Annette Johnson and Abbigail Sampson blanch tomatoes at a Purdue Extension workshop on canning.
Submitted photo
GREENFIELD – If word on the street is true that Purdue Extension – Hancock County is “the hidden gem of the community,” Lais McCartney wants nothing more than to reverse that.
That’s why she was excited about the idea to host a new event this fall. Community Connections is designed to engage with anyone who wants to learn more about gardening, youth services, recycling, farming and more.
The open house style event welcomes the public and is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Oct. 29.
“We don’t want to be hidden, we don’t want to be a secret,” said McCartney, agriculture and natural resources educator for the agency.
The event will take the place of the Purdue Extension Board’s annual meeting, which typically attracts the same crowd every year that already knew about the office. McCartney said when the board had an idea to make the event more of a community outreach opportunity, she was eager for the change.
Purdue Extension has its hand in multiple services. Want to get your child signed up for 4-H but don’t know how? They’ve got you covered.
Curious about preserving food to extend the harvest in the cold of winter? Get tips on the techniques from the Extension.
Feel a desire to recycle but don’t know how to get started? Purdue even partners with Recycle Hancock County to promote awareness.
The office also has programs and events on child development, family relationships, finances and more. McCartney said there are many materials, experts and resources available to the community year-round. Purdue can help anyone with interests in home, garden or youth education in a variety of interests and hobbies.
Purdue Extension is not just for 4-H and farmers, said Teresa Bowlby, who is involved in the extension board, Hancock County Master Gardeners and Extension Homemakers.
Anyone who has an interest in cooking, household gadgets and caring for the home could find the Extension Homemakers helpful, Bowlby added. A recent program on how to use an air fryer was helpful to many, for example, because the tool is popular but often people don’t know how to cook with it.
And master gardeners is a helpful program for anyone interested in growing plants or preserving wildlife. Bowlby said a recent Monarch butterfly program gave techniques on growing the natural habitat for the species and helping restore the population.
The Community Connections event will feature booths from Hancock County Extension Homemakers; Hancock County Master Gardeners; Hancock County Ag Association; Recycle Hancock County and more.
The Hancock County Junior Leaders will set up games and activities for children. Purdue Extension’s educators will be on hand to answer questions and provide resources.
And while 4-H will host an open house the week before, there will be 4-H experts at the Community Connections event to get folks connected to the youth education program.
No reservations are required. A $10 chicken and noodles dinner is available on site or for takeout – which might come in handy for farmers still out in fields harvesting, McCartney added.
“It’s a way to kind of get the community involved in more of an open house style environment, where we can hopefully spark some interest in people,” said Jake Anderson, president of the extension board.
It’s designed to both welcome long-time Purdue Extension friends, but also be a starting point for people who are just getting started in the features and programs of the Purdue office.
“It’ll be fun, it’ll be a kid-friendly event,” Anderson said. “We’re going to have games and booths set up with activities, a silent auction and a few giveaways. It’s a good opportunity to learn about the community and support the Extension and their mission.”
