extension Office for more information.

Basically, the Health Motivator program is an effort to motivate and encourage ourselves and others to think about and do things that will help us live a healthier lifestyle. One of the major areas that is being emphasized is to be physically active -- or to increase your level of activity if you know that you are not getting as much exercise as you should.

Everyone is encouraged to participate. Those who participate in the 2010 Health Motivator Program can choose whatever type of exercise they prefer. They can also choose to report their activity or not and they may choose to participate in group competitions or not. We are hoping to provide options that will appeal to all ages and all activity levels. Those who participate in the training for the program will help decide on some of the activities, competitions and rewards.

Check our Web site www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view the most up to date info. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

Feb. 2: Deadline for registration for Living on the Land program

Feb. 3: Extension Homemaker County Council, Extension Office,11:30 a.m.

Feb. 8: Training for Health Motivator Program, Extension Office, noon

Feb. 8: E.H. Lesson "Repotting & Replanting for the Home," Extension Office, 1 p.m.

Feb. 13: 4-H Beef Tagging and Weigh-in, Fairgrounds, 9 a.m.

Feb. 15: Application, Resume, Interviewing Help Session, Extension Office, 9 a.m.-noon

Feb. 22: 4-H Enrollment and Adult Fair Activity Open House, Extension Office, 5-7 p.m.

Feb. 23: Application, Resume, Interviewing Help Session, Extension Office, 6-8 p.m.