Good equipment and safe handling assures positive food preservation results!
Pressure Canner Gauge Check & Food Preservation Info Booth. Preserving your food for optimum quality and safety with a pressure canner is an exact science. To be sure that your pressure canner is working accurately and that your food is canned safely, it is recommended that dial gauges be checked every year.
If you have a canner with a dial gauge,bring in the lid only, to have it tested at no charge. Get up-to-date food preservation information!
Saturday, May 19, 2012, between 9:00am–11:00am
Southern States Roanoke Coop Troutville Branch
8649 Cloverdale Road, Troutville.
For more information call 540-772-7524 or 992-1001.
Trail ride to benefit members who lost a barn to fire.
BCHA will host a BENEFIT RIDE for John and JoAnn Dester, of Whispering Oaks Ranch in Buchanan, who lost their barn and its contents on May 5 to a devastating fire. The ride will be held on Sunday, May 20 with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m. The ride out will take place at 1 p.m. and upon return, a late lunch will be served. The cost to participate is $15 for BCHA members and $25 for non-members which includes a one year memberhip to BCHA. The location of the ride is an exclusive and privately-owned land on Lithia Road in Buchanan.
Proceeds from this ride will go towards the association’s assistance in erecting a new structure, excavation of the site, and rebuild needs. If you cannot attend the ride and would like to make a donation, please send to: BCHA, P.O. Box 282, Daleville, VA 24083. Make checks payable to BCHA and label the memo section as Whispering Oaks Barn Fund. Donations may also be given at Southern States in Troutville where an account has been set up.
Registration is required and the deadline to register is May 17. Attendees should bring their own lawn chair. To register and for directions, contact Debbie Mooty at 540-312-8393.
Thank you for your continued support of BCHA, a non-profit organization promoting interest in the equine and education towards better horsemanship. Visit www.BCHA-VA.com or Facebook at facebook.com/BCHA-VA for more information.
LORD BOTETOURT FFA HOLDS ANNUAL PARENT MEMBER BANQUET
Matt Lohr, Commissioner of Agriculture for the Commonwealth of Virginia was the featured speaker for The Lord Botetourt FFA annual parent member banquet on May 8, 2012 in the high school cafeteria. FFA members joined their families and other officials in celebrating the achievements and awards they had earned over the past year. Other speakers at the banquet included Nina Miller, the current Virginia State FFA Vice president and Jeff Henderson LBHS alumni President. Aside from members and parents in attendance Mr. Jack Leffel of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, Mr. John Alderson, Mr. Michael Beahm and Mrs. Ruth Wallace of the Botetourt County School Board and Mrs. Janet Womack Principal of Lord Botetourt High School were in attendance.
The Banquet was kicked off with the chapter officers performing the official FFA opening ceremony which includes a role call of officers where each officer recites their duties as an officer. Upon conclusion of the ceremony all those in attendance partook of a meal sponsored in part by New River Electric, Botetourt County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and Women’s Committee, A Little off the Top, Dixie Tile, Daniels Heating, Air, and Plumbing, and catered by Mr. Jim Bushong of Don Ho’s catering and restaurant.
After the meal the program included greetings from the key note speaker, Commissioner Lohr. Commissioner Lohr enlightened all in attendance of the impact that the FFA had had in his life and provided words of wisdom for young FFA members as they embark on their future whether it is in the FFA, college or a career in the Agriculture industry a field where colleges are unable to come even close to graduating enough qualified graduates to fill all of the careers that are available in Agriculture.
The remainder of the agenda included: a photo presentation from the chapter reporters Aaron Treadway and Bethany Ross that included all of the activities and accomplishment of the chapter over the year. Greetings were given from the President of the Botetourt County FFA Alumni chapter Mr. Jeff Henderson, recognition of our chapter officers, the presentation of the FFA Creed by Robbie Gathje, recognition of our special guests by chapter Vice President Gavin Spradlin, and recognition of our 32 sponsors by chapter Sentinel John Daniel.
Mr. Stuart Byrd, the Lord Botetourt FFA advisor, then proceeded to recognize students for their accomplishments. The following students received the Degree of Green Hand: Chelsea Broce, Brandon Dooley, Robbie Gathje, Ian Graham, Tyler Lehman, Barron Miller, and Brendan Whitaker. The following received their Chapter FFA Degree: Ben Drewry, Scott Harris, Courtney Henderson, Ricky Ryder, Gavin Spradlin, and Aaron Treadway. The following were recognized and will be getting their state degree this June at the State FFA Convention at Virginia Tech: Jake Gray, C.W. Knox and Josh Pinkard. Luke Sevison was regonized for earning his American FFA Degree which he will receive at the National FFA convention this October in Indianapolis Indiana.
