UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
ALLEGANY COUNTY
A message from our Director Jennifer Bentlejewski
Although 2020 was a unique and challenging year for all of us, our Allegany County UME team found innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of our residents even during a pandemic. We continued our mission of extending trusted research-based information to individuals, families, and communities in ways they can use to improve their lives.
We helped to support the agriculture industry, protect natural resources, enhance the well-being of youth and families, and foster the development of strong, stable communities. Our outreach was further expanded through the efforts of our strong core of volunteers. Whether they were leading 4-H clubs, serving on our advisory committee or working as Master Gardeners, our volunteers continued to be the backbone of our programs.
All of this is made possible through a successful three-way cooperative arrangement with the UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, USDA, and Allegany County Government, who have been long-standing generous supporters. We have been wise stewards of these funds while still providing high-quality programs.
A YEAR OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE
This is where 4-H Shines!
LACIE ASHBY
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EDUCATOR,
SENIOR AGENT
"This year has been challenging, to say the least, but every challenge makes us stronger." - Lacie Ashby
2020's 4-H and Youth Development report not only reflects the resilience of our youth but also the enduring impact of 4-H on our communities. Despite the roadblocks we faced, Allegany County had 196 youth registered as club members in 18 clubs across the county. An additional 368 youth participated in short-term programs, 81 adult volunteers renewed their commitment to mentor 4-H youth and 11,262 families engaged with us through social media.
4-H STEM LEARNING IN OVERDRIVE
JESSICA MELLON
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EDUCATOR,
SENIOR AGENT ASSOCIATE
"2020 ended up being a year of unexpected opportunities."
- Jessica Mellon
Our STEM-focused youth programming made the transition to online instruction seamlessly with new virtual clubs, new virtual competitions and video sharing through social media like Facebook and YouTube. Our 10 week STEM Challenge series was viewed by 10,862 people and was adopted by 4-H programs across the state. Our Virtual Activity Clubs were also popular, attracting 105 active participants- many of whom were new to 4-H.
Our Commitment to You Hasn't Changed
Ashby Ruddle
Allegany County Nutrient Management Advisor
2020 required us to do things differently but, as always, we are 100% committed to continued support for our local farmers and producers. We are offering consultations by phone, email or individualized online sessions.
To reach Ashby, phone 301-678-3231, email at (aruddle@umd.edu) or call to schedule a virtual meeting.
A Resurgence of Interest in Gardening and Sustainability
Sherry Frick
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
Master Gardener Coordinator
An astonishing 4,779 viewers participated in our Fall Home Gardening Series conducted via Zoom over 14 sessions and cohosted by Allegany and Garrett County Horticulture Educators Sherry Frick and Ashley Bodkins. Across a broad variety of programs and projects, 2020 saw a statewide resurgence of interest in home gardening, conservation, and sustainability.
Financial and Health Insurance Guidance When You Need it Most
COVID-19 presented new financial and health insurance-related questions for Marylanders. In response, Dr. Ketterman facilitated or co-facilitated 131 programs to 1,925 participants across the state with the goal of increasing basic financial and health insurance literacy. Farmers and farm families were hit particularly hard this year and 11 new programs with 457 participants focused on farm-related support.
Staying Healthy While You Shelter in Place
From online stress management tutorials to nutrition education delivered livestream, Lisa McCoy continued to deliver quality healthy-living programming. In 2020, her programs reached 3,329 people and were offered in a wide range of host organizations. Newspaper and social media content reached an estimated 30,000 more with important information about taking care of yourself and your family during trying times.
TEAMWORK THAT WORKS
Tammy Humberson
SNAP-Ed Project Leader
Shirley Guinn
Healthy Food Access Faculty Assistant
Mandy Hawkins
Healthy Food Access Faculty Assistant
2020 saw our community partnerships come together in truly amazing ways. Our Allegany SNAP-Ed team is honored to have partnered with Allegany County Public Schools, Allegany Judy Center, Allegany County Head Start, Allegany Farmers Markets Association and food pantries across the county in serving our community during this difficult time. Together, we were able to make 11,904 total contacts with Allegany County youth and 2,115 indirect contacts with families through local pantries.
Nutrition Education While Learning at Home
Using the school-based online learning platform "Schoology", Sara Barnard, EFNEP Educator, has been able to continue her nutrition education lessons with local elementary and middle school students. Her online programs reached 615 unique participants with 98 in-school enrichment lessons and 75 after-school lessons using 4-H curricula.
TAKING ON THE OPIOID CRISIS
New this year, our Maryland ROTA program teaches educators, counselors, Human Services workers and others how to identify, reach out to and help those suffering from opioid addiction. Through programs like Mental Health First Aid, Regrouping Our Response and Botvin Lifeskills, Dr. Hutter-Thomas was able to offer training to 1,775 people in 2020.
Western Cluster YouTube Channel
Did you know University of Maryland Extension Western Cluster has our own YouTube channel? Visit us to view videos on nutrition, healthy living, agriculture, home gardening, 4-H Youth Development and more - all provided by your hometown Extension team.
Keeping Connected
WE ARE NOW OPEN for in-person appointments and available by phone, email and video conferencing. If you have questions, contact one of our experts to provide solutions.
Dr. Jennifer Bentlejewski
Area Extension Director
Western Maryland Cluster
4-H Youth and Development
Lacie Ashby
Senior Agent
Jessica Mellon
Senior Agent Associate
Michelle Harman
Health Rocks Program Assistant
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sherry Frick
Senior Agent Associate
Ag Agent & Master Gardener Coordinator
Ashby Ruddle
Coordinator
Nutrient Management Program
Maryland SNAP-Ed
Tammy Humberson
Senior Agent Associate
Shirley Guinn
Healthy Food Access Faculty Assistant
Mandy Hawkins
Healthy Food Access Faculty Assistant
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
Sara Barnard
Extension Program Assistant
Family and Consumer Sciences
Lisa McCoy, RD
Senior Agent
Dr. Jesse Ketterman
Agent
Dr. Stephanie Hutter-Thomas
Rural Opioid Technical Assistance (ROTA) Educator
Administrative Assistants
Jody Parrish
Administrative Asst ll
Joni Reed
Administrative Asst l
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance or other legally protected class.