The Front Page
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
My SantaAnnaNews.com calender says it is St. Patrick's Day so I hope you are wearing your green!
Have a good Friday!
Grow Your Own Groceries with a Master Gardener
Submitted by Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
Mark your calendar for 6:00 PM, Tuesday, March 21, 2006, when Master Gardener, Ernie Yates, will present an Better Living for Texans lesson on Growing Garden Vegetables in pots or in a small garden spot. The meeting will be held at Loaves and Fishes, on the corner of Nueces and Pecan in Coleman. Also featured will be recommendations for safe handling of fruits and vegetables, by Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS.
All interested persons are welcome to attend. For more information, call County Extension Agent, Debbie Hailey, at 325-625-4519.
All programs and information of the Texas Cooperative Extension are available to everyone without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. We will seek to provide reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities for this meeting. We request that you contact Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS at 325-625-4519 as soon as possible to advise us of the auxiliary aid or service that you will require.
Choosing a Long-term Care Facility
Andrew B. Crocker, Extension Program Specialist - Gerontology Health
The face of long-term care has changed significantly in recent years and continues to evolve to meet the needs of today's older adults. While many people wish to remain in their homes throughout their life, that is not always possible. It is very important to make an informed decision when choosing a long-term care facility.
An independent living facility may resemble an apartment complex or a hotel. These units provide personal living spaces while accounting for some of the extra needs you may have as you get older, such as railings in the bathrooms, wider doorways and other universal design elements. Many independent living facility units include a small kitchen and laundry room. Depending on the facility, additional services may be provided at a premium, such as a meal service. Size of the units, cost of living and additional services offered will depend on the particular facility you choose.
An assisted living facility may be appropriate for those who need more help than can easily be gotten at home or in an independent living setting. Assisted living facilities may help as needed with daily living, but offer only some nursing care or none at all. The facility usually will provide meals, cleaning services, activities and transportation services. Depending on the facility, living arrangements may be private or semi-private.
When more care is needed, the next choice in long-term care is skilled nursing care - a nursing home. Nursing home care is usually reserved for people who need help with meals, bathing, personal care, medications and moving. Nursing homes usually provide 24-hour services and supervision, including medical care and some physical, speech and occupational therapy, depending on the facility.
One of the newer choices in long-term care is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). CCRCs often provide independent, assisted and nursing care living in the same locale. Having multiple levels of care on the same "campus" provides many benefits to residents, including standardized services available and ease of transition as condition worsens.
Choosing a facility may be the most difficult part. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) recommends:
* Ask questions. Find out about what is available in your area. Talk to trusted friends, family, neighbors, health providers, etc., to determine their experiences with various facilities.
* Investigate. Texas maintains a "report card" for state-licensed facilities, the Quality Reporting System (QRS): http://facilityquality.dhs.state.tx.us/. You can use QRS to obtain information about a long term care facility or to compare facilities. However, the system is not meant to serve as the only basis for choosing a particular provider.
* Call. Once you have a list of possible places, get in touch with each one. Ask basic questions about openings and waiting lists, number of residents, costs and methods of payment.
* Visit. Make plans to meet with the director of nursing and director of social services. Medicare offers a nursing home checklist: http://www.careplanner.org. Ask yourself if you would feel reassured leaving your loved one there.
* Visit again. Make a second visit without an appointment, maybe on another day of the week or time of day. See if your first thoughts are still the same.
Many people believe that Medicare will pay for long stays in a nursing home, but it does not. Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance only cover short times of home health or nursing home care. They pay for a short stay in a nursing home for someone who is getting better after leaving the hospital.
Medicaid may be used to pay for nursing home care but only after certain income and asset requirements are met. Many people start paying for long-term care with their own money and later may become eligible for Medicaid. Keep in mind that applying for Medicaid takes at least 3 months. Also, new financial requirements for Medicaid allow a 5-year look-back period for finances. This means that assets and income from the last five years may be considered when determining eligibility.
