Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Trent Adkins
Major Program: Community Engagement
Sky Hope Rehabilitation Center is a 100-bed facility for women with drug addictions. Pulaski County has a large drug abuse problem. Gardening has been shown to have many positive effects on humans. There are physical, cognitive, social, and psychological benefits such as improvement in self-esteem, alleviation of depression, increased strength and stamina, and decreased stress. Winter programs consisted of sessions on vegetable gardening, straw bale gardening, raised bed gardeni
Author: Carla Jordan
Major Program: Community Engagement
The annual impact of the horse industry to the gross domestic product of the United States is approximately $112.1 billion. Kentucky has a $4billion economic impact. Approximately 80,000-100, 000 jobs annually are related to the horse industry. There are youth equestrian programs in KY. However, they are limited based on one’s socio-economic level. There is a great need to not only diversify the equestrian industry, but to develop youth equestrian programs especially for underserved
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Community Engagement
Urban poultry has become a hot topic in our community as of late. Currently it is against zoning ordinances to have poultry in the Ashland city limits. A couple of gentlemen are challenging this and it made the local paper that they had approached the city commission about getting this changed. I contacted all of the city commissioners, the mayor and the city manager and offered my services as an impartial entity to provide them with information about how this is handled across the rest of the c
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Community Engagement
County Fairs and Extension go hand in hand. This has been true in Crittenden County for decades. The Crittenden County Extension agents have partnered with the Crittenden county Lions club to conduct an annual county fair. However over the years, the Lion’s club building that housed the exhibits started to have roof leaks. Eventually, cats were able to gain access to the building and eat the food displays, requiring the exhibits to be moved to a different location a
Author: Bonnie Sigmon
Major Program: Community Engagement
The annual Farm Industry Tour, organized and hosted by the Laurel County Extension Council, has become one of the most anticipated community events of the year. The purpose of the tour is to introduce community members to local industries that provide agricultural goods and services, educate participants on new and emerging crops, and encourage them to shop locally.The 2019 tour began at a local farm where 42 people boarded old-fashioned trolleys and several others followed in cars to the
Author: Paula Jerrell
Major Program: Community Engagement
District Seven 4-H volunteers work tirelessly to benefit district horse club members. Volunteers evaluate previous year's events then work to plan and organize for the next year. Due to low participation with horse camp after 40 years, the volunteers decided to go with horse day clinics to reach various audiences with the best available trainers or clinicians. So far they have offered a showmanship and horsemanship clinic, a barrel clinic and a ranch clinic with a hunt seat
Author: Edith Lovett
Major Program: Community Engagement
More than 500 people attended the International Fall Festival at the Somerset Community College and had a chance to go around the world in one day. With displays, dancing, music entertainment, and food this was an opportunity for students of all ages to learn about the world outside of the Kentucky borders. All in attendance got to taste food from Italy, Italian, Greece, Greek and Germany prepared by the SCC
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Extension service partners with the local Farm Bureau Federation board to highlight agriculture in our community. This year's event was held in July and 135 attended. Last year there was approximately 65% of the attendees that were not involved in the agriculture industry. This year we made a conscious effort to have more of the people involved in agriculture attend. Newsletters,radio programs, personal phone calls, and making presentations to our ag groups seemed to increase our agricul
Author: Lora Stewart
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Gallatin County 4-H Council is always looking for unique ways to not only fundraise for 4-H camp but involve the community. This year, they decided to host Breakfast with the Grinch. For $5.00, you got a breakfast, a make and take craft, and a picture with the Grinch. A local photographer, trying to start up her business, volunteered to take all the pictures. We had two different back drops, one for family portraits and one with the Grinch. The 4-H Art Club designed and created all the
Author: Christin Herbst
Major Program: Community Engagement
Carrollton, the county seat of Carroll County, is a small Ohio River town established in 1792. Bordering Carrollton to the west is the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers, where a community park sits called Point Park. This park is a gathering place for festivals and community celebrations as well as one of the two market sites for the Riverview Farmers’ Market. Over the last six to seven years, the City of Carrollton has put a large focus on improving and develop
