Amy Roe, right, received this year’s Kosciusko County Extension All Star Award recognition, for her efforts in working with Purdue Extension on the Food Insecurities Coalition. From left, are Andrew Farrell, county extension director and 4-H educator; and Matt Sandy, county extension board president.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Amy Roe, Kosciusko County’s Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program Community Coordinator, was awarded the Kosciusko County Extension All Star Award Wednesday afternoon, March 27.

The award was presented at the extension’s annual meeting, which had a new look this year. Instead of an evening banquet, an open house format was held at The Barn: 1800, Warsaw.

The Extension All Star Award has been presented by the extension for a number of years recognizing persons who have done great things through extension, the community and who have lent a hand. Matt Sandy, extension board president, stated Roe, for anyone who doesn’t know her, “embodies the service of the community engagement. Her unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark in lives.”

Roe, collaborating with Purdue Extension, has been working to combat food insecurities in Kosciusko County. She has worked with Caroline Arnett, community wellness coordinator, and Lisa Harman, LiveWell Kosciusko, to reach out to stakeholders across the county. The first meeting resulted in 20 plus people from 16 organizations attending.

Pardee Gunter, seated on the bicycle, gets instructions on what he needs to do to make a banana smoothie using the bicycle, from Andrew Farrell, county extension director, standing on the right.

“Amy has stayed active aiming at challenges facing our community. Food insecurity and lack of access to fresh foods touches the lives of thousands. Over the next few years, as the coalition works to reduce food insecurity, it will provide food access and fresh nutritious food to all communities of Kosciusko County,” said Sandy.

He noted Roe’s dedication and contributions extend beyond food insecurities. The various facets she works with touches lives of individuals and lives and families across the county.

“She is a great asset to Kosciusko County with the H.E.L.P. Program as well as her many other hats that she’s worn. She doesn’t say no to pretty much anything. She says yes and that’s just a bonus to our county and I think that’s the spirit our county needs.”

Roe, who tried to give the award to Lisa Harman at LiveWell Kosciusko, stated she could not have done what she has without Harman. “I’ve been so honored to learn about all the resources through Purdue Extension and Lisa is the one who made the connection with Caroline. Being able to understand all that Purdue Extension does … this organization in all the counties does so much people do not know about and to be able to have these people … this organization doesn’t get the recognition it should. …”

The extension annual meeting was altered following a board discussion. Sandy had announced earlier at the event the board wanted to try something different to see how it worked and the turnout. There were approximately 40 were in attendance. “I think it looks great,” said Sandy.

Andrew Ferrell, county extension director, stated “We felt it gave an opportunity to have better networking, where its more of an open house format and we can mingle among our stakeholders instead of a formal sit down dinner. The open house feel allows more networking and friendliness.” He added he felt he could mingle with people more at this type of event.

The annual meeting also heard reports from extension educators and county extension homemakers.

Shannon Shepherd, health and human sciences educator, focused on financial resource management and the Reality Store, working with high school sophomore students in making real life financial decisions, the Captain Cash program for second, third and fifth grade students and in human development the matter of balance program for for older adults.

Austin Rhodes, LiveWell Kosciusko, right, makes his choices at the charcuterie board and refreshments provided by Saucy’s Barnyard BBQ & Catering, at the county extension annual meeting.

Ferrell, highlighted the hands-on S.T.E.M. Programs in multiple schools across the county. On the 4-H side he reported 530 4-H’ers last year, 260 adult volunteers and 132 mini 4-H members. “I’d love to have it (the numbers) grow more. I feel we are our own little hidden gem,” stated Ferrell.

Emily Kresca, ag and natural resources educator, talked about the statewide virtual Annie’s Project, Women in Ag Skills Training and events it has hosted, plus future trainings for that particular group. She also highlighted information on a North Central Extension Risk Management Education Grant which will focus on cut flower growers for sustainable growth to begin in January.

Caroline Arnett, community wellness coordinator, elaborated more on the insecurity coalition, details about the nutrition education program, and her role as CWC in the district.

Judy Egolf, county extension homemakers, shared the challenges and change in the program, announced the 2024 open class projects for this year’s fair catalog is available and the group will be awarding three scholarships, $1,000 each, to graduating seniors. Two of the scholarships will be toward continuing education at a college level, while one will focus on career and technical advancement for students.