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Use MyPlate to Make a Better Pizza
(Posted on 2/3/2012)
The USDA Farm Service Agency has reported that Americans eat about 100 acres of pizza daily, Francis said. “This amounts to 46 slices for each man, woman and child in the United States each year. We love pizza even though it is one of the top three sources of refined grains, solid fats, saturated fats and sodium.

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Choctaw Indian Elbow Basket
(Posted on 1/26/2012)
Learn how to make A Choctaw Indian elbow basket at a hands-on workshop on Saturday, March 17. RSVP by Friday, March 9.

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Tax Refund Anticipation Loans and Checks
(Posted on 1/23/2012)
"The lure of quick cash before you get your tax refund will cost you big money through high fees and hefty interest rates," states Brenda Schmitt, ISU Extension Family Finance Field Specialist. You can seek free income tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

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Experiential Learning
(Posted on 1/18/2012)
The Iowa State University Extension 4-H Program thrives on creating opportunities for youth to learn and have fun together. For more information on joining 4-H, contact your County Extension Office.

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When Siblings Fight, Teach Healthy Ways to Handle Conflict
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
With winter’s cold, snowy weather, children will be spending more time indoors with their brothers and sisters. Sometimes this forced closeness may cause an increase in disagreements, arguments and all-out fights.

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Spend Smart. Eat Smart.
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
I would bet many of you are thinking about spending less or eating healthier. The best way to do both at the same time is to use a menu and a shopping list.

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Free Tax Preparation Available
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
Families with low to moderate earned income can save by having their taxes prepared by certified, volunteer tax preparers. This free service is provided in Waukon, Postville, Elma, Cresco, Decorah, Calmar, and New Hampton.

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Live Healthy Iowa
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
Live Healthy Iowa brings together friends, families, businesses and communities in team-based wellness challenges designed to promote positive lifestyle change. These challenges are proven to change the culture of a company or community, one team at a time! 2012 Program begins on January 23!

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Lowering Home Energy Bills
(Posted on 12/20/2011)
Practical solutions to reducing your home energy costs revolve around taking a whole-house approach. Selecting energy-efficient equipment and products for your home and maintaining systems to perform at higher efficiency can reduce energy costs.

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It's ALWAYS a GREAT Time to Join 4-H!
(Posted on 12/13/2011)
4-H is a program that offers a wealth of opportunities for kids of all ages and interests.

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Connecting Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/13/2011)
The Keynote address will begin at 7 PM on Thursday, Jan. 5 and will feature Brenda Ranum, the Regional Director for ISU Extension and partner of the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Imitative. Once registered, participants will receive directions as to how to log into the virtual class room. Participants will need high speed internet, a headset with a microphone to participate or can use a chat box.

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2012 GARDEN CALENDARS AVAILABLE
(Posted on 12/12/2011)
Gardeners, novice and experienced, will be inspired by Iowa State University Extension's 2012 garden calendar.

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Healthiest State Initiative
(Posted on 10/5/2011)
By 2016, Iowans aim to be the #1 healthiest state — the goal of the Healthiest State Initiative. The initiative is a privately led public initiative intended to inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is supporting the Healthiest State Initiative and our specialists have been involved in various levels of the effort.

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Register now - Preserve the Taste of Summer course
(Posted on 8/3/2011)
Canning and preserving your fruits and vegetables will allow you to enjoy the produce from your garden all year long. Join us for these workshops and learn how to safely and effectively make jam, pickles, salsa and more.

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GO GREEN!
(Posted on 4/1/2011)
Energy efficency in the home is a family matter. Here is a new informational section to help you and your family Go Green! $ave Time and Money$

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Allamakee County 4-H is on Facebook
(Posted on 12/3/2010)
Allamakee County 4-H is now on Facebook. Check us out today.

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Allamakee County 4-H Photo Site
(Posted on 8/17/2010)
4-H photo site on Flickr.

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eXtension Just in Time Parenting online resource for parents!
(Posted on 2/22/2010)
Learn about a national Extension website that brings quality, research-based information to families at the time it can be most useful and make the biggest difference in their lives.

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What Are Your Appliances Consuming?
(Posted on 6/18/2008)
Are you aware of how much energy that big screen television or that old, spare refrigerator in the basement or garage is using? With an Electricity Usage Meter (EUM), you can discover how much electricity your household appliances consume and which appliances continue to consume electricity even when turned off (phantom loads).

News from Iowa State University Extension

Kids Learn Healthy Habits from Caring Adults
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Adults need to adapt healthier lifestyles and be role models for kids if Iowa is going to be the healthiest state in the nation, says Ruth Litchfield, an Iowa State University associate professor and state nutrition extension specialist.
Science of Parenting: How to Parent Spirited Children
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
When it comes to temperament, some kids are as dependable as pickup trucks, while others are as touchy as high-end sports cars. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach examines the “engine” that drives a child and how parents can manage spirited children.
Connect to Nature at February Virtual Eco Family Conference
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
“When we love the place where we live, we take better care of it,” said Kristi Cooper, a family life specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She will discuss how to develop a sense of place and build communities that connect people with nature during the Virtual Eco Family Conference on Feb. 2.
Parent-Child Cell Phone Debate Continues
(Posted on 1/17/2012)
Parents can exert a measure of control over their child’s mobile phone use by limiting use, checking its contents and using it to monitor the whereabouts of their offspring. However, with a few exceptions, these activities by parents do not seem to impact patterns of cell phone use by teens, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach family life specialists.
Women: Register for Money Talk Online Class by Feb. 1
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
At some point in many women’s lives, they will have to make major financial decisions. Money Talk, an online class offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, gives women the knowledge to make those decisions and improve their lives. The registration deadline is Feb. 1 and the class begins Feb. 6.
Science of Parenting: Using Technology to Help with Parenting
(Posted on 1/3/2012)
From podcasts to text messages and Skype, many parents are adding technology to their parenting toolkit. This month’s Science of Parenting podcast from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes a closer look at how parents can use information and communications technology for parenting.
Virtual Eco Family Conference Connects Families to the Environment
(Posted on 12/22/2011)
Iowa families throughout the state will be getting together — virtually — once a month from January through June for an Eco Family Conference from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. It’s an opportunity for families to improve the environment, reduce their carbon footprint and create community close to home.
Extension Offers Free Monthly Parenting Newsletter
(Posted on 12/16/2011)
Any parent, new or seasoned, may have questions regarding his or her children. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers a free monthly newsletter, Just in Time Parenting, with helpful information on parenting young ones.
Phone App Is Winter Preparedness Tool for Motorists
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists prepare for winter weather travels. And should they get stuck in winter weather, the app provides on-the-spot assistance.
Parents Can Help Kids Deal with Bullying
(Posted on 12/1/2011)
Relational aggression in children is another way of saying that kids can be mean to one another. Parents may not be able to stop this bullying, but they can help their children learn how to deal with the behavior, says Kimberly Greder, an extension specialist and associate professor of human development and family studies at Iowa State University.

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Staff

Cindy Baumgartner - Nutrition and Health Specialist
Phone: 563/927-4201
Fax: 563/927-3744
Email: cbaum@iastate.edu

Kristi Cooper - Family Life Specialist
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: kcoop@iastate.edu

Resources from ISU Extension