February 4, 2022
Who will hold the Spoon of Glory?
Don’t forget tomorrow is the ECAA Community Chili Cookoff where we will learn who will have bragging rights over the best chili in Elbert County. The contest is open to the public at Once Upon A Time Events (31242 Wedemeyer Rd, Kiowa). Sampling begins around noon but be sure to get their early to check-in for a people’s choice ballot. Taste the chili, learn from the contestants and chat with the official judges: John Braden of Mountain Wave Weather, Elbert County Sheriff Tim Norton, County Commissioner Grant Thayer, and Jim Ripple of Hoot and Ruger. There is no cost to attend. Water, sodas, and coffee will be available. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
Board Meeting on Saturday
If you would like to be more involved or find out what an ECAA board meeting is like you can attend this month’s board meeting at 3:00 p.m. after the Chili Cookoff.
Chickens 101 and 102
Just in time for chick season, ECAA is offering its popular classes for new and experienced chicken tenders. Chickens 101: Starting from Scratch is for those who are starting with chicks for the first time. We will cover selecting breeds, preparing the brooder and providing for the chicks basic needs as they grow to adulthood. Chickens 102: No One Here But Us Chickens begins at 2:00 p.m. and will cover health and safety issues to help your chickens at different stages in their development and into adulthood. Dues paid members are free. Non-members pay $15. The class will be held online February 26th at 1:00 p.m. To register go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chickens-101-and-102-tickets-253386023417.
Many Hands…
You don’t always see the people behind the scenes making ECAA programs and activities happen, but we are here pitching in and even having some fun. Many of us have found that we get more out of our ECAA membership just by serving a few hours on a week or even at a one-time event. If you like the ECAA programs and want to see more have a chat with one of the board members about your interests and schedule. You can reach any member of the board of directors at bod@elbertcountyagalliance.org or call Bob Hammervold (303.249.7681) or Sheila Zuschek (303.918.5700). Even if you don’t end up volunteering we would love to hear from your thoughts on ECAA.
Black Eyed Peas Back to the Future of Fertilizer
Scientists have found that black eyed peas are able to attract nitrogen fixing bacteria even when the soil is exposed to modern farming activity that would normally degrade plant systems that attract these bacteria. That means you may want to consider planting black eyed peas in rotation as a cover crop. To learn more check out this article in Modern Farmer: https://modernfarmer.com/2022/01/black-eyed-peas-as-fertilizer/.
Elbert County Economic Development Website
The Elbert County Economic Development website is live online at: https://elbertcountyworks.com. You can learn more about it at a Chamber Lunch and Learn next Thursday, February 10th at Bernie’s Kitchen in Elizabeth. Marc Dettenreider of the Elbert County Economic Development department will present the website and answer questions. Preregistration is required at www.elizabethchamber.org under the Events tab. The $25 fee includes the cost of lunch.
Have announcements or classifieds that should be included in the next Roundup? Send them to news@elbertcountyagalliance.org.