Citizens invited to "Meet Your Extension"

Butler County University Extension staff and council members will offer an opportunity for the public to “Meet Your Extension” from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.

The event will be on the parking lot of Southern Bank, 2991 Oak Grove Road, which is located near Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Council members Jo Ann Brandon and John Fuller, an extension field specialist in human development, gathered recently to discuss the plans.

According to Brandon, the get-together will “give everyone the opportunity to meet the council members, staff and to see what extension offers the community.”

Those attending may drop in or stay throughout the event to learn about extension and get to know the staff and the volunteers.

A variety of free food items will be available at various booths.

Plans are to provide “a chance for people to come talk to us,” Brandon said

City officials also have been invited and Southern Bank will have a tent.

“People are asked to sign in for an opportunity to win a $25 gift card at the hourly drawings,” Brandon said. “They don’t have to be present to win.”

Among extension specialists attending will be a horticulturist, who will discuss a variety of things like how to get a garden ready for the winter.

“Some of our community development people who work with businesses on how to retrain employees” will attend, Fuller said.

An Alzheimer’s simulator will be available for those who want to try it, Fuller said.

A Tai Chi demonstration will show a program generated to help reduce falls.

Parents and youth will have an opportunity to learn more about local 4-H programs, as well as register for 4-H, Fuller said.

There will be a 4-H little tractor pull as well as a display of things kids have done this year, Fuller said.

Brandon and Fuller emphasized nutrition programs will be discussed, as well as classes for older people who are cooking for one or two and the class Kids in the Kitchen, which is empowering to youngsters who may need to cook for their family.

While the first “Meet Your Extension” will be held in Poplar Bluff, organizers hope to offer additional ones in Neelyville, Qulin and Fisk.

“We are capable of doing these meetings and setting up classes in different areas of Butler County,” Fuller said.

Brandon suggests coming to learn more about what Extension has to offer. Someone may consider running for the council or “decide to make a donation because we are a nonprofit.”

Fuller explained donations would “help us build our endowment.”

In case of rain, Brandon said, the First Baptist Church has offered the church’s gymnasium as a backup location.

Anyone wanting additional information may visit the office at 614 Lindsay Suite 3, Poplar Bluff, 573-686-8064 or email Fuller at fullerjc@missouri.edu.