When it comes to the state that ranks the third highest in the nation for obesity rates, it might be surprising to learn that West Virginia is slightly “ahead of the curve” when it comes to nutrition in school meals, according to Amy Gannon of the West Virginia University Extension Service.

In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released new guidelines for the nation’s school breakfast and lunch program. The new guidelines are focusing more on improved nutrition, which Gannon said is important since children often receive 2/3 of their meals during the school hours.

“This is by no means an overhaul of the school lunch system,” said Gannon, a youth specialist and registered dietitian with WVU Extension’s Family Nutrition Programs. “These new guidelines create more specific requirements for specific food groups, including vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, among others.”

The recommendations including increasing servings from specific vegetable groups like: dark greens (like spinach), dark oranges (like sweet potatoes), and legumes. Greater emphasis is placed on targeting vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.

West Virginia has actually been following a more strict set of nutrition guidelines since 2008, when Policy 4321.1 went into effect, according to Gannon. The state’s policy requires all lunches to contain at least one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for key nutrients.

There’s also greater emphasis placed on including nutrient-rich food and drinks that have fewer calories than typical offerings. This means serving more whole-grain foods, more fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk in school meals.

Gannon said many of these changes are needed for a nation in which many members of the next generation prefer processed foods and sweetened beverages over their healthy counterparts. She worries that this is particularly true of areas with high obesity rates, like West Virginia.

“When it comes to health and nutrition in our state, many people focus solely on the obesity epidemic,” Gannon said. “What people don’t often realize is that you can be overweight and undernourished, which is what we see with a portion of the children who receive SNAP benefits.”

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The program offers free/reduced-price lunches to families in need who meet eligibility requirements.

“Our state has already been enforcing a stricter set of nutrition criteria for programs relating to SNAP benefits,” Gannon said. “We’re making small steps in the right direction, and we hope that the new lunch guidelines are more in line with how people will be, or already are, eating in their own homes.”

For more information on health and nutrition programs in your community, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service or visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

—WVU-ES—

cw 2/1/12

Contact
Cassie Waugh
WVU Extension Service
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829

Garden zones became a “hot topic” this month when the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled the new Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

The Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a breakdown of annual minimum temperature averages that occur in a region over several decades. The maps are periodically updated by the USDA, but until last week the latest update happened in 1990.

The new version of the map not only takes into consideration temperatures, but also elevation, proximity to water, slope and wind.

West Virginia University Kanawha County Extension Agent John Porter said that while the changes for the state on average were small, there is a noticeable shift for some regions.

“We’re seeing a slight shifting to the north as far as temperatures are concerned,” Porter, the county’s agriculture and natural resources agent, said. “These shifts are nationwide and do affect areas of the state that were near the old zone map borders.”

In fact, West Virginia now has a few spots in the state that are classified as a “Zone 7a.” This means that gardeners can plant new types of flowers or vegetables in those areas. These spots are most prevalent across southern West Virginia counties.

This doesn’t come as a surprise to Porter, who has been growing a Cameilla sinensis – the plant used to make black and green teas in China – in his Kanawha County backyard for the past two years. The plant is normally a Zone 7 plant, but his property falls within a narrow band of zone 7a, along the Kanawha River.

“This doesn’t mean people should go out and spend a lot of money on Zone 7a plants,” he cautions. Instead, Porter recommends ordering one or two new plants and monitoring the success rate of those.

“Many of the plants for the new zones likely won’t yet be carried by your local greenhouses,” he said. He suggests ordering the plants online or from mail-order catalogs until more become available locally.

One of the most unique features of the new map is the ability to visit the USDA website, type in a specific zip code and see the exact zone hardiness for that area. Porter recommends doing this before planning or making new purchases for your garden. It is also a good idea for everyone to take a look at the map to see if they are still in the same zone.

“Our gardeners can now be more targeted and specific when it comes to planting for their region,” Porter said.

He also notes that these changes aren’t exactly “news” to gardeners who have been using resources like the WVU Extension Service Garden Calendar when planning their growing seasons.

“We’ve been following the trends for years now and the average ‘last frost date’ for areas of the state has been earlier in the last few years,” Porter said. “The WVU Extension Garden Calendar has reflected that change in recent years. Earlier frost-free dates mean for longer growing periods. This new guide line just helps us be even more targeted for specific planting zones.”

For more information on the new USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Maps, visit www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov, or contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-ES-

Contact
Cassie Waugh
WVU Extension Service
Office: 304-293-8735
Cell: 304-376-1829

Students looking to gain valuable leadership skills this summer while sharing their passions for 4-H and education should look no further than becoming a WVU Extension Camp Instructor for 4-H.

