Are You Being Nice To Yourself?

Top 10 Bodacious Ways to Be Nice to Yourself
by Christine Kane

Just as there was a time when "google" was not a verb, there was also a time when "bodacious" was not a word. Bodacious is a blend of "bold" and "audacious" created in British English dialect late in the nineteenth century. 

Still, I'm glad it was created! Some days we need to be bodacious! And some days, we need to remember to apply it to how kindly we treat ourselves. Trust me: You'll thrive tomorrow because of today's kindness. 

Here are my top 10 bodacious ways to be nice to yourself: 

1- Flowers! 

This is so simple - and yet so powerful! Fresh flowers beautify any space. I always have an orchid on my coffee table. I see it the minute I walk in the door, and it reminds me to take a deep breath and cherish the beauty of my life. Have a Sunday practice of getting fresh flowers to get your week off to a bodacious start! 

2 - Take a nap 

Favorite thing: I climb into bed for a nap in the middle of the day. Within minutes comes the soft ploop of cat paws on the cover. I can hear the cat thoughts: Hmm. The human has decided to lie quietly. I'd like to take part. Then the paws walk all around me until they find the very best spot for settling. 

Cats know the truth: Naps are bodacious! 

3 - Pay full price 

The amount of energy we waste on trying to get "deals" is often not worth it. If you see something you love, then get it. I'm convinced that we'd all be so much happier and wealthier if we just gotexactly what we loved without looking at price tags and wasting time looking for sales. (We'd probably have much less stuff too!) 

4 - Trampolines and swings. 

I was at a cocktail party last year. The adults were up on the deck watching the kids jump on the trampoline. At one point, all the kids ran inside. I kicked off my shoes and ran for the trampoline. Three other women joined me. We laughed and jumped for about 15 minutes. It was the most fun I'd had that week. 

Swings are fun, too. And they're easy to find! Who cares if you look or feel stupid? Being an adult doesn't have to mean being boring! 

5 - Truncate your To-Do's. 

How many items are on your to-do list today? 

32? 

20? 

67? 

A day should have no more than two or three mission-critical priorities for completion. The rest are extra credit! Giving yourself the gift of completion is the ultimate self-kindness. 

6 - Order out.

I love preparing meals. But some nights, it's just necessary to let someone else do the cooking. We have a great delivery service in our town. I don't mind the extra expense if it allows me a night of no clean up, and a little extra time to write or just be with my husband.

7 - Take a long walk with your dog. 

Are you one of those people who gets home from work and marches your dog around the block with a grim look on your face? (Another to-do item checked off the list!) 

Try this: Take your dog for a long happy walk. Revel in the delight and presence of your dog. It will absolutely lift your spirits. 

8 - Go on a retreat.

Many of the women who come to my Unstoppable Power of Intention Retreats show up frazzled and nervous. They've never done something so bodacious in their lives! They leave refreshed and renewed. One woman hugged me as she was about to drive away from the March retreat and she said, "This was the best money I've ever spent on myself."

It doesn't have to be one of my retreats, of course. (Though they are pretty great! And the October retreat is already half-full!) You can search google for all kinds of bodacious retreat getaways in your area. 

9 - Read for fun. 

Do you relish your days on the beach because it's the only time you'll allow yourself the joy of a trashy novel or some "light" reading? 

Why not get a little bodacious and bring the beach to your work-week? Curl up at night and get lost in some fun fiction. 

10 - Step AWAY from the computer. (And the phone.) 

Everyone needs a break from social media and blogs and email. (Yes, even this e-Zine!) Don't include your computer in any of the above activities. And turn off your phone, too! I promise, your computer and phone won't take it personally! (Neither will this e-Zine!) 

---

Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative atwww.christinekane.com.

Families Column

Contact:  Donna Andrusyk, ISU Extension Family Life Specialist, 319-882-4275, andrusyk@iastate.edu

 Keep Your Marriage Strong in Stressful Times

 When money gets tight, a couple’s relationship can be stretched — and stressed — as well. Spouses may handle tough times differently, says Donna Andrusyk, an Iowa State University Extension family life field specialist. These varying reactions and feelings can pull couples apart or bring them closer together.

