Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Shannon Farrell
Major Program: Community Engagement
UK Engagement Academy comes to Harrison County Extension success is measured, in part, by its collaborative efforts with community leaders, other entities, and stakeholders. What’s been a major component in Extension’s purpose for years, but being emphasized now more than ever, is the Extension’s ability to partner and share resources with other efforts in the community to meet needs and increase quality of life. A tremendous honor
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Community Engagement
The problemChildren need to learn about agriculture to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in providing sustenance. It also helps them develop a deeper connection to the environment and learn about the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural industry, which is crucial for sustainable food production and environmental stewardship.The educational program responseThe youth of Spencer County not only learned about local agriculture but also safety
Author: Abbigale Gray
Major Program: Community Engagement
Through a community effort involving many different community partners who are all a part of the Mason County Health Coalition: Healthy Behaviors and Lifestyles, we were able to put together a monthly lunch and learn and getting speakers from all different areas of expertise to come in. The community partners that are involved are the hospital, the health department, the local schools, primary plus, and Angie Combs from the American Cancer Program. So far we had speakers come in and talk about m
Author: Dianna Reed
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Adult 4-H Council identified financial support of local 4-H members for events, clubs and activities as a program priority. As a result, the 4-H Council sponsors and Annual 4-H Caramel Apple Fundraiser. Each year for a 2 week period, Extension staff, Council members, volunteers, school personnel and 4-H youth donate their time and efforts to make this fundraiser successful. Young people earn volunteer service hours, and the adults and youth work together tow weeks before and during the Ky, A
Author: Von Barnes
Major Program: Community Engagement
Over 20 high schools in Jefferson County and the surrounding area send students of color to the 13 annual HBCU Showcase at the Kentucky International Civic Center. There these scholars were able to watch presentations and experience different action and increase enrollment at the university. KYSU's presence at these college fairs also gives scholars a visual of the university's presence in the community.At these events, KYSU representatives provide and financial aid opportunities.
Author: Joyce Doyle
Major Program: Community Engagement
Where would the 4-H program be without volunteers? It would not be as successful. As we look at our 4-H program and discuss it with the Review and Release Committee, we then realize how important volunteers are. For instance, 4-H agents cannot be an expert in all of the seven areas of our program; thus, the need for seamstresses, electricians, photographers, artists, shooting sports skills, fishing, cooking, quilting, horticulturists, camp counselors and I can go on and o
Author: Lorin Fawns
Major Program: Community Engagement
Candyland, a community program that brought together 30 families, made a profound impact by creating a joyous afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and community spirit. With over 95 attendees, including 26 dedicated volunteers and support from five community partners, the event fostered a sense of togetherness and belonging. Through hands-on activities and the special appearances of Santa and the Grinch, Candyland not only created cherished memories for families but also strengthened the
Author: Elizabeth Maxedon
Major Program: Community Engagement
The problemThis program aims to help improve the community’s health for both adults and youth and to ensure school-age children have needed health checkups and school supplies before the first day of school.The participants/target audienceThroughout the 2-hour event, adults and children visited over 54 booths to get various health checks. They received information on health topics, including healthy eating, cancer prevention, bicycle safety, mental health, health insurance, and physical fi
Author: Trever Cole
Major Program: Community Engagement
As an entire office we worked together to put the Candyland Holiday program on for the second year. we worked together to promote the program inviting community organizations to participate again by setting up craft booths and each program area provided a craft or activity into a to-go bag. This year we increased the number of families served by adding additional spots for each time. This program had the impact of helping families come together for crafts as well as raise awareness of Extension
Author: Britney Poe
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Robertson County Extension Office recently hosted an unforgettable event that left attendees raving — the Charcuterie Class. Over the course of two days, 20 eager participants gathered to explore the art and craft of charcuterie.The class focused on teaching essential charcuterie techniques, turning the creation of salami roses and prosciutto ribbons into an enjoyable and educational experience. Participants not only learned the intricacies of crafting these culinary delights but also
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Community Engagement
Marshall County Extension Homemakers have a special place in their hearts for men and women who currently serve and have served in the military. They have established connections with the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) group and learned how they can honor and serve the large veteran population in our area. A workshop was held at the Extension Office to make laundry detergent that will be distributed to veterans that will assist with everyday needs. Volunteers came together to learn
Author: Shelley Meyer
Major Program: Community Engagement
The problemHarrison County and Cynthiana is considered the #1 Fall Destination in Kentucky. With that title, local businesses decorate storefronts, homes are decorated with skeletons and fall décor, there are events held each weekend through September and October and the Harrison County Extension Office is always looking for ways to participate and make their presence known in the community.The educational program responseAfter a conversation with the Chamber of Commerce director, a
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Community Engagement
The 2023 McLean County Farm to fork program was held December 5th, 2023, at the newly renovated Extension Facility located on the grounds of Myer Creek Park in Calhoun, KY. Farm to Fork programs are used to increase the awareness of the local food movement by partnering with organizations to benefit a charity in our community. This program provides an educational background about local foods and where our food comes from as well as the farmers that grow it. The McLean County Cooperative Extensio
Author: Debra Hixon
Major Program: Community Engagement
