Agriculturally
■ Speaking
By L. B. HARDAGE
County Extension Chairman
This has been aril unusual
year weather wise. Today,
July 14, crops are really
showing the effects of heat
and dry weather. Corn is
firing up, especially bad in
the light soils and will soon
be gone unless rains come
real soon. Tobacco is
hurting, however, it will
stand the heat and dry
weather longer than any of
the other crops and recover
if good rains come in the
next 10 days. Cucumbers
and cantaloupes are also
hurting. The crop will be
short especially on the late
planted ones, unless good
rains come now or .'ertainly
by the weekend.
Some tobacco farmers are
irrigating and certainly this
is about the only thing you
can do. Most farmers are
topping and this should be
kept up as the buttons show
up. This is one of the few
times I can remember that
there was not a good deal of
lenching of the nitrogen in
tobacco, very little has
taken place this season.
The soybean crop as a
whole looks good and is
'fairly clean and still has a
chance to make a good crop.
Pastures are in a critical
condition in most of the
county. Grain and hay crops
we' real, short this spring
so it looks bad for beef cattle
producers. Gardens are
hurting; now is the time to
see that they are worked
and clean especially butterbeans,
tomatoes, and other
late crops.
It is about time to plant
fall garden vegetables such
as tomatoes, string beans,
and others, soon. If you need
lists and planting dates, we
have bulletins available.
There have been a good
many Japanese Beetles in
the county. Sevin does a
good job of controlling this
insect.
In some sections of the
county crops are stiil
looking good, other sections
fair, and in a few -actions
they are lcnk'ng poor. Hore
good rains come real soon.
Miss Bollinger Gives
Canning Instructions
By EMILY B VI.LINGER
Extension Agent
The food preservation
season seems to be getting
in full swing throughout the
county As you go about
your canning and freezing of
fruits and vegetables, I
can't emphasize too much
the importance of following
recommended methods for
both types of preservation.
In giving tips for food
preservation. I would like to
share some of the questions
I have been asked recently
and give you the answers.
Maybe you too have some of
these same questions.
Q. Is it necessary to
blanch or scald vegetables
before freezing them?
Yes, for a top quality
product vegetables should
be blanched before freezing
them. The scientific reason
for this is that scalding, also
called blanching, arrests the
action of enzymes. Enzymes
help vegetables grow and
mature. If you do not stop
their action before you
freeze the vegetables, they
stay active. The vegetables
keep changing. They lose
color, flavor, food value and
tenderness.
Q. What is the correct way
to blanch vegetables for
freezing?
Puta pound, usually about
a pint to a quart, of clean
fresh vegetables into a wire
basket or blancher; lower
into at least a gallon of
vigorously boiling water.
Have the basket or blancher
ready in the kettle of water,
so it will be hot and will not
cool the water. Put the cover
on and start counting the
time. Keep the heat high
under the kettle. When the
recommended time for 'hat
vegetable is up, lift the wire
basket, or blancher, of
vegetables out of the boiling
water Plunge it into cold
icy is best) water. Chill
thoroughly, remove from
cold water and package in
moisture vapor-proof containers.
Q Open-kettle canning is
not recommended. Why?
In open-kettle canning,
food is cooked then packed
into hot jars and sealed
without processing. For
fruits and vegetables, the
temperatures obtained in
open-kettle canning are not
high enough to destroy all
the spoilage organisms that
may be in the food. Spoilage
bacteria may get in when
the food is transferred for
kettle to jar.
Q How Should Fruits and
Vegetables Be Processed?
We recommend that fruits
and tomatoes be processed
in a boiling water bath. This
is a method in which the
filled jars are put into a
container containing hot or
boiling water. For raw pack,
have water in canner hot but
not boiling; for other packs
have water boiling. The
water should be an inch Or
two over tops of jars. Put
cover on canner. When
water in canner comes to a
rolling boil, start to count
processing time. Boil gently
and steadily for time
recommended for the food
you are canning. Add boiling
water during processing it
needed to keep jars covered.
Remove jars from the
canner immediately when
processing time is up.
We recommend using a
steam pressure canner for
processing all vegetables
except tomatoes and pickled
vegetables.
Follow the manufacturer's
directions for the
canner you are using. Here
are a few pointers on the use
of any steam-pressure can
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WARREN FCX SERVICE • WARRENTON
PHONE 257-2410
Av'
BENDER
Camp Experience
Is Recalled By
Jeffrey Bender
By JEFFREY BENDER
My week at 4-H Forestry
and Wildlife Camp was very
educational and fun. It was
an event any 4-H'er would
love to participate in.
The camp's main purpose
was to give the campers an
insight into the forest
industry, wildlife management,
and the great outdoors.
The campers had
already completed 4-H projects
in forestry and/or
wildlife as a qualification
ner: . .
—Put two or three inches
of boiling water in the
bottom of the canner; the
amount of water to use
depends on the size and
shape of the canner.