Don’t give up on your spouse because he or she acts differently than you. Instead, look at the many ways that differences can strengthen your relationship.  You can use the differences in your couple relationship to help you handle stressful times.

 A man may find it difficult to talk about personal feelings and needs, and would rather “do” something than deal with his feelings, such as work longer hours than usual.   A woman may interpret this to mean that her husband doesn’t care, but that isn’t necessarily true. Her partner just may not be able to express his feelings in words for a variety of reasons. He doesn’t want to lose emotional control, he may think that talking might hurt too much or perhaps he has difficulty in choosing the right words.

 A woman often is viewed as the person who does the most talking in a relationship. She may be the one in the marriage who expresses her feelings very easily and more freely than her partner. This easy release is a part of a person’s coping style and doesn’t mean that she is out of control.

 Try these seven general tips for improving family communication during tough times.

1.      Give your spouse your full attention; put aside whatever you are doing — even the dishes or the newspaper.

2.      Be open and respectful of each other’s opinions even when you disagree. 

3.      Clarify what you don’t understand with words like: “Tell me more about ____” or “How long have you felt this way?”

4.      Relate your feelings simply and directly when it is your turn to talk.

5.      Don’t judge, blame or evaluate. Instead, describe how a person’s behavior affects you — “I feel ____ when ___ happens.”

6.      Be aware of how your body, tone of voice and timing for holding the conversation might be interpreted. Problems arise when verbal and non-verbal messages are different.

7.      Agree to express frequent, sincere appreciation for your spouse’s strengths, and arrange to have some quality time together that involves something you both enjoy doing.

Marriage is a team of two people who together can work through a situation to find solutions.  Be flexible, share the burdens and do what makes sense for the family, rather than worrying about what other people think.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Is It Warmer? Spring Cleaning!

Spring-cleaning strategies to reduce triggers for allergies and asthma 

Spring cleaning is a particularly important rite for anyone who suffers from asthma. In the U.S. that number is more than 22 million, and nearly six million of them are children. Asthma attacks are triggered by tiny airborne particles called allergens. These allergens lurk in dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches and their droppings, mold and mildew and pollen. Good cleaning practices can reduce the amount of allergens in the home according to an article by The Soap and Detergent Association. Here are some allergen-reducing cleaning strategies.

Move It Out
The more stuff you have around, including piles of mail, stacks of paper grocery bags and a cache of newspapers, the more places there are for dust and its allergens to accumulate – and for mold, mildew and cockroaches to live and grow. Clean them out. Then take a hard look at the other things you own. Recycling old belongings and collectables or donating them to charity will cut down on dust throughout the house, which makes cleaning easier.

Put It Away
Items that are out of sight are less likely to become magnets for dust and mold.

• Keep small items, like CDs, tapes, DVDs, books, figurines and stuffed animals in enclosed storage containers, drawers or closed cabinets.
• Develop a system for handling the build-up of mail. Open the mail over the wastebasket or recycle bin so the unwanted stuff doesn't linger in the house.
• If you hold newspapers and magazines for recycling, keep them in a closed container or store them in the garage.

Dust It Off
The goal is to reduce dust, not distribute it into the air. If the person doing the cleaning suffers from asthma, they should keep the house well-ventilated while cleaning or ask someone else to vacuum while they are out of the room. Be aware that dust particles can remain in the air for up to two hours.

• Choose a dusting product or a special cloth that attracts dust.
• Use an upright vacuum or a canister style with a power nozzle. They pick up two to six times as much dust from a rug as canisters without a power nozzle.

Change It Out
Spring cleaning is a good time to make some changes in your home that'll lessen the influence of allergens.

• Special dust mite-proof covers, sometimes called "allergy impermeable" covers, will help keep dust from going through pillows and mattresses. Wipe covers with a damp cloth every week.
• Exchange heavy draperies for lightweight, washable curtains.
• Replace open-shelf storage with drawers and closed cabinets

Remember to contact Deb Brown for safe, non toxic products to use when cleaning your house and doing your laundry! 

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

image from www.deadfred.com 

Families Column

Families Column

Contact:  Jill Weber, ISU Extension Nutrition & Health Specialist, 319-234-6811, jrweber@iastate.edu

 Do You Pack Safety in Your Picnic Basket?!

