University of Maryland Extension
ALLEGANY COUNTY
A message from our Western MD Director
We are pleased to present our 2022 Annual Snapshot of UME Programs designed to address critical issues here in Allegany County and beyond. Our wide range of educational efforts help individuals improve agriculture practices and food systems, build leadership among our youth, nurture 4-H and Master Gardener volunteers, enhance health and wellness, manage money wisely, and much more. Our programs are designed to solve problems through trusted, research-based education to all residents. This is further expanded through the efforts of our strong core of volunteers who continue to be the backbone of our programs. All of our programs are made possible through the solid partnerships of the UMD College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, USDA, and Allegany County Government, who have been long-standing generous supporters.
Our faculty and staff look forward to providing another year of innovative educational programs aimed at making life better in Allegany County! As always, I welcome your input, so please feel free to contact me.
Dr. Jennifer Bentlejewski
Western Cluster YouTube Channel
Be sure to visit our YouTube Channel, University of Maryland Extension Western Cluster. It features over 200 videos on nutrition, healthy living, agriculture, home gardening, 4-H Youth Development, and more that have been viewed by over 65,000 visitors since we launched in April 2020. Find what you're looking for at WMDYouTube.
Keeping Connected
If you have questions, contact one of our experts to provide solutions.
Dr. Jennifer Bentlejewski, WMD Director - jthorn@umd.edu
4-H Youth and Development
- Lacie Ashby, Principal Agent - lashby@umd.edu
- Jessica Mellon, Senior Agent Associate - jmellon2@umd.edu
Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Ashby Ruddle, Coordinator Nutrient Management Program - aruddle@umd.edu
MD - SNAP Ed
- Mandy Hawkins, Project Leader/Educator - ahawkins@umd.edu
- Shirley Guinn, Educator - sguinn1@umd.edu
- Shayla Hitchens, Program Assistant - sfelker@umd.edu
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Lisa McCoy, RD, Senior Agent - lmccoy@umd.edu
- Dr. Jesse Ketterman, Senior Agent - jketterm@umd.edu
Administrative Assistants
- Jody Parrish, Administrative Asst ll - jparrish@umd.edu
- Toni Richards, Administrative Asst I - tonir@umd.edu
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.