University of Maryland Extension
ALLEGANY COUNTY
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Allegany County UME Welcomes New Team Members
Michelle Harman, 4-H Educator
We are excited to announce the addition of Michelle Harman to the Allegany County UME 4-H Team, as a 4-H Educator. Michelle began her career in Extension in 2018 as a Program Assistant in Garrett County. During her time there, she focused on animal science and youth leadership. She spent 2023 working for West Virginia University Extension as a State Program Specialist in 4-H Volunteer Support, Club Management, and Special Interest Programs. She also served as the State Military Liaison for the 4-H Military Partnership. She brings experience in working with and developing volunteers, expanding knowledge in the areas of animal science, and offering opportunities for youth leadership. Michelle has been active on a national level, working with the 4-H Military Partnership Leadership Academy and the North East Speak Up Fest Committee. Michelle earned a Masters Degree in Interdisciplinary Management Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Owen Llewellyn, Office Assistant
Owen is a 2023 Center for Career and Technical Education and Mountain Ridge High School graduate and plans to graduate from Allegany College of Maryland in the winter of 2024. He is enrolled in the P-Tech program and worked last year at UME as an intern during the summer and he is working this year as an office assistant, in addition to working at McDonald's in Westernport. He plans to continue his education and seek employment in the technology field. Owen loves music and "anything and everything about cars".
4-H School Club Becomes A Well Connected Community
George's Creek Elementary School's 4-H Club recently planted their school's new grow tower. The tower was purchased with funds from the Well Connected Communities initiative (more info below). George's Creek's 4-H Club is a collaboration between the school community and multiple program areas (4-H, Master Gardener, and SNAP-Ed) within the Allegany County Extension team.
GC 4H members are looking forward to hosting a lettuce party in June, as a follow up to the beginning hydroponics lessons taught by Bishop Walsh's 4-H Growing Club. The 4-H club recently planted raised beds on the school grounds with support from our Master Gardener and SNAP-Ed programs. When school resumes in the Fall, the club is anticipating that the grow tower will provide lettuces for the cafeteria in the upcoming school year.
Extension’s Well Connected Communities initiative helps build diverse, multigenerational, cross-sector coalitions that can recognize and address systemic health inequities. By intentionally forging connections, building capacity, and taking action in these communities and across the Extension network we can ensure that life-long health and well-being are within everyone’s reach.
Well Connected Communities is a national well-being initiative of the Cooperative Extension System in partnership with National 4-H Council and support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
Dr. Lisa McCoy - Mindfulness & Stress Management
May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and Dr. Lisa McCoy was invited to
Bishop Walsh School to share her expertise in mindfulness with students from pre-K to 11th grade.
She educated over 200 students and teachers about various breathing techniques such as
balloon and box breathing. The students were also taught about visualization and mindful awareness, like thinking about what makes you happy or grateful, to help alleviate stress. Bishop Walsh School has been implementing Mindful Moments in their school days this past year to help
students and faculty recognize and manage stress better. Contact Lisa if you are interested in learning more about mindfulness or other stress management techniques at lmccoy@umd.edu.
36th Annual Personal Finance Seminar for Professionals
On May 9th, the Financial Wellness Team hosted the Personal Finance Seminar for Professionals. There were 110 participants representing 29 states, including the District of Columbia, AP (military), and Puerto Rico. The potential reach of the seminar is over 162,000 individuals. Learn more about PFS
Rural Health Association Networking Event
Dr. Ketterman attended the Maryland Rural Health Association Networking Event at WMHS. There were over 65 people in attendance. He promoted the Maryland Reinforcing Overdose Prevention Through Training & Advocacy program, Farm Stress Management, and Health Insurance Literacy Initiative.
Native Plants, Heirloom Tomatoes, and More!
The Master Gardeners held another successful plant sale on May 25th! Leading up to the event, MG members joined together to care for the demo garden and prepare plants for the event. Members also donated various plants and seedlings they had grown and gathered. Those who attended the event were able to choose from a variety of native plants, fruits and vegetable plants, herbs, and other flowering plants/bushes. Proceeds at the event will be used for future Master Gardener programming in the community. Thank you to those who came out to support our Master Gardener Program!
For more information about how to become a UME Master Gardener and share your love of gardening and expertise with our community, check out our website at https://extension.umd.edu/.../home.../master-gardeners/, call 301-724-3320, or email Sllewell@umd.edu.