Applications to be a 4-H Camp Instructor for the Summer 2012 season are now available on the WVU Extension Service website. The priority deadline for applicants is January 15.

Instructors will work on location at varying camp sites throughout the state. Camps take place during May 29 to Aug. 31, or for a period of time no less than one week. Instructors earn $425 per week-long assignment and are provided with room and board.

Instructors will support WVU Extensio’sn program professionals, volunteers and youth in conducting meaningful educational experiences at residential camps, day camps and other non-formal educational events.

4-H Camp Instructors must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma with at least one year of college or relevant post-high school experience. Individuals must also be energetic, have knowledge of 4-H heritage and West Virginia 4-H camp tradition, nurture principles of positive self-esteem and leadership in youth through teaching instruction, and have a commitment to cooperating with others while furthering the educational purpose of WVU Extension Service.

Learn more about becoming a 4-H camp instructor or view the application. For questions about the position, contact Bill Beckley at (304) 293-7996.

−WVU-ES−

eb 12/13/11

Applications are being accepted for summer positions in a unique statewide program administered by the West Virginia University Extension Service and AmeriCorps that helps 3,000 West Virginia children maintain and improve their reading skills.

AmeriCorps is recruiting mentors and community coordinators for Energy Express, an award-winning, 8-week program offered in rural and low-income West Virginia communities.

The program is designed to provide learning opportunities and nutrition during the summer months, when children are most at risk for falling behind on reading levels – a preventable loss known as the “summer slide.”

There are two ways in which people can serve Energy Express through AmeriCorps: as a mentor or community coordinator.

Energy Express mentors are college, or college-bound, students make learning fun for small groups of school-age children by creating a safe, enriching environment focused on reading, writing, art and drama.

In addition to the learning activities, mentors eat nutritious, family-style meals with children, make family visits and complete a community service project.

“Our activities help create a special bond between the mentor and the children,” Alicia Cassels, literacy and academic success specialist with West Virginia University’s Extension Service – a partner in the Energy Express. “This program is designed to help shape the lives of the children who the mentors serve, but in the process, we find that the mentors often have a life-changing experience, too.”

The community coordinator recruits volunteers to assist Energy Express children during reading, writing, art, drama and non-competitive recreation activities.

Other community coordinator duties include raising awareness and involving the community and family members in children’s learning. Each community coordinator will also complete a community service project with other Energy Express AmeriCorps members.

“Energy Express is about impacting children’s lives, but it also has a huge impact on the lives of the volunteers,”Cassels said. “When community members work together to help children succeed it makes for a better experience; and we depend on our community coordinators to help us build those relationships.”

In return for their 300 hours of service, AmeriCorps mentors and community coordinators receive a $1,850 summer living allowance and a $1,175 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award valid for up to seven years to pay for college tuition or loans.

Each summer, AmeriCorps engages college-bound graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students to serve communities in need. AmeriCorps’ Energy Express mentors must be at least 18 years of age before June 7, 2012.

Community coordinators must also be 18 years of age by the above date. However, these positions are not limited to college students.

Applications for both positions are available online at www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or by calling 304-293-3855. The selection process begins March 1. Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

Energy Express is a program under the leadership of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program. This AmeriCorps program is funded, in part, by grants from the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts and Volunteer West Virginia. Volunteer West Virginia encourages West Virginians of all ages and abilities to be involved in service to their communities.

Based on the success of Energy Express participants and the unique aspects of the program, the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University named Energy Express program one of the nation’s best summer learning programs in 2009.

For more information about becoming an Energy Express community coordinator, visit www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or call 304-293-3855.

—WVU-ES—

caw12/1/11

AmeriCorps information
Kim Liston
Voice: 304-293-3855
e-mail: kim.liston@mail.wvu.edu

Media contact
Ann Berry
Voice: 304.293.5691
Cell: 304.376.7740
e-mail: ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu

Make the WVU Jackson’s Mill celebrations part of your family tradition this season by attending one or more of the following events.

Winter Lights Celebration

Come see historic WVU Jackson’s Mill in full holiday grandeur during the annual Winter Lights Celebration, Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3.

The grounds will be decorated with fresh greenery and white lights, including hundreds of luminaries. Candle lighting begins both evenings at dusk (weather permitting).

Those attending the celebration on Friday can also stop by for the Winter Lights Buffet from 4:30 – 7 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday, Dec. 10, children of all ages are invited to have Breakfast with Santa. This popular event takes place at WVU Jackson’s Mill’s Mount Vernon Dining Hall and runs from 9 – 11 a.m. Enjoy a breakfast buffet of goodies that will appeal to children and adults alike. Don’t forget your camera – there will be plenty of free photo opportunities.