The following students received awards at the banquet: Robbie Gathje received the Outstanding Freshman Award, Courtney Henderson received the Outstanding Sophomore Award, Zach Dove received the Outstanding Junior Award, and Jake Gray received the Outstanding Senior Award. Ben Drewry received the Star Green Hand, Scott Harris received the Star Chapter Farmer, John Daniel received the Star in Agribusiness, and Josh Pinkard received the Dekalb Accomplishment Award.
The following students were recognized for competitions they competed in: Robbie Gathje was recognized for placing first in the Chapter Creed Speaking Contest, Scott Harris was recognized for placing first in the Chapter Public Speaking Contest, Josh Pinkard was recognized for placing High Individual in the Northern Area Forestry Contest, Ricky Ryder was recognized for placing first in the Federation Tractor Operator’s Contest, and John Daniel was recognized for placing first in the Northern Area Small Engine Repair Contest. John Daniel will be competing in the state contest this fall.
After the banquet Door Prizes were awarded including the grand prize, Two tickets to the Allen Jackson concert on May 18th that were won by our very own Mrs. Womack, who as a surprise for the FFA Officers who were not eligible for door prizes donated the tickets back as a reward for a job well done. “I was very excited to win the Tickets..” stated Womack “However, I know that those students would enjoy the concert more than me and they really deserve something for doing such a great job.”
The Lord Botetourt FFA would like to again thank all of the people and businesses that have played a major role in making this year such a great success and we look forward to another great year to come.
"At Paul Keith's farm in Fincastle, the calves nurse on dairy goats".
Goat milk? Botetourt County certainly has many diverse scenes. How about starting the week with this amusing sight near Fincastle! Many thanks to Wanda Foreman for capturing this moment and sending it in!
Have a picture that will rock our world? Send it to:
With the melodic natural sounds of wetlands wildlife like bull frogs, robins and red wing black birds, the Read Mountain Middle School Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience took place on Friday May 4 at Greenfield property. The Cherry Blossom Trail, the Greenfield pond and the creek that bubbles past the trail were all part of the scenario. Erica Moore, the TMDL Technician/Education Coordinator of Mountain Castles SWCD coordinated the programs for the second year in a row. Last year, Central Academy 6th graders participated in similar activities.
Approximately 235 6th grade students (in 12 groups) visited 14 stations (two of each theme below). Students filled out journal pages for each of the 7 stations they visited – the activities were prepared ahead of time and community volunteers helped complete the projects with student assistance and in put. The amount of knowledge was incredible and shared by those in the community who could teach as well as impart water quality information. Three community volunteers, Sandy Hunter, Cathy Charity and Louise Jargowsky, led a team of sixth graders through the chemical testing of pond water to see the general health of the pond at Greenfield.
At the water quality station, a bit of chemistry was performed. Measurements included turbidity, Ph, oxygen level and temperature. A group of four 6th grade boys Charlie Dooley, Zach Heldreth, Benny Ford and Matthew Benson quickly and efficiently performed the testing under the watchful eyes of not only the three volunteers, but also Math teacher Tracey White.
Dooley was quick to provide answers for the tests. After shaking a vial for four minutes he reported, “The oxygen level is “4.” Heldrith announced the PH level at 7. Both numbers are indicators that water quality is good. Perhaps the most fun was watching the micro biotic life dashing around in the bucket- full of pond water dipped to use for testing.
The station themes were:
Wetlands (soils and wildlife)
Water Quality
Riparian Forest Buffer
Bioassessment/Macroinvertebrates
Reduce/Reuse/Recycle
Land Use/Watersheds
Impermeable Surface
Students brought bagged lunches and enjoyed a day in nature learning what helps and what hinders clean water –one of the Earth’s most precious resources!
Jessie Mowles and her daughter Shelby believe in fresh foods at Troutville Farmer's Market.
Troutville seeks new vendors and the return of others who have been keeping the Farmer’s Market going the past few years. A new volunteer, Jessie Mowles is heading up the reorganization. The Market will begin June 2 and got through til the Harvest season is over in September. Mowles is seeking people who grow fruit and vegetables, make crafts, local meats, eggs, sell fresh flowers, freshly baked breads, herbs and local honey.
“We need consistent vendors, reasonably priced goods and people who want to by locally grown,” said Mowles, “The park is a convenient place for the community to come together. We want to rely on good quality produce and products from their neighbors.”
This lovely field of Crimson Clover is located at the corner of Lee Lane and Haymakertown Road in western Botetourt County. Many folks have asked what it is. The field is normally a cornfield so likely the farmer is resting his field with a nutrient rich clover crop. Field Daisies dot the red in places, too! Beautiful Botetourt in the Spring of 2012.
