Extension Connections
Franklin County eNewsletter
October 2015
Dear Friend of OSU Extension,
What an amazing month! September was filled with activities and events that touched the lives of hundreds of residents across Franklin County. From 4-H Volunteer Training, to HUD Certified Homeownership workshops, to hosting an 8-site urban agriculture bus tour, the Franklin County Extension team continues to take a proactive stance to help promote vibrant lives and communities.
As we begin the month of October, we have many more exciting educational opportunities available to you and your family. We invite you to join in our Extension efforts by attending one or several of our programs, visiting our office to get your Extension-related questions answered, or by simply staying connected with us through one of our of social media channels. We look forward to your engagement and hope that you and your family enjoy the beautiful beginnings of the fall season!
Sincerely,
Laquore J. Meadows, Ph.D.
County Extension Director, Franklin County
Program Updates
4-H Youth Development
4-H Volunteer Orientation
On September 9, 25 Franklin County residents moved one step closer toward becoming Franklin County 4-H Volunteers. The volunteer orientation and training, taught by 4-H Educators Beth Boomershine and Sue Hogan, covered a variety of topics including risk management practices, youth protection policies, and club management procedures, among others. These dedicated volunteer applicants are well on their way toward completing the six-step process required to volunteer for the 4-H Youth Development program. Some have plans to start new 4-H clubs in Franklin County, while others wish to spend time offering their time and talents to already established clubs throughout the county. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a 4-H volunteer, the next training will be held February 24, 2016 at the Franklin County Extension Office. Interested parties may contact our office to register. For more information regarding the 4H volunteer application process, please click the following link: https://franklin.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/join-4-h/become-volunteerclub-advisor
Agriculture and Natural Resources
During the month of September, OSU Extension began training the third class of Master Urban Farmers in Franklin County. A total of 45 individuals are enrolled in this ten-week course designed to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to produce and market food in an urban environment. To date, participants have learned about soils, plant science, and urban agriculture development in Columbus, and also participated in a day-long bus tour to eight urban agriculture operations in Columbus.
OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers in Franklin County taught hundreds of home gardeners about plant selection and care, pest management, and other gardening topics at a Master Gardener Booth at the Fall Dispatch Home and Garden Show and Holiday Fest. OSU Extension staff and Master Gardener Volunteers also taught three workshops during the show on Hops Production, Extending the Gardening Season, and Garden Problem-Solving.
More than 860 individuals interested in urban agriculture and small farm topics learned how to develop alternative agricultural enterprises and marketing systems by participating in 29 different workshops taught at the Small Farm Center at the Farm Science Review. The Farm Science Review is the largest agricultural event in Ohio, attracting nearly 120,000 visitors over three days in late September. Small Farm Center workshops are coordinated by OSU Extension staff from Franklin County.
Community Development
Bridging Fathers and Families through Financial Literacy
OSU Extension, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Commerce, will be hosting FREE financial literacy workshops for fathers ordered by the Franklin County Child Support Enforcement Agency to pay child support for their children. Participants will learn how to better manage their finances, improve their credit score, and gain access to resources that will help them accumulate assets (home, business, or post-secondary education). In addition, participants will be connected to other education and employment opportunities tailored to help them enhance the wellbeing of their families.
Family and Consumer Sciences
On September 3, OSU Extension presented information to 30 representatives of churches in the Franklin County area regarding the wide variety of Extension programs available to Franklin County residents. The participants attended a program sponsored by Mount Carmel Church Partnerships. The mission of Church Partnerships is to assist and empower faith communities to address the unique health needs of their congregations. Of particular interest to the group were the health and wellness classes available through OSU Extension, Franklin County.
In September, the Community Nutrition Programs in Franklin County—the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP-Ed) participated in the Columbus Health Department’s Farmers’ Markets. EFNEP and SNAP-Ed personnel presented nutrition information to individuals attending the markets and answered nutrition-related questions.
Upcoming Events
October 8 – Class #5: 2015 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series
October 8 – Franklin County Extension Advisory Committee Fall Meeting
October 15 – Class #6: 2015 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series
October 21 – Columbus Urban Farmers Networking Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at Ohio 4-H Center, Ohio State campus
October 22 – Class #7: 2015 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series
October 29 – Class #8: 2015 Ohio Master Urban Farmer Workshop Series
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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