Wednesday, January 8, 2025
www.thepapersonline.com
Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties Know Your Neighbor . . . . 2➤ Good Neighbors . . . . . . . 4
Vol. 54, No. 29
Milford (574) 658-4111 • Warsaw (574) 269-2932 • Syracuse (574) 457-3666
EDUCATION FOR ALL — Purdue Health and Human Services Educator Shannon Shepherd presented the “What’s In Your Bag?” program on identity theft prevention at the Milford Public Library and Warsaw Community Public Library in
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
November. Purdue Extension educational programs are open to the public, meaning all ages can participate. Photo provided by Milford Public Library.
Purdue Extension offers education
FOR ALL
By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer
Found in all 92 Indiana counties, the Purdue Extension has a wide reach. It facilitates 4-H activities for kids around the state, and anyone looking to become a Master Gardener or Master Cattleman receives their training from Purdue Extension. Community members may also find Purdue Extension educational programs being held in local libraries, schools and other public facilities. Kosciusko County Extension Director Andrew Ferrell describes the extension as, “a service provided by Purdue University that extends research-based knowledge and educational resources to local communities. It aims to help individuals, families, and communities improve their lives through practical education in areas, such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community development.” Ferrell, who has been with the extension for the past 3 and a half years, has something of a passion for unique learning opportunities. “I got interested because I enjoy working with youth and want to help them find an interest in something unrelated to the rigors and standards of the classroom,” he explained. However, extension programs are not limited to youth offerings. Ferrell also stated that while agriculture is a significant focus for Purdue Extension, they cover a wide array of topics. “The goal is to provide comprehensive support to improve the overall quality of life for Indiana residents,” he said. There are four main branches of program-
ming: agriculture and natural resources, which deals with conservation, farming, gardening and pest management; health and human sciences, with a focus on nutrition, financial literacy and family well-being; community development, which is designed to aid local economies, leadership, and community planning; and 4-H youth development, where kids work on leadership and life skills through hands-on learning and projects. “Offering these resources is crucial because they provide practical, research-based information that helps individuals and communities make informed decisions. This can lead to improved health, stronger families, more resilient communities, and sustainable agricultural practices,” said Ferrell. Fifth grade students at Milford Elementary School, for example, participated in the extension’s “Captain Cash” program during the 2024 fall semester. “Captain Cash” is a multi-session educational program that teaches students about earning, saving, spending, and borrowing money. Each session introduces basic economic concepts and vocabulary. Extension educator, Shannon Shepherd, also appeared at Warsaw Community Public Library and Milford Public Library in November to present the identity theft prevention program, “What’s In Your Bag?” Purdue Extension has a few upcoming programs in both Kosciusko and Elkhart counties. For those interested in learning more about 4-H, a 4-H community open house will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11, at Continued on page 2
ECONOMIC SAVVY — Fifth graders at Milford Elementary School participated in Purdue Extension’s “Captain Cash” program during the 2024 fall semester. “Captain Cash” teaches students economic concepts and vocabulary, focusing on earning and saving money. Shown from left are Adilyn Brettell, Paris Tunis and Quinn Haynie working on an activity in which they match income and education levels to different jobs. Photo provided by Jennifer Szynal.