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching.  Many families have made plans for picnics or other outdoor activities where food will be packed and taken along.

 There are usually ants and other insects crawling or flying around at a picnic. Cindy Baumgartner, Nutrition and Health Field Specialist for Iowa State University Extension Service, says, “While you can see ants and avoid them, it is not always possible to see, taste, or smell dangerous bacteria that may cause illness if food is mishandled.  Before having a picnic, be sure you pack safety in your basket!”  

Food must be prepared and stored safely, then packed safely for traveling.  As summer approaches, did you know this is the season when more people become ill from foodborne illnesses?  Why?  Bacteria grow and multiply very rapidly when they are in the “danger zone” between 40°-140° F.  This is the temperature when food is sitting out of the refrigerator or before food begins to cook. 

 Food transported without an ice source or left out in the sun at a picnic will not stay safe for long.  Family and friends who eat mishandled food may come down with gastrointestinal, “flu-like” symptoms caused by foodborne pathogens. 

Baumgartner says to follow these tips for packing a safe picnic lunch:

·         Try to plan just the right amount of foods to take. That way, you will not have to worry about the storage of safety of leftovers.

·         Wash hands and work areas thoroughly before food preparation. Be sure all utensils and containers are clean as well

·         Foods cooked ahead need to be cooked in plenty time to thoroughly chill in the refrigerator. Use an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or ice packs to keep the food at a temperature of 40° or lower.  Pack food from the refrigerator right into the cooler.

·         If you are planning on take-out foods, such as fried chicken or barbecued beef, eat them within two hours of pick-up or buy ahead of time and chill them before packing the foods into the cooler.

·         Don’t put the cooler in the trunk...keep it inside the air-conditioned vehicle.

·         At the picnic, keep the cooler in the shade.  Keep the lid closed and avoid repeated openings.  Replenish the ice if it melts.

·         Use a separate cooler for drinks so the one containing perishable food won’t be constantly opened and closed.

 If you are employed in a food service related career, Iowa State University Extension offers professional food safety and sanitation certification training, such as ServSafe or SafeFood.  Contact your local Franklin County Extension Office at 3 1^st Ave NW, Hampton, 641-456-4811 for dates of upcoming classes and/or questions about food safety.  We have great information...check us out!    

picture from flickr.com 

Let The Parties Begin!

Michelle Hartman invites you to "Tastefully Simple/Tupperware Summer Backyard Party" on Thursday, May 28 at 4:30pm.

Event: Tastefully Simple/Tupperware Summer Backyard Party
       ""We will have drinks & food to get you in a Summer Mood!!""

What: Cocktail Party

Host: Michelle Hartman & Kelli Showalter

Start Time: Thursday, May 28 at 4:30pm
End Time: Thursday, May 28 at 6:30pm

Where: Michelle's Backyard

Please call Michelle and let her know if you are coming!  641-892-4206 

Summer Schudules are busy so we are having a STOP-N-SHOP Backyard Party for YOU!! Come join us & see what is NEW for SUMMER from Tastefully Simple & Tupperware!!

Feel free to bring your kids & they can play while you taste test food & drinks & check out the NEW summer Tupperware!

picture by manimoo at flickr.com

Got Well Water?

Spring is a Good Time to Test Well Water

AMES, Iowa -- Safe drinking water is important to your family’s health. But how can you tell if your well and water system provide safe water? If your drinking water comes from a public water supply, the federal safe drinking water act requires that it be sampled and tested on a regular basis.

If you live on a rural acreage, however, your drinking water may come from a private well. If that’s the case, it’s up to you to make sure the system is properly inspected and tested for safety.

The quality of water from private wells should be tested annually.
Spring or early summer is one of the best times of year to test your well. Iowa gets most of its rainfall April through June. During this wet period excess water picks up bacteria, nitrate and recently-applied lawn and crop chemicals as it percolates through the soil. If the upper part of your well is leaky, this contaminated water may enter your well through these defects, bringing contaminants with it.

During late summer when the ground is dry, or in the winter when the ground is frozen, the same well may test safe. So if you want to get the most for your investment of time and money, test during wet weather. If your well water is safe during this time of year, the odds are that it will be safe the remainder of the year.