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Community Engagement
During Fall 2018 the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service led a statewide community needs assessment for each of Kentucky’s 120 counties. This assessment was led locally by County Extension Agents and sought feedback from various county stakeholders, residents, and organizations. Lewis County Extension agents used surveys, focus groups and interviews collecting information to gain a better understanding of the needs and priorities of Lewis County. Result from the informatio
Author: Anne Stephens
Major Program: Community Engagement
Success Story 4-1-2020 “Extension on the Move”Extension programming has been suddenly required to shift from face-to-face contact with clientele to a mostly digital communication platform due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The Greenup County office has made significant changes to the way in which we connect with our community. While we have embraced the technology that allows us to connect with people using the internet, we recognize that not all of our Extension program consumers
Author: Carla Jordan
Major Program: Community Engagement
Frankie’s Corner Little Thorobred Crusade (FCLTC) is a youth development program that began in 2015. Recently, Frankie’s Corner Little Thorobred Crusade collaborated with Kentucky State University, Family and Consumer Sciences (KSU: FCS) to offer programming through Cooperative Extension with the goal of reaching underserved populations. FCTLC in partnership with KSU: FCS offers clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays for 2 hours each. This program uses the Five Cs of positive youth d
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Community Engagement
Technology may make our lives easier but it does not make them any less complicated. Doing things with your hands is good for you, holiday crafts are a way to come together with family and friends and honor the holidays by being together, sharing a laugh and creating something to add festivity to your home. This year we had a very successful turn out with 45 people in attendance, most of which were groups of family members. Grandparents, parents and children came, and most stayed to complete all
Author: Nicole Gwishiri
Major Program: Community Engagement
The global pandemic of Covid-19 has hit the world, as well as the commonwealth, especially hard in the last few weeks. The Governor has restricted access to most locations throughout Kentucky that are labeled nonessential and has highly suggested those who could work from home do so. This means that people have shuffled their schedules and daily tasks immensely and are now either working remotely or not working at all. As the weeks pass, one of the challenges people are seeing is how to stay con
Author: Katherine Alexander
Major Program: Community Engagement
In March of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic occurred leaving our hospital in need of facial masks for employees. The Director of Community Outreach for Owensboro Health Regional Hospital contacted the Extension Agents at the Daviess County Extension Office for help. The Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent reached out to a few of the Daviess County Homemakers who also made contact with an Owensboro Quilt Guild Member. Once the hospital had an approved pattern for the masks a hospital employe
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Community Engagement
The year, 2020, may be the year no one ever forgets. COVID-19 is likely to be etched in the minds of Kentuckians for the rest of their lives. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has had to completely revamp the way it provides education to all of Extension’s clientele. Drop boxes were made, grab and go kits became very popular, Facebook was now an educational portal to all local clientele and Zoom trainings/meetings were now the norm not the exception. The McLean Count
Author: Lindsey Alvey
Major Program: Community Engagement
The year, 2020, may be the year no one ever forgets. COVID-19 is likely to be etched in the minds of Kentuckians for the rest of their lives. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has had to completely revamp the way it provides education to all of Extension’s clientele. Drop boxes were made, grab and go kits became very popular, Facebook was now an educational portal to all local clientele and Zoom trainings/meetings were now the norm not the exception. The McLean Count
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Community Engagement
According to the 2018 Annual SNAP-Ed Report for Kentucky, at least one out of 3 Kentucky children are overweight or obese. Nearly half of Kentucky children consume fruits less than once daily, well below the 1½ to 2 cups daily recommended by USDA MyPlate. Children who consume low amounts of fruits and vegetables are at greater risk for many nutrition related health problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control,” eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily ca
Author: Janey Cline
Major Program: Community Engagement
