Extension Connections
Franklin County eNewsletter
November 2015
Dear Friend of OSU Extension,
Happy November! I absolutely adore the beauty and warmth of the fall season. Sweaters, boots, and comfy scarfs are several of my most simple pleasures in life. Similar to other times of the year, the start of the fall season has been a productive time for OSU Extension – Franklin County. Not only did we have the opportunity to welcome Lindsay Blum, a new colleague to our FCS team, the first stage of Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class is off to a strong start, and our 4-H team hosted a lovely event to recognize our 4-H members and volunteers. Last, but certainly not least, our colleague Susan Colbert was named an honoree for Who’s Who in Black Columbus. Please join us in congratulating Susan on this accomplishment.
Looking ahead, we are very excited about our annual “Taste of Ohio” fundraiser, scheduled for November 14th. Proceeds from this event benefit the Franklin County 4-H program, which provides leadership and educational opportunities for our youth. One hundred percent of the money raised through sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales help to support camp scholarships, youth recognition, and 4-H programming in our county. For more information about this event, please visit our website. Thank you to all of our wonderful friends and supporters who allow us to provide valuable services to our communities.
Sincerely,
Laquore J. Meadows, Ph.D.
County Extension Director, Franklin County
Program Updates
4-H Youth Development
On October 19th, over 300 4-H members and their families attended the Annual Franklin County 4-H Recognition Program. The evening included an hors d’oeuvre reception, a citizenship project, a camp memory slideshow, and the awards ceremony. The event concluded with an ice cream social. This year, more youth applied for awards than any previous year in the history of OSU Extension – Franklin County. Nearly 500 Franklin County 4-H members completed award forms which resulted in the awarding of over 1,000 achievement pins for leadership, community service, public speaking, and other specialty awards.
These teens are sporting their new 4-H sunglasses and holding their well-deserved Senior Most Outstanding 4-H Member of the Year trophies.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
During the month of October, 156 Franklin County gardeners attended the OSU Extension – Franklin County Master Gardener Training class to learn how to become an OSU Extension Master Gardener. The participants are interested in enrolling in the next Master Gardener Training Program and will begin their classes on January 15, 2016. Participants will complete 70 hours of intensive horticulture training at ten different all-day workshops, pass a final exam, and complete 50 hours of volunteer service prior to becoming certified Master Gardener Volunteers. Franklin County has one of the largest Master Gardener Volunteer programs in Ohio with 174 members. This year, Master Gardener Volunteers in Franklin County donated over 8,300 hours of volunteer service at 53 different sites and projects throughout Franklin County. This volunteer service is valued at $180,857.
Community Development
OSU Extension – Franklin County strives to improve the quality of life among all central Ohio residents. We are certified through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide homebuyer education. Each month, our team offers FREE Home Buyer Education workshops and financial counseling for prospective first time home buyers. Participants learn how to obtain, maintain, and retain a home and have the opportunity to learn from and network with real estate professionals. Families may use their certificate of completion (valid for 1 year) towards down payment and closing cost assistance. Seating is limited, to register for classes, call (614) 247-1983.
Family and Consumer Sciences
Please join us in welcoming Lindsey Blum, Program Assistant for SNAP-Ed. Lindsay is our most recent addition to our Community Nutrition Programs team. In October, she started teaching a series of lessons for 1st and 2nd graders attending Linden STEM Pre-K-6 Academy in the Columbus City Schools district. During the first lesson Lindsey, introduced the students to the MyPlate food groups through a sorting activity using pictures of foods and hula hoops. There was also a physical activity where the students made the first letter of each MyPlate food group using their bodies which was very popular! Future lessons will focus on making half your plate fruits and vegetables and using MyPlate to build healthy meals. Lindsey brings a high level of energy and knowledge to our team. We’re excited about all of the wonderful programs she’ll bring to the Franklin County community.
Upcoming Events
November 5 – Class #9: 2015 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series
November 12 – Class #10: 2015 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series
November 13 – ChickQuest Workshop (for Ohio Teachers & Afterschool Personnel only)
November 13 – Taste of Ohio: 4-H Council Benefit Event
November 16 – Can US Cities Feed Themselves?, 3:00 pm, 109 PAES Building, 305 West 17th Avenue, OSU Campus
November 19 – Barriers To Urban Farming Listening Session, 6:00 pm, Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin County Extension connects with people in all stages of life, from young children to older adults. We work with families and children, farmers and business owners, community leaders and elected officials to build better lives, better businesses and better communities to make Ohio great.
How may we help you? Please contact our office
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