Water testing services are offered by private and state-operated laboratories.
Check your phone book or the web for private labs in your area, or contact UHL (University Hygienic Laboratory), Iowa’s official state environmental laboratory, toll-free (800) 421-4692, or www.uhl.uiowa.edu/services/wellwater/.

Accurate water testing requires proper scientific equipment and highly trained personnel. To be sure the lab you select is properly equipped and staffed with qualified personnel, ask whether it is certified by the Iowa DNR to perform water testing for public water supplies in Iowa.

There are many contaminants in the environment, and each requires a specific test. Testing for all of these would be expensive and time-consuming. Unless you know that a particular contaminant has been spilled near your well, start with tests for coliform bacteria and nitrate. These are two of the most common contaminants found in private wells. They are relatively inexpensive to test for, and are good general indicators of drinking water safety.

Careful sampling is required to obtain accurate test results. Samples for coliform bacteria, for example, must be collected in a sterile bottle. The lab will supply bottles that are properly prepared for each of the tests you need. Be sure to follow written directions supplied by the lab for collecting each type of sample. When sampling for copper, for example, samples collected early in the day usually produce the most meaningful results. Sampling location can be important too. Water for coliform bacteria testing must be collected in a clean indoor location to avoid contamination of the sterile bottle with dust and associated bacteria that can cause inaccurate test results.

Some counties offer private well testing programs. Contact your county board of health or county sanitarian to see if your county offers a well testing program. 

Trees Are Good!

Planting a Tree

Poorly drained sites are difficult locations for many trees. When selecting trees for these sites, choose trees that can tolerate poorly drained conditions. When planting, the depth of the planting hole should be approximately two-thirds of the height of the rootball. When placed in the hole, the top one-third of the soil ball should be above the surrounding soil. When backfilling, place soil to the top of the rootball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line.

To successfully establish trees in the home landscape, it's important to follow proper planting techniques. For balled and burlapped trees, dig a hole two to three times wider than the diameter of the tree's rootball. The depth of the hole should be two or three inches less than the height of the rootball. Slope the sides of the hole so the top of the hole is several inches wider than the bottom. (This technique also can be used for container-grown trees.)

Next, grasping the tree's rootball, carefully lower the tree into the hole. The top of the rootball should be approximately two or three inches above the surrounding soil line. Make sure the trunk is straight. Then, begin backfilling with the original soil. Do not add compost, peat or other organic materials to the soil. Gently firm the backfill soil in the hole with your hands.

When the planting hole is one-half full, cut and remove all twine. Also, cut away and remove the burlap on the top one-third to one-half of the root ball. If the rootball is in a wire basket, remove the top one-third to one-half of the basket. Completely fill the remainder of the hole with soil. Place soil up to the top of the rootball and gradually slope it down to the surrounding soil line. When finished the trunk should widen or flare just above the soil line. The tree trunk should not resemble a utility pole, but should look like that favorite pair of bell bottom jeans you may have in the back of your closet. The last step is to thoroughly water the tree.

Once the hole has been prepared for container-grown trees, as earlier described for balled and burlapped trees, carefully lay the tree on its side. Tap the sides of the container to loosen the soil ball from the container, and then slide the tree out of its container.

Sometimes it is necessary to cut off the containers of large, container-grown trees. Begin by cutting off the bottom of the container. Place the tree in the hole, then, cut away the sides of the container. All containers should be removed, even supposedly plantable containers. If the sides of the soil ball are a mass of roots, make several 1/2-inch-deep cuts up the sides of the soil ball with a sharp knife. Also, make a 1/2-inch-deep, x-shaped cut on the bottom of the soil ball. Carefully place the tree in the hole. Remember, the top of the soil ball should be approximately two or three inches above the surrounding soil. In poorly drained sites, the top one-third of the soil ball should stick above the surrounding soil. Gradually fill the hole with soil. With each new addition of soil, firm it in place with your hands. Once planted, water thoroughly.

Tree Care and Maintenance in the Landscape

Newly planted trees need water, mulch and care for a couple of years after planting. The key to watering newly planted trees is to check the moisture status of the plant's rootball frequently. Since the roots of newly planted trees are initially confined to the plant's rootball, newly planted trees should be watered when the rootball (not the surrounding soil) begins to dry out.

