By Toi Degree

Rowan Cooperative Extension Service

There is a lot going on here at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Rowan County Center. As family and consumer education agent, I am gearing up for my Lunch and Learns that are set to begin in April and run through June.

Typical Lunch and Learns are 30-45 minutes of training or presentation facilitated by an organization to employees during a lunch hour. What sets this concept apart from other programs is the accessibility and less formal structure. As an incentive, the company usually provides lunch. Lunch and Learns are an easy way to develop and motivate employees while creating a workplace of communication, collaboration and learning.

However, my Lunch and Learns are a bit different in that I invite others to join me as we learn various new cooking techniques or how to use a new appliance. Lunch is provided, and each participant leaves with a new or refreshed skillset, recipes and ideas for future meals. This year’s Lunch and Learns will be held on the third Tuesdays in April through June at noon.

Each session will be held at the Rowan County Center and will cost $10. Participants will receive an educational program, resources, recipes and samples. This year’s theme is, “Rolling into 2020” and will focus on rolled foods.

See the planned programs below.

April 21 — Breakfast Rolls

May 19 — Egg Rolls

June 16 — Cake Rolls

Also, for those of you who are still interested in learning about using your air fryer to produce fried foods with 70% to 80% less fat, join me on Tuesday, March 31, at noon for Air Frying 101: A Healthier Way to Fry. This session will also cost $10 and will provide an educational program, resources, recipes and samples.

To reserve a seat, give us a call at 704-216-8970. You can pay on the day of the session; however, pre-payment is preferred. I also ask for you to let me know if you will be unable to make it.

Last but not least, there is still time to order your fruit trees from 4-H. The deadline is Thursday, Feb. 27 and pick up is Thursday, March 5.  For those who enjoy canning, you could have fruit in your own back yard.  Speaking of canning, stay tuned for information on upcoming classes.

For the most current information on our programs, like and follow us on Facebook at Rowan County Cooperative Extension/Rowan County 4-H Program and you can also visit our website at https://rowan.ces.ncsu.edu/

Toi N. Degree, Family & Consumer Education Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension; 704-216-8970 or by email at toi_degree@ncsu.edu.