From eHow.com:
“Crimson clover is one of the best plants you can grow in a vegetable garden, even though it will not ever cross your plate. Why? Because crimson clover is a cover crop–a plant grown over the winter to help suppress weeds, prevent erosion and build healthier soil. Cover crops are also known as “green manures” because they add valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Crimson clover is an excellent cover crop because it helps fix nitrogen into the soil and its beautiful maroon flowers lure beneficial insects into the garden in spring.” by Walt Galloway.-
Here’s a song from the 60s by Tommy James and the Shondells to go with it! “Crimson and Clover”
Susan Allen with left to right Lethia Hammond, Christine Broughton, Allen, Wade Anderson, Back: John Alexander and Jeff Stritesky.
Susan Allen once a first lady of Virginia and wife of former Governor and Republican Senatorial candidate George Allen, came to Botetourt County and Greenfield Training and Education Center on Monday, April 30. On a campaign stop for her husband, the personable Susan Allen shared time with a number of Botetourt business owners and elected officials.
Explaining why George Allen is running once again for the Senate seat he lost to Jim Webb, Susan Allen said, “My husband does not believe the country is going in the right direction.” A confirmed conservative, George Allen is currently in a race with three other candidates for the Republican nomination. The June Republican primary will choose the candidate who will challenge another former Governor, Democrat Tim Kaine.
During the course of an hour Allen spoke candidly with many different business owners in attendance. Barbara Kolb who described herself as a farmer and is the owner of Blue Ridge Vineyard and a retired teacher, said to Allen, “The wine industry is growing. There are now over 200 wineries. We appreciate the tourism assistance that the state has given.” Rud Peters who owns a landscape business said he is “swamped with work but no complaints.” Then he said, “I’d like to sell.”
John Rader a local stockbroker commanded that whoever is elected, the partisan fighting in Congress must stop that it is ruining the country. Terry Austin Buchanan Supervisors said he hopes that if Allen is elected, that he can work with Sen. Mark Warner. Susan Allen mentioned that George Allen has worked with Warner before. Larry Ceola asked Susan Allen about the uncertain future many feel. He said, “The unknown is taking its toll for many and taking a chance to hire more employees or new equipment is scary.” She replied, “Many Americans are tired about being worried and concerned for our country. We have to be positive.” She added to be positive in November with the election.
Among talking points she discussed were coal, off shore drilling, gasoline prices, energy, energy costs, healthcare and business taxes. She pointed out that during Allen’s time as governor, 300,000 jobs were created (including JTek and Virginian Forge in Botetourt.) During Kaine’s administration she noted, “100,000 jobs were lost.”
Susan Allen speaks of clean coal energy.
She asked all Botetourt Republicans to support George Allen as an Ambassador for George Allen. “Tell someone you know to support George Allen. Tell them a good George Allen story.”
HENRY’S FARM INC. RECALLS SOYBEAN SPROUTS DUE TO POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that Henry’s Farm Inc. of Woodford, VA is recalling all packages of Soybean Sprouts because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections to individuals with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.
The following products are being recalled by the firm.
1. All clear plastic packages containing 1.5 lbs. Grown in Natural Spring Water Soybean Sprouts. The packages were not coded.
2. All bulk (approximately 10 lbs.) plastic bags of Soybean Sprouts. The packages were neither coded nor labeled.
These items were distributed to retail stores in Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C.
The contamination was discovered after sampling by VDACS Food Safety and Security Program. Subsequent analysis by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the products. No illness has been reported to date.
A package of the recalled soy bean sprouts.
Individuals who purchased Soybean Sprouts distributed by Henry’s Farm should return the product to the place of sale for a full refund.
Consumers with questions may contact either the company directly at 301.802.2996 or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Food Safety and Security Program. at 804.786.3520.
Farms are inviting visitors to tour a vineyard, enjoy hayrides, buy their produce, and eat ice cream made from the local dairy’s milk. If agritourism is part of your business plan for your farm, you will want to attend the Connecting Agritourism & Agricultural Resources: A Local Products Trail workshop.
Presented by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and Virginia Tourism Corporation in partnership with Eagle Rock Ruritans and Botetourt County Office of Tourism, Connecting Agritourism & Agricultural Resources is scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, 2012, and will be held at the Ikenberry’s Orchard located at 2557 Roanoke Road, Daleville, Virginia, beginning at 1 p.m. and concluding about 4 p.m.
During the workshop, participants will gather information on agritourism possibilities, liability issues, marketing strategies, and ideas for generating income from your products. You will also hear from local agritourism entrepreneurs on their successes and their challenges.
The workshop is free, but you must register. To register, email Kate Lawrence at MCL87@vt.edu or phone 540.473.8260 by Thursday, May 10, 2012.
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About this blog
Welcome to The Notebook, the community gathering place for news and tidbits from The Botetourt View, by community journalist Cathy Benson (that's her on the left). You'll be able to find the most up-to-date news, events and stories in Botetourt County here at this blog.
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