To water the rootball, slowly apply water to the base of the tree. The frequency of watering can be reduced and the watering area enlarged as the tree's root system begins to grow into the surrounding soil. Small trees usually require watering for one or two growing seasons. It may be necessary to water large trees for three or four years.

To help conserve moisture, place two to four inches of mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, around trees. Mulches also help control weeds, moderate soil temperatures and reduce the risk of mechanical damage to tree trunks from errant lawnmowers and string-trimmers. When mulching trees, do not place mulch against the tree's trunk. Keep the mulch at least six inches away from the trunk of the tree. Mulch piled against the tree trunk may create favorable conditions for fungal cankers, root rots, insects and rodents.

Trees use sugars and other carbohydrates manufactured by the foliage for plant growth. Therefore, avoid the temptation to severely prune newly planted trees. Severe pruning reduces the tree's ability to manufacture food and actually slows plant growth. Newly planted trees require only corrective pruning. Remove structural defects, such as double leaders and dead, broken or crossing branches. Retain most of the lower branches to help stabilize the tree. The lower branches also provide food for the growing tree. Gradually remove the lower limbs as the tree grows during the first five to 10 years.

Staking is not required for most newly planted trees. However, top-heavy trees and those planted in windy, exposed sites may require staking. If staking is necessary, allow the trunk to move or sway for proper trunk and root development. To prevent damage to the trunk, use strong, wide strips of canvas, rubber or other materials to support the tree. Remove the stakes as soon as possible. In most cases, stakes can be safely removed after one growing season.

Wrapping protective materials around the trunks of newly planted trees is usually not necessary. There appears to be little or no benefit to tree wraps. If you do decide to use a tree wrap, place it around the tree in fall (November) and promptly remove it the following spring (April).

It generally is not necessary to fertilize newly planted trees. Most Iowa soils can supply sufficient amounts of nutrients during establishment. If the trees are growing poorly two to three years after planting, fertilization may be beneficial. Poorly growing trees often exhibit sparse foliage, yellow-green leaves or short annual twig growth.

Following these planting and after planting steps will increase the likelihood of healthy, happy trees in your yard for years to come.

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

picture is from www.treesaregood.com

 

Can You Name That ......

4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team

 Franklin County Extension is looking for youth interested in livestock production to participate in the 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team.  Students that work with beef, sheep, meat goat, or swine and are at least 14 years old as of January 1, are qualified to participate on the Franklin County 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl Team.  Those youth interested should meet at the 4-H Foodstand, at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hampton, 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 27.  For more information call Jackie Dohlman at the Franklin County Extension Office, 641-456-4811, or e-mail jackied@iastate.edu

Information about the picture:

OMAHA – A Franklin County, Iowa, 4-H team placed third in the AK-SAR-BEN 4-H Livestock Exposition Quiz Bowl Invitational contest Sept. 27 in Omaha. The team won $750.

The Iowa team placed third out of seven states competing. Members were Austin Schnabel, Sheffield; Caleb Dirksen, Thornton; Kellen Suntken, Belmond; and Tyler Dirksen, Hampton. Jordann Wenzel, Latimer, was the alternate. The team was coached by Jackie Dohlman, Hampton

Lost? Teach A Kid GPS!

Franklin County Extension to Offer GPS Activities for Youth

 

The first GPS Treasurer Hunters activity for youth who have completed grades 4-12 will meet at the Franklin County Extension Office Tuesday, May 26, at 7:00 p.m.  Youth will learn the basics of operating a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) unit while discovering points of interest in downtown Hampton.  Plans are to hold more activities this summer using GPS units to go geocaching and mapping county parks.  Parents are welcome.  Youth may bring their own GPS units, but not required.  The purpose of this activity is to learn about this technology while enjoying hiking through our county and state parks.  Please register by May 26.  For more information contact Jackie Dohlman at 641-456-4811 or jackied@iastate.edu   

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

picture is from www.directionsmag.com 

What's Up In The Garden

by Jackie Dohlman, Franklin County Master Gardener

Tips on Planting Tomatoes, Growing Beets, and Plants the Japanese Beetles Will Not Attack

What is the proper way to plant tomatoes?

Plant tomatoes in the garden after the danger of frost is past. In central Iowa, it's usually safe to plant tomatoes around May 10. Gardeners in southern Iowa can plant one week earlier, while those in northern counties should wait an extra week. The last practical date for planting tomatoes is approximately June 20.

