Opinion

Welcome our summer assistants

Monday, June 1, 2009

While these three ladies likely need no introduction since they were so involved with the Putnam County 4-H program, please welcome Jada Buchanan, Megan Criss, and Megan Robertson when you call or stop by the Extension office. They have completed their third week and have already made significant contribution to completing tasks.

Jada is a veteran returning for her third summer to work in the Extension office. She was especially active in the Horse and Pony program. She is majoring in Communications at Ball State and is starting to develop a little senioritis as she will be graduating next May. She has provided excellent leadership for our two newer summer assistants.

With two "Megans" in the office, it was decided that Megan Criss will answer to "Criss" and Megan Robertson will answer to her middle name commonly used when she was in trouble. Thank goodness she is not in trouble now that we call her "Sarah" at work. So when you hear our "Megan's" being referred to in this manner you will know!

"Criss" just completed her freshman year at the University of Southern Indiana at Evansville. She is majoring in Elementary Education there and has done a fantastic job working with youth at school and after-school programs. Criss was active in several 4-H projects but also was very involved with the 4-H Camp program as a camper and Camp Counselor.

"Sarah" also just completed her freshman year at Ivy Tech. She is majoring in Early Childhood Development. Having been very active in the livestock projects, Sarah has been very good to have in the office to assist with questions regarding livestock enrollment forms and reviewing those forms such that exhibitors going to State Fair will have minimal problems.

We are very thankful and blessed to have this crew. Already more than 500 livestock forms have been reviewed, nine classroom visits and two after school programs have occurred during the last three weeks. None of this could have happened without these ladies. They will also be instrumental in a number of workshops that will be occurring during June to assist 4-Her's with their projects. Note there will be cake decorating, genealogy, photography, poster project, scrapbooking, and sewing project workshops in the coming days and weeks.

Also remember to check our website www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam to view The Herald and the most up to date list of 4-H events. You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding column topics or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

June 2: Genealogy Workshop, Putnam County Library, 4-5 p.m.

June 2-4: National Value Added Agriculture Conference Jerry Nelson at 812-886-9582

June 6: Special Family Learn to Fish Class nrec@dnr.in.gov or 317-562-1338

June 6: Herb & Garden Festival Charlestown, IN call 812-948-5470

June 8: Leader lesson "Celebrating Quesadillas" 7 p.m. at Extension Office

June 9: Growing For Market at adelchambre@purdue.edu or 765-653-8411

June 9: Aquaculture Workshop 812-462-3371 or email luzar@purdue.edu

June 11: Exploring 4-H, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 10-12: Home and Family Conference at Purdue

June 19: All Fish All Day--Combined Project WILD Aquatic and Go FishIN Workshop contact nrec@dnr.in.gov or call 317-562-1338

June 20: Ext. Homemaker Pop Tab Collection-at Wal-mart parking lot

June 23 & 24: 77th Annual Farm Mgmt. Tour Contact Alan Miller at 765-494-4203

June 25: Exploring 4-H, 7 p.m., Fairgrounds

June 25 :Midwest Organic Tree Fruit Grower's Network Field Day at www.mosesorganic.org/treefruit/events.htm

June 25: Junior Pork Quality Assurance Program, 6:30, Fairgrounds

June 27: Mid-Summer Garden Stroll Call 765-456-2313

July 9: Exploring 4-H, 1 PM, Fairgrounds

July 17-25: Putnam County Fair