The problem In Calloway County, Ky the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agent recognized the importance of emergency preparedness, particularly in ensuring that vital health information is readily accessible during critical moments. With this vision in mind, a training initiative was launched to educate homemakers about the significance of Emergency Health Information (EHI) cards. The educational program response The initiative aimed
Author: Kelsee Dewees
Major Program: Community Engagement
High School Students are not always found to be college or career ready when entering the workforce. Lynn Camp High School FCCLA and FCS Students traveled to Knox County Cooperative Extension Office to present a prepared lesson for community participants. The Lesson was titled, “Beach Ball Bag.” The students presented a two hour long, step by step lesson to a group of Knox County Community Members that signed up to attend the program. The “Beach Ball Bag
Author: Mary Dossett
Major Program: Community Engagement
Photo by: Clare Grant/Courier JournalSolar Eclipse in McCracken County By : Mary Dossett, Agent for Horticulture A solar eclipse is when the sun is obscured by the moon. This event is a once in a lifetime event for many people. Back when I started as the Horticulture Assistant in 2021, I wrote an article, ‘Unusual Happenings’ on the solar eclipse and the Brood 19- Cicada Emergence. Fast forward to September 2023 as the Horticulture Agent, I started hearing more about the s
Author: Heather Coleman
Major Program: Community Engagement
Floyd County Extension hosted our first Health and Safety Event. 114 total 30 males, 84 women and 7 youth. The Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office and staff planned and organized a Community Health and Safety Event with a goal of promotion vaccinations. It was conducted on Friday, August 12th, 2022, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event was held at the Jenny Wiley State Park Convention Center.This event was conducted with the cooperation of Big Sandy Healthcare. It was promoted as a co
Author: Laura-Grace Vincent
Major Program: Community Engagement
The problem To host a welcome reception for new FCS/4H agent and our new Program Assistant. This reception was a way for the community to come and meet the new agent and program assistant and also offer any ideas they had as far as programming is concerned because the county has been without an FCS agent for some time. This open house event also gave our community a chance to tour our facility, learn first hand what extension does, gain knowledge in services provided, and take home some free giv
Author: Paul Andrew Rideout
Major Program: Community Engagement
Extension and Community Involvment Extension is not just agriculture. With an office in every county, Extension is part of the county framework. Residents depend on Extension for good information, youth development, and community development. We are here to make our communities better. For the past several years, Henderson County has been fortunate to have several projects that will change our footprint. A new $18mil sports park funded by the
Author: Mackenzie Pogue
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Muhlenberg County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their second annual Extension Extravaganza in September of 2023. The Muhlenberg County Extension Council planned, prepared, and hosted the Extension Extravaganza as a way of showcasing the variety of Extension opportunities community members can become involved in. The concept came about after office staff members discussed ways to involve the whole family and provide research-based materials that participants could not only
Author: Carla Carter
Major Program: Community Engagement
Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”On a warm Saturday in June, First Baptist Church Frankfort opened its doors to more than 500 individuals in the community to put an emphasis on their well-being. It was part of the fourth annual Dr. Rosby L. Glover Unity in the Community event — a day of fun, food, music and raising awareness.The fruits of this effort are an extension of col
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Community Engagement
Now more than ever it is important for Extension Agents across the state to showcase the great work they are doing in each community across the state. As a result of marketing the success of Agents across the state, more people across the commonwealth learn about and become involved in Extension Programs. It also demonstrates to local and state stakeholders the importance of Extension and that Kentucky tax dollars are being spent wisely. As Vice President of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Assoc
Author: Sharayha Clingenpeel
Major Program: Community Engagement
The Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their first Open House in many years in May of 2024. The idea behind the Open House was to showcase the different areas of programming Extension has to offer in Daviess County. Members from the County Extension Council and District Board provided input during the planning process. Flyers of the event were sent to all who receive a newsletter from the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service, local community groups, city/county officials
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Community Engagement
Webster County agriculture is made of up primarily corn, soybeans, tobacco, poultry and cattle production including hay/pasture. However, we also have wheat, grain sorghum, goats, fruits and vegetables. Agriculture is a major part of Webster County. According to Community and Economic Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK), 77% of land in Webster County is in farms. Poultry, our number one commodity, brings in $81,825,000 in sales annually, followed by grain crops which brings in
Author: Alexandria Brasher
Major Program: Community Engagement
In 2022, the Henderson County 4-H Council made it a goal to have more community involvement and came up a back-to-school bash community event. With that event brought more families into the 4-H Program. After the success of that event, the 4-H Agents made a pitch to the County Extension Council to host an Extension Extravaganza to showcase everything the Henderson County Extension Office had to offer and to involve the whole family and provide research-based materials that participants could not
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Community Engagement
Community Outreach/Partnership Efforts with the Lincoln County Fair Floral Hall Theme Nights! Michelle Padgett, FCS Program Assistant and Jody Paver, FCS Agent with Lincoln County Extension took a new approach to increase educational opportunities with the Lincoln County Fair Floral Hall. The fair was moved from the regularly scheduled July dates to June, causing a need to be creative in the promotion and awareness of the new fair schedule and activities. As part of t
Author: Krista Perry
Major Program: Community Engagement
“Loneliness is the root cause and contributor to many of the epidemics sweeping the world today – from alcohol and drug addiction to violence, depression, and anxiety. It affects not only our health but also how our children experience school, how we perform at work, and the sense of division and polarization in our society.” This excerpt from the book entitled “Together” written by Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general of the United States has become the cat