Sourdough Starter + Fresh Garden Herbs + Veggies = Wonderful Focaccia Bread!
UME Educator Sarah Llewellyn recently taught a hands-on sourdough and gardening workshop at Georges Creek Library! Those in attendance learned about growing/using your own herbs/veggies, maintaining a sourdough starter and using homegrown herbs and vegetables to make delicious and beautiful focaccia bread!
Participants took home their sourdough starter, herb plants, seeds, and a wealth of information! Thank you, Allegany County Library System, for having us at your GC Branch Allegany County Library System.
Westmar Ag/Green Club Gives Back
The Westmar 7th graders Ag/Green club wrapped up the school year with a project by giving back to their community! They had planted and cared for over 100 seedlings over the course of this semester. Several of the seedlings were donated to the local food bank to help fight food insecurity. Others were given away during an upcoming school event, and some were used in the George's Creek Elementary School Garden. This spring semester has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn about practical ways to grow their own food and how their interest in agriculture provides a way to serve the community they live in!
MEET ME AT THE FARMERS MARKET
As the school year comes to an end, the Farmers Market season has just begun! It is the perfect time for students to learn about local Farmers Markets and the wonderful produce available all summer long! Look HERE to find out what's in season in Maryland.
Allegany County Snap-Ed collaborates with 11 elementary schools where READ FOR HEALTH lessons and tastings are provided to K-2nd grade students each month from October to May. The READ FOR HEALTH curriculum uses literature selections to teach students health and nutrition concepts. May's lessons featured two books: Max Goes to the Farmers' Market by Adria F. Klein and Meet Me at the Farmers Market by Lisa Pelto. Students learn that we have many farmers close by who work very hard and need our support. Our May lessons concluded with students sampling the sweet spring harvest of spinach and strawberries which reminded students that local produce can taste better and contain more nutritious benefits.
Chrome Basics Class Held in Frostburg
A Chrome Basics Class was held on April 23rd from 9 am - 12 pm at Frostburg Housing Authority.
There were 5 participants plus 2 individuals from the Housing Authority who assisted participants.
Participants were able to bring their new Chromebooks from a recent device distribution at the Housing Authority to get set-up help and participate in a Chrome 101 class. They also learned about free tech support available through the Marylanders Online website and the call center. Participants received a free Marylanders Online bag to carry their new devices.
2024 Fairs Across the State
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Allegany County UME Faculty and Staff
We are here to serve you and help answer any questions you might have related to 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture, Home Gardening, Health & Nutrition, Financial Wellness, and much more.
Dr. Jennifer Bentlejewski, WMD Area Extension Director jthorn@umd.edu
4-H Youth Development
- Jessica Mellon, Senior Agent Associate jmellon2@umd.edu
- Sara Barnard, Program Assistant sbarnard@umd.edu
Agriculture and Food Systems / Environment and Natural Resources
- Sarah Llewellyn, Master Gardener Coordinator/ Agriculture & Food Systems Educator sllewellyn@umd.edu
- Andrea Uphold, Nutrient Management Program Coordinator auphold@umd.edu
MD - SNAP Ed
- Amanda Hawkins, Project Leader/Educator ahawkin7@umd.edu
- Shirley Guinn, Educator sguinn1@umd.edu
- Shayla Hitchens, Program Assistant sfelker@umd.edu
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Dr. Lisa McCoy, RD, Senior Agent lmccoy@umd.edu
- Dr. Jesse Ketterman, Senior Agent jketterm@umd.edu
- Shelita Jackson, Tech Extension Educator sjack111@umd.edu
Administrative Support
- Jody Parrish, Program Management Specialist jparrish@umd.edu
- Toni Richards, Administrative Assistant I tonir@umd.edu
UME Allegany County
Location: 1 Commerce Drive, Cumberland, MD 21502
Office Hours: M-F 8:30 am-4:30 pm excluding holidays
Phone: 301-724-3320
Website: https://extension.umd.edu/locations/allegany-county/
Facebook Pages:
Agriculture in Allegany County- University of Maryland Extension NEW
Allegany County Master Gardeners
University of Maryland Extension - Allegany County 4-H
Healthy Living in Allegany County- University of Maryland Extension
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If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate any program or event, please contact our office, at least two weeks prior, at 301-724-3320.