June 27, 2003 Exclusives

NOTE: We will send individual exclusives to program area mailing lists on a permanent basis since county agents favor receiving their exclusives in this matter. We also will send the complete packet to the exclusives mailing list as an agent back up and archive.

Please do not delete this message. It is the only complete copy your office will receive of exclusives for Agricultural and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H/Youth Development.

AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Fireflies Provide Nighttime Beauty;

Help Control Some Garden Pests

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES

Do You Want Summer Fun

But Don’t Have the Funds?

4-H/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Sewing Skill-A-Thon Added

To State 4-H Fashion Revue

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Fireflies Provide Nighttime Beauty;

Help Control Some Garden Pests

Source: Rick Durham, University of Kentucky, and Marc Branham, Ohio State University

Do you remember how much fun it was to chase fireflies as a youngster? Once you caught a firefly, you would hold it in your hand to watch the flickering light for a few moments and then release it unharmed to fly away.

Fireflies not only generate entertaining and memorable children’s antics, they also help control some pests in the garden. On summer nights, glow worms (luminescent firefly larvae) often emerge from their underground homes to forage for food. A typical menu includes slugs, snails and caterpillars including cutworms. The larvae feed much like a spider by injecting a paralyzing toxin into their prey; then, injecting digestive juices to dissolve the prey and allow it to be more easily consumed. The adults probably feed on plant nectar to sustain their energy requirements.

In addition to garden pest control, fireflies are used in medical and biotechnical research. Fireflies produce an enzyme called luciferase to produce their glow. Because this enzyme uses natural energy in cells, the luciferase can be injected into human tissue to determine whether cells are functioning properly based on how much light they produce. The luciferase gene also is used in biotechnology to determine if genes have been properly inserted into chromosomes.

There are several theories about why fireflies glow. One is that the flashing light is a homing beacon for the opposite sex. The male flies around flashing the signal to attract a female’s attention. A female on the ground or on low-growing foliage will signal back when a male visits her vicinity. To avoid confusion, each firefly species has its own specific signal to attract a mate.

Another theory is that firefly larvae use their luminescence to warn a potential predator that they taste bad. Larvae contain defensive chemicals in their bodies. When disturbed, larvae also increase their glow’s intensity and frequency.

Typical nighttime habitats for adults and larvae are in rotting wood or other forest litter, or on the edges of water sources such as streams, ponds, marshes and ditches. The highest species diversity is in tropical Asia and Central and South America. Incidentally, some Asian species have tracheal gills that enable them to live under water where they feed on aquatic snails.

To attract fireflies to your property, reduce or eliminate lawn chemical use. Add low, over-hanging trees, tall grass and similar vegetation to give adult fireflies a cool place to rest during the day. Reduce extra lighting on your property because this light interferes with fireflies’ luminous signals, making it harder for them to locate mates in the area. Fireflies also determine the time of night they’ll flash by the intensity of ambient light. This is why you don’t see many fireflies flashing on clear nights with a full moon.

For more information, contact your (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Do You Want Summer Fun

But Don’t Have the Funds?

Source: Sue Badenhop

Writer: Desiree Jones

Families like to get together for outings and trips during the summer months. These activities cost money; unfortunately mounting debt and emergencies can deplete funds for family outings and trips.

As discouraging as this may be, it is possible to accumulate some extra cash simply by living within your means.

The best way to begin is to learn to live on less money than you earn. If you don’t save money for a rainy day (or even an all-out thunderstorm) you likely will find yourself drowning in debt. Try to pay close attention to where your money actually goes. It’s a good idea to make a list of where you spend money each month. Once you know your real spending habits, you can cut back on indulgences.

Make saving a regular habit. There’s no shame in being frugal. Bargain shopping and devising creative ways to have the things you like, while spending less money on them, are great ways to save money without feeling deprived.

Begin your penny-pinching venture by taking a look at your phone bill, particularly your long distance carrier. Long distance service vendors regularly change their rates. You will benefit from shopping around. Call your current long distance provider to find out if a less expensive rate or plan is available. If your present provider doesn’t, it is likely you can find an alternative vendor with a lower rate. It is a good idea to inquire about lower long distance rates about once every six months. Use your power as a consumer.

Also, consider comparison shopping with your auto insurance. Just like comparing long-distance rate plans, asking for what you want goes a long way. So contact your agent about ways to lower your auto insurance bill. One way to reduce your premium is to pay a higher deductible.

