Published: January 11, 2009 11:41 pm      

Directors sought for extension

SOMERSET — If you’re interested in supporting a program that provides information on farming, home life and youth activities, Somerset County Cooperative Extension has a job for you.

The board plans to appoint three directors at its meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 at the county extension office, 6024 Glades Pike, said extension Director Dorothy Bromley.

Those who are interested or would like more information may call the office at 445-8911, ext. 7, no later than Friday, she said.

Appointees must be 18 or older and advocates for extension programs in agriculture, family living or youth, Bromley said.

Cooperative extension is an educational program that shares research-based, agricultural-themed information from Penn State with county residents. It is known for programs in production agriculture, financial management, horticulture, food safety, child care, 4-H and youth development.

One of the board’s duties is guiding the use of county funds earmarked for extension programs, Bromley said. Extension also receives funding from the federal and state levels.

Board members’ terms are for three years. Members can serve two consecutive terms, then must exit the board for at least one year before seeking an additional term.

Four members were elected at the board’s annual meeting in November. They are Lynette Ely of the Jenner Township area and Bob Hay of the Friedens area, both newly elected, and Tammy Hottle of the Garrett area and Larry Lohr of the Shade Township area, both re-elected.

Other board members are Luther Gardner Jr., Friedens area; Larry Hay, Carol Lehman and Brad Shober, Berlin area; Barbara Harrold, Rockwood area; Julie Huston, Fairhope area; Charlene McWilliams and James T. Yoder, Somerset area; Peggy Ream, Markleton area; Judy Rhoads, Stoystown area; and Rick Sechler, Meyersdale area.