Ten percent of Hart County’s population is made up of citizens who do not have access to electronic media sources. When the COVID-19 crisis arrived the Hart County Family and Consumer Sciences agent recognized the need to get information about the pandemic and preventive measures into the hands of the identified population. A newsletter with information about how to contact Extension agents during the pandemic, a hand washing poster, communication about the pandemic, timely agriculture and
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Community Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 was life changing. However; change is not new to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and those that are leaders and volunteers in the Cooperative Extension Service system. Members of the Muhlenberg County Homemakers Association began the production of cloth face masks for COVID-19 prevention soon after the federal government guidelines were released from the Centers for Disease Control in April. As of June 16, 2020, Twenty oneMuhlenberg County H
Author: Roger "Darrell" Simpson
Major Program: Community Engagement
Ovarian Cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women according to the American Cancer Society. A woman has a one in seventy eight chance of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime also according to the American Cancer Society. The UK Markey Cancer Center Ovarian Cancer Screening program has been in existence since 1987 and has been and is currently working to combat this “silent killer.” The screening program provides free annual sonographic screenings to women across Kentucky
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Community Engagement
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes and stresses for the people of Kentucky and the nation. Among the challenges was the need to stay home and with it, the need to find ways to stay informed, healthy and connected socially to others. To address the needs of our people and to stay true to our mission to serve Kentuckians with research-based information, the Letcher County Extension Service Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent partnered with fellow agents in Harlan County, KY and Wi
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Community Engagement
The National Center for Educational Statistics states a family with an income between $30-48K on average pay $17,302 for their child to attend a Kentucky Public College. In Muhlenberg County, the average annual family income is $43,722. In 2019, the population was noted at 30,774, 6.7% of which were on unemployment . Achieving higher education is a dream for many of the youth in Muhlenberg. Paying for higher education is often a nightmare for youth. If parents are f
Author: Glenna Bentley
Major Program: Community Engagement
The COVID-19 Virus closed many businesses and placed a strain on health care providers worldwide creating a high demand for personal protection equipment for health care workers. With such a demand on personal protection equipment, items such as isolation gowns were not available. During this time, the Lewis County Extension Office was contacted by Primary Plus asking if we had anyone that could sew isolation gowns for their 9 offices in Lewis, Mason, Fleming, Bra
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Community Engagement
When Extension Offices across the state had to close their doors to foot traffic, Hardin County quickly found a few ways to continue reaching our audiences. In fact, Hardin County 4-H, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Horticulture programs not only reached our traditional audience, but an entirely new sector of Hardin County residents as well.In an effort to make our programs as accessible as possible, the three Hardin County agents, along with two program assistants, offered two options during
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Community Engagement
In 2019-2020 fiscal year the McLean County Extension Service embarked on a journey of monumental proportion. As the McLean County District Board members were holding a planning session for the year, a project to improve the McLean County Extension facilities at Myer Creek Park were discussed. This ANR Agent along with the McLean County District Board decided to apply, with the help of the McLean County Fair Board, for funds available through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture County Fair pro
Author: Kathryn Wimberley
Major Program: Community Engagement
Situation: Beginning in April of 2020 through June of 2020, the Horticulture Agent created programs that were taught by the online program called Zoom. Due to the onset of the Covid0-19 pandemic, it was necessary for programs to be offered virtually to continue with education in horticulture and the arts. University of Kentucky Offred training on how to teach classes. Horticulture Agent developed PowerPoint presentations to teach. Initial Outcome:Agent Training as part of CEDIK Adviso
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Community Engagement
Activities for HomeLivingston County Cooperative Extension Service worked hard during the quarantine to stay engaged and relevant to our community’s needs. Livingston ANR offered information to the community by utilizing social media outlets, such as Facebook, live videos, traditional newsletters, and activity and learning packets. One unique way our office kept relevant to the communities needs was making activity learning kits.