Long-term care insurance is a private insurance policy you can buy years before you think you might need it. While each policy is different, long-term care insurance is usually less expensive when purchased at a younger age. The Texas Department of Insurance provides information for evaluating and purchasing a long-term care insurance policy at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/.
Planning for long-term care is not easy. Individual needs change over time as do the rules about programs and benefits. Be sure to include your family in your decision to move to a long-term care facility, no matter what the level of care. By the same token, if you are a caregiver considering placing a loved one in a facility, be sure to involve that loved one in the decision-making process as much as possible.
For more information, contact your County Extension Agent, Debbie Hailey, at 325-625-4519. You may also receive additional information from AAHSA at http://www.aahsa.org/.
TURNING TURTLES INTO CASH
There is no such thing as easy money. But that depends on your definition of “easy”.
Trapping turtles is a fun way to create extra family income. But that depends on your definition of “fun”.
Bob Popplewell, also known as “Bayou Bob”, offers an interesting and unique opportunity for the adventuresome of heart. His turtle company, USTART (U. S Turtles and Aquatic Resources Technologies) ships between 2,000 and 6,000 pounds of turtles a week to various markets around the world. “The bad part is”, he said, “we need more.” Thus, he is searching for turtlers.
Popplewell claims to have a way to help folks get rid of stock tank turtles and make some money in the process. Owner of Brazos River Rattlesnake Ranch, a familiar roadside tourist stop on I-20, he studied herpetology while earning a degree from Stephen F. Austin University and knows what he is talking about when it come to snakes, lizards and turtles.
Through his work in buying and selling snakes and lizards, Popplewell discovered a large Asian market for live turtles. It seems that the popularity of turtle soup has led to over harvesting and the near total demise of local turtle populations in many Asian areas. Now they are buying live turtles both for breeding stock and for consumption.
“Most people think this is the craziest thing they’ve ever heard of,” he said, “but who couldn’t use an extra $500 a week by setting a few traps in stock tanks?”
So, why would it not be easy to trap turtles? Cold water, mud, snakes, chiggers, turtle bites and other problems can face the aggressive turtler. Carrying 90 pounds of turtles a quarter of a mile from trap to truck can also be a challenge.
Popplewell notes that there are no protected turtle species that are native to this area and that collecting turtles in unlimited numbers is legal as long as the collector has two permits, hunting and non-game collector.
Everything one needs to know about the details and profitability of trapping turtles can be learned from Popplewell on March 23 when he conducts information seminars at the Region 14 Education Service Center on Hwy 351 in Abilene. The hour & a half session will be held in the Taylor Room and is scheduled at 3:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. Sessions are free and open to interested entrepreneurs. For more information call 940-769-2626 or 800-845-3563.
Its Time to Walk Across Texas Again!
By Debbie Hailey, CEA-FCS
Walk Across Texas will begin soon, as we have a big Kickoff on March 23, at the courthouse at 6:30 p.m. Bring a healthy snack and find out just what to do to walk your way across Texas. Then we will plan to walk around the courthouse parking area 5 times to make our first mile. If you can't make it to the Kick Off, you can still be on a team.
Walk Across Texas! Is a fun and flexible way to exercise. Just get on a team with seven other people * friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family member- and start walking, or jogging or even biking. You can walk together or individually, outside or on a treadmill or stationery bicycle, any way that fits your schedule and lifestyle. You keep track of your miles, to see if you and your teammates can walk the 800 miles "across Texas" in 8 weeks. Report your totals and see how your team measures up! By the end of the 8-week Walk Across Texas! Program, you'll have a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. Then we will celebrate with a picnic at the park.
Many of you have already been walking for some time. I see you out there. Good for you! You can still join a team and count the miles you walk, ride or jog. We have several teams already eager to compete.
For more information, call Debbie Hailey at the County Extension Office at 325-625-4519, or look up Walk Across Texas! on the internet at walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu
Educational programs of Texas Cooperative Extension are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin.
