Saturday, March 31, 2012

Celebrate St Phiip's Church

Join Friends of St. Philip's of Germanton, NC at a celebration on May 5th for a tour of the historic church. While you're in town stop by Germanton Gallery & Winery and our store too!

The details from Save St Philip's Church website...

Come out to learn more about who St. Philip was and the history of St. Philip's Church in Germanton. The Friends of St. Philip's of Germanton is hosting its first event, which will be a program and walking tour.

The event is held in conjunction with Painting North Carolina and Stokesarts Plein Air, where artists from all over the country will be painting scenes from Germanton and Stokes County before moving on to an afternoon of painting and a live auction at Moon Lake Retreat. Many of the artists have expressed interest in painting St. Philip's. An auction of those paintings will be held to benefit the Friends of St. Philip's at a later date in Germanton.
Join us at 10 am at Germanton United Methodist Church for a short program before conducting a walking tour of Germanton.

Many thanks to our sponsors - Preserve Historic Forsyth, Germanton Gallery and the Stokes County Arts Council.

Monday, March 19, 2012

NC State University's College of Veterinary Medicine Open House

Open House 2012...We're Back!!

Participate in one of the events celebrating NC State University's 125th anniversary and learn how transforming animal health is a tradition at the College of Veterinary Medicine. The 2012 Open House will provide an insider’s view into one of the nation’s top-ranked veterinary programs as the College of Veterinary Medicine opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 31.
The Open House will feature exhibits, opportunities to get up close with various animals large and small, special demonstrations, and chances to talk with faculty and students. Fun and informative tour stops explain the connection between animal and human health, advances in veterinary medicine, best care practices for the family pet, and what it takes to become a veterinarian.

Tour stops popular with younger visitors

The Teddy Bear Suture Clinic, where children are encouraged to bring injured stuffed animals for appropriate attention by the CVM student surgery club;
Anatomy lab, where the skeletons of various animals, birds, and reptiles can be examined;
“Up Close” stop with rabbits, hamsters, snakes, birds, turtles, lizards, insects and other animals;
Mare and foal in the Teaching Animal Unit corral;
Tour stop where children can try their hand at milking a cow;
Open House Carnival for young children (child needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Terry Center added to the Open House

The Open House is an opportunity to tour portions of the new 110,000-square-foot Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center. The annual Open House has been on hiatus during construction of the Terry Center , one of the most advanced veterinary hospitals in the nation. (See video).
Also: the Veterinary Health and Wellness Center presents exhibits including Nutrition, Rehabilitation and Mobility Service, Behavior Medicine, Small Animal Blood Bank, and Exotic Animal Medicine.

Outdoor attractions

The Open House flows over to external attractions including Sage, a canine hero from 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Iraq; the CVM Mobile Surgery Unit -- a veterinary clinic on wheels; the Wake County Sheriff's Department K9 Unit; booths staffed by representatives of 19 breed and shelter rescue groups; and the Open House Carnival where young visitors may play games organized by DVM students. (Inclement weather may change outdoor activities).
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Note:

Do not bring pets to the Open House and please do not attend if you have traveled overseas after March 23.
Questions? Call 919.513.6662.

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine: transforming animal health and wellbeingPortions of the new Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center, one of the nation's most advanced veterinary hospitals, will be a part of the 2012 CVM Open House.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Why Don't Goat Dairies Milk Year-Round?

Gothberg Farms of Bow, Washington explain why many farmstead goat dairies don't milk year-round like cow dairies. The post is a good read for those who know little about dairy goats and a fine illustration of a quality dairy who values its goats, products and customers.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Rural Hall Museum offers glimpse into the past

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People tour the Rural Hall Historical Society Museum during an open house (Submitted Photo)

