Time for farmers' markets and celebrating anniversaries

Monday, June 3, 2013

Weddings aren't the only thing being celebrated this June. June 20 is the date that Putnam County Extension Homemakers will be concluding their year long celebration of the 100 Anniversary of Indiana Extension Homemakers (IEHA). Everyone in the community is invited to attend the Gala Celebration that will take place in the newly named York Automotive Community Building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

A light dinner consisting of soup, salad, bread and dessert will be served starting at 5:30 p.m., entertainment will be provided by the Tad Robinson Trio, performing old standards from the Great American Song Book. Cost for the dinner is $8. Reservations and money need to be turned in to the Putnam County Extension Office, at 12 Central Square in Greencastle, by June 13.

All current and past members of IEHA and their guests are invited to attend the celebration as well as anyone in the community, who would enjoy a lovely evening and would like to help celebrate this special occasion. To find out more about the 100 Anniversary Gala Celebration, call Bonnie Bryan at 739-6101 or the Extension Office at 653-8411.

With the arrival of June and the first week of summer fast approaching, local farmers' markets will be getting bigger and better each week. This is a great time to peruse the many offerings and to renew your commitment to actually eat more fruits and vegetables. As you view the veggies this year, don't overlook the white ones, including the humble potatoes.

As nutrition experts have been instructing us in recent years to eat the most colorful vegetables in order to get plenty of nutrients, a number of the white vegetables, including potatoes have been getting ignored by some. According to nutrition expert, Dr. Connie Weaver at Purdue, even the potato deserves a place on our plates.

Potatoes are a great source of potassium and only 3 percent of American adults consume the recommended daily intake for this mineral that is essential to healthy blood pressure. According to Weaver, potassium also shows signs of supporting bone health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as protecting against age-related bone loss and reducing kidney stones.

Frequently potatoes are discounted from being healthy because of how they are cooked, topped or the amount consumed, but, when prepared in a healthy way, potatoes are nutritious. Weaver reminds us that white veggies have a place at the table too.

In addition to potatoes, other white vegetables often neglected are cauliflower, turnips, onions, parsnips, mushrooms, corn and kohlrabi. So be sure to keep an eye out for them along with the other great offerings of fresh dark greens, and before too much longer those wonderful Indiana favorites of green beans and many varieties of Indiana tomatoes. So, if you're interested in eating locally or eating seasonally, now is the time to enjoy the increased offerings available at our local markets.

Check our website 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.

Upcoming Events:

June 3 -- Putnam County Fair Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. at Fairgrounds

June 4 -- Putnam County Master Gardener Meeting -7 p.m. DePauw

June 5-8 4-H Camp

June 6 - Putnam County Health Coalition -10 a.m. at Extension Office

June 6 -- Youth PQA Class, 5:30 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 6 -- Youth PQA Test, 6:30 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 12 -- Wood Science Workshop, 1292 N. U.S. Hwy 231

June 12-14 Home and Family Conference at Purdue University

June 13 -- Deadline for reservations for Ext. Homemaker Anniversary Gala

June 13 -- Exploring 4-H Meeting, 7 p.m. Fairgrounds

June 19 -- Wood Science Workshop, 1292 N. US Hwy 231

June 18 -- Youth PQA Class, 6 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 18- 4-H Junior Leader Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Fairgrounds

June 20 -- Putnam County Extension Homemakers Anniversary Gala Celebration- 5:30 at Fairgrounds

June 21 - 4-H Electric Workshop, 9 a.m. Extension Office

June 24 -- 4-H Summer Judging and Public Speaking Contest

June 25 -- 4-H Sportfishing, Recreation, Bicycle Wksp, 6- 8 p.m.

June 25 - 4-H Electric Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Extension Office

June 27 -- Exploring 4-H Program, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 30 -- 4-H Cake Decorating Wksp, 3-5 p.m. Fairgrounds

July 1 -- State Fair H&P Entry Forms Due

July 2 -- 4-H Cake Decorating Wksp, 6:30 pm, Fairgrounds

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