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Community Engagement
The responsibility for raising a well-educated and civic-minded generation of children cannot rest solely with schools. The Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) is a volunteer organization that works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education. In Marshall County, KEHA members make a difference by teaching second-graders the importance of kindness and reaching out to share with others.. Each month,
Author: Diana Doggett
Major Program: Community Engagement
As confirmed COVID-19 cases began spreading across the state and in the Fayette County area in March, Fayette County Homemakers had concerns about the shortage of face masks for health care workers. Based upon direction from the CDC, a pattern for making face masks was adopted and volunteers went to work making masks. After supplying local hospitals with over 500 masks, it was quickly realized that hundreds of masks were needed to protect other citizenry. Word spread to more than a d
Author: Jessica Bessin
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Cooperative Extension Service of Mercer County continually seeks to expose new audiences to the resources available to all Kentuckians.The Mercer County Extension Agents for Horticulture and Family Consumer Sciences with the 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant teamed up to elaborate on existing programs to reach new clientele. Family pumpkin fun day, an event offered in the fall, taught families about how pumpkins are grown, the varieties available, and how to use them in preparing
Author: Ronda Rex
Major Program: Community Engagement
When COVID-19 forced the KY Cooperative Extension Service to learn and adopt new ways of learning, Zoom quickly became the platform. Extension staff began learning all the details of making virtual learning available to communities. Ronda Rex, Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Education for Campbell County was one of those agents who had to make the choice of sort of a fight or flight. Of course, she chose flight and took on Zoom with vigor. Ronda reached ou
Author: Mercedes Maness
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) partnered with the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service to host the Downtown Winchester Photo Challenge on August 23rd during Main Street Winchester’s Sip & Stroll. Participants checked in at the Winchester Design Studio where they received 8 photo prompts and then used those prompts to take 8 photos showcasing downtown Winchester. Rather than traditional prompts like historical building or street sign, these c
Author: Douglas Shepherd
Major Program: Community Engagement
Finally after years in the making we began moving into the new 35,000 s.f. Hardin County Extension Office in mid-August 2020. Official ribbon cutting held on September 6, with some 168+ Chamber of Commerce members and other community leaders and officials present. According to the Chamber of Commerce, this was the largest ribbon cutting event they had held. Extension leadership offered tours of the new facility all day long. Facility includes twenty station sewing project
Author: Bernita Cheirs
Major Program: Community Engagement
On September 23rd, the Fulton County 4-H Agent, Fulton County Schools Family Resource Youth Service Center, and City of Hickman collaborated together to host the fifth annual Family Day event. CASA Family Day is a national program sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse which encourages parental engagement. Research shows that children with hands-on parents are far less likely to smoke, drink or use other drugs. Through funds provided by the Fulton County-Hickman County ASAP council, we
Author: Tracie Goodman
Major Program: Community Engagement
During the COVID-19 pandemic, McCreary County Extension has used “Grab-n-Go Program Bags and correlating social media videos for community members in McCreary County. These grab-n-go bags are free and champion at-home learning for youth, adults, and families to help during the crisis. Our bag initiative highlights programs and lessons from 4-H, Agriculture, and Family & Consumer Sciences including: at-home gardening, STEM, healthy moving, making healthy choices relating to snacks and r
Author: Danielle Barrett
Major Program: Community Engagement
During the COVID-19 pandemic, McCreary County Extension has used “Grab-n-Go Program Bags and correlating social media videos for community members in McCreary County. These grab-n-go bags are free and champion at-home learning for youth, adults, and families to help during the crisis. Our bag initiative highlights programs and lessons from 4-H, Agriculture, and Family & Consumer Sciences including at-home gardening, STEM, healthy moving, making healthy choices relating to snacks and re
Author: Lorilee Kunze
Major Program: Community Engagement
Until this year, social media efforts in the Bullitt County Extension Horticulture Program have been a supplemental resource. Since the Corona Virus emerged placing a temporary end to in person meetings, social media outreach has become a key component in communicating to the citizens of Bullitt County. As a program, we have spent a large amount of time during the Corona Virus shut down creating original content for social media including articles, newsletters, videos and photo highlights,
Author: Adam Huber
Major Program: Community Engagement
In response to COVID-19 closings, Allen County Cooperative Extension sought to meet a community need to provide continued education opportunities amid the new social and distance learning climate along with maintaining agriculture services for Extension clientele. In an effort to provide new and innovative opportunities, the 4-H, ANR and FCS programs collaborated to develop programs during COVID-19 that would meet youth, families, home-owners and farmer’s needs. The E
Author: Kelly Burgess
Major Program: Community Engagement
In response to COVID-19 closings, Allen County Cooperative Extension sought to meet a community need to provide educational opportunities amid the socially distant learning climate and to maintain agriculture services for Extension clientele. In an effort to provide new and innovative opportunities, the 4-H, ANR and FCS programs collaborated to develop programs during COVID-19 that would meet youth, families, home-owners, and