Meghann Evans, Managing Editor
Located in the heart of Rural Hall is a treasure trove of history. Though the Rural Hall Historical Society Museum only encompasses four or five rooms, a person could spend hours, maybe even days, studying the various items of historical significance on display.
The Rural Hall Historical Society is composed of around 20 members, and it operates a museum in the old town hall, located at 145 Bethania Street. The museum was established several years ago to preserve the town’s history.
Near the end of February, the society held an open house for the museum, as it has done a few times in the past, to generate interest in the museum.
“The turnout was pretty good,” noted Miranda Griffin, vice president, who said around 40 people signed in. “There were several that had not been here (before).”
She is hoping many of those people will come back to explore the museum further, where the purpose is “to preserve Rural Hall history for the future.”
Mary Lee Smith, society treasurer, said she hopes people will support and visit the museum “for the historical value, and in some cases, it’s their heritage.”
Located in the museum are hundreds of items from the early days of Rural Hall, some dating back to the mid 1800s. Over the years various groups and individuals have donated or loaned items to the museum.
When browsing through, people might stumble across World War II uniforms and memorabilia, 1800s clothing, a ca. 1835 window from the Bitting House, newspaper clippings from the turn of the century, books and documents pertaining to family lineages, old diaries, photos of Rural Hall’s early days, Lions Club and Boy Scout memorabilia, a made-to-scale model of the town by Durward Smith, and much more.
“We get so much in, we can’t keep up,” noted Griffin. But the society does have a few specific items it is looking for, such as a picture of the old E.L. Kiser’s Store.
In the McCoy-Helsabeck Family Histories Room, people can look through old documents, books and newspapers to try to research their family history. The society always welcomes more information about families from the area so it can expand its information.
Smith said, “I’d love to see a lot of people in Rural Hall come in and share their family history.”
The former town manager office has been set up as the Business/Association Room and will house artifacts and displays from businesses and associations from Rural Hall and the surrounding area.
Griffin said she does not think most people in the town are aware of just how many items are in the museum. Her favorite items are the old window from the Bitting House and a picture of the oldest house in town, because they are the oldest items she can connect to.
Smith is proud of the model of the town, because her husband created it over a span of 10 to 15 years. She said, “I’m just real proud of what he did.”
The society would like to get more shelving and do a formal inventory of items in the future. There are more items in the basement, such as old tintype photos, that have yet to be displayed.
The museum is open each Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Anyone is welcome to stop by and enjoy snacks and chat with volunteers while browsing through the collection.
For those interested in helping preserve the town’s history, the cost to join the Rural Hall Historical Society is $10 for individuals annually, $15 for families, and $150 for a lifetime membership. For more information, visit rh-historicalsociety.org or email Griffin at miranda.griffin@rh-historicalsociety.org.

This article appeared in the March 16 edition of The Weekly Independent.

Read more: Rural Hall Weekly Independent Newspaper

Chicken Run

We did another "chicken run" to Chauldry Halal Meats in Siler City, NC to have more of our free-range hens processed. Frozen chicken is now back in the Farm Store!
Frozen free range chickens (whole and cut-up), grass-fed beef, and pasture raised lamb are available. Check our website for prices.

Available at our farm store:

3255 Buffalo Creek Farm Road
Germanton, NC 27019
336.969.5698Robin@BuffaloCreekFarmNC.com

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Gardening Classes

Title: Organic Gardening - Reynolda Manor

Date: Mar 15, 2012

Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Calendar: Horticultural, Cooperative Extension Service

Contact: Craig Mauney

Description: On Thursday, March 15th, 2012 at 3:00 pm at the Reynolda Manor Library, Extension Agent, Mary Jac Brennan will present a 1 to 1 1/2 hour lecture on Organic Gardening as part of a Series of Home and Garden programs for the Spring 2012 Season. The Master Gardener Volunteers and Extension Agents will be presenting various programs in the county libraries. The speakers are presenting different topics that are timely for local gardeners and homeowners. Learn to use natural and organic materials to grow vegetables, flowers, lawns and landscaping and how to use the least amount of synthetic chemicals. Registration requested: Contact Kathy Hepler with the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office to register for this lecture. Phone: 336-703-2850 or email kathy_hepler@ncsu.edu

Location: Reynolda Manor Library

Location: 2839 Fairlawn Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

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Title: Growing Grapes Lecture - Walkertown Library

Date: Mar 17, 2012

Time: 10:30 AM - Noon

Calendar: Horticultural, Cooperative Extension Service

Contact: Kathy Hepler

Description: On Saturday, March 17th, 2012 at 10:30 am at the Walkertown Library, Extension Agent, Craig Mauney will present a 1 to 1 1/2 hour lecture on Growing Grapes as part of a Series of Home and Garden programs for the Spring 2012 Season. The Master Gardener Volunteers and Extension Agents will be presenting various programs in the county libraries. The speakers are presenting different topics that are timely for local gardeners and homeowners.
Home grown fruit, especially grapes, are so much better when you pick them fresh from your own vines. Find out how to grow them in your home garden by learning how to prepare the soil, fertilize, propagate, prune, and harvest.
Registration requested: Contact Kathy Hepler with the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office to register for this lecture. Phone: 336-703-2850 or email kathy_hepler@ncsu.edu

