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OSU Extension Service opens Oakridge office during First Friday Art Walk

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The OSU Extension Service team: Oakridge coordinator Heather Buley, Emily Lafon, and Melinda Garcia stand by to answer questions at their recent open house. Judi Jeanotte photo

By JUDI JEANOTTE/for The Herald  —  Oregon State University Extension Service held an open house March 1st at their new office located at 48310 E 1st, Unit C, in the Uptown Building. Three representatives from OSU Extension Service were on hand to kick off their Oakridge presence. Heather Buley, Education Program Assistant, 4-H Youth Development, and Family and Community Health coordinator will be the Oakridge and Lowell full-time point of contact.

Buley has already hit the ground running 

She’s already been teaching a class called “Kids in the Kitchen” for 2nd and 5th graders in both Oakridge and Lowell’s Lundy Elementary schools. There are plans for a gardening and nutrition course “Growing Healthy Kids” for 3rd graders at both locations in the fall.

Both these educational programs are under the SNAP-ED the nutrition education program. All SNAP-ED programs are free.

The Oakridge 4-H program kicked off last month. Heathers is grateful to four local adult volunteer leaders who are assisting with the program. With 17 youth members, the club will be participating in several projects. Club meetings are held at locations throughout the community depending on the topics and/or projects. Look out for announcements for open enrollment coming up in September.

A table with flyers and pamphlets that explain many of the programs available thru the OSU Extension Service. Judi Jeanotte photo

Enrolling in the 4-H program has multiple payment options

4-H enrollment fees are $40 for ages 5-8, $70 for ages 9-18 with early enrollment discounts as well and need based scholarships. Multiple children within one family pay only for the two oldest children. Additional children in the same family do not pay a fee. Adults who would like to be a 4-H volunteer are always welcome.

Being deeply involved in community programming and teaching in Lowell and Westfir as well as Oakridge, you may not find Heather in her office. Community members can contact her directly with questions about the local Oakridge 4-H or Nutrition Programs by emailing [email protected] or by phone (541) 237-6886. 

She is “eager to have the opportunity to work in my own community as we continue to cultivate resilient ecosystems and a healthy community.” Heather said.

Heather has a background in horticulture and environmental education. She lives in Oakridge with her husband and two children.

Melinda Garcia, 4-H Program Coordinator, was also on hand at the open house on Friday. Her enthusiasm was contagious. Not only did Melinda verbalize her commitment to finding out what our communities needs are and to collaborate with citizens to successfully complete them, she saw an opportunity to engage while speaking with Kathy Ariosa, a Friday Art Walk participant.

Ms. Garcia plans to set up an art workshop with her in the not-too-distant future.

The Extension Service in the TPP?

Heather explains the mission of the extension service to an attentive listener. Judi Jeanotte photo

I also spoke with Emily Lafon, Community Engagement Specialist. She told me about the plans to participate in this year’s Tree Planting Festival. There will be representatives from various OSU Extension Service departments, such as the forestry team, Master Gardeners, and Master Food Preservers onsite to answer questions and hand out information. Emily even thinks they may have a float in the Tree Planting Parade.

Contacting the OSU Extension Service

To learn more about other Extension programs visit their website at https://extension.oregonstate/lane or call the main Lane County Office  at (541) 344-5859, by email  at [email protected] or visit during hours of operation Mon-Thu 8:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. at 996 Jefferson St in Eugene.

All in all, it was a great event. I think Oakridge has a lot to look forward to having Heather as local presence and advocate for accessing OSU Extension Service. All three representatives are eager to hear and answer questions about accessing programs and engaging in Oakridge’s specific needs.

 

Judith Jeanotte moved to Oakridge in 2015, having visited here many times over the years. An avid outdoors person, she is also a gardener and beekeeper. Judi has become very involved in local activities that she enjoys writing about.

 

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George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.

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