-Set filled glass jars on
rack in canner so that steam
can flow around each container.
If two layers of can
or jars are put in, stagger
the second layer. Use a rack
between layers of glass jars.
—Fasten canner cover
securely so that no steam
can escape except through
vent (petcock or weightedgage
opening).
—Watch until steam pours
steadily from vent. Let it
escape for 10 minutes or
more to drive all air from
the canner. Then close
petcock or put on weighted
gage.
— Let pressure rise to 10
pounds <240 degrees F.) The
moment this pressure is
reached start counting processing
time. Keep pressure
constant by regulating heat
under the canner. Do not
lower pressure by opening
petcock. Keep drafts from
blowing on canner.
—When processing time is
up, remove canner from
heat immediately.
With Glass Jars, let
canner stand until pressure
is zero. Never try to rush the
cooling by pouring cold
water over the canner.
When pressure registers
zero, wait a minute or two,
then slowly open petcock or
take off weighted gage.
Unfasten cover and tilt the
far side up so steam escapes
away from you. Take jars
from canner.
You may get additional
information on canning and
freezing from the Home
Economics Extension
Agent's office in the Warren
County Agriculture Building,
Warrenton, telephone
257-3997. Bulletins giving the
recommended blanching
times for freezing vegetables
and processing times
for canning are available
Just by asking for them.
ATTENDS ELECTRIC CONGRESS—Warren County 4-H member Alvelon Williams
was a dr!«gate to the State 4-H Electric Congress at the University of North Carolina at
C irto." . July 11-13. Grace Williams, adnlt leader and Joe Gregory, agricultural
servfi-es employee with Carolina Power and Light Company, accompanied the
delrgntes. The 4-H'ers were selected for achievement In their electric projects.
Carolina Power and Light Company sponsored Williams' trip to Electric Congress.
Charlotte Electrical Congress Held
By ALVELON WILLIAMS
The 30th annual 4-H
Electric Congress was held
for attending the camp.
The schedule at camp was
much like that of any other
4-H camp. We had flag
raising before 7:15 breakfast,
camp duties, and
classes after breakfast. We
had four, hour and a half
classes everyday, two in the
morning, and two in the
afternoon. In the evening,
we had an 8 o'clock
assembly.
During the free time,
there was much available
recreation. There were two
swimming periods a day.
We played volleyball, horseshoes,
football, basketball,
softball, and numerous
other games during free
time. The campers were
divided into six groups,
named after trees—pines,
poplars, oaks, etc. The
teams from these groups
played in a softball tournament
with the winner
playing a team of instructors.
For the 24th year in a
row, the instructors won!
The classes were generally
interesting. We had
classes in tree measurement,
habitats of insects,
wildlife management, use of
map and compass, insects
and diseases affecting trees,
wood products, forest tools
and safety, camping, fish
management, and archerygun
safety. Most of these
classes were instructed by
Extension workers from N.
C. State or men who taught
the course year around. In
addition to lectures, we
participated in workshops
on the various subjects. For
example, in archery-gun
safety, we learned safety by
shooting a bow and arrow,
and shooting shots with a 12
guage shotgun.
While plotting a course on
the map and compass
course, one of my classmates
got lost, and was
found one mile from camp.
We were concerned for his
safety, due to the large
amounts of woodland that
surrounds the camp.
At the evening assemblies,
we were shown films
on forestry and wildlife;
following the films everyone
danced. On Thursday night,
Southern Bell, one of the
sponsors of the camp, gave
an interesting talk on the
work of Bell Labs. After the
talk, everyone square danced.
On Friday, we had a test
on everything we had
learned during the week.
Half was written and half
was field exercises. The
first prize for highest score
was a bow; second, a
camera; third, a flashlight.
The winners were announced
at the evening assembly
and to my surprise, I was
second place winner. I
received a new Kodak
Tele-instamatic camera,
equipped with film and
flashbulbs.
On Saturday morning, we
ate breakfast, said our goodbyes,
and left. Everyone
was sad to leave.
There were 26 girls and 80
boys from all of North
Carolina for this program. It
was a thoroughly enjoyable
and educational week. I am
grateful to have had the
opportunity to participate in
it.
July 11-13 at the University
of North Carolina at
Charlotte.
The delegates from Warren
County were Alvelon
Williams, County Electric
Project Winner and Mrs.
Grace Williams, Elam's 4-H
Club Leader.
The Congress was sponsored
by four power
companies.
I had looked forward to
swimming the first day, but
when we arrived we only
had time to register, take
pictures, and dress for the
award banquet which was a
most enjoyable one with Mr.
R. G. Pond, Virginia
Electric & Power Company,
presiding. Dr. Dean W.
Calvard, Chancelor UNC-G
gave us a warm welcome.
Mike Helms, Anson County
1976 State Winner gave a
report on his trip to National
Convention, Chicago, 111.
The four power companies
gave out territorial awards
to top boy and girl in each
territory. After the banquet
there was a dance. The
Time Square played. This
was most enjoyable, because
I won a dance contest.
