NEW 4-H DIRECTOR … Sara Lewis has stepped into the position of Fulton County Youth Development Coordinator, as of March 2021. She is excited to be chosen for this position and looks forward to working with the Advisors and students involved in the 4-H program. (PHOTO PROVIDED)
By: Rebecca Miller
Sara Lewis, who hails from Monroe County, Michigan, is excited to be moving into the position of Fulton County 4-H Youth Development Coordinator this year. She comes with quite an extensive 4-H history and is ready for the job.
At the Thursday morning, April 22, 2021 session, she was introduced to the Fulton County Commissioners by OSU Extension Educator Eric Richer. Mrs. Lewis shared a little of her story, with parts being that she grew up participating in the 4-H program, graduated with her Bachelor’s and her MBA, and became a volunteer and then a program coordinator. She and her family are now living in Sylvania.
She values the tradition of 4-H and County Fairs and wants to bring her ideas into the mix, while maintaining the traditions of 4-H in Fulton County.
When asked about Fulton as compared to Monroe county, she said that it seems quite comparable. There is “growth potential with some outreach” and she plans to target the area of youth growth.
Since she began, she has already meet with Fulton County Fair President and Secretary and had a tour of the fairgrounds, met with Area 1 (Defiance, Henry, Fulton, Williams, Paulding) 4-H Educators, hosted a virtual meet and greet with 4-H Advisors, Attended 4-H Camp Palmer Board meeting, and participated in 24 plus hours of OSU/4-H onboarding processes and trainings.
She shared that some upcoming events include: Sidewalk Meet and Greet with the “new” OSUE staff on May 14 from 2-4 p.m; May 15 and June 3 – 4-H Camp Counselor Trainings; May 25 4-H Royalty Interviews; June 5 Tagging Day; June 11-15 Fulton County 4-H Camp; June 19 PAS Horse Show; and July 12-15 Still Project Judging.
OSU Extension Educator for Fulton County, Melissa Rupp gave her report on Family and Consumer Sciences, saying that it had been over six months since they have done an update to anyone due to covid and they are glad to be back up and running with reports.
“Thanks for having us,” she began, adding, “It has been an incredible year. 2020 showed us we are flexible, adaptable and able to adjust.” They now have a full open door in their office, but they never left work since March 14 last year.
She said she is ready for more “in person” but pointed out that they engaged better across the state than they ever have, during this past year.
Outcomes and Activities for her between August 2020 and April 2021 included completion of some courses, conduction ServSafe for 29 individuals, assessing effectiveness of Serv Safe, helping homebuyers through the process of getting loans, teaching virtual classes, directing a wellness challenge, did some statewide presentations, recorded radio programs, presented on a grants training panel, provided canner testing, participated in HR hiring teams, helped with 4-H efforts, serves on a team to answer financial health questions in Ohio (for those who need help – go.osu.edu/AskOSUExtension ), and completed 40 professional development hours.
Not there to present their reports were Jordan Beck and Jodie Frederick, but the Commissioners received written reports from them concerning Water Quality in the county and SNAP-Ed program.
Both of these programs are very active and busy in the county as well. The OSU Extension reports were wrapped up by Mr. Richer who gave his report on Agriculture and Natural Resources. Outcomes and Activities between September 2020 and March 2021 for him included:
FC AG Hall of Fame announced virtually; emphasis on talent acquisition which brought in Mrs. Lewis who started on March 29, 2021, Courtney Krieger Office Associate who starts on May 10, Kamryn Ruetz Summer Assistant for 4-H May through August, and Jess McWatters Summer Assistant for Agronomy/Entemology May through August; member of research and writing team for a published article; Wrote other articles; Began assistance for five growers in Clinton/German Townships; Taught class; made numerous one on one calls or consults; did some radio shows; resumed First Friday Farmer Breakfasts at Blue Ribbon Diner; Requested and got approved the County Commissioner budget; and has a number of upcoming events.
He also mentioned that the deadline for the Fulton County Ag Hall of Fame Application is July 10, 2021.
The commissioners thanked these presenters for coming to share their information and engaged in some discussion as well on things that need to be done in the county.
Commissioner Joe Short especially expressed his concerns over the lack of financial training that children and High School students are not getting and that they need to have more. Melissa Rupp agreed and said they are working on that. She is hoping to get her mantra into the heads of the young people, “Don’t spend tomorrow’s money on today’s expense.”
In regular business, the commissioners approved:
-Minutes of April 20 meeting, agenda as presented and purchase orders and travel requests
-Review of Department of Agriculture Acceptance of Apiary Appointment; weekly Dog Warden Reports for April 3 and 10; and Correspondence form DGL surveying service – recommended they award to Geddis Paving.
-Move to award Bid for US20A Turn Lane Project to Geddis Paving
-Increase and transfer appropriations to various departments
-Resolution 2021-301 Agreement 2021-53 with Henry W. Bergman for the FY19 CDBG Village of Fayette Cherry Street Improvements Project
-Resolution 302 Execute Satisfactions of Mortgage for CHIP program
-Resolution 303 Accept Grant Award from FAA and Authorize Execution of Agreement 2021-54
-Resolution 304 Personnel Request on behalf of JFS
-Resolution 305 Accept resignation of JFS Employee and Authorize Advertisement for Employment Opportunity
-Resolution 306 Appoint part time intermittent housekeeper
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com