August 2, 2002
Please do not delete this message. It is the only copy county agents in your office will receive of Agricultural and Natural Resources, Family and ConsumerSciences and 4-H/Youth Development exclusives. This packet is for the week ending August 2, 2002
AGRICULTURE/NATURAL RESOURCES
Bees, Wasps Put Sting
In Tobacco Topping
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
Women and Money:
Remaining Financially Literate
4-H/YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Kentucky 4-H Program Offers
Many Technology Experiences
BEES, WASPS PUT STING
IN TOBACCO TOPPING
Source: Lee Townsend
Being stung by bees or wasps is one reason topping tobacco is such an unforgettable experience. They feed on “honeydew” excreted by aphids who are feeding on sap in tobacco leaves. Bees or wasps readily will sting when you grab them while topping plants.
To temporarily reduce bees and wasps, contact your (CountyName) Cooperative Extension Service office for tobacco insecticide recommendations. Since these insects continually move in and out of tobacco fields, replacement pests always will appear on aphid-infested plants.
It’s important for tobacco producers to remember the restricted entry interval that must be followed when chemicals are applied. This is the interval between the insecticidal application and when individuals can enter the field without having to wear specific protective equipment listed on the product label.
Stings from bumblebees are another potential problem, especially in and adjacent to tobacco barns and other areas with accumulated clutter. Don’t forget that items such as tobacco sticks provide protective sites for bumblebee nests in barns. When moving tobacco sticks or other items around, wear leather work gloves. Also, don’t reach in or put your hand in an area where you can’t see.
Bumblebees give you a slight warning before stinging because they beat their wings to warm up before taking off; this produces a “buzzing” sound.
Always wash the wound from a bee or wasp sting to lessen the possibility of a secondary infection. To reduce pain, apply an ice pack or topical pain reliever. You might need to rest and elevate the injury for more severe, localized reactions A few stings usually causes a reaction right around the stinging site, including such symptoms as redness, itching, swelling, pain and a welt within two to three minutes. These symptoms normally disappear in about two hours. A more intense local reaction affects a two-inch diameter area at the site and can cause pain in other parts of the body. These reactions usually are most intense 48 hours after the sting, but might last up to a week.
Immediately take the sting victim to a doctor if symptoms include a constricted feeling in the chest, difficulty breathing, or intestinal distress.
For more information, contact your (CountyName) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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WOMEN AND MONEY:
REMAINING FINANCIALLY LITERATE
Source: Sue Badenhop
There are many reasons for women to keep up-to-date on money management knowledge whether they’re experiencing a change in marital status, helping children learn about money, or caring for elderly parents’ finances.
One easy way to remain financially literate is to think of your money management knowledge as five easy, basic steps. These are developing a money road map, keeping financial records, using financial services and credit cards, saving money and finding expert help.
Develop measurable financial goals, such as wanting to pay off a specific credit card balance in 12 months. Research shows that people who write out their goals are more successful money managers. Some goals might be short-term, while others might be for a medium time span or well into the future. Review and, if necessary, adjust your financial goals from time to time.
As a reminder of your goals, look at your money road map at least once a month. Without this map, you might end up in a ditch rather than on the road to successful money management.
Have an organized method to keep financial records needed to file taxes, make insurance claims, and maintain other information such as all pay stubs on how much you paid into a retirement plan. Some people store these records in envelopes, shoe boxes or file folders. Use whatever method works best for you.
It’s also important to know how long you need to keep financial records. For example, retain tax records and returns for seven years because this is the length of time the Internal Revenue Service can audit your returns. Certain life event records never expire. These can include birth and death certificates, marriage licenses and separation or divorce papers.
Other records good to have readily available, or a listing of, include all life insurance coverage; bank accounts; credit cards and numbers to report lost or stolen cards; retirement and brokerage accounts; safe deposit box locations, and the names of advisors including attorneys, brokers or financial planners and accounts.
