3 minute read
Albemarle Residents Maximize Time
from Albemarle Magazine
by Cooke NC
ALBEMARLE RESIDENTS MAXIMIZETIME ON THE HOME FRONT Extension agency sees uptick in website visits, requests for information
By Kesha Williams Correspondent
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Coastal Carolina lifestyle trends have long featured small group gatherings, handmade crafts and menus high in comfort foods.
This year, following all the recommendations to limit the size of gatherings because of COVID-19, is no exception.
The hosts of small gatherings are finally ready to drape tablecloths across outdoor tables where guests can pause to marvel at the coastal decor before loading their plates.
Adults are introducing simple outdoor activities to teens and tweens, such as cornhole, badminton and doubledutch jump rope as well as song routines.
For those who haven’t had enough computer screen time, a list of virtual tours of the nation’s and world’s famed museums, national parks and aquariums is just a click away. UNC-TV, the state's public television network, offers its members video-on-demand access to Public Broadcast System programs.
Gardeners have been busy planting, fertilizing, snipping and clipping. The results: fresh peppers and tomatoes just ripe to complement char-grilled burgers, hot dogs, or blackened shrimp kebobs.
The work of flower gardeners is fully displayed beside patio tables where arrangements of bold zinnias, sunflowers, peonies and dahlia sprout. Rich color tropicals, such as the hibiscus adored for its 4- to 8-inch wide flowers, enliven decks and paver walkways.
News reports of increased online sales of cookware and bakeware justify the steady roll of delivery trucks to home cooks and bakers.
Scan tables across multiple neighborhood yards to find seasonal favorites including berry cobblers, apple cream cheese bundt cakes, grilled corn, cobb salads, hush puppies, baked fish, salsas, Carolina style beef brisket,
Hibiscus plants like this rich pink-colored one are favored for both their blooms and ability to endure summer's heat. They vary in size and can grow from the ground or in pots where they can brighten decks and patios.
Photo Courtesy Kesha Williams
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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
crisp veggies awaiting creamy, home-stirred onion dips.
Food servers at these gatherings often model originally designed face masks hot off a local seamstress's twodecade-old sewing machine. Newly hung hammocks, freshly painted lawn chairs and tables await eager guests.
Simply put, extended time on the home front this spring has yielded some positive results.
Ellen Owens, director of Cooperative Extension in Pasquotank County, said there has been an increase in the number of people visiting the agency's website. They frequently contact Extension agents for tips that fulfill the best southern living dreams.
“Grace Manzer has gotten a good response from homeowners asking lawn and garden questions, which she has addressed by making field visits to homes, following social distancing," Owens said, referring to a local Extension agent. "We have 29 new subscribers on our YouTube Channel, PasquotankCES. We also have a large number of folks who are viewing our social media pages as well: 307 visits to our website during May and June."
Cooperative Extension agents have also kept busy responding to area citizens by phone, email and by creating videos. Owens said the office's agriculture agent created educational videos to assist farmers on how to recognize and treat issues with crops. The horticulture agent created videos to teach citizens how to maximize their efforts growing plants and flowers.
There were even calls to Cooperative Extension agents for tips on warding off pesky, destructive woodpeckers.
The agents didn’t forget about kids who were eager to expand what they were learning through home-bound instruction.
“4-H began offering online lessons on embryology for the school children as well as science lessons and activities that could be completed by students at home," Owens said. "We continue to offer these virtual opportunities for citizens. Video links can be found on our website https:pasquotank. ces.ncsu.edu under the Pasquotank Staying Connected tab.”
Garden activities have long been credited with reducing stress, relaxing busy minds and developing patience.
The Pasquotank Cooperative Extension office is currently open but in-person programs continue to be limited, according to Owens. To request specific educational programs or information, call the office at 338-3954 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
