Harold Schmucker, left, received the 2022 Friend of Extension Award at the annual Elkhart County Purdue Extension annual meeting. He was presented the award by Robby Kelly, county extension director. Photos by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

GOSHEN — Harold Schmucker, Goshen, received the 2022 Friend of Extension Award during the annual meeting of the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Extension Board Tuesday, Oct. 25.

Robby Kelly, county extension director, reflected back to 10 years ago when he met Schmucker, who is “one whom you can often see behind the scenes. He is always patient, calm and diplomatic in his dealings. I believe you would be hard pressed to find another individual who is as passionate about firearms safety and instilling responsibility for our youth,” according to Kelly.

John Gardner, left, was recognized for his six years of service on the county extension board. He was presented a plaque by Jeff Kitson, extension board president.

Kelly noted Schmucker has been an Elkhart County volunteer for 18 years, past club and corporate member and leader of the largest 4-H club in the county and state. When he began the shooting sports club, Schmucker “did what needed to be done in a positive way,” stated Kelly. Schmucker is also involved in other organizations.

The Friend of the Extension award is decided upon by the county extension staff recognizing an individual or business that goes above and beyond to enhance Purdue Extension’s mission and vision. Kelly stated there is a group of people who go above and beyond to make sure Purdue Extension remains relevant in the community. “We couldn’t do it with our stakeholders, elected officials and others. It is hard to hand-pick one person when there are so many.”

The evening also highlighted accomplishments and future goals of the extension educators. Highlights were presented by Jeff Burbrink, extension educator, agriculture and natural resources, horticulture and crops; Sthele Greybar, extension educator 4-H youth development; Emily Christ, extension educator, health and human sciences; and Kelly, who gave an overall review in 4-H youth development/agriculture and natural resources-livestock.

Burbrink presented highlights in commercial horticulture, field crops and home horticulture, which included grower meetings, focus on weeds and disease issues and turf classes for do-it-yourselfers. The goals for the coming year include farm safety with the Amish community, with emphasis on grain and first responders, tree fruit program, weeds and diseases for crops and hosting a workshop on Working with Plain People for educators in a tri-state area.

Greybar highlighted 4-H Day at the statehouse, state junior leader conference, Adulting 101, career readiness and 4-H camps. He also noted several local programs that have gone statewide, which he oversees.

Christ, who has been a local educator for five months, spoke of the programming and community involvement programs along with the extension homemakers program, where there are 29 committees and 178 homemakers.

Kelly highlighted the junior livestock advisory board, outstanding livestock exhibitor program, Juntos, Youth Voice, milk quality career development events and youth for the quality care of animals program. Other areas highlighted were the sheep and goat field day and monthly lunch and learns, farm stress and poultry health.

Four individuals were elected to the Elkhart County Extension Board during its annual meeting Tuesday, Oct. 25. Shown from left are Don Prough, Gloria Moser and Craig Yoder. Not shown is Emilie Blough.

Overall Kelly stated the extension had 8,436 direct contacts and the extension’s YouTube channel has had 11,000 total views and 460 educational hours watched. Another area pointed out by Kelly was the 669 4-H adult volunteers’ value to the community reaching nearly $1 million.

The annual meeting is also a time to recognize retiring board members and elect new board members.

Cynthia Adam and John Gardner, both of Goshen, retired from the 15-member extension board after six years of service.

Emilie Blough, Middlebury, and Don Prough, Goshen, were elected to their first term on the board and Gloria Moser, Nappanee, and Craig Yoder, Goshen, were reelected to their second term.

Learn more about Purdue Extension and upcoming programs in Elkhart County at extension.purdue.edu/elkhart.