Candy making workshop

Sweets are always a fun treat during the holiday season. Learn to make seven varieties of candies during a Candy Making Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 1 – 3 p.m.

Participants will learn to make the candies and will take home almost 3 pounds of samples. The cost for this workshop is $37.50, and space is limited.

Advance registration and payment for the candy making workshop are required. Please call 800-287-8206 during regular business hours to register.

For more information on these events, visit the WVU Jackson’s Mill website, or call 1-800-287-8206.

AmeriCorps is recruiting individuals with a desire to recruit, train and supervise volunteers for the Energy Express program.

Energy Express is an 8-week summer reading and nutrition program promoting the school success of West Virginia children living in rural and low-income communities. Each summer, the program helps 3,000 children maintain or gain reading skills.

The community coordinator recruits volunteers to assist Energy Express children during reading, writing, art, drama and non-competitive recreation activities.

Other community coordinator duties include raising awareness and involving the community and family members in children’s learning. Each community coordinator will also complete a community service project with other Energy Express AmeriCorps members.

“Our program makes a difference in the lives of children, but it also has a huge impact on the lives of the volunteers,” Alicia Cassels, literacy and academic success specialist with West Virginia University's Extension Service, said. “When community members work together to help children succeed it makes for a better experience, and we depend on our community coordinators to help us build those relationships.”

Individuals of all ages are encouraged to apply, but must be at least 18 years of age by June 7, 2012. AmeriCorps community coordinators will serve in 80 sites across West Virginia from June 7- July 27, 2012.

In return for their 300 hours of service, AmeriCorps community coordinators receive a $1,850 summer living allowance and a $1,175 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award valid for up to seven years to pay for college tuition or loans.

Individuals age 55 or older who serve with AmeriCorps are now able to transfer their Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards to their children, grandchildren and foster children. The transfer award must be used within 10 years.

Applications are available online at www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or by calling 304-293-3855. The selection process begins March 1. Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

Energy Express is a program under the leadership of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program. This AmeriCorps program is funded, in part, by grants from the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts and Volunteer West Virginia. Volunteer West Virginia encourages West Virginians of all ages and abilities to be involved in service to their communities.

Based on the success of Energy Express participants and the unique aspects of the program, the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University named Energy Express program one of the nation’s best summer learning programs in 2009.

For other AmeriCorps and national service opportunities, visit www.americorps.gov. To learn other ways in which WVU Extension Service works in local communities, visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

For more information about becoming an Energy Express community coordinator, visit www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or call 304-293-3855.

—WVU-ES—

AmeriCorps information
Kim Liston
Voice: 304-293-3855
e-mail: kim.liston@mail.wvu.edu

Media contact
Ann Berry
Voice: 304.293.5691
Cell: 304.376.7740
e-mail: ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu

AmeriCorps is recruiting college-student mentors to spend the summer weeks helping 3,000 children in rural and low-income West Virginia communities maintain or gain reading skills through Energy Express.

Energy Express is an award-winning, 8-week, summer reading and nutrition program for children living in West Virginia’s rural and low-income communities.

In return for their 300 hours of service, AmeriCorps mentors receive a $1,850 summer living allowance and a $1,175 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award valid for up to seven years to pay for college tuition or loans.

“Our activities help create a special bond between the mentor and the children,” Alicia Cassels, literacy and academic success specialist with West Virginia University’s Extension Service. “This program is designed to help shape the lives of the children the mentors serve, but in the process, we find that the mentors often have a life-changing experience, too.”

The program is designed to provide learning opportunities and nutrition during the summer months, when children are most at risk for falling behind on reading levels – a preventable loss known as the “summer slide.”

Each summer, AmeriCorps engages college-bound graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled college students to serve communities in need. AmeriCorps’ Energy Express mentors must be at least 18 years of age before June 7, 2012.

AmeriCorps mentors will serve in 80 sites across the state from June 7- to July 27.

Energy Express mentors make learning fun for small groups of school-age children by creating a safe, enriching environment focused on reading, writing, art and drama.

In addition to the learning activities, mentors eat nutritious, family-style meals with children, make family visits and complete a community service project.

Applications are available online at www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or by calling 304-293-3855. The selection process begins March 1. Applications are accepted until all positions are filled.

Energy Express is a program under the leadership of WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program. This AmeriCorps program is funded, in part, by grants from the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts and Volunteer West Virginia. Volunteer West Virginia encourages West Virginians of all ages and abilities to be involved in service to their communities.