Location: Walkertown Library

Location: 2969 Main Street, Walkertown, NC 27051

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Title: Choosing & Caring for Trees - Lewisville Library

Date: Mar 22, 2012

Time: 2:00 PM

Calendar: Horticultural

Contact: Kathy Hepler

Description: Trees play a vital role in enriching our environment and in increasing property value. Learn tree basics; the best selection for your landscape, the right location, planting techniques, proper pruning and caring for older trees. Registration required: Contact Kathy Hepler with the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office to register for this lecture. Phone: 336-703-2852 or email kathy_hepler@ncsu.edu

Location: Lewisville Library

Location: 6490 Shallowford Rd

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Title: Shiitake Mushroom Workshop

Date: Mar 23, 2012

Time: 10:00 AM - Noon

Calendar: Horticultural, Cooperative Extension Service

Contact: Craig Mauney

Description: This is a hands-on workshop where each participant will prepare their own log for productions at home. The class includes a short lecture presentation and demonstration followed by each participant's completion of their own shiitake log project to take home. There is a materials fee of $15.00, which inclues everything needed for the project. Please register for this event by calling the Extension Office at 703-2850. Space is limited.

Location: Agriculture Building, 1450 Fairchild Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

How do you like it?

We hung our barn quilt. The Churn Dash is a very old 9-Patch quilt block pattern, originating between 1800 and 1849. Its name is a result of the resemblance of the triangle and rectangle perimeter of the block to a butter churn and the center square to the stick (or “dash”) of the butter churn.

Of course, we had to add a dairy goat in the center!

How do you like it?

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Frog Jam & Toe Jam!

Two new jams in the Farm Store from a local Amish cannery - FROG and TOE jam!

Cute and delicious!

FROG (fig/raspberry/orange/ginger)

TOE (tangerine/orange/elderberry)

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Clover Classic 4-H Livestock Show

The Clover Classic 4-H Livestock Show will be held March 17 and 18 at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem. The show is open to youth ages 5-18 that reside anywhere, but is limited to meat-type does, ewes and heifers under 2 years of age. Early entries should be postmarked by February 29th. Download Rules and Entry Form.
We are currently seeking show sponsors. If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring a class, breed show or division, please view our sponsor information.
Please contact April Bowman at april_bowman@ncsu.edu or at 336.703.2855 with questions.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Seed Savers Exchange at Old Salem

Garden Workshop: From Seed to Table Wednesday, March 14, 2012
11:30am Workshop and Local FeastFrank L. Horton Museum Center
In this workshop on the process of growing food, Diane Ott Whealy will discuss seeds, gardening and all that goes with it. Participants will have opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of interest.A local feast prepared by Whole Foods Market will be served.
$15 admission includes Workshop & Lunch
Register now -- limited seating.
Please call 1-800-441-5305.
11:00am Book Signing precedes Workshop. Diane's memoir tells the Seed Savers Exchange story. Order your copy of Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver now.

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Heirloom Gardening in a Modern World

Lecture and Local Heirlooms TastingTuesday, March 13, 2012 - 6:30pm

Old Salem Visitors Center

A Celebration of Seed & Local Food with Diane Ott Whealy and Area Restaurants, Chefs, and Farms

Diane Ott Whealy is Co-Founder and Vice President of Seed Savers Exchange, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds.
It all began with a pocket full of morning glory seeds brought to America by Diane's Bavarian ancestor.
Those family seeds, handed down over generations, inspired the idea to save our unique agricultural heritage.
$10 admission includes Lecture followed by Book Signing and Local Heirlooms Tasting.
Register now -- limited seating
Please call 1-800-441-5305.

In Gathering: Memoir of a Seed Saver, Ott Whealy tells the Seed Savers Exchange story. Order your copy now.

Heirlooms Tasting includes

Meridian Restaurant

Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen and Bar

Whole Foods Market

Beta Verde- Home Sown Productions

The Screaming Rooster

Lewis Nursery & Farms

Three Sisters Artisan Bakery

Camino Bakery

cash bar features

Foothills Brewing

Biltmore Wines

Friday, March 9, 2012

4-H Plant Sale

Would you like to grow your own delicious berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries? How about asparagus and herbs? You can purchase yours and support the youth of Forsyth County at the same time.
Forsyth County 4-H is holding their annual plant sale to raise money for their scholarship fund. Youth EARN scholarship dollars through participating in 4-H events that they can use to off-set their registration costs to 4-H events such as workshops, teen leadership events and 4-H camp.
Orders are due on or before Monday, March 12th, and pick-up is from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, March 29th and 30th. Download a 4-H Plant Sale Brochure

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Community Gardening Networking Event

All community gardeners are invited to participate in an evening of networking with one another to share best practices in the community garden. Share your ideas and make plans for your community garden. Learn about trends observed in our county and how NC Cooperative Extension can help your community garden be more successful.
If you are interested in having your community garden represented at this event, please contact Mary Jac Brennan at 703-2869 or brennamj@forsyth.cc or Kathy Hepler at 703-2852 or kathy_hepler@ncsu.edu to register.