Plant tomatoes in full sun. The planting site should receive at least six hours of direct sun each day. If the plants are in peat pots, tear off the top edge or make sure the top edge is well below the soil surface once planted. If the top edge of the peat pot is exposed to the air, it will act like a wick and draw water from the soil around the plant. If the tomatoes are in plastic pots or cells, carefully tap out the plants.

Set plants into the soil up to their first true leaves. Pinch off the bottom leaves of tall, lanky transplants and lay them sideways in a trench. Carefully bend the stem upward so that the upper few inches of stem are above the soil surface. Roots will develop all along the buried stem.

Spacing of plants depends on the growth habit of the variety and training system employed. Indeterminate tomatoes grown in wire cages should be spaced two to three feet apart, while a three- to four-foot spacing would be appropriate for indeterminate tomatoes allowed to sprawl over the ground.

Determinate tomatoes can be planted two to 2-1/2 feet apart. Rows should be spaced about four feet apart.

I haven't had much success growing beets. What can I do to ensure a good crop?

Beets perform best in loose, well-drained soils in full sun. The planting site should receive at least six hours of direct sun each day.

The most common problem growing beets is not thinning the planting. Proper spacing is essential for a quality crop. Thinning is especially important for beets since every beet is actually a fruit that contains several seeds. Thin the beet planting when the seedlings are three inches tall.

Remove the smaller, weaker seedlings and leave the stronger, more vigorous plants. After thinning, plants should be spaced three to four inches apart.

Poor germination may be another problem. Poor germination may result from the crusting of the soil surface or dry soil conditions. Crusting can be prevented by lightly mulching the seeded row with sawdust, peat moss or dry grass clippings. Water the row during dry weather to promote germination.

Are there any landscape plants that won't be attacked by Japanese beetles?

Japanese beetles feed on more than 400 species of plants. Commonly attacked plant hosts include peach, cherry, plum, apple, linden, birch, elm, Norway maple, horse chestnut, willow, grape, raspberry, Virginia creeper, rose, hollyhock, hibiscus, dahlia and zinnia.

Plants that are rarely attacked by Japanese beetles include red maple, magnolia, white oak, red oak, common lilac, burning bush, hydrangea, forsythia, rhododendron, boxwood, holly, juniper, arborvitae, yew, fir, spruce, pine, impatiens, begonia, ageratum, columbine, sedum, coral bells and coreopsis. 

Rollover! Sit!

Dog Obedience Classes

 Dog Obedience Classes for Franklin County 4-H members and the general public will begin Thursday evenings, June 4 through July 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Classes will be conducted at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and will be taught by Carma DeVries and Valerie Lillibridge.

 The class is limited to 15 participants and their dog.  Enrollment forms may be picked up and returned by May 29 at the Franklin County Extension Office, 3 First Avenue NW, Hampton, Iowa 50441.

 Cost for the class is $10.00 for 4-H members enrolled in the dog project and $20.00 for the public.

 Requirements for the class include:  A six foot lead, choke collar and a veterinary certificate showing proof of all vaccinations. THIS IS A MUST!!!  Bring a copy of this certificate when you enroll.

 For more information call the Extension Office at 641-456-4811

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like: 

Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114

Those two cute dogs, Bailey and Bubba - are the furbabies of Denise Passehl - your Independent Watkins representative.  

4 H Camp

Junior 4-H Camp

 Franklin County 4-H members in grades 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th are invited to attend Junior 4-H Camp “Diggin the Outdoors”, June 10-12, 2009.  The camp will be held at the 4-H Camping Center, Madrid, Iowa.  Come join in the fun, discover places you’ve never been and meet new friends from Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Humboldt, Webster and Wright counties.  Space is limited, and you don’t want to be left out!  Camp cost is $60 for Franklin County 4-H members.  For more information or a registration form, stop at the Franklin County Extension Office, 3 First Avenue NW, Hampton, Iowa, 50441 or call 641-456-4811.  Registrations are due May 20. 

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like:
Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Franklin County Farmers Market 641-456-4811 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant – 641-456-5378 Debra Brown – Melaleuca - 641-458-1114