Based on the success of Energy Express participants and the unique aspects of the program, the National Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University named Energy Express program one of the nation’s best summer learning programs in 2009.

For other AmeriCorps and national service opportunities, visit www.americorps.gov. To learn other ways in which WVU Extension Service works in local communities, visit www.ext.wvu.edu.

For more information about becoming a mentor with Energy Express, visit www.energyexpress.wvu.edu, or call 304-293-3855.

—WVU-ES—

Media contact
Ann Berry
Voice: 304.293.5691
Cell: 304.376.7740
e-mail: ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu

AmeriCorps information
Kim Liston
Voice: 304-293-3855
e-mail: kim.liston@mail.wvu.edu

Through a series of educational programs, West Virginia University Extension Service hopes to help educate community members on issues related to Marcellus Shale, a large natural gas field in the form of shale rock, and its impact on the state.

The educational programs will begin at 6:00 p.m. and take place at Hampshire County in Romney on November 15; in the Assembly Hall at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp near Weston on November 29, and at a location to be determined in Preston County on December 8. All three programs will feature the same speakers and content.

This is the second year for the educational programs. Organizers say there’s a continued need and demand for updated information regarding the natural gas industry and its drilling.

“Marcellus Shale is one of the state’s hottest topics right now and there’s talk on every level, from small communities to legislation in Charleston,” said Jennifer Williams, director of WVU Extension’s agriculture and natural resources programs. “People are turning to our Extension agents and specialists to help them sort through the facts.”

Williams hopes the programs will do just that. Presenters include representatives from the West Virginia State Health Department, the Department of Environmental Protection and WVU Extension Service agents and specialists.

Some of the topics that will be addressed in the program include the impact of drilling on public and private water supplies, air quality rules and regulations, and the state’s regulation in regards to natural gas exploration.

The program is open to the public, regardless of a person’s level of knowledge and interest concerning the oil and natural gas industry.

For more information, please contact WVU Extension Service Program Coordinator Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391.

This is just one program made possible by the WVU Extension Service. To learn about other programs or find out more about Extension activities, go to www.ext.wvu.edu.

– WVU-ES –

cw/pl 10/20/11

Contact:
Ann Berry
voice: 304.293.5691
cell: 304.216.3938
e-mail: ann.berry@mail.wvu.edu

4-H programming is crossing borders and creating permanent positive change in the lives of youths in Guanajuato, Mexico, through Emma Byrne, a lifetime 4-H’er and West Virginia University graduate.

Byrne—the 2011-2012 International 4-H Youth Exchangee (IFYE)— is adding a new chapter to a history book that began in 1986, when the University of Guanajuato in Guanajuato, Mexico, and WVU initiated their education partnership.

Since 2008, several 4-H exchanges have occurred between the two institutions, with 4-H’ers going to Guanajuato and many students from Guanajuato coming to Morgantown.

But Byrne’s journey is unlike any in the past.

Assisting 5 High Schools

This IFYE’s challenge is not to adapt to life among a variety of rural host families. Instead, the young educator is adapting 4-H programming to meet the needs of students in five high schools in the Guanajuato system.

Byrne, who earned her master’s degree in secondary education in May, is working with principals, superintendents and teachers to plan, implement and sustain programs focused on student leadership, community service, agricultural education and economic development.

“One great thing about 4-H is that it is very flexible and the perfect vehicle to deliver whatever educational material you want and that is necessary for a population,” Byrne explained.

Besides drawing from her formal education at WVU, the pioneering IFYE is also relying on her wealth of 4-H experience.

The Shepherdstown native has been active in 4-H since she was 9 years old. Her 4-H career includes serving as a camping instructor at WVU Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Camp in Lewis County and working with Extension’s Global Education Team.

Byrne, who left West Virginia Sept. 8 and will return March 7, also hopes to improve her Spanish language skills and be useful in the Guanajuato community while immersing herself in the Mexican culture with the help of her host family.

Will Tour W.Va.

Upon her return, she will travel across West Virginia and speak at schools, 4-H Clubs and a variety of service organizations to discuss her experiences.

Byrne’s trip is a stepping stone to reaching other states in Mexico, according to Rich Fleisher, WVU Extension Service specialist and associate professor for global and poverty education. He serves as a co-chair of the Global Education Team and coordinates WVU Extension’s IFYE program.

Byrne and Fleisher both agree that the focus is on the current goal: creating and implementing successful 4-H programming in Guanajuato and bringing students from Guanajuato to West Virginia to share new experiences.

