Reaching Out and Extending Resources to Poweshiek County

This morning, the Chamber Ambassadors welcomed new members of the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Poweshiek County team, who are excited to build local programming and extend resources to local counties like ours. So far, the Extension and Outreach office has planned a few events, including an upcoming Ag Safety Day for 3rd and 4th graders and a “Pre-Harvest Tour” for local farmers in August, both set to take place in Grinnell. In June, the ISU Extension and Outreach is also hosting a Farm and Food Celebration that features local farmers and ends in a community dinner.

Alathia Andera, Poweshiek County Program Coordinator for Extension, shared that her and her team often reflect about the needs of Poweshiek County and work to bring programming to support them. In her role, she works within areas of community and economic development, human and health services, and agriculture and natural resources. Within the agriculture field, her team is introducing farming specialists to local farmers. The August event is free for farmers and will have three specialists discuss this year’s crop conditions, current grain market, and more.

Andera is also hosting a panel discussion for local businesses and entrepreneurs, as they partner to introduce the possibility of a shared-use kitchen coming to Poweshiek County. With the help of Emelie Ahrendsen, office manager and program assistant, the ISU Extension and Outreach team are removing barriers to knowledge and providing important tools and resources to community members.

Valorie Larsson, youth coordinator for the county-wide extension program, helps to incorporate valuable learning experiences for children through 4-H, where the H’s signify “Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.” Larsson gets kids involved in leadership opportunities, community service projects, and creative experiences. “Anything that youth are interested in can become a project,” shares Larsson, “from horses to pianos to woodworking.” She loves to push the students to reflect on what they have learned, to think through their mistakes, and learn to communicate their findings and passions to adults in different settings.

“Ultimately, we are all passionate about being more present in the communities across our county,” says Andera. “So don’t be afraid to reach out, whether you’re looking for resources, information, questions about our programming, and more.” To learn more about Poweshiek County Extension & Outreach and their upcoming programming, call 800-262-3804 or visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach website. 

Chamber Ambassadors

Chamber ambassadors who attended this ribbon-cutting include the following individuals, from left to right:

• Yesenia Mozo
  Grinnell Chamber
• Fran Conn
• Donna Donna Fischer
  UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation 
• Sarah Smith
  Grinnell College
• Monica St. Angelo
  Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Jennifer McAlexander
  JM Consulting and Hawkeye Lock & Security
• Donnette Ellis
  Grinnell College
• Emelie Ahrendson
  Iowa Extension
• Clare Burch
  Temp Associates
• Valorie Larsson
  Iowa Extension
• Kody Bigelow
  Walmart Grinnell
• Alathia Andera
  Iowa State University Extension & Outreach: Poweshiek County
• Nikki Armstead
  Grinnell Chamber
• Stephanie Lair
  Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation
• Joni Schmidt
  The Mayflower Community