On Tuesday, we had a
general meeting with Mr.
John Glover, N. C. State,
presiding. There were project
and recruiting reports
given by various counties.
Randy Kilebrew, Edgecombe
County, gave an
educational demonstration
entitled, "which switch
showing various switches
for different purposes."
Then each of the four power
companies representatives
presented certificates to the
county winners they sponsored.
In the afternoon we
departed for Carowinds. I
enjoyed every moment
there, White Lightning,
Thunder Road, and above
all the picnic that was
provided for us before we
left Carowinds.
We had Vesper every
night at 11:30 p. m.
Wednesday, we had
breakfast and talent closing
remarks, and adjournment
of Congress by Frank
Humenik, N. C. State
University.
I would like to thank the
N. C. Extension Specialists
and County Agents for our
trip, the four power companies,
especially CP&L, who
sponsored us for such a
enjoyable and rewarding
Congress.
4-H Members Find Fun
At Betsy Penn Camp
By SUE SALMON
If there seems to be an
unusually high number of
tired but smiling 4-H'ers in
the county this next week,
you can be sure it's the
result of a week of 4-H Camp
at - Betsy-Jeff Penn near
Beidsville.
Forty-five 4-H'ers spent
July 11-16 at the camp which
is located beside a 20-acre
lake in bently rolling
Piedmont hills full of bridle
trails and foot paths. The hot
weather was noticed, but
couldn't put a damper on the
good ole' 4-H Spirit as
campers hiked, canoed,
played volleyball, and participated
in other activities.
During the week Warren
County 4-H'ers did their best
and made it better as a
result. Awards went to
Leslie Lanier, Swim Belay
Winner and Plain Front
Dive; Sylvia Carroll, Penny
Pick-up; Tina Salmon,
Prone Glide for Distance;
Sabrina Williams, Big
Splash; Glenn Woolard,
one-half mile swim; Kim
Pitchford, Honorable Mention
for the Calm Control of
his horse when the reins
broke; Kevin Cheston, Archery;
Mallette Hargrove,
for getting more "Bullseyes"
in archery than could
be remembered; Annetta
Greene, Becreation and
handicraft; Timothy Sledge,
Leadership in classes and
Handicraft; Kevin Cheston,
Handicraft; Kim Pitchford,
Handicraft; Josephine
West, Singing; Angela Daniels,
Guitar; Wade Powell,
Ecology; Percell Harrison,
Ecology; Derrick Cheston,
Ecology and Crafts; and
Julia King, Ecology. Two of
our campers, Derrick Cheston
and Jackie Waters got
Superior Camper Awards.
Others attending were
Beuben Clayton, James
Groom, Jr., David Hayes,
Kerry Gerard Henderson,
James Patrick Jordan,
Andy Lanier, Gregory Lucas,
Tim Moseley, Tracey
Perkinson, Kennedy Ben
Bichardson, Leon Short,
David Sledge, Lee Boy
West, Jr., Derrick Williams,
Greg Williams, MicbatiHargrove,
Janice Cofeman,
Kathy Jo Cooper, Pam
Currie, Susan Currie, Stan
tina Evans, Shenee Greene,
Maxine Sellers, Betty
Shearin, Sreda Steed, Josephine
West, Tammy Lee
West, Vonda Wilson,
Shaunda McAllister, and
Kimeko Wilson. Leaders
attending were Mrs. Kathy
Wilson, Mrs. Leora Davis
and Miss Sue Salmon and
two agents, George W.
Koonce and Glenn Woolard,
also attended.
The week was full of hard
work, enjoyment, and new
insights. The hike up to the
Chinqua-Penn Plantation
was hot and tiring, but this
was forgotten as wide-eyes
stared at jade door knobs,
French fruniture, and Persian
rugs and tapestries
hundreds of years old. The
leaders and agents though
sorry to admit, were slowly
wilted under the merciless
assault of the camp staff
during the volleyball game.
At night the chorus of
"Butterbeans" and the
"Baby Bumblebee Song"
cheered the darkness until
the snores of cabin leaders
drowned them out.
Julia King, who could
never be outwitted in her
own county, was conned
expertly by swimming instructor,
Mike Bitter, as she
fell for the watery "Look at
this bug!" Joke! Jim
Pippin, ecology instructor,
brought out the "woodsman"
in the campers and
little Annetta Greene probably
never thought she'd
get to the top of that steep
hill on one of those
"survival" ecology hikes!
Our Oita Cheston was a
welcome sight among the
camp staff. One of the
writer's own special memories
was of the last night at
vespers when the cross
shown over the lake and a
feeling of "this is what was
meant to be," and of all the
challenges that had been
met and overcome, some
gracefully and others not so
gracefully, during the days
before.
This week could not help
but affect the growth of all
who attended, especially as
we "became one" during
the "Love"eong as all God's
creation also praised Him.
It was a week to remember
and learn from.