Penn State Extension holds annual dinner
ROSEVILLE — The Jefferson County Penn State Extension Office held its annual dinner and recognized volunteers and staff.
Area 2 client relationship manager Rob Dickinson recognized members of the Extension Council including Jim Berry, chair; Sally Hall, vice chair; Chris Wolfe, secretary; Herb Bullers, commissioner; Suella Himes; Bob Schmid; and former council member Louise Christofor. He said they are always looking for council members.
Sheryl Shenkle, Master Gardener coordinator, recognized Master Gardener volunteers John Huot and Karen Reed.
He recognized the 4-H volunteer leader, Beth Rafferty, and the 4-H youth member, Tayler Rafferty.
He recognized county extension staff members Pamela Passmore, administrative assistant; Rick Kralj, food safety and quality educator; Danielle Rhea, water resource educator; Shenkle; and Amanda Kanouff, 4-H youth development educator.
Dickinson said since Jan. 1, there have been more than 50 workshops in Area 2 and 255 Jefferson County webinars including: QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training for Jefferson and Clearfield counties, Private Water Supply Educations and Training, Bee Keeping Around the World series, and Best Practice Considerations for Plugging Idle and Orphan Wells. He said they have many great educators in Jefferson County.
He highlighted local educators and events including the AG Progressive Safety Days on May 11-12, which will host 450 second grade students from five schools with 12 stations, and the Jefferson County Fair on July 16-22. He also mentioned the ServSafe classes, the Private Water Supply Education and Training, and the New Demonstration Garden areas.
He said Area 2 has 42 staff and educators and highlighted the new programming — Master Watershed Steward Program, which is gaining a foothold in Jefferson County. The program is designed to educate on the preservation of watersheds.
He recognized notable individuals at the Penn State DuBois campus including Chancellor Dr. Ryoo, Launchbox director Brad Lashinski, and Continuing and Community Education coordinator John Brennan.
He said the College of Ag and Extension has seven program areas in the extension and he mentioned the College of AG’s priorities including invasive threats like avian influenza, the spotted lanternfly and African Swine Fever, Climate Smart Ag and Commodities, emerging tech with ag applications, and workforce development.
Dickinson then gave the floor to associate
director of client relations Tara Mondock. Mondock introduced Dr. Katherine Cason, the new PSU Extension interim director and associate dean of the College of Ag. She said the extension has never been more visible than they have been with their new university leaders. She thanked everyone in attendance for their support of the extension and said the extension appreciates all of their partnerships. She asked the audience to tell people about the extension in order to increase engagement.
Dickinson then introduced keynote speaker Jim Ladlee, who spoke on the programs focused on the emerging technologies within agriculture. He highlighted blockchain, augmented reality and expanded broadband access as three key technologies that will aid in agriculture in the coming years.