A bank safe deposit box is the best place to store irreplaceable or sentimental records. Otherwise, use a fire-proof, locked container. Until you make arrangements for it, use your refrigerator or freezer for fire-proof storage.
Financial transactions are increasingly done with electronic transactions, bank debits, checking accounts or credit cards, rather than with cash. Thus, it’s especially important to keep track of available funds and how much you’re spending on “cashless” transactions. Be sure to balance your checkbook and reconcile your monthly bank statement. Irresponsible credit card use can create monumental financial problems before you realize it. So, devise a way to keep track of your credit card purchases to stay out of money troubles.
Savings should be a part of your financial plan, whether for an emergency situation or long-term financial security. Even if you save a small amount weekly or monthly, it will mount up over time. One rule of thumb is to put aside the equivalent of six months’ salary.
There will be times when you’ll need to consult experts about financial events in your life, so know in advance where to find help when you need it. This will help you save time, stress and money in making the right financial decisions.
If you’re not already responsible for your finances, one day you’ll be the one who manages the money. Taking the time to be knowledgeable about all aspects of money management will make this time easier, reduce money problems and give you financial freedom.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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KENTUCKY 4-H PROGRAM OFFERS
MANY TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCES
Source: Wendy Stivers
Kentucky 4-H members have educational opportunities in the technology area.
One such opportunity is the “Computer Mysteries,” a three-level project many counties use. Level 1 is “Booting Up: Interacting with Computers;” Level 2, “Adding On: Hardware and Software, and Level 3, “Reaching Beyond: The Advanced Users.” “Computer Mysteries” has a project book, compact disk, and interactive web site at
NOTE AGENTS: If you offer other activities in the technology area, list them in the paragraph below.
In (CountyName), our 4-H program also (list activities or events here.)
Recently several Kentucky 4-H members and volunteers participated in a number of educational sessions at the National 4-H Technology Conference on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. This conference demonstrated the emphases 4-H puts on integrating technology throughout its programs to build life skills. Joining more than 275 delegates were Maria Contini and Kay Kass, JessamineCounty 4-H member and volunteer, respectively, and HopkinsCounty 4-H member Christopher Cullen, and volunteer, Matthew Arnold. Stephanie Moses of JeffersonCounty attended as the delegate to the National 4-H Technology Leadership Team. Wendy Stivers, Extension specialist for 4-H/Youth Development, also attended.
Other educational programs in the technology area are underway or in the planning stages as part of Kentucky’s 4-H/Youth Development programs .
PowerUP gives 4-H members in 10 counties the resources and experiences needed to build a successful future in this digital age by providing access to technology-related skills or computer-based information. As part of this privately-funded project, computer laboratories have been established in 10 counties so 4-H volunteers and youth can develop and conduct training sessions based on county needs. PowerUP computer labs have been set up in the following counties: Butler, Campbell, Fayette, Hopkins, Jefferson, Kenton, Lee, Letcher, Owsley and Warren.
In the not too distant future, Kentucky 4-H/Youth Development expects to become involved in other partnerships in the technology area. One will be “CyberSeniors/CyberTeens,” which will bridge the digital and generational divide. 4-H adult-youth partners receive computer training and then train senior citizens in their communities. By providing training and access to the Internet’s information and communication resources, this program empowers senior to retain independence, dignity, purpose and long-term mental and physical wellbeing.
One “CyberSeniors/CyberTeens” goal is to provide access and computer training in English and Spanish for all senior citizens, regardless of their education, economic position and geographic location. Other objectives are to build a national network of healthy communities through the purposeful use of technology that promotes health literacy, economic independence and life-long learning.
Another future partnership is between 4-H and the Veteran’s Administration, whereby adult and youth volunteers would teach assisted living residents and hospital patients how to use computers.
For more information on all educational opportunities offered through 4-H/Youth Development, contact your (CountyName) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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