Monday, March 26th (6:00 - 8:00 pm)
Forsyth AG Building

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Rainwater Harvesting 101

Title: Rainwater Harvesting 101-Rural Hall-4pm

Date: Mar 8, 2012

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Calendar: Horticultural, Cooperative Extension Service

Contact: Craig Mauney

Description: On Thursday, March 8th, 2011 at 4:00 pm at the Rural Hall Library, Extension Agent, Wendi Hartup will present a 1 to 1 1/2 hour lecture on Rainwater Harvesting as part of a Series of Home and Garden programs for the Spring 2012 Season. The Master Gardener Volunteers and Extension Agents will be presenting various programs in the county libraries. The speakers are presenting different topics that are timely for local gardeners and homeowners.
Want to make a rain barrel from a recycled container such as a wine barrel or trash can? Learn how to make them or where to get them locally and how to use them for best collection.
Registration requested: Contact Kathy Hepler with the Forsyth Cooperative Extension office to register for this lecture. Phone: 336-703-2850 or email kathy_hepler@ncsu.edu

Location: Rural Hall Library

Location: 7125 Broad Street, Rural Hall, NC

Non-native and Invasive Forest Plants Workshops for Landowners

Six statewide workshops on Non-Native and Invasive Forest Plants. Each workshop will engage regionally-based stakeholder groups and experts in the planning and educational content. These workshop are designed for forest landowners, but all forestland ownership types and professional forestland managers are welcome. What you will learn •What are non-native and invasive species, and why should you care? •Identification of specific problem species •The impacts of these plants on forest communities (ecologic, economic and cultural) •How non-native species are introduced •What are the risks of the “do-nothing” style of management •Gain exposure to organized NNI stakeholder groups and efforts currently taking shape, or ongoing, in your region •Resources available to landowners and what steps you can take •How your neighbors and local professionals are dealing with NNI challenges.
More Information

May 1st, 2012 @ 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Event LocationWorkshops are free but require registration.
Bur-Mil Park
Greensboro, NC

ContactNCSU Forestry and Environmental Outreach Program at 919-515-9563
Event SponsorNC Division of Forest Resources and NC Cooperative Extension Forestry

Friday, March 2, 2012

Rural Hall Community Garden

Meeting set for those interested in Rural Hall Community Garden

The Rural Hall Community Garden, pictured here, continues to flourish. (Wallace Williamson/The Weekly Independent)

Wallace Williamson, Contributing Writer
With a town motto of “Garden Spot of the World,” the Rural Hall Community Garden has become quite famous, since it is composed of 44 raised beds and last year involved the “square foot gardening” technique.
An informational/organizational meeting for the Rural Hall Community Garden on Bethania Road will be held Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. at the Rural Hall Public Library. Anyone who is interested should attend, and additional information is available by calling 969-6292 or 331-2564.
With the rising price of gas and food, many people are now interested in growing their own food. This is a popular way to reduce the food budget while increasing fresh wholesome vegetables, fruits, and herbs in families’ diets.
Reap More Than You Sow, a local non-profit 501(c)3 project, is working with 18 neighborhoods, churches, schools, and groups to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of community gardens in the area. Each community garden is organized and structured differently considering the needs and abilities of the gardening group.
In addition to eating healthier and reducing the food budget, studies show that community gardens build a sense of community, improve the environment, and beautify neighborhoods. Medical journals report that 90 percent of the illnesses and diseases in America are related to diet, exercise, and/or stress. Gardening is one of the few activities that impacts all three of these health concerns.
From the financial standpoint, an Atlee Burpee Co. study claims that a $50 investment in garden seeds could result in as much as $1,250 worth of fresh produce. In addition to reducing the food budget, Americans are now concerned about the use of pesticides and herbicides on food products.
Another factor motivating gardeners is the fact that there have been 10 fresh food recalls since Jan. 1, 2012. Community gardeners grow the food they like, and they want to know what is on the food they are eating.

This article appeared in the Friday, March 2, 2012 edition of The Weekly Independent.