Cooperative Extension: Parenting & Family Caregiving

Maine Maple Sunday and How to Tap a Maple Tree

Maine Maple Sunday March 24th.  This is a great day to plan some family time.  It informs kids on where the syrup comes from and the process that is involved in making maple syrup.  To find a list of activities in your area go to Get Real Get Maine.

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a publication available if you think you may be interested in tapping some maple trees yourself.

There are some great recipes that include maple syrup.  If you think you would like to try some recipes Betty Crocker has several to choose from.

Hopefully you will get a chance to enjoy Maine Maple Sunday!

Maine Maple Weekend is March 23rd & March 24th

Now that Spring is just around the corner and the weather is warming up the trees has been tapped for syrup.  Get Real Get Maine has the schedule posted for Maine Maple Weekend March 23rd & 24th.  Click on the link to find the activities near you.

UMaine Extension Experts Offer Tips on Flu Avoidance

A Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention statewide health alert notes that flu activity is widespread with more reported cases this year than last, and more expected in the next few weeks. University of Maine Cooperative Extension experts are available to provide advice for avoiding the virus and coping with it. They also can offer considerations for parents of children who have to be out of school because of a flu outbreak.

Jason Bolton, a UMaine Extension food safety specialist, can be reached in his Bangor office at 207.942.7396 to discuss sanitization to reduce the spread of or contact with germs, including washing hands and using hand sanitizers.

Kathryn Yerxa, UMaine Extension’s statewide educator for nutrition and physical activity, can suggest healthy foods and nutritional advice to combat the flu. She can be reached in her Orono office at 207.581.3109.

Leslie Forstadt, a UMaine Extension child and family development specialist in Orono, can be reached at 207.581.3487 to discuss steps parents can take if children will be out of school for a long period of time. They include staying in touch with teachers to discuss making up schoolwork.

Contact George Manlove at 207.581.3756 for assistance reaching Bolton, Yerxa or Forstadt.

Family Safety During Storms

With hurricane Sandy approaching, listed below are resources to help you prepare for the storm.  You should have a disaster supply kit ready and plenty of water.  If your power should go out, it is good to be prepared ahead of time.

Basic Disaster Supplies List

Maine Emergency Management Agency

Federal Emergency Management Agency

If your power should be out for an extended period of time please visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension website to watch a video on How to Keep Food Safe After a Power Outage.

Green Bean Salad Recipe

Hey, Kids!

Try this recipe with

your parent(s).*

Salad:

1 pound green beans, cut and steamed
4 large potatoes, diced and boiled
2 scallions

Dressing:

2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed

1 small onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place the beans, potatoes and scallions in a medium bowl.
2. Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake. Pour over salad. Toss gently to mix the ingredients well.
3. Cover the salad and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

Makes 6 servings

*NOTE:  Take care with kids in the kitchen!  Children should always be watched by an adult when preparing food!

For more healthy recipes: http://maine.edu/food-health/recipes

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Alfond Baby Casting Call-Bangor and Auburn

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