The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Mountaineer Band
The Santa Anna High School Mountaineer Band traveled to Ballinger Saturday, March 4, 2006 to participate in the Annual Bearcub Music Festival. The contest included a concert performance of three band pieces followed by sightreading. The band performed Command March by John Edmondson, Hungarian Dance by Johannes Brahms, and Skywalker by Carl Strommen. The students received Superior ratings from all judges and brought home their well-earned trophy to display in the band hall. The Mountaineer Band is under the direction of Michelle Stallsworth.
Senior Jesse Hensley (Baritone), and Freshmen Marina Benge (Bass Clarinet), Adelaida Dean (Clarinet), Molly Pritchard (Alto Saxophone), and Derek Tabner (Baritone) also competed in the Solo and Ensemble section of the contest. The soloists all received Superior ratings and medals for their performances.
Band Members (Seniors) Bianca Dean, Myra Dean, Jesse Hensley, Colt Martin, Kevin Tate, Raelee Watson; (Juniors) Kristle DeLeon, Rudy Enriquez, Chelsea Guerrero, JeLisa Kirven, Heather LaChance, Michelle Wetsel; (Sophomores) LeeAnda Bennett, Jonathan Dean, Becca Fellers, Sierra Herrod, Jarod Jones, Jessica Ramirez, Samantha Sanchez, Martika Whaley, Keshia Wirts; (Freshmen) Rina Benge, Kendra Coleman, Adie Dean, Joanie Dean, Layken DeLeon, Terrence Jackson, Molly Pritchard, Jessica Reece, Maria Segura, Derek Tabner; (8th grade) Catherine Brinson, Felishia Camilleri, and Heather McMillan.
Texas Cooperative Extension to Offer Food Protection Management Training Course
Submitted by Debbie Hailey - Coleman County Extension Agent Family & Consumer Sciences
Eating out has never been more popular. Almost half of the money we spend on food is spent away from home. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately 1 in 4 Americans will get sick from eating contaminated food at home or at food service establishments. This spring in Coleman County, Texas Cooperative Extension is offering training to reduce those numbers of illnesses.
The Food Manager Certification Training Program, called "Food Safety: It's Our Business" seeks to reduce the risk of food borne illness. By taking the course, food service managers can receive the latest information on personal hygiene, how to use thermometers, how to store food safely, how to prepare and serve food properly and how to keep the food preparation areas clean and sanitized. Participants can fulfill requirements for Food Manager Certification if they pass the certification exam offered at the end of the course.
The training session for this area is April 17 & 18, 2006 at Coleman Housing Authority High Rise Community Room. The cost is $ 79.00. Registration deadline is April 3, 2006. For more information, contact Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences, at 325-625-4519.
State Nature Tourism Seminar Scheduled in Albany
A $5 BILLION dollar industry in Texas alone, Nature Tourism is growing. Mark your calendar and plan to attend a full-day Nature Tourism Seminar & Tour titled "The Nature of Everything: Integrating Public Desire for Nature with Your Tourism Product." Sponsored by the Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA), the Texas Nature Tourism Council (TNTC) and Texas A&M Cooperative Extension (TCE), the workshop will be held on April 19, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Stasney's Cook Ranch in Abilene. Just $35.00! Includes Lunch & Transportation from Abilene!
The workshop focuses on providing attendees useful market information for integrating the public's desire for nature related activities with existing or potential tourism products. Expert presenters from across Texas will provide market data, success stories and helpful planning resources.
Convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce private landowners, business people, marketing organizations and anyone interested in increasing economic development through nature tourism are invited to attend and participate.
The workshop is being held at the same time as the Texas Department of Transportation's annual Travel Counselors Conference. Those attending the nature tourism workshop may also sign up to attend TxDOT's evening dinner after the workshop (additional fee required).
Please contact Jennifer Roush or Rose Koosman at the TTIA office for more details, to register or for answers to any questions, 512-476-4472, http://www.ttia.org/.
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