AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 18-23. Iowa’s 100 county Extension offices will host activities throughout the week to thank volunteers who contribute their time to extension education efforts throughout the state.
“We celebrate our Greene County volunteers because they are our partners for a #Strong Iowa,” said Lori Mannel, ISU Greene County Extension director.
“In Greene County, volunteers serve as 4-H leaders, 4-H superintendents, program facilitators. We also have a nine-member, elected Extension Council. Because of their support, our educational opportunities for the people of Greene County continue to grow,” Mannel said.
Statewide, more than 7,600 volunteers contribute their time to ISU Extension and Outreach programs. Independentsector.org values volunteer time at $28.54/hour – which equals nearly $217,000 if each volunteer works for only one hour.
Greene County Extension will host daily no or low-cost activities throughout the week celebrating volunteers, our partners for a #StrongIowa.
Greene County Extension is partnering with ShineOn Designs/More Time to hold a 4-H $15 Challenge workshop Monday April 18, from 1 to 3:30 pm. Youth will get a tour of ShineOn by owner Jen Badger. After the tour More Time staff will help participants select an outfit that costs $15 or less. After selecting outfits, the group will walk to the Extension office where 4-H staff and volunteers will help fill out the fashion entry form, clothing report form & fashion show summaries. This workshop is open to all Greene County 4-H members and Clover Kids. Participants should register by April 15 and bring $15 with them on the day of the event.
On Tuesday, April 19,, from 10 to 11:30 am, Extension will “Question, Persuade, Refer” with Rosa Gonzalez, ISU family life specialist. Participants will learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis, how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. There is no charge for the program.
Extension will host “Spend Smart, Eat Smart” Wednesday, April 20, from 12:15 to 1 pm. Participants will get tips for reducing food cost, making healthy meals with low-cost ingredients, figuring price per serving, and creating a family grocery budget. The program will be led by Ann Parker, ISE Extension food and health specialist. There is no charge for the program.
Gravity is the topic of a Storywalk®. Families can go to the Extension office anytime during Extension Week and enjoy learning about gravity. They can also visit the Extension office during regular hours, 9 am to 4:30 pm, to register for prizes and receive a goody bag.
Extension Week will wrap up Friday, April 22, with a community coffee from 9:30 to 10:30 am. “Please join the Greene County Extension staff for coffee and conversation, and a snack,” Mannel said.
“ISU Extension and Outreach engages Iowans in solving today’s problems and planning for tomorrow. We offer many ways to get involved and we welcome new volunteers,” Mannel said.
ISU Extension and Outreach is part of the federal Cooperative Extension Service — a network of more than 100 land grant institutions, including Iowa State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture serving communities and counties across the United States. Every county in Iowa has an elected Extension Council that decides how to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level.
Persons who want more information about ISU Extension and Outreach can visit www.extension.iastate.edu or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County office. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact Mannel at 515-386-2138.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.
