Colbert County-Alabama Extension

10/23/2026

10/21/2026

October is National Children’s Health Month, a reminder that small, everyday habits can make a big difference in a child’s well-being.

October is National Children’s Health Month, a reminder that small, everyday habits can make a big difference in a child’s well-being. As Halloween kicks off a season filled with candy, parties and holiday treats, maintaining healthy routines can help children stay active, nourished and ready for the colder months ahead.

National Parenting Week also falls in October, making it a timely opportunity for families to focus on simple habits that support children’s health. Torie Ennis, community health administrator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, shared six tips to help parents build healthy routines this fall.

“Keep it simple,” Ennis said. “Start with one small change this week, and see your family make healthy lifelong habits.

Read the tips and find out more here: https://www.aces.edu/go/7031

10/21/2026

🍯🐝 ATTENTION, ALABAMA BEEKEEPERS! 🐝🍯

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama Extension) Food Safety Team has recently released “Alabama Beekeepers’ Guide to Safe Honey Bottling and Correct Labeling.”

Whether you are an experienced beekeeper or just getting started, this resource can help you better understand safe honey bottling practices and proper labeling requirements.

🐝 Knowledge is the key to producing safe, quality honey!

📖 Stay informed, protect your customers, and ensure your honey is properly bottled and labeled.

Learn to bottle honey safely, create proper labels, and follow federal and state regulations in this comprehensive resource for Alabama beekeepers.

10/21/2026

Spring Gardening starts now.

October is a great time to plan ahead and give your perennials a little fall care! From coneflowers and black-eyed Susans to daylilies and hostas, here’s a quick garden to-do list:

Remove spent blooms, or leave seedheads to provide food for wildlife.
Cut back plants that had significant pest or disease problems.
Divide and relocate healthy plants that need more room, allowing four to six weeks for roots to establish before the ground freezes.
Keep weeding and watering as needed.

A little attention now can help your perennial garden thrive next season. Find more tips in “Keeping Perennials Healthy All Year” here: https://www.aces.edu/go/5912

10/19/2026

Doing what she does best—Breast Cancer Awareness. Elaine loves sharing her passion, knowledge, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others! 🍎🌱

Elaine Softley, from The Colbert County Extension service, came today to speak to us on breast cancer awareness. She is a breast cancer survivor herself. 👏🏻👏🏻
Elaine comes monthly to speak to us on different nutrition and health topics.

We're so glad she's a survivor!! 🩷

10/19/2026

🍎🥗 RIGHT BITE: HEALTHY EATING WITH DIABETES 🥗🍎
Alabama Cooperative Extension System | Alabama Human Sciences Extension

Healthy eating starts with knowledge, practical skills, and making better choices one meal at a time! 💚

The Right Bite program, offered through Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Human Sciences Health & Wellness initiative, helps participants develop practical skills for healthier living, with an emphasis on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and diabetes management.

Throughout our four weeks of Right Bite, participants explored food preparation and nutrition while enjoying hands-on cooking experiences!

👩‍🍳 A Look at Our Four Weeks of Right Bite!

🍌 Week 1: Banana Bread
Participants kicked off the program with a delicious baking experience while learning about food preparation and healthier eating habits.

🥩 Week 2: Beef Stroganoff
Participants prepared a comforting meal while exploring ways to make nutritious food choices and balance meals.

🍋🍗 Week 3: Lemon Pepper Chicken with Rice
Participants enjoyed lemon pepper chicken served with rice, apple juice, and Crystal Light, providing an opportunity to discuss meal choices and beverage options.

🍮☁️ Week 4: Low-Fat Pudding in a Cloud
Everyone participated in making this light and delicious dessert, demonstrating that healthier eating can still be enjoyable!

📚 What Does Right Bite Teach?

🍎 Healthy Eating: Making nutritious food choices and developing healthier eating habits.
🩺 Diabetes Management: Learning meal-planning strategies that support blood glucose and blood pressure management.
🥕 Portion Control: Understanding serving sizes and creating balanced meals.
🧂 Reducing Sodium: Exploring ways to reduce salt intake and support heart health.
🛒 Reading Nutrition Labels: Learning how to make informed grocery-shopping decisions.
🍳 Healthy Cooking: Discovering healthier cooking methods and ingredient substitutions.

💚 Healthy living is about learning, practicing, and making small changes that can lead to lasting benefits!

📍 Interested in Right Bite in Colbert County?

For information about program materials, available resources, and upcoming classes, contact Elaine Softley, Human Sciences Extension Agent serving Colbert County at (256) 324-2851 or by email: [email protected].

Together, let's make healthier choices for healthier lives!