From kitchen counters to fishing holes

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Thanksgiving treats, healthier holidays, backyard chickens, and bass fishing. The Moore County Extension Office has a full slate of programs ahead, and whether you'd rather wield a rolling pin or a fishing rod, there's something worth checking out.

The first deadline arrives Thursday, Nov. 19, when registration closes for the 2027 4-H Chick Chain program.

Young cooks take over the kitchen Nov. 23

Thanksgiving break will bring a little flour, a little fun, and probably a few messy hands to the County Building, 241 Main St.

The 4-H Kids Kitchen Adventure cooking class is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, giving students a chance to roll up their sleeves and prepare Thanksgiving-inspired treats.

Participants will prepare holiday dishes while learning kitchen skills and healthy eating habits. The class costs $10 per student to cover materials.

Space is limited. Parents can register by calling 931-759-7163 or visiting the Moore County Extension Office.

A holiday challenge without the extra pounds

Between Thanksgiving dressing, Christmas cookies, and New Year's celebrations, the holidays can be tough on a waistline.

The Extension Office's Maintain, Don't Gain Challenge has a simpler goal: Enjoy the holidays without letting healthy habits fall by the wayside.

Running Nov. 25 through Jan. 6, the free community challenge encourages participants to maintain their weight through healthier choices, physical activity, and a little accountability.

It's not a competition or a crash diet. Participants receive weekly emails featuring holiday recipes, motivational strategies, and practical health tips. Individuals, teachers, co-workers, and groups are welcome.

Registration is free at https://tiny.utk.edu/maintain. Participants can also contact Extension Agent Brenda Hannah at bhannah1@utk.edu or call 931-759-7163.

Chick Chain brings the backyard flock

For students who would rather collect eggs than crack them, the 2027 4-H Chick Chain program teaches youngsters how to raise and care for chickens.

The registration deadline is Thursday, Nov. 19, and space is limited.

This year's featured breed is the ISA Brown, a friendly, docile chicken known for its brown eggs and strong egg production. The breed is considered an excellent choice for beginners and backyard flocks.

Open to students in fourth through 12th grades, the program introduces participants to the responsibilities of poultry ownership, from proper feeding and housing to maintaining a healthy flock.

Chicks are scheduled to arrive in March 2027. A deposit is required but is refundable when participants meet the project's requirements.

Students who need a registration form can pick one up at the Moore County Extension Office.

Rippin' lips with 4-H Sport Fishing

For youngsters who would rather cast a line than gather eggs, the 4-H Sport Fishing Program returns for a second year with two tournament sessions.

The spring tournament runs Feb. 27 through May 1, followed by a summer session May 29 through July 31.

Open to 4-H members in grades 4 through 12, the program features junior and senior divisions, with participants fishing at locations of their choosing.

Anglers can target bass, catfish, panfish, and trout and document their catches through the FishDonkey tournament app. The app tracks catches and maintains a leaderboard, with awards for the "big fish" and "string of 5" in each species and age division.

The program costs $40 per participant, per session. The registration fee includes tournament app access, while new participants receive a custom laser-engraved 4-H Clover Check-It Stik measuring device.

Organizers encourage early registration to allow time for the measuring sticks to be produced and shipped. The registration deadline is Jan. 29, 2027.

Registration and information for all four programs are available through the Moore County Extension Office or by calling 931-759-7163.