“I am fully confident that 4-H is on the edge of youth development programming— having resources and knowing how to be international ambassadors. West Virginia is a great fit for Mexico.

“The cultures are very similar—focusing on family, agriculture and the need to build economic opportunity to keep people in their communities. It’s wonderful that we can work together in our shared strengths and weaknesses to propel both areas forward,” Byrne said.

Follow Byrne and her progress on her blog.

Learn more about WVU Extension Service’s role in bringing 4-H youth development and global education together.

—WVU-ES—

eb/fsm—10/27/11

North Elementary School students used to be spotted outside only during recess or fire drills, but they now enjoy the outdoors by exploring budding garden beds on their school grounds.

Expanding the classroom to include the outdoors was the vision of Jim Rye, a West Virginia University education professor and Monongalia County WVU Extension Master Gardener, who recently helped to implement the new garden-based learning program at North Elementary in Morgantown.

With the help of the WVU Extension Service, Monongalia County Technical Education Center and North Elementary parents, teachers and volunteers, 13 raised beds were constructed and planted on school grounds in May.

Each grade level adopted two beds, with one for the preschool class. So far, students have grown eggplant, pear tomatoes, rainbow chard, tomatillos and more.

“This fall, we are growing lettuce, spinach and radishes. Next year, we are definitely doing pumpkins and winter squash,” Rye said.

North Elementary is one of many professional development schools affiliated with the WVU Benedum Collaborative. A partnership among WVU, public schools and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the collaborative allows students in WVU’s five-year teacher education program to gain real-world experience in a local school while pursuing their degree.

Rye developed the idea to partner with a local school and implement a garden-based educational program in the fall of 2010, when he was working toward his Master Gardener certification through WVU Extension Service’s Monongalia County office.

Extension Master Gardeners undergo at least 30 hours of training from WVU gardening experts and must complete 30 additional hours of volunteer service before receiving certification. The result is a group of highly skilled gardeners who volunteer their time and knowledge to help enhance their local communities.

Master Gardeners provide communities throughout the state with volunteer work that translates into millions of dollars. Public schools, churches, businesses, park commissions, county commissions and other community organizations benefit from the talents donated by local Master Gardeners.

Rye worked with North’s principal, Natalie Webb, to secure a grant from Lowe’s Educational and Charitable Foundation. Once funded, the pair teamed with kindergarten teacher Laura VanHorn to develop a garden-based curriculum for North Elementary.

The curriculum includes science, math, reading and creative arts elements.

“On the first day of school, I took my students outside and let them pick either a tomato or a pepper from the garden and we made salsa in class,” VanHorn said.

Her kindergarten students have also used the garden for measurement and comparison activities, such as comparing the weight, size and number of seeds in different varieties of tomatoes.

Kids in the upper-level classes developed a personal connection to the garden, as they were able to plant seeds before summer and come back to school to see how they have grown, said VanHorn.

Class activities include calculating the average length of a green bean pod and writing and illustrating a daily gardening journal.

“The kids love tasting the vegetables,” Rye said. “They can do math exercises with green beans and then throw them into the Crockpot.”

Rye specializes in science education, preparing education majors to teach science at the elementary age-level. When initially developing the garden-based learning program at North, he knew that incorporating a pre-service opportunity for his education students was a vital component.

“Learning to teach is greatly facilitated by having real-world teaching experience,” Rye said.

So far, Rye’s teacher-education students have worked with the kids to carry out experiments, help develop new curricula and maintain the beds.

The fourth-grade class planted different varieties of lettuce at varying depths. They used tape to create a grid in the beds and are now comparing the different levels of growth.

The program will move into the off-season with the implementation of grow labs in the classrooms.

The teacher-education students also will introduce a vermicomposting project in three classrooms. The project’s red worms make compost when they are fed vegetable clippings—such as the outer leaves of lettuce and banana peels.

“Garden-based learning can take place year-round,” Rye explained. “By creating grow labs in classrooms, children can plant seeds, raise them to seedlings and transplant them in their own classrooms before it’s suitable to plant outside.”

Rye’s goal is to sustain the model at North Elementary and transport the program to more professional development schools in the future.

“So many of our students have never had the opportunity to grow a garden,” Webb explained. “This program is providing an invaluable hands-on learning experience and makes our curriculum relevant to the lives of the students.”

To learn more about the WVU Extension Master Gardener program, contact your local WVU Extension Service county office or check the Master Gardener website.

— WVU-ES —

bu 11/4/11

Contact
Ann Bailey Berry
WVU Extension Service
Office: 304-293-5691
Mobile: 304-376-7740