Thinking about your financial past, present and future will help you accumulate extra cash to eliminate debt so you and your family can have some memorable excursions this summer.

For more information on financial matters, contact your (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Sewing Skill-A-Thon Added

To State 4-H Fashion Revue

Source: Linda Heaton

The 2003 State 4-H Fashion Revue had a new addition – a Sewing Skill-A-Thon. A Fashion Magic Skill-A-Thon is planned for future events. The Fashion Revue was among the educational activities for senior 4-Hers during the Kentucky Teen Conference recently on the University of Kentucky campus.

The purpose of the Sewing Skill-A-Thon activity was to help 4-H members test their knowledge in sewing. However, some categories also applied to selecting ready-to-wear garments. Participants were checked in six categories ranging from identifying parts of the sewing machine to judging construction of individual garments. Four-H members had to select the best choice from a series of three or four items in some categories, such as Pattern and Fabric Coordination and Sewing Techniques.

Deena Cotterill of Mason County placed first in the inaugural Sewing Skill-A-Thon. Lydia True of Cumberland County earned second place. Cassie Burgin of Gallatin County and Shannon Wade of Harrison County tied for third place.

Skill-A-Thon category winners were Deena Cotterill of Mason County, both Sewing Techniques and Garment Judging; Rachel Chambers of Lee County and Traci Stevenson of Clark County, tie in Pattern and Fabric Coordination; Lydia True of Cumberland County, Sewing Machine Parts; Shannon Wade of Harrison County, Sewing Tools and Supplies; and Cassie Burgin of Gallatin County and Deena Cotterill of Mason County, tie in Pattern Notions.

The state 4-H Fashion Revue helps 4-H senior members gain poise and confidence, and provides a venue to show what they’ve accomplished in the clothing program. This event is a combination of sewing ability, poise, garment selection and coordination and grooming. It gives 4-Hers an opportunity to share skills and knowledge in these areas.

From five finalists in Clothing Construction, Leila Thomas of Ohio County (Casual Wear II) was chosen overall winner. Other finalists were Whitney Collins of Madison County, Coordinates; Cassie Burgin of Gallatin County, Dress-Up Attire; Courtney Davis of Owen County and Deena Cotterill of Mason County, Tailoring.

(NOTE AGENTS: A list of the Clothing Construction semi-finalists is at the end of this article. If anyone from your county was a semi-finalist, list those person(s) and their category in the paragraph below.)

Among the semi-finalists in Clothing Construction categories were

The Fashion Magic project series is for 4-H members with an interest in clothing and desire to learn more about successful dressing. Fashion Magic projects are Wardrobe Planning, In the Marketplace and Clothing Coordination. They offer an alternative to the traditional clothing construction for the non-sewer, as well as experience to youth with a dedicated interest in clothing and textiles.

Jennifer Drake of Lee County was Fashion Magic project winner.

(NOTE AGENTS: A list of the Fashion Magic semi-finalists is at the end of this article. If someone from your county was a semi-finalist, list that person and her project in the paragraph below.)

Among the Fashion Magic semi-finalists was

Clothing Construction and Fashion Magic participants were judged on garment suitability to the individual’s figure type and personal coloring, garment fit and choice of accessories. Participants also were judged on presentation of self, poise, posture, attitude, personal grooming and overall appearance in their outfit. Youth in Clothing Construction also were judged on construction techniques and quality related to the outer appearance of the outfit.

Participants also attended modeling and dance workshops in preparation for the Fashion Revue.

As a community service project, they made chemotherapy turbans the American Cancer Society will give to cancer patients.

For more information on 4-H clothing projects and other educational opportunities, contact your (County Name) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

List of Clothing Construction semi-finalists as follows: Lynn Fish of Hardin County, Abby Switzer of Harrison County and Lilia Thomas of Ohio County in Casual Wear II; Whitney Collins of Madison County, Coordinates; Cassie Burgin of Gallatin County, Dress-Up Attire; Carrie Tilghman of Barren County and Jenna Grover of Lincoln County, Specialized Clothing; Deena Cotterill of Mason County, Tailoring; and Courtney Davis of Owen County, Sarah Beth Horn of Daviess County, Lydia True of Cumberland County and Sharon Wade, Formal Wear.

List of Fashion Magic semi-finalists: Jennifer Drake of Lee County and Tracie Stevenson of Clark County, Wardrobe Planning, and Rachel Chambers of Lee County, in the Marketplace.