Crenshaw County joins statewide Extension commemoration
Published 2:20 pm Friday, November 3, 2023
The Crenshaw County Extension office recently joined in on the inaugural celebration of Alabama Cooperative Extension Week, a tribute to the invaluable services provided by the partnership between Auburn and Alabama A&M universities. The Cooperative Extension System was officially established through the Smith-Lever Act in 1914, with a focus on improving agricultural practices through Extension networks and on-farm. Photo submitted.
Youth engagement through 4-H clubs remains a significant part of Alabama Extension's mission just as it was in the 1950s and 1960s, involving over 100,000 youths annually. Picture submitted.
By Haley Mitchell Godwin
The Crenshaw County Extension office recently joined in on the inaugural celebration of Alabama Cooperative Extension Week, a tribute to the invaluable services provided by the partnership between Auburn and Alabama A&M universities. Governor Kay Ivey declared the weeklong event to recognize the extensive contributions made by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System across the state.
The celebration, held from Oct. 23-28, aimed to encourage Alabamians to explore and engage with Extension services in their communities.
Crenshaw County Extension Coordinator, Amanda West Evans, highlighted the significance of Alabama Extension’s role in helping the community find solutions for everyday challenges. She emphasized the crucial role of Extension educators as community partners who provide practical support to homes, farms, individuals, and communities.
“The Crenshaw County Extension office is proud of the deep agricultural roots in the area and used Discover Extension week to not only bring awareness to the organization and to what we do, but also to honor the history and legacy of extension in the county,” said Evans.
Alabama Extension plays a pivotal role in disseminating research-based recommendations and practical knowledge across the state. Services cover a wide range of topics, from parenting and finances to natural resource conservation and food safety. Visitors to an Extension office can expect to find friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to assist with their inquiries.
Throughout the week, the county Extension office shared photos from its past that gave followers a glimpse back in time, while highlighting the positive impact that Extension has had on the community and served as a reminder of its ongoing relevance.
Additionally, the agency set up an informative booth at Luverne School’s Fall Festival, which coincided with Alabama Cooperative Extension Week. The booth gave people an opportunity to engage with Extension employees and learn more about its mission and activities.
During Extension Week experts in agriculture, the environment, and nutrition addressed critical topics impacting Alabama communities. One notable event was the lecture titled “Sustaining Life: Exploring the Future of Food, Water and Crop Production,” held at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. The lecture was free and open to the public, offering valuable insights into important issues.
To engage the local community, a tailgate event was organized October 28 on the Duncan Hall lawn at Auburn University, inviting residents to join representatives from Alabama Extension’s eight different program areas. The event featured games, activities and an opportunity for fellowship, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for all attendees.
Evans encourages Crenshaw County residents to visit the county office or give them a call to discover Alabama Extension for themselves. More information is available on the Crenshaw County-Alabama Extension and Alabama Extension at Alabama A&M Facebook pages, as well as at www.aces.edu/discover.
