Purdue Extension moving ahead

Monday, March 23, 2020

How quickly things change.

The last 4-H youth Extension column focused on summer trips and opportunities. A common question now is whether will we have 4-H camp, 4-H Round-Up, 4-H Academy, the fair, Indiana State Fair, etc.

At this point, it is too early to jump to conclusions or decide about summer events.

Last Wednesday, Purdue Extension - which oversees the Indiana 4-H program - announced no face- to-face programming or meetings (both 4-H and Extension) until at least May 18. Indiana’s Governor Holcomb then announced Thursday that schools would be closed until at least May 1.

We do want to continue our education outreach during this time as best as possible. Our website has a new activity page that youth can utilize. Understandably, some may say that youth will be burned-out on virtual activities given that they are using devices for e-learning requirements.

Nonetheless, we can offer virtual programs that will be different for most than e-learning as we use Zoom and WebEx, whereby youth or adult participants will be able to communicate and see each other virtually in live, rather than recorded, fashion.

Some 4-H clubs are working with Extension staff to set up virtual meetings. We do plan to have the upcoming 4-H junior leader meeting on April 8 virtually. There are also other programs that will occur virtually. Please contact us at the office if we can be of assistance in setting up a program or meeting.

Finally, we plan to continue to keep the office open unless told to do otherwise. We are restricting building access as we request folks to call ahead with requests so they can be prepared. Upon arrival at the office, please call and we will meet you at the door or your car in the parking lot.

Our phones are set up such that calls may be transferred to an individual’s personal phone, and we can check voicemail at the office remotely as well and plan to do so should closure occur. As always, Extension staff will be available via email as well.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or contact the local Purdue Extension office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic 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. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

March 31 – Pasture and Hay Field Renovations - Do’s and Don’ts webinar, 12-1 p.m., register via https://tinyurl.com/y83ma4k4

April 1 – Understanding a Soil Test Report webinar, 12 -1 p.m., contact office for link

April 2 – Poisonous Plant Awareness for Livestock, 12 -1 p.m., join via https://bit.ly/2WqS9QY

April 2 – Putnam 4-H volunteer virtual meeting, 6-7 p.m., link to be emailed to all 4-H volunteers

April 8 – Putnam 4-H junior leader virtual meeting, 7-8 p.